Combination paper & magazine july 23

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

Issue No. 3280

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Yuan usage in Guyana may lead to more investments – ambassador Page 9

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Public Health Ministry, City Hall host medical outreach

P12 Mother allegedly pelts teen son with knife

…boy undergoes surgery after intestine protruded

Creditinfo records P11 increased use of credit reports

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness took to the streets of Georgetown on Saturday in celebration of the 11th anniversary of Ratha Yatra Chariot Festival. The procession of devotees assembled in front of N&S Mattai on Water Street, in Georgetown, and took part in the ceremonial singing, chanting and dancing before traversing the streets in a fanfare of colourful cultural fiesta, as worshippers participated in a unique and jubilant street parade (Carl Croker photo)

Border, interior security beefed up – Army Page 3

GECOM chairmanship

See stories on pages 7 & 14

President’s comments complement, not contradict CJ’s ruling – MoTP

... as Bar Association urges Head of State to uphold court’s ruling

Drunken P5 teen injured in Diamond accident Prison break will damage investor’s confidence – Opposition Advisor P2

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SUnDAY, july 23, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Prison break will damage investor’s confidence – Opposition Advisor T he downward-spiraling economic situation the country is experiencing will be compounded further with the recent second massive incident at the Georgetown Prison, which saw a prison officer being killed and a number of high profile prisoners escaping; with some still on the run. This is according to Economic Advisor to the Opposition, Dr Peter Ramsaroop, who recently addressed key economic issues on Guyana’s current crisis and the logical consequences to the David Granger-led Administration.

Investor’s confidence

The situation across the country became even more critical, he said, after the Prison break. “The fear of the population, the memory of the previous massacre, and investor confidence has taken front row all over again,” according to Dr Ramsaroop in his “we will Make Guyana Better” appeal ahead of the 2020 Regional and General Elections.

Dr Ramsaroop said that even though the PPP Administration demonstrated significant growth during their management of the economy, Guyana will be different post-2020. He

Economic Advisor Opposition, Dr Peter Ramsaroop

to

the

posits this will obtain since there will be major industries that will have to be rebuilt, while ensuring new endeavours, such as oil and gas, are given the opportunity to succeed.

The economic advisor to the Opposition indicated that the APNU/AFC Administration reversed every successful policy of the PPP Administration.

“This is demonstrated every day with less money circulating, closure of sugar estates, and social programmes impacted, such as the $10,000 voucher programme.”

He observed, too, that that the ‘Anti-Sugar Campaign by the Granger Administration is not a business decision, not even a social experiment.

eration of power being one of the major outputs that should have been expanded.

He indicated a plan to move to more co-generation of power, the development of the Ethanol Factory at Albion, Berbice to produce thousands of liters per day, and finally the move to more refined crystals, all of which he says would have seen a

Ramsaroop reminds, and argues that the Granger decision on Amaila Falls Hydro Project would have been a little more bolstered had there been alternative plans in place that could have been considered.

He said the recent announcement by Caribbean Containers Inc (CCI) to close operation and instead

Deleterious

According to Dr Ramsaroop, “Over the last two-plus years, numerous economic policies have either been revised, changed, or abolished, with relatively few being new…Some of the major economic planks that were changed from the previous Administration were the halting of the Amalia Falls Hydro Project and the drawdown of the sugar industry.”

These two changes, according to Dr Ramsaroop, “have had a deleterious impact on our economy, and can be measured by the drastic financial and social impact on the nation.

In his analysis of the two Administration’s handling of the more-than-200year-old sugar industry, Dr Ramsaroop reminded that “the previous Government had built a modern sugar plant in Skeldon.”

He concedes that, as is the case with the development of several such largescale projects, there have been issues regarding its full functionality, “but with the level of investment as a major capital project, I am sure (that) with the right expertise, it could have been put to full use.”

He pointed to the co-gen-

The Camp Street Prison was almost completely burn to the ground

significant growth in the sugar industry, protecting thousands of jobs. We would have ended up growing more sugar.

The Economic Advisor posits that the lack of an objective and meaningful social impact assessment would surely have shown that thousands would be on the breadline with no retraining and no new industries on the horizon.

Guyana is desperately in need of cheaper energy, Dr

import materials “demonstrates even more that our manufacturing sector cannot survive without cheaper energy.” Guyana, he said, needs to get back on a growth trajectory, the plans are there, Government needs to rethink and take the best of what was previously left for them, and get on with the business of managing the nation in an impartial, objective and compassionate manner for the benefit of all its citizens.”

NEWS

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, July 23 – 04:30h-06:00h and Monday, July 24 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, July 23 – 16:45h-18:15h and Monday, July 24 – 17:00h-18:30h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Thundery to heavy rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected in the morning while thundery showers are expected to dominate throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging between East South-easterly and Easterly and South South-easterly between 1.34 metre and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 04:11h and 16:42h reaching maximum heights of 2.76 metres and 2.65 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:14h and 22:30h reaching minimum heights of 0.44 metre and 0.56 metre.

SATURDAY, July 22, 2017

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DAILY MILLIONS 07 13 17 24 26 LUCKY 3 2 8 7 Afternoon Draw

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SunDAY, july 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Border, interior security beefed up – Army

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n light of the recent killing of three Guyanese nationals at a mining camp in neighbour Venezuela, and the series of robbery attacks on local mining camps, Guyana’s Joint Services have beefed up security, not only along the country’s borders, but at strategic interior locations as well.

On Saturday, the Guyana Defence Force released on its website pictures showing soldiers patrolling communities near the country’s border with Venezuela in Region One. The GDF said on its Facebook page on Saturday that operations have been beefed up over the past week.

“Joint Services patrols were launched last Monday to deter criminal elements operating near the GuyanaVenezuela borders,” the army said.

Meanwhile, speaking with Guyana Times on Saturday, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan assured that every possible effort is being undertaken to ensure strengthening of those border areas. In fact, he pointed out, the ‘F’ Division Commander is ensuring that those efforts are realised.

“These efforts include communicating with the people overseas, and of course moving some of the policemen from the stations to that area, where we understand that there is increased activity from these robbers that are there. We have to ask the mining community there also that when they spot these people, to give the information to the police. That is as much as we can do, because it is rough terrain,” he stated.

Ramjattan added that catching these criminals is going to be difficult, and will pose a challenge. However, he said, the Guyana Police Force is trying its best.

“They know those areas and they’re trying their best to confront these criminals (who are) are making life difficult for the miners.

We’ve been getting these reports for some time now --

A group of Army ranks just before heading out to patrol the interior

within Venezuelan territory.

Nevertheless, he noted that the Police are working on gathering as much information as possible from the survivors and others in the area, to build profiles on the perpetrators so that those can be sent to the authorities across the border for the relevant actions to be taken.

Another Guyanese, 22-year-old Joel Paton of Supenaam Creek Head Mission, Essequibo River was also injured during the shooting. He and seven other miners had taken cover during the shooting. The young man is currently in a serious but stable condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), nursing several suspected gunshot wounds about his body.

Collective effort

Military officers braving the harsh hinterland conditions to comb the area

of these groups of masked and high-powered armed men robbing the miners, and then they move off to other places; so it’s a challenge all the time to catch them, because it’s a jungle area and not open that can probably make it easier for you to catch them. It’s going to be difficult,” the Public Security Minister stressed.

The minister was also asked about Monday’s incident in Venezuela, where 55-year-old Vernon Eudoxie; 23-year-old Cologne Solomon, both of Fitzburg, Port Kaituma; and Samuel Moses, 19 years, of Four Miles Oronoque,

Port Kaituma were shot and killed in their sleep after a group of armed men stormed the mining camp at Imataca, Venezuela, where they were working. He said that not much can be done, since the incident occurred

“The leadership of the Police Force is working out strategies that can help them better catch these criminals, and we’re gonna ask for support from other joint services in those areas, like the army. There are, in certain areas, other law enforcements for GRA and other agencies; Also and we will definitely make a united effort. The members of the mining community will also have to come on-board; there is going to be a collective effort,” the Minister posited.

Furthermore, the Public Security Minister opted not to get into actions taken by the military to heighten its presence at the borders. “I prefer not to speak on the military issue, but I’m more informed about it by my policemen and the Commander in ‘F’ Division, as what they are doing,” he asserted. turn to page 14

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guyanatimesgy.com

sunDAY, july 23, 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

Revisiting domestic violence

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bviously concerned about the high level of domestic violence in our society today, the Head of the Women and Gender Equality Commission (W&GEC) has pressed the need for more stringent measures to be taken to help save women’s lives, since many of them continue to suffer and even die at the hands of their spouses, or other persons close to them.

Almost every day we see stories of some form of genderbased violence being reported in the media. Not so long ago, we carried a report of a woman who was doused with acid by the father of her two children. From all indications, the couple shared an abusive relationship for several years, and it was only recently that they separated, which, from all indications, prompted the violent reaction of the man.

This, of course, is the latest in a slew of cases that have taken the country by storm. Sometimes the reaction by many is: when will it all end? But they do very little as citizens to help address the problem. Many times, they refuse to go to the authorities to report cases of gender-based violence; and part of the reason for this is that for many, this has become a norm in society.

This is quite unfortunate as violence against women and children has tremendous costs to communities and nations, and can remain with women and children for a lifetime. If not dealt with very effectively, it can also pass from one generation to another. Hence, it is necessary for citizens to speak out when they know of cases of persons being abused.

According to a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report “Behind Closed Doors: the impact of domestic violence on children”, violence in the home shatters a child’s basic right to feel safe and secure in the world. It stated that every child has the right to grow up safe from harm and should feel that those they love are also protected. And in cases where this right is violated, there should be a comprehensive response, taking into account the range of effects and needs of different children.

It stated that as many as 275 million children worldwide are exposed to violence in the home, indicating that this range is a conservative estimate based on the limitations of available data and the figures might be higher.

We are fully aware of the solutions that can help bring about change. We have seen hundreds of reports which detail recommendations and actions which need to be taken to arrest the situation. We have also had numerous dialogues with the involvement of all stakeholders, but yet the number of cases is going up daily.

The W&GEC claims that numerous recommendations were made to the previous and current Administrations, yet nothing much has been forthcoming. It must be noted though that a Domestic Violence Policy Unit has been set up to oversee the implementation of the National Policy on Domestic Violence.

The policy calls for the Government to provide temporary shelter services, counselling, social work services, and legal aid for victims, as well as training about domestic violence for healthcare workers, Police, Judges, Magistrates, lawyers, and others.

We believe that it is time for the policymakers to revisit the issue and come up with practical solutions which address the scourge in a holistic manner, with greater focus on the root of the problem.

We had stated before that one of the greatest challenges Guyana faced in countering domestic violence, especially sexual violence, was in changing the attitudes of service providers – such as Police, Magistrates, social workers, and healthcare providers.

Additionally, awareness campaigns are critical to prevent gender-based violence, not only by educating persons of what constitutes violence and its unacceptability, but also to challenge the underlying attitudes and behaviours which support it. Awareness and early education on the issue would create wider knowledge and better understanding of the permanent damage caused by this type of abuse.

That said, while Government must take the lead in helping to bring about change, everyone – civil society, faith-based organisations, etc, must get meaningfully involved. We, therefore, support the call made by the W&GEC for a national discussion on domestic violence to commence once again with the aim of redesigning the critical programmes to tackle the scourge.

This nicely decorated horse was seen at Winter Place, Stabroek, Georgetown accessorised in style (Carl Croker photo)

We must respect our judicial system Dear Editor, The statements emanating from President Granger on this 2017 Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) issue is nothing but superficial and extremely uninformed. Why does he continue to expose himself to such low-quality legal advice?

In this new era of accountability, full transparent from politicians is demanded at all times.

In 2017, hardly a day goes by when we are not treated to another variant of how the GECOM Chairman should be appointed in the daily media. It is pervasive as it is obstinate. Both sides think they are correct and too few are really recognising this nation is paying a heavy price because of the low-quality legal expertise that continues to guide the judgement of President Granger.

This nation pays a Judiciary to interpret the rule of law, including the Constitution. The Legislative make the law and the Executive enforces it. Guyana has had a long and painful struggle to arrive at the seismic changes achieved in 1992. Electoral policies such as counting the ballots at the

place of poll and the cessation of overseas and postal voting brought this country back from the brink as a pariah state. After 1992, donkeys and horses in the fields of Manchester and Jamaican in Council Flats of Birmingham lost their privilege to automatically vote for the People’s National Congress in Guyana’s elections. Never again must we succumb to such fraud.

But the most revolutionary change that happened in 1992 was a reformation of the process behind how the Chairman of GECOM is appointed. Prior to 1991, the GECOM (called something else then) Chairman was appointed by the President in a framework that was steeped in autocracy. The Leader of the Opposition was literally consulted in a factitious manner. President Hoyte, who came under severe pressures from our friends in the ABC countries and a generation of local and international struggles led then by President Jagan who was the Leader of the Opposition, allowed for the commencement of the process to reform our electoral systems in 1990.

As an outcome from those

dialogues between Team Hoyte and Team Jagan with the Carter Center and the local civil society acting as arbiters, Hoyte agreed to ask the Legislature to change the laws around the process of how the Chairman was appointed. Ahead of the 1992 elections, the process allowed Jagan as the then Leader of the Opposition to submit a list of eligible names to Hoyte from which the name Rudy Collins was selected by Hoyte from Jagan’s list to be the Chairman. For those who do not know Collins, he was an international diplomat, not a judge or former judge or someone who had the qualification, training or experience to be a judge. He was deemed by Hoyte to be “fit and proper”.

Fast-forward to the case in front of the Honourable Chief Justice Madam Roxanne George, one can find all sorts of opinions that can be undulating in nature but to date, no one has seen the written judicial pronouncements. Thus, my grave disappointment in the infantile and premature comments attributable to President Granger on this issue in the media. If he in unhappy with the ruling of the Chief Justice, the system pro-

vide the latitude for him to appeal that decision.

President Granger must understand that he is making decisions for 18-35-yearolds also and if he is perceived to be one who is willing to illegally not enforce the written rulings of the courts, then he must not complain when society descends into a crime infested harem of law breaking activities. By his own actions he is seen to be giving the green light to the present and future generation of lawbreakers to disregard the ruling of the courts.

I pen this letter in full support of the principle that we must respect our judicial system, even if we disagree with their written judgement. We must as a people also recommit to the separation of powers between the Judiciary, Executive and Legislative.

The Legislative makes the law, the Executive enforces it and the Judiciary interprets it. These are three distinct branches of a functional Government in a democratic society.

Sincerely, Sase Singh, MSc – Finance, ACCA

Sloppy road works in Agriculture Road Dear Editor, I wrote several letters pertaining to the deplorable state of Agriculture Road, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara. I was delighted to see this road is now under repairs about a week ago but the road works I see here are not properly done; it's very poor and sloppy road work.

First I noticed they graded the road up to the National Agricultural Research & Extension

Institute (NAREI). I also noted with interest that they are throwing in some crushed brick or loom into these big pot holes.

First, they need to cut these holes deep and dig out all the moisture underneath and all the slush in the holes, allow it to dry before they put in any brick and cover it with bitumen.

They are just throwing some bricks in these holes to cover it and throw bitumen or as-

phalt to cover it.

One can clearly see this road has tons of holes on the edges and the edges are broken they did nothing on the holes at the edges thus this sloppy repairs they are doing will not last a month because very heavy trucks, hymacks, container trucks traverse this road daily.

This road needs to be redone in a durable manner and engineers should determine the weight of the vehicles

that can run on it.

Residents need to know who has the contract for Agriculture Road. What does the contract entail? How far will this road be built? What materials ought to be used for the road repairs and reconstruction? And who is the engineer overseeing this meaningless and sloppy work – we will soon read in the press it cost millions of dollars to rehabilitate. continues on page 5

guyanatimesgy.com

SunDAY, july 23, 2017

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News

“Chokadhall” arrested Drunken teen injured for fisherman’s murder in Diamond accident

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ne day after fisherman Chan Wen Wong, 42, of Lot 14 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown was stabbed to death at the Meadow Bank Wharf, Greater Georgetown, the prime suspect was arrested.

After his arrest, “Chokadhall” as he is commonly known, was interrogated by Police and is expected to be arraigned with the murder during the new week.

However, a senior Police rank told Guyana Times that the suspect is holding out that he acted in self-defence since it was Wong, who first attacked him. He also noted that af-

ter seeing Wong falling to the ground, he got scared and ran.

On the contrary, it was reported that the now dead man and the suspect, “Chokadhall” were engaged into a heated argument which quickly esca-

lated into an altercation.

Other fishermen in the area managed to part the two men soon after which the victim walked away.

After reaching a short distance, the suspect ran after Wang, whipped out a sharp object and dealt

him one blow to his chest.

The injured Chinese national reportedly fell to the ground while the suspect made good his escape.

Wang was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Wong was previously attached to the Mei Tung Chinese Restaurant on Sheriff Street, Georgetown as a cook but branched off into the fishing business for quite some time now.

Apart from buying and selling fish, the now dead man worked at sea.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be performed on Monday.

A

teenager is nursing serious injuries he sustained after losing control of the car he was driving at about 04:30h on Saturday and ending up in a trench along the Diamond Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

Conclusively proven to be under the influence, the teenager was reportedly heading to his Land of Canaan, EBD home after partying with friends in Georgetown.

It is surmised that he had fallen asleep while driving, and slammed into the curb in the middle of the roadway.

Upon impact, motorcar PVV 2702 toppled several times before coming to a halt in a nearby trench.

Public-spirited citizens who had witnessed the acci-

dent immediately pulled him from the wrecked vehicle and rushed him to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, from where he was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further medical attention.

His condition is regarded as stable. Hospital officials, while confirming that his injuries are not life threatening, note that he sustained lacerations to his body and a concussion to the head.

The breathalyser test Police conducted on the teenager proved he had consumed more than the legal limit of alcohol.

The Police have so far taken a statement from the teenager as they continue investigating the accident.

Workers and investors can turn around sugar industry Dear Editor, Private cane farming has shown to be very profitable while the State-owned estates are running at a loss.

As my political science professor on the Soviet Union used to say, socialist workers will not go to the farm at five in the morning to cultivate crops, and even when they showed up at the farm late, they would not work efficiently. But they will tend to the farm even before five in the morning if they own the produce.

That was amply demonstrated in Guyana and Trinidad where I did research on cane production during the 1980s and 1990.

In every society, private cane farming has been more efficiently managed than State-owned farming and very profitable. So sugar does not have to be closed as it can be profitable if placed in the hands of the work-

ers or even private investors who can and will turn around the industry.

Government is courting social disaster in closing down estates as I found this in my research among sugar workers in Wales Estate. Thousands will lose work with no alternative form of employment resulting in many socio-economic problems. Thus, it is the interest of Government to revive cane cultivation in Wales. Government should give the workers the land for cultivation and a private investor to run the sugar mill (and cultivate undistributed land). Politicians in previous Governments viewed the sugar industry as a cash cow to enrich themselves at the expense of workers. So the industry and the workers acquired a bad name when it can be profitable. The industry should not be closed down for political reasons.

Sloppy road works...

I am now calling on Infrastructure Minister David Patterson to send an engineer into Agriculture Road to stop this work until a proper contract is drafted for a more durable road.

It's obvious the road repairs I see here are more suitable for bicycles and not these huge trucks and heavy-duty vehicles I see here on this road daily.

from page 4

I see many roads built here and destroyed in a short period; that is exactly what I foresee will happen here in Agriculture Road.

If they are going to build this road, it must be done properly before taxpayers’ monies are wasted.

Yours faithfully, Rev Gideon Cecil

Instead, it should be put in the hands of the workers themselves in collaboration with private companies.

Private companies know how to eliminate waste, redundancy, corruption and inefficiency and to maximise productivity. Companies in India, for example, are experts at growing cane and making huge profits. They grind cane from private farmers. No part of the cane is wasted and every part of the cane brings in money – molasses to make stock feeds, ethanol, etc, baggaze to make card board, energy, etc). Several African and Asian countries where

State-owned cultivation was losing money, have turned to Indian sugar companies to manage or run their sugar industries. And sugar has been very profitable for them.

Government, therefore, should move to distribute the cane lands to the sugar workers (who can form cooperatives) to grow cane.

Milling should be handed over to private management as some African and Asian countries have done. Our estate land is ideally suited for cane; other crops may be difficult in light of the cane culture. This does not mean other crops should be

discouraged. But the infrastructure for cane is still at Wales.

Government can start on an experimental basis with land distribution at Wales Estate giving the land to the former sugar workers to form co-ops or individually to grow cane for a revived modernised mill in the hands of a private investor.

Since Government wants to divest itself of sugar, the Government can invite interested companies or investors to take over and run the closed mill. The prospective investors can also be offered lease land to grow cane; many jobs will be cre-

ated for the surrounding unemployed. The industry will be turned around under this proposed scheme.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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SunDAY, july 23, 2017

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

By Mark Gregston

(Part one)

F

T

Anu Dev

he past couple days, after the passing of Chester Bennington, lead singer of Linkin Park, my newsfeed has been inundated with articles about the him in the period leading up to this death and reactions from his family, his band-mates and fans in the most excruciating detail. This forced me to reflect not just about the individual Bennington and his own ruminations about suicide, but also brought into focus for me, the unhealthy way that the media - social and traditional tend to report on suicide.

Right here at home in Guyana, we seem to excel at ticking off all of the boxes of what not to do when covering a story about someone who became desperate enough to take their own life. The papers seem to revel in peppering the word “suicide” in the pieces as often as possible in a conscious effort to make the report as sensational as possible. They really do love that “star-crossed lovers” angle.

A while back I was reading

“Hope is a necessity for normal life and the major weapon against the suicide impulse.”

– Karl A. Menninger about the “Werther Effect”.

The "Werther effect" refers to the important role played by imitation of suicidal behaviours, when such stories are publicized or described in fact or fiction: otherwise called “Copycat Suicides.” Back in 1774, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the towering German literary figure, published his book, “The Sorrows of Young Werther.”

“Werther Fever” spread throughout Europe after the book was published, with young men dressing up like Werther.

And it went beyond dressing up. Reputedly, some of them committed suicide in a similar manner to the protagonist, giving rise to some of the earliest examples of copycat suicides. I certainly wouldn't say that Goethe's book or reports of suicides in the media cause persons to commit suicide; but when these suicides are so heavily covered, when so many details of their lives are

published, it makes it easier for someone else to identify with that person.

And if that reader is already in a state where they were vulnerable or predisposed to taking their life, hearing about someone with similar problems choosing to end their own life, may present suicide as an appropriate option.

Many countries have national journalism codes regarding the coverage of suicide.

In the absence of these, reporters are expected to follow the sort of guidelines of the World Health Organization and other public health bodies for coverage of suicide. They’re expected to use extreme restraint in covering these death: keep the word "suicide" out of the headline, don't romanticize the death, and limit the number of stories. Instead of playing up the sensational aspects of the suicide, maybe there could be more focus on presenting

non-suicide alternatives - the “Papageno Effect.”

Eponymously named after a character from Mozart’s opera “The Magic Flute”, Papageno, who was contemplating suicide until other characters showed him a different way to resolve his problems.

Here and elsewhere we really should try to have that protective effect instead of glamorizing or romanticizing suicides. We really should be doing our best to emphasize the importance of mental health and the importance of having honest conversations about these very real issues.

We need to move away from being a culture that labels persons suffering from mental illnesses as ‘mad people’ and call a psychiatric hospital ‘Berbice Madhouse’. Be observant, be supportive. Sometimes it might be something, sometimes it might be nothing, but there at least needs to be a conversation.

or a teenager to be so unbearably unhappy that he would choose to kill himself is something that's almost too painful for a parent to think about. But with the increasing prevalence of teen suicide, no parent can afford to ignore the possibility. Suicide is now the third leading cause of death for high-school students.

Children look at this world as being more and more hopeless. And many are choosing suicide as their solution.

When I was in high school – a school with 3000 students – I never knew of any of my peers committing suicide. And even in my work years ago as a director of Young Life, suicide among the teens in our region was a very unusual event that I rarely heard of.

Fact is, before the 1960's, suicide by adolescents happened only rarely; but today, nearly one in 10 teens contemplates suicide, and over

500,000 attempt it each year.

While suicide rates for all other ages have dropped, suicides among teens have nearly tripled.

Between the sexes, teen boys are more than four times as likely to commit suicide as girls. But girls are known to think about and attempt suicide about twice as often as boys. The difference is the method; girls attempt suicide by overdosing on drugs or cutting themselves, and thankfully most are found in time and rescued. Boys tend to use more lethal methods, such as firearms, hanging, or jumping from heights.

and tend to only think about a week ahead – that's all.

And when you mix immature short-sightedness with feelings of utter hopelessness, some children think they cannot live with the pain another day. Other children who contemplate suicide are filled with rage over teasing by their peers or the way they feel they've been mistreated by family. They choose suicide as a tragic form of payback.

That reminds me of Kerri.

She was the "perfect child."

She loved church, was involved in mission projects, was adored by her brothers, and stayed away from sex, drugs, and alcohol. Her parents allowed their stunning daughter to date at age 16.

But on her first date, the guy tried to go too far, and Kerri was shocked and stunned by the encounter.

Her parents asked about the date, and she shared what had happened. Kerri's father, in the heat of the moment,

blamed Kerri. His words verbally crucified his daughter.

When Kerri stated that what this boy did made her want to commit suicide, her dad said she didn't have the guts to do it.

Feeling devalued and misunderstood, Kerri decided to show her dad how gutsy she really was. She got into her parents' medicine cabinet and took 30 sleeping pills. Kerri's parents had no idea what the fight had done to their daughter until dad came upstairs to apologise, found Kerri asleep, and couldn't wake her.

She awoke a few hours later after being rushed to the emergency room and havThe warning signs ing her stomach pumped. She Suicide is a teen's last at- wasn't rebellious; she was tempt to ease the pain, to just sending her dad a mesmake a statement, or it is sage. If she showed her dad just a wrong decision giv- that he was wrong about her ing a permanent solution to being too afraid to kill herself, a temporary problem. Teens she could also prove he was don't see the bigger picture; also wrong about the way they only see the "right now." she handled her date. (chrisThey get wrapped up in the tianpost.com) emotions of the moment To Be Continued

news

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sunDAY, july 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GECOM Chairmanship

Bar Association urges President to uphold Court’s ruling T he Guyana Bar Association (GBA) is calling on President Granger to uphold the declaratory orders handed down by the Chief Justice in Monday’s High Court ruling on the interpretation of the Constitution in regard to the requirements of nominees for the Chairmanship post of The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

This call comes in light of recent comments made by President David Granger following that ruling.

“The Bar Council is confident that, like in every other society which respects and safeguards the rule of law, the State will abide by the declaratory orders made by the Chief Justice,” the Association said in a statement on Saturday.

Local businessman Marcel Gaskin had in March moved to the High Court to challenge the constitutionality of President David Granger’s reasoning behind his rejection of Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo’s first list of six nominees for the GECOM Chairmanship post. Jagdeo has since submitted a second list, which the Head of State also rejected; and the two subsequently agreed for a third list to be prepared. That process is still ongoing.

In the court action, Gaskin sought a declaratory order from the Court on the meaning of Article

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire

161(2) of the Constitution, which provides for the appointment of the Chairman of the Elections Commission.

The businessman, who is the brother of Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, wanted to know whether the list of nominees to be submitted by the Opposition Leader must include a judge, a retired judge, or a person qualified to be a judge, as being claimed by the President.

However, acting Chief Justice Roxane GeorgeWiltshire, SC, has overruled the President’s interpretation of the Constitution, finding that there is no particular preference for the appointment of persons within the Judiciary for the GECOM chairmanship.

In her determination, Justice George found that there was no valid argument to support the idea that the

Chairman should be a judge, former judge, or person eligible to be a judge, and noted that persons from each category are equally eligible for the post.

The Chief Justice pointed out that the word “any” in the other category, “…any other fit and proper person”, widens the category and “does not restrict the qualification or profession” from which the nominee should be drawn. She added that there was no mandatory category, and all the categories have equal weight.

Reacting on Wednesday to the Court’s decision, President Granger noted that while the acting Chief Justice has a right to give her interpretation of the law, he would continue to act in accordance with his interpretation of the Constitution in regard to the appointment of a chairman for GECOM, and will not appoint anyone whom he believed unfit for the post.

“That is to say, I will not appoint somebody whom I don’t consider to be fit and proper,” he clarified.

Asked if he would now give reasons for rejecting the names on the two lists submitted by the Opposition Leader, Granger said, “If you could show me the Article of the Constitution which requires me to give reasons, I will comply with the Constitution; but I will not do what the Constitution

President David Granger

does not require me to do.

I do not believe that anything the Chief Justice said

has diminished my regard for the word and spirit of the Constitution.”

The Bar Council has outlined that the declaratory orders made by the Chief Justice based on her application of principles of law are not interpretations or opinions, but, like all other orders of court, are pronouncements of the law made in formal proceedings on a particular legal state of affairs.

The GBA explained that the leading legal treatise on this type of order describes the effect of a declaratory order in the following terms: “…whilst the defendant is assumed to have respect for

the law, justice does not rely on this alone. A declaration by the court is not a mere opinion devoid of legal effect: the controversy between the parties is determined and is res judicata as a result of the declaration being granted.

Hence, if the defendant acts contrary to the declaration, he will not be able to challenge the unlawfulness of his conduct in subsequent proceedings.”

According to the Bar Association, the treatise makes it clear that the refusal to abide by a declaratory order may result in an order to enforce the rights established by the declaration.

8 news

SunDAY, july 23, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Dangerous driving

Goed Fortun man to know fate this week

D

onald Downer, who was accused of dangerous driving injuring two pedestrians at Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, will soon know his fate. This comes one year after two males suffered life-altering injures allegedly at the hands of driver, who was driving recklessly.

On May 29, 2016 Wazir Ali of Industry, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and Shemar Henry who was just about to turn 13 were both standing on the Goed Fortuin Public Road when a speeding motorcar struck both of them down. The lad had reportedly suffered a fractured skull and internal injuries while one of Ali’s legs was amputated.

At a court hearing late last week, Police Sergeant Campbell closed the prosecution’s case. The police’s evidence is that Downer drove his motorcar dangerously and as such failed to use consideration when he operated

the accused never told the court why failed to stop despite seeing a car. Sergeant Campbell contended that the defendant was speeding and urged the court to find the defendant guilty as charged.

After hearing the closing arguments, Magistrate Nurse set the decision for later this week.

According to reports that surfaced last year Downer,

a parked motorcar. Downer was said to be a pastor.

Ali, the amputee had told Guyana Times in June 2016 that on the day of the dreadful incident, he was visiting his two children at Goed Fortuin.

“I was at Goed Fortuin main road… opposite a place… a tire shop. A guy pull up in a black car and ask me fuh space fuh park. He went

Shemar Henry was one the victims injured in the accident

the motorcar. The prosecutor noted that accident resulted in Henry and Ali being permanently injured.

Prosecutor Campbell contended that had the accused used common sense, he would have been aware that the area between the GPL Power Station and Amaral Tyre Shop is normally congested due to several businesses operating there. The prosecution highlighted that

Ali hospitalised in June 2016

the driver, had claimed that he lost control of the car and slammed into teenager, and then Ali before smashing into

back into his car and pull into the shop. I saw two kids standing on the road and this car pass next to them so I holler on them. When I holler on them… I mek a left turn.

When I swing to my left, all I hear is ‘badang!’ and that’s all I know. I wake up in the hospital,” he had related.

He received severe injuries to his head, arms and legs, and due to the severity of the injuries to his left leg, it had to be amputated.

Shemar’s mother, Sharon Henry had recalled rushing the accident site where she had seen her bleeding son.

Both the Henrys and Alis had noted the financial strain of having their loved ones hospitalised.

Working together…

T

…on the left?

he Roopnaraine saga’s acting like a Rorschach test to some in the political arena. For the PNC – the main player in APNU – it has revealed that while snakes may shed their skins (and names) the new one is in every respect, identical to the first. How could it be otherwise? The DNA blueprint for forming the new skin had always remained the same!!

The PNC has always hated the WPA’s guts. Don’t forget that Burnham called the WPA of Walter Rodney – not the PPP, the “worst possible alternative”. And it wasn’t just the fact that Rodney had undermined Burnham’s credentials with African radicals both here and in Africa – no it was also personal. Unlike Jagan, who always insisted on formal political labels for insulting Burnham – “racist”, “Menshevik”, “deviationist” etc – Rodney used street language to destroy the myth Burnham had cultivated.

Rodney called Burnham “Fat Boy” and the ordinary folks chuckled at the “false name”! For the middle class, Rodney dubbed the dictator “Man with the Midas Touch” – save that unlike the Greek King, everything Burnham touched, turned to “ka-ka”!! This jibe struck so close to home, it probably sealed Rodney’s fate. Burnham’s acolytes have never forgotten this.

So, while Rodney’s successors made common cause with the PNC to form APNU for the sake of their common constituency, the Burnhamites were biding their time and that’s what the Roopnaraine saga gave them the opportunity to do. And it’s now clear Roopnaraine’s been a most willing tool. Since he was the number two leader back in 1992 – when the WPA rejected Jagan’s unilateral offer to Thomas to be their PM – he knew perfectly what he was doing when he accepted Prezzie’s unilateral offer for him to be Education Minister.

So with him reneging on the WPA-insisted “resignation”, he’s demonstrated to all and sundry the WPA’s just a toothless poodle of the PNC – for show! But quite interestingly, Hydar Ally of the PPP has come out of the woodwork to suggest the WPA should now make common cause with the PPP – since they have always been close!!!

Really?? In which cave has Ally been living since after 1985? Apart from the Thomas’ sequestration, even before, wasn’t it the WPA that torpedoed the five-party PPP-led Patriotic Coalition for Democracy from fielding a common slate against the PNC? Hadn’t they set the stage for race-based charges against the post-1992 PPP regime by insisting Jagan would precipitate a rebellion by the Army and Police?

Could Hydar Ally point to one single event or circumstance since then to show what the WPA has in “common” with the PPP??

What tripe!

…against “the man”

Talking about Rodney, wasn’t it wonderful how Prezzie was “grounding with Rasta brothers”?? How things have changed!! When Rodney was at Mona in Jamaica, he was banned for his groundings – but here you have a President educating the brethren and sisteren about how to get reparations for the damage done by “the man” when they snatched I and I from Mother Africa.

Your Eyewitness, however, feels that while things have changed from the days when shearer was PM of Jamaica – we still have a long way to go. Our leaders still haven’t freed their minds from mental slavery.

Most of the leaders in Caricom aren’t even willing to talk the talk, much less walk the walk. If our local DJ’s – who haven’t been to Jamaica or enrolled in UG “Creole” programme – can speak “real Jamaican” why can’t our leaders?

Will the European nations ever take us seriously when we show up looking like cheap imitations of whatever they decide is “proper”??

When will they start wearing dreadlocks?

…on electricity theft

Nearly 1/3 of GPL’s electricity is stolen. They know who steals the most. But all they did was wring their hands. Now they’ve promised ACTION! They’re unleashing a programme “to raise awareness about electricity theft”!!!

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

NEWS

9

SunDAY, july 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Yuan usage in Guyana may lead to more investments – ambassador

W

hile the US dollar is often seen as the standard international currency, the Chinese Yuan Renminbi has been enjoying a rise in popularity with the international community. So much so, that there are discussions about its use in the Caribbean and Guyana.

In a recent interview with Guyana Times, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Cui Jianchun hailed the move as a proactive one, which would likely lead to more Chinese investors coming to Guyana to invest as it would ease doing business.

Ambassador Jianchun noted that the process for using the Chinese dollar on an international scale had started in 2006. The discussions now being engaged in with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), he said, centred on ways China can play a more meaningful role in development.

“We have signed agreements with several countries,” the diplomat said.

“There are three functions of the currency. One is about the foreign exchange reserves. And the second (benefit) is for investment in other countries. And the third is about a focus on trade.”

“Now, China has done a lot internationally. The CDB had a discussion about how China and the Caribbean countries can work together, with a focus on trade and investment. With regards to

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun

Guyana, at present time this (discussion) is done by the trading block,” he told this publication during an interview.

According to the Ambassador, Latin America is a model that anyone can refer to, when it came to the foreign usage of Chinese dollars.

“In Latin America, China has signed agreements with Argentina. That is the central bank would swap the currency. And also China has signed with Russia, Japan and South Korea, in the Asia and Pacific regions.”

The ambassador added that the Chinese Central Bank provides “Chinese currency and the other side provide their countries currency.

It is helpful to facilitate trade and investment.”

Explaining the process, Ambassador Jianchun relat-

ed that it works by one country’s central bank making an agreement with the Chinese Central Bank. The Chinese Central Bank would then be able to travel to Guyana and use the currency.

“Otherwise you cannot use the Chinese currency,” Jianchun said. “The first step is that the Chinese Central Bank will talk and negotiate with the central bank of the respective countries.”

“For example, China does not use the US dollar or the pound. They can use their own currency. It would be very convenient for the business people to invest in Guyana.”

He noted that while the US dollar is seen as the standard international dollar, the use of the Chinese renminbi is on the rise by banks, people and business in general.

This comes against the backdrop of Guyana potentially joining other Caribbean countries that use the Chinese currency Yuan renminbi, within its economy, once consultations have been completed and approval given.

This was revealed by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday.

He related that Finance Minister Winston Jordan recently attended a conference in Barbados, where Caribbean countries gathered to explore the possibility of the Chinese currency being

used within the Caribbean.

During the conference it was determined that bilateral ties between countries with a large presence of Chinese nationals and China would be

Bank President William Warren Smith had said that the Chinese Renminbi may be able to protect the Caribbean region’s access to global finance services.

The Yuan Renimindi may soon be used in Guyana

easily facilitated by the use of the Yuan Renminbi.

Speaking at the conference, Caribbean Development

He noted that this comes at a time when many international financial instructions are withdrawing their

services from the region.

The Chinese Renminbi is enjoying a rapid internationalisation of the Renminbi, starting in 2006 with the floating of the exchange rate.”

One of the Region’s leading economists told WIC News that working with China has its benefits but that the Region “must not oversell itself to the powerhouse” and lose any independence.

As an International Monetary reserve currency, the Renminbi is now in the IMF’s special drawing rights basket, which determines currencies that countries can receive as part of IMF loans.

The other currencies in the basket are the US dollar, the Euro, Yen and the British pound.

10 news

sunDAY, July 23, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Oil money

Expenditure must be guided by fixing Guyana's financial status – Gaskin

E

ven as Guyana gears towards setting up the appropriate framework to govern the emerging oil and gas sector, there is much debate on what use will be made of these funds.

During a recent interview, Economist Ramon Gaskin had some suggestions to make about some priority areas that the Government ought to use the upcoming finances to fix.

“I think there are about five things this money should be spent on,” Gaskin said.

“Twenty per cent should go towards paying down the national (external) debt. The debt is about US$1.8 billlion.

We have to deal with it.”

“Next, 20 per cent should go towards the national annual budget, to reduce the

capital and the current deficit,” the economist argued.

“Twenty per cent should go towards a stabilisation fund, to cater for fluctuations in case the price of oil goes right down.”

Gaskin also advised that a percentage go towards the national reserves. He advocated for the building up of reserves- in gold.

“Twenty per cent should go towards using, not cash reserves but gold reserves we have to build up. We have a lot of gold produced in this country and we sell this gold overseas,” he said.

Guyana has enjoyed a good relationship with other, more powerful countries that have allowed it to benefit from money, including grants and loans for infra-

Economist Ramon Gaskin

structural projects, he noted, added that how well a Government can manage its external debt portfolio is regarded as an indicator of good governance and a stable economy.

Worry has also been expressed about where the

price of oil will stand by the time ExxonMobil is ready to begin the commercial production of oil. The price of oil is currently US$45 per barrel, but industry experts are wary of the stability of this price.

One surety against economic fluctuations is gold reserves, intended to provide support should the monetary value of a country’s currency drop. It has often been the case that countries facing economic trouble would buy and horde gold in large quantities.

But experts have warned that priority projects for Guyana when oil revenues come include fixing the disparity in social services when compared to other countries. This includes provision of medical services to the population. turn to page 13

Hang ‘em high!!

S

atiricus was very happy. There was always a silver lining behind every dark cloud, he thought with satisfaction. After the blaze, the Government was going to rebuild the Camp Street jail, enlarge the Mazaruni Penal Colony and reinforce the Lusignan Prison. There were now going to be more than enough space to put away the bad guys and he and his pals at the Back Street Bar didn’t have to worry about being overrun by bandits.

“Budday! Rememba how dem bandit bin shoot up dem big man a Nakoo Bar?” asked Bungi, as they settled into their weekend tryst with his first cold brew.

“Well, I hope this set of escapees don’t find a friendly village to hang out in,” said Hari dolefully.

“What you mean, “hang out in”? demanded Satiricus. “Those freedom fighters from 2002, had held that poor village Buxom hostage, you know.”

“Na, me nah know,” replied Bungi sharply. “Wha’ me know, de Police kill all a dem and abee get peace.”

“So you think the Police should kill these four escapees?” asked Satiricus. “And not capture them to put into the new jail?”

“Da wha’ me t’ink!” said Bungi firmly. “Wha’ dem gat fuh spend all da money fuh buil jail? Dem can open back abee suga fact’ry!”

“Are you serious?” asked Hari. “So what should we do when people are convicted of crimes?”

“Abee gat plenty jungle,” said Bungi. “Sen’ dem deh fuh clear de bush!”

“But that would be punishing them!” protested Satiricus, as Hari nodded in agreement.

“Suh wha’ abee a sen’ dem a jail fa?” Bungi wanted to know. “Just locking them up is the punishment,” said Hari virtuously.

“Suh abee guh feed dem t’ree times a day, gie dem clothes and shelta,” said Bungi indignantly, “and yuh call da, punishment?”

“What would you do?” asked Satiricus.

“Well, if yuh nah wan’ fuh sen’ dem fuh clear jungle,” said Bungi, “Den leh abee chap dem han’ aff, or hang dem, like Saudi!”

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SunDAY, july 23, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Creditinfo records increased use of credit reports The emerging oil and gas sector – how will Guyana benefit?

C

ontinuing the discussion from last week, we saw that it is unclear what model of profit sharing will be used and the confusion between profits and revenues is worrying.

Clearly if the deal stipulates we are going to earn 50 per cent profit, we have to question whether Exonn (Guyana) will ever declare a profit. Even if they do, it may take them 10-20 years after recovering all of their investments before a profit could be realised. It is therefore imperative we seek clarity in this regard and if this is so, Guyana needs to negotiate for a share in the revenues and not profit.

Given the offshore nature of the oil and gas operation, it would be difficult to regulate the core operations of the sector.

Consideration needs to be placed on the fact that most of the high-profile and technical jobs will not be granted to Guyanese.

This is an acknowledged fact and hence, every effort needs to be employed to ensure maximum benefits received by way of the supporting sectors – the supply of goods and support services.

While all of this is happening – a large influx of consultations in which an abundance of information is channelled to policymakers with the view of setting up the correct framework and management of the new sector, there is distraction from other important matters as regards the management and performance of the economy. Crucial productive sectors are underperforming.

Weak and contracted performances were recorded in the output of sugar, rice and forestry as well as wholesale, retail trade and manufacturing industries. Quantifying these, agricultural sector’s performance relative to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell to 19.4 per cent as at the end of 2016 when compared to the corresponding period in 2015 from 22.8 per cent. Manufacturing and services sectors declined to 3.9 per cent and 52.9 per cent from four per cent and 54.2 per cent respectively for the fiscal year of 2016. Conversely the mining sector (particularly gold) recorded 4.5 per cent increase to 15.4 per cent contribution to GDP in 2016 in comparison to 10.9 per cent in 2015.

What this means is that almost all of the current productive sectors have underperformed and contracted to some extent with the exception of gold. This could be a terrible thing economically, because if gold collapses tomorrow the economy is in trouble – an economic crisis will be imminent and perhaps instant in such a circumstance. A situation of this nature occurred in 2013 on a micro level. The North West region of Guyana (Region One (Barima-Waini)), is largely dependent on gold mining. Early 2013, gold price on the word market plummeted which translated into a direct and instant adverse impact for that region – instantaneous downturn stemmed as a consequence. For persons who are not familiar with gold mining regions, prior to 2013 that region was booming as there were large circulations of money. To this day, North West has still not recovered, in fact it is now in a depressed state, people are moving out in large numbers from there. Prior to this, for you to conceptualise this scenario, people from all parts of the country migrated to that particular geographic location to capitalise on the benefits in those days. For example, just to give an idea, I recall when I was there in 2013 a taxi driver net more than $200,000 in one week. Such was the magnitude and economic excitement during that period.

I have given this illustration to make the point that, while this was on a micro level – just one region, such a situation could occur at the macro level, thereby threatening the entire country. In fact, to put this over a bit clearer, this is the risk we are surrounded by and it is being escalated by the very fact policymakers are distracted. The economy is very volatile.

Policymakers, by virtue of this column, I would like to urge them that they need to contain their excitement within these respects.

They have got to be careful not to hype up the hopes of the Guyanese people around the oil and gas anticipated revenue. I conclude by making another critical point which I shall expound in forthcoming articles on this subject.

In Alaska, a Spanish oil company named Repsol made a similar oil find to that which we are all excited about in Guyana.

This discovery was only announced recently in May of this year where they have found a massive oil field that could hold some 1.2 billion barrels of oil. Bearing in mind exploration is ongoing there and in many other parts of the world. The irony of this new oil find is that it parallels the developments in Guyana and production is also set to commence in 2020 the same timeline with Guyana. These findings will obviously have a bearing on the oil price come 2020 onwards, an element of the debates not being considered. This column however, will be dealing with this matter by way of a series of articles premised on some robust analysis.

(For comments, questions and responses on articles featured in this column, readers can reach the author at jbinsights@outlook.com).

A

s it celebrates its fourth anniversary in Guyana, Creditinfo Guyana is boasting of its success, having recorded an increase in individuals accessing its services when applying for credit.

This, it said, was seen after the amendment of the credit reporting legislation in 2016, an event that has to date been hailed as the single most transformative aspect of the credit bureau’s operations.

“We have witnessed a substantial increase in the utilization of credit reports for assessing loan applications among all lenders that have subscribed to the credit bureau. More individuals are also seeking to ascertain their credit status by requesting their free credit report,” the agency said.

The agency has said the development of a credit bureau in Guyana has now created an enabling environment in which larg-

CEO of Creditinfo Guyana Judy Semple-Joseph

er numbers of persons can access much needed credit much easier and within a shorter processing time.

Also, with the credit bureau, credit decisions are easier facilitated.

Creditinfo is urging Guyanese to take note of the Credit Bureau’s “Know

Before You Go” campaign.

Creditinfo was, on July 15, 2013, granted licence by the Bank of Guyana to operate, and is now focused on ensuring that its data subjects, individuals and businesses are fully aware of how the credit bureau influences their ability to access credit.

The Credit Reporting Act under which the bureau operates makes provision for consumers to be able to review their personal credit report, in order to be able to understand and assess their own credit profiles. The highly confidential report is strictly for the benefit of the consumer, and creates opportunity for consumers to check their own credit profiles and credit score free of charge before venturing to a lender for credit. It is not used for the assessment of credit applications. In essence, it allows prospective borrowers to fix potential problems ahead of the actu-

al application, thereby significantly increasing their chances of approval.

As one of the newest subsidiaries of the global Creditinfo Group of Companies, Creditinfo Guyana has been forging ahead with its mandate to provide the full range of credit reporting services to the local market.

Creditinfo Guyana is in the process of expanding its range of data, having reached full functionality in late 2013. The main products and services include the provision of full and semi full credit reports, with an optional powerful Creditinfo predictor score available in real-time and batch.

The company is shortly expected to launch several specifically focused modules that address the needs of the financial community and the SME sector, and which will have parallel applications in other vital areas of interest.

12 news

SunDAY, july 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mother allegedly Police hunt Middle Street robbery suspect pelts teen son

P

olice are yet to make an arrest as investigations continue into the daring robbery that has left 40-year-old Kwabena Wright of Campbellville, Georgetown nursing a gunshot wound to his right arm.

A Police source told Guyana Times that, based on the description given of the suspects, the men might be known to the police. He noted that detectives are

presently scanning through their data base with the aim of matching the description of the perpetrators with the GPF’s images.

He also noted that Police are in the process of retrieving surveillance footage of the robbery from nearby buildings with the hope of identifying the two gunmen.

The Police rank explained that Wright was discharged from the Georgetown Public

with knife

Hospital on Saturday, following a successful surgery.

Kwabena Wright, a teacher who some years ago had migrated to the Turks and Caicos Islands, returned home on vacation and to rehabilitate his house, and following a daring robbery committed on him in the vicinity of Hand-in-Hand Trust on Middle Street, Georgetown on Friday, was shot and injured to the right

… undergoes surgery after intestine protruded

Injured teacher Kwabena Wright

arm after two men pounced on him while he was sitting in his car waiting on his contractors.

It was reported that prior to the robbery, Wright had withdrawn $1.5 million from a city bank on Water Street, leaving investigators to believe that the man was trailed from the bank.

Reportedly in his bid to escape his attackers, he was shot in the right arm. One of the men then grabbed the bag with the money that was in the back seat of his car, and the men made good their escape. Wright was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.

T

he Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding a 13-year-old being rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) after he was allegedly pelted with a knife by his mother.

The teen of Agricola, Greater Georgetown, was rushed to the medical facility in an unconscious state on Saturday last, this publication was told.

Guyana Times understands the lad underwent emergency surgery after the knife allegedly struck his intestine.

According to reports, after the woman pelted her son with the knife, it stuck into his side and upon see-

ing this, the woman proceeding to pull the knife out. It was after the knife was removed that the teen’s intestines protruded through the wound. The teen then fell unconscious. He was picked up and rushed to the medical facility.

However, it is still unclear what prompted the woman to carry out the act.

Speaking with this publication, A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) Commander, Marlon Chapman said he was informed that a different report was given to the Police.

According to Chapman, the mother of the teenager is alleging that she sent her son to pick breadfruit from a tree in their yard. However, when the young man was returning, he fell onto a zinc sheet that was lying beneath the tree and cut himself.

Chapman revealed that the mother denied committing the act.

Reports indicate neighbours of the family reported to the Police that the woman indeed threw the knife at the boy, but the woman is claiming that because she and her neighbours are not on speaking terms, they made the allegation against her.

Meanwhile, Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA), Ann Greene has since said an investigation into the matter is ongoing and will provide updates as they are provided to her.

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SunDAY, july 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Public Health Ministry, City Hall host medical outreach

Coalitions in Guyana

W

ith some cracks appearing in the coalition that constitutes APNU, even after the one between APNU/AFC were papered over, the merits and demerits of coalitions in Guyanese politics have risen to the fore. The attitudes of the leaders are critical in the formation of coalitions: if they are concerned with only winning elections for personal gains and power, then the risks they will be prepared to take for real change that will redound to the benefit of Guyana, will be minimal.

In modern Guyanese political history, the coalition that has defined the device, apparently for all times, was that made by the PNC and the UF in December 1964, which removed the PPP from office. They were strange bedfellows, driven by one consideration – to form a Ravi Dev government that would keep out the PPP and this arrangement of expediency demonstrates the pitfalls of what has been labelled, the “coalition of convenience”.

We are presently dealing with two such coalitions – APNU and APNU/AFC. Coalitions of this type are very unstable and few survive their term of government for several reasons.

Firstly, their focus is totally electoral – adding up seats – while ignoring the cleavages and forces that made them form separate parties and run on separate platforms, in the first place. These differences inevitably surface later when policies and programmes are formulated and implemented, or more usually when spoiled are divvied up.

Secondly, there is the disproportion of size. The larger party sees itself as the senior member to which the smaller should defer; while the latter considers itself as an equal due to its strategic position in “tipping the balance”. This is the dynamic pushing the fissures within the APNU and the APNU/AFC coalitions. Thirdly, since the capture of power was their prime motivator, they constantly manoeuvre to monopolise the same, using bribery, defections, etc, many believe that several high-ranking members of the AFC have already been seduced by the PNC – as evidently has Rupert Roopnaraine of the WPA. Coalitions of convenience are to be avoided, since the cynicism that attends their birth ensures them an early, acrimonious death. The coalition between the PNC and the UF broke down within two years of its formation as Burnham enticed members of the UF (as well as the PPP) to cross the floor to create a moot situation when by 1967, with the PNC showing clearly that it was going to rig the next election and rid itself of its erstwhile partner, Peter D’Aguiar; the UF leader left the coalition but could not bring down the Government.

It appears with the PNC holding all the cards right now in the present coalition; history will repeat itself in 2020.

The WPA has nowhere to go and the AFC leadership know their leadership and base have both been degutted – the first by the PNC and the second by their own unwillingness to stick to their guns and insist on the Cummingsburg Accord be honoured. For stable coalitions, in addition to the structural prerequisites, there must be a high level of trust, arising from an intimacy of relations between the leaders. While this might be high within the APNU coalition of the PNC and the five micro parties, that of the APNU/ AFC coalition is much more tenuous. A more fundamental ground of instability of coalition building in the southern British Caribbean, however, is also in play: each party to the coalition must also be seen as legitimate aspirants to national power. The descendants of freed Africans define the Caribbean as an “African” nation and the descendants of Indian indentureds are not seen as totally legitimate contenders for national power. This is not to say that nonAfricans may not be voted in as leaders (such as Seaga in Jamaica or Price in Belize) but they cannot be leaders of groups that effectively challenge African-dominated parties for power. During the throes of the PCD collapse in Guyana, one initiative led by prominent civic leaders objected to Dr Jagan as leader, specifically on the ground that an “Indian” was not acceptable. This was also the situation during the NAR government in T&T in the 1980’s.

Not much has changed for Indian-based parties – in or out of office.

T

he Public Health Ministry (MOPH) with assistance from a number of other Ministries, organisations and the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) on Saturday hosted a medical outreach, which provided free medical services to the public.

The Health Ministry collaborated with the Agriculture Ministry, the Education Ministry’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, as well as with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for the event.

Medical services such as blood pressure testing, eye care, blood sugar testing, BMI and nutrition counselling, VIA screening, mental health counselling and HIV testing were some of the services provided during the health fair and outreach programme.

To be hosted in all 10 administrative regions in Guyana, the first was held at the Stabroek Market Square, Georgetown which saw a large turnout.

According to technical staff, Caroline Hicks, within the Public Health Ministry, even though there are numerous health facilities in Guyana, it is of the belief of MOPH to show interest to Guyanese by coming out and actually meeting with them.

“The Ministry took a big portion at the event because we want to ensure that

Expenditure must be... from page 10

IMF

It was recently announced that Government has sought the assistance of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to provide technical assistance in capacity-building, to manage the resources.

A team from that international financial institution was on Tuesday introduced to Cabinet by Finance Minister Winston Jordan. The team leader informed Cabinet that Guyana has become eligible for assistance from the IMF under a donor-funded trust fund.

The team will also make an assessment of Government’s policy direction and meet with agencies and persons that would be responsible for managing the oil and gas sector, to enable it to determine the areas in which assistance could be provided.

Since news of the oil find was made public, much advice intended to prevent Government from being afflicted by the “oil curse” has been pouring in, and Guyana has repeatedly been warned to be careful with the use of the revenues that would flow from this promising sector.

Minister Lawrence chats with a member of the public during the medical outreach on Saturday at Stabroek Market Square

our nation, our people as a whole are healthy. We have many health posts, health centres, hospitals and so on but we believe in coming out to meet the people because allowing them to come to our health facilities alone, we are not capturing the younger ones and men,” Hicks explained Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence also visited the outreach on Saturday.

“We are going to be bring health to the people in all the various areas so this is

just the beginning because we want people to be healthy in Guyana but we want to be able to educate them,” the Minister told the media.

Lawrence noted that the response was overwhelming and one that she is happy about.

Also at the event on Saturday was Director of Sport, Christopher Jones who said the initiative is a multisectoral approach at promoting good health in the nation.

The Mayor of

Georgetown, Patricia Chase Green gave the initiative a thumb’s up.

“The Georgetown Municipality Public Health Section in collaboration with the Public Health Ministry is working to offer services to the public. People sometimes need on the spot medical attention so this health fair is really serving its purpose today and I hope that continuously along with the Public Health Ministry, we will be able to offer more,” she said.

14 news

SunDAY, july 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

High Court ruling

Anna's

President’s comments complement, not contradict, CJ’s ruling – MoTP Passive T acceptance by people he Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP) has said that President David Granger’s comments on the recent ruling handed down by the acting Chief Justice in regard to the requirements for appointing a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) did not contradict, but in fact complemented, the Court’s decision.

In a statement released on Saturday evening, the MoTP refuted any assertion that President Granger has rejected the ruling of acting Chief Justice Roxane GeorgeWiltshire on the case brought against Attorney General Basil Williams by private citizen Marcel Gaskin.

The MoTP pointed out that any contrary commentary to its assertion is clearly a deliberate misinterpretation of President Granger’s remarks.

“There is no indication that the Head of State ‘dismissed’ the Chief Justice’s ruling, or that (the President) does not observe the separation of powers between the Executive Branch of Government and

the Judiciary. In fact, what President Granger actually said is that he (would) continue to act according to the requirements of the Constitution,” the MoTP statement outlined.

Local businessman Marcel Gaskin, brother of Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, had asked the High Court to interpret the Constitution as it relates to the selection of a Chairman for GECOM, and the High has so done.

Speaking to members of the media last Wednesday, the Head of State said, “I will continue to act within my perception of the Constitution; that is to say, I will not appoint somebody that I do not consider ‘fit and proper’.”

The MoTP has stressed that the words ‘fit and proper’ are taken directly from Article 161 (2) of the Constitution of Guyana, and are an iteration of what the acting Chief Justice is reported to have said in her ruling based on her perception of that article.

“While the President believes that the Constitution was crafted the way it was to give preference to the ap-

President David Granger

pointment of ‘a person who holds or who has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth, or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court, or (someone) who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge’, he has never disagreed with the acting Chief Justice’s ruling, in that the Constitution clearly states that ‘any other fit and proper person’ can be appointed. President Granger’s comments complement, and

do not contradict, that ruling,” the MoTP has posited.

The MoTP has highlighted that, as early as January 2017, during a recording of The Public Interest, the President had said he believes that what the drafters of the Constitution had in mind was someone who had arrived at the position of a judge, as it is expected that that person would have been someone who possesses the qualities of impartiality, integrity and intelligence.

The President added that any ‘fit or proper person’ must approximate those qualities that characterise what is expected of a judge. The statement declared that President Granger further told media operatives last week that he remains committed to the spirit of the Constitution.

“I do not believe that anything that the Honourable Chief Justice said has diminished my regard for the word or the spirit of the Constitution. I do believe that the person must be independent, must be impartial, and I am looking for that independence and that impartiality,” the Head of State said days ago.

According to the MoTP statement, the Head of State remains committed to the separation of powers of the Executive and the Judiciary, and nothing in his word or actions has demonstrated anything otherwise.

Border, interior security...

FROM PAGE 3

Of recent, there have been several cases in which local mining camps have been attacked and robbed, reportedly by nationals crossing over from both Venezuela and Brazil.

In fact, only Monday last, a group of six heavily armed men terrorised and robbed a mining camp at Kartuni, Cuyuni River in Region Seven, of an undisclosed quantity of raw gold along with a shotgun and a 9mm pistol.

There were also reports of another camp owned by a popular Bartica businessman being raided and robbed on Tuesday morning. Again, the bandits made off with a quantity of raw gold.

The bandits were reportedly speaking fluent Portuguese and Spanish, which suggested that they are not Guyanese.

However, Minister Ramjattan told this newspaper that local law enforcement officials have not received any information or evidence to prove that these were foreign nationals carrying out the attacks.

In fact, he noted that they could very well be Guyanese who are bilingual, having lived in the neighbouring countries or close to the borders.

T

he ruling delivered by the High Court on how the Constitution should be interpreted when it comes to appointing a Chairman to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), was nonchalantly brushed aside by President Granger.

But of course while many were cheering to the Chief Justice, Roxane GeorgeWiltshire’s pronouncement, some of us remained unmoved as we awaited the typical slap-back from the PNC-led Government, and unsurprisingly, Granger didn’t disappoint us in this Anna Correia regard.

The man didn’t even bother with an embellished response; he simply dismissed the verdict by declaring: “I will act in accordance with my perception of the Constitution”.

What begs for worry is not so much the predictability of Granger’s response, but rather the passive acceptance of it by the people. When many were quick to march against the corrupt Smart City Solutions parking meter contract, few appear as moved today by the Government’s repeated violations of their Constitutional rights much less the president’s.

In the meanwhile, his minority party loyalists continue to cheer him on in his irrational governance of our country. Yet, this is the clearest Granger can make himself on how little he actually cares for our democratic rights, for the Law and for the founding text of our nation.

If he refuses to obey the Law and be guided by it, then he is setting precedence for and encouraging lawlessness by the Government of Guyana in a way never seen since the country’s first free and fair elections.

And by lifting himself above the Law, Granger has formally assumed that familiar posture flaunted by autocratic leaders – Burnham being no exception to the lot.

The President and his Government is paid to work for me and every single citizen of Guyana impartially. They are not paid so that we may debate and be hindered by their personal, unguided and unlearned perceptions, but rather, so that they may use our institutions for the greater common good and development of the nation.

Until such time as this would have been understood by our leaders, they cannot purport to represent the people nor have our interests at heart. And if our leaders are to slow to learn, then it is our role as a nation to teach them, the way we taught them in1992.

As someone said, “if we can March against parking meters then we can also March against violations of our Constitution.

Time to be vigilant and proactive. We have come too far to regress.”

Contact sundayarrow@gmail.com

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sunDAY, july 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Unlicensed driver Single father gets $50,000 bail on attempted B&E challenges charges A

A

West Bank Demerara (WBD) man late last week denied that he had operated a motorcycle whilst being an unlicenced driver.

Dwane Souvenir of Beauvosin, Canal Number One Polder, WBD appeared at the Wales Magistrate’s Court where he was accused of driving motorcycle CJ 199 at the Parafaite Harmonie, WBD Public Road without a driver’s licence on July 12.

Souvenir, whose listed occupation was given as a welder, denied the offence.

He was also charged with breach of insurance by way of not having a driver’s licence but the Beauvosin resident said that he was not guilty of the charges saying that he was never caught riding the bike.

The WBD man told the court that at the time Police saw him at Parafaite Harmonie, he was pushing the motorcycle.

This was premised on his claim that the vehicle could not start. He was released on his own recognisance and will make his next court on August 31.

man, who has had several brushes with the law, has made yet another court appearance on similar accusations. Julius Branker, of Amelia’s Ward, Linden was granted $50,000 bail for the attempted break and enter and larceny at the dwelling house of Patricia Haynes of Wismar, Linden.

The single father of two, who appeared in court with his hand in a sling, denied the offence and claimed that he was assaulted by Police.

“Them Police beat me up, Corporal (name provided) slap me up,” Branker told Magistrate Clive Nurse

at the Wales Magistrate Court on Thursday.

In considering the accused’s pre-trial liberty, Magistrate Nurse observed that Branker had several matters before the court. Branker’s case was transferred to the Linden

Magistrate’s Court where he will make his next appearance on August 21.

On one his recent spats with the law, the Amelia’s Ward resident was charged with break and enter and larceny, at the dwelling house of Deanna Emanuel

and Marquita DeSouza of Amelia’s Ward. This alleged theft had occurred in March 2017. He had pleaded not guilty and had been remanded to prison until April this year but was granted bail at a subsequent hearing.

16 news

SunDAY, july 23, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Fighting back against depression, suicide

By Jarryl Bryan

T

he suicide of Linkin Park lead vocalist, Chester Bennington, has left fans throughout the world reeling. Many never saw it coming. But in Guyana, this country has been confronting this public health issue for quite some time.

According to updated statistics provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Guyana is overall the fourth leading country in the world with deaths by suicide. On a per capita basis, Guyana is actually the most suicide prone country.

It does not have to be this way. Over the years, the Health Ministry and now renamed Public Health Ministry, has either launched initiatives to combat suicide or partnered with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to bring awareness to the general public and offer solutions.

This publication encountered one such collaborative initiative recently. We encountered the Mental Health Unit of the Public Health Ministry, which is the recognised authority treating and counselling patients suffering from mental illnesses.

Representatives of the Unit were present at a health fair held at the Courtyard Mall, Robb Street, Georgetown, that was arranged by Home Care Solutions, a private compa-

ny started by young entrepreneur Abbigale Loncke. Loncke was one of four Guyanese selected to take part in former President Barack Obama’s 2016 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI).

These representatives gave some insight into the causes of suicide and preventative measures that concerned family and friends can take.

Warning signs

For one, suicide is often preceded with signs in the victim's life that all is not well.

According to Mental Health Officer, Malinda Blaise, one of the biggest warning signs is someone withdrawing themself from the company of friends and family.

“So basically, (one) of the warning signs that you're going to see is isolation,” she explained. “Also one of the biggest ones is you might see someone giving away prized possessions (or) someone who is surprisingly, very happy.”

And then there is depression. The term depression, which comes from the Latin verb deprimere meaning “to press down”, is a mental disorder linked to physical symptoms such as loss of appetite and weight, head and body aches and digestive problems. It is also linked to suicide.

“Depression is one of the major indicators of suicide,” Blaise said. “So when you see someone (displaying) the

will get over it. They don’t get over it. So what you should do is try to get them to come out.”

“Get them back to doing their normal routine,” James advised. “Sometimes family cannot do that because is hard, they don’t listen to family. So you can get a professional involved. Health cen-

Even children got involved in activities, as they pose for a picture holding a frame with the theme “Let’s Talk”

symptoms of depression, like isolation, withdrawal, feeling sad or blue for three weeks or more, they’re not interacting, they’re not doing the things that they use to love, those are the signs you want to be looking for.”

At the other side of the spectrum, even sudden happiness can be an indicator of suicidal intent. Blaise explained that the belief that someone who was very happy cannot be a victim of suicide was actually a misconception.

Sometimes, she noted, a fleeting burst of happiness can precede someone taking their own life.

“People say, well I would never have imagined she or he or they would do this, because they were so happy.

And often times the reason they were so happy is because they knew they were about to take their own lives and they

Workers from the Public Health Ministry’s Mental Health Unit

don't have to deal with the stress.”

Never ignore

In recognising signs, the Unit also gave advice to persons on what to do if they see the signs exhibited by someone. According to another staff at the Mental Health Unit, Ms James, family is usually the first to observe a change in a suicidal person’s routine. James described a formerly outgoing individual suddenly ensconced in their room, as a red flag.

“When someone recognises those signs, they can do an intervention as a family,” she said. “In Guyana, we put (red flags) aside and say, they

tres have doctors (and) nurses trained in mental health issues.”

She advised that persons seek recourse at the Georgetown Public Hospital if these interventions were unsuccessful. But the health worker stressed that whatever one does, ignoring signs of depression and suicide in someone on the assumption that it was a phase was the wrong thing to do.

“You don’t ignore. You don’t put aside. You do something. Tell someone. You may know a nurse, a doctor. (Tell them) your family is like this, not eating, not drinking, doesn’t want to bathe and all of these things. Don’t say it

will pass over, because often times it (leads) to self-harm.”

She noted too the importance of recognising that a person with suicidal tendencies may be going through trouble in their lives not necessarily brought on by mental illness. James posited that the resolution of these problems may be all that is needed to lift an individual out of depression.

James also linked alcohol abuse to depression. She stated that while men may be averse to talking about their problems out of fear that their masculinity will be questioned, they too can hurt and may turn to drinking for comfort instead of confronting the source of that hurt.

There is always help for potential victims. One example of easily accessible help is a youth group called the Red Ribbon Guyana that launched a social media campaign about suicide prevention. That campaign had been specifically tailored for youths, allowing them to write about why they loved their life and to facilitate an open discussion about suicide.

And of course, there is the Guyana Interagency Suicide Prevention Help Line. It can be reached on telephone numbers 223-0001, 223-0009, 600-7896, 623-4444; email: guyagency@yahoo.com, BBM PINS: 2BE55649, 2BE56020 Twitter: guyanaagency; WhatsApp: +592-600-7896, 592-623-4444.

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SunDAY, july 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Younge’s Take Contrived controversies and distractions

G

uyana is a strange country with strange politicians and an even more strange democracy. Its Parliament and National Assembly serve as the centre stage for a new brand of puerile, vengeful and immature politics which has its genesis in the chaos created by the then Opposition in 2010 and 2011 that culminated in a minority Government.

The Police are strange and certain officials who serve at the highest levels of various parts of the country’s Judiciary have a tendency to hand down very peculiar and semi-controversial rulings depending on the issue at hand.

Recently, Minister of State Joseph Harmon announced that there will be a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the alleged plot to assassinate President David Michael Younge Granger. The CoI, he reasoned at a media conference, is specifically focused on assessing the conduct of the Guyana Police Force as far as completely and properly investigating the alleged plot to shoot Granger is concerned.

It is also focused on exposing all of the actors and details related to the alleged plot publicly and determining whether there were systemic and personnel issues that could have hampered a thorough probe. Retired Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Slowe has since been selected to lead the inquiry, and the Terms of Reference have been drawn up and made public.

The work of the CoI begun with a testimony and the subsequent cross examination of Andriff Gilliard, who claims that he was offered $6 million to kill President Granger which he turned down. Gilliard, sprung to instant fame locally and abroad, after he was parachuted into the studios of HGPTV Nightly News to share details of the interesting plot. He told the CoI the very same story that he had shared with the media and lawmen, but this time, he added more flavour and other supporting circumstantial information.

Two Police Officers, who investigated, have also testified before the CoI and several other high-ranking security officials who had a part to play in the general probe of the plot are also slated to testify over the next few days. All of this is taking place even though the Police Force is still actively investigating the very same alleged plot and seeking advice from its legal advisor and the Director of Public Prosecutions. It is also interesting to note that the CoI was put together without all details being made public about the amount to be expended on the venture. No one knows how or why Slowe was selected. No one knows why the Government saw it fit for an ex-Policeman to investigate the current Police bureaucracy as opposed to a qualified civilian or competent member of civil society.

That aside, the CoI in general is in bad taste because it seeks to put Policemen on trial in the court of public opinion for their actions or lack thereof when the initial Police probe has not been completed. It therefore has the possibility of influencing the outcome of the probe because the lawmen investigating will feel compelled to charge or prosecute somebody for this plot, even if they do not have the requisite evidence that has surpassed the test of judicial scrutiny. In other words, they are doomed if they do and doomed if they don’t.

And the truth is Gilliard appears to be a sketchy personality. His tale about an alleged plot is not being backed up by any supporting evidence against the individuals that he has implicated. The Police have no evidence so far. No recordings or witnesses of this contract to kill the President have been referred to or made public by the investigators or Gilliard, yet the Government saw the need to fund a CoI. While any threat against the President’s life must be dealt with seriously, the Government appears to have special interest in this particular case even though it falls significantly short of the ingredients of an interesting Nancy Drew mystery.

It would not be surprising for a climax to occur during the CoI proceedings and the public is informed that some Opposition politician may have had a hand in the plot or that either the whistle-blower or his accusers are somehow linked to some personality close to or related to a People’s Progressive Party official. Something is amiss and sooner or later, the public must prepare itself for some drama to unfold in this matter.

The Government knows more than it is currently telling the public and it might be because the current Administration, as is believed by many, is the brainchild of this contrived controversy to sway public attention from its successive blunders and incompetence with respect to the economy. It is also believed that the CoI is being held to distract people from the slew of procurement corruption scandals and the President’s inability to abide by the Constitution as far as appointing a GECOM Chairman is concerned.

Now that the jailbreak has occurred and there is soon to be another scandal surrounding the operations of a major oil exploration company here, there will be many more CoIs, contrived controversies and manufactured distractions devised by the Government. The populace must be ever watchful, the Government does not want them to see something that has the potential to shake the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change to its core and brings its legitimacy into question once more.

Dynamic Airways to offer daily flights from November … despite bankruptcy proceedings

A

lthough, Dynamic International Airways has filed for bankruptcy in the United States, the chartered service is expected to offer daily flights between New York and Guyana from November.

This was revealed by Roraima Airways Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Dynamic’s local representative, Captain Gerald Gouveia, in an interview with Guyana Times on Thursday.

He noted that the airlines will be offering daily flights from Guyana to the US from mid-November this year.

Dynamic Airlines presently operates five flights on a weekly basis to Guyana and will soon extend its services to China.

Captain Gouveia stated that the presence of Dynamic Airlines in the country broadens the scope

of travel choice of Guyanese.

“It’s good that Guyanese have choices, Guyanese have choices to fly with other airlines. But dynamic would be glad to have vital service to Guyana connecting New

in areas of cabin crew and engineering.

“We are looking forward to a long and fruitful service, this has been three years in the making and Dynamic will be here for a

Local representative of Dynamic Airways, Gerald Gouveia

Local representative of Dynamic Airways, Gerald Gouveia

York and Guyana,” he said.

Gouveia further relayed that the international airline is pleased to be contributing to the economic development of the country by creating jobs for Guyanese

long time…” Gouveia said.

Meanwhile, the airline had filed for bankruptcy under the voluntary chapter 11 petition with the United States Bankruptcy Court in North Carolina to keep its

business alive.

This chapter of the Bankruptcy Code generally provides for reorganisation while allowing a debtor to propose a plan of reorganisation to keep its business alive and pay creditors over time.

This decision was reportedly taken in light of the airline being riddled with litigations and includes the lawsuits from Hajj flights that Dynamic operated in 2014 for Air India.

18 Around the world SunDAY, july 23, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Violence flares in Caracas Trump insists he has 'complete power' to pardon at anti-Maduro march

U

President Donald Trump

S President Donald Trump has insisted he has the "complete power" to pardon people, amid reports he is considering presidential pardons for family members, aides and even himself.

A Democratic Party spokesman has called the reports "extremely disturbing".

The US authorities are probing possible collusion between the Trump team and Russia. Intelligence agencies think Russia tried to help Trump to power. Russia denies

this, and the president says there was no collusion.

The Washington Post reported on Thursday that Trump and his team were looking at ways to pardon people close to him. Presidents can pardon people before guilt is established or even before the person is charged with a crime.

Describing the reports as disturbing, Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat who sits on the House Intelligence Committee, said "pardoning any individuals who may have been involved would be crossing a fundamental line". On Saturday, Trump tweeted: "While all agree the US President has the complete power to pardon, why think of that when only crime so far is LEAKS against us.

FAKE NEWS." Trump also attacked "illegal leaks" following reports his attorney general discussed campaign-related matters with a Russian envoy.

The Washington Post gave an account of meetings Attorney General Jeff Sessions held with the Russian ambassador to the US, Sergey Kislyak. The newspaper quoted current and former US officials who cited intelligence intercepts of Kislyak's version of the encounter to his superiors. (BBC)

Demonstrators run away while rallying against Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro’s Government in Caracas

V

enezuelan soldiers on motorbikes fired teargas at hundreds of masked and stone-throwing youths in Caracas on Saturday during the latest protest against President Nicolas Maduro.

The Democratic Unity co-

alition had called a march on the pro-Maduro Supreme Court in support of alternative magistrates appointed by the opposition on Friday. But security forces blocked their way with armored cars and riot shields.

Clashes ensued, injur-

ing several people including student protester Wuilly Arteaga, who has become famous for playing his violin in front of security lines.

Paramedics attended Arteaga in the street as blood poured down his face, witnesses said.

"Repression is the only way this regime keeps itself in power," opposition lawmaker Luis Florido said at the march, blaming the Maduro Government for the latest violence.

The opposition coalition and a self-styled youthled "Resistance" movement launched protests in early April against Maduro whom they accuse of turning Venezuela into a dictatorship and wrecking what should be a prosperous economy. He says demonstrators are seeking a coup with US support.

(Reuters)

Murdered girl's family Iran announces new Home Alone actor dies beg for US visa to missile production line T attend funeral I

T

he family of an 11-year-old girl murdered last week in New Jersey have implored President Donald Trump to let them into the US to attend her funeral.

AbbieGail Smith was allegedly stabbed in the neck by her neighbour while taking out the rubbish on 12 July.

Her father, Kenroy Smith, was deported from the US to Jamaica in 2001 following a cannabis arrest.

Last week Mr Trump intervened to help grant visas to Afghan students who wished to attend a US robotics event.

"Please let me see my daughter for the last day before she goes under," said Smith in a tearful video, ahead of her funeral on Monday.

AbbieGail's big sister, Kenish, has been denied a visa to enter the country from Jamaica to attend the funeral.

A spokesman for the US Department of State would not confirm the status of their visas, citing confidentiality.

"All visa applications are adjudicated on a caseby-case basis in accordance with the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and other applicable laws", the official said in a statement to the BBC. AbbieGail's body was found the day after she vanished, wrapped in a blanket on the rooftop of her apartment building in the town of Keansburg.

Her 18-year-old neighbour, Andreas Erazo, was arrested hours later and charged with her death.

(BBC)

AbbieGail Smith

ran announced the launch of a new missile production line on Saturday, according to state media, against a backdrop of tension between the United States and Tehran.

The Sayyad thre missile can reach an altitude of 27 km (16 miles) and travel up to 120 km (74 miles), Iranian defense minister Hossein Dehghan said at a ceremony.

The missile can target fighter planes, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles and helicopters, Dehghan said.

Last week, the United States slapped new economic sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missile program, and said Tehran's "malign activities" in the Middle East undercut any "positive contributions" coming from

T&TEC to pay driver $1M for forceful retirement

T

he T&T Electricity Commission (T&TEC) has been ordered to pay $1 million in compensation to a driver who was unfairly forced to retire on medical grounds after suffering a mild heart attack in 2011.

The Industrial Court made the order in a 25page judgment delivered at its headquarters in Port-ofSpain on Thursday morning.

In their judgment, Industrial Court judges Kathleen George-Marcelle and Janice ChristopherNicholls agreed with the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) that the company had not followed the proper process when it forced the worker to retire in June 2012.

While the worker’s name was mentioned throughout

the judgment, both he and his attorney requested that his name be withheld for fear of being targeted by criminals interested in his windfall.

The court held that the company failed to find an alternative position for worker, based its decision on a medical report that was not comprehensive and failed to consult with the worker before it made its decision.

“The employer seems to have disregarded the worker’s 19 years of service to the company and treated the worker in a less than humane manner,” ChristopherNicholls said in the judgment.

While the driver was seeking over $3.8 million in damages for his loss of earnings inclusive of potential overtime, the court agreed to the reduced figure. (T&T Guardian)

a 2015 Iran nuclear accord.

The measures signaled that the administration of President Donald Trump was seeking to put more pressure on Iran while keeping in place the agreement between Tehran and six world powers to curb its nuclear program in return for lifting international oil and financial sanctions.

Those sanctioned had backed Iran's military or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps by developing drones and military equipment, producing and maintaining boats, and procuring electronic components, it said.

Others had "orchestrated the theft of US and Western software programs" sold to Iran's Government, the Treasury Department said.

(Reuters)

he actor John Heard, best known for his role in the Home Alone films, has died at the age of 71.

Heard was found dead on Friday in his hotel room in Palo Alto, California, according to celebrity news website TMZ. The Santa Clara medical examiner’s office confirmed the death. The cause is unknown.

Heard had reportedly been staying at the hotel after “minor back surgery” this week.

“Our officers responded with the Fire Department to a hotel in our city on a report of a person in need of medical aid,” the Palo Alto police department said.

“The person was determined to be deceased. While still under investigation, the death is not considered suspicious at this time.”

Actor John Heard (Getty image)

Arguably Heard’s most memorable role was as Peter McCallister, the father of Macaulay Culkin’s character in the Home Alone films, in the 1990s.

But he first started acting in the 1970s, appearing on the stage, on television and in film. (BBC)

Mom forgives killer cop …Policeman found guilty for murder of teen in 2007

A

ngella Hutchinson, mother of the 18-yearold boy who was killed by the police in 2007, said she has forgiven the officer who was yesterday found guilty of her son's death and wishes him no ill will.

“I have no grudge against Mark Russell because even at times when I go to church I also pray for him so that God can have his way with him, and I am not saying this because he is guilty; I am saying this because God assured me last Friday that I have a God who never fails.

King Jesus never fails,” a very emotional Hutchinson told the Jamaica Observer moments after the guilty verdict.

The former Police constable, who was stationed at the Hunt's Bay Police Station in Kingston, was

Angella Hutchinson reacts after the Policeman accused of killing her son was found guilty on Friday (Photo: Tanesha Mundle)

found guilty of the murder of Ravi Thompson in the home circuit court in downtown Kingston.

The 34-year-old resident of Linstead St Catherine, who appeared to be in a daze,

was convicted after the jury of five women and two men deliberated for nearly five hours, arriving at a 5-2 majority verdict.

Prosecutor Jeremy Taylor, Senior Deputy Director Of Public Prosecutions, led evidence that Russell assisted former colleague Morris Lee to shoot and kill Thompson after he was first shot during an exchange of fire between a joint police/military team and gunmen on alexander road in Kingston.

The court heard evidence from three soldiers that Russell took lee's gun and placed it in Thompson's hand and discharged the weapon before lee shot the teenager on Darling Street, while Thompson was being transported to Kingston public hospital. . (Jamaica Observer)

sunDAY, july 23, 2017

19

Froome set to clinch 4 th Tour de France C

hris Froome effectively clinched his fourth Tour de France title after finishing third on the penultimate stage of the race in Marseille.

Briton Froome finished six seconds behind stage winner Maciej Bodnar.

The 32-year-old took time out of all his major yellow jersey rivals on a 22.5km individual time trial.

The Team Sky rider will not have his lead attacked on Sunday's processional final stage into Paris and will win the race for the third successive year.

"It just was just an amazing feeling to finish in this atmosphere in this stadium," Froome told ITV4 afterwards.

"Three weeks of racing are almost at an end - we've still got to get to Paris but this is an amazing feeling."

Earlier on Saturday, the women's race - La Course by Le Tour - was won by Dutch cyclist Annemiek van Vleuten.

In an unusual pursuit format, she managed to hold off a group of three riders that included Britain's Lizzie Deignan to ensure that she won both of the two stages of the race.

Deignan outsprinted Italy's Elisa Longo Borghini to claim second. (BBC)

Shock findings thrust mental health into soccer spotlight

T

he issue of mental health in soccer was thrown back into the spotlight this week as figures released in Norway showed that four in 10 of the nation's elite soccer players have suffered from anxiety and depression.

NISO, the representative organisation for Norway's professional players, took part in a survey in 2015 organised by global players' union FIFPro, and the local results shocked NISO boss Joachim Walltin, who called it "a matter of life and death".

"I think we could help turn many of them around if we could talk to them about it, and they could get help at an early stage," Walltin said.

A number of high-profile players have spoken out on the subject, including former England international Steven Caulker, of Championship club Queens Park Rangers, who in June described his own struggle with mental illness and addiction.

The Norwegian survey results showed that 43.8 percent of respondents said they suffered from anxiety or depression, with almost a quarter having trouble sleeping and close to seven percent saying they had a problematic relationship with alcohol.

The symptoms are familiar to Thorstein Andersen Aase, who turned

have the mental talents, too, and that's not necessarily true."

Worried that he would be dropped if he told his coaches about his mental issues, Aase struggled on but he eventually decided to quit Stabaek, dropping down to Norway's third tier to play with friends at the KFUM club in Oslo, and his love for the game returned.

Relieved

A boy jumps to catch the ball in a soccer field beside the Guaiba lake in Porto Alegre

his back on top-flight football in his early 20s after suffering from a prolonged bout of anxiety about his performances.

"It was a time where the faults in my motivation progressed into symptoms that could represent depression and angst, but as soon as I stopped playing they were gone," he told Reuters in a telephone interview.

"The following day I slept like a baby, and I hadn't slept well for a year and a half."

Not mentally prepared

Widely regarded as one of the top young talents in Norwegian football, Aase broke through early at top-flight club Stabaek, but though he felt he was ready technically and tactically, he was not mentally prepared for the step up.

"The change to senior

football is tough. Making that change at 16, 17, 18, 19 is demanding and you often do so without the clubs having the competence to help," he explained.

"My experience is that it all depends on the circumstances; I was always well looked-after socially, but I had other personal needs that weren't taken care of because the club didn't know. They were never examined."

The 25-year-old said that clubs must now focus more on the mental well-being of players, rather than solely concentrating on their physical health.

"There is a selection hypothesis (in sport) that forms the basis, and that studies have shown to be wrong, namely that if you are selected for your technical and tactical talents, then you automatically

Many would be disappointed at having to abandon their dream of becoming a professional player, but not Aase.

"I am relieved, because (the life of a soccer professional) doesn't suit me," he explained. "You have to go a long way back to find the crossroads, the point where I looked forward to a long life as a football player.

"I have good friends who play abroad and for the national team, and I see that many of them are very happy with life. At the same time, I hear and see many who don't have the same opinion of it when they are pros as they had beforehand."

Now studying psychology, Aase said the key to helping the talents of the future lies in looking after the individual's needs, rather than just the team's.

"We have to think about building carefully, not just thinking about the technical and the tactical, but

also the individual mental talent," he said.

"I'm not saying we should let everyone do as they want, but we are a

long way from a good middle way where we tailor the environment to individuals, and how we can help them." (Reuters)

Man City agree £52M deal for Monaco’s Mendy

M

anchester City have agreed a £52 million deal for Monaco defender Benjamin Mendy.

The 23-year-old France left-back, who joined Monaco from Marseille last summer, played 34 times for the club last season and helped them to their first Ligue 1 title in 17 years.

His fee would eclipse the initial £45m paid by City for right-back Kyle Walker earlier this month and the £47.5m deal for centre-back John Stones last summer.

City have not yet confirmed the deal.

Mendy would become the Premier League club's fourth major signing of the summer and take their spending to more than £175m, following the recruitment of England international Walker, Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva (£43m) and Brazilian keeper Ederson Moraes (£35m).

City are also interested in Real Madrid's 26-year-old Brazil right-back Danilo.

Before Thursday's

Benjamin Mendy is set to become the third most expensive Premier League signing of the summer

pre-season game against Manchester United in Houston, manager Pep Guardiola said the club were talking to "three or four" more players."They are young players, with the next three, four, five years in mind," the Spaniard added.

"We have options for players coming but until the deal is done, out of respect for the other clubs, I cannot say anything." (BBC)

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guyanatimesGY.com

sunDAY, july 23, 2017

ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup Final

India's chance to spur a revolution E

ngland start as favourites to lift their fourth Women's World Cup title at Lord's on Sunday, but face an Indian side high on confidence after knocking out defending champions Australia in the semi-finals.

Indian middle order batsman Harmanpreet Kaur took centre stage with an unbeaten 171 and was backed by a disciplined performance by her bowlers as India pulled off a 36-run upset win over six-time world champions Australia.

England, captained by Heather Knight, edged out South Africa by two wickets in the other semi-final, and hold the head-to-head advantage over India in the 50-over format at World Cups, with six wins to the visitors' four.

But the Indian squad's ability to grind out results under pressure will not have gone unnoticed, least of all by the English, who were beaten by India by 35 runs in their first match of the tournament.

Since that defeat the hosts have won seven matches in a row to reach the final.

Knight and opening batsman Tammy Beaumont have been consistent at the top of the order, scoring 750 runs in the tournament so far, while the reliable Natalie Sciver at number four is the only player to have recorded two centuries.

India, skippered by Mithali Raj, are chasing their first World Cup title and are known for their strong batting lineup, but it is their spin bowling trio that has wreaked the most havoc during the tournament.

Off-spinner Deepti Sharma has been the key to their success in the middle overs, picking up 12 wickets on her World Cup debut.

Sharma has been backed by leg-spinner Poonam Yadav and left-arm spinner Ekta Bisht, who decimated Pakistan with a five-wicket haul earlier in the tournament.

Raj and veteran fast bowler Jhulan Goswami are the only two members from

England’s captain Heather Knight and India’s Captain Mithali Raj hold the prized trophy

the last Indian side that reached a World Cup final -- when they lost to Australia in 2005.

"It seems like it's going back to 2005, and I am just too happy that the girls have given us an opportunity to be a part of World Cup finals again," Raj said after the semi-final victory.

"They have performed well throughout the tournament in the run-up to the finals.

Playing the hosts is going to be a challenge but, having said that, this unit is up for it."

(Reuters) India Squad: Mithali Raj(c),

Guyanese cricketers turn up at whiteball inter-county

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Royston Crandon

hey were tagged the underdogs just before the commencement of the Dassy in association with Dent Wizard and PGI Limited whiteball four-team inter-county competition last Saturday, but they proved that that tag was wrong with a comprehensive seven-wicket win against Berbice in the championship game at Keele Top, Toronto.

Berbice, who defeated Essequibo in an intense semi-final showdown, took first strike at the invitation of the all-Stars side, but struggled to 127 all out off 19.3 overs; while the All-Stars, in response, romped home with 7.3 overs to spare.

There was a procession of wickets by the Berbicians as they were placed dangerously at 45-6, but a responsible 33 from skipper Looknauth Ramsuchit and a supportive 23 from Linden Persaud helped give Berbice a respectable total.

Once the cream of the Berbice batting was back in the hut, including

Hemnarine Chattergoon, Riaz Kadir, Yadram Bogh, Damodar Daesrath, the innings never suggested full recovery.

Bholanauth Sukhu and Rabindra Diaram bowled in tandem, and also with precision. Sukhu was impressive with 3-16 from his allotted four overs, while Diaram claimed 2-19 from his four separated overs.

They were superbly backed up by an unlikely bowling star, Royston Crandon, a former Guyana and West Indies player.

Crandon was able to break the 51run seven-wicket stand between the fluent Ramsuchit and Persaud, and finished with 2-16 off 2.3 overs.

When the Canadian All-Stars batted, they began their chase in belligerent fashion, as Farouk Hussain (29) hit four towering sixes and featured in an aggressive 49-run first-wicket alliance with Harrienarine Chattergoon (03). Captain Anil Ramotar came in at number three, and continued the flamboyant approach by contributing a steady 18.

At 71-3 from 6.5 overs, Crandon and Zaheer Allard formalized things by scoring an unbeaten 33 and 28-not-out respectively without further fuss in glorious sunshine.

In the other semis, All-Stars got the better of Demerara in a closely-fought match as well.

At the presentation ceremony just after the game, the All-Star boys received a trophy and Cds$2,000, while the runners-up took home a trophy and Cds$1,000.

Ramotar was adjudged the best batsman overall, having accumulated 84 runs from two innings; while Kadir captured the best bowler overall, for taking five wickets from two games as well.

For the championship encounter, Sukhu was named the best bowler and Crandon the best batsman. Each

Harmanpreet Kaur, Veda Krishnamurthy, Mona Meshram, Punam Raut, Deepti Sharma, Jhulan Goswami, Shikha Pandey, Ekta Bisht, Sushma Verma, Mansi Joshi, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Poonam Yadav, Nuzhat Parween, Smriti Mandhana Engalnd Squad: Heather Knight(c), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Georgia Elwiss, Jenny Gunn, Alex Hartley, Danielle Hazell, Beth Langston, Laura Marsh, Anya Shrubsole, Natalie Sciver, Sarah Taylor, Fran Wilson, Danielle Wyatt, Lauren Winfield

Williams, Bright told to keep aiming higher at AAG Appreciation Ceremony

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eep aiming for the stars; the only way for you is up from here. If I retire (as AAG president) today, I will retire a proud man, as you have created a legacy in athletics for Guyana.”

Those were the words a deeply gratified Aubrey Hutson, president of the AAG, told Daniel Williams and Chantoba Bright on Friday evening at the Association’s Headquarters, as he congratulated the two athletes who returned on Wednesday

Daniel Williams being presented with a plaque as a token of appreciation from the AAG

Damodar Daesrath

collected a trophy. Sukhu was also named the Most Valuable Player, and he carted off a trophy for this feat.

Organizer of the one-day softball extravaganza, Daesrath, said he was overwhelmed with the day’s activities, and thanked the teams for their participation.

The former Guyana skipper also reserved special mention for the main and supporting sponsors, and promised to make the inter-county competition an annual affair.

Daesrath also expressed his gratitude to all those who would have contributed towards the success of Saturday’s 20-over per-a-side exhibition.

The other sponsors of the day’s activities were: Trophy Stall, Caribbean Heat Restaurant, T&S Enterprise, Caribbean Lyme Restaurant, 24Hrs Glass System, JDG Tooling, Canadian Surplus Guyana, and Hawaiian Arctic.

(Ravi Madholall in Toronto)

AAG member James Cole presenting a plaque to Chantoba Bright

morning from competing in the IAAF World U-18 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) held a small appreciation ceremony for these two athletes, and they were roundly congratulated for their performances by various council members, including well known referee, boxing judge and commentator Keith Campbell, who also told the two young athletes that they are making Guyana proud, and also assured them that once they keep churn-

ing out those kinds of results, they would be picked to represent Guyana on the international stage.

“We are proud of you.

Keep working hard, and we will ensure that you represent Guyana on the international stage,” Campbell promised.

Also present at the ceremony was Andrea Foster, who competed at the World Championships in Beijing, China in 2015. Saying she knows how hard it is for athletes to gain support to go out there and compete, Foster urged Williams and Bright to aim higher, as “you can turn that World Championship Medal on your neck into an Olympic Gold Medal in 2020.”

Williams won silver in the male 400m event with his personal best time of 46.72s, which is now Guyana’s National Youth Record and the South American Youth Record. Bright did not medal, but performed well among a field of 15 competitors in the long jump event. She is now ranked fifth in the world among the youth jumpers.

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Eighth Boyce/Jefford Classic launched in Linden set for Aug 12-13

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he United States of America cricket team will play two matches against Hero Caribbean Premier League sides in the lead up to the tournament-hosting four games in Lauderhill, Florida on August 5 and 6.

The practice matches will take place at the Central Broward Regional Stadium. The first game will see Team USA play the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at 10:00h on August 2. The second will see the USA take on the Jamaica Tallawahs at 10:00h on August 3.

The Hero CPL sides feature some of the biggest names in cricket with the Tallawahs having the likes of Kumar Sangakkara and Shakib Al Hasan in their squad and the Patriots have the talents of Chris Gayle, Ben Cutting and Samuel Badree at their disposal.

USA Chairman of Selectors, Ricardo Powell said: “These matches are a great opportunity for Team USA to compete against some of the best in the world. Initiatives such as these are of critical importance for the development of our playing group and we are grateful to the CPL, St. Kitts Patriots and Jamaica Tallawahs for arranging these practice matches in the lead up to the USA-leg of the tournament.”

Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of Hero CPL, said: “The Hero CPL is firmly committed to spreading the game of cricket in the USA and these matches are just another example of this. We see so much potential for growth of cricket in the USA and we want to make sure we are doing all we can to help that cause.”

The Team USA squad reads: Fahad Babar, Syed Abdullah, Roy Silva, Davion Davidson, Nisarg Patel, Mrunal Patel, Camilus Alexander, Jaskaran Malhotra, Elmore Hutchinson, Jasdeep Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Muhammad Ghous, Usman Rafiq and Japen Patel. (CPLT20)

YOUR

GUYANA TIMES in your area?

sports

Facilitator of the camp, Narayan Ramdhani, (at extreme left) with some of the participants of the camp

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he two-week badminton camp sponsored by the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) and the Ministry of Education’s Unit of Allied Arts, which was run from July 10th to 21st, concluded on Friday.

Conducted by certified tutor/coach and national senior player Narayan Ramdhani, the camp was intended to expose and develop the skills of players. Players were exposed to learning basic badminton skills; and to end off in a very competitive way, the camp concluded with a mini tournament which saw Domitre Rankin defeating Shamar Bruce 21-19 to win the final, while third place went to Angelie Balram and fourth place went to Amelia Balram. Narayan awarded a racquet to each winner and runner-up.

Home on holiday from his scholarship programme in Vancouver Canada, Narayan is training at the Shuttlesport Badminton Academy and pursuing his degree at Douglas College.

The GBA is extremely happy to have conducted this camp, as it saw participation of players from all parts of the country. Thus the GBA is hoping to host a bigger camp next year.

In the meantime, the organisations involved in hosting the training camp wish to extend special thanks to Nicholas Fraser; Errol Nelson of Banks DIH, for refreshments provided; the National Sports Commission, for the use of the Gymnasium; and Tutor/Coach Narayan Ramdhani, for conducting the event.

(L-R) Technical Director Mark Scott, Director of Sport Christopher Jones, Edison Jefford, Colin Boyce, Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland

S

takeholders of the Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic on Friday launched the eighth tournament of this classic at Chicken’s Stag Bar on Republic Avenue, Linden.

Some 21 international athletes will be competing against Guyana’s best on August 12-13 at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground.

Present at the launch, Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, commended the organisers for hosting the event for the past eight years. Jones believes that continuity of these Championships in Linden indicates the high level of commitment the organisers have to the community.

“The statistics will show you how much talent resides in Linden, and the National Sports Commission recognises this potential and thus lends support. Essentially, this activity is home grown and Linden-based,” Jones highlighted.

“Linden has been starved for resources.

Lending support to the Classic is important to us as an Administration. Boyce and Jefford, I want to commend you, and ask that you ensure your Classic goes beyond eight years,” he added.

Jones said he is certain each athlete in the current crop of athletes in and out of Linden would have passed through the Classic. He said these are the types of programmes to identify talent for the next level, and encouraged more persons to develop such activities.

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland echoed sentiments similar to Jones’s when he said he was happy to see the Classic being staged in Linden for yet another year. “Speaking on behalf of the Linden community, we are heartened to have this event here again,” Holland said.

He believes that continued effort of the organisers to remain steadfast with a signature event in Linden shows enormous commitment to the community of Linden. Holland pleaded with ‘Lindeners’ to come out in their numbers and show appreciation for the consistent confidence the Classic’s organisers have shown to

the community.

“These men have extended their arms to Linden, and it is only fitting that we embrace them. I am very pleased to be here at this launch today, and I wish you all the best, and encourage all Linden to come out and support this event,” Holland said.

Apart from Guyanese athletes, the athletes confirmed to compete in Linden next month are from eight countries: the United States of America, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, The Bahamas, St. Lucia, Martinique and, for the first time at the meet, Uganda and Barbados.

This is according to Chairman of the Boyce/Jefford Committee, Colin Boyce, who said those athletes will match strides with Guyana’s best from the participating clubs. He said that what was done is to match the talent here with overseas-based athletes.

According to Boyce, because of the continued absence of a synthetic track in Linden, the meet’s organisers are left with no choice other than to invite ‘B’ Standard athletes to participate. Boyce said the meet is headed for the next level when the track is constructed in Linden.

The clubs will compete for $2 million in cash, with $1 million allotted to the winner; $500,000 to second place; $300,000 to third place, and $200,000 to fourth place. In addition, the competition has six international events, including the male and female 200m, male 800m, female 1500m and the male and female Long Jump.

Each of the international events carries at US$500 purse, with US$250 for the winner; US$150 to second placed, and US$100 for third. The male and female champion athletes will also run away with $50,000 each.

Eight gate prizes will, moreover, be given away to lucky ticket holders. Children’s tickets are available at ZSK Beverage Depot for only for $500, while all other tickets would cost $1000 at the venue on the day. Movements Sound, DJ Winston, Father Moey and Determine Immortal Sound will be providing entertainment throughout the event.

Allicock in contention for Gold at Commonwealth Youth Games

G

uyana’s promising young boxer Keevin Allicock is in contention to win either gold or silver in his Boys 52 Kg weight class.

Allicock who is participating in the Commonwealth Youth Games in Bahamas won his semi-final bout against Canadian Jordan Mathieu on Friday Evening in a dominant fashion claiming 5 points to Mathieu’s 0 to progress to the final of his weight class.

Allicock will face England’s David James in the gold medal clash today, he is guaranteed silver even if he loses his match.

Keevin Allicock is in contention for a Gold medal

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sundAY, July 23, 2017

Hero Caribbean Premier League

“I’m looking forward to playing the Warriors” – Barnwell

By Akeem Greene

B

arbados Trident’s new recruit C h r i s t o p h e r Barnwell is anxiously awaiting his chance to face former teammates of the Guyana Amazon Warriors when the two sides meet in match 15 of the 2017 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on Sunday August 20 at the National Stadium, Providence.

“It will be a mixed feeling when I return to play the Guyana Amazon Warriors on the 20th [of August].

That is a game I am looking forward to. I have been preparing mentally and physically for that game”, the all-rounder told Guyana Times Sport in an exclusive

interview on Friday.

He continued, “I will be going in the visiting dressing room for the first time to play against Guyana it is going to be a good feeling and a sad feeling but I have to go out and forget about that and just enjoy the game of cricket”.

CPL enters its fifth year and this will be the first time, the player will be churning out his skills for a different franchise in the tournament since he was overlooked by the Warriors at the players’ draft in March but managed to fetch of $ 10,000 USD on his way to the Tridents.

The new feeling of having to play against a country he has represented throughout his age group

cricket is still yet to sink in for the player.

“It is a new franchise, new environment. I have been cricket since the under-19 level for Guyana and it is one colour I knew about, yellow and green other than playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the West Indies. moving to the blue and yellow will be quite a new feeling”.

After 41 matches in the league, he has high score of 37 and strike of 123.0. He has bowled in 11 matches collecting 7 wickets and having an economy rate of 10.7. His lowest point was in 2016, where he only managed to score 68 runs from 11 matches. More so at the recent Cricket West Indies player’s draft for the

Regional Super 50 and First Class season he was not selected by any of the six franchises, which makes this year’s league one where much will be desired of the player.

“It is not a matter of me proving a point, it just for me to go out and play good cricket and play the cricket people expect me to play.

Since 2015 I was not at my best picking up a back injury and struggled from there but now I’m going back and play positive cricket , the type that helped me play for the West Indies and play those kind of innings to help my franchise win”, the 30 year-old disclosed.

Batting Higher Throughout his years in senior cricket, the pug-

nacious right-handed batsman was used a ‘finisher’ by teams due to his power hitting ability. However, he started his career at the top of the order, where he has much success. Two most memorable moments would his 49-ball 88 which carried helped Guyana defeat Jamaica and reach the Caribbean T20 final in 2013 and his 61 not out from 36 balls against Leeward Islands. On both occasions he batted in the top four.

“I still think that is my best strength, batting high in the order, from 1to 4, that is where I play best cricket but over the years Guyana have seen me as a finisher and I try my best to finish games for them if not or set it up when be batting first but I feel batting one to four I can do my best”, the Demerara Cricket Club player contended.

Barnwell is eager to share the dressing from captain Keiron Pollard who he believes can help bring the best out of him and is buoyed about the prospects of the damage the duo can inflict.

“I was not the ‘go-to’ person with the ball for the Amazon Warriors but I know moving to Trident with [Keiron] Pollard will be good, he is someone that always backs my ability in bowling and batting and will help me get more into the game. He is a very good captain, he knows how to get the best out of his play-

ers and I think it is going to be a good environment for me”, he added.

A new chapter Life has not only changed for the cricketer in regard his alliances but he is also newly wed to Dionne and will soon be a father.

“We have been together so long since school days so there won’t be much change balancing a life with cricket. I will be a father soon and that is something to I’m looking forward”.

Regarding his new franchise he stated, “there is a lot of Guyanese in Barbados.

And a lot will be out to support the Amazon Warriors but I still have my cricket to go out and play and give my best of my ability for my new franchise Whether they cheer for me or they boo me I still have to gout and play my game and help the tridents to win that game”.

Barnwell will be departing these shores today for encampment ahead of the Trident’s first match on August 5 against Jamaica Tallawahs.

Barbados Trident Squad: Keiron Pollard (Captain) Kane Williamson, Shoaib Malik, Dwayne Smith, Nicolas Pooran, Wayne Parnell, Ravi Rampaul, Wahab Riaz, Raymon Reifer, Christopher Barnwell, Imran Khan, Damian Jacobs, Akeal Hosein, Ryan Wiggins, Tino Best, Shamar Springer, Akeem Dolton.

CPL tickets go on sale in Berbice from Monday C

By Akeem Greene

A

ssistant Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors John Ramsingh is urging all the fans to come out in their numbers in an effort create a festive atmosphere at the National Stadium, Providence for the teams four home matches in the “Biggest party in Sport”.

“It is usually said, the 12th man in cricket is the crowd and we are looking forward to everyone to come out and cheer on the home team which will drive the Warriors once again.

We don’t want to have a party stand,

we want to have a party stadium”, Ramsingh said in a recent interview with Guyana Times Sport.

Warriors will have four home matches from August 17 to 22nd.

On the 17th, they play the Jamaica Tallawahs; after which they play arch-rivals Trinbago Knight Riders two days later. The Warriors then clash with the Barbados Tridents on the 20th, and then have their final home match against the St Lucia Stars on the 22nd.

Given the Stadium has a seating capacity of 15,000 the Assistant Manager stated that fans should get their tickets as soonest.

“With the history of fans of the Guyana Amazon Warriors there is always a late rush for tickets and when some are ready tickets are sold out and we don’t want that. Fans we are urging you to please get your tickets early”.

Patrons can purchase their tickets from 09:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs Monday to Friday and 9:00 hrs to 13:00 hrs on Saturdays. Corporate companies/ organizations wishing to purchase tickets can contact the ticketing office for further details on how to do so.

The costs of tickets for this year’s CPL games are as follows: RED AND GREEN STANDS - $5,000 GY; ORANGE STAND - $3,000 GY; GRASS MOUND - $2,500 GY. Car passes for inside the stadium are: $1500 while the one between the stadium and the Ramada Princes cost $500.

The Warriors will have a one week preparation camp commencing on July 25 ahead of their first match in Florida on August 5 against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

The Squad includes: Guyana Martin Guptill, Rayad Emrit, Sohail Tanveer, Christopher Lynn, Jason Mohammed, Chadwick Walton, Rashid Khan, Steven Taylor, , Keon Joseph, Gajanand Singh, Roshon Primus Veerasammy Permaul, Assad Fudadin, Steven Jacobs, Steven Katwaroo, Keemo Paul and Muhammad Ali Khan.

PL Guyana announced on Saturday that the sale of tickets for the 2017 Hero Caribbean Premier League Guyana games will commence on at Mr. Vijai Ramdhan residence at Lot 19 Princess Elizabeth Road, Queenstown New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Patrons can purchase their t i c k e t s from 9am to 5 p m Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Corporate companies/organizations wishing to purchase tickets can contact the ticketing office for further details on how to do so.

The costs of tickets for this year’s CPL games are as follows: * RED AND GREEN STANDS - $5,000 GY * ORANGE STAND $3,000 GY * GRASS MOUND $2,500 GY This year the organisers have put in place many security features to prevent counterfeiting and unlike some other venues, tickets for the Guyana National

Stadium are numbered to match the seat numbers which will eliminate the possibility of overcrowding.

Patrons are asked to make early purchases so as to avoid the rush as we get close to match Days.

Four (4) exciting and high quality games are to be played in Guyana as follows: * Thursday 17th August – Guyana A m a z o n W a r r i o r s vs Jamaica Tallawahs at 6:00pm * Saturday 19th August – Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Trinbago Knight Riders at 12 noon * Sunday 20th August – Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Barbados Tridents at 6:00pm * Tuesday 22nd August – Guyana Amazon Warriors vs St Lucia Stars at 6:00pm For further information on ticketing please feel free to contact the CPL Guyana office on telephone numbers 231-5344, 231-2035 or 225-5840 and on e-mail – cplguyana@gmail.com or Mr. Ramdhan on 622-0982 or 333-5981.

guyanatimesgy.com

sundAY, july 23, 2017

Get to know your Guyana Amazon Warriors Full name: Keemo Mandela Angus Paul Born: February 21, 1998 Current age: 19 years old Batting style: Right-hand bat Bowling style: Right-arm fast-medium

T

he West Indies under-19 wining Vice Captain has only gotten better and better at what he does; playing the gentlemen’s game to his best.

The boy from Saxacalli, a village located on the West Bank of the Essequibo River, some 25 miles South of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, got into the squad as a replacement youth play-

er for Shimron Hetmyer.

Paul, who can practically play any role on the field, told Guyana Times Sport that he is ecstatic over being in the squad.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity since I see it as a challenge and I will use it to help me gain confidence”.

He made his List A debut in January 2015 playing for

haul of 9 for 64 against the “Guyana is your home team I just Windward Islands at want to urge everyone to come Providence, out, support give a 110%, in GuyEast Bank Demerara, to ana the crowd is always fantastic the threeand tremendous I just think again help peat in titles for this year it will be and I know the his team.

The teenagcrowd will be behind”. er who spends most of his offthe West Indies Under-19s in Tobago. Since then, he grew time with his family said if he from strength to strength, was not a cricketer, he would making an impressionable become a professional footdebut season for the Guyana baller. A master at frying an egg, Paul credits his success Jaguars.

In fact, one of his high- to support from family and belights was having a match ing a hard worker.

“Guyana is your home

team I just want to urge everyone to come out, support give a 110 per cent, in Guyana the crowd is always fantastic and tremendous I just think again this year it will be and I know the crowd will be behind,” Paul made an appeal to fans to come out to support the local team.

The Warriors have reached three of the four finals to date but have not been able to walk away with the silverware. However, the young cricketer is known to be a ‘lucky charm’ after helping Guyana dominate youth cricket from 2014 to 2016, added to the icing on the cake with a Youth World Cup win.

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Keemo Paul

SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2017

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

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Pg 22

“I’m looking forward to playing the Warriors” – Barnwell

Get to know your Guyana Amazon Warriors Pg 23

Keemo Paul

Barnwell hopes the change of colours will bring a change in fortunes for him in the league

“Biggest party in Sport” expected to rock Providence – Ramsingh

Pg 22

Providence has always been homage to large crowds and fans are being called upon once more to pack the facility

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July 23, 2017

Star Times Bollywood:

Deepika Padukone looks stunning on magazine cover Page 14 FREE DISTRIBUTION

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"An Orphan’s Dream"

Region 9: A reservoir of untapped ecotourism

INSIDE

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Become a Cinemas ‘webtrepreneur’ of old: Gone Local businessman creates free but not website builder forgotten Page 4

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Chic wooden fashion accessories Page 10

2 Sunday Times Magazine Feature

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JULY 23, 2017

Give Another Chance Foundation

'Building blocks for a prosperous life' T

he spirit of giving was always in those who came together to form the Give Another Chance Foundation (GACF). Since its inception, it has assist communities in finding longterm solutions to poverty through innovative education and livelihood projects.

GACF started with annual donations to the island of Wakenaam.

For approximately eight years, these contributions continued in Wakenaam and across Guyana, after which it was decided that it was time to expand and bring joy to more persons, particularly children across Guyana.

Hence, in 2015, it was decided that Give Another Chance Foundation would be established so as to invite more individuals to share in this venture of bettering the lives of those in need. GACF is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation registered locally.

The Foundation is committed to providing basic education from pre-school to university, and healthcare to underprivileged children in ru-

Some of the NGSA students in Wakenaam who received gifts from GACF

ral and urban communities. Its members believe whether you are addressing healthcare, poverty, population control, unemployment or human rights, there is no better place to start, than in the corridors of education.

Empowering individuals to earn a livelihood, the Foundation’s goal is to increase one's awareness on a range of issues – from healthcare to appropriate social behaviour to understanding one's rights, and in the

process help individuals evolve as better citizens.

Additionally, the Foundation creates a social movement that improves children’s lives through the provision of effective health, education and nutritional programmes; assists in the transformation in the quality of education and learning outcomes in efforts to encourage children and youth to realise their own personal achievement in every field; provides leader-

ship and life skills training to ensure advancement in their futures do occur; promotes cohesion and social responsibility through which the opportunities provided to them would be used to affect the lives of others positively; promotes respect and observance of human rights along with the empowerment of all individuals who have experienced and survived inhumanity; works in collaboration with any organisation or agency that hopes to achieve the same objectives.

A few of the organisation’s activities include its annual Christmas tree light-up and gift giving on the island of Wakenaam; annual NGSA Graduation in Wakenaam (to all the students who would have written the exam) and Georgetown (to selected children from underprivileged areas) - the gifts given at these ceremonies include bicycles, laptop computers, books, and much more; annual back-to-school backpacks sharing (different areas are chosen yearly); tertiary education scholarship to the best gradating

secondary school student from the Essequibo islands (Wakenaam); furnishing the Arthurville Primary School in Wakenaam with a functioning library and free lessons to NGSA students; annual distribution of toys, garment materials and sewing

equipment, basic tools (cutlasses, axes, etc) to residents in Baramita, North West District.

To successfully execute its mission/objectives, GACF currently has a 15-member executive body.

Also, in the various areas the Foundation chooses to work, volunteers are readily available to assist in carrying out the duties that need to be achieved.

Give Another Chance Foundation has accepted the responsibility to provide those in need with the building blocks to create a prosperous life.

Its main aim is to provide communities with the necessary resources to ensure that every individual is given the chance to evolve into a better citizen.

Visit Give Another Chance Foundation on Facebook to learn more about its empowering work. (Information provided by GACF)

Clothing donated by the Foundation

GACF back-to-school drive provides essential supplies for underprivileged students

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 23, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Feature

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rtist Compton Babb’s “An Orphan’s Dream” recently won the Guyana Visual Arts and Craft Exhibition and Awards in the Drawing category for 2017. Via his awardwinning drawing, the artist intends to create awareness about the needs of underprivileged youths.

Born in Georgetown on Oct. 25, 1981, Compton is the elder son of a sign artist, Compton Desmond Babb Sr., and his wife, Yvonne Jennifer Babb. Compton Sr., who is described as a “hardworking man”, raised his sons in a disciplined household. It was from this humble beginning that Compton Jr. learned lessons of punctuality and determination.

Compton displayed a remarkable talent for drawing at a very young age. By the time he was 16 years old, his portrait drawings and skill level had surpassed his father's. It was his dream to advance in the arts and allow his raw talent to mature. His decision to pursue art, one he never regretted, allowed him to develop into a highly skilled and seasoned artist.

He then decided to attend Burrowes School of Art, which was where he realised his love for the arts.

Compton worked with some of the best art tutors. At Burrowes he absorbed an acute attention for details and technicalities, subsequently refining his own visual and conceptual style, which has emerged through his work.

The artist embraces var-

Explaining his winning artwork to his son

Artist Compton Babb

ious art forms and contemporary styles. His work has been displayed in public and private art collections across Guyana.

Often thought of as a pensive person, Compton can be fondly described as an “affable, contended, calm and cool young man”. He enjoys the simple things in life and cherishes friendships and family.

“My drawings aren't just pencil on paper, but emotions and life,” Compton said in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

Throughout his years, Compton has created a variety of art pieces for Guyana’s Venezuelan ambassador, the Ambassador of the United Nations, and the Eastern Caribbean

Colourful mural done by Compton

Central Bank. He was also invited to display his work at the Burrowes School of Art 30th anniversary in 2005; at Carifesta IX in Trinidad in 2006; Carifesta X in Guyana in 2008, and shared the winning award for the 50th Independence Day logo (2015).

Explaining the message of “An Orphan’s Dream”, Compton said: “Most orphans would say that they want more than anything else to be rich and rise up in the world. So at least they could get away from being an orphan, but to one young orphan boy it is different. Going through childhood without his parents has allowed him to conceive a dream so expansive and thrilling that has taken over

his heart and soul.

“The young lad longs to be like his hero, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, a famous Guyanese cricketer. He looks on intently at each stroke of the bat, each catch of the ball, and the sheer joy and pride animated on the face of his hero. He tells himself that one day he too will stand before large crowds. He too will raise his bat in significance of hard work, glory, honour, satisfaction and love for the game that has stolen his heart and flooded his dreams since the first time he saw it on television. To a young orphan boy, dreams of cricket are

his only escape to place filled with only bliss, admiration and freedom. Every orphan needs hope and a bright future, but unfortunately that's not the case most times. I wanted to show and bring to life a heart and need of an orphan in this piece and to create awareness that they (orphans) still exist and their dreams can be met.”

In response to the winning artwork, Maureen Marks-Mendonca expressed: “… I got the opportunity to see many of the visual arts competition entries at the Castellani House exhibition, and while there were some

really spectacular pieces… it was Compton Babb’s ‘An Orphan’s Dream’ that transfixed me… I glanced across the room in Castellani and it was the eyes that caught me - the longing in them, as he gazes at the poster of his cricket idol. Then I saw all the details - the kind that make you ‘fall into’ a drawing - and I was completely captivated. There's so much magic in this work of art. A well-deserved win.”

For more info on the artist, email cbabbjnr@gmail. com or go to Compton Babb Portrait Artist on Facebook.

(Cover photo: "An Orphan’s Dream")

4

Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 23, 2017

Feature

B

Sites.gy CEO, Miguel Gurchuran

orn from an interest to find an easier way to build and update websites, local entrepreneur Miguel Gurchuran was inspired to create a free, stateof-the-art responsive and user friendly website builder.

Sites.gy is a simple, no coding needed, visually stimulating and engaging alternative to costly websites. It offers e-commerce stores and blogging options with stock images and animation effects; that allow the builder to display products and services to poten-

tial customers in just a few clicks.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Miguel stated that he has been involved in the IT community for over 22 years, but never liked building websites as it was “too complicated to design, slice and code”.

Six months ago, when his wife told him to update their businesses’ websites (five in total), Miguel thought to himself there has to be a simpler way than just buying a template and hosting.

“I found out that a new

Screenshot of what sites.gy looks like

way was to use web builders. I was so happy I was

able to do my all my websites in one week using a builder. So I leveraged the technology for what I thought Guyana needs and decided to teach the business community how to build websites for themselves. We worked with a very professional team and sites.gy was created,” he recalled.

Now, Miguel aims to give local businesses global exposure and create entrepreneurship opportunities for Guyanese youths.

As a network administrator for 17 years, Miguel brings a wealth of knowledge and experience behind sites.gy. Also the owner of EMTEC, a print, marketing and automated for business solutions provider, and Java Coffee Bar, he is the epitome of entrepreneurship and wants to create similar opportunities for everyone.

Explaining how sites.gy works, Miguel said that any content added will automat-

ically adjust itself to any device, such as laptops, tablets, mobile phones and even Google glass and smartwatches. Additionally, the website builder creates income opportunities for anyone with a computer, internet and basic design skills.

Its “drag and drop” feature is impressive and easy to learn.

What’s so amazing about sites.gy is that it is free to build with unlimited hosting and unlimited bandwidth. Premium accounts are available at a cost, where domain registration, payment processing and live tech support are added to each website created.

Sites.gy was launched about three weeks ago and it already has over 220 signups from all over the world.

From an art gallery in Germany to a music artist in Colombia, businesses and entrepreneurs are utilising the free website’s offerings.

Miguel disclosed that the number of signups is increasing every day and they have no yet begun to market their Sites Certified Web Designers, specialists who we are still training.

He added that a workshop will soon be held to train over 150 Guyanese business men and women to equip them with an online presence.

“I want to give ‘webtrepreneurs’ the ability to launch a business in their spare time and work for the entire world. I want to also give businesses the chance to sell their goods and services not only locally, but to anyone and anywhere online. We are not just a web builder; we are educators and an e-commerce solution.

Hence, we will be launching an App Builder within the next few months,” the IT professional mentioned.

For more information, visit sites.gy on Facebook.

Miguel (left) explains to youths how to become a 'webtrepreneur' using sites.gy

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 23, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Feature

Hindu Heritage Camp Empowers Youths

Youths being empowered

empowerment and the need for respect, while ensuring females were encouraged to be independent, strong, resilient and powerful leaders in our society.

With 72 participants, ages 6 to 65, the camp’s programmes included a mixture

T

had fun while learning about their heritage and importance of teamwork. They were also treated to delicious meals prepared by the HSS and Tuschen Mandir volunteers. Activities were conducted by male and female instructors for the re-

traditional games. Other aspects of the camp featured a ‘geet’ (song) that focused on Hindu heritage and a call for awakening and the Mahishasura Mardini Stotra, which glorifies God in its feminine form (Devi/ Shakti). Ramayan singing

the whole world is one family. Participants were taught how to use the knowledge/ lessons gained from the camp for personal character development and how the training could assist in their groups and organisations they are connected to.

Teamwork is one of the many principles taught at the camp

he Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) Guyana, which translates to Hindus for Selfless Service, is a nonprofit and non-government organisation that has been empowering youths for over two decades.

One way HSS seeks to empower youths is through its camps. Since 1996, the same year the organisation was founded, HSS has been conducting camps all across Guyana. One of the camps conducted, Hindu Heritage Camp, is held every three months at various locations in Guyana. The last camp was held in April 2017 at Hague Hindu Temple, which saw about 65 participants coming from the surrounding villages and from

as far as Tuschen.

Seeing the success of the camp, the HSS team of about 15 volunteers between the ages of 13-35 years was inspired to plan a camp in Tuschen. Along with the youthful team of the Tuschen South Hindu Temple, HSS volunteers planned, managed and successfully executed the camp.

Each of HSS camp has its overall focus and its specific focus. Overall focus is placed on Hindu heritage and efforts to preserve it. Each camp focuses on a specific form of Bhagwan (God). Previous camps focused on Shri Hanuman and Bhagwan Shiva.

The most recent camp, which was held from July 14 to 16, focused on female

Ramayan being taught by an HSS member

of physical and “intellectual” activities. The programmes were structured in a way that ensured participants

Physical activity games

spective groups.

The physical activities focused on Yoga/ Surya Namaskar, martial arts and

with the focus on Sita Devi (again in keeping with the focus on the female forms of Bhagwan (God), was done. There was also a session of Hindu Jeopardy, brain teasers, treasure hunt, and friendly competitions. These were conducted by the volunteers of HSS. Additionally, there were three ‘baudhiks’ (lectures) delivered by local prominent individuals. These lectures, which were well-received, focused on maintaining heritage and the need for females to be empowered and respected in society.

The camp’s programme concluded with a simple ‘samarop’ (closing ceremony) with rakhis being tied to all those present. This signified how we are all connected and gave evidence of the Hindu concept “Vasudaiva Kutumbakam” -

HSS continues to work in collaborating with all groups who are interested in having these activities in their communities. For more information, contact Pream Narine Rambharakh, HSS general secretary (male group), on 592-660-6001 or Priya Doobay, HSS general secretary (female group) on 592642-4347 or email hss4allguyana@gmail.com HSS members believe that the changes they want to see in our world and society have to start with them.

Notably, they believe that service to fellow humans, and society, comes before their personal needs and wants. These are the organisation’s core values, which have also been the pillars for the organisation and its growth in Guyana and its branches around the world also in India.

6 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 23, 2017

Literary Corner

THE SHAPING OF GUYANESE LITERATURE

‘Years of High Hopes’

By Petamber Persaud

E

xtract of an interview with Dorothy Irwin, Georgetown, Guyana, March 2017. Ms Irwin compiled and edited the book “Years of High Hopes: A portrait of British Guiana, 1952-1956” from family letters, mostly written by her mother.

PP: Guyana is a relatively young nation, but its history is tied to the history of other countries, countries which at one time or the other had a say in its affairs. Our literary history is also tied to the literary history of other countries.

The history of Guyana and the history of its literature are unfolding as we would witness when new information comes to light. An apt example is this new book, “Years of High Hopes: A portrait of British Guiana, 1952-1956”. I like what you said earlier about the production of this book, which is your way of giving back to Guyana a slice of its heritage.

This is a huge ‘slice’ – over 700 pages. Where did it all start?

DI: I think is started with my trip here in 1994 with my dad, who had taught at Queen’s [Queen’s College] during the period covered in the book. In 1994, Queen’s had its septuacentennial and the past masters were invited back.

My father invited me and I said to myself that I may never know my birthplace if I didn’t go with him. I wouldn’t know what to look for. So we came together and it was extraordinary being here, but was a confusing trip for me as I was trying to get my bearings.

PP: Mainly because you left Guyana at the tender age of…

DI: Five months.

Concerning the trip, I think we were here for about ten days, but it was enough to whet my appetite. My mother died in 2001 and I inherited the letters she had sent to her parents; they were in a box and all numbered in order. They were clearly considered valuable for who knows what because no one ever thought of throwing them out. And one winter, in my apartment in Brooklyn, unable to go out because of the snow, I sat down and took quite some time to take each letter out from its envelope and read it. It was a funny thing to read what your parents were like before you

knew them; personally it was a strange and interesting adventure.

My sister was five months old when they moved down here; I found that’s a captivating thing but that’s family story. However, when I was rereading the letters I thought this was not just a family story; they had such a sense of what was going on here - different people who appeared and then they were gone for a while and then they came back… Some of them were trades people who showed up at the house to polish the floor or to work in the kitchen. My sister’s nanny was a marvellous character in the letters; I don’t even know her last name. The relationship my parents had with various Guyanese I found compelling.

And when they observe things during the years they were living on Parade Street, there were so much to see - the Coronation Ceremony, the Princess Royal’s visit - and they could see all of this from their windows. Sometime neighbours and colleagues from Queens would come to get the view – it was wonderful, all of it in the letters. Then there were the interacting of all those people – there was so much life in those letters.

So I thought it was wrong of me to be the only one to know of this – the people who wrote them were not around, the people who received them were not around, it was just me reading them and that’s no good; they really belong here.

And I would not have come to that conclusion if it weren’t for them who covered significant years of Guyana’s history – ‘52 to ‘56, pushing towards its independence. And I said this has to be published; I had to make this happen. Well, it is fun to have the conviction; it’s difficult to make it happen.

PP: What factors assisted in seeing it to fruition?

DI: I just felt intuitively that it was important to do. I didn’t have the support of friends who felt it was confusing, thinking I was writing a novel. My dad was supportive of the idea and that helped me along. He read the transcript and so did his second wife – that was good for me to get their response.

PP: Any particular goal or goals in mind preparing the manuscript?

DI: I had two goals in mind: the first was to get it in the hands of Guyanese, and the second was to try to capture the interest of Americans.

PP: Are there some things in this story that Americans can relate to?

DI: Well, that was part of the chore: figuring out how to get them to connect…

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

The Old Man’s Waterfall

By Odeen Ishmael

O

nce upon a time, there was a little village on the Potaro River, just above the huge waterfall now known as Kaieteur. In that same region was a large stretch of grassland where several animals like deer and anteaters lived. Near the village too, the people cultivated farms of cassava, sweet potatoes, corn and green vegetables.

During that period, an old man named Kaie lived in the village. As a young man, Kaie was a hard worker, a clever hunter, and a skilled fisherman. Even though farming was not his favourite, yet he produced good crops of cassava and corn.

Meanwhile, as Kaie grew considerably old, and, like so many old men who worked hard in their youth, he became senile and talked to himself as he walked idly around the village.

No one was eager to chat with him any longer, because, by that time, they failed to understand the words he uttered. In addition, he had some huge, unpleasant sores on his feet that seemed to be there forever. To make matters even worse, Kaie became a nui-

sance. Any time of the day or night, he would enter the home of a villager without invitation and would not leave unless he was asked.

Because of this, people constantly complained to each other about his unbearable behaviour.

“Old Kaie’s disgusting,” one man said. “Yesterday, some people from another village came to visit my family. Of all days, Old Kaie chose that day to walk into my home! He sat on the floor, muttering to himself, and, with those sores on his feet, you can understand how embarrassed I felt.”

“I know how you feel,” another man replied. “All of us are suffering from the man’s disgusting behaviour.”

As time passed, old Kaie became a worse nuisance than before. “Why do we have to work to provide food for him?” a young man asked. “Have you ever seen him when he eats with us?

He devours more than three of us!”

After they could stand his behaviour no longer, the villagers summoned an urgent meeting to discuss Kaie’s attitude. At the meeting, everyone concluded the old man was the worst problem the village ever experienced.

The alleged ‘face’ of Kaie at Kaieteur Falls (Photo by inyathi on Flickr)

“How can we stop him from being such a nuisance?” a young man asked.

A general discussion ensued over the methods to be used. Some villagers sug-

gested that they should send Kaie away by force, but others strongly disagreed.

“If we do that,” they said, “he’ll go to another village and pester the people there.”

After several other discussions, they finally decided to set Kaie adrift in a canoe on the Potaro River.

“He’ll go over the waterfall,” they reasoned. “That will be the end of the problem.”

Early the next morning when all plans were in place, the villagers placed Kaie in a canoe with his pegall, a type of basket, containing everything he owned.

Two young men then pushed the little canoe alongside the speeding current of the river as the other villagers stood by the river-bank and watched. The canoe quickly picked up speed and the raging current pulled it toward the waterfall.

By this time, Kaie realised his fate. “Save me!

Save me!” he screamed frightfully. “I promise to be good!”

By then it was too late.

The canoe sped along the river, and the villagers stood and watched in silence from the bank. Nearer and nearer the canoe drifted toward the waterfall. Old Kaie’s

screams filled the air, but they were soon drowned out by the roaring water. Then, gracefully, the canoe tumbled over the mighty waterfall and disappeared.

Undoubtedly, Kaie must have died, but surprisingly his body was never found even though the men searched thoroughly by the foot of the waterfall to be certain that he died. But a short distance downstream, they discovered a narrow, rocky island shaped like an upturned canoe. And curiously, on the river bank, at the foot of the waterfall, was a rock shaped like Kaie’s pegall.

“Maybe we did something wrong,” one of the searchers said. “His canoe and pegall turned into rocks to remind us every day of the wrong we committed.”

Ever since, in repentance, the people of the village named the waterfall Kaieteur, the waterfall of Kaie, to honour the old man.

Even today, the rock formations of an upturned canoe and a pegall can still be seen near the foot of the Kaieteur Falls.

(From: “Guyana Legends – Folktales of the Indigenous Amerindians” by Odeen Ishmael (Published 2012).

With permission)

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 23, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Feature

Cinemas of old: Gone but not forgotten Although not operational, Astor cinema building still stands on Waterloo St, Georgetown

By Rishi Singh

M

any of us who grew up in the heyday of the cinema will still remember the exhilaration of simply walking to it, the sense of expectation as we queued up to buy tickets, sitting in the ‘pit’ and enjoying management’s choice of music, then the sudden hush when the lights went out and the curtains opened.

VCRs, DVDs and other advanced technological devices have brought the cinema industry in Guyana to an end, but in our memories our cinemas will always live on, along with the colourful names of some of the projectionists [a person who operates a movie projector], such as “Bun Sugar”, “Tan-Tone” and “Bruk-Up”.

Below is a list of cinemas of old and brief information on them:

Berbice Cinemas

Apollo (Rose Hall): Owned by Messrs Morris & Percy Choong.

Cosmopolitan (Rose Hall near to Doc Higgins workshop and Kathy’s Bar): Owned by Mr Woo Sam, aka Loy; closed in the 1950s, but was later used by Brother Dass Church in the 1960s.

Faaz Strand (New Amsterdam): Built in the 1960s, it was owned by Mr Fazal.

Gaiety Main St

& Theatre Alley (New Amsterdam): Owned by Mr Ho A Yun, who was also the owner of Globe. Gaiety Main St & Theatre Alley was later sold to Mr Somal Rampersaud.

Globe (New Amsterdam): Owned by Mr Ho A Yun, but was burned down.

Rivoli was originally called “Khrishna Mahal” after the son of owner Sugrim Persaud, a businessman from East Coast Demerara, Sheet Anchor, on the right side approaching Canje Swing Bridge. The cinema was demolished in the 1950s. A concrete foundation remained there for a while and was used by loiterers to gamble and drink illegal spirits. Syd Latchana, who was a Customs Officer, would sometimes conduct raids.

Lotus (Whim): Owned by Cyril Patraj Singh. The cinema was formerly known as “Chanmahal”.

Maya (Skeldon): Owned

by Mr Vernon Bhairam.

Metro (Skeldon): Owned

by Maurice Choong.

Mohani (No. 64 Village): Owned by Mr Jag Budhram.

Novelty (Skeldon): Owned by Mr Narine Dutt.

Odeon ( B u s h Lot, Corentyne): Owned by Poonai, aka “Guts”, who was married to Bheer Jhappan’s daughter. Bheer’s brother was Dhan Jhappan (High

Did You Know?

First ‘talking picture’ in British Guiana was “Jazz Singer” in 1927.

Locally, there were more than 50 cinemas in the 1960s.

The operator at Starlite Drive-In once flashed a message on the projector screen that a man had called to say he was coming to look for his wife. After ten minutes, half the cars drove out.

Court Judge).

Then there was the Olympic cinema in New Amsterdam.

Radio City (Skeldon): Owned by Mr Percy Choong; projectionist “Nanah” from No.67 Village. Audience could not tell when Nanah cut 15 minutes off a film.

Raj Mahal (Canje) and Roopmahal (Port Mourant) were owned by Mr Dennis Boodram.

There was Star cinema in Scottsburg, Corentyne, and Strand in New Amsterdam.

Yollanda (Albion Front, formerly Whitehall) was owned by Mr Francis, who also owned a liquor shop in Albion. The cinema was later sold to Mr Dose of Guava Bush and then to Mr Ng Q Sang (Chun Chun).

Projectionist was called “Tan-Tone”.

Other Local Cinemas

Astor (Church & Waterloo Sts) opened circa 1940 by the Correias. In 1978, the movie “Saturday Night Fever” ran for three months. The cinema is now defunct.

There was also Atlantis in Suddie, Essequibo; Atma in D’Edward Village, West Coast Berbice; and Avon in Good Fortuin.

Crescent, the first cinema in Mackenzie (Linden), opened in 1951.

Deluxe in Diamond (East Bank Demerara) opened in 1952.

Duchess (Pln. Uitvlugt Pasture) was owned by Mr Sookraj, but was burned down during the riots of 1962. Sadly, it was never rebuilt.

Not much is known about the Earlo cinema.

Empire (Middle St, formerly Metro) first movie was “Prisoner of Zenda”; it is now a retail mall.

Gaiety (Camp St & Brickdam near Roman Remains of the Novelty cinema in Skeldon, Corentyne (Photo by KennardP on flickr)

Catholic Presbytery) was British Guiana’s first cinema. It showed silent movies (a film with no synchronized recorded sound, especially with no spoken dialogue). It was burned down in 1926.

There was Gem in Enmore.

Opened in 1952, Globe’s first film was “David and Bathsheba”. It also showed the first cinemascope and stereophonic sound movie, “The Robe”.

Hollywood in Kitty is now a church.

Other notable cinemas were Kay Donna in Triumph/Beterverwagting, and Laxhmi.

Liberty, which was located in Newtown, Kitty, Vlissengen Rd, was formerly known as Rialto, and then Doren in 1952. Doren burned down during the unrest of 1963 and was replaced by Liberty.

Melanie in Melanie Damishana Metropole on Robb & Wellington Sts opened circa 1937. The first move shown was “Merry Widow”. The cinema burned down in 2004.

Metropolitan in Bartica Monarch in Anna Catherina Olympic, on Lombard St, opened in the 1940s and had no roof.

Paragon in Anna Regina Palm Tree in Burnham Drive, Wismar, Linden Plaza, on Camp St, originally known as London, was built in 1930; had “sound”. It was renamed Plaza in 1951 and installed a ‘wide screen’.

Prince of Wales in Pln. Wales Estate was owned by Mr Kam. Rajmahal in Peter’s Hall Regal in Vreed-en-Hoop

Liberty cinema n.d. (Photo by Pradeep Samtani)

Rialto on Vlissengen Road Rio, La Penitence, Albouystown, formerly Capitol, changed its name to Rio in 1952. It was bombed during the 1960s disturbances, killing two women inside.

Ritz in Rosignol Roxy in Leonora Saraswatie Star in Albuoystown Starlite in Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara Starlite Drive-In (Montrose, East Coast Demerara) opened in the late 1950s with Elvis Presley’s movie, “Blue Hawaii”. It was owned by Andrew James’ son, Henry James, who owned Pawnbrokery on Main St, New Amsterdam. Andrew James also owned Auto Supplies in Georgetown.

Morris Choong may have been a partner (info provided by Syd Latchana). The site is now a Courts’ furniture warehouse.

Strand (or Strand de Luxe, owned by Mr Leslie Lucky Samaroo) opened in 1957. Its first movies were “Sayonara” and “Ten Commandments”. The building is now used for religious meetings.

There were also cinemas such as Tiffany in Parika and Vijay in Good Hope.

(Acknowledgements: Doos Mahadeo, Godfrey Chin, Syd Latchana, Beauty Ramoutar, Kamie, Oscar Ramjeet, Omar Zabar, Desmond Woon, Peter Halder, and others who wish to remain anonymous. Read more at http://chs-jccss.org)

The defunct Strand cinema in New Amsterdam (Photo by KennardP on flickr) Gaiety cinema, which was burned down in 1926

8 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 23, 2017

Travel & Tourism

T

he Pakaraima Mountain Inn is a humble bed and breakfast establishment located in the North Rupununi, just outside of the Yakarinta Village in the Aranaputa Valley.

The Inn offers accommodation in forms of hammocks, double rooms or even self-contained rooms in a relaxing environment, along with meals.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Sebastian de Freitas (son of the Inn’s owners) said that the Inn was not intended to be such until recently.

“Charles and Veronica (my parents) had a dream of having a place in the Rupununi.

My mom, since she is from the village of Yakarinta, had been looking at that spot [where the Inn is now located] since she was a little girl. They [parents] started building a little more than 12 years ago, the main building which is the front house. While building the front house in the savannah, my father had noticed terraces on the mountain side. This seemed to be ideal to put a house there because of the gentle slope and the amazing view.

“So while the lower house was being built, and as time went by, the plans for the mountain-side house were being consolidated. Many changes and arguments and debates about designs and concepts happened during the planning and execution of construction,” Sebastian explained.

He added that after many years of slowly building and friends visiting to see the progress, they were encouraged to share the breath-taking sceneries at the location with others. This was when the idea of having a bed and breakfast “began to boil”. As time went by, the family came up with a name

Stairs to a heavenly retreat

Enjoy the picturesque views while indulging in local cuisines External view of one of the bedrooms

Scenic view from the Inn

and plans of what to offer guests when they visit.

“This year is the first year we actually decided to give it a good shot with regards to marketing and hospitality, even though we have had some dear friends and visitors in the years before.

Since we are still ‘green’ to the whole tourism op-

eration, we offer few but fun activities for now. As time goes by, there are plans for nicer treats and activities for guests. But for now, we offer scenic road and river tours, birding, mountain-climbing and trips to other lodges and inns around the area so that the guests enjoy the amazing experi-

Road to the Inn

ences those places have to offer. We would like to think that, for now, we function as a place to go to relax and unwind with great food and a familylike experience,” he declared.

For more information, visit Pakaraima Mountain Inn on Facebook.

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 23, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 9

Health

S

tressful events in life, such as the death of a child, divorce or being fired, can age the brain by at least four years, US researchers suggest.

They looked at performance in memory and thinking tests of 1,300 people in their 50s to gauge brain health.

The study did not look at the risk of dementia and experts said there could be many different factors at play.

The findings were presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in London.

Although the research could not establish any direct link between stress and an increased risk of dementia, stressful experiences are known to have an impact on brain function, which could then lead to dementia in the longer term.

Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Memory loss is an example.

Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia.

Poorer memory

The theory is that stress increases inflammation, which could increase the chances of developing dementia - and this

H

is currently being tested by University of Southampton researchers.

This study, from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, found that African Americans were more at risk of stress in life than other ethnic groups. This is because they scored poorer results in the memory tests than other groups and also tended to live in poorer neighbourhoods.

Stressful experiences across all groups included educational difficulties, financial insecurity, serious health problems and psychological trauma.

Other studies presented at the conference point to growing evidence that stress in early life and where people live can be factors in an individual's risk of developing dementia.

Dr Doug Brown, director of research and development for Alzheimer's Society, said studying the role of stress was complex.

"It is hard to separate from other conditions such as anxiety and depression, which are also thought to contribute towards dementia risk.

"However, the findings do indicate that more should be done to support people from disadvantaged communities who are more

likely to experience stressful life events."

It mainly affects people over the age of 65 and, while the likelihood of developing dementia rises sharply with age, about 42,000 of those suffering from the condition are younger than that.

Dr Carol Routledge, director of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, said there could be a number of different factors involved in the link between stress and memory decline.

But she said the brain was an "incredibly intricate organ" to research.

"There is a growing realisation that events and experiences throughout life can impact the brain decades later and researchers must take a whole lifespan approach to understanding brain health in later life."

High blood pressure

igh blood pressure is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.

Blood pressure is determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.

You can have high blood pressure (hypertension) for years without any symptoms. Even without symptoms, damage to blood vessels and your heart continues and can be detected.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke.

High blood pressure generally develops over many years, and it affects nearly everyone eventually. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be easily detected. And once you know you have high blood pressure, you can work with your doctor to control it.

Risk Factors

High blood pressure has many risk factors, including: Age. The risk of high blood pressure increases as you age. Through early middle age, or about age 45, high blood pressure is more common in men. Women are more likely to develop high blood pressure after age 65.

Family history. High blood pressure tends to run in families.

Being overweight or obese. The more you weigh the more blood you need to supply oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. As the volume of blood circulated through your blood vessels increases, so does the pressure on your artery walls.

Not being physically active. People who are inactive tend to have higher heart rates. The higher your heart rate, the harder your heart must work with each contraction and the stronger the force on your arteries. Lack of physical activity also increases the risk of being overweight.

Using tobacco. Not only does smoking or chewing tobacco immediately raise your blood pressure temporarily, but the chemicals in tobacco can damage the lining of your artery walls. This can cause your arteries to narrow, increasing your blood pressure. Second-hand smoke also can increase your blood pressure.

Too much salt (sodium) in your diet. Too much sodium in your diet can cause your body to retain fluid, which

increases blood pressure.

Too little potassium in your diet. Potassium helps balance the amount of sodium in your cells. If you don't get enough potassium in your diet or retain enough potassium, you may accumulate too much sodium in your blood.

Too little vitamin D in your diet. It's uncertain if having too little vitamin D in your diet can lead to high blood pressure. Vitamin D may affect an enzyme produced by your kidneys that affects your blood pressure.

Drinking too much alcohol. Over time, heavy drinking can damage your heart. Having more than two drinks a day for men and more than one drink a day for women may affect your blood pressure.

If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger. One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor.

Stress. High levels of stress can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure. If you try to relax by eating more, using tobacco or drinking alcohol, you may only increase problems with high blood pressure.

Certain chronic conditions. Certain chronic conditions also may increase your risk of high blood pressure, such as kidney disease, diabetes and sleep apnea (a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep).

Sometimes pregnancy contributes to high blood pressure, as well.

Although high blood pressure is most common in adults, children may be at risk, too. For some children, high blood pressure is caused by problems with the kidneys or heart.

But for a growing number of kids, poor lifestyle habits, such as an unhealthy diet, obesity and lack of exercise, contribute to high blood pressure.

Changing your lifestyle can go a long way toward controlling high blood pressure. Your doctor may recommend you eat a healthy diet with less salt, exercise regularly, quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight. But sometimes lifestyle changes aren't enough.

In addition to diet and exercise, your doctor may recommend medication to lower your blood pressure.

Your blood pressure treatment goal depends on how healthy you are.

Tips for reducing the risk of dementia

Keep physically active for at least 30 minutes, five times a week.

Don't smoke, or give up if you do.

Eat a healthy balanced diet including oily fish, fruit, vegetables and low levels of red meat and sugar.

Keep your alcohol intake to a maximum of 14 units per week for men and women.

Manage other health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.

Keep to a healthy weight to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart disease.

Give your brain a daily workout by doing puzzles, word searches or crosswords or learning something new.

Keeping socially engaged and have a good social network. (BBC)

Health Benefits of Turmeric

T

urmeric is an ancient spice commonly used in Indian cuisine. Aside from simply giving a dish some extra flavour, turmeric might also have medicinal and healing properties. Curcumin, the active chemical in turmeric, gives the spice its bright yellow colour. It’s also thought to potentially help reduce stress levels, possibly lower cholesterol and may even aid with the aches of osteoarthritis.

Squashes Stress

According to Dr. Sanjay Gupta (chief medical correspondent for CNN), turmeric has been used medicinally in Eastern cultures to reduce stress and calm the mind.

Reduces Inflammation

Curcumin may help relieve inflammation and joint pain in some areas of the body. Try adding turmeric into your daily diet to reduce the painful effects of osteoarthritis (the most common form of ar-

thritis which usually affects your hands, knees, hips, or spine) or other conditions that can cause inflammation.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

Turmeric might help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease by helping to lower the levels of harmful cholesterol in your blood. On top of dropping LDL levels, turmeric may also be involved in reducing the inflammation that can damage blood vessels and lead to cholesterol plaque buildup. Turmeric decreases the inflammation in your arteries — make it one more tool in your hearthealth arsenal.

Changes Your Digestive System

Some studies have found that turmeric may help with acid reflux symptoms. It may also affect the bacteria in your gut and the communication between your gut and your brain.

10 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 23, 2017

Fashion

Chic wooden fashion accessories Irene is known for her ski

lful pyrography

I

A variety of fashionable earrings made with local wood and beads

rene Bacchus-Holder began her business by doing pyrography on functional items such as jewellery and kitchen utensils. Her first efforts, given as gifts to personal friends and family, were well received and this encouraged her to start marketing her designs. Pyrography is the art or technique of decorating wood or leather by burning a design on the surface with a heated metallic point. Having received very positive responses to her product line at international trade shows in Barbados, North America, England, France, Mauritius, Venezuela and a number of Caribbean countries, including Cuba and Curacao, Irene decided to target the export market. In addition to using the plain woods to do pyrography, Irene also utilises Guyana's beautiful wood species to create fashionable, decorative and functional items.

The designer’s products are made of beautiful, rare (not endangered) wood species. She decided to utilise discarded species and arranged with loggers to supply her with beautiful spe-

cies such as Dukaliballi, Snakewood, Itikiboraballi a n d Marblewood, to name a few. The natNecklace and earrings made ural flaws in from Purpleheart wood the wood are repaired and highlighted in the product to show the naturalness of wood. This also adds a unique quality to the item.

The shavings from production are used in gardens as ground cover to keep the soil moist.

For more information, visit www.amazonauthentics.com or Amazon Authentics on Facebook,

Stylish accessor

ies made from an

other local wood

species

MEN’S FASHION

How to Wear Chelsea Boots other hand, brown leather Chelsea boots also make an excellent footwear style and can suit many semi-formal, smart casual, and business casual looks.

C

Dress Chelsea boots down with jeans and a T-shirt

helsea boots are a wardrobe staple for every stylish gent.

These simple yet sophisticated shoes are a must-have for men of all ages and styles.

When it comes to rocking Chelsea boots, there are two main styles from which you can choose: leather and suede. Thanks to their sleek and smooth aesthet-

ic, leather Chelsea boots appear smart and can easily be worn as dress shoes with many polished outfits.

You can even partner the style with a suit for more formal occasions. For such times, black leather Chelsea boots will work best. You can also select a polished or patent style for an extra touch of sophistication. On the

Guide to Buying Chelsea Boots Always ensure that Chelsea boots are a good fit for your feet. These shoes are meant to be slim, but they shouldn’t cause a n y uncomfortable rubbing against y o u r feet.

Check to see if the sole is well made. Cheap shoe soles can fall apart in a matter of weeks but a good sole will last years and can be

repaired when eventually worn down.

Invest in quality materials. Whether you’re opting for leather or suede style, a highquality make is essential to ensuring your boots last and that you get your money’s worth.

Choose between leather or suede styles depending on when and where you will wear your boots. As suede can quickly become dirty and damaged when wet, leather may be a better option for rainy weather and the outdoors.

Chelsea leather boots

How to Wear Chelsea Boots Ensure that the leg of your trouser sits just over the top of your boots.

Opt for suede styles for a casual look and leather boots for a smart style.

Coat your suede Chelsea boots with a water-resistant spray to keep them looking sharp during any weather.

Choose either brown or black Chelsea boots depending on what works best for your outfit.

Dress Chelsea boots down with jeans and a T-shirt or up with a suit.

Dress Chelsea boots up with a suit

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 23, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Home & Cooking

& DECOR HOME Caribbean Coconut Bake RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tbsp baking powder 1/3 cup sugar

Pinch of salt ¼ tsp cinnamon 4 tbsp margarine 1 cup coconut milk

W

e all know kids love to make art, but is it starting to take over your house?

Here are a few ways to display your little artist’s masterpieces that look chic and uncluttered.

Let kids wrap a long stick with colourful string and ribbon, then add paint and beads to really dress it up. Let a few of the ribbons hang down a few feet so you can suspend artwork. Tape each masterpiece onto the ribbon from behind to finish off this hip display.

Method

Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and cinnamon together in a bowl.

With a fork, or using your hand (quick method) rub margarine into flour mixture. Add coconut milk to make a firm dough, but not stiff. Dough should be easy to roll. Let dough sit, covered for at least an hour.

Roll dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut with a biscuit cutter.

Heat about three inches of oil on medium fire. When oil is hot, fry dough until golden brown; flipping once. Best when served hot.

Note: Ensure oil is hot. This makes the dough to puff almost instantly when it hits the hot oil and form a pocket in the middle. (Photo and recipe from www.jehancancook.com)

Greatest Cooking Tips

Before pouring milk into a pot for boiling, rub butter along the top edge and inside lip of the pot. When the milk foams up, it will stop over spilling when it hits the butter.

Muffins will slide right out of tin pans if the hot pan is first placed on a wet towel.

Add a few drops of lemon juice while preparing sugar syrup. The impurities will collect on the surface of the syrup, which you can then remove.

While sautéing vegetables or any meat dish add a small amount of sugar, honey or any fruit juice near the end of the cooking time.

This gives glaze, additional flavour and a golden sheen to the finished dish.

Home Help Boil orange peel and cloves to get rid of unpleasant smells in the kitchen.

To remove water rings on wood, rub toothpaste on to the wood with a soft cloth then wipe with a damp one.

To keep the food inside a storage bag fresher longer, when you put in food seal nearly all the way, then stick a straw in and suck air out. Remove straw, sealing quickly. The lack of air helps leftovers and produce last longer.

If you run out of scrubbing pads, try using crumpled-up foil instead. It works great on baked-on foods and is a good way to reuse foil.

Sleek, easy-to-install curtain wire with hooks make it easy for kids to swap out pieces of all shapes and sizes.

Trade the clutter for something truly chic. Shrink all of your favourite pieces into one you'll be proud to display. Take photos of your favourites, then use design software to create a streamlined collage. Print it out and frame it! Now you can toss the original pieces with zero guilt.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

JULY 23, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Puzzles

Crossword

ACROSS

1 Pooh-pooh

6 New on the job

11 Stationed

16 Sing door-to-door

21 Coveted prize

22 Deliver a message

23 Loose-limbed

24 Custom

25 Wash away

26 High mark (hyph.)

27 Divert

28 Went undercover

29 Stone or Ice -

30 Mother of Perseus

32 Dine at home (2 wds.)

34 Women's clothing size

36 Hug's companion

38 Minneapolis exurb

40 Sri -

42 Shopping centers

43 Kept near the shore

45 Cupcake topper

47 "The Wreck of the Mary --"

49 Early show

52 Computer command

53 Philosopher -- Hume

54 Interest amt.

57 Votes to accept

58 Hotel offering

59 Jacket part

60 Au -- (nanny)

61 Films

62 Ditch

63 Worms and minnows

64 Goody-goody

65 Attention getter

66 Every January

68 Rains ice

69 Ph.D. submissions

70 Send packing

72 Rock-band bookings

73 Truck, in London

74 Young cows

75 Swiss capital (var.)

77 Clamps

78 Home for Hadrian

79 Henchmen

82 Uttered shrilly

83 "The -- Can't Help It" (Little Richard tune)

84 Be an omen of

88 Lacks the wherewithal

89 Shower bars

90 India's Mother - 92 Md. neighbor

93 Tricks

94 Political bash

95 Crews

96 Fern leaf

98 Jungle swingers

99 Diminishes

100 Antique brooch

101 Rough

102 Bumped into

103 Urban districts

104 CBers' wheels

105 Window-shopper

106 More permissive

107 Enlarge 108 Roof topping 109 Pierre's brother 111 Stand for 113 Morticia's husband 115 Invitation addendum 119 Opulent 121 Bulrushes 123 Cleared the dishes 125 Drink with scones 126 Ms. Foster of films 127 Iowa commune 129 Alkali opposites 131 Yawning gulf 133 Sign following Pisces 134 Vacillate 135 Prolonged attack 136 Softens 137 Cummerbund's place 138 Hive of bees 139 Cut some slack 140 Bel -- cheese

DOWN

1 Kind of preview 2 Welsh dog 3 Orchestra members 4 Served the meal 5 Left in a hurry 6 Spanish nobleman 7 Returned the favor 8 Ms. Barkin of films 9 Perfume label word 10 Wall St. landmark 11 Subtle's opposite 12 Intending 13 Reeked 14 Codgers' queries 15 Fathomless 16 Eclair filling 17 Dream of 18 Blues singer Bonnie -19 Ess moldings 20 Took by the hand 31 Yellow-fever mosquito 33 Flared garment (hyph.)

35 AOL message 37 Lift, slangily 39 Jauntily 41 Makes fit 44 Fidgety 46 slicker 48 Big party nights 49 Strong silent type?

50 Good-bye 51 Actors' trophies 52 Tugs 53 Newspaper, often 54 Stop temporarily 55 Autumn beverage 56 Curly lock 58 Voltage jump 59 Wildlife refuges 60 Factory-assembled 62 Closes in on 63 Made public 64 Donahue or Hartman 67 Long-plumed heron

106 Taxes 114 Stage awards 68 Garden shed items 107 Campfire fare 116 Writer's concern 69 Narrates 117 Goose-down garments 71 Steakhouse orders (hyph.) 108 Streak of dirt 109 Botanist's study 118 Out-of-date 73 Impudent 110 Pie-chart lines 120 Fumbles for words 74 Brings on board 112 Soprano's accolade 122 Courtesy env.

76 Teamwork obstacles 77 Small bottles 78 Zodiac sign FIND 6 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 79 "Vamoose!"

80 Neutral tone 81 Beginning 82 Plies a gondola 83 Twins share them 85 Hounds' trails 86 Thick 87 Born first 89 Bullock of "Speed" 90 Domesticating 91 Underway 94 One in a million 95 Hunter's quarry 97 More blustery 99 Increases 100 Granted 101 Fad 103 Most cautious 104 Pistol 105 Smiled upon

124 Soggy 126 Beard site 128 Gullet 130 U.S. spy grp.

132 Ms. Arthur SOLUTION ON PG 13

THE PICTURES

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME

TODAY’S WORD -- LIQUIDATED WORD GAME by Kathleen Saxe TODAY’S WORD -- BEWILDER (BEWILDER: bih-WIL-der: To confuse or befuddle.)

Average mark 37 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 57 or more words in BEWILDER? bedew beer belie bide bier bile bird birl bled

bleed blew bred breed brew bride bridle edible eider

elder elide ewer weed weir weird weld welder were

wide wider wield wielder wild wilder wile wire idle

idler leer lewd lewder lied lire deer dele deli

Maze Daze dewier diel dire drew drib rebel rebid reed reel

relied ride ile

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of "s," such as "bats" or "dies," are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a "d" or an "s" may not be used. For example, if "bake" is used, "baked" or "bakes" are not allowed, but "bake" and "baking" are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 23, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Tech

A

pple Music was redesigned in 2016 in an effort to streamline the app. While Apple did succeed in its efforts to make the app easier to navigate, it's still quite easy to get turned around when hunting for music across Apple's vast, 40-millionplus song catalogue. Here are some tips to help you keep track of which end is up when rocking out with Apple Music.

what the Play Next and Play Later options do. Play Next adds a song to the top of your Up Next queue so it plays next, while Play Later adds it to the bottom of your queue.

Scroll down for shuffle and repeat

You might be wondering where the shuffle and repeat options disappeared to. Before the app's redesign this year, they were readily available on the Now Playing panel. Now you need to scroll down a bit to see Shuffle and

View album of song playing

When you discover an awesome song in a playlist, you are only a couple of taps away from being able to view the album on which it appears. From the Now Playing panel, you'll see the artist and album info in red letters below the title of the current song playing.

Tap those red letters and the current song will continue to play while Apple Music opens the album so you can read its description (if there is one) and peruse its tracklist.

Add to Library vs. Download

By default, the "+" button for a song or the "+ADD" button for an album adds it to your library but doesn't download it for offline use, but you can change this. If you want everything on your Library tab to also be available when you are without a cellular or Wi-Fi connection, head to Settings > Music and toggle on Automatic

Downloads. Note: Only do this if you have an iPhone with lots of storage space or if you are particularly choosy about what you add to your library.

Customize your Library view

You can choose which headings are displayed at the top of your library. Tap the Library tab and then tap the Edit button in the top right to choose which items to add or remove.

Repeat. You'll get to them before the lyrics and well before your Up Next song queue.

Use search filters for faster searches

Don't overlook the two search filters -- Apple Music and Your Library -- when searching for a song or album. Apple Music is the default option, but if you've built yourself a halfway decent music library, you can quickly zero in on your search target by choosing Your Library. (Excerpted from CNET)

Also, don't sleep on the Sort function when browsing the Albums or Songs views of your library. Tap Sort in the top right and to arrange Songs alphabetically by song title or artist name. Similarly, Albums can be sorted by album title or artist name.

Play Next vs. Play Later

When you call up the background menu for a song, you should know

Tech News

Tech Tips

T

F

Google Maps adds the How to disable sound for International Space Station Facebook videos

he International Space Station has become the first "off planet" addition to Google Maps' Street View facility.

Astronauts helped capture 360-degree panoramas of the insides of the ISS modules, as well as views down to the Earth below.

Some of the photography features pop-up text descriptions, marking the first time such annotations have appeared on the Maps platform.

This is not the first time 360-degree imagery has been captured beyond Earth.

Street View allows users to move around 17 different areas in the space station

In 2015, the European Space Agency published its own interactive tour of the ISS. And last year Nasa re-

Crossword Solution

purposed images captured by its Pathfinder mission to Mars to create clips suitable for virtual reality headsets.

However, one of the benefits of Google's technology is that it should give members of the public an improved sense of freedom of movement and a greater choice of viewpoints than had been possible before.

The tech giant said it hoped to inspire the public to further explore the science and engineering involved in space exploration.

"Every [ISS] component had to be flown on a space shuttle or rocket and constructed and connected in space, and it had to be done with such precision that it formed a hermetic environment to support life," project manager Alice Liu told the BBC. "That is an engineering marvel that people should care about and know about."

(BBC)

acebook announced this year that it was making changes to the way videos work on its service, particularly for mobile devices. The company said in one of its blogs that mobile users “had come to expect sound when the volume on their device is turned on” and that it heard positive feedback about the audible autoplay behaviour.

The sound of the videos fades in and fades out as you scroll through your News Feed, and the videos are not supposed to be audible at all if you have the main volume level on

your phone set to silent.

However, if you prefer to keep your phone’s volume set to a normal level and do not want Facebook videos blaring in public when you browse your news feed, you can disable the function in the app’s settings.

Android

In the Android version of the Facebook app, tap the three-lined menu button in the toolbar and scroll down to App Settings. Next to “Videos in News Feed Start With Sound,” tap the button to the Off position. If you do not want videos in your feed to play automatical-

ly at all, tap Autoplay toward the bottom of the list and tap “Never Autoplay Videos” on the next screen before leaving the Settings area.

iOS

In the iOS version of the Facebook app, tap the three-lined menu icon in the corner of the screen and choose Settings.

Select Account Settings and then Sounds. Turn off the button next to “Videos in News Feed Start With Sound.” You can find the preferences for autoplay videos in the Videos and Photos section of the main Settings screen.

14 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 23, 2017

Bollywood/Hollywood

Deepika Padukone looks stunning on magazine cover

D

eepika Padukone was the most recent celebrity to grace the cover of Femina magazine. The actress posed for the magazine cover under the headline: “Superstardom couldn’t have happened to a nicer girl”.

The international movie star wore a black mesh top, strappy bralette, paired with a sequined booty shorts, a bedazzled, chunky belt and a pair of stilettos.

Deepika is currently shooting for her upcoming film “Padmavati”, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. She will be seen in the film with Shahid Kapoor and her rumoured boyfriend, Ranveer Singh. (Hindustan Times)

Tiger Shroff wants to be part of a Michael Jackson biopic

T

iger Shroff, a huge fan of Michael Jackson, said he would like to play the King of Pop in a film.

“Biopics are interesting I would love to do one. I would like to do one on Michael

Jackson,” said Tiger.

The actor is grateful to have got an opportunity to pay tribute to his idol through his film “Munna Michael”. Speaking about his fondest memories of Michael Jackson, the actor

stated, “I was very young then, so I did not understand what was going on at the concert (in Mumbai in 1996). I was four or five years old. I couldn’t see the stage but my father picked me up and then I could see him performing in front of me. I was amazed with his presence. And I knew I wanted to be like that, I wanted that craze and wanted to stand like him and sing like him.”

It is not just Jackson’s dancing skills that Tiger is mesmerised with, but with his charity work. “With great power comes great responsibility. The amount of work he has done for environment and the charity work... it’s great,” he said.

(PTI)

Toronto Film Festival to honour Priyanka Chopra

T

he Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is all set to honour Priyanka Chopra a day before it kicks off in September.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the 35-year-old “Desi” girl will be the guest of honour at the fundraiser event on September 6.

The funds raised from the TIFF gala will help fund talent development programmes at the Canadian festival to get more women behind and in front of the camera.

For its 42nd edition, the stylish event at Bell Lightbox will feature Chopra in conversation with festival artistic director Cameron Bailey.

Toronto will also be honouring Priyanka for her activism of devoting time to UNICEF as a goodwill ambassador and the Priyanka Chopra Foundation for Health and Education.

The “Quantico” star recently made her Hollywood debut with “Baywatch”. In the past, she has brought her Bollywood flicks like “Mary Kom” in 2014 and “What’s Your Raashee?” in 2009 to the Toronto festival.

(ANI)

I

t looks like Madame Tussauds has bowed to social media pressure and removed its latest Beyonce waxwork.

The model in New York got fans around the world talking. Some said the waxwork doesn't resemble the 35-year-old singer and questioned who commissioned it.

Others accused the museum of whitewashing Beyonce's image.

Now, the New York Times is reporting that model has vanished from the museum floor.

Pictures of the figure started doing the rounds on Twitter. While some Beyonce fans loved the addition to Madame Tussauds, others questioned whether the statue is even Beyonce.

A rep from Madame Tussauds commented: “At Madame Tussauds, our talented team of sculptors take every effort to ensure we accurately colour match all of our wax figures to the celebrity being depicted. Lighting

within the attraction combined with flash photography may distort and misrepresent the colour of our wax

figures which is something our sculptors are unable to account for at the production stage.” (BBC)

Justin Bieber banned from China over his 'bad behaviour'

Y

oung Beliebers of the world's most populous nation just got some devastating news: Justin Bieber has been banned from China.

Beijing’s Culture Bureau posted a statement to its website Friday explaining that unspecified misdeeds on behalf of the 23-year-old

Canadian pop star meant that he would no longer be welcome on Chinese stages.

"Justin Bieber is a gifted singer, but he is also a controversial young foreign idol," the bureau said while responding to a fan's request for a "detailed explanation" about the absence of China dates during Bieber's up-

coming world tour.

Bieber is set to arrive in Asia later this year as part of his Purpose World Tour, with shows scheduled in Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Hong Kong. Since the tour was announced, Chinese fans have lamented the absences of dates in the Middle Kingdom.

The bureau didn't elaborate on exactly what "behavior" had rendered Bieber persona non grata in China, but during a past visit to the country he caused a social media firestorm when photos spread online showing him being carried up the Great Wall, young emperor-like, by his bodyguards. In 2014, Bieber was arrested for driving under the influence after he was caught drag racing in a yellow Lamborghini in Miami. (Billboard)

Rihanna calls Chester Bennington a ‘vocal beast’

R

ihanna and Stormzy are among the stars mourning Linkin Park's Chester Bennington who has died, aged 41.

The Los Angeles County Coroner's office confirmed the death and said the singer had apparently hanged himself.

Chester's bandmate and friend, Mike Shinoda, tweeted that he was "shocked and heartbroken".

The band's debut Hybrid Theory remains one of the biggest selling albums of the millennium.

Last night they posted a photo of the singer, surrounded by fans.

Tributes to the singer from across the musical spectrum have been paid on social media.

Linkin Park's co-founder Mike Shinoda said an official statement from the band

would be released soon.

Rihanna paid tribute on Instagram: “Literally the most impressive talent I've ever seen live! Vocal beast! #RIPChester #LinkinPark” (BBC)

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 23, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 23, 2017

Fun Times

Archie

Travel, communication ARIES and fun outings with friends (March 21- are encouraged. Socializing April 19) will spark new ideas and lead to interesting opportunities or new partnerships.

Romance and self-improvement are highlighted.

Don't

act

in

haste.

TAURUS Unpredictable situations will (April 20- escalate, leaving you in a May 20) tight or awkward spot. Back away from anyone looking for a fight. Focus on keeping the peace.

You need to make a deGEMINI cision and act on it. You can (MAY 28- achieve personal gains and June 20) physical improvements and form a better relationship with a loved one. Romance is highlighted.

Use your insight when dealing with circumstances that in(June 21- volve foreign entities. It's best July 22) to play it safe. Avoid taking an unnecessary risk. Aim to stabilize, not to disrupt, your current situation.

CANCER

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

Make your home and family your priorities. Personal improvements will result in compliments and better relationships with others. An unexpected offer should be considered.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Take it easy. If you push yourself too hard, you will find it frustrating and could jeopardize your physical health. Problems at home can be expected. Keep the peace.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Take on new projects.

Step out and into the spotlight. Display your skills and discuss your plans. You have plenty to offer, and you will set a high standard. Romance is highlighted.

SCORPIO You will meet with opposi(Oct. 24- tion if you are too open about Nov. 22) what you are trying to do.

Peanuts

Remain objective, and be willing to listen to good advice, but don't let anyone take charge.

Good fortune awaits.

SAGITTARIUS Participate in events that (Nov. 23will put you in the limelight Dec. 21) or bring you in contact with someone you love or admire.

Money or a gift is apparent.

Calvin and Hobbes

Don't follow the crowd.

CAPRICORN If something is extravagant (Dec. 22- or unsettling, take a pass.

Jan. 19) It's your choice whether you participate. Don't let anyone coerce you into something that isn't right for you.

Positive changes can be

AQUARIUS made if you are dedicated to (Jan. 20- what you want to see hapFeb. 19) pen. Partnerships and per-

sonal gains are highlighted.

Celebrate your victory with someone you love.

You'll face opposition if you PISCES (Feb. 20- share your plans prematurely.

Mar. 20) Do what needs to be done before you consider presenting what you have to offer. Personal problems are apparent. Don't rock the boat.