Guyana Times International April 24 2018

INTERNATIONAL

Tahir joins the Amazon Warriors

Imran Tahir

Page 50

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

for FRee distribution guyanatimesinternational.com

You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com

Ministers Norton, Lawrence face “misconduct in public office” charges WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018

ISSUE NO. 393

- Opposition Leader assures charges not a case of “tit for tat”

See story on page 3

Commonwealth leaders join The Queen at the formal opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018 at Buckingham Palace.

Jagdeo says walk against corruption mere “smokescreen” to detract from violations Page 7

Guyanese man murdered in Brooklyn home Page 5

2

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Ministers Norton, Lawrence face “misconduct in public office” charges

- Opposition Leader assures charges not a case of “tit for tat”

F

ormer Attorney General, Anil Nandlall on behalf of People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Members of Parliament (MPs), Bishop Juan Edgehill and Vickram Bharrat, yesterday morning filed a case at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court against Former Minister of Health, Dr George Norton and current Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence.

The two Ministers are being accused of “misconduct in public office; Contrary to the common law”the same offence in which former Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Winston Brassington were charged with on April 12, 2018, by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

According to the legal document, “Volda Lawrence, being and performing the duties of Minister of Public Health of the Government of Guyana, between 16th January, 2017 and 16th February, 2017, in the City

Former Minister of Health, Dr George Norton

of Georgetown in the Georgetown Magisterial District, in the County of Demerara, in the State of Guyana, willfully misconducted herself in a way which amounted to an abuse of

public trust without reasonable excuse or justification, when she authorised or caused the unapproved single sourcing and purchase of drugs and medical supplies for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, in the city of Georgetown from Ansa McAl Trading Limited, a company incorporated under the Laws of Guyana, for the excessive sum of six hundred and five million, nine hundred and sixty-two thousand, two hundred dollars ($605,962,200).”

With regards with Norton, the court article stated “George Norton, being and performing the duties of Minister of Public Health of the Government of Guyana, on 1st June, 2016, in the City of Georgetown in the Georgetown Magisterial District, in the County of Demerara, in the State of Guyana, willfully misconducted himself in a way which amounted to an abuse of public trust without reasonable excuse or justification, when he authorised or caused the rental, of the property known as and situate at 29 Sussex Street Albouystown, in the city of Georgetown from Linden

Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence.

Holdings Incorporated, a Limited Liability Company, incorporated under the Laws of Guyana, for the sum of twelve million five hundred thousand dollars ($12,500,000) exclucontinued on page 17

4 views

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International

New York Office 106-15 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica NY 11435 Email: guyanatimesnyint@gmail.com Tel no: 718-658-6804 Fax no: 718-849-2286 Preferred method of contact via EMAIL Guyana Office Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana.

Tel no: (592) 223-7230/1, 225-7761.

Fax (592) 225-8696 Email: guyanatimesint@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

No “Good Life” O

ne day after it was exposed by this newspaper, Finance Minister Winston Jordan finally conceded what analysts had been claiming for some time: that the economy was contracting, rather than growing. From a growth rate of 5.2 per cent in 2013, during this regime’s stint at the helm, it had dropped by 2015 to 3.2%; 2016 3.3% and now an abysmal 2.1% for 2017.

Jordan’s excuses for the latter were pointed out since the beginning of the year: less gold and sugar produced, so one wonders what caused the delayed concession.

Overall, the news destroys any claim the PNC-led government can make about fulfilling its campaign promise to provide “the good life” for all Guyanese. Even though aggregate growth figures can hide a multitude of economic sins, such as disguising growing inequalities under the neo-liberal paradigm that Guyana follows, it can at least suggest the possibility of economic improvement in the lives of ordinary citizens. With 2.1% growth rate, coming from a very narrow sliver of the economy, however, it is clear that for most Guyanese, their standard of living had to have worsened.

Minister Jordan noted that the downfall in the production of sugar was even worse than they had projected. This indicates their theory is flawed — that production and productivity would improve in the industry with the unilateral closure of three estates. Whatever had ailed the industry with seven estates is still there with the three left grinding. But, unfortunately, as far as the “good life”, the 7700 workers (5700 from GuySuCo and 2000 from private cane farmers) and their families, totalling some 38,000 men, women and children, are now bereft of any dignified life, much less a “good” one.

The bemoaned drop in the declaration of gold is interesting for several reasons. When in opposition, now Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, had asserted between 50-60% of gold was being smuggled out of the country without being declared to the Gold Board, so that Guyana could collect its royalties and taxes. He has never followed up to reveal what steps have been taken to staunch this incredible haemorrhaging of Guyana’s revenues, and whether this may also be the cause of last year’s shortfall in production.

Be that as it may, it would appear the PNC-led Government is doing all in its powers to guarantee we contract that much cited “Dutch Disease”, which will kick in as oil revenues start flowing by 2020, to ensure our economy contradictorily contracts even further. The Economist had coined the term back in the 1970s to describe the apparent anomaly of massive increases in revenues from Dutch gas exports coinciding with an increase in unemployment caused by the appreciation of the Dutch guilder and local exports becoming “more expensive”.

Additionally, as it explained later, “Extra foreign currency enters the country, is converted into local currency, and is spent on goods that cannot be traded across borders (construction, certain services and so forth). As foreign currency is changed into local currency, the money supply rises: extra domestic demand pushes up domestic prices. That, in the jargon, results in an appreciation of the “real” exchange rate: a unit of foreign currency now buys fewer services in the domestic economy than it did before. The country loses competitiveness.”

If the Government had kept its Manifesto promises on economic development, not only would growth rates have been higher, but we would have been inoculated against Dutch Disease. In its goals re “Industrialisation and Jobs”, the PNC/ APNU coalition had promised “to create a new economy that will stimulate rapid development through Guyana’s transformation from a raw material producer”. This would have created a “Singapore in the Americas by creating more jobs and better pay.”

But instead of creating that new economy, they have allowed even the old economy to implode. It is now clear that the Government’s growth projections are more of a wish and a prayer for “key sectors to rebound” than hard numbers based on an economic plan.

The wheels of Industry keep turning even at sunset in D’Edward Village, East Berbice, Guyana, as the close of the day heralds new possibilities. Modern day D’Edward is mainly an agricultural village with a growing commercial sector. Many residents rear cattle and other forms of livestock and still others make a livelihood by farming vegetable and cash crops for sale at the nearby Rosignol Market or in Georgetown. (Photo by

Girendra Persaud).

Barbara Bush - former US First Lady and literacy campaigner

T

he spouse of one US president and the mother of a second, Barbara Bush was never content to accept a passive role as political wife.

A long-time campaigner for social justice, she spoke out against racial segregation and threw her weight behind the drive to eradicate illiteracy in America. At times she had to tone down her more liberal views to avoid clashes with her husband's party.

This included her natural instinct to take a more pro-choice side in the abortion debate. She was born Barbara Pierce in New York City on 8 June 1925, the daughter of a magazine publisher.

It was while she was still at school - at just 16 - that she met fellow student George Herbert Walker Bush and the couple became engaged in 1943. Shortly afterwards, her fiancé went off to serve in the US Navy as a pilot.

They married in 1945 and the new Mrs Bush spent 18 months as a navy wife before her husband was discharged.

Later, she would quip that 'I married the first man I ever kissed. When I tell this to my children they just about throw up.'

They moved to Connecticut when George was accepted at Yale and it was there that her first son, George Walker Bush, was born in July 1946.

The family then moved to Texas where her husband got a job with an oil company run by a friend of his father. He eventually founded his own oil development company in 1950.

For the next nine years Barbara Bush fulfilled the role of wife and mother, while her husband built up his business.

The death of their three-yearold daughter Robin from leukaemia in 1953 inspired Mrs Bush to campaign on behalf of cancer charities. An interest in improving literacy was sparked when her son Neil was diagnosed as dyslexic.

Conflict

She also became aware of segregation in the South after driving across America with two African-American women in order to reach a holiday home in Maine. She discovered, to her horror, that her two companions were not allowed to sleep or eat

in the same hotels and restaurants as white people.

For the rest of her life she spoke out against racial bigotry, often finding herself in conflict with right wingers in the Republican Party.

She became a political wife in 1964 when George campaigned, unsuccessfully, to become a Republican Senator for Texas.

But, two years later, he entered Congress and his wife launched herself into political life, working for various Republican women's organisations.

In 1970, after George Bush failed for a second time to reach the Senate, President Richard Nixon appointed him US ambassador to the United Nations.

Barbara Bush relished the opportunity to make new contacts among the international community and was able to widen that circle when her husband was posted to Beijing by President Nixon's successor, Gerald Ford.

In the mid 1970s, George was appointed as Director of the CIA. It was a difficult period in Barbara's life during which she suffered from a deep depression.

In her autobiography, she recalled how she would have to stop her car on the side of a highway for fear she would deliberately crash into a tree or an on-coming vehicle. 'Night after night, George held me weeping in his arms while I tried to explain my feelings,' she wrote. 'I almost wonder why he didn't leave me.

I knew it was wrong, but couldn't seem to pull out of it.'

She never sought medical help for her feelings, which she put down to a combination of the menopause and the stress of her husband's job. The despair vanished after about six months.

When George entered the primaries for the Republican presidential nomination, Barbara campaigned enthusiastically for him. The couple's relatively liberal views on abortion and equal rights were at odds with the growing influence of the conservative wing of the Republican Party under Ronald Reagan.

Witty speaker

The former California governor's decision to invite George Bush to be his vice presidential running mate meant Barbara had to publicly toe the party line on these issues. As the wife of

the vice president, Barbara Bush stepped up her campaign to improve adult and child literacy, putting her weight behind organisations working in the field.

She also emerged as an entertaining and witty public speaker, and her experience of two vice presidential campaigns stood her in good stead when her husband ran for the White House in 1988.

When she appeared at the Republican convention that nominated him, she became the first wife of a candidate to speak in support of their husband.

Once in the White House she founded the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, designed to raise money for literacy programmes. She also made regular radio appearances on a programme called Mrs Bush's Story Time, which championed the benefits of parents reading aloud to their children.

She continued her drive to improve civil rights in America and was reputed to have been influential in the appointment of the first African-American to her husband's cabinet.

Avoiding clashes

Not all her beliefs were shared by her husband. Her support for gun control elicited strong reaction from his supporters in the powerful National Rifle Association.

And she toned down her relatively pro-choice views on abortion to avoid clashes with powerful groups within the party which might have threatened the stability of her husband's presidency. However, she returned to the subject of abortion during the 1992 campaign, stating her belief that it was a private matter and something on which the Republican Party should not take a position. Her husband failed to gain a second term in the White House, losing to Bill Clinton, and Barbara found more time to spend on her campaigns.

Life outside the White House came as something of a shock to the former first Lady. She realised she hadn't cooked for 12 years and her driving had become appalling. Her husband warned anyone to get out of the way if they saw her car approaching. She also had a new candidate to support - her son, George W Bush, was elected to continued on page 8

NEWS 5

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Interior businesses Guyanese man affected by fuel, murdered in air travel taxes Brooklyn home …raises other concerns with PPP MP

B

Opposition MP Irfaan Ali

usinesses operating in the local tourism sector, particularly those in the hinterland, are calling on Government to reduce taxes for interior air travel and fuel.

This call comes amid concerns over the rise in cost for these services and commodities, which, to a large extent, is affecting border

trade between Guyana and Brazil, especially in Lethem.

This observation was made by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) and former Government Minister Irfaan Ali, who met with members of the business community in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) last week-

end.

During his visit, the Opposition MP said that the local business community complained also about being constrained by new rules implemented by the Brazilian authorities with regard to trade.

Some business owners said that while commercial goods were processed at the border between the two countries every day, that has now been reduced to two days – Mondays and Fridays.

The business community said despite raising this concern with the local Brazilian Consulate and the Guyana Government, nothing has been done.

This is severely affecting their business operations.

Meanwhile, contrary to the national road transport agreement, private vehicles are now required to get permission to use the continued on page 12

A

Police are seen outside the Bushwick home of Otis James on Tuesday (Ken Murray/New York Daily News photo)

Guyanese man residing in New York was found on Tuesday stabbed to death in his Brooklyn apartment.

Otis James, 48, was discovered unconscious and bleeding, with stab wounds to his head, face, chest and torso, inside his home on Central Avenue near Cornelia Street in Bushwick, New York at 16:30h Tuesday.

James worked as a city bus driver from 2005 to May 2017, when he retired on disability.

He was crippled as a result of a gunshot injury he sustained at Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara two years ago.

He had been shot to the left side of his chest at point-blank range on May 18, 2016 outside a friend’s home after he had closed the

gate to board a car that he had expected to pick him up.

The New York Post reported that the man’s apartment may have been ransacked.

Police sources told the media that a knife was recovered at the scene of the gruesome murder.

James leaves to mourn a wife and two children.

No one has since been arrested.

6

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Another case American Airlines entry into Guyana a smart move of witchhunting

Dear Editor, I will wholly agree with the Leader of the Opposition’s response to the unjustified charges of misconduct in public office. There is no basis for such a charge, since Dr Ashni Singh was carrying out the mandate of Cabinet.

According to reports, the three plots of land were sold for $31.9 million, $18.5 million and $5.8 million per acre. This is not a case where the buyers colluded with the minister or the Government to commit a fraud.

There is no evidence to suggest that.

Chapter 73:05 Financial Management and Accountability Act, Section 85 clearly states the criminal liability of an official. It states that an official who falsifies any account, statement, receipt or other record issued or kept for the purposes of this Act, the Regulations, the Finance Circulars or any other instrument made under this Act, or conspires or colludes with any other person to defraud the State or make opportunity for any person to defraud the State, or knowingly permits any other person to do so, is guilty of an indictable offence.

It is clear that SOCU came up empty-handed but the political dictates must ensure that the previous Government faces public embarrassment in yet another display of witch-hunting. It must be recalled that they had made public utterances about corruption and stealing of public funds, which they abysmally failed to substantiate even though millions were spent on CoIs, so now they must appease their supporters.

But even among their diehard supporters, there are many who have realized that all of this is a drama into futility. These are just baseless and spurious allegations! This is wasteful spending to enrich a few of their cronies.

Let me refresh and enlighten the public what took place in 1991 when there was an insane haste by the PNC Government to privatize more than 40 state entities. That was the time when our per capita income was just around US$370.

In February 1991, the PNC Government sold Demerara Woods Limited for 9.7 million pounds sterling to Lord Beaverbrook, and he obtained a 50-year lease of 1.1 million acres of rainforest. Two months later, he sold his interests for 61 million pounds sterling. In 1992 it was resold for 74 million pounds. It was estimated that the rainforest alone at that time was valued between US$160 million and $206 million.

Another similar case is Guyana Timbers Limited. The book value of this entity was stated at US$130 million, but it was sold for a paltry US$23.2 million in 1991. Registration

and other fees amounting to US$1.6 million were waived.

The GRMMA complexes at Black Bush Polder and Corriverton were sold off in 1991 for US$3.8 million, but these complexes were valued at US$14.9. The Complexes at Ruimzeigt and Wakenaam and fertile lands were sold for US$2.5 million, the valuation was for US$8.5 million.

At Anna Regina, the Complex valued at US$14.2 million was sold for US$4.2 million. In all these cases, local investors made higher bids, but the complexes were sold to foreigners.

These are just a few.

When the PPP/C took office in 1992, they could have done a lot to embarrass the PNC, and even prosecute many of the ministers; but it was a time for healing, reconciliation and nation building. Instead, the PPP/C put their shoulders to the plough and started a Herculean effort to build this nation from scratch, since our economy was comprehensively bankrupted and the masses were literally starving. Our debts were so debilitating that only 5% of our GDP could be used to run the country! The remaining 95% went towards repayment of debts and interests!

It was a crime to have certain food items!

Let us contrast with what this PNC-majority- controlled Government inherited. They inherited a booming economy that was on an upward trajectory. They inherited a full Treasury and a GDP per capita from US$370 to US$4,000.

Yet this Government is bent on a collision course with the Opposition, although they preached about social cohesion and a good life for all Guyanese.

Instead of continuing the nation building process, we find that this Government is now using the ‘red herring’ fallacy to divert attention away from the crumbling economy and the cancerous manifestation of corruption, mismanagement, cronyism, and unaccountability.

This Government should provide answers to the Auditor General on how nearly $1 billion was spent on the D’Urban Park project. There are missing financial records, and the company has since been liquidated. The Government should provide answers to the lopsided oil contract, the many allegations of corrupt public procurement and cronyism, among many others. We need CoIs on these as well.

I am sure that all these vexatious and vengeful efforts by the Government will come to nothing. I fully support the conclusions of Dr Jagdeo. The approval to sell came from Cabinet having received recommendations from the Privatization Unit and the Board.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Dear Editor, It is good that American Airlines (AA) will operate in Guyana from December, and break the stranglehold Caribbean Airways (CAL) has on our necks.

American Airlines’ flights will be a tremendous boost for local businesses. More competition among airlines means we will get better service for our hard-earned dollars.

For example, Caribbean Airlines allows passengers only one free suitcase of 50 lbs, and bills them US$30 for every additional suitcase. But AA’s baggage allowance will be two free pieces of checked luggage of 50 lbs each.

AA will be using modern Airbus A319 planes for Guyana flights. These planes have wide leather seats, in-flight entertainment, WIFI access and USB ports.

Make no mistake: American Airlines’ flying to Guyana will be a beautiful thing. I support it, I bless the thought. In fact, I hope AA will soon start flying the Guyana-New York route, or from here to London and Europe via Barbados or some other Caribbean territory.

American Airlines’ flying here in December is a smart move, because that is when the new airport is slated to open. Our oil-and-gas industry will begin to accelerate, and obviously there will be more travellers to and from Guyana.

Some uninformed people are cursing the thought of AA flying to Guyana. They do not understand the airline business, and discuss it without understanding the issue at hand.

They are bawling that Caribbean Airlines served Guyana in good times and bad, and we should be grateful.

I have nothing personal against Caribbean Airlines. I am a frequent flyer, and I have enjoyed the service of Caribbean Airlines’ cabin crews; but, for a long time now, the airline’s manage-

ment has been treating us with contempt, and it is good that AA will shake them up big time.

CAL stuck with us when other airlines left, but they also took advantage of us. Don’t forget that Caribbean Airlines jacked up air fares and made us pay through our noses when our economy was almost dead; which affected our mentality, our self-esteem and our livelihoods.

I would like to compliment Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin; Minister of Tourism, Cathy Hughes; and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, for working to get American Airlines to fly to Guyana. But why was American Airlines able to announce flights to Guyana before getting permission? It looks like AA is calling the shots. This makes Guyana look bad and weak. Guyana is an independent nation with sovereign rights over its airspace.

We cannot accept any big company coming from outside to make policies for our country.

It was presumptuous of American Airlines to announce flights to Guyana before getting the go-ahead from Government. Guyanese have to get their act together and take control. No one has a right to make policies for the Government and people of Guyana without our involvement.

I am a maniac for Guyana’s development, regardless of which administration rules. We have to demand respect when we do business. That is the way we have to deal with American Airlines and any foreign corporation or airline. I don’t like the fact that American Airlines announced flights to Guyana before getting permission, but I still support AA flying here.

It is also good that Government is welcoming AA, whether or not it knew up front that the airline had decided to fly here. May this be the dawn of a bright new day for air travel in Guyana.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan Snr

Consequences of underdevelopment of a nation Dear Editor, A number of emerging countries’ economies have experienced a massive boom in wealth and investment over the past two decades. Yet, most ordinary people in those societies live in dire poverty, with stagnant life expectancy and high unemployment, and in societies with low levels of manufacturing and heavy industry. One only has to reflect on Guyana and one can observe that the GDP per capita expanded by almost 400% in the last two decades; yet, today, four out of every 10 Guyanese have serious challenges eating two proper meals and “surviving on an income of US$1.75 per day, or G$10,494 per month” (source: GBPI). For the roots of these conditions of “under-development,” the best historical account of why these things are happening can be found in Walter Rodney’s “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa” (1972). This book is mandatory reading for anyone who wants to understand what is about to happen to Guyana because of this lopsided anti-Guyanese oil contract signed between the Granger cabal and the international developers.

The core of Rodney’s analysis rests on the assumption that Africa has been crucial to the growth of capitalism in Europe. What he terms “underdevelopment” was in fact the product of centuries of exploitation. Rodney conclusively shows that “Europe” – that is, the imperial powers – did not merely enrich their own empires, but actually reversed economic and social development in Africa. Thus Rodney, in his book, showed how Europe built immense industrial and colonial empires on the backs of African labour, but in the process devastated African natural resources and African societies. As he emphasises throughout the book, “it would be an act of the most brazen fraud to weigh the social amenities provided during the colonial epoch against the exploitation and arrive at the conclusion that the good outweighed the bad.”

Thus when Mr Raphael Trotman rolls out the trinkets, such as “UG will get G$100 million

for training and development”, he was clearly acting like a “slave agent”. As he imprisons a nation for the journey on this ship that will lead to full exploitation, in his mind he is sprinkling a few trinkets here and there to settle the natives. What Mr Trotman has not told the nation is that the annual sales from this operation, when it peaks around 2024, would be close to G$2.2 trillion (G$2,200,000 million).

Multiplied over the life of the Stabroek Block of 20 years, UG will be getting 0.0002% of the total sales over the life of the investment. We can now understand why Mr Trotman can make such an infantile statement as “releasing the contract was not good for business”, as he was quoted by the Press in November 2017.

Then, a month after, he was quoted as saying, “We are satisfied with the oil contract bonus”. But when you review the details of the contract, Guyana is expected to walk away with 12.5% of the oil sales; but out of that 12.5%, Guyana has to pay the taxes, the transportation cost, and the marketing fee, which is projected to provide a net benefit to Guyana of under 8% of the oil sales until the initial investments are recovered.

This recovery process can last anywhere from 10 to 12 years. Guyana’s share of all those trillions until the investment is recovered will be less than a billion Guyana dollars a year in the first 10 years. Guyana has a G$250 billion budget in 2018, and that was thrown in for context.

But is the Government satisfied to sell the nation this lopsided deal? I wonder why. Is the reason that a newly wedded wife of a minister is on the payroll of one of the developers at a price tag of G$30 million per year? Are we experiencing a situation where certain cabal has sold out the people of Guyana for personal enrichment, with the direct consequences being the underdevelopment of a nation?

Sincerely, Sasenarine Singh

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jagdeo says walk against corruption mere “smokescreen” to detract from violations

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has declined an invitation extended to him by Head of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA), Dr Clive Thomas to participate in a “symbolic” walk against corruption, to be held this Friday.

In declining the invitation, the Opposition Leader said that he viewed the walk as it is – a mere “smokescreen” to detract from the grossest violations of the constitutional and statutory provisions regarding financial probity, transparency, and accountability ever witnessed since independence.

Furthermore, he added that he would not participate in such a walk while members of successive People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Governments and other public officials have been discriminated against, victimised, and targeted by a State-sponsored witch-hunt on frivolous manufactured charges.

In a letter sent to Thomas, Jagdeo stated that the parliamentary Opposition held firmly to this position, which was reflected in the PPP press release of April 14, 2018 that stated, among other things, “after being in office for only three years, the APNU/AFC Government can easily be classified as the most corrupt Government in the post-independent English-speaking Caribbean. Indeed, its corruption is only surpassed by its incompetence.”

In three short years, the Party said, the coalition Government has managed to “completely bypass the public procurement process, mandated by law, and has handed to its cronies and financiers, hundreds of contracts to the value of billions of dollars.”

It added that the

Head of State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) Clive Thomas

number of cases of such violations is mounting on a daily basis.

In light of the “blatant transgressions” by the Government, the Party said in its letter, “Can one wonder why the parliamentary Opposition, critical national stakeholders and thousands of Guyanese are angry at the audacity of this government to accuse others of corruption when there is nothing being done to stop this “corruption haemorrhage” undermining the rule of law in our country?”

The Opposition Leader also noted in his letter to Dr Thomas that the “Government manipulates the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and directs the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) to institute fabricated and malicious charges against political opponents and highly qualified professional Guyanese, who have served their country and their people with distinction. The frivolous charges instituted against Dr Ashni Singh and Mr Winston Brassington are simply the most recent, and we have no doubt others will be made victims of this vindictive and undemocratic regime.”

The letter to Dr Thomas added that “the passage of the SARA Act has given you, sir, enormous, in fact, super powers – something we abhor as it is in total contravention to human rights and due process – but sir, you have those powers so why have you taken no action as a so-called anti-corruption champion to bring members of the present Government to book? As they say, clean your own house so that others can see the light and know you are serious about fighting corruption.”

news 7

8 news

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Government committed to working with NTC

S

everal days after the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry launched a scathing attack on the executive of the National Toshoa Council (NTC), particularly pointing out the Chairman of Vice Chairman, the two parties have decided to put their differences aside and plan to work on a better relationship.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Minister Sydney Allicock addressed this issue describing it as a “teeth and tongue” which has been addressed. The Minister said his Ministry is committed to working with the NTC to ensure that the rights of Guyana’s first people are protected and they receive the best possible help to continue to improve their lives and bring development to their villages.

“While we have had

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock (centre) embraced by NTC Vice Chairman Lenox Shuman (left) and NTC Chairman Joel Fredericks

some serious discussions and challenges, we have been able to accomplish a number of successes we are yet to uti-

lise…we are at the point where old pathways will now lead us in a new direction. Working in partnership is the way

to go,” he explained.

Vice Chairman of the NTC Lenox Shuman confirmed the Minister’s comments and ex-

plained that while the issues may have been taken to the public, both the Ministry and the NTC have managed to iron out the issues that they had with each other. He said while there were external forces that may have wanted to see the matter being further exacerbated to a point of hostility, he said that will never happen.

Last week, Government accused the NTC of disrespecting President David Granger, and launched a scathing attack on several vocal Indigenous representatives who were not toeing the line, but exposing serious malpractices of the current A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change Administration.

The Ministry accused the NTC and Shuman, of being confrontational, demanding, and disrespectful in their writings to President Granger. The Ministry said it has also observed a trend of public posturing by NTC executives, and has stated that the NTC has so far not distanced itself from what the Ministry described

as rather divisive, disingenuous, and sometimes incoherent statements made by these officials.

In the strongly worded statement, it also pointed to Shuman and said it has taken note of his issuing calls for mass public protest against the Government by the Indigenous citizenry. The Ministry said it would allow the Guyanese public to judge his intentions.

Further to that, the Ministry said it is aware of countless complaints of alleged disrespectful treatment of residents of St Cuthbert’s Mission

by Shuman.

Former Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai had described the statement issued by the Ministry as a vicious and blatant attack on the Council and Toshoas across the country. Sukhai said she is under the impression there seemingly is disconnect between the Ministry and the NTC. The former Minister said she finds it to be strange, especially since the Minister sits on the NTC as an ex-officio member.

Barbara Bush... the White House in 2000 and again in 2004.

Barbara appeared on public platforms with him, notably in front of pensioner audiences, to promote his reforms of social security. Throughout the campaign she harboured grave doubts that he would win. At George W Bush's inauguration, she became the first woman in US history to have witnessed both her husband and son sworn in as President of the United States.

Abigail Adams was married to the second US president, John Adams, and was the mother of the sixth, John Quincy Adams, but she did not live to see their son elected.

Back on the campaign trail

She was unswervingly loyal to her family but did not automatically extend that support to every member of the Republican Party. Asked in 2010 about former Alaska Governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, Mrs Bush was damning.

'I sat next to her once, thought she was beautiful,' she told an interviewer before adding 'I think she's very happy in Alaska, and I hope she'll stay there."

In 2013, she joked on NBC that the country had probably "had enough Bushes" but soon had to swallow her words when another son, Jeb Bush,

from page 4

announced he too would run for the Presidency.

At the age of 90, she found herself back on the campaign trail in Jeb's support - although he would ultimately be unsuccessful in his attempt to secure the Republican nomination.

She joined her son Jeb in 2016 as he campaigned to become the Republican presidential candidate In 2017, Barbara and her husband were given standing ovations at the 2017 Super Bowl. She also actively campaigned on behalf of the victims of hurricane Katrina.

Recently, suffering from heart and respiratory disease, she decided to decline any further medical treatment and return to the family home in Houston.

During long career in public life, Barbara Bush remained a witty and independent-minded bastion of support to her husband and son in the course of their presidencies. As first lady, she steered a middle course between the public deference of Nancy Reagan and the more high profile role of Hillary Clinton.

And like many of her predecessors, such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Helen Taft, she found this gave her room to champion her own causes behind the scenes.

(BBC News)

NEWS 9

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

PPP urges GECOM to exercise great care during voters’ List sanitisation W

hile the P e o p l e ’ s Progressive Party (PPP) has expressed some level of satisfaction over the fact that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and various stakeholders are engaged in a process to update and sanitise the list of registered electors, the Party is also calling for due diligence to be exercised.

One of the tasks undertaken by GECOM and stakeholders is to cleanse the list of deceased persons, based upon information generated by the General Registrar’s Office (GRO), which is responsible for the issuance of certificates of death. This is something the Party has repeatedly called for.

“The PPP calls upon GECOM to exercise greater care and due diligence in their attempts to sanitise the list. We will continue to partner with GECOM and other stakeholders, in a concerted effort, to produce a list of registered electors that is accurate and whose integrity can withstand objective scrutiny,” it stated.

The removal of

names of persons who have died from the list of registered electors is a responsibility of GECOM and is guided by strict laws and rules, the Party reminded. Only on the basis of a certified list of persons who have died, issued by the GRO, can GECOM remove a person’s name.

“It is, therefore, imperative that we emphasise that names cannot be removed from the list on the ground that persons are dead, unless confirmation is received from the GRO,” the PPP

asserted.

The Party therefore noted that GECOM issued five lists of persons who have died between December 2015, and March 2016. One of the lists, according to them, is of persons who have died but whose names are not on the list of registered electors (that is persons who never registered).

The PPP said it has conducted a review of this particular list and has discovered a significant number of names which are in fact on the

list of registered electors. “This list is, therefore, not accurate. As a result, the names of deceased persons will continue to be on the list of registered electors,” it pointed out.

In March, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo called for an audit to be done on the digitisation of records at the General Registrar’s Office (GRO).

His comments were followed by Citizenship Minister Winston Felix, who claimed that the process is transparent and one that does not in-

clude partisanship.

However, the Opposition Leader feels that there might be attempts to fiddle with the registration process at the GRO using the digitisation of records as the cover for “fictitious names being registered, which could then be used, (seeing) that it is registered with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).”

Jagdeo said he would also urge GECOM to pay careful attention to the issue, because the integrity of that entity’s data base would depend heavily on the source documents being issued by the GRO. “But (it is) not just GECOM that has to worry, but all the foreign embassies and everyone else; because if people have fake Guyanese documents and some of them are not Guyanese, they pass through here and just get the fake documents for the purpose of registration, they can eventually secure passports and a whole range of other documents,” Jagdeo opined.

The Opposition Leader is asserting that the integrity of the disgitisation process is vi-

tal.

“We in the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) are paying careful attention to this, given what has happened historically — that the heavy padding of the voters list with fictitious names was a norm under previous Government sometime back in our history,” Jagdeo recalled.

Earlier, Region One Chairman Brentnol Ashley, had raised concerns about the active participation and involvement of Government Member of Parliament (MP) Richard Allen in the affairs and functions of several State agencies and elected bodies in the region. Ashley complained about MP Allen’s active involvement with the GRO visiting team issuing birth certificates in the region, and had noted that the MP was not employed at any of those agencies.

The Regional Chairman went on to disclose that he had even received reports of Allen personally distributing birth certificates in bulk to people in various communities.

10 news

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Convicted Robber slapped with additional charge S

teve Hercules, one of the six men who was charged for multiple offences on Tuesday morning, in connection with the foiled Supply robbery, was on Wednesday, remanded to prison on another charge when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The accused plead not guilty when the charge was read to him

by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

It was alleged that on March 25, 2018, at Princess Street, Georgetown, while being armed with a gun, he stole a motorcar along with valuables totaling in excess of $3M. Hercules, a taxi driver, is expected to re-appear in court on April 30, 2018.

The six men who were reportedly found with a quantity of firearm and ammunition while travelling in a stolen car, after allegedly attempting to commit a robbery a week ago at Supply, East Bank Demerara (EBD) were on Tuesday arraigned at the Providence Magistrate’s Court.

Mark Prince, 39, a

taxi driver of Parfaite Harmonie, WBD; Nabadingi Gobin, 24, of Georgetown; Leonard Khan, 31, a fish vendor of Albouystown, Georgetown; Edward Skeete, 30, of Albouystown; Marvin Blackman, 27, a fish vendor of South Ruimveldt and Steve Hercules appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce.

The men, with the exception of Hercules, all denied the 10 charges that were read to them.

According to the prosecution’s case, on April 10, 2018, while in the vicinity of Grove, EBD, the men had in their possession six live .32 ammunition, 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition, two 9mm black pistols, and a .32 black Taurus pistol.

Another charge stated that the men attempted to commit a felony on April 10, 2018.

The prosecution applied for the case to be tried at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

This application was granted by Magistrate Scarce.

The prosecution also objected to bail on the grounds that the men were all known charac-

The men being escorted by Police ranks after their appearance at the Providence Magistrate’s Court

ters to the Police.

As such, Gobin, Khan, Skeete, Blackman and Prince were remanded to prison until May 10, 2018.

Hercules was additionally charged with fraudulent conversion of a vehicle’s identification mark.

It was alleged that on April 10, 2018, at Grove, EBD, he changed the identification plates of a grey Premio motor car registered as PVV 6204

to HC 4543.

Hercules admitted to nine of the ten charges and told the court that a customer of his offered him $50,000 to transport the vehicle on April 10, 2018, to Georgetown from Soesdyke, EBD. Hercules said prior to him delivering the vehicle, he was told of its contents, but still agreed to transport it.

He explained that on his way to the city, he collected the five men.

The men, he argued, did not know about the gun and ammunition.

“While I was coming down, I decided to pick up couple passengers to cover me while I was coming down from there,” he told the court.

Hercules was sentenced to an $800,000 fine and eight years in prison.

The six accused were nabbed after they reportedly attempted to rob a Supply poultry farmer, Michael Chang Yuen.

Four of the men reportedly entered the man’s yard and an alarm was raised. The men subsequently quickly re-

turned to the waiting motor car, which was parked some distance away, and fled the scene.

However, the Police were alerted, and a roadblock was set up in the vicinity of the Grove Public Road, which saw the four men, along with two others in the same car, being captured.

A search carried out on the motor car unearthed, in addition to the weapons and ammunition, one sledgehammer, two pairs of latex gloves, and trade plates.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) legislation for review

G

Panellists: Enrico Woolford, Ruel Johnson, Marian Williams, Vishu Dooerga, Dominique Hunter, and Gavin Medonca

uyanese artistes and business owners will soon be able to rest easy, as the Government embarks on updating and enforcing the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) legislation.

The IPR legislation allows creators to safeguard their work through patents, trademarks and copyrights, resulting in prevention of plagiarism, with the relevant laws as artillery should the need arise.

In an attempt to get the consultation process started, a panel discussion was held by the US Embassy on Friday, with the focus being the importance of the IPR and how it would affect and benefit Guyanese artistes.

One of the key points of discussion was the need for Guyanese to appreciate and respect local music, productions and property. This issue was raised by local talent Gavin Mendonca.

“What’s lacking in Guyanese society as a whole, from the chambers of

Parliament to homeless people, is we seem to lack respect and appreciation for each other and for ourselves.”

Another area up for discussion was the need for the general public to be educated about the particulars of the IPR legislation.

In addition to Mendonca, the remainder of the panel included Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes; Head of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Vishu Doerga; Executive Member of the Guyana Women Artists’ Association, Dominique Hunter; Cultural Advisor to the Social Cohesion Ministry, Ruel Johnson; and Chairman of the National Communication Board, Enrico Woolford.

Guyana’s Trademark Act and Patents and Design Act were tabled in 1973, whilst the Copyright Act is dated 1956.

news 11

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

More than two dozen Venezuelans seeking refuge in Region 9

…. “ without shelter, food, water” - Irfaan Ali

M

ore than two dozen Venezuelans were recently discovered camping in the open air under very poor conditions in Lethem, Region Nine.

During a visit to Lethem last weekend, Opposition Member of Parliament, and former Government Minister Irfaan Ali, came into contact with the Venezuelans who were seeking refuge in Guyana. In a social media post, Ali said several children were among the 25 persons.

“Presently, they are living without any shelter in an open land, with no food, water or sanitary facilities. It is a sad situation, but with 25 already finding their way here, we can never be sure if any, or how much more, will also cross the border seeking shelter, food and help,” he explained.

The MP appealed to Government to urgently look into the matter, as the people of Lethem were also very concerned and the health implications could, moreover, be serious. He said there is urgent need for a national policy position on this matter, and humanitarian intervention from the state.

“I urge us as Guyanese to help if we can. It is heart-wrenching to see this level of suffering,” he expressed.

Foreign Affairs Minister

Opposition MP Irfaan Ali meets with Venezuelan refugees

Carl Greenidge had, during May last year, given full assurance that Guyana would continue to assist the people of Venezuela who continue to flee their country to escape its economic, social and political crises.

Responding to a statement made by Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana, Reina Diaz, who had spoken about the crisis, Greenidge had pointed out: “Guyana, as a matter of routine, stands ready to assist or support all Caricom (CaribbeanCommunity) states and immediate neighbours, where appropriate (and) when

asked.”

The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that the Venezuelan Government had not approached Guyana for help with its current internal crisis. However, he said Guyana stands ready to assist in spite of the difficulties that the two countries have experienced in regard to the border controversy.

Guyana had, in 2016, convened a meeting of non-governmental organisations and the private sector to consider the deteriorating conditions in Venezuela. The Venezuelan Government was, however, not

open to receiving any material assistance being offered at the time.

Guyana is already providing medical assistance to many Venezuelans. It has been reported that Venezuelan nationals are crossing into Guyana, especially at Region One, to seek medical treatment for malaria. At least 368 cases of malaria were, in May 2017, reported to national health authorities in Region One, but Venezuelans seeking treatment were treated, according to Government.

Considering this to be part of Guyana’s international hu-

manitarian contribution, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, related that instructions were given to the Public Health Ministry to assist all comers. This assistance encompassed both Venezuelans and Guyanese who are living in the Spanish-speaking country.

There have been persistent reports that, due to a troubled economy and unrest that has gripped that nation, shortages of basic services exist in Venezuela, and those include health services. Relations between Guyana and Venezuela have worsened ever since oil giant ExxonMobil announced in 2015 that it had found oil in Guyana. Venezuela has staunchly been against oil exploration in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, where multiple oil deposits were found by ExxonMobil.

In fact, Venezuela’s National Assembly had approved an agreement to reject the oil exploration activities in March 2017. Venezuela, with almost 40 times the population of Guyana and a territory that is several times bigger, claimed, in 1968, the entire territorial sea of Guyana by means of the Leoni Decree, which has never been withdrawn. The matter is now before the Intentional Court of Justice.

12 news

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Issues of migration, crime, security raised Driver in Corentyne fatal accident remanded with US Vice President – Greenidge

C

aribbean Community (Caricom) leaders met with United States Vice President Mike Pence on the margins of the final day of the Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru.

Second Vice President and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge told the Department of Public Information (DPI), following the meeting, that Caribbean leaders “took advantage” of the opportunity to dialogue with Vice President Pence.

“It was a good opportunity to at least exchange ideas at practically the highest level in the United States,” Minister Greenidge said. Greenidge noted Vice President Pence confirmed that the US remained interested in the Caribbean and Latin America.

During the meeting, the Caricom Heads of State and delegations also had discussions with the Vice President’s team, including the new Head of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

“It was a wide-ranging discussion. The Caribbean raised many of the problems they would have raised before, but also looked at an ongoing framework of cooperation with the US and setting a scene for the types of discussions that may arise,” Minister Greenidge explained.

Caricom Heads of State and delegation meeting with members of the US Congress

The discussions, in relation to Guyanese concerns, were along the lines of migration and crime and security.

“We share, of course, some of the other things the Caribbean would normally have,” Minister Greenidge added.

These include resilience, the problem of de-risking and the disappearance of correspondent banking. The regional leaders also raised concerns over the rigid formulation and enforcement of rules without reference to the so-called collateral damage that they may pose, especially on small States, Minister Greenidge noted.

The Caribbean Region is considered the “third border” for the United States. The US State Department notes that the US’s Caribbean 2020 multi-year strategy seeks to engage the Caribbean Region “in the areas of security, diplo-

macy, prosperity, energy, education, and health”. This will be coordinated by the State Department and USAID. Following the meeting with Vice President Pence, the Caricom leaders were also engaged by several members of the US Congress.

The Caricom Heads of State and delegations were participating in the eight Summit of the Americas, which was hosted by the Organisation of the American States under the theme “Democratic Governance against Corruption”.

World leaders from the Caribbean, Latin America, the US and Canada adopted the Lima Commitment in line with the theme and have pledged to do more to eradicate corruption in public office.

US$75M excess foreign currency now in Central Bank – BoG Governor

F

ollowing last year’s reported crisis regarding the availability of foreign currency in the local market, the Bank of Guyana (BoG) now has an excess of over US$75 million in foreign currency.

This was revealed by BoG Governor General, Dr Gobind Ganga during a recent interview with Guyana Times.

“Currently, we have almost US$75 million of excess supply of foreign currency in the market with commercial banks, and we are hoping that this excess supply will drag the rates down further than where it is.

So, it is not in shortage; there is excess supply of 75 million or more US dollars in the market,” Dr Ganga asserted.

He reiterated that there was, in fact, no shortage in the availability of foreign currency last year.

“There was never a situation where there was a shortage. Remember this was because of a number of factors that were impacting this expectation, which was really destabilising expectation, and we have come out of that all because of, once again, the expectations that were being purported out there…,” the BoG Governor General posited.

While both the Central Bank and the Government had maintained that there was no foreign currency crisis, several commercial banks and cambio dealers had insisted otherwise,

BoG Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga

jacking up the exchange rate for US dollars.

In fact, business owners had also complained about the apparent foreign currency shortage, saying that they were unable to readily make overseas payments by draft or wire transfer for products and services from overseas. Even citizens had borne the backlash of the crisis by paying high exchange rates.

Both Dr Ganga and Finance Minister Winston Jordan had posited that businesses might be hoarding foreign currencies, and commercial banks and cambios were claiming shortages in order to cause customers to resort to paying exorbitant rates for foreign currencies.

“The Governor has assured me that he doesn’t know anything about [the shortage], because the banks haven’t approached him for foreign ex-

change,” Minister Jordan had said on a radio programme during the contrived scarcity of foreign exchange.

Usually, when commercial banks experience a shortage, they turn to the Bank of Guyana to purchase the currency to meet demand. But no such approaches were made.

While the Central Bank’s Governor General does not foresee a repeat of last year’s situation, financial experts had warned that there could be another such crisis.

In fact, former Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill had said, in October, that if Government did not curb the excessive spending on international travel by its officials, then the foreign currency reserves at Central Bank would be depleted.

During his 2018 Budget presentation back in November, Minister Jordan had said that the Bank of Guyana’s exchange rate for the Guyana Dollar to the US Dollar is expected to remain stable at $206.5 throughout this year, while adding that the US Dollar had appreciated by 1.6 per cent against the Guyanese Dollar.

He had noted too that earlier in 2017, the Central Bank had moved to implement countermeasures to prevent manipulation of the foreign exchange rate and to ensure a greater and smoother flow of receipts to the foreign currency market.

T

Soorajine Surjraj

he man who was driving the car which slammed into a parked lorry on Monday morning at Number 58 Village Corentyne, killing one of the three passengers was remanded this morning (Wednesday) on a dangerous driving charge.

Navindra Premnauth, 25, of Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, is accused of driving motorcar bearing registration number HC 1722 in a manner dangerous to the public causing the death of Soorajine Surjraj.

Premnauth who appeared before Magistrate Charlyn Artiga was not required to plea to the indictable charge.

He will have to return to court today, when the matter comes

Remanded taxi driver Avenash Premnauth

up again.

The accident occurred at Number 58 Village Corentyne at about 7:30hrs on Monday when the driver allegedly fell asleep on the wheel, which resulted in him losing control of the vehicle, which drove into a parked lorry GMM 9207 on the eastern side parapet.

The 52-year-old Surjraj; a gas station pump attendant, was at the time traveling with her mother, Khemnie Surjraj, 70, and her only child; Nesa Sukhra 15. They were all in the back seat and were returning from the Timehri International Airport after taking the pump attendant’s sister to board a flight back to the US.

Interior businesses affected by fuel...

from page 5

usual route and cannot travel on weekends. The MP said this new initiative has created hardship on the business community and could stymie development.

The community said the lack of representation from Guyanese authorities was another concern.

Another observation made by Ali was that the local business community in that Region was being neglected as large contracts were going to contractors outside the Region and Brazilian companies, with mostly Brazilian workers.

“The business community also complained bitterly about the condition of the Lethem to Georgetown trail which is getting worse.

Some sections are now impassable with travel time and damage to vehicles increasing substantially. The deplorable condition has increased transportation cost,” he stated.

Further, a new development is now taking place in Bonfin, Brazil with the authorities signing a decree to have shops there not subjected to state tax. The business community is worried about the effect this would have on their businesses, as most of them depend heavily on Brazilian traffic.

The MP said, “They are of the view that the Brazilian authorities had been con-

tinuously taking strong and continuous steps to secure business on their side of the border with no action or policy initiative.” In this regard, they want a free zone and improved infrastructure to reduce cost of transportation, among other issues.

It was explained that electricity cost about 50 per cent in Bonfin of what it did in Lethem, according to the business community. “This is a major hindrance to business and development in the Region. The business community are of the view that this needs to be corrected if they are to effectively compete,” he added.

The former Minister was also told by the business community that special emphasis must be placed on low-interest loans to help stimulate activity and prospects in the local economy.

He said residents and the business community complained about lack of consultation on infrastructure projects by Central Government.

“The present Industrial Site road came in for great criticism. Residents and business people are of the view that the four-lane road is unnecessary and are of the view that the money can be used more effectively on additional urgent infrastructure needs,” he explained.

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

13

14 news

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Gold reserves plummet!

…go from $25B in 2014 to $1.9B in 2018

By Jarryl Bryan

T

he Bank of Guyana’s latest Statement of Assets and Liabilities are out and it shows the bank’s total assets are on a slide, with several indices ranging from the bank’s gold holdings to its market securities showing reductions when compared to previous years. The statement was only recently released.

According to the bank document, its total assets as of March 28, 2018, were $206.4 billion. This includes $1.9 billion in gold reserves, $82.1 billion in capital market securities and $5.6 billion in money market securities.

This is a reduction from the gold reserves the bank recorded in June 2017.

According to the bank’s Half Year Report last year, it had $4.8 billion worth of gold in its foreign holdings as assets.

Indeed, the gold reserves have steadily been declining with each passing year. At the end of 2016, the bank had $7.4 billion in gold, while at the end of 2015 the gold reserves stood at $14.2 billion. At the end of 2014 the bank of Guyana had $25

billion in gold as assets.

In the case of total assets, that has also seen a marked decrease. At the end of 2014, total assets were $207.9 billion. It reduced in 2015, being recorded at $188.7 billion in December of that year, before recovering by 2016 year end and being recorded at $220 billion. At June 2017, total assets were $221.8 billion, before the drop recorded in this year’s figures.

Gold price

The practise of countries selling the gold it held in reserves is not an uncommon one. Many countries hold billions of dollars in gold as a “back up” in time of inflation or economic downturn. It is usually in these cases that the gold is then sold.

At present, gold prices are approximately US$1350 per ounce. It has fluctuated over the years, at one point hovering around the US$1000 per ounce mark in 2016. In Guyana’s case, observers are likely to worry whether the State received the best price the world market could offer.

Other considerations would see links being established between the

steady selling off of gold and Guyana’s regressing economic standing. Only a few days ago, Finance Minister Winston Jordan confirmed that Guyana recorded a growth rate of just 2.1 per cent for the 2017 fiscal year. He had linked the dismal figures to sectors including sugar.

“The economy did not perform as robust as we expected during last year.

Even at the half year we were predicting that the economy would not, given what we knew about sugar. At the end of the day, it was even worse than we predicted. So even though there was positive growth last year, the growth rate ended up being 2.1 per cent.”

“Sugar, we had budgeted at 208,000 tonnes, came in at only 137,307 tonnes.

Bauxite again did not do quite well. We had budgeted 1.7 million tonnes.

Bauxite came in at 1.4 million. Gold (was a) major disappointment. We budgeted at 694,000 ounces. It came in at 653,674 ounces.”

Rice, it seems, was one of the few bright spots, with the Minister reporting that from a target of 600,000 tonnes, rice came

The Bank of Guyana statement showing its financial standing as of last month

in at 630,104. Having budgeted for 318,000 cubic metres, forestry recorded 349,900 cubic metres.

Jordan noted that this is better than previous years.

According to Jordan, the overall state of the economy is nothing new.

“I think I’ve been quite open with you about this economy, in the sense that this economy has not changed much in over 50 years, depending on one

or two products, which depends on what prices are.

One day you’re up when gold is up, one day you’re down when bauxite is down.”

“Our critical sectors have always depended on some grandfather, that grandfather being some protectionist market. In the case of sugar, that grandfather being the ACP markets. In the case of rice, rice has always had some

kind of grandfather market,” Jordan explained.

Previously, Jordan had said the economy was expected to grow by 2.9 per cent, failing to meet the revised growth projection of 3.1 per cent for 2017. The initial projected growth of the economy was 3.8 per cent. This was, however, revised by midyear to 3.1 per cent after the economy only grew by 2.2 per cent

by July. ( Jarryl Bryan)

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

15

16 news

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Performance of state-owned entities leaves much to be desired - Gov’t admits T he Government has admitted that a majority of State-owned entities like the Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) were struggling to stay afloat last year in terms of profitability and earnings and a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) would be appointed to head the downsized company.

This disclosure was made

by Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who was speaking during a recent press conference.

Zeroing in on Guyoil, Jordan related that the performance left more to be desired.

Guyoil has been without a substantive CEO since Badrie Persaud was fired from the post in 2016 on the heels of a Nigel Hinds Financial Services’ conducted forensic audit.

“Guyoil kept within the realm of what they said they were doing, but they lost some market share. The performance was up to standard, but it could have been better. But they did transfer a billion plus in dividends to us.”

“They have a new Chairman there, Mr Mark Bender, and they should get a new CEO there shortly,” Jordan related.

“They’re making some other personnel changes and hopefully, they’ll become a bit more aggressive, stem the fall in the market share and hopefully improve it.”

Jordan also noted that building on 2016, he had expected the company to do better than it actually did. In terms of other entities, Jordan painted a

The Guyana Power and Light, Guyana Sugar Corporation and Guyana Oil Company Limited turned in performances leaving much to be desired, according to the Finance Minister

less-than-favourable picture of their returns.

“It was difficult last year to see any great success in any one of them. GPL [Guyana Power and Light], I think, they came out saying they had shortfalls in certain areas. GuySuCo [Guyana Sugar Corporation], of course, I don’t even have to say anything. Guyana National Shipping, small profits…

(Guyana) National Newspapers (Limited recorded a) small profit (and is) struggling. So all in all, the performance for 2017 wasn’t

as great as the performance of 2016.”

Mid-year performance

In the last mid-year report, Guyoil had recorded a deficit of $247.3 million. This is despite the fact it earned revenues of $18.0 billion in the first half of 2017, up 11.8 per cent from 2016. According to the report, the increase was primarily due to additional earnings from debtors which rose by 23.1 per cent to $9.2 billion.

“Expenditure also rose in the first half of 2017, and was 28.8

per cent higher than the first half of 2016. This is primarily as a result of increased payments to creditors. As a result, Guyoil recorded an overall deficit.

“Anticipated declines in local sales put the revised forecast for revenue at $37.6 billion, down from an original budget of $38.9 billion for 2017 while expenditure is projected to decline marginally. Altogether, Guyoil is expected to post a deficit of $328.4 million from an originally projected surplus of $813.1 million,” it had also stated.

Last year, GPL had earned $17 billion in revenue due to more timely payments. However, expenditure also increased, from $9.3 billion in 2016 to $12.6 billion. This was blamed on the higher cost of Heavy Fuel Oil. In the case of GuySuCo, the company had an operating deficit of $6.3 billion. The Finance Ministry had noted that the $7 billion given to GuySuCo

by Central Government by the end of the first half reflected the Corporation’s “continued inability to reform its cost structure and improve its competitiveness” .

“The revised revenue forecast for 2017 is $27.1 billion, down from the budgeted $28.9 billion.

GuySuCo expects to realise increased revenue from land sales, but lower revenue from sugar sales. Expenditure is forecasted to rise to $35.7 billion, putting the deficit at $8.6 billion.”

“The closure of Skeldon Energy Inc during the first crop, weather, strike action, and factory maintenance downtime were some of the factors that contributed to the lowering of sugar production targets and revenues,” the report had also said.

It remains to be seen exactly how far off their targets these entities were for 2017. But with the 2017 end-of-year economic report already completed and expected to be laid in the National Assembly shortly, it is only a matter of time before that is determined.

news 17

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Defence lawyer requests DPP review charges against Singh, Brassington

A

request has been made to have Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack review the charges filed against former Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and former Head of the Privatisation Unit of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Winston Brassington.

The request was made through Defence Attorney Anil Nandlall, who formally wrote to the DPP on Tuesday, April 17. In his letter, Nandlall explained that his clients were charged by information upon oath dated April 12, with three counts of misconduct in public office contrary to common law in Georgetown. The matter was called up before the court on the said day and adjourned until May 7, 2018.

“I respectfully invite a review of the said charges for the purpose of specifically considering whether the particular of the offences disclose any offence at law, more particularly, the offences for which the accused persons have been charged and if not, I further invite you to consider exercising the powers vested

Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack

in your office by Article 187 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and to discontinue the said charges, forthwith”, the correspondence read.

The attorney reminded the DPP that her office bears a constitutional responsibility to protect the citizenry against the institution of criminal charges that are based upon “malice or sinister motives that cannot reasonably yield a lawful conviction.”

Close to one year after the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) completed an investigation into the sale of lands, the Unit on Thursday, April 12, instituted legal proceedings against Singh

and Brassington. These charges were instituted based on the sale of three plots of State land.

The three charges advanced by SOCU were not read by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when the case was called last week since the men were not in the jurisdiction.

Representing Dr Singh was Nandlall, while Attorney Stanley Moore appeared on behalf of Brassington. The case was adjourned to May 7, to allow the defence lawyers to contact their clients concerning the charges.

In the three charges advanced by SOCU and seen by Guyana Times, it was outlined that Singh being the Chairman of NICIL and Brassington being the CEO in December of 2008, by way of Agreement of Sale and Purchase, sold to Scady Business Corporation a track of State land (4.7 acres) being a portion of Plantation Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, for the sum of $150,000,000 “knowing that the said property was valued at $340,000,000 by Rodrigues Architects Associate, a competent valuation officer.”

Similarly, the other charge outlined that

DB launches initiative to promote savings for retirement in the C’bean

W

ASHINGTON, United States (CMC) — The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has launched the Retirement Savings Laboratory, a project that seeks to increase the number of people saving for retirement in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Washington-based financial institution said most workers in Latin America and the Caribbean – about 130 million people – are not saving for retirement, “which will make it difficult for them to have a good life when they reach old age, especially for low-income and independent workers.”

The IDB said the main causes of under saving for retirement are problems in the way labor markets function, the design of pension systems and the psychological barriers inherent to human nature.

“This explains why, although the surveys show that workers in the region want to save, few can do so,” the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLCA) said.

Therefore, in order to encourage more workers in the region to save for their retirement, the IDB said

it launched the Retirement Savings Laboratory.

“This initiative seeks innovative ways to encourage savings through interventions based on behavioral economics and the use of new technologies,” the IDB said.

It said the project plans to carry out more than 15 interventions with financing from the MetLife Foundation, the IDB Group’s Multilateral Investment Fund, and the IDB Network for Pensions in Latin America and the Caribbean (PLAC Network).

The goal is for 400,000 low-income workers to start saving for their old age, the IDB said.

“The progressive aging of the population makes the lack of pension savings one of the main challenges that the region will face in the future,” said Carmen Pagés, chief of the Labor Market Division of the IDB. “The use of behavioral economics and technological solutions can help us to rethink the Welfare State for the 21st Century,” she added. “The IDB wants to generate reliable evidence, through rigorous impact evaluations, to improve public policies in the region.”

A copy of the letter sent to the DPP

Singh and Brassington sold to Multicinemas Guyana Inc a plot of

State land (10 acres) at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, for the sum

of $185,037, 000 “without first having procured continued on page 20

Ministers Norton, Lawrence face “misconduct in... from page 3

sive of VAT, per month, by way of a written Agreement of Tenancy at an excessive rate of rental.”

Speaking to the media after the private case had been filed; Nandlall acknowledged that he is following in the steps of Government as they had filed a similar case against his clients, Singh and Brassington.

Meanwhile, Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan has since granted two summonses for the respective Ministers ordering them to appear before the court on April 24, 2018.

On April 12, Government instituted legal proceedings against Singh and Brassington for what it says is “misconduct in public office: contrary to common law” as it pertains to the sale of three plots of state land.

However, Opposition Leader, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has since labelled the charges “frivolous,” while defending his party members who he claims are men of integrity.

No “tit for tat"

Further, during a press briefing held on Thursday, the Opposition Leader, responding to questions from the media about the charges filed against to the two Ministers, “It’s not a case of tit for tat (we’ve) been trying to get redress in these matters.”

He added, “We have been, for ages trying to get redress on these matters but it seems as though this government is content to go to the Summit of Amercias ….to talk about what they’re doing on corruption, but on these matters , where they have real instances of corruption they are unwilling to take any actions.”

He asserted that, if the cases filed against Norton and Lawrence “don’t amount to misconduct in public office nothing can in this country, and so we will test it now in the court.”

Nandlall, one of the defence attorneys in case, had posited that “all the procedures were complied with and

three plots of land were sold… This is not a criminal offence. Where is the crime?”

Moreover, he asserted his belief that this action by SOCU is nothing short of a “witch hunt”, highlighting that he is positive that he will win this case, and as such, he hopes that the State is aware that civil suits will be filed for defamation of character.

Meanwhile, State Minister Joseph Harmon on Thursday, also responded to the charges brought against the two sitting Ministers. In a statement, he posited that the move by the PPP is to draw attention away from the charges brought against Singh and Brassington.

Moreover, he said that “we are sure that in the matter before the court the actions of our ministers will be vindicated.”

Harmon said too that more charges are to be filed against public officials who served under former Presidents Jagdeo and Ramotar.

18 news

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Gov’t advised not to change signed oil contracts – Finance Minister

F

ar from renegotiating the contracts already signed with oil companies that leave more to be desired, Government appears to be following the advice it has received from multi-nationals that there is nothing they can do to correct prior contracts.

This was disclosed by Finance Minister Winston Jordan, during a press conference late last week. According to the Minister, multinationals like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have done a range of studies.

“I think mostly the IMF have come up with the fact that (they) understand what (we) have and so on, (but) the template these days is not to go this route. But they made it very, very clear.

There’s nothing you can do with those you’ve already signed.

“Whatever they are recommending is going forward. I have a petroleum fiscal regime that is supposed to be best practice international, which they would like to see us put in place. But it would not affect any contracts we have already signed. It is a blueprint

The World Bank will be providing a US$20 million loan for Guyana to develop its oil and gas framework

going forward for any other arrangements we enter into.”

That being said, Jordan acknowledged the concerns being expressed from several sections of society. But he noted that the IMF and other organisations were helping the Government to formulate legislation. This includes the provision of a loan which will be turned towards capacity building.

“We have a loan coming up from the World Bank, I think about US$20 million, for oil and gas development. One aspect of that is to look at the pieces of legislation we have to put in place to improve the architecture of the sector.

“Right now, except

for the existing piece of legislation, we have no direct legislation like the local content, the SWF [Sovereign Wealth Fund], the Petroleum Commission, the petroleum fiscal regime legislation. Plus, we don’t have people to draft them, so with this loan, we have to bring people to help us draft these pieces of legislation.”

The contract

The contract between the coalition Government, ExxonMobil and its partners in the Stabroek block was signed in June 2016.

Since its release last year, there has been resounding criticism of its terms.

For one thing, ExxonMobil and its partners in the Stabroek block

were able to secure exemptions from paying Corporation, Excise or Value Added Tax on their earnings from petroleum.

Article 15.4 of the renegotiated contract also provides for the Government itself to pay the company’s income tax. To facilitate this, the oil company has to submit tax returns to the Government. That is not all. Article 32 stipulates that Government cannot modify the contract or increase any fiscal obligation the company has.

This, therefore, puts a cap on the taxes, royalties, duties, fees, or charges outlined in the contract.

Government also has to compensate the operator if a change to existing laws causes loss of revenue for the company.

Some have since suggested that Government avail itself of the services of international lawyers known for renegotiating contracts. Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman had announced last month that the terms of the contract would be reviewed in four years.

GYD$1 coin to be removed from circulation in a few years

T

he Bank of Guyana (BoG) has decided to stop minting the $1 coin, and this could see this currency, first introduced during 1996, being removed from circulation in a few years’ time.

A notice from the BoG has said the decision to stop minting this coin is based on the general public’s reluctance to accept it, compounded by the low redemption rates and high

reason, the $1 coin is not available, payments may be rounded to the nearest $5.

The BoG has said it would continue to issue the $1 coin until the stock is depleted, and it will exchange these coins for banknotes. Stopping the dollar coin from circulation is nowhere close to happening, it has said.

A local expert in finance and economics told

production cost.

A senior BoG official told Guyana Times that it is costing the bank four times more than the normal cost to produce one coin. In other words, it currently costs the bank $5 to produce one dollar coin.

Although the BoG would no longer be minting the dollar coin, this currency would continue to be a legal tender, and would continue to be accepted throughout Guyana. The BoG notice has said that if, for some

this newspaper that the decision taken by the BoG is a necessary one, and should have been made much earlier.

He confirmed what many Guyanese have said over the years: that the $1 coin does not carry any value. In fact, the expert feels that not only should the BoG stop minting the $1 coin, but the $5 coin also.

Guyana currently has one-dollar coins, five-dollar coins and 10-dollar coins in circulation.

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

19

20 news

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Defence lawyer requests DPP review charges...

from page 17

Former Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

Former Head of the Privatisation Unit, Winston Brassington

a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer.”

Dr Singh and that should they require him to assist in any investigations, that I am prepared to make contact with him and that he stands willing and able to assist and participate in any investigation… I received no response to that letter…

They called me late yesterday evening to indicate to me that Dr Singh will be charged,” he explained.

Further, Nandlall asserted “since I sent that letter and during the (course) of whatever investigation they were conducting, no one attempted to make contact with Dr Singh.”

Nandlall, who also held the post of former Attorney General, also questioned why a criminal investigation of this type would be conducted and no attempt would be made to seek input from the person or persons who are the subject of the investigation.

(Samuel Sukhnandan)

A copy of the letter sent to the DPP

Moreover, it was outlined that Singh and Brassington in 2009, by way of an Agreement of Sale and Purchase sold to the National Hardware Guyana Limited a track of Sate land (103 acres), being a portion of Plantation Liliendaal and Turkeyen for the sum of $598,659,398 (VAT exclusive) without first having procured a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer.

However, during an interview with Guyana Times, Nandlall blasted SOCU on the fact that they had not, at any point, made contact with the individuals who were being investigated prior to the disclosure that charges will be laid.

“Last year, on behalf of Ashni Singh, I wrote to SOCU informing them that I am the lawyer for

news 21

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

GuySuCo Board headed by Clive Thomas has no legal status – Nandlall A l t h o u g h Government has made it clear that the Board of Directors of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) headed by Professor Clive Thomas is the legitimate one, former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall claimed this Board has no legal status.

In fact, Nandlall said the Board headed by Colvin Heath-London which is registered and listed on the Registrar of Companies for the same company should be the legally recognised one.

He said any decision taken by the first Board must be viewed as unlawful, illegal and in violation of the Companies Act. Nandall told Guyana Times that there cannot be two Boards of Directors running the affairs of GuySuCo at the same time. He said if indeed the Board under Heath-London is registered then it remains legal until the Government take steps to revoke its appointment and reinstall the old Board.

“This entire fiasco demonstrates that there is confusion in Government with respect

to the management of GuySuCo and the future of the industry… You can only have one legally functioning GuySuCo Board,” he opined. He said Government was obsessed with controlling every aspect of the country’s management.

When contacted on Tuesday for a comment on the status and chairmanship of the GuySuCo Board, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder declined to comment. The Minister abruptly ended the call with the reporter, expressing concern with being recorded and allegedly not being told during a previous interview, despite the fact that he was advised that an official comment was being solicited.

Officials at the Special Purpose Unit (SPU) and the Finance Ministry were also tightlipped about the chairmanship of the GuySuCo Board.

During a press conference on Friday, April 13, 2018, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said contrary to paid full page advertisements that were carried in the daily newspapers and a Cabinet subcommittee’s decision, there is no new Board for the GuySuCo

and consequently, no new Chairman.

Asked by members of the media whether Heath-London was Chairman of GuySuCo, Jordan replied in the negative. “He is not the

“That subcommittee was chaired by Vice President (Carl) Greenidge and it included me, Ministers Harmon and Holder,” he further clarified.

“That committee decid-

pointments.

Stressing that this was within the Cabinet’s right, Jordan related that the full Cabinet deferred the decision until it could get more information on the nominees

Chairman of GuySuCo. The Chairman of GuySuCo is still Dr (Clive) Thomas. The Board of GuySuCo ends this month, in keeping with his responsibilities, Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder has to bring to the Cabinet a new Board to be in place when this old one is finished.”

He added that there was a subcommittee that met and discussed the issue of GuySuCo and its Board.

ed, unanimously the life of the GuySuCo Board comes to an end and a new Board will be put in place headed by HeathLondon.”

Jordan denied there was a political split between the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on the issue. He acknowledged, however, that the subcommittee’s decision died a swift death when the full Cabinet overturned the proposed ap-

and thus rendered the appointments null and void. “… all subcommittee decisions have to be carried to the full Cabinet.

It is when it went to the full Cabinet that the full Cabinet said no, we need to look at this more closely. They want to be sure where GuySuCo is going and who are these people.”

Asked whether Holder, an AFC member, was part of the dissenting voices, Jordan

said even if he knew, he would not say. He noted that there have been several instances where the subcommittee’s decisions are vetoed.

According to the advertisement, which was published on March 14, 2018, the new Board was approved by Cabinet on February 26, 2018, and the appointments were supposed to take effect on March 1. There had long been rumours of a split at the executive level over the decision, however.

The old Board of Directors had comprised Economist, Dr Clive Thomas as the Chairman and Frederick Singh as the Secretary. The Directors were Louise Bouyea, Fritz McLean, John Browman, Nigel Cumberbatch, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, Nazim Ali and George Jervis.

A list of the newly proposed Board was circulated in sections of the media. On that list were Komal Singh, Verna Adrian, Fritz Mc Lean, Rosh Khan (Jr), George Jervis, Arianne McLean, Vishnu Panday, Annette Arjoon-Martins and two GuySuCo executives.

Guyana participating in high-profile AML/CFT conference G

uyana is slated to be represented at a high-profile Anti-Money Laundering/Financial Crimes Conference in Florida, USA; which will, among other things, give countries a chance to review their AML efforts in their respective jurisdictions.

Attending on Guyana’s behalf is Attorney General Basil Williams, the current Chairman of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).The conference is slated for April 18-20, 2018, in Miami, Florida, with Williams expected to present on Financial Technology (FinTech) effects on the changing role of the Compliance Officer.

According to the Legal Affairs Ministry on Tuesday, the compliance conference will be a twoday event that will provide participants with useful knowledge they can implement in their countries. “To this end, a group of high-profile regulators and compliance experts will discuss challenges faced by regulated businesses. Unlike any

Representatives from ComplianceAid Conference presenting during an international convention

other, this conference will address the issues from a non-US point of view.”

“Beyond complying with the AML/CFT annual training requirements, this conference will provide participants a unique opportunity to personally engage with regulators and other experts. This personal contact will allow for a better understanding of the approach to enforcement in their respective jurisdictions,” a statement

from the Ministry said.

The ComplianceAid Conference is an annual event that focuses on anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism, and financial crimes prevention.

It is the only conference that targets regulated entities of the Americas.

Over the past three years, the annual ComplianceAid Conference has been able to attract a gathering of directors and professionals from the AML space,

across the region.

Only recently, a United States Department of State report was released that listed Guyana, among many other countries, as “major money laundering jurisdictions in 2017”.

The US International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) Volume Two of March 2018 had declared that there was a lack of strong interagency cooperation among AML

and drug-fighting agencies, adding that these departments did not have adequate human resources and the necessary training for complete effectiveness.

It had called for more training, education, and resources to improve the fight against money laundering. In its 2018 overview of Guyana, the INCSR posited that “narcotics trafficking and Government corruption are the primary sources of laundered funds”.

The report reiterated that Guyana was a transit country for South American cocaine destined for Europe, the Caribbean and North America, noting that traffickers were attracted to Guyana’s remote airstrips, porous land borders, and weak security infrastructure.

It was outlined that Guyana should continue to provide training to “increase awareness and understanding of AML laws within the Judiciary and agencies. The major agencies involved in anti-drug and money laundering efforts, such as the Guyana Police Force (GPF); the Guyana

Revenue Authority (GRA); the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU); the Special Organised Crimes Unit (SOCU) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) were observed as not being effective enough owing to “inadequate human resources, insufficient training, and a lack of strong interagency cooperation”.

Apart from Guyana, Brazil, Barbados, Cuba, The Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Peru, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States itself were, among many others, listed as “Major Money Laundering Jurisdictions in 2017”.

Only last month former Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall accused his successor, Basil Williams, of conveying the impression that the country was compliant with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) requirements, based on statements he had made in the National Assembly.

22 NEWS

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Finance Minister could face private criminal charges- Nandlall T

rouble is brewing over Government’s investing of the US$18 million signing bonus it received from ExxonMobil in overseas interest-bearing bonds.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan could be brought before the courts to face private criminal charges because of this action.

Former Attorney General, Opposition Parliamentarian Anil Nandlall, revealed that the institution of private criminal charges against Jordan for the handling of the bonus is being considered.

Nandlall slammed the decision to invest the monies in interest bearing securities, “knowing fully that there are legal proceedings challenging the constitutionality of placing the US$18 million signing bonus in a secret account in the Central Bank and outside of the Consolidated Fund as is mandated by Article 218 of the Constitution.”

“By so doing, the minister is not only demonstrating his crass disrespect for the judicial process, but is demonstrating even greater disregard for the Constitution by mov-

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

ing the money even farther away from the Consolidated Fund,” Nandlall declared.

Reminding that there is no entry for the money in the official accounting records of the Government for the years 2016 and 2017, Nandlall also pointed out that there is no mention of the money in the national budgets for the years 2017 and 2018.

“This money is public funds, and must be dealt with and accounted for in accordance with the Constitution

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

and the laws of Guyana.

However, Minister Jordan is treating this money as his personal funds, depositing it in which account he desires, transferring it to whichever country he wants, and determining what use will be made of the money, and when it will be deposited in the Consolidated Fund.”

This must constitute misconduct in public office contrary to common law,” Nandlall continued.

“I am seriously considering instituting pri-

vate criminal charges against Minister Jordan,” he warned.

Interest bearing securities The bonus in question was paid to the Government’s Central Bank account by US oil giant ExxonMobil in 2016. The existence of this bonus and the renegotiated oil agreement with the company was kept an official secret until evidence of the transaction was leaked in December 2017.

The correspondence of September 20, 2016

which was leaked to the media was addressed to the Governor of the Bank of Guyana, with the subject being, “Signing bonus granted by ExxonMobil – Request to open bank account”.

It showed Finance Secretary at the Finance Ministry, Hector Butts, requesting that a foreign currency account be opened at the Bank in order to receive a deposit in the form of a ‘signing bonus’ to be given by the oil company.

The letter had stated, “This account should not be treated as part of the Bank’s reserves.

Instead, the proceeds should be held in the currency of the deposit, that is, United States dollars, and invested in secured interest-bearing securities.”

At a press conference on Friday, Jordan, in providing an update on the money, said the sum was intact and had accrued US$36,169 in interest after being invested in matured US treasury bills and Canadian bonds.

“I have the latest statement from the Bank of Guyana, and it says that the account has a balance of US$18,036,169. All

US$18 million is still in the account, plus the interest of course. During 2018, since we did not know when the United Nations SecretaryGeneral would make his decision, we did not put any amounts in the budget,” he said.

But with Guyana taking its border controversy case against Venezuela before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Jordan had explained the process the Government intends to use to get the money; US$15 million of which has been set aside for the case, while the remainder is for training and capacity building.

“So now, what we will have to do is go for supplementary. This supplementary will be based on Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ indication as to how much they think we will have to pay the lawyers and others who provide services related to the ICJ matter,” he explained.

“When finally it is passed by Parliament and signed into law by the President, we will then approach the Bank of Guyana to transfer the said identical sum to the Consolidated Fund,” he explained.

NEWS 23

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

GECOM says fake ID in Berbice may be the “tip of the iceberg”

S

ome three weeks after the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) had initially reported the “troubling development”, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has confirmed that a fake Identification (ID) card has surfaced in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

According to Chairman of the elections regulations body, Justice James Patterson (ret’d), which has oversight for the

report.

But the PPP had said that the man caught with the falsified document was taken to the GECOM Office at Springlands and the Returning Officer, at that office after doing the necessary checks, confirmed that the Guyana ID card was fake, fraudulent and a forged document.

The Party said this was “a most troubling development,” especially in light of widespread public suspicions that dishonesty

vowed to monitor the situation carefully and to update the nation as more information becomes available.

Back in February, Region One (BarimaWaini), Chairman Brentnol Ashley had raised concerns over the active participation and involvement of Government Member of Parliament (MP), Richard Allen with the General Register’s Office (GRO) visiting team issuing birth certificates in the region.

In a letter to the

New York Phagwah Parade celebrates 30 years

T

The fake ID sent by the PPP last month

distribution of national ID cards, this discovery may just be the “tip of the iceberg”.

“The public is warned that this may also just be the beginning of mischief that is afoot, a fifth column lurking and running about, abiding it’s time to come forth,” the Chairman said in a statement on Friday.

On this note, Justice Patterson is calling on citizens to inform authorities if they are aware of any other such case.

“Please, should any such misconduct come to your notice, as members of the public you have a civic duty to inform the nearest Police station as well as the GECOM Head Quarters at 41 High Street, Kingston Georgetown, or any of its offices countrywide for onward transmission to the investigating authorities,” the GECOM Chairman pleaded.

The issue of fake ID cards was first raised by the PPP last month when it reported that a man was caught with a fake identification card in Berbice. The Party said this confirmed its fear that persons are being issued with falsified documents.

At the time, Divisional Commander Lyndon Alves had denied knowledge of the

is taking place at the Citizenship Ministry.

“It would be recalled that functions now being performed by that Ministry were formerly performed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and that they were, specifically, disengaged from that ministerial portfolio and transferred to this newly created unit, styled “Ministry of Citizenship,” the Opposition had noted.

The PPP went on to remind the nation about the shocking revelation in 2016, that the same Ministry was procuring a staggering 300,000 birth certificate forms.

“This incident confirms our fears that they are falsified Guyana Identification Cards and source documents, which are being published under a centrally directed electoral design,” the party said.

It added that in the circumstances, “we call upon the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to do a thorough and comprehensive investigation into this matter and to make its findings public. We call upon the general public to take note of this very serious matter and to be alert for the circulation of similar falsified, fake and forged Guyana ID cards and other source documents.”

The party also

editor, Ashley pointed out that this was happening although the A Partnership For National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) geographic parliamentarian was not employed by the GRO. “While I commend the work of the Register’s Office for reaching out to Region One with the objective of ensuring the people of the region are registered, I am questioning the transparency and equality of treatment due to MP Allen’s apparent “embedding” in the team’s day-to-day operations and process of the issuance of birth registration,” he had said.

Ashley went on to disclose that he has even received reports of Allen personally distributing birth certificates in bulk to people in various communities.

With Local Government Elections due this year, birth registration documents are critical for the registration of voters and in the past, the Toshaos and other community leaders had been the ones who worked with the GRO team, since they were knowledgeable about the eligibility of residents in their communities.

he annual Phagwah parade entered its 30th year in Richmond Hill on April 14. The parade, usually held on the weekend after Phagwah, was pushed to April to avoid the cold weather. Parade-goers came out in numbers.

“The park was filled and we had thousands of people show up — it was a really great turnout of a lot of people,” said Herman Singh.

Phagwah is another name for Holi, a religious observance in Hinduism that celebrates the beginning of spring.

It is also known as the festival of colors and it is customary to throw powder of different colors during festivities.

According to Mr. Herman Singh in previous years, cold temperatures would put a damper on the event for artists, and many revelers, but this time around there were no worries.

“The businesses in the area came out in support, so did members of the community, and we had wonderful weather, so pushing it back really paid,” said Singh

24 news

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Lowest economic growth in 5 years- Gov’t confirms T

he Government has admitted that Guyana’s macro-economic outlook for 2017 turned out to be worse than projected, with a 2.1 growth rate being recorded.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan made this admission during his first press conference for the year, held recently, at his Ministry.

Revealing that the 2017 end of year economic report has been completed, he linked the dismal figures to sectors including sugar.

Guyana’s last best growth rate was 5.2 per cent in 2013. World Bank records show Guyana’s growth rates in 2014 was 3.8 per cent, 2015 3.2 per cent, and 2016 3.3 per cent.

“The economy did not perform as robust as we expected during last year,” the Minister admitted. “Even at the half year we were predicting that the economy would not, given what we knew about sugar. At the end of the day, it was even worse than we predicted.

So even though there was positive growth last year, the growth rate ended up being 2.1 per cent.”

“Sugar, we had budgeted at 208,000 tonnes, came in at only 137,307 tonnes. Bauxite again did not do quite well. We

Finance Minister Winston Jordan holds up a copy of the report which confirmed low economic growth

had budgeted 1.7 million tonnes. Bauxite came in at 1.4 million. Gold (was a) major disappointment.

We budgeted at 694,000 ounces. It came in at 653,674 ounces.”

Rice did produce positive figures, with the Minister reporting that from a target of 600,000 tonnes, rice was recorded at 630,104 tonnes.

Having budgeted for 318,000 cubic metres, forestry recorded 349,900 cubic metres. Jordan noted that this is better than previous years. And in terms of fiscal performance itself, the deficit to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has actu-

ally decreased; a positive indicator. According to Jordan, the overall state of the economy is nothing new.

“I think I’ve been quite open with you about this economy, in the sense that this economy has not changed much in over 50 years, depending on one or two products, which depends on what prices are. One day you’re up when gold is up, one day you’re down when bauxite is down.”

“Our critical sectors have always depended on some grandfather, that grandfather being some protectionist mar-

ket. In the case of sugar, that grandfather being the [African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States] ACP markets. In the case of rice, rice has always had some kind of grandfather market,” Jordan explained.

Previously, Jordan had said the economy was expected to grow by 2.9 per cent, failing to meet the revised growth projection of 3.1 per cent for 2017. The initial projected growth of the economy was 3.8 per cent. This was, however, revised by midyear to 3.1 per cent after the economy only grew by 2.2 per cent by July.

State of the economy

The Finance Ministry’s half year report was released in July of last year. It had

showed contractions in certain sectors, when compared to the corresponding period in 2016.

The declining sectors had included sugar, livestock, forestry, mining and quarrying and even the bauxite industry.

It showed that sugar production was recorded at 49,606 tonnes at the half year and when compared to 56,645 tonnes during the first half of 2016, represented a decline of 12.4 per cent.

The livestock industry also contracted by 10.9 per cent in the first half of 2017, due to heavy rainfall severely affecting production, especially in the second quarter.

The forestry industry also showed an 18.2 per cent contraction in the first six months of 2017, compared to the same

period in 2016. Declining production within the forestry industry was due to structural changes in the industry.

The mining and quarrying sector contracted by 4.0 per cent, during the first half of 2017.

Gold production fell by 1.7 per cent to 317,096 ounces, in the first half of 2017, compared to the same period in 2016.

Also, it showed the bauxite industry declined by 11.5 per cent, as a result of reduced production of higher valued grades.

This was due to poor weather combined with mechanical issues at one of the mines. However, production of metal grade bauxite (MAZ) increased by 97,016 tonnes or 21.3 per cent, the report had stated.

Airfares reduced for Guyana Carnival 2018

…large influx of tourists expected

T

Some of the delegates of the Miss World Pageant 2018, members of the committee and the Guyana rugby team

he Guyana Carnival 2018, an event which at its core is to promote tourism on an international standpoint, is expected to attract some 1500 tourists on a worldwide scope.

This announcement was revealed during Hits and Jams Entertainment’s official launch of Guyana Carnival 2018 which was hosted by the Guyana Carnival Committee at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown.

The event, which is scheduled to feature 10 days of nonstop activities, is expected to feature a wide variety of events to facilitate the interests of all who are participating. The Committee has emphasised on the significant feedback which they have received from tourists, who have already made their bookings and the sponsors which will lead the activities on a promotional aspect.

The Private Sector driven initiative is expected to compliment Guyana’s Independence celebrations while breathing a different vibe and also serving as a major revenue earner that will benefit business enterprises of all descriptions.

This was revealed by the Chairman of the Committee, Bobby Vieira, who noted that the introduction of Carnival is “simply to add another festival to the annual calendar of events in order to promote tourism, entertainment and awareness of locals, members of the Diaspora and visitors to enjoy while we commemorate our Independence anniversary”.

“Our team is excited to be able to boost our country both economically and socially. This is a grand opportunity for locals to enjoy an international carnival as well as the local service industries to profit,” Vieira added.

He noted that the rates being offered are calculated to be low or equivalent to the prices at other regional and international carnivals. Prices for accommodation and other expenditures have also been lowered by the respective entities.

Two carriers, LIAT and Fly Jamaica Airways, have partnered with the managing committee in which the costs of tickets have been decreased for persons who wish to fly during the carnival season.

Additionally, beverage giant Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) in their partnership will be featuring their beverages with limited edition branding of their water bottles while hotels have cut some of their rates to facilitate the large tourist influx which Guyana is expected to receive.

Persons who wish to attend the events and are in need of money will be able to do so with a loan, maximum of up to $300,000, which they are expected to repay within 12 months.

The events will last from May 18 to the 27 and will highlight the Miss World Guyana Pageant, which is slated for the same period, along with rugby games, a steel band jamboree at the Bandstand, J’Ouvert on Independence eve, a Genesis road parade and other similar oriented fetes which will be held at different locations around the Garden City.

However, to kick-start the vibes for these celebrations, Main Street will be revived with the introduction of Carnival Avenue starting on May 4 and continuing every Friday. This is expected to feature a number of local artistes who will be given a stage to promote their music.

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

25

26

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

27

28

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

29

30 feature

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

by: chevon lim

T

he news is abuzz with the exciting announcement that two young Guyanese, Fatima Karim and Ashley Anthony have scored positions in a few of the top-tier universities in the United States.

These ‘high flyers’ in education are no strangers to the spotlight; both young ladies recently basked in their successes at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). Karim, currently an Upper Sixth form student at Queen’s College and 2016’s top CSEC performer, was able to gain admission into the Princeton and Stanford Universities. The young scholar explained that while both universities are stellar, it would be a difficult decision to choose; she is intent on studying chemical engineering.

While attending St Rose’s High School, Karim wrote 20 subjects and obtained 19 Grade Ones and one Grade Two. Speaking with Guyana Times, the young woman had expressed her e x c i t e ment and rel i e f with her results, noting that she

is proud of her achievement.

“I was pleasantly surprised with the grades… I was expecting to do well but I didn’t know that I would top the country. I found out about my grades like two hours before the press conference and was really excited but I still didn’t know I topped the country, and I was watching the press conference with my family and when they called out my name, the house went wild and the phone began to ring and it was crazy after that,” she recalled.

Even then, the young academic expressed the hopes of pursuing studies in petroleum engineering,

foll o w ing in the footsteps of her uncles and grandfather. She said too that it would be a source of great pride for her to return to Guyana upon the completion of her studies.

Meanwhile, A s h l e y Anthony has been admitted to Yale, another high-profile US university.

This young lady is no stranger to being highlighted for her academic ability. A p u b -

lished Author and a columnist, this young lady also a high achiever at CSEC and CAPE in 2016.

The daughter of former Minister Dr Frank Anthony, Ashley s ecured 17 Grade Ones.

“My advice to other young people would be to try your best to understand the system and what's required of you. You can be a great student; excelling at CSEC and CAPE, but if you don't put the same amount of effort into SATS and your essays for your college applications, more than likely you won't be as successful as you hope. Always have a contingency plan. Even though it's good to shoot for the stars, many i v y

league schools and top tier schools are extremely selective. In my case, I chose to apply to top schools as well as schools that weren't as elite to ensure that at the end of the day I'd still be going to college,” Ashely advised during an interview with the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

Hoping to study Biomolecular Physics/ Chemistry, Anthony explained that although she had sent applications to several other high ranking Universities, Yale was among her top choices. She is intent on continuing her academic pursuits, and explained that even after she graduates in 2022 she plans to return to Guyana.

Anuradha Dev firmly positioned in the high echelons of academics. Currently pursuing studies at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Anuradha Dev is former student of Leonora Primary School, the young Guyanese scholar emerged as a high flyer in 2006 when she topped the country at the Common Entrance Examinations, now the National Grade 6 Assessment (NGSA).

Securing a place at the prestigious Queen’s College, the young Guyanese also topped the Caribbean S e c o n d a r y E d u c a t i o n

Certificate (CSEC) for Guyana in 2011, with 16 grade ones; this time, she also secured the highest scores in the Caribbean for Science.

Subsequently, Anu excelled in the 2013 CAPE Examinations.

According to Miss Dev, preparation for the examination was a challenge as she did not attend any lessons; rather, she studied with the help of her father and her teachers who again contributed to her success. “Well first of all, I didn’t take any lessons; I did a lot of work at home with my dad by using the CAPE syllabus,” she disclosed during an earlier interview with the Guyana Times.

Dev, who was ordained H e a d Prefect at her school, said the opportunity gave her the opportunity to become more organised for CAPE Unit Two as she had to prioritise her work. She is fiercely proud of the role she played as Head Prefect and also takes pride in representing her school in sports.

Elaborating on her home studies, Dev said she and her dad would do online studies and research, but this was a challenge since she had to choose specifically what to study based on the makeup of the CAPE syllabus. She wrote biology, chemistry, physics, pure math (all Unit Two) and Caribbean studies this year, and in 2012 in Lower Six Form, she wrote biology, chemistry, physics, pure math and communications studies (all Unit One). She thanked her teachers, families and friends for their support during her studies, and advised students to break the habit of procrastination and to manage their time wisely.

After this achievement, she then moved on to Trinidad, where she is currently pursuing her medical studies.

Following three years in Medical School, Anu attained her Bachelor of Medical Science, graduating with high honours and a 4.11GPA. She is currently working assiduously to complete her MBBS in May. Intention With intentions of eventually becoming a General Surgeon, this Guyanese high achiever’s main aim is to improve the health care system in Guyana, and has every intention of returning to her homeland. She expressed the confidence that “Guyana is beginning to take off” and that she can provide an invaluable service to her country in the future. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

feature 31

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

A

new ICT Hub was recently commissioned at the Wales Community Center located close to the Patentia Secondary and Primary Schools.

Wi–fi equipment was previously installed at that Center in 2017 by the eGovernment Project Execution Unit, and students from the two nearby schools have since been able to access the internet utilizing their own laptops, tablets, cell phones, while they waited for the community to convert a part of the community center into an ICT hub.

Several desktop computers had been installed on the premises in 2012 as part of the old Basic Needs Trust project.

The eGovernment Unit, now absorbed into the National Data Management Authority (NDMA),

could also download books so I can study, and get past papers so I can practise for the exams. It will come in very handy”. His fellow student, Shivanie Sukdeo, shared his views. She stated, “By opening this Hub in the Wales Community, it will benefit me as a student, (to) do my SBA, my research, my assignments and many other things, so it is very beneficial and I am happy about it”.

P a t e n t i a Secondary’s teacher of Information Technology and Economics, Ms. Raelene Phillips, stated that the best thing for her students is the fact that they have internet connectivity in school and after school at the community center. “They can practice what they learned at school. Exams are just around the corner and they will need as much practice as they can get, and (they

Patentia Secondary Student Shivanie Sukhdeo

went ahead last year and repaired every computer before connecting them to the now year-old Wi-fi internet at the community center. Now the young people and adults have free access to the worldwide web via those refurbished computers, as well as their own devices.

P a r m e s h Bissoondial, a student of Patentia Secondary said, “The ICT Hub will help me because I have work to do online for my (CSEC SchoolBased Assessment) SBA, and it will help me gain knowledge. I

can) work at their own pace,” she reiterated. She observed that there are families in the Wales community who may not have easy and free access to the internet at home and now they could just walk over to the Community Center.

Ms. Phillips plans to start her own training programme for adults and senior citizens in the community “to teach them how to use the computer so they can see how the internet can benefit them. We know there are some adults who do not want to

ogy so it is important for them to know,” she firmly stated. Her plans fit right in with the MOPT’s long-term itinerary that includes computer literacy (basic and intermediate level) training at community centers.

Free Internet in Leguan

Patentia Secondary Student Parmesh Bissoondial

use the computer because they do not know

how, but we are living in the age of technol-

One day after the Wales commissioning, the 110th completely functional ICT hub was commissioned on the Essequibo River island of Leguan. This is another milestone on the MOPT journey, providing free internet access for Guyanese in every administrative region. Leguan’s hub was commissioned

by Minister Cathy Hughes.

Residents of the community, especially the children, were anxious to get on any of the 15 laptop computers that were donated

by Government to the Leguan Community Centre. At the end of the brief commissioning ceremony, the children cut the obligatory ribbon with Minister Hughes then rushed to the computers. Very quickly they found the NCERD website with past examination papers, and the online games they know.

(Ministry of Public Telecommunications) (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

32

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

feature 33

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

by

Petamber Persaud

PP: Jordan, your opening thoughts.

JV: Well, I came to Guyana when I was nineteen, first to Jonestown – everyone that came in, first went to Jonestown and most stayed. I was fortunate to also come out and spend time in some of the outlying areas like Georgetown, Linden and New Amsterdam and get to know the people of Guyana well. For me, coming back here, I wanted to see Jonestown or the area that was once Jonestown for...perhaps...the last time.

Something was left unfinished without having seen it again so I was able to do that and it was very healing in a way I probably wouldn’t know until I get back home. But the other reason is I also wanted to connect with the Guyanese people who had always been kind and opened up their hearts to us, every single Guyanese I have met was very friendly and welcoming.

And as Laura said the Guyanese perspective hasn’t been taken into account and the damage that the incident had on Guyana was large and I wanted to acknowledge that. So our trip here has been better than I could have expected. People have been really receptive and the conversations have been rich – I feel like along with my healing we can all heal together because the Guyanese people are victimised as well and together we can go further than just leaving it as this thing that happened, what more can we do together to learn from it and be open to creativity in ways we haven’t thought of before.

PP: Two things: Laura you talked about the beauty of Guyana and its hold on you, and Jordan you too, and I am happy for that.

The other thing: in my line, I always question the text – there is not much coming from Guyana except for Eusi Kwayana....

LJH: He is a good friend of mine.

His perspective helped me opened up looking for the Guyanese perspective. He wrote his book A New Look at Jonestown: Dimensions from a Guyanese Perspective and he had asked me to write the foreword. I read the book and just loved it...you see when I was healing, I talked first about it was me then a little bit bigger and finally it was the bay area of San Francisco and California. I didn’t

pursue it, I didn’t widen it enough. When Eusi wrote his book, he talked a lot about Guyana, he talked a lot about things bigger than Guyana – a global perspective of how a rich entity can come into a country and have no regulations, restrictions or overview because they seem so powerful, donating a lot of money and different efforts in a community. So what Eusi did, he expanded it as wide as it could be; it is not only a Guyana issue, it is not limited to the Western Hemisphere, it is really a global issue. So he included rich texts of historians and economists, people who had the perspective and data to prove his point which is saying that Guyana is not alone in having an outside force come in and really wreck havoc. That started me thinking that there must more Guyanese who have opinions but I don’t have much contact with them. So I wrote my book and started doing a blogs on my Facebook page targeting all the people living in Guyana. So I get this rich feedback – thousands of people would look at my blog and hundreds of people would respond: Oh, yes, I saw the Guyanese man shot at the airstrip; a bullet whiz by his leg and injured him or somebody saw a truck leave.

There is so much we haven’t even explored on the surface not even the deeper issues. So we have to start with the surface but even while we were here we had a community meet

at Port Kaituma, inviting everyone to ask any question and we tried to let them know anything was fine. They came – 35 or so people came - they had all the questions, they brought up the rumours; it was a very friendly, open and active and wonderful gathering that we could look each other in the eye and what about that and Jordan or I would try to explain or agree with them that it was ridiculous or whatever...because we have a lot in common – we all saw the madness from one point or the other....

PP: One point or the other. Any new information coming out of that meeting?

JV: There are a lot of rumours flying around after all these years – gold, money....

LJH: Supplies of cement going into Jonestown.... on the roads available at that time; it seems unlikely.

You know, in a period of three, we created a community of three huge dorms, a pavilion, a school, a library, 52 cottages, housing 1,000 people living in Jonestown.

The makeup of Jonestown was about one third children, about one third seniors. [The children] were pretty much in school, or doing gardening, or cleaning the greens we brought in or sowing. And then there was a workforce about one third kept busy feeding 1,000 people three meals a day!....

Cement? No time for cement – only rumours....

JV: This also shows you that without contact, all kinds of ideas come forth. Over this long period to time, people hadn’t the opportunity to speak to anybody.

LJK: The Jonestown Institute is the most profound source of information....

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

34 feature

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

– UG 2017 Valedictorian

E

Elsie Harry all smiles at her UG graduation

lsie Harry is a proud Guyanese, a leader and a lover of people. During a recent interview with the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Ms Harry took the opportunity to provide some insight into her life and academic success. “I believe in working earnestly and honestly for the things that we want to achieve.

I believe in the ability of Guyana’s human resource to lift her above her current challenges to become more productive and to return her to a leadership role in the region. It is for this reason that I continuously exert my energies toward activism, youth and community development.

Each of us can make a difference- we only need to decide how,” she stated firmly. On her journey and experiences, Ms Harry was quick to share

advice.

Times Sunday Times (TSM): What has the journey to success been like? What were your obstacles, sacrifices, rewards?

Ms. Harry: My journey to success is ongoing. I have reached certain milestones that I am proud of such as; completing my first Degree and being named University of Guyana Valedictorian 2017, winning several graduation awards inclusive of the Rashleigh Jackson Prize for the best graduating student with the Bachelor of Social Science Degree in International Relations and the Council of the University of Guyana Prize for the graduating student who has made the greatest contribution in other areas of University activities 2016-2017, being named a European Commission

Peace Building Scholar and gaining sponsorship to the One Young World Conference 2017 and a 2016 Commonwealth Youth Worker Award for community service.

These are essentially, the rewards for the obstacles that I have overcome and sacrifices that have been made.

The obstacles have included financial and health related trials. In those times I was thankful for my network of support. Also, I adopted a healthier lifestyle and obtained employment in my 3rd year of University with a purpose to maintain balance, so that I could have greater financial security without jeopardizing my academic performance.

The sacrifices included foregoing the things that I wanted to do, that seemed more fun at the time, for the things that I recognised were necessary. Rather than always going out with my friends or sleeping-in (I did this in moderation), I chose to dedicate time to reading, attending workshops and conferences and volunteering.

As you can tell, the sacrifices paid off and now, when I look at the rewards, I am motivated to keep making the necessary sacrifices to achieve other goals that I have set for myself.

TSM: Who were your motivators/role models?

Ms Harry: My motivators and role models are many. They are a mixture of adults and youth

by: chevon lim

who I see doing positive things in Guyana and the world. I wish I could list the adults in particular, but I am convinced that they do not like the limelight. I am content to say that through work, volunteer activities and by way of introduction, I have met people who have taken a keen interest in my development. I refer to them as my mentors and I can call them at any time to receive advice, reading material and instructions for navigating the challenges that I face in my life. The youth that I follow and draw motivation from are those that continuously do positive things, great or small, in their specific areas of interest. Many of them I simply follow on social media. I love reading their stories and I drop them little lines of congratulations and encouragement, knowing that each of them simply doing what they do, encourages me to keep doing what I do.

TSM: Since graduation, what has been your journey like? future plans Ms Harry : Immediately after graduation I spent time with my friends and loved ones. I thanked them for the role that they continue to play in my life.

I travelled to spend time with family members and to complete some important tasks for my parents. While I was away from Guyana, I was able to do some media work inclusive of producing and hosting a radio programme and I learnt some valuable skills inclusive of editing audio content and website managing which I am able to use in my service to the NGO that I currently work with in Guyana. I host a television programme on HBTV Channel 9 called African Drums; it airs on Sundays at 8-9pm. I have been speaking at various events and offering my services mainly to youth to assist with their development.

My future plans include pursuing a Masters Degree in an area that I am convinced is necessary for Guyana’s development. I can talk more about this when it is settled. I plan to get married after my Masters programme is complete because I am in a long-term relationship and I do believe in the value of family and companionship. I

will also continue to volunteer and to focus my efforts on more specific areas of national development.

TSM: What message would you send to young people aspiring to be like you?

Ms Harry: My message to the youth is, please don’t aspire to be like me. Rather, aspire to be the best version of yourself. You each have your unique abilities, interests and your own

your duty to this country by simply graduating with your Degrees and Diplomas. Everyone, do not fly out and abandon Guyana. I need you to dig deep within yourselves and figure out today, what you can do to accelerate your own renaissance. Those of you who sit passively by, while things unfold in Guyana that you are not proud of, stop it!

This is the rallying cry, this is my admoni-

drive. There are things that you can do that I cannot and that is okay, because we are all needed for Guyana’s development. I am truly convinced that Guyana’s youth are exceptional and I want to implore you to make the decision to impact Guyana in a positive way. I’m leaving you with a snippet of my graduation speech and I hope that it inspires you, as I was inspired to write it: Renaissance: Everyone, this is your wake up call, regardless of what office you sit in, sales clerk or politician, pastor or President, student or teacher; having your renaissance means being able to facilitate the renaissance of others. Be efficient, be courteous, be caring. Do not focus on ethnicity-focus on character. Respect women- we are important to Guyanese society and simply offer quality service because it serves our country. When you do better, your country does better. When you achieve your renaissance, your country will achieve its renaissance.

Graduates do not think that you have done

tion to you-each of you can change the world; you only need to decide how! You are the bright faces that will eventually lead our country, hearts that will mend the holes in the fabric of our society, hands that will mold future generations into future leaders and feet that will tread into areas of divide and sew reconciliation into the hearts of the people. Everyone, this is YOUR renaissance; own it, and dare, to complete it!

Harry merged as the front runner amidst a group of about 2000 graduating students; she is the former president of the university’s International Affairs Association.

The young woman summed up her feelings as being “overwhelmed”, and went on to thank here well-wishers for their support throughout her journey of higher levels of academic and professional pursuits. She graduated with an astonishing grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 and attained her Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from the Faculty of Social Sciences.(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

news 35

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Fishermen lament continued hardships

-charged for being unlicensed

Rusal’s operations scale back could have potentially devastating blow to Bauxite industry – Jagdeo …as US sanctions Russian tycoon

S

Police arresting some of the fishermen

everal fishermen who use the Hope Canal on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) to dock their boats were last Friday banned from operating at the canal.

The notice, issued by the Fisheries Department of the Agriculture Ministry states that the fishermen have been given until this week to relocate their vessels to the Hope koker.

When the Guyana Times visited the area, the fishermen were up in arms against the move, lamenting that their livelihoods will be affected.

“Them just say that they want the boat to move, that they don’t want fisherman to have access to this channel no more,” a disturbed fisherman related.

“What happen is that they tell us that we can’t bring we boats here, because they suffering from damages. I can’t see what damages we causing,” another declared.

Concerns were also raised by those who utilise the canal to save their boats from the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean that the koker does not possess sufficient space to facilitate all of the fishing boats.

The fishermen contend that it would be impossible to take their boats to the other docking site in such a short period of time, since it

would be occupied by other fishermen, who would usually use the koker on a daily basis.

In their pleas for the decision to be reviewed

by Government, the fishermen noted that their only reason for utilising the canal is to harbour their boats and save the vessels from incurring losses when out at sea during inclement weather conditions.

“We just use here as a lil rescue. You think (the Guyana) fisheries will come back and compensate anybody for it?

They don’t have interest in we! an aggravated fisherman stated.

The fishermen related that when their vessels are left at the koker at night, there is a chance that engines and other parts get stolen, thus persons are forced to spend the entire night watching over their boats.

“One of the boats that we does get here is around $7 million with everything (equipment). When you put it in the channel and it turn over and break up. What will happen to we?” he added.

Meanwhile, at the koker, works were being carried out to remove debris and create a channel for the fishing boats. This, they said, will serve no benefit to them, since all the materials will be swept into the ocean in a few days’ time.

The men were sub-

sequently taken into custody by the Police for failure to possess a valid fishing licence.

They were each subsequently released on $20,000 bail.

However, those who were present stated that, in the past, fishermen were informed of the need to acquire a licence at the cost of $15,000, which would be issued them two weeks after they would have paid for same.

They regard this as an unnecessary ways of squeezing monies out of their pockets.

One fisherman related that due to the closure of the sugar estate at which he previously worked, he had no other choice but to join the fishing industry to obtain an income.

However, when asked to pay monies unnecessarily, there isn’t much profit. At one point in the past, their profit had been $2000 per day.

“This country [is] getting hard, and everybody just trying to maintain their family.

I get two children and just start to work this boat two weeks now,” he explained.

Others also agreed that their livelihoods are being hindered in light of this decision.

The men are calling on the relevant authorities to revoke the ban in order for them to continue to ply their trade in the fishing industry.

Some of the boats which were banned from docking at the Hope Canal

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

A

s the United States (US) sanctions against Russian business tycoon Oleg Deripaska, who is the main owner of the EN+ conglomerate, the co-owner of Rusal begins to sink in, the local operation in Guyana has significantly scaled back on its exportation of bauxite. This is according to President of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU) Lincoln Lewis.

Rusal, one of the largest aluminum producers in the world , has operations here in Guyana in the form of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI), which employs over 500 persons. According to reports, the sanctions against Rusal have caused aluminum prices to surge since the sanctions freeze all of the company’s assets under the US jurisdiction.

Lewis, in a recent telephone interview with Guyana Times said the Union is still analysing the implications of the sanctions in the Guyana context and would be requesting a meeting with the Natural Resources Minister in the coming days.

“We have to make an assessment of how the sanctions will impact Guyana as a country and the effect it will have on Rusal’s operations here. We are monitoring the operations of Rusal and what we do know is Rusal has virtually scaled back on their shipment of bauxite out of Guyana,” Lewis said.

When contacted, a senior manager at Rusal again said they are yet to receive word from their Moscow Headquarters as it relates to their operations but did confirm the company has scaled back on its exportation of bauxite.

Devastating blow

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo at a press briefing last Friday said a “potentially devastating blow” could be dealt to the bauxite workers, particularly those in the Berbice River area.

“We are talking about over 900 people who may be depending on how the issues go and from what I understand it is really those jobs that are all seriously threatened, and this is because of the consequences of the US sanctions on Rusal. So many of the companies with which they are engaging, particularly the transhipment company have already signalled reluctance to continue to service the operations,” he said.

“Our Government is silent on it. Our President would fly off to London and leave the fate of thousands in uncertainty, so it would affect New Amsterdam as well as the Berbice River and all of

Region 10,” Jagdeo added.

Meanwhile, Oldendorff Carriers, which handles the shipping logistics for Rusal has reportedly given notice to withdraw its service as a result of the sanction. Oldendorff Carriers is located in the Berbice River. However, the company has recently announced that transshipment arrangements with Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc remain intact.

Deripaska has also been charged in US special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation regarding Russia’s involvement in the 2016 US presidential election.

Last week, the US Treasury Department announced the sanctions against seven Russian oligarchs, 12 companies they either owned or controlled and 17 senior Government officials, who Washington said were profiting from the Russian Government’s engagement in “a range of malign activities” around the world.

The Treasury Department warned that US entities would be “generally

Lincoln Lewis

prohibited” from dealings with the persons and firms on the sanctions list, while added that companies outside the United States could face sanctions for “knowingly facilitating significant transactions for or on behalf of” the sanctioned entities.

The US Government’s decision to include Deripaska on its sanctions blacklist will reverberate around the world because his business empire has a global footprint and counts major multinationals as partners.

Deripaska, estimated by Forbes magazine to have a net worth of $6.7 billion, is the main owner of the conglomerate EN+, which in turn is the co-owner of some of the world’s biggest metals producers – Rusal and Nornickel.

Deripaska’s inclusion on the US sanctions list could potentially create complications too for companies with which he does business; including German car giant Volkswagen and commodities trader Glencore.

Rusal had said it regretted its inclusion on the US sanctions list, adding that its advisors were studying the situation. Hong Kong-listed Rusal is one of the world’s biggest Aluminium producers. It says exports to the United States account for over 10 per cent of its output.

Rusal owns assets in Italy, Ireland, Sweden, Nigeria, Guyana and Guinea.

It owns a stake in Australian QAL, the world’s top alumina refinery.

36 news

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

41,000 errant drivers could face Toll for Region 7 roads when completed – Patterson the law for expired road licences Regional Chairman of Region Seven, Gordon Bradford said the Council welcomes the idea of tolling the roads and believes it is vital for the upkeep of the roads. He explained that in previous years, the strategy was used in the region and aided in the preservation of several roads leading to Mahdia.

Echoing his sentiments, Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, explained the town council has deliberated the issue of tolling the roads for some time.

However, he believes the Ministry will have to be the implementing body of the Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

R

oads in the Cuyuni/Mazaruni region will soon be tolled following the completion of various road projects. This is according to Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson who said the strategy will aid in the maintenance and sustainability of the infrastructure.

“Soon we will be finished upgrading the roads. I would hope that we can work along with the region on this,” Minister Patterson is quoted as saying by the Department of Public Information. He made the comments upon conducting the inspection of the hinterland projects during his recent trip to the region. It was observed that work needs to be done on the Amaila Falls road, which is heavily traversed, especially by trucks from the gold company – Troy Resources.

He noted that’s the tolls collected will go directly to the region for the proper maintenance and care of the roads since it will be generated from those in the region. Minister Patterson encouraged the town council to create a road plan and work along with his Ministry on the idea.

….GRA, Police Force to collaborate

A Regional Chairman of Region Seven RDC, Gordon Bradford

strategy.

Marshall said during the next regular statutory meeting, the council will craft a “road plan” to which it will seek the approval of the Regional Democratic Council before sharing with the Infrastructure Ministry.

The Ministry has ongoing works on the roads from Mahdia to the Denham Bridge and Miles 78 on the BarticaPotaro trail to Mile 96 (Cassandra Crossing).

Traffic Chief Ramesh Ashram

senior official within the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has confirmed that the tax agency is soon expected to make contact with the top brass of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in an effort to find some 41,000 drivers that are holders of expired road service licences.

“We are having conversations with the Traffic Chief (Ramesh Ashram), because what happens is: every year, drivers are expected to renew this licence, and we

have found a number of drivers with expired licences,” the GRA official said.

While staff members of the GRA were running the usual checks on drivers, the discov-

ery of numerous drivers with expired road service licences was reportedly made. Persons without road service licences, which expire yearly, would be contacted via letter, but other measures would be taken if those drivers fail to adhere to the call.

The Traffic Chief said earlier this week that he had not yet received word from the GRA. He noted that in such situations the Police Force would first serve notice to the drivers, and would then launch a campaign to find those drivers, using their motor vehicle registration numbers.

GRA headquarters

news 37

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Running out…

B

Border controversy case discussed during bilateral talks at Commonwealth Heads of Govt 2018

…of (2020) time

asil Williams, Chairman of the PNC – who, not coincidentally, also just happens to be the “losing-est” Attorney General in the history of Guyana – just concluded a “seminar” of SOCU and FIU hirelings by berating them they’d better get some convictions – by any means necessary!

While Williams isn’t the brightest bulb in any room – much less one with lawyers! – it’s clear some of his cases thrown out were brought because of his PNC hat.

After three years in office, even the die-hard faithful are wondering what happened to the “billions and billions” the PNC and AFC swore the PPP had pilfered from the treasury. With 2020 looming perilously close, the PNC’s desperate that with no convictions those supporters will be convinced they were taken for a ride with the PNC just throwing shade! Or – which is worse – implicitly concede if the PPP did thief all that money, they’re so smart, the PNC’s left holding the bag!! The PPP ends up heroes – like Clooney and his gang in Oceans 11!!

Another problem iWilliamss he and his PNC cohorts are so desperate politically, they just can’t think straight. Take the charge of “misconduct” SOCU’s filed against ex-Finance Minister Ashni Singh and ex-NICIL Head Brassington. Here it is, the PNC’s telling their supporters they want to get back the money the state of Guyana supposedly lost because the two officials sold the three plots of land waaaay below market value.

But why bring a CRIMINAL charge if you want Guyana to get back the money it supposedly lost?

The penalty for “misconduct in public office” is a life sentence!! Wouldn’t it have been better to bring the charge as a CIVIL matter where the burden of proof is much lower AND THE MONEY LOST TO THE STATE CAN BE fully RECOVERED with a penality thrown in for good measure!!!!? If Williams were familiar with even first year law, he’d know just recently, in the Belizean case of “Marin’, the CCJ affirmed the standing of Attorney Generals to file the TORT of misfeasance in public officials. Here the facts also involved supposedely undervalued land.

But this has nothing to do with getting justice for Guyana, does it? It’s all about conducting a vendetta against the PPP – PNC’s political enemy by their reckoning. If you can’t “Hang ‘em high” then jail them for life!! It’s of more than passing interest that the Court in Marin considered the possibility of political vendettas, knowing our local political climate. But we knew where the PNC was going from the beginning, didn’t we?

It’s why SARA – the State Assets Recovery Agency – wasn’t used but SOCU – Special ORGANISED CRIME Unit!! …of lipstick for Burnham Granger’s gone into overdrive to redeem the “legacy” of Burnham he’s sworn to continue. You have to give the man credit – he’s even given over his only begotten house to the “Burnham Foundation”- run by Vincent Alexander, who’s charge of that project. But with Burnham’s legacy in tatters by every possible measure, Alexander’s been forced to fudge history to find something redeeming.

So, after cussing out the PPP for the past sixty years, on behalf of the PNC, Alexander claims Burnham was a “co-founder” of the PPP!! Guess they can’t deny the PPP its historic role of being the party that fought for independence, so they might as well claim it. But if you’re going to lie, we can’t understand why Alexander doesn’t take a page from the Trump Playbook and tell some real whoppers. Like Burnham was the sole founder of the PPP!!

After all, at the age of 12 he’d already declared he was going to be the leader of an independent Guyana – so there!!

Jagan’s vow at Enmore was 16 years later!! …of (economic) wiggle room Just when Jordan promised the economy would “rebound” from its abysmal 2.1% 2017 growth grawl, comes news that Rusal has to curtail bauxite production.

He’s a real jinx!!

T

President David Granger engaged in bilateral talks with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, London

he Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland, QC and British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson were updated on the status of the Guyana/Venezuela border case which is presently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by Head of State David Granger during bilateral discussions.

The President along with his delegation comprising Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge; Director General of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ambassador Audrey Waddell; and Guyana’s High Commissioner to the UK, Frederick Hamley Case met with the officials on the sidelines of the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) being hosted in London, United Kingdom.

Providing an update following the meetings, which were held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Minister Greenidge said

Guyana expressed gratitude to the Commonwealth for articulating their position in support of the country as it relates to the border controversy on the international scene.

“What is unfolding now, what the ICJ is likely to go in terms of the future steps,” he added.

The work of the Commonwealth and new areas of focus, particularly the development of toolkits to assist in the implementation of key policies in member states, which is an initiative of Secretary General Scotland also constituted the talks, Minister Greenidge revealed. Guyana’s Iwokrama Rainforest and environment protection initiatives were also explored.

The bilateral engagement was described as fruitful as the President and Foreign Secretary Johnson committed to strengthening the cooperation between Guyana and the UK on all fronts.

The Head of State discussed is-

sues of common interest with the British Foreign Secretary and according to Minister Greenidge, “issues ranging from BREXIT to the challenges the UK faces to environmental issues and so forth, cooperation that is ongoing in terms of the security initiative and other areas,” were addressed.

The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that these meetings precede previous engagements, including one held by UK Prime Minister Theresa May with Caribbean countries in relation to bilateral cooperation.

Leaders at this year’s CHOGM are expected to consider a Commonwealth Blue Charter on ocean governance, a Commonwealth connectivity agenda for trade and investment, a declaration on cybercrime and Revised Commonwealth guidelines on election observation in member countries.

38

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

39

40

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Burnham and the PNC

By Ravi Dev

T

he PNC is commemorating its 60th anniversary.

Exactly thirty years ago, as part of a paper, “On the Guyanese Dictatorship” I analysed its “FounderLeader” LFS Burnham’s imperatives to launch the party after his three unsuccessful challenges to Jagan to become leader of the PPP and the defeat of his PPP faction in the

1957 elections. The same imperatives drive the present PNC, under Granger, who has vowed to fulfil Burnham’s “legacy”.

“Burnham craved to be leader for three reasons: His undeniable personal ambitions; his realisation that Jagan and other “extreme” leftists had a very naïve apprehension of the geopolitical realities of the era; and he considered himself the representative of the African

and Creole sections, who were increasingly seeing themselves in danger of being overwhelmed by Indians.

The last reason stemmed from several factors. Firstly, even though the PPP thought it had addressed the racial cleavages by recruiting leaders from each racial/ ethnic group, the dominance of the Indian top leadership, the aggressive entry of Indians into positions formerly dominated by

Creoles, the economic development plans that veered towards agriculture, and the generally jingoistic response of this previously politically backward but numerically largest section, raised concerns in the other sections as to the implications of their “minority” status.

While the PPP had defined itself as a “revolutionary” party, which would eliminate the “ruling class” and fuse the rest of society with the “working class”, the minority group began to perceive themselves as potentially permanently dependent on the beneficence of the “major group”. The PPP was being defined, both by its supporters and its detractors, as an exclusionary party with its constituency (Indians) and excluded group (Africans and Creoles) racially defined.

Secondly, the discomfiture of the African and Creole sections was exacerbated by the implications of being dominated by a group with a completely different culture – one they had been taught to consider as “heathen” and “inferior”. The national ethos had defined Guyana as a “Creole” nation and the Creoles and Africans, as the guardians of this ethos, naturally presumed they were to be the inheritors of the nation on the departure of the British. It was unthinkable to permit power to fall into the hands of the

group deemed ambivalent about their national allegiance because of their refusal to “assimilate”.

Burnham, as a consequence, did not have much difficulty in legitimising his drive for power by articulating the fears of the African and Creole sections, when he launched the PNC and provided a vehicle to address those fears. In fact, Burnham was promised help

by Manley and Bustamante of Jamaica, Adams of Barbados and Padmore of Trinidad if he formed a party to prevent Jagan from creating and “Indian State” in Guyana. The formation of the United Force (UF) in 1960, representing the White and near-white bloc, further increased the paranoia of the African and Creole sections.

In a plural society where one section is over 50 per cent of the population, “democratic elections” are not very comforting to minority groups. It is simply a prescription for permanent exclusion from power and the perquisites thereof, which issue from the exclusionary politics practiced, once a group acquires power. There is no question that the fears of the minority groups can be, and have been, heightened by demagogic politicians like Burnham, but one can assert with as much certitude that the fears are rational and real, based on the experience of minorities the world

over. Unless these fears are addressed, minority groups will continue to be receptive to mobilisation by ambitious politicians. Burnham then, received increasing support from Africans and Creoles as he strove for power because, to reiterate, they perceived their interests and his, as coincident.

Burnham’s attempt to wrest control of the PPP between 1953 and 1955 resulted in a spilt of the nationalist movement. The ignominious defeat of his faction in the 1957 general elections persuaded him that he could not win over Indian support by merely utilising Jagan’s tactic of fielding prominent candidates from the “other” group. Jagan had pre-empted the field.

Burnham’s fusion with the United Democratic Party (UDP) – the political offshoot of the League of Coloured People – in 1958 to create the PNC, was a natural development. It combined Burnham’s support among the lower class rural Africans with the strategic support of the urban-based Creole and African middle class.”

Race has dominated Guyana’s voting since.

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

41

42

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

43

44 travel and tourism

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

– a peaceful and relaxing place away from the outside world

Panoramic

“T

he Essequibo is a grand, beautifully moody river that transports the brown muddy waters from wide reaches of Guyana.” Bradt Guides From its humble source in the Acarai Mountains along Guyana’s southern border with Brazil, the Essequibo River flows north for more than 600 miles – winding, twisting and roaring through savannas and tropical forests along the way – until its mouth opens up some 20 miles (32km) in width and it spills into the Atlantic Ocean. During its journey, the Essequibo, which is Guyana’s largest river, and South America’s third-largest (behind the Amazon and Orinoco), flows aroundsome 365 different islands. The three largest – Wakenaam, Leguan and Hog – create a large tongue in the Essequibo’s mouth.

Together their girth

Sand Banks

measures nearly 60 square miles; alone the islands are larger than some of the famed Caribbean countries to the north.

I have crossed the majestic Essequibo on countless occasions; numerous adventures have taken me by plane, speed boat, ferry, paddleboat and even a yacht. Each of these expeditions has left a lasting impression as I have experienced the many

moods of the mighty river. From the calm veneer of the early morning waters to the angry churning of the mid- afternoon tide, the river never ceases to captivate.

As an adventurer, I am always hungry for the next jaunt, therefore, when the opportunity arose to explore the upper reaches of the Essequibo River; I was all in, never anticipating the enchanting

experience ahead. The trip itself was not a very tedious one; the comforts of a modern SUV cushioned much of the bumps along the Linden Highway and the stretch of Mabura Road, where laden trucks and mud covered cars traverse. Throughout the three hour journey, thoughts of the River kept flowing through my mind; was it possible to actually walk across this intimidating body of water? That was the lure of the trip for me. There was much talk of such a possibility given that it was the dry season and much of the golden sand banks were now exposed, creating a pathway to the other side of the river bank. Oh what a possibility! Preoccupied with these thoughts, the red road led us on; anxious and excited I finally settled in.

The journey itself cannot be overlooked, as there was much to absorb as the Essequibo called out. Along the way we saw a variety of creatures including monkeys, an anteater and hundreds of birds in all colours and sizes.

For anyone who has ever journeyed into Guyana’s interior regions, this experience is as enriching as it is humbling.

It was mid- morning by the time we arrived at our camp site; the trek to the river would take another half hour.

Given my mounting excitement, I was pleased to learn that we would forego the journey by foot for a later time. The comfy SUV was on hand to whisk us away in record time.

I opted to ride in the tray, not wanting to miss the first glimpse of the Essequibo; the view did not disappoint. As the vehicle crested the hill, the river bank came into sight and I reeled at the awesome sight. There, glistening in the mid afternoon sun, the murky waters of the River met the golden trails of the Moco Mock Creek, their union clearly visible in the shallow waters.

Rapt by the now shallow depths, I hopped from the SUV and waded slowly into the cool waters, which flowed gently between my toes. Other members of the group were

now wading knee deep in the Essequibo, as they made their way across to the other side.

So as not to be bested, I too forged ahead! This was what the journey was all about for me.

Half way across, I suddenly remembered my inability to swim and my underlying fear of the water. As quickly as I immersed myself in the mesmerizing waters, I was back on the river bank. This was the mighty Essequibo!

How dare I attempt to slay her? Humbled by this thought, I was comforted by my bravado, though short-lived.

Members of the group made the journey a few times effortlessly. Here, there were no Dutch forts, pretty beaches or a fancy resorts, only nature in its rawest form; peaceful and serene and miles away from the outside world. There I remained on the River Bank and listened to the gentle lapping of the waters until the sun set on the sleeping giant.

There was no danger in the crossing, although I only managed to walk across the Essequibo half way , however, I preserved my respect for the placid waters and vowed that we would meet again. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

45

46

Is Guyana prepared?

By: Ashley Anthony “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.”

James 2:10 Trinidad and Tobago has very recently made a very forward step; a judge has ruled the country’s homophobic laws unconstitutional. The reaction to this is mixed. There are many who hope that this ruling will have a domino effect, spreading into other Caribbean countries (and Guyana); whilst others are personally trying to stop the dominoes from falling.

Some of the loudest voices against the legalisation of homosexuality are religious groups. In 2012, the Christian community held a press conference wherein they called upon the Guyanese community to “roundly reject any move to legalize homosexuality”, expressing that homosexuality was a source of societal dysfunction and demise.

There is, though, something that always bothers me about any religious arguments being

made against the case for the legalisation of homosexuality.

This thing which bothers me is the fact that Guyana is a secular state. Secularism is not the enemy. In fact, I believe it enables us to live in the relatively harmonious environment that we enjoy. To explain: if Guyana were not secular, and the laws of the country were affiliated to one particular religion — let’s say Christianity — then we could not enjoy Phagwah or the feast from Eid ul Adha.

Most people would agree that the laws of Guyana should be designed for the people of Guyana, whether they are Christian, Hindu, Muslim, or Atheist. Understanding that, I find it strange that people cannot grasp that the laws of Guyana should support Guyanese, regardless of sexual orientation. Arguing that homosexuality is ungodly, and therefore should be illegal for all Guyanese is invalid, as not all Guyanese believe in God, nor do all Guyanese follow religions which reject homosexuality.

There is the argument that homosexuality is immoral, and thus this is why it is

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

criminalized. Even if you believe that homosexuality is immoral, there are many things which are immoral but not illegal. For example, according to the laws of Guyana, it is perfectly fine to be an adulterer, or a liar. Yet, according the Word of God, which many Christians seem intent on making the law of Guyana, “Thou shalt not commit adultery” Exodus 20:14. This is not to say that cheating on your spouse is a good thing to do; it can cause pain, grief, and even the destruction of the nucleic family structure that is supposedly under threat by the “homosexual agenda”. Yet, it is not illegal.

The question, then, becomes “where do we draw the line?”

What is simply immoral and what is illegal? I think the difference should derive from whether we are harming others.

As President David Granger put it, “I am prepared to respect the rights of any adult to indulge in any practice which is not harmful to others.”

Is Guyana prepared?

UK apologises to Caribbean immigrants threatened with deportation

T

he British Government earlier this week apologised to Caribbean citizens who moved to Britain in the 1950s and 1960s and have been threatened with deportation, agreeing to meet 12 leaders of countries affected after initially turning them down.

“There is absolutely no question about their right to remain and I am very sorry for any confusion or anxiety felt,” interior minister Amber Rudd told parliament during an emergency debate.

After the arrival of the first group of West Indian immigrants on the ship Empire Windrush in 1948, many more followed to help rebuild Britain in the wake of World War II. They were given indefinite leave to remain, a situation which changed with a 1971 law but many who failed to get their papers in order are now being treated as undocumented or illegal migrants.

An online petition to parliament, calling for an “amnesty” for the Windrush generation, had almost 150,000 signatures on Monday.

Also facing fury from opposition lawmakers, who condemned a “national shame”, Rudd announced a new taskforce to help those affected to regularise their immigration status swiftly and for free.

Pressed over the years-long clampdown on illegal immigration by the Conservative-led government, she also admitted that her department could “sometimes lose sight of the individual”.

However, she said she did not

UK Prime Minister Theresa May

believe anyone had actually been deported, although there have been media reports of people who were only saved by the last-minute intervention of lawyers.

The row has been brewing for some months but has erupted just as leaders of the 53 Commonwealth countries gather in London for their biennial heads of government meeting.

“When the Commonwealth heads of government are gathered in London, what a disgrace it is that this government has treated Commonwealth migrants in this way,” Labour lawmaker Diane Abbott said.

Guy Hewitt, the London-born High Commissioner to Barbados, told BBC radio that he felt “the country of my birth is saying to people of my region you are no longer welcome on my shores”.

“Because they came from British colonies which were not independent they felt they were British subjects, they felt there was

no need for them to recognise their status,” he said.

“And now, 40, 50 years on they are being told by the Home Office that they are illegal immigrants.

They are being shut out of the system, some of them detained, others have been deported.”

Opposition Labour lawmaker David Lammy, whose parents were from Guyana, organised a letter of cross-party MPs against what he said was a “grotesque, immoral and inhumane” situation.

The letter highlights how uncertainty surrounding people’s immigration status has affected their right to work, to rent homes, to receive pensions or even access healthcare.

Lammy told MPs it was an issue “of national shame”.

Earlier, the prime minister’s spokesman said May “deeply values the contribution made by these and all Commonwealth citizens who have made a life in the UK”.

“If there have been problems which people have been put through, that clearly would be a matter of regret,” he added.

Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral Patricia Scotland, who herself moved to Britain from Dominica when she was two years old, said the issue was one for individual countries to resolve with London.

She said it would be a “very challenging” week in general, adding: “Some of the internal issues have to remain just that, whatever your own personal views.”

Conduct…

Y

…and misconduct of public officials

our Eyewitness is still floored by the barefacedness of this PNC government. Three years after they had sneaked into office on the back of trumped up charges that the PPP government had ‘siphoned off” billions and billions from the Public Treasury, all they can do is bring a charge of “MISCONDUCT IN PUBLIC OFFICE” against Ashni Singh and Brassington?? Jeez!!! That’s pathetic.

Yesterday we spoke about the Government creating a scapegoat to take the heat off their exploding corrupt shenanigans…but this scapegoat just walked right back into their den of iniquity!! Just look at the charge they brought, which originated in 18th century Common Law in England, then went into hibernation during the last TWO hundred years!! If for nothing else than an indictable offence – carrying a life sentence penalty – should be worded very specifically to prevent abuse, specific statutes were created to deal with the multitude of sins that could railroad under the “Misconduct” umbrella…

In England, the “Committee on Standards in Public Life” (“CSPL”) has recommended since 1997 that a statutory offence be created. Even as we speak, the Law Commission will make a formal recommendation supporting. So what are the elements of the nebulous crime the Government expects to pin on Singh and Brassington?

As stated rather succinctly in a 2003 English case, these are: (1) a public officer acting as such; (2) wilfully neglects to perform his duty and/or wilfully misconducts himself; (3) to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust in the office holder; (4) without reasonable excuse or justification. Picking sense from nonsense, about the only element SOCU will be in a position to prove is the two fellas were PUBLIC OFFICIALS!! And we can now see why it took over two years after the much publicised audits to track the “case of the Purloined Billions and Billions” to pass muster from the DPP and the Police Legal Advisor!!

And, in fact, a pretty good case of railroading can be made just from the optics of the pic with the UK High Commissioner and his for-hire “crime experts” demanding the Government get tough on “corruption”!! Our legal prosecutorial whizz were nowhere to be seen. Massa Day come back?? Just look at the specifics to be proven: that Singh and Brassington wilfully neglected to perform their duty and/or wilfully misconducted themselves to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust in the office holder without reasonable excuse or justification on the sale of land that cost Guyana at most a few million US dollars.

So when are they going to charge Minister Trotman who cost us BILLIONS OF US greenbacks on the Exxon contract?? …and prohibited conduct Well, Trinidad took a massive step in broadening human rights in the Caribbean when their courts just legalised anal sex…officially dubbed “buggery”.

For years, LGBTQ activists have been beating on the doors of justice for the right to express their same sex orientation physically without breaking the law.

But to no avail – including here in Guyana.

The resistance came mostly from Christian and Muslim hardliners, who cited their texts to bootstrap their particular belief against homosexuality into state policy. As the court in TT announced its decision, there were tears of joy from the LGBTQ community, but also taunts and jeers from the Musilmeen group. Two years ago, the matter had been brought to the CCJ from another angle: TT’s prohibition against allowing homosexuals into the country.

But the CCJ weaseled out by saying the law hadn’t been applied and the point was therefore moot. Well, it is finally moot AND legal to engage in anal sex in TT. Guyana next? …and misconduct in Pharma PUBLIC Health Minister Volda Lawrence denied approving the purchase of some $605 million worth of emergency drugs by the GPHC. So who’s the public official to be charged with “misconduct in public office”??

news 47

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Fake…

O

…IDs for voting ne of the pluses of the PNC being out of office for 23 years is that it allowed the US “Automatic Declassification Rule on sensitive documents over 25 years old” to kick in. Since he expired 33 years ago, this gives us the opportunity to review Burnham’s schemes to construct his dictatorship with the aid of the Americans.

Of course there are exceptions, because of America’s policy not to reveal names of their informants and agents etc. Parts of the records may be redacted – blacked out – but what’s on the Internet is enough to telegraph plans of the present PNC leader, David Granger, who’s vowed to continue Burnham’s “legacy”.

Interesting for a historian, Granger never refers to those declassified files, even though he’s written about that period – especially “the troubles” as he calls them!

One wonders why??!!

Anyhow, one of the revelations is about the behindthe-scenes moves to rig the 1968 elections, which were publicly exposed by the British Granada TV. They showed the “overseas vote”– introduced by Burnham — having being exercised by English horses!! (check YouTube if you don’t believe!!) One declassified file is from the “303 Committee” which was set up to place and keep Burnham in power so as to keep out Jagan.

On 17 March 1967, it noted: “Prime Minister Forbes Burnham…has stated that he is fully prepared to utilize the electoral machinery at his disposal to ensure his own re-election. Burnham has initiated steps for electoral registration of Guyanese at home and abroad, and has requested financial assistance…for the PNC campaign.”

A footnote explained further: “In a meeting on 16 September 1966, Burnham requested money for various political purposes, and outlined his plans to issue identification cards to all Guyanans (Guyanese) above the age of 10, and to identify and register all Guyanans of African ancestry in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, in order to get their absentee votes in the next elections.

“Conversely, Burnham acknowledged with a smile, East Indians living abroad may have trouble getting registered, and if registered, getting ballots.” Mout’ open!!

It’s against this background that we must evaluate the recent (belated) acknowledgement by the Granger-unilaterally-appointed, handpicked Chairman of GECOM, Patterson, that the fake ID occurrence, reported by the Opposition Leader almost a month ago, is true. The Police Commander of Berbice had then sought to “debunk” Jagdeo’s claim, rather than promising to investigate!!

The GECOM chair now admits: “This may also just be the beginning of mischief that is afoot, a fifth column lurking and running about, biding its time to come forth”. Damn right!!

Maybe he should have a chat with his sponsor? …GuySuCo Board The PNC government’s taken “fake news” to new heights (lows?) with the claim that the full-page ads in the dailies at the beginning of March announcing a new Board for GuySuCo was in fact “fake”!! If it weren’t for their pigmentation, there would’ve been a lot of red faces!! The new Board had raised a lot of eyebrows, not the least being it seemed to be another nail in the WPA’s coffin by easing out another of their leaders – Clive Thomas – from his power position as GuySuCo’s chair! His erstwhile co-leader of the WPA, Rupert Roopnaraine, had already been sent out to pasture – causing some in the PNC coalition partner to sulk.

So what could’ve caused this volte face – and the inchoate red faces – for Jordan to claim his subcommittee’s decision to “cancel and replace” the GuySuCo Board hadn’t been ratified by Cabinet??

Anything to do with trying to minimise fallout from the simultaneous firing of WPA’s Hinds from the Chronic?

The travails of a polygamous political marriage!! …bonus When will this Government get its story on the Exxon bonus straight? First, there was the silence.

Then, that it was at the BoG. Then, it was in the Consolidated Funds. Now, it’s abroad earning interest?

And yet no “misconduct in officials”? !!

Region 9 REO failed to answer questions about Region …expelled from PAC meeting

T

he inability of Region Nine (Upper Takutu/ Upper Essequibo) officials to answer Public Accounts Committee (PAC) questions regarding issues raised in the Auditor General’s Report has seen them ultimately being asked to leave the chambers.

At the sitting, chaired by Member of Parliament Pauline Sukhai in the absence of Chairman Irfaan Ali, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Kerwin Warde was questioned on the region’s procurement of drugs through interdepartmental warrants (IDWs).

Warde could not even provide definitive details on the reconciliation from the Materials Management Unit (MMU) of the Public Health Ministry, as recommended by Auditor General Deodat Sharma in his 2016 report.

“The 2016 budget was one of those early budgets. What caused you to only send an inter-departmental warrant in the sum of $48 million to the Ministry of Public Health for the supply of drugs and medical supplies?”

PAC member Nigel Dharamlall asked.

In response, Warde indicated that he could not answer that question. At this point Sukhai upbraided the REO, noting that, on appearing before the committee, he had a duty

S

documents). I could immediately sense a lack of preparation. From the first question to where we are now, we have not had any clearcut responses. I would want to recommend we terminate your session until you come prepared,” Sukhai said.

Audit report

Performing the duties of PAC Chairperson was MP Pauline Sukhai

to come prepared to answer whatever questions are put to him.

Describing Warde’s statement as unacceptable, Sukhai asked him to confer with his supporting staff to get the information. But even that failed to bring any results, resulting in PAC Member and Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, getting involved.

“I know that the (former) REO (Karl Parker) was in the region for a very long time. So why is it that you’re before the PAC without the answers?” she asked. When Warde admitted that he was ill-prepared, Lawrence suggested the officials be sent away until they could provide answers.

“This is what I feared when the REO began answering questions.

It appears he either doesn’t want to be helpful or he didn’t have the time to go through (the

atiricus had a hard day at the office.

Meaning: he had to listen to his editor blather on and on about him not keeping to the deadlines. While he didn’t dare utter it aloud, he thought it a bit much for the jerk to blame him for being tardy when it was he who’d tied up Satiricus with his bitching and moaning about Faye’s — the private school his son attended — hiking their fees by 42%!

“He was lucky they didn’t raise the fees by 50%, like the Cabinet did with their salaries,” he said dourly to the fellas at the Back Street Bar. “Ooooh! Sato!” exclaimed Bungi, as he clinked his beer bottle with Sairicus’. “Yuh criticisin’ Nagga Man and Rum Jhaat!!”

“But Sato gat waa p’int, yuh know,” said Cappo.

“And what’s the point?” asked Hari mildly.

“Dat de Cyabinet salary raise and Faye school fee raise connect,” continued Cappo.

“A’rite,” said Bungi, “Abee a lis’en.”

“Yuh know how abee a seh big baatle and lil baatle cyaan deh pan de same shelf?” asked

According to the 2016 report, a sum of $73.871 million was budgeted for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies under the Health Services Programme for 2016. It stated that amounts totalling $63.871 million were expended as at December 31, 2016.

“Included in the amount of $63.871 million are two inter-departmental warrants (IDW) valued $58 million (and) issued in August and November 2016 in the sums of $48 million and $10 million respectively to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) to purchase drugs and medical supplies on behalf of the Regional Administration.

With respect to the warrant of $48 million, the Regional Administration received a financial return indicating that the full amount was expended.

However, although drugs and medical supplies were received by the Regional Administration, the cost was not stated on the documentation that ac-

REO Kerwin Warde

companied the deliveries”, the report detailed.

“As a result, it could not be determined whether the full value was received for the sum warranted to MoPH. 902. With respect to the warrant of $10 million, the Regional Administration received a ‘nil’ financial return indicating that the amount was unexpended, as such, the Appropriation Account was credited with the unspent amount of $10 million.”

The Audit Office had recommended that the Regional Administration put systems in place to reconcile supplies received by the respective health facilities with the drugs’ list initially submitted.

It had also advised that the region obtain the cost of the drugs and medical supplies from the MoPH, so as to reconcile the value of the drugs and medical supplies received with that of the sum warranted to the Ministry.

Hoity toity schooling Cappo.

“Eh-eh,” said Bungi. “Big maan and lil bai cyaan drink a’ de same table!”

“Da rite!” said Cappo approvingly. “An’ big shat and lil shat gat fuh know dem place, too!”

“And wha’ dah gat fuh do wid Cyabinet salary an’ Faye school fee?” demanded Bungi.

“Yes! Pray tell,” said Hari as Satiricus waited for this to play out.

“Well, yuh gat fuh fin’ wan way fuh know who a big shat and who a lil shat!’ replied Cappo.

“I get it!” interrupted Satiricus. “So the Cabinet big salary and Faye’s big fees let everybody know they are big shot!!”

“Da rite, Sato,” said Cappo. “Suh yuh baas na sh’u’d complain. De mo’ Faye raise dem school fee, de mo people guh t’ink he a wan big shat!”

“So you don’t think Faye will lower their fees?” asked Hari.

“Naah!” replied Cappo as he picked up his beer. “De mo’ dem charge, de mo rush dem guh get!! Ev’rybady waan fuh tu’n big shat nowadays!!”

48 Bollywood

Finding Their Voice T

he placards first showed up on Twitter on April 13, two days after the police submitted the chargesheet in the rape and murder case of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua, Jammu. Horrified at the brutality meted out to her, Bollywood actors Sonam K a p o o r , K a r e e n a K a p o o r Khan, Swara Bhasker, R i c h a Chadha, K a l k i Koechlin, H u m a Q u r e s h i , Tilottoma Shome, Aahana Kumra, Radhika Apte, Shruti Seth and Gul Panag, and filmmaker Alankrita Shrivastava posted pictures of themselves holding up posters with the message: “I am Hindustan. I am ashamed. #Justiceforourchild. 8 years old.

Gangraped. Murdered. In ‘Devi’sthaan temple. #Kathua.”

Reaction from detractors was swift.

One tweet asked “Hindus” to not watch films by certain actors, while others dismissed their initiative as a publicity stunt. “There are very few women who raise their voice in this country — whether it is in the government, or film, or theatre community — and they are heavily trolled for it. It’s sad that women are trolling us, and God forbid something happens to them, and nobody stands by them then,” says Kumra, who featured in the film Lipstick Under My Burkha, which found itself in trouble ahead of its release last year.

Bollywood is not known for being

particularly political. In the light of recent events where various outfits have taken umbrage at certain projects, the industry’s first instinct is often to be placatory, and manage the financial damages such events can cause them. Unlike its American counterpart which is still reeling from the impact of the #MeToo movement that took off last October, when several actors accused Harvey Weinstein of years of sexual misconduct, Bollywood continues to largely operate in a culture of silence.

But this particular crime in Kathua has hit a nerve in the industry. On April 12, Akshay Kumar, Bollywood’s posterboy for nationalism, tweeted The Indian Express story on the chargesheet and wrote, “Yet again, we’ve failed as a society. Can’t think straight as more chilling details… emerge…her innocent face refuses to leave me. Justice must be served, hard and fast!”

Farhan Akhtar, who launched “MARD: Men Against Rape and Discrimination”, a social media campaign in 2013, tweeted: “Imagine what goes through the mind of an 8-yr-old as she is drugged, held captive, gang raped over days and then murdered. If you don’t feel her terror, you are not human.”

At the April 15 protests on Carter Road, Bandra, actors Rajkummar Rao, Patralekhaa, Twinkle Khanna, Mini Mathur and Aditi Rao Hydari, and filmmakers Kiran Rao, Shrivastava, Nikkhil Advani joined the gathering, and spoke passionately about the need for justice. (Indian Express)

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

October box office collection day 6: Varun Dhawan’s stellar performance is still winning hearts

S

hoojit Sircar’s directorial October is going rocksteady at the box office.

The Varun Dhawan and Banita Sandhu starrer did open to a warm response last Friday. With better numbers at the box office on the weekends, the film’s collection is steady even on working days. There is just no stopping this gem at the box office.

October is enjoying a

Raazi song Ae Watan: This Arijit Singh track is in sync with Alia Bhatt’s patriotic character

A

lia Bhatt starrer Raazi brings the promising actress in the avatar of a spy who gets married to a Pakistani officer, played

by Vicky Kaushal, to extract secrets for her country. The first song of the film Ae Watan sung by Arijit Singh is out and evokes a sense of patriotism.

D

irector Umesh Shukla says a sequel to the hit 2012 comedy OMG – Oh My God! is on the cards and the team has already started working on it. The satirical comedy-drama, based on a Gujarati stageplay, starred Paresh Rawal as an atheist who sues God after an earthquake destroys his antique shop. The film, which explored the themes of religion and superstition, also had Akshay Kumarplay modern-day Lord Krishna.

Post the success of the film, the work on the sequel was on since 2015.

When asked about the status of the sequel, Umesh told PTI, “We are working on it. We have found a germ of the idea too, but it will take some time to finish it. It is an interesting idea. It will be challenging to take the story ahead.”

The director, however, says they are not making the sequel to encash on the film’s popularity. “The sequel has to have a right subject. We can’t make the film to turn it into a franchise for

monetary purpose. Like the Munna Bhai series, where people felt the second part was better than the first. “… They upgraded the story and we aim for the same. We have just started writing it. It is at an early stage and only 20 percent work has been done,” he adds. Apart from this, Umesh was also working on a script, which would feature Sanjay Dutt.

When asked about it, the director said, “I had narrated the idea to him (Dutt) long back, when he came out (of prison) for a brief period of time.

“The script is with me right now, but I haven’t focused on that yet because I was working on ‘102 Not Out’. Once I am done with the film, I will sit with my writers and see how it goes.”

Umesh is currently awaiting the release of his next, 102 Not Out, featuring megastar Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor. The film is scheduled to release on May 4. (Indian Express)

good word of mouth publicity. The film has already made a collection of Rs 25.56 crore.

In October, Varun Dhawan portrays the role of Dan, a young hotel management trainee who falls in love with his colleague under unusual circumstances. The film also marks the debut film of Banita Sandhu.

In a recent interview, Varun said that people have connected with the

film. “What we see in October is what everyone goes through in life,” shared the actor.

Varun also shared, “When I decided to do October, I put my entire soul into it. After Badrinath Ki Dulhania and Judwaa 2, I could have done another blockbuster kind of film. But I wanted to do a character who was not so high on self-confidence. Dan is a bit of an upstart. He isn’t your average hero at all. When I heard about the role, I insisted that Shoojit Sircar cast me, although he had a completely different cast in mind.”

Let’s wait for the box office update of October to see if it continues to win hearts of movie-goers! (Indian Express)

Raazi, directed by Meghna Gulzar, is based on Harinder Sikka’s novel Calling Sehmat. The film is set during the Indo-Pak war of 1971 and Alia’s character Sehmat plays a daughter, a wife and a spy.

The music of Raazi has been composed by the trio of Shankar-EhsaanLoy and the lyrics are

written by Gulzar.

The film’s trailer impressed the audience quite a lot as they had never seen Alia Bhatt in such an avatar.

Talking about her film, Alia had earlier said at an event, “I think in Raazi, the audience will see me in a completely different avatar. At least that is my wish because Raazi as a film is very different. It’s the first time I am doing a period film and is based on the true story as well, so I am very excited for it and I hope the audience will like it.”

Apart from Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, the film also stars Rajit Kapur, Shishir Sharma, Soni Razdan and Jaideep Ahlawat.

(Indian Express)

Simmba director Rohit Shetty: Sara Ali Khan wants to be part of an action film

A

fter Singham, Rohit Shetty is all set to bring another cop drama in Simmba, starring Ranveer Singh, but the director says both the storylines are completely different. “Creating a similar cop character would have been tough. This character is totally opposite of Bajirao Singham, he is notorious, flamboyant and the energy is totally different,” Rohit told PTI. Shetty, who first worked with Ranveer for an advertisement, says the actor is “a superstar”. Rohit is also full of praise for the leading lady of his upcoming film Simmba, Sara Ali Khan, daughter of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, saying she doesn’t want to restrict herself to just one genre or one kind of a film.

In a statement, Dharma productions confirmed the female lead of the film stating, “After the release of the first poster which featured Ranveer Singh, there was immense curiosity on who would be cast as the film’s female

lead. Now it’s confirmed. Rohit Shetty and Karan Johar have signed Sara Ali Khan for the film, which will be directed by Rohit. Sara will be seen opposite Ranveer, who plays the role of a notorious cop Sangram Bhalerao.”

“She is happy to be a part of this. In fact, Sara wants to be part of action film.

I am happy to know that she wants to do all kind of cinema and doesn’t want to get stuck to a film or genre. She wants to do solo heroine film, ensemble film, hardcore commercial film, love story, comedy, women oriented subject… She wants to experience everything. She comes from that schooling and I like that in her.”

The Golmaal director says he doesn’t feel the pressure of directing a star kid.

“For me the pressure is that audience should like the film. Other than that, there is no pressure. We felt Sara suits the character so we went with her.”

The film, set in Goa, will go on floor next month for a slated release in December this year. (Indian Express)

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

John Cena and Nikki Bella announce their split: We continue to have respect for one another

W

WE star couple John Cena and Nikki Bella have called it quits after being together for six long years. John, who has also acted in films like The Marine and Legendary, had proposed to Nikki during last year’s WrestleMania and their engagement during the tournament was its highlight. Their split was confirmed over a statement on social media on April 15. This comes less than three weeks before their wedding in Mexico, leaving fans across the world saddened.

“After much contemplation and six years of being together, Nikki Bella and John Cena announced today their decision to separate as a couple,” the statement,

posted on Nikki and Brie Bella’s Twitter account, read. “While this decision was a difficult one, we continue to have a great deal of respect for one another. We ask that you respect our privacy during this time in our lives,” it added.

A source close to Nikki told E! News that John, “never really wanted to get married in the first place.” Even the decision of having children was an issue, the source added. “One of the bigger disagreements they had through their relationship was that Nikki wanted to start a family and John didn’t,” said the source. “They were not on the same page in that respect.”

John and Nikki had been in the wrestling business for years and

had known each other as friends. However, it was when John asked Nikki out on a dinner date, things took off between the two.

However, coming out of a three-year-old marriage to his high school sweetheart Elizabeth Huberdeau, John was always sceptical about taking the relationship forward.

But over the six years of their relationship, things seemed to have changed as the two began gearing up for their wedding this year until news of the split came out days ago.

While Nikki (of the sport’s standout Bella Twins) is a two-time WWE Divas Champion, John is a 13-time WWE Champion. Apart from wrestling, John also took to acting in the early 2000s and was seen in his first film The Marine in 2006. Apart from dozens of movies and making appearances in television, John is also a rapper and performed his fifth WWE theme song titled “Basic Thuganomics”, which got featured on the WWE soundtrack album WWE Originals. (Indian Express)

xXx 4 on the cards, Vin Diesel and H Collective acquire rights

V

in Diesel’s One Race Films, along with studio H Collective, have acquired the rights of the “xXx” franchise and announced the fourth instalment. Under the deal, Revolution Studios retains rights to the first three films which have collectively grossed nearly USD 1 billion worldwide. DJ Caruso, who directed xXx: Return of Xander Cage, will return for the new film, with Diesel reprising his role as extreme sports athlete-turned-reluctant agent Xander Cage, reported Variety.

The H Collective CEO Nic Crawley said, “During my time at Paramount I was lucky to be involved in the development and distribu-

tion of ‘xXx: Return of Xander Cage.’ The response from the Chinese box office was unprecedented. Bringing the next instalment of the xXx franchise to The H Collective complements our diversified slate and mission to produce content for a global audience.”

Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum will produce the project along with Diesel, Samantha Vincent for One Race Films and the H Collective. Diesel first played Xander Cage in 2002’s Rob Cohendirected xXx. However, the actor was missing from the sequel, xXx: State of the Union, which was released in 2005.

He made a comeback to the franchise with

2017’s “xXx: Return of Xander Cage”, which also starred Deepika Padukone, Ruby Rose, Samuel L Jackson, Nina Dobrev and Toni Collette.

Last year, actor Ruby Rose shared a picture remembering the fun she had on the sets of xXx. She hinted at the next chapter of the franchise in her caption that read, “And while I’m here I can’t forget my training for Adele in xXx… but… more new exciting news on that soon ;)” Her caption had left many curious. When one of the fans shared a screen-shot of the caption and asked DJ Caruso on Twitter if Ruby was talking about next part of xXx, Caruso replied, “Yes meetings next week. Honing in on story and start dates.”

Soon, another fan had asked if Serena Unger aka Deepika would still be a part of the franchise to which Caruso said, “Oh yes!” Now, we are waiting for an official confirmation from Deepika’s team. (Indian Express)

Hollywood 49

Amy Schumer in talks for biopic on boxer Christy Martin A ctor and stand-up comedian Amy Schumer is in talks to portray boxer Christy Martin in a biopic. This will be the first dramatic role for Schumer, who has made a name for herself as a comedy actress in films like Trainwreck, Snatched and I Feel Pretty, reports aceshowbiz. com. The movie will be directed and written

by Katherine Fugate.

Martin grew up in West Virginia and earned the boxing nickname The Coalminer’s Daughter after her early successes in the ring. But as she started beating men, some purists tried to keep her down and one trainer ordered a boxer to break her ribs in a fight in an effort to change her mind about the sport, but she never gave up.

Ironically, she went on to marry Jim Martin, the trainer who ordered the beatdown, and then became the first woman to sign with boxing promoter Don King, who signed her to a series of pay-per-view fights.

Martin was the champion until Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila Ali

arrived and beat her in 2003.

In her private life, she fell in love with another woman and left Jim, who shot and stabbed her and left her for good in a brutal and jealous rage. She recovered from her injuries, changed her name to Salters and testified against her husband, helping to put him behind bars.

Meanwhile, Amy Schumer is awaiting the release of I Feel Pretty, which heads to the theaters this weekend.

In the film, Schumer plays an ordinary woman who struggles with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy on a daily basis and wakes up from a fall believing she is suddenly the most beautiful and capable woman on the planet.

The film, written and directed

by Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein also stars Michelle Williams, Emily Ratajkowski, Rory Scovel, Aidy Bryant, Busy Philipps, Tom Hopper, Naomi Campbell, and Lauren Hutton.

(Indian Express)

Charlie Chaplin’s 129th birth anniversary: A ‘Smile’ that connects the comic genius and Michael Jackson

A

lot of things immediately spring to mind when one thinks of Charlie Chaplin. Filmmaker, actor, comic genius, a controversial figure. But the one thing that many people often forget about the man is that he was also an accomplished musician. A track called Smile, composed

by Chaplin, has now become a classic, thanks to its numerous covers by popular artists over the years.

However, what is interesting is that Smile was originally only an instrumental song. To be more specific, it didn’t have any lyrics. But one listen, and you cannot help but be drawn in by the hopeful and haunting melody of the number. Smile was first featured in the 1936 Charlie Chaplin movie Modern Times.

The scene features Chaplin encouraging his companion to smile and think only of the road ahead.

Y e a r s later, lyrics were added to the song by English lyricists John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons. And thankfully, it did nothing to spoil the lovely message of the music. The two renditions of the track that became quite popular with the audience over the period of time were Nat King Cole’s version and the King of Pop Michael Jackson’s take on Smile.

Here’s a small sample of the said lyrics: Smile, though your heart is aching Smile, even though it’s breaking When there are clouds in the sky

you’ll get by If you smile through your fear and sorrow Smile and maybe tomorrow You’ll see the sun come shining through for you

While Jazz legend Nat King Cole’s rendition complimented the music of Charlie Chaplin’s music better, not many know about Michael Jackson’s version of the song as it was never released as a single as it was meant to.

Smile was one of Jackson’s favourite songs. The musician and dancer had recorded the song for his 1995 album HIStory: Past, Present and Future,

Book I. The Cole and Jackson versions of the song are as different as chalk and cheese. Jackson’s Smile is pretty hopeful and comes off like a track from Disney’s 2007 film Enchanted.

Cole’s voice sounds like it was tailormade for the song. Both are lovely in their own way. And both are gently but firmly reassuring of a better tomorrow. And what better message to have from a piece of art in this day and age?

(Indian Express)

50 sport

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

Tahir joins the Amazon Warriors

I

mran Tahir will be joini n g the Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Hero Caribbean Premier League; he is looking forward to this new challenge.

He is currently playing for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, and was hugely successful for the Multan Sultans at the Pakistan Super League. Soon he will be appearing for the “It’s very exciting for me and I guess it’s very challenging for me as well.

I have been watching CPL on TV for the last couple of years and it looks a very good standard, and I just want to go and express myself and try do well and that’s what I am looking for,” he remarked.

This will be the first time that Tahir has played at the Hero CPL, but he has had some success in the Caribbean in the past. In the 2016 One-Day International tri-series featuring South Africa, Australia and the Windies he finished with 13 wickets – the most by any bowler in the tournament. He says that success two years ago means he is looking forward to his return and making the most of conditions that suit him.

“I have been there once and I really enjoyed it. It’s spinning friendly so no complaints. Beautiful islands and people are very nice. I just had a really good time and I’m really looking forward to my second trip.

“Whatever is thrown at you I think you just have to adjust to the conditions, sometimes you are lucky sometimes you aren’t. Most of the time wherever you play in the world you don’t get spinning friendly pitches. In Guyana you think that you’re going to get a spin friendly pitch, you’re going to do well. But for me that’s part of the

challenge because people’s expectations are high and they are looking for that. As a spinner you have to do really well but for me it’s another great challenge.

I think the conditions don’t really matter these days because guys are very The leg spinner smart and play is a great a lot of differwickettaking ent shots, but it asset in the will be a little bit limited over helpful and as I version said before it will be a challenge for me.”

Imran Tahir will bring his unique wicket-taking celebrations to the Hero CPL. His joy when he takes a wicket is very clear to see, and Hero CPL fans can look forward to watching his exuberance. He says his celebration is all about his passion for cricket.

“I think if I had to put it in a simple way, I just feel like it’s the passion for the game. It’s been my dream since I

was a kid that I wanted to be in that arena where I see all the international players playing around me and I think that’s where I am today. Every wicket I take is very important for me and I think that’s probably built up inside me and it comes out when I take a wicket. So look, it’s pure passion for the game, and I just want to carry on doing more celebrations – that means I am taking wickets.”

Those celebrations were particularly energetic when Tahir took a hattrick at the PSL. Did he think he would ever stop running when that third wicket in three balls fell?

“No, I don’t think so. I think I ended up in front of Mohammad Irfan and you are not going to cross that man!

He’s one of the tallest guys. Look, it

was a great achievement for me from a personal point of view and what I did for the team.”

In recent year’s Tahir has been restricted to appearances for South Africa in white-ball cricket, and he is hopeful that he can contribute to South Africa doing well at the upcoming ICC global events.

“I always have a belief and I have been saying that for the last three or four World Cups I have been honoured to play. It was just my dream to play international cricket but never thought I was going to play four World Cups so I am grateful to South Africa for giving me the opportunity. I always say that and that’s the belief I have [that we can win the World Cup] with the team we have and the players we have.” (CPL)

Paul lone Guyanese in Windies squad for Relief T20 A

ll-rounder Keemo Paul is the only Guyanese to feature in the Windies 13-man team who will tackle the ICC Rest of the World XI in a Hurricane Relief T20 charity game set for the famous Lords Cricket Ground, England on May 31, 2018.

The squad is led by all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite, who returns to lead the Caribbean side in the charity match backed by the MCC, ECB and ICC. The proceeds will go directly towards the restoration of five major cricket venues at the heart of Caribbean communities that were damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria back in 2017.

As a result, a number of big Windies T20 players were recalled to the side for the event. Some of these players include in-form power-hitter Andre Russell, who will leave the ongoing IPL to join the squad following his return to cricket during the Super50 Cup. Also in the squad are explosive left-hand openers Evin Lewis and “Universe Boss” Chris Gayle, veterans Marlon Samuels, Denesh Ramdin, Rayad Emrit, and allrounder Rovman Powell among other top T20 stars.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) Chairman of Selectors, Courtney Browne, in a release from the Board, said the move to keep the Guyanese as well as the veteran Ramdin was a result of their recent slew of good performances.

“We welcome the return of the players who missed the Pakistan Series and are delighted to recall Andre Russell to the squad, as we believe he will have a key role in our white ball cricket. Denesh Ramdin and Keemo Paul keep their places after encouraging performances at both regional and international level,” said Browne.

Paul, the former West Indies U-19 World-Cup winning Vice Captain, has been raising his stock over the past few months, having played a crucial role in Guyana winning the Regional 4-Day title for a record fourth consecutive year.

The 20-year-old as a result was

drafted in the Windies ODI team where he has had a decent run to date prior to his recent selection to the T20 team.

Meanwhile, the venues which will benefit from the match include: Ronald Webster Park, Anguilla (damaged in Irma); Sir Viv Richards Stadium, Antigua (temporarily converted to host refugees from Barbuda following Irma); Windsor Park Stadium, Dominica (damaged in Maria); AO Shirley Recreation Ground, BVI (damaged in Irma) Keemo Paul and Carib Lumber Ball Park, St Maarten (damaged in Irma).

Windies T20 squad: Samuel Badree; Carlos Brathwaite (Captain); Rayad Emrit; Andre Fletcher; Chris Gayle; Evin Lewis; Ashley Nurse; Keemo Paul; Rovman Powell; Denesh Ramdin (wicketkeeper); Andre Russell; Marlon Samuels and Kesrick Williams.

Sport 51

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Gold for Guyana!

–Troy Doris lands gold in triple jump

Troy Doris

O

lympian Troy Doris has etched his name into the annals of history by leaping towards gold at the XXI Commonwealth Games being held in Australia last Saturday.

Doris had just three of six legal jumps, the first, 16.67 metres, which would not have given him a medal, before a leap of 16.88 brought the ultimate hardware.

His third jump of 16.26 was inconsequential, as Dominica’s Yordanys Duranona Garcia’s first jump of 16.86, was to be the farthest he would extend in the pit to come up with a silver medal.

Cameroon’s Marcel Mayack II earned the bronze medal with his

personal best leap of 16.46 metres. Jamaica’s Clive Pullen was seventh with a best mark of 16.25. Pulln had trouble getting his runs right, missing his first two jumps before registering 16.16 and 16.20. He would again foul a jump before reaching his best mark on his last jump.

The other two Caribbean finalists, St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Jumonne Exeter, 15.92, and the Bahamas’ latario Collie, 15.90, were 10th and 11th respectively.

It was Guyana’s first gold medal at the event since 2002, when Aliann Pompey won the 400m in England. Meanwhile, in the Women’s High Jump Final, Guyana’s Natrena

Hooper finished 12th overall, recording 1.75m.

The Guyanese duo of Lennox Braithwaite and Ransford Goodluck ended their quest for medals at the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Prize Individual Fullbore Shooting Finals without a medal but turned in sterling performances in the process.

Coming up against the best marksmen in the world, Braithwaite, going into the final two ranges (900 and 1000 yards) on the third and final in 8th place ended the championships in 18th place with a grand aggregate of 396 points and 35Vs while Goodluck accumulated 390:31 to end as the third best Caribbean shooter behind Barbadian Jason Wood who managed one point more than Goodluck but one V less. Braithwaite’s final total apart from being the best achieved by a Caribbean marksman at the championships was also his best ever at these games. Taking the gold in record breaking style was Englishman

David Luckman whose 404:49 eclipsed the previous record of 401:42 which he himself had set at the Glasgow Games, four years ago.

Such was the performance of the gold medalist that he dropped just a single shot in three days of competition at 8 ranges. The Englishman dropped his final shot of the championships.

Taking the gold medal on Vs was Australian Jim Bailey who had held a slim lead going into the final day.

Bailey ended with 403:50 but ahead of Parag Patel of England who had to settle for the bronze with 45Vs. Scotland’s Ian Shaw was 4th with 402:39 followed

by Jersey pair of Barry Le Cheminant 401:50 and David Le Quesne 400:47, Canada’s Nicole Rossignol 400:38, New Zealand’s John Snowden 400:35, Australian Ben Emms 399:48 and Gareth Morris of Wales 399:45 to close out the top 10.

The other Caribbean shooters who competed are Jamaican David

Ransford Goodluck

Rickman 375:19 (27th), Barbadian Richard Arthur 374:18 (28th), Denis Nelson – Jamaica 371:23 (29th), Delborn Joseph – Trinidad &Tobago 362:17 (30th), Edworth Benjamin – Antigua & Barbuda 354:20 (31st), Michael Perez – Trinidad &Tobago 354:15 (32nd) and Desroy Maile – Antigua & Barbuda 338:9 (33rd).

In the Pairs competition, Guyana had finished 11th of the 16 competing teams and the top Caribbean nation.

Meanwhile, the Guyanese like their Caribbean counterparts will now turn their attention to the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Championships set for the Land of the Flying fish, Barbados in May.

Rugby’s domestic season resumes Saturday

T

he Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) domestic season will resume on Saturday at the National Park with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) playing Yamaha Caribs in the second round of the Bounty Farm XV’s tournament from 16:00h, while on Sunday, Panthers will oppose Police Flacons in the B-Division final.

Based on the schedule released to the media on Tuesday, players are in for a packed season since there will also be a Pepsi Hornets Anniversary Invitational Sevens tournament in May followed by the female 7s, School Festival, and Under-19 tournaments as well as the Scotiabank Summer Camp.

The season will also include highperformance training for both men and women for international engagements.

This year, Guyana will take part in the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, with the Men’s 7s scheduled for July 19-August 3 in Colombia.

The team will remain there for the Rugby Americas North Challenge Series Men’s 15s before turning their attention to the RAN Sevens in Barbados.

Players are being reminded XV’s training sessions will be conducted on Wednesdays from 17:00h and Sundays from 07:00h while the Sevens sessions will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 17:00h.

Gym sessions will be held at the Michael Paris gym in the National Park under the guidance of Barrington Browne and Theodore Henry from 05:45h to 07:00h and 17:00h-19:00h on Mondays and Fridays.

Some intense rugby action will return to the National Park Saturday with Yamaha Caribs battling the Guyana Defence Force in a 15s encounter (Orlando Charles photo)

The national ruggers have a packed international calendar ahead

52 sport

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana hoping to send bodybuilding contingent to CAC Games

A

s the competition date nears, the Guyana Amateur Body Building Federation (GABBF) has rolled out its plans to ensure that it has a successful showing in July.

President Coel Marks revealed to Guyana Times Sport that local bodybuilders will have the chance to travel to Mexico where they will participate in the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Championship.

“The main event that our federation shows are fielded for is the Central American and Caribbean Championship and it’s going to be held in Mexico this year,” Marks stated.

The athletes will interact with bodybuilders from around the Caribbean and Central America, showing off their chiselled physiques for a chance to bring gold home to Guyana.

Contrary to what happened in previous years, the bodybuilding federation is aiming to reform its system by completely funding the Mexico trip. “Our goal set this year is to fully fund the accommodation and air fare. It’s a very ambitious goal, but we’re going to work hard to see if we can make it a reality as best as possible,” President Marks said.

However, he did admit that if this venture was not successful, the Federation would stand as much of the expenses as it could.

This year’s senior body-

Female cricket to be boosted in Berbice

GABBF President Coel Marks

building championship will act as a preparatory competition for the international stage. The competition will be held on July 15, just one week before the CAC is held on July 22 and 23.

Additionally, in an effort to attract more competitors, the GABBF President expressed his intention to make the prizes more tangible.

“We’re going to ramp up our promotions and incentives for the athletes this year; last year, we gave away well over $1 million in cash and prizes, if we could match or improve that we’ll definitely work assiduously to making sure that’s a reality,” he said. The Federation is hoping to have a successful showing, similarly to its novice competition which was held last weekend.

This year’s competitors, who turned out in massive numbers, showed substantial improvements, particularly in the female category.

(Jemima Holmes)

F

The women after their meeting with BCB President Hilbert Foster

emale cricket enthusiasts in the Berbice area have received reassurance that their area will receive muchneeded attention in the remainder of 2018.

This announcement was made by Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) President Hilbert Foster in the presence of numerous female cricketers. The declaration that they will be treated with the same devotion as their male counterparts was well-received by the players at the Rose Hall, Canje Ground last Sunday.

The BCB President admitted that the female division has been neglected over the past years; in an effort to curb this, he announced that the Board intended to host tournaments on a regular basis. However, he noted that they would need participation from the cricket clubs in the county. As such, he urged clubs like Blairmont, West Berbice, Port Mourant, Upper Corentyne and Young Warriors to form female teams. Currently, Rose Hall, Canje and Tucber Park Cricket Clubs are the only clubs

with female members. In an effort to better the performances of the female cricketers, Foster stated, they will benefit from one-on-one coaching as well as social skills seminars and educational posters. He also urged the female cricketers to become more familiar with the history, rules, and practices of the beloved game. Speaking to the audience including West Indies female players Erva Giddings, Shemaine Campbelle and Tremayne Smartt, Foster announced that Guyana female cricketers between the ages of 12 and 18 would be involved in the Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh Berbice Coaching Programme and the 2018 BCB Cricket Academy, which is scheduled for May and July respectively.

After their rigorous training, the female athletes will be involved in 40 Overs, T20 and Double Wicket competitions. The women were urged to pay attention to their technical skills and keep themselves fit so as to participate in the Guyana Cricket Board Inter-County

Championship.

Meanwhile, the first match of the BCB/Rose Hall Town Youth and Sport Club 40-Overs Female Cricket Tournament was washed out after heavy rainfall just before the start of play. The two teams – Rose Hall Town Metro and New Amsterdam/Canje – eventually played each other in a 15-over softball match. New Amsterdam/Canje reached 96 for 8 with Odessa Cadogan top-scoring with 43, Niveena Ramnauth made 15 and Divona Frank, 13. Bowling for Rose Hall Town, Plaffiana Millington collected 3 for 8, Shakeba Gajnabi 2 for 20 and Mariam Samaroo 2 for 5.

In response, the powerful Rose Hall Town Metro Team reached 94 for 2 from 11 overs, with Kassie Munroe (40 not out); Kimmone Thomas (12) and Uma Matadin (13 not out) being the principal scorers. The winning team received a cash prize, trophy, and medals, compliments of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club.

“Government on board will help us build golf”– Hussain

L

usignan Golf Club (LGC) President Aleem Hussain said the commitment shown by Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for sport, Dr George Norton to the

golfing fraternity would help to unlock different levels going forward.

Flashback!

Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for sport, Dr George Norton hands Christine Sukram the

2017 Guyana Open Cup Female Trophy During a recent interview with the Guyana Times Sport, Hussain confirmed Minister Norton, who recently visited the LGC’s course

which is under development, was impressed by the state of the greens as well as the infrastructural works which are part of the lavish transformation billed for the Club before the end of 2018. Hussain said that the Minister was adamant about getting more schools involved in golf, as the moves to include schools in the Guyana Open Cup tournament as well as the University of Guyana Golf Programme, have been opening wider dimensions for the sport.

As a result, Minister Norton is in full support of the LGC’s plan to launch a mini-tournament and golf training programme for at least 10 schools, tentatively set for the first or second week of May. The idea, according to Hussain, will help to strengthen the bond between golf and students, who have been coming out more in recent months to be part of the sport. Minister Norton has been a strong supporter of schools and students getting involved in golf, as it helps

Flashback! Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for sport, Dr George Norton hands Christine Sukram the 2017 Guyana Open Cup Female Trophy

to nurture and relax one’s mind.

“This allows us to build a market for the future because having the Government on board will help us to reach and build golf from a junior level and eventually help us to find players for the future,” Hussain noted.

Also, contestants of the Miss Guyana World

pageant will be using the LGC as the venue for their sport pieces for this year’s pageant. Meanwhile, the LGC is preparing for a double-header this coming weekend, with the Muneshwers Open billed for Saturday and the Ganesh Spare Parts Open set for Sunday.

(Clifton Ross)

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

53

54

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING APRIL 22, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

55