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ISSUE NO. 50

CANADA EDITION

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WEEK ENDING May 16, 2013

Guyana signs offshore oil exploration agreement with Spain’s ‘Repsol’ See story on page 3

Jamaica gov’t takes action against TT exporter for CARICOM trade violation

Flying red – US$110 million loss for CAL but Minister Howai insists airline solvent

Page 2 Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Anthony Hylton during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate on Tuesday, said the government uncovered a scheme that involved the exportation of lubrication oil (JIS Photo)

aribbean Airlines (CAL) lost US$70 million last year. And if the fuel subsidy is added, the total loss would be US$110 million (TT$704 million), Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Larry Howai conceded Tuesday. However, he said the airline remains solvent. Howai Tuesday faced a barrage of questions on the State-owned airline. And People’s National Movement (PNM) Senator Lester Henry said he was “astounded that the minister could describe as solvent a company which cannot cover its costs and no money in the bank”. Howai replied that the company may be cash-strapped but it had assets. “Perhaps the decisions made in respect of how those assets would be leveraged and what kind of leveraging you have for the balance sheet were not addressed perhaps in the way that others might have done,” the minister said. He said the “preliminary” unaudited” figures showed US$32 million of the TT$70 million loss was incurred by the Air Jamaica route, and another major part of the loss was also incurred on the London route. continued on page 10

NEWS

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |week ending May 16, 2013

No racial bias in issuance of radio licences in Guyana – PPP/C

he Peoples Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has defended the Guyana government’s position on the issuance of radio licences, removing itself from suggestions made

that it used “racial profiling” in the process, while condemning sections of society for misleading the nation on the issue. Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall said the PPP/C

administration has never once tried to use its executive powers to impose punitive sanctions in an unreasonable and unlawful fashion against any section of society. Nandlall, during his

address to the media on Monday at the party’s press conference, said, ethnicity has been made an issue with the issuance of radio licences, since the party broke the monopoly in 2011. Instead, the minister recalled that the decision taken by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, to issue radio licences is a realisation of the 2006 manifesto promise, to break the monopoly on radio which was held by the state. Unlike reports carried in sections of the media, Nandlall said permission was granted to a wide cross-section of individuals. Government did not give one or two permissions to operate radio stations, he said, but granted approximately 10 permissions to broadcast. The attorney general maintained that the manner in which the issuance of radio licences is being portrayed in sections of the media is one that speaks to “racial profiling”. He expressed the view that “a deliberate impression is being conveyed that only persons of a certain ethnic-

Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall

ity have been granted licences. This is an unfortunate practice by some media houses and in fact amplifies irresponsibility where press freedom is considered”. To this end, the minister maintained that government is cognisant of the importance of freedom of the press and expression. Nandall said the commitment of the PPP/C administration to freedom of expression has been questioned. The attorney general restated that the administration has a long legacy and a proud history of protecting and preserving freedom of expression in all of its manifestation and form. Recently, producer of Capitol News, Enrico

Woolford and his seven lawyers were a no-show in the Supreme Court on Thursday, May 9 as the matter involving his challenge to radio licences issued by government and frequencies issued by the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) to 11 applicants was called. The matter was called before acting Chief Justice Ian Chang and has been adjourned to June 3. Nandlall, named as the respondent in the case, requested a dismissal of the matter. However, the court granted a 21-leave to the respondent, to allow him to file an affidavit in answer. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

Jamaica gov’t takes action against TT exporter for CARICOM trade violation

amaica has imposed additional duties on a lube oil product coming out of Trinidad and Tobago for which it claims there was a scheme to circumvent the rules of origin in the

Treaty of Chaguaramas. Anthony Hylton, Jamaica’s minister of industry, investment and commerce says the scheme was brought to the attention of the government by the private sector. “The alleged scheme involved the exportation of lubrication oil by the state-owned oil company ‘Petrotrin’ which holds the dominant share of the Jamaican market for this product. The product as been claiming CARICOM origin status for years without attracting the applicable duties under the Customs Act. The submission by the Jamaican private sector firm alleged that there was misrepresentation in regards to origin, in that the product was being represented to be a product of Trinidad and Tobago, when it was not.” Hylton, who made the announcement during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate on Tuesday, said after discussions with an interministerial trade enforcement team, Jamaica Customs issued a verifi-

cation query on the product to the Trinidad and Tobago Customs and Excise Division. “The applicable rules require the Trinidad and Tobago government to respond to a verification request within six weeks , it is now over six months and there has been no verification response by the government of Trinidad and Tobago. The silence is deafening.” Under the Treaty, the Jamaica Customs Department can impose interim charges equivalent to the duties to be applied in the circumstance, and to place the money into a special escrow account that came into effect last December. To date, the accumulated amount in the account is in excess of Ja$184.2 million. He said the money will be transferred to the consolidated fund, and the Customs department will impose customs duties on the lube oil entering Jamaica from Trinidad and Tobago. (Excerpt from Jamaica Gleaner)

NEWS week ending May 16, 2013

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Guyana signs offshore oil exploration agreement with Spain's ‘Repsol’

panish oil exploration giant, ‘Repsol’ on Tuesday signed another agreement with the Guyana government to commence drilling for oil and gas, in the Kanaku Basin offshore Guyana. Affixing his signature to the agreement which was previously signed by President Donald Romotar (who is the minister responsible for petroleum), was Repsol’s Latin America Exploration Director Joseba Murillas. The signing ceremony took place at the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, Brickdam, Georgetown, Guyana. Murillas said Repsol is pleased to be working along with ‘Tullow Oil’, as a partner in the basin to access the much anticipated oil commodity. Repsol has been present in the basin for many years and

with an office already set up in Guyana, it is expected to initiate exploration activities following the finalisation of the agreement. “Hopefully by the end of this year, we will have completed the acquisition of the seismic. During 2014, our plans are to process all this volumes and contact, all the interpretation tasks with the objective of finding a well location in 2015,” he stated. The company’s hope is that following preparations, it will be able to begin actual drilling for oil by 2016. The exploration director expressed his company’s willingness to work with government in search for oil on territorial waters and is hopeful for positive results. Meanwhile, Guyana’s Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert

Persaud said government is pleased to have Repsol back on board, after a number of in depth negotiations prior to the agreement. He believes this undertaking will allow Guyana to fulfil expectations of being an oil and gas producer. Persaud said, “having the two companies with good international reputation operating within our offshore in pursuit of oil exploration, eventually we hope very soon a significant commercial discovery certainly would be a plus for us”. Repsol and Tullow Oil are not the only companies engaged in oil exploration in Guyana’s offshore, but CGX is also actively involved, while government is in discussions with a number of other companies. He added: “We do welcome the commitments given by the

company… especially in terms of capacity building in the area of human resources because we would need to build the skills to prepare our country to manage an oil and gas sector and we have started that at the level of Cabinet.” A team is currently in Guyana from the Commonwealth, advising government on policies and initiatives on how it can prepare for such a discovery. Repsol will engage in petroleum exploration in Guyana’s concession acreage, referred to as the Kanuku Block. The Spanish oil giant was responsible for the drilling of the Jaguar One Well in partnership with CGX, which is located just offshore of the Georgetown Block. The operation which was expected to be the largest, came up empty-handed back in 2012

when the team was forced to stop drilling after being warned it could become dangerous if they continue. Discussions between Repsol and the Natural Resources Ministry through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission commenced in mid- 2012, in anticipation of the expiration of the Petroleum Prospecting Licence, which was for the Georgetown Block. The new Petroleum Prospecting Licence and its Production Sharing Agreement are in respect of an area of approximately 6525 square kilometres within the sedimentary basin offshore Guyana, and some 100 miles seawards of the mouth of the Berbice River. Repsol was operator for the group of companies, including Tullow Guyana BV; YPF Guyana Limited and CGX Resources Incorporated.

Views

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending May 16, 2013

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EDITORIAL

Road safety

ccording to World Bank statistics, every year the lives of almost 1.24 million people are cut short as a result of road accidents. Between 20 and 50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a disability as a result of their injury. The Caribbean is no exception. This region has suffered its fair share of disasters on the road resulting in a number of its citizens losing their lives or becoming disabled at a very young age. Almost every week there is some news that someone was killed on the roadways and despite actions on several fronts, including enacting the relevant legislation and increasing the number of ‘campaigns', the Caribbean does not seem to be winning the battle in significantly reducing the number of road deaths. The Second UN Global Road Safety Week, which was observed recently (6-12 May 2013), was dedicated to pedestrian safety. The week’s activities drew attention to the urgent need to better protect pedestrians worldwide, generated action on the measures needed to do so, and contributed to achieving the goal of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 to save 5 million lives. Walking is the most fundamental form of mobility, yet it is also the most vulnerable to road traffic injury. According to the World Health Organisation's 2013 ‘Global Status Report on Road Safety’, over one-fifth of all road traffic deaths (270,000 annually) are pedestrians. In some countries, such as Ghana, the proportion of pedestrians among road traffic deaths is as high as 40 percent. Many risk factors contribute to the high vulnerability of pedestrians, including the speed of vehicles, alcohol, inadequate visibility, lack of pedestrian safety facilities, and inadequate enforcement of traffic laws. This is documented in a recent best practices manual jointly commissioned by the World Health Organisation, the FIA Foundation, the Global Road Safety Partnership, and the World Bank. Nelson Mandela's great-granddaughter Zenani was killed in a car crash as she was returning home from a World Cup concert in Soweto in 2010. Her death, two days after her 13th birthday, drew global attention to the high toll in lives and devastating injuries from road traffic crashes globally. Their loss also turned the Mandela family into activists for global road safety. "On the same day that I lost Zenani, a thousand other families also lost a child on the world's roads," her mother, Zoleka Mandela, writes on the website of the Zenani Mandela Campaign. Road traffic injuries cause considerable economic losses to victims, their families, and to nations as a whole. These losses arise from the cost of treatment (including rehabilitation and incident investigation) as well as reduced/lost productivity (e.g. in wages) for those killed or disabled by their injuries, and for family members who need to take time off work (or school) to care for the injured. According to the WHO, national estimates have illustrated that road traffic crashes cost countries between 1–3% of their gross national product, while the financial impact on individual families has been shown to result in increased financial borrowing and debt, and even a decline in food consumption. Some believe that road traffic injuries have been neglected from the global health agenda for many years, despite being predictable and largely preventable. Evidence from many countries shows that dramatic successes in preventing road traffic crashes can be achieved through concerted efforts that involve, but are not limited to, the health sector. Organisations such as the WB and WHO have argued that while there is no single measure to address all pedestrian risks, many steps can be taken to improve their safety. For example, a 5 percent cut in speed can reduce fatal crashes by 30 percent. Road design, land-use planning, and vehicle design are other important factors. Further, collecting reliable data is also essential to improving road safety and reducing risks for pedestrians. According to a recent WHO study, data systems in most countries remain poor, with 71 percent of countries relying on police data systems only. Many deaths occur after a crash victim has been transported to a hospital, so data from health systems are also needed to derive a better understanding of the issue.

A scene from the recent Barbados Police band concert in the streets of Bridgetown. (NationNews photo)

Caricom must be prepared to face shifting global priorities – SG

aricom must remain alert, proactive, and responsive as it confronts the shifting priorities of the world’s dominant players, including its traditional partners. This is according to Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque, as he addressed the opening session of the 16th meeting of Caricom’s Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) at the Trinidad Hilton Hotel and Conference Centre, Port-of-Spain Monday night. According to a Caricom Secretariat release, the council’s two- day working sessions began on Tuesday morning. Noting that the community was celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, he said despite its remarkable achievements and milestones to date, Caricom “is well aware that it is also evolving and the landscape in which we operate has changed, requiring a new modus operandi.” Ambassador LaRocque said survival in the current global environment demanded a commonality of ambition and vision, as well as a deep level of coordination to ensure the strategic positioning of the community in the hemispheric and global arena. “Such foreign policy coordination is one of the four pillars on which this community rests and an important weapon in the diplomatic arsenal of our member states,” he added. “The community’s track record of a coordinated approach to foreign policy issues and of speaking with one voice continues to earn the attention of the international community. As a con-

sequence, we are witnessing the increased interest of third states in the community to a large extent because of our cohesion as a regional grouping,” LaRocque said. The secretary general stated too that the slow re-

“…it is well understood that at this time when the community is intensifying its efforts at meeting sustainable development goals, international development resources for the region are becoming less easy to access and the continuing financial crisis compounds the situation. It is, therefore, critical that efforts continue to be made to both deepen and broaden existing ties and to develop new relations beyond the traditional spheres,” says Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque. covery from the financial and economic crisis, as well as the added burden of graduation, and its close relative differentiation, and their resulting decrease in access to concessionary financing; the deleterious effects of climate change and the lack of adequate ac-

cess to mitigation and adaptation financing; along with the continued challenges to citizen security, had all challenged 40 years of socioeconomic development as a Caribbean Community.

Caricom’s response

Caricom’s response to these economic and financial challenges were beginning to bear fruit, he said, indicating that after substantial lobbying in international fora, such as the G8 and the G20 and international financial institutions, some progress had been made. “The IMF, for example, has started paying greater attention to the special macroeconomic issues facing small states and their implications for fund engagement,” the secretary general pointed out. Ambassador LaRocque said that continuing to foster good relations with international development partners, was also essential. He said Caricom had been well served by the ongoing relations with its traditional partners, both bilateral and multilateral. “However, it is well understood that at this time when the community is intensifying its efforts at meeting sustainable development goals, international development resources for the region are becoming less easy to access and the continuing financial crisis compounds the situation. It is, therefore, critical that efforts continue to be made to both deepen and broaden existing ties and to develop new relations beyond the traditional spheres,” he added.

News week ending May 16, 2013

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Guyana’s foreign direct investments worth US$294 million last year - region posts record US$ 173.361 billion

atin America and the Caribbean received a record US$ 173.361 billion of foreign direct investment (FDI) (6.7 per cent more than in 2011), despite an external context characterised by shrinking FDI flows worldwide, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). The figures are attributable to the region’s steady economic growth, high prices for raw materials and the impressive returns on investments related to natural resource exploitation, according to the report ‘Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean 2012’, which was launched at the commission’s headquarters in Santiago, Chile on Tuesday. Guyana earned some US$ 294 million – a 19 per cent increase from the previous year of US$247 million. ECLAC predicts that this year’s FDI inflows to the region will range between a fall of three per cent and a rise of sev-

en per cent. According to ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena, “The foreign direct investment results attest to the good current performance of the Latin American economy. However, we see no clear signs of FDI making a relevant contribution to generating new sectors or creating activities with high technology content as changing the production structure as one of the main challenges facing the region.” The report describes FDI as increasingly focused on the exploitation of natural resources, particularly in South America. Manufacturing represents a fairly low proportion of inward FDI (except in Brazil and Mexico). In addition, the profits of transnational enterprises operating in Latin America and the Caribbean (also known as FID income) grew fivefold in nine years, rising from US$ 20.425 billion in 2002 to US$113.067 billion in 2011. On average, transnational enterprises were repatriating a slight-

ly higher proportion of profits to their parent companies (55 per cent) than they were investing in the countries of the region where they were generated (45 per cent). The dramatic surge in these profits tends to neutralise the positive effect of FDI inflows on the balance of payments, according to ECLAC. Between 2006 and 2011, FDI income in the region averaged out at US$ 92 billion per year (92 per cent of the value of FDI inflows over the same period). FDI inflows to the Caribbean rose for the third year in a row, but failed to reach the record levels of 2008. The main recipient is The Dominican Republic, with inflows swelling by 59 per cent in 2012.

Main investors in Caribbean

The U.S. and European Union (EU) countries remain the main investors in Latin America and the Caribbean, with Canada and Japan also making significant contribu-

tions. Having said that, 2012 saw a dramatic rise in the proportion of FDI from the region’s own countries (14 per cent of the total). A high percentage of the invest-

ment received cannot be attributed to any particular economy because of the increasingly common practice of transnationals channelling their investment abroad through subsidiaries in third countries. Outward direct in-

vestment by Latin American and Caribbean countries abroad grew by 17 per cent between 2011 and 2012, to reach US$ 48.704 billion. This is two per cent higher than the record reached in 2010. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

6 News Guyana remains committed to combat drug trafficking – gov’t T www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending May 16, 2013

he Guyana government will remain firm in its commitment to institute more effective policies to enable security agencies and departments to tackle drug trafficking and crime in accordance with international and domestic laws. This is according to a release from the Home Affairs Ministry. Noting that the transnational drug trafficking is of growing concern to countries around the world, particularly its broad impact on de-

velopment, the ministry said few, if any, countries are exempt from its effects. Drug trafficking has particularly severe implications because of the vast illegal profits it generates – an estimated US$322 billion a year. The government promotes fighting the illicit drug trade as an important national security objective and continues to vigorously develop and implement national counternarcotics policies to avert the negative effect of the scourge on the nation and its citizens.

While the formulation of a new National Drug Strategy Master Plan is well underway, implementation of those incomplete plans and programmes of the previous strategy are still ongoing. Combating the drug trade in Guyana has seen a strong commitment by law enforcement agencies to pursue drug traffickers and dismantle their operations. For this reason, huge sums are regularly allocated to support law enforcement in the national counter drug effort, the ministry highlighted. The Guyana Police Force, the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) and more recently the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) of the Guyana Revenue Authority are constantly in the forefront of the drug fight. Guyana and neighbouring Suriname, as well as sister Caricom countries, continue to be

Guyana’s Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

exploited for the illegal transshipment of cocaine in particular. Hence, in conjunction with neighbouring states, the country has always acted resolutely in dealing with criminals who sell drugs, those who facilitate transshipment, money laundering, and the illicit cultivation of drugs. Guyana is committed to regional and international collaboration

in areas such as information sharing, training, and reporting of best practices in law enforcement, abuse prevention, education and the principle of mutual support among all states in the fight against the world drug problem. The Hemispheric Drug Strategy and its supporting Action Plan of the Organisation of American States (OAS) Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) are being used as a guide for the development of national counter drug policy, including the new National Drug Strategy Master Plan. Guyana has also developed an ongoing relation with the CICAD Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism (MEM). Progress through bilateral cooperation continues with the signing of an agreement between the Home Affairs Ministry and

the Federal Service of the Russian Federation for Narcotics Traffic Control on Cooperation in Combating Illicit Traffic of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors. Additionally, Guyana continues to promote its counter drug bilateral agreements with Suriname, Venezuela, Brazil, Cuba, and Colombia among other states. Over the past four years, the CANU and antinarcotics counterparts in Suriname have enjoyed a good working relationship. Officers interact frequently and sharing of intelligence occurs as the need arises. CANU has conducted successful operations, based on information shared with Surinamese counterparts and also been instrumental in providing information which led to some seizures in the neighbouring country.

Opposition leader urges Barbados gov’t to come clean with the facts

Barbados’ opposition leader Mia Mottley (File photo)

eferring to the current economic situation, leader of the opposition in Barbados, Mia Mottley, says that she is afraid that the country is in a “1991 moment again”. She was speaking in the House of Assembly to a resolution to approve Bd$2.75 billion as the amount to be raised by the issue of treasury bills and tax certificates for the purpose of paying off, at maturity, bills already issued and outstanding. Making reference to the economic crisis of 1991, Mottley contended that the lessons of that time are still present and called for us to bind together as a country. “We need to put the facts on the table such that early action can be taken to stem the bleeding and to do that which ought to have been done four, three, two, even one year ago. And sir, this attempt to increase the treasury bills limit by Bd$1 billion to put the country on temporary life support – because that is what treasury bill financing is, it is temporary life support. And sir, the people who will make the decisions about if they take up the treasuries or if they roll over the existing treasuries, are people who are headquartered outside of

Barbados, in Canada and in Port of Spain,” she stated. With that in mind, the Member of Parliament contended that if government is not able to get its treasuries taken up or the rest of its deficit financed, it means that public officers will not likely be paid on time and there will be issues in terms of the servicing of government’s debt. “That is what is at stake – the ability of government to pay its bills, to pay its wages and to service its debt. All of us receive stories daily about government not having bleach, government not having this supply, that supply in the schools, in the hospitals, in the government departments. People tell us every day that if they don’t carry to work the stuff when they can, they can’t clean, they can’t do the things for which they are hired to do. And therefore sir, in a very real way, this debate which appears esoteric to an innocent observer, will come more and more to tell us the story about the Barbados economy and what is likely to happen to it as we move forward,” she added. The opposition leader maintained that the deficit remains too large and is getting bigger. Therefore, she said, “until government can stop us from borrowing, borrowing, borrowing into never, never land” things will not improve. She warned that time is quickly running out and there is a need to really address the issues that face this country. With that in mind, she pointed out that Barbados is in a crisis and she is appealing for the Democratic Labour Party to come clean with the opposition and lay the facts on the table, even if they do not want to share the all the information with the Barbadian public. (Excerpt from the Barbados Advocate)

News week ending May 16, 2013

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Starlite opens new restaurant and bar in Scarborough By Ravendra Madholall

‘S

t a r l i t e Restaurant and Bar’ has promised to provide rich entertainment and a variety of West Indian dishes following the official weekend opening of its most recent business location at the corner of Ellesmere and Midland Avenue in Scarborough. Guyana’s Honorary Consul General to Toronto Sattie Sawh, who declared the restaurant opened, congratulated the owner, popular Guyanese-Canadian businessman Albert Ramcharran for his latest business venture. She also noted the involvement of Ramcharran’s son, Anthony and another co-owner, Sunil Mohan, for their continued efforts to provide for the Caribbean community in Canada. “I [am] happy to be part of tonight’s opening and I must take this opportunity to congratulate these gentlemen for keeping up the good work over the years,” Sawh said, adding that, “this is a true demonstration of

hard work and commitment by them to provide this kind of service to the West Indian people in North America.” The elder Ramcharran, who has been operating another restaurant and bar, ‘Twilight’, for the past three years, promised the Caribbean community a variety of dishes while thanking patrons of the area for their support during the years. He related that his son and co-owner were proud and willing to set up another location to meet the needs and demands of his loyal customers. As such, he believes that a business of this nature certainly brings out the unity and harmony in families, friends and loved ones. “We gather here tonight to start off officially another business and it gives me great pleasure to have these restaurants running seven days per week; the support of my son and Mohan has been tremendous and I am confident we will continue to serve the West Indian meals and provide the kind of family

Guyana’s Honorary Consul General to Toronto Sattie Sawh, second left, hands over a plaque to Anthony Ramcharran while co-owners Albert Ramcharran, right and Sunil Mohan share the moment

atmosphere consistently,” Ramcharran stated. The businessman pointed out that the

number of TV Channels available in his restaurants has also served as a good attraction for both

young and old persons. With a number of cricket series currently taking place throughout the

globe, patrons can enjoy their meals while viewing the games at no extra cost. “I believe that sports is an important part in our life and as a businessman I always think to treat the customers with additional entertainment and having TV Channels that can provide live cricket games is surely part of my business,” Ramcharran said. The younger Ramcharran also assured patrons of high quality service at the restaurant, which is to be opened seven days per week to serve the most delicious West Indian dishes. He expressed thanks to Sawh for her support to the business. “I must say thanks to Sawh for recognising our effort in this area; it is certainly heartening to know someone of her calibre sees the efforts we have been making over the years and we would like to thank her for the plaque which will definitely inspire us to go from strength to strength,” Anthony stated.

Caribbean chutney stars wow Toronto crowd er Ravi B expressed his pleasure to be in Canada with his troupe again. “It is nice to be here again and give back something to the Caribbean chutney people who are living in Canada; this is a great place to be and the support has also been mag-

Ravi B thrills the crowd with his vibes By Ravendra Madholall

plethora of Caribbean chutney singing stars thrilled a massive crowd over the weekend in Toronto at the 24th Annual Mother’s Day concert which took place at the Double Tree Hilton. The two bands on stage were ‘KI and 3VENI’ and Karma and featured live performances from KI Persaud, Ravi B, Nisha B, Gregory, Ranjeev and Nishard, all of Trinidad and Tobago. Production manag-

er Riyad Mohammed said he was very pleased with the turnout from the North American people, who, he noted have a great passion for chutney music. “I just want to thank the fans who came out and supported the show; we have been working feverishly over the past months to ensure we have a good show and the artistes once again lived up to the great expectations,” Mohammed said. He also highlighted the efforts of the performers who travelled from

the Caribbean to put on the show in Canada. “These guys are always willing to come to Canada and perform on a regular basis; they know there are many chutney lovers from Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana residing in Toronto and who would be anxious to come out and support them; they have their schedule but I think they are definitely happy to be here,” Mohammed said. Among the massive crowd was Trinidad and Tobago’s Consul General Dr. Vidhya Tota-Mahraj. Meanwhile, perform-

nificent and we just want to make it every year, especially celebrating Mother’s Day with them all,” Ravi B said. Nisha B was delighted too to be a part of the show in Toronto. “I love performing in Toronto; I think the people supporting the chut-

ney shows over the years are terrific and that always encouraged us to come and make our presence felt; we have a busy schedule as we are about to head off to New York for another show, but we have the energy to go on the stage and display our talent,” Nisha B related.

News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending May 16, 2013

Guyana: President’s veto of bills grounded in Constitution - AG

uyana’s Attorney General Anil Nandlall said the president has acted within the constitutional parameters when he withheld his assent to two opposition bills last Tuesday. The decision by President Donald Ramotar to withhold his assent to two bills which emanated from the opposition benches in Parliament has been criticised. The two bills are the Former President’s Benefits and Other Facilities Bill 2012 and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Bill 2012. The joint opposition has accused the president of precipitating a constitutional crisis. This, according to Nandlall was expected, however, he said the opposition’s arguments that the president has caused a “constitutional crisis” are rooted in fantasy, rather than reality.

He said the common reasons advanced by the president for withholding his assent in respect of both bills, is grounded in the Constitution itself and concerns the doctrine of constitutional supremacy. Referring to Article Eight of the Constitution, he highlighted that any law which is inconsistent with that article, is null and void. “That article declares that the said Constitution to be the supreme law of Guyana and states that of any other law which is inconsistent with it, that other law shall to the extent of the inconsistency, be void,” Nandlall stated. The gravamen of the list of reasons advanced by the president for withholding his assent is that the two bills collide with Article Eight of the Constitution and are accordingly void.

President Donald Ramotar

“The reasons tendered by the president are not fanciful, irrational or even political, but are indeed principled and legal. Obviously, one is free to disagree with the reasons proffered. But that cannot be a rational basis for the injudicious assertion of a con-

stitutional crisis.” The minister lamented that a fundamental constitutional reality which must be recognised in this legislative matrix, is that the president is not a mere rubber- stamp of the National Assembly. He said the president has a constitutionally endowed jurisdictional freedom to withhold his assent to bills if he believes them to be misconceived and wrong in principle. That is a presidential prerogative which cannot be whittled away at the altar of political expediency. He said the power resided in the Speaker to determine whether a particular bill requires the recommendation of Cabinet is actually the subject of an article in the Constitution, and it relates to a particular type of bill (Article 171). The Speaker’s power in

this regard is not disputed. “It is the president’s contention, however, that the Speaker fell into error, when he determined that the particular bill under review did not fall into that category of bills which requires the recommendation of Cabinet as signified by a minister.” This difference of opinion is clearly permitted. The clear intendment of Article 170 is to ensure that the executive president of this land is not held to ransom or captive by the National Assembly, and it is to be interpreted to prevent such an eventuality, so that there will be at all times due equilibrium between the two constituent components which comprise of that unitary whole called Parliament. “Any other interpretation will certainly result in a constitutional crisis.” (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

BITU head asserts commitment Former PM to workers’ rights in Jamaica Tillman

resident of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) Senator Kavan Gayle has cautioned the Jamaican government that while the union is committed to the improvement of the economy, it will not flinch in its obligation to protect the rights of Jamaican workers. "We will continue to play our role in the efforts to turn around the economy and create prosperity for all our people, but we will maintain an unflinching commitment to protect the gains of the workers and to seek further advances in justice and fair play for the masses," he told Sunday's anniversary church service to mark the BITU's 75th at East Queen Street Baptist Church in Kingston. Gayle said that during the year-long celebration of its birth, which came amidst the crisis created by the 1938 labour riots led by its founder, the late Sir Alexander Bustamante, the union will continue to champion workers’ rights, while recognising the challenges of the new Extended Fund Facility agreement with the International Monetary Fund and the efforts to reduce Jamaica's debt and balance the national budget. President of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions, Lloyd Goodleigh, a former senator and general sec-

retary of the National Workers Union, congratulated the BITU on its commitment to trade union unity in the past, and urged its continued support for the movement's efforts to help create a new Jamaica. Goodleigh said the nation has been confronted by a technological rev-

economy, falling productivity and inadequate social protection. "We still fail to understand that in this revolution it is the quality of your human resources that guarantees prosperity...There is a need for the BITU to remain vibrant and courageous in this struggle," he said.

mendable job in the face of great difficulties," Holness said. The church service is among a number of events scheduled by the BITU for the celebration of its 75th anniversary this year. Other events include a wreath laying at the shrine of former presi-

Leader of the Opposition Andrew Holness (right) is greeted by President of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) Senator Kavan Gayle on arrival at the East Queen Street Baptist Church for the union’s 75th anniversary service Sunday. With them is Jamaica Labour Party chairman Senator Robert Montague. (Jamaica Observer photo)

olution that will alter the way its people "work, live and play". The revolution, he said, has spawned a resurgence of globalisation which erodes national borders, but keeps workers fixed within national borders, while capital and technology are mobile. The result, Goodleigh said, is the current labour market crisis in Jamaica, a stagnant

Also delivering a message at the event was Leader of the Opposition Andrew Holness, who congratulated the BITU on its achievements on behalf of Jamaican workers over the past 75 years, and for recognising that workers were not simply a factor of production, but people with social and political needs and aspirations. "You are doing a com-

dent and prime minister of Jamaica Hugh Lawson Shearer, at Heroes Park on Saturday; Labour Day projects planned for May 23; the Bustamante Lecture on July 17 at the HLSTUEI; the launch of the union's website in August; and its triennial conference at the Jamaica Conference Centre in November. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Thomas warns Grenadians to beware of ruling party

ormer Prime Minister Tillman Thomas has a warning for Grenadians. He wants them to beware of the politics of the New National Party (NNP), which defeated Thomas’ incumbent National Democratic Congress (NDC) 15 - 0 in general elections on February 19. “Not because the NNP won a majority, that is not an indication that they are on the right track,” Thomas said. “We respect the democratic process and we respect the majority in the country. But, at the same time, that doesn’t mean it is right.” According to Thomas, Grenadians should not “surrender our values and our morality to the NNP brand of politics. It’s not the healthiest thing for Grenada; I maintain this and I’m very strong on this”. Many have been speculating on Thomas’ political future since his failure to hold his government together during its tenure that began in July 2008 and ended with February’s whitewash that included

Thomas losing his own St Patrick East constituency. The party’s leadership is likely to be on the agenda of the 2013 annual convention of the NDC. Last year’s convention was held on September 30, when 10 senior members, including then general secretary Peter David and acting chairman Stanford Simon, were expelled from the party. For now, the plan of the NDC is to “regroup, to increase the membership, to sensitise our people as to the importance of politics” and to build a “strong” party political organisation, Thomas said. The party’s role, he added, is also to “show the right way” and “let our people know that respect for institution is important”. “We cannot just be doing things for political expediency,” said Thomas. “We need to respect people and we need to promote people based on merit, not on politics and loyalty and that is what the NNP is all about.” (CaribbeanNews)

9 Attorney General urges support for Guyana’s anti-money laundering legislation T News

week ending May 16, 2013

he Parliament Office of Guyana, through the special select committee reviewing the Anti-Money Laundering Act, is inviting members of the public to make written submissions of their views on the bill. Although it was noted that the committee has begun its work, members of the public, organisations, and individuals have up to May 17 to make their submissions. The bill was committed to the select committee last week despite concerns by the government about the bill being passed in time to meet a May 27 deadline. When the bill came up for debate in the House, government’s

Chief Whip Gail Teixeira said Parliament has the capacity to deal with the bill instead of sending it to the committee. She warned the House of the contentious situations that may arise because of the decision which was taken, noting that it was treading on dangerous grounds. If the bill does not meet the May 27 deadline, international sanctions and obligations could fall on the country, bringing about a new burden to be rectified. Meanwhile, Attorney General Anil Nandlall said the amendment to the act is about Guyana’s national interest and this should supersede political in-

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global watchdog against financial crimes, will meet in Nicaragua from May 27- 30 and will examine how Guyana and other countries in the Caribbean are meeting international obligations.

terest. According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, speaking during an interview on the National Communications

Stagnant TT population is cause for concern - finance minister

TT’s Finance Minister Larry Howai, right, speaks with HRMATT president Nigel Marquez at the opening of the group’s biennial conference at the Hilton Trinidad Conference Centre Monday (TT Guardian photo)

nvestment in TT’s human resources is a prerequisite for capital accumulation, Finance Minister Larry Howai said Monday. Speaking at the opening of the Ninth Biennial Conference of the Human Resource Management Association of TT (HRMATT) at the Trinidad Hilton, Howai said it is also a good instrument for social cohesion and for fighting social exclusion and gender discrimination. He said human resources are important to the growth and development of TT, as it affords citizens the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills which would benefit the wider society through higher productivity levels and increased competitiveness. “The transformation of our economy into a knowledge-based one will produce new industries, occupations and organisational arrangements in information and communication technology, biotechnology, food production, phar-

maceuticals and others,” the minister said. He added that, “new types of skills and approaches will be required with a greater emphasis on analysis, creative thinking, curiosity, continuous learning, rewards for knowledge creation and greater levels of communication.” Howai further noted that with this vision, the implications for the country’s current demographic profile and push for growth must also be considered. Noting that TT’s population has remained stagnant at just about 1.3 million people over the past decade or more, Howai said this slow rate of population growth and its accompanying change in the age profile is a cause for concern. “The projected change in the age profile will result in significant strain on our fiscal and social resources in the coming years and a meaningful policy must be developed to address this problem. This demographic challenge has been further

compounded by our brain drain,” he said. While acknowledging that a burgeoning population could increase the chances of higher unemployment and social disruption, the finance minister said he believed this concern arose from treating people as liabilities rather than assets. “It takes a passive and contractional view of the future rather than an entrepreneurial and expansive approach,” he said. Howai said Singapore, which is slightly larger than Tobago, has signalled its intention to increase its population to 7.5 million over the next decade. He said as TT moves forward an integral part of its economic planning for growth and development must include an insightful and long term view on the nation’s demographic profile and a willingness to embrace population and immigration policies which encouraged productive, entrepreneurial and highly motivated individuals. (TT Guardian)

Network’s “Inside Parliament” programme, the minister said the bill should be passed in the national interest as Guyana is a signatory to several treaties internationally that specify the need for such legislation. “These treaties are UN treaties and they are supervised, they are monitored by United Nations and United Nations satellite bodies all across the world. Because of the importance which attaches to these treaties, countries have agreed that they will impose sanctions

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upon countries which do not comply with these obligations and the requirements which devolve upon them out of this treaty and that is a common understanding among nations,” Nandlall stated. The amendments which are in this bill came out of issues raised, Minister Nandlall said, by a task force, the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force on anti-laundering, set up to monitor these activities in the region. He said 29 countries come under its umbrella of supervisory control and monitoring. “It is those experts from that unit who came up with this essentially, with these recommendations, and of course us in Guyana, in particular, the AG chambers and the Financial Intelligence Unit (in Guyana) would have had to discuss with them, the recommendations to ensure that they do not violate or they are not inconsistent with our domestic law and of course the Constitution.” He called for support for the bill, which the parliamentary oppo-

sition voted to send to a special select committee. “I remain optimistic that all parliamentary parties would see the necessity to have the proposed legislation passed urgently as a matter of national importance.” The AG added, “if we do not pass these amendments within the given timeframe, that is, on the May 27, then Guyana as a country shall be placed upon a list with other delinquent countries, and would be visited with a regime of sanctions, which will include restrictions in the manner that we do business internationally, especially involving wire transfers of funds. Once placed on that list, it takes an average of approximately seven years to come off that list, during which time we would have had to undergo a host of stringent scrutiny of our procedures used when transacting business across our borders.” That committee should conclude its work on the bill by May 22, according to its members. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

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Guyana, Suriname have Flying red – US$110 million for CAL but Minister improved ties in crime loss Howai insists airline solvent fighting – crime chief

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) said law enforcement cooperation has improved significantly between it and Suriname and over the past three years, 80 kilograms, 489 grams of cocaine were seized that were intended for trafficking to the neighbouring country. The force made the comments in a statement responding to a Stabroek News article of Sunday, May 12 under the caption “Police aware of Guyana, Suriname cross-border drug trafficking”. Cognisant of the article, Deputy Commissioner (Law Enforcement) Seelall Persaud admitted to having spoken with a Stabroek News reporter on the issue of drug trafficking between the two countries. He did indicate in that interview that the police are aware of the two-way flow of drugs across the Guyana-Suriname border, but strongly denies having told the reporter that the drugs are passing freely, as is being im-

Deputy Commissioner Seelall Persaud

plied in the article. “The Guyana Police Force wishes to emphatically state that law enforcement cooperation between Guyana and Suriname has been improving significantly and is at a very high level currently. This improvement has been facilitated by the intervention of the political directorate of both countries.” According to the force, at the moment there is an established point of con-

tact in both police forces, and with the divisional command of B Division (Berbice) and Nickerie, to address a range of law enforcement issues, including the sharing of drug information as well as investigations on both sides of the border. The police said too that there are structured engagements at the technical level to deal with issues inclusive of crime and drugs. “Over the past three years, 80 kilograms, 489 grams of cocaine, 65 kilograms, 842 grams of cannabis sativa (marijuana), and 91 grams of ecstasy, that were intended for trafficking to Suriname, have been seized by law enforcement agencies comprising the Guyana Police Force, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit and the Berbice Anti-Smuggling Squad at or near the port and crossings between the two countries.” The GPF said too that it is aware of significant seizures of narcotics being made by the law enforcement authorities in Suriname.

PM Portia hails late Jamaican educator Dr. Joyce Robinson

The late Dr Joyce Robinson (Jamaica Observer file photo)

amaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has expressed deep sadness at the passing of Dr Joyce Robinson, who died on Sunday. In paying tribute, the prime minister said that in the many different areas in which she served, Dr. Robinson was a pioneering, truly outstanding and highly accomplished Jamaican woman, who dedicated

her life to public service. As the first Jamaican to head the National Library Service, Dr. Robinson played an invaluable role in the vibrant development of the Service between 1957 and 1979. She again proved her enormous capacity for public service by managing the operations at the H.E.A.R.T Trust during its formative years, and also steered

the success of the national literacy campaign in the 1970s, which saw over 200,000 Jamaicans learning to read and write. As a result of the programme, she was recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) with an international literacy prize. In 1987, the government of Jamaica also recognised her with the ‘Order of Jamaica’ for outstanding public service. The prime minister said Dr Robinson’s life and enormous accomplishments represent the true spirit of a strong and determined Jamaican woman, who loved and served her country with pride and distinction. Expressing her sympathies, the prime minister said: “On behalf of all Jamaicans, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Dr Robinson’s daughter, son and other family members and pray they will find peace and be comforted by the Almighty during this very difficult period.” (JIS)

TT’s Finance Minister Howai said CAL losses were on Air Jamaica and London routes

“On the Jamaica route, it has cut flights to Jamaica and on the London route, it has terminated the wet-leasing arrangement,” the Minister updated, adding that he expected to “significantly reduce the losses of the airline during this year”. “I have received a restructuring plan. I expect we should be able to significantly reduce losses in the current year. It’s not a question of the company being insolvent. We should be able to return the company to some measure of viability going forward,” Howai said as he sought to assure senators. He also confirmed in relation to a training programme involving 80 pilots from Air Jamaica, that these pilots initially worked on CAL flights without work permits because CAL management was of the view that no permit was required due to Caricom provisions. However, this hitch was later rectified, though the matter remains under review. He also said the firm Ascend Aviation – with offices in New York and London – was paid TT$472,500 (US$75,000) to do aircraft evaluations. Speaking with reporters before the sitting, Howai said he has received a report from CAL chairman Rabindra Moonan on re-

ports the airline gave out complimentary tickets in relation to a Toronto concert put on by CAL vice-chairman Mohan Jaikaran. Howai said he has requested further details from CAL on issues such as its standard practices and protocols to deal with possible conflicts of interest. He said the matter is still before Cabinet and there has been no final decision.

Bharath for Jamaica fact-finding trip

Meanwhile, TT’s Trade Minister Vasant Bharath will lead a delegation to Jamaica next month to discuss the “way forward” with regards to the CAL/Air Jamaica partnership. Bharath made this revelation Tuesday at the Hyatt Regency following the launch of the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF). Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonzalves complained that TT’s fuel subsidy to CAL has placed LIAT at a disadvantage, Bharath said it would be premature for him to comment since Gonsalves has requested a meeting with Prime Minister Kamla Persad- Bissessar and this had not yet taken place. He said a review of CAL was being done. Bharath said consultants from abroad would be coming to advise on

the restructuring of the organisation and last week CAL deputy chairman Mohan Jaikaran and Ag CEO Robert Corbie made a presentation to him and Howai on their plans for the next two years. Bharath said they also explained, “in a little more detail”, the rationalisation of the Jamaica routes. Half the routes were cut and this was a concern to the Jamaican government. Bharath said he required more details before returning to the Jamaican government. “I have since written to the Minister of Transport and Works Dr Omar Davies and had discussion with Foreign Minister (Arnold Joseph) Nicholson regarding these issues and the Jamaicans are relatively happy now.” Bharath said they agreed that he would lead a high level team to Jamaica to discuss the “way forward with Caribbean Airlines and Air Jamaica.” He said the merger of CAL and Air Jamaica was intended to create a Caribbean airline. When Jamaica went to the International Monetary Fund for assistance a stipulation was that the country divests itself of the airline and this was how Caribbean Airlines “stepped in”. (Excerpt from TT Newsday)

Bauxite worker killed, other injured in Jamaica train crash

he Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners temporarily shut down operations Tuesday to facilitate a probe at its Discovery Bay plant to determine the cause of an early-morning derailment of a bauxite train, which left its brakesman dead and the operator hospitalised. Dead is Robert Martin, 34, of Farm Town in Discovery Bay, while Donavan Stevens, also from Discovery Bay, has been transferred from the St Ann's Bay Hospital to a health facility in Kingston. Martin, who is also a train operator, was working as brakesman when the train got out of control in the vicinity of the plant shortly after 1:00 am Tuesday. He had been working with the company for more than 10 years.

Noranda's emergency crew, assisted by the St Ann and Trelawny fire units, carried out rescue operations. However, Martin succumbed to injuries on the spot, while the other worker was rushed to hospital. A source at the plant said that several personnel from Noranda's overseas headquarters were expected in the island to conduct investigations into the incident. A team from Jamaica's Department of Mines and Geology was also expected to begin its own investigations. The company, in the meantime, said it was assisting family members of the deceased and injured workers and was making arrangements for counselling support to fellow employees. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

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Guyana’s gold mining sector gets Gy$12 million boost from WWF

he World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry signed a grant agreement for the release of Gy$12 million to support capacity building in environment management in Guyana’s gold mining sector. On Monday, at the ministry’s Brickdam office in Georgetown, Guyana, WWF Grants Manager Tonia Newton handed over a cheque to the tune of Gy$5.83 million to the Natural Resources Ministry in the presence of subject minister Robert Persaud. The money is the first tranche of the Gy$12 million grant. WWF Guianas Country Manager Dr Patrick Williams said the project, which will be led by the ministry but executed by Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has three components. “The first one is training for miners and new entrants into the mining sector; number two, upgrading of the codes of practice in the mining sector and the last component will address issues relating to the distribution of mercury.” The project is slated to be completed within one year. Dr Williams said under the Minamata Convention on Mercury,

Guyana’s Natural Resources and the Environment Minister Robert Persaud receives cheque from World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Accountant and Grant Manager, Tonia Newton. Also in photo are: Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association representative William Woolford(left), Commissioner, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission Rickford Vieira and Country Manager of World Wildlife Fund , Patrick Williams (right). (GINA photo)

the WWF is working to extend a global ban on the use of mercury, noting that Guyana should buy into the initiative. He posited that consideration must be given to the negative effects on the environment and human population if care is not taken with the use of mercury. Persaud expressed gratitude to the WWF for its continuous support. He said the project, which focuses on capacity building through training and awareness activities, will “bring about more sustainable mining”. However, he posited that Guyana cannot afford to ban the use of mercury immediately. Mercury, he said plays an important role in alluvial mining, but made clear that the country promotes usage in a very safe and environmentally-friendly way. In agreement with

the Latin American and Caribbean Grouping, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has agreed to phase out the use of mercury within a 10-year period. He said even as the National Action Plan is being structured to tackle the issue, the ministry is engaging international partners in its move to promote mercury-free technology. However, he emphasised the need for a collective approach on the local arena. He said his ministry and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) are exploring the possibility of establishing a revolving fund where persons, especially small miners, can be able to access finance to purchase mercury-free technology. Already, the GGMC has acquired mercuryfree equipment and with-

Partap’s alcohol level legal - TT Court hears as trial against former minister begins

cting Commissioner of Police in Trinidad and Tobago Stephen Williams said Monday that he wrote a “comprehensive” report to Director of Public Prosecutors, Roger Gaspard, before he charged a former government minister with failing to take a breathalyser test. Williams was testifying against Collin Partap when the case came up for trial before Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar, in the Port-of-Spain Eighth Magistrate’s Court. The commissioner further noted that when Partap eventually took the breathalyser test, the results stated the accused was under the prescribed limit. The court heard the results showed a reading of 28 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitre of breath. The legal prescribed limit is 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitre of breath. The trial against Partap, former minister in the Ministry of National Security, started by way of paper committal Monday with State Prosecutor George Busby reading out 12 statements from witnesses, including that of Williams. The charge against Partap alleges that on August 26, at the intersection of Keate and Frederick Streets, Portof-Spain, without reasonable excuse he failed to provide a breath specimen to a police officer upon request. Following

the alleged incident which occurred near Zen Nightclub, Partap was relieved of his ministerial post by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The accused is an attorney as well as the Member of Parliament for Cumuto/Manzanilla. He pleaded not guilty. During the cross-examination of Williams, Partap’s lead attorney Israel Khan SC charged that if his client had refused to take the roadside breath test, police should have obtained his particulars and summoned him. Khan questioned Williams about who gave him instructions to proceed with the charge against the MP. The defence attorney noted that police stopped the vehicle driven by his client with regards to flashing blue lights. Williams responded that based on the circumstances of the case, he wrote the DPP who gave him “guidance” by way of a letter on how to proceed. The commissioner further noted that no authorisation was given to Partap by the Transport Commissioner to drive the vehicle with the flashing lights. Apart from Khan, other attorneys representing Partap include Larry Lalla, Ravi Rajcoomar, Jagdeo Singh, Wayne Sturge, Keith Scotland and Daniel Khan. Busby and Simonne Jaggernauth are prosecuting on behalf of the State. The trial continues later this week. (Excerpt from TT Newsday)

in the next two weeks, the commission will be conducting field testing before it demonstrates to miners how the machines operate and the positives that can be derived from the use of such technology. GGDMA representative William Woolford endorsed both the capacity building project and the phasing out of mercury. “GGDMA welcomes this initiative and we are looking for an outcome that would speak to the efficient and effective management of the mining sector that utilises sustainable principles and ethics, as we believe that the mandate of the

miners is to mine, develop the country through mining.” Turning his attention to the phasing out of mercury, Woolford underscored the importance of partnership, sensitisation and training in the process. Mercury has a negative effect on the environment and the human population, especially if proper care is not taken. The ministry is gradually working on a 10year reduction strategy on the use of mercury in the mining sector. This plan was accepted by Latin American and the Caribbean Grouping.

The ministry has been engaging international agencies in order to develop a programme whereby it caters for the gradual reduction of mercury use, and increasing capacity in terms of new mercury-free technologies. WWF is also engaging a number of stakeholders globally to examine the attempt to ban mercury globally, and Guyana is interested in opening dialogue through the government and the responsible ministry to look at the possibility of being part of this process. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending May 16, 2013

Youth eager about ICT development in Guyana - National Broadcasting Authority reports

cting secretary of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) Violet Boyle said students across Guyana are expressing increasing interest in widening their knowledge about the technological advances on the global scene. Speaking at a recent forum to promote the development of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Boyle, who also served at the administrative level at the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU), said a seminar was hosted at Uitvlugt for 150 third formers of five secondary schools on the West Coast Demerara. The programme included a message from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), along with presentations from professionals of the information technology department of the Finance Ministry and the E-governance and One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) projects. There were also two videos showcasing the experiences, opportuni-

ties and prospects in the ICT sector. Boyle stated that the main objectives of the seminar were to present ICT professionals as role models and the ICT sector as an alternative and attractive sector where students, especially females, can build successful careers. During a “girl talk” feedback session on the impact of the presentations, Boyle said she discovered that the students were both captivated and interested, while some were surprised at the varying job opportunities available and the scope of the ICT sector. “Students were requesting a more handson approach and expressed interest in pursuing information technology subjects at CSEC examinations,” Boyle remarked. She added that while many schools have information technology laboratories, few are operational. The broadcast secretary pointed out that only a few students had personal computers; and others expressed interest in laptop from the OLPF.

Guyanese students are both captivated and interested, while some were surprised at the varying job opportunities available and the scope of the ICT sector, says acting secretary of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) Violet Boyle.

One student, pointing out the impact of ICT on the lives of persons with disabilities, said that too many people are of the opinion that a disability is a limitation and that such persons must stay at home and have someone caring for them. She described disability as an impairment that may be physical, mental, sensory, emotional or developmental, emphasising that globally there is a thrust for the empowerment of girls and women who are

seen as change agents for the future. Examining the advances in ICT and its impact on persons with disabilities, she related that the telephone, although seen as a common device for everyday use, can work favourably as a tool to aid those persons. While most people require a high- end phone for hype and popularity, the iPhone actually has a built-in speech programme that is used to read menu icons and items that appear on the screen. The iPhone also has a mechanism that allows for description of a pho-

tograph taken, which is very instrumental to persons who are blind. Other phones such as the HTC and BlackBerry also perform similar functions, improving accessibility to communication and learning. Additionally, deaf people utilise video calls to communicate through sign language. Visually impaired persons have demonstrated competence in using most phones. On most phones there is a raised keypad which works well as a directional guide to dial numbers. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

Barbadians must reap benefits as int’l franchises enter market - Manufacturers’ Association

obs for Barbadians! This must be the first priority when permission is granted for international franchises to set up shop in Barbados. This is according to Executive Director of the Barbados Manufacturers’ Association (BMA), Bobbi McKay who delivered remarks recently at a press conference at the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS). She said that persons tend to respond well to these companies when they come in, but one has to question what their real value is to the local economy if their main priority is to sell the final products to Barbadians, but they do not get items from local farmers and other sources in order to make those said items. “What is the real value of any company to Barbados if it makes its money off of Barbadians, but buys very little from Barbadian producers. This does not help to feed our economy in any substantial way.” McKay stated that often these companies come under the pretences that they would be providing jobs for Barbadians. “Whatever happened to Corporate Social Responsibility? Why do we continue to let others with greater resources than ours, come into our own backyards and take advantage of us? We can and must not be held hostage under the disguise of saving jobs; neither can we or should we

allow ourselves to be exploited under the premise of providing jobs for Barbadians while there is clear disequilibrium on the scales of benefits.” She said that while they do provide jobs

ful employment, are focused on that additional one percent profit, home drum must beat first for Barbadians.” The Executive Director added that Barbados must protect its citizens because if

Executive Director of the Barbados Manufacturers’ Association, Bobbi McKay (Barbados Advocate file photo)

for locals working directly in their franchises, there are more jobs that they are providing for the persons in their home countries who they source their produce from, all for the sake of attaining a higher profit margin at the end of the day and this must not be acceptable. “Whether you are a company securing jobs for another country or you, deliberately in the midst of a recessionary period when everyone is focused on maintaining meaning-

they do not, no one else will. “When we do this as I will continue to say, we are supporting the economies of countries, and profits of companies whether large or small, which are seeking purely to exploit us. We are safeguarding the jobs of others, while our own people undergo immense hardships. The economic landscape is rocky for all of us, but if we do not protect and support our own, how do we expect others to support us?” (Barbados Advocate)

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Canadian-based mining company teams up with “I-Can” Foundation to empower Guyanese women

ith increased emphasis on the empowerment of women to access employment, take up leadership roles and provide for their families, the “I-Can” Foundation has trained over 70 Guyanese women with entrepreneurial and crucial family life skills.

Over 50 of those women received certification at a graduation ceremony held last Friday in the conference room of the National Library. The “ICan” Foundation, which was founded by Shabakie Fernandes, offered courses in hairstyle, nails and make-up art-

Jamaica zooms in on electricity theft

Jamaica Public Service President and CEO Kelly Tomblin speaks with Gary Barrow (centre), senior JPS vice president, and Keith Smith, information technology director at the light and power company, before last Thursday’s press conference at the utility company’s Knutsford Boulevard office in New Kingston. (Jamaica Observer photo)

he Jamaica Public Service (JPS) says it has sought the assistance of the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) and the government in crafting strategies to deal with electricity theft in a more effective manner. "The root of the problem is crime and poverty, and no technological solution is going to fix that," said JPS President and CEO Kelly Tomblin, in addressing questions regarding the failure of the recently implemented Resident Advanced Metering Infrastructure (RAMI) system to eradicate electricity theft. Instead, Tomblin said, the utility company has requested assistance from the government, OUR, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, and the Jamaica Social Investment Fund, among others, to deal with the problem. "...Let's get all these agencies together, and let's design a new loss prevention, a new programme to get customers on the programme," Tomblin said, adding that the OUR is expected to respond formally to the proposal later this month. Tomblin was speaking last Thursday at a press conference at the utility company's offices on Knutsford Boulevard in New Kingston. Among the new measures suggested to combat electricity theft is a

pre-paid electricity programme, which will function similar to existing prepaid telephone systems. A pilot for that programme should start in another three months, explained Keith Smith, senior vice president at the JPS. "We are really looking at two different types of solutions. One, where we have a meter that will connect back to the [JPS] network over a telecommunications network. So we will use something like a Digicel or a LIME GPRS service and the device will have a little modem attached to it with a SIM card," he explained, adding that with this system persons would be required to purchase their electricity. "And the next solution is where we are looking at stand-alone meters. That will require a little more intelligence on the computerised side, where you go into a distribution centre and you buy a voucher, and then, connected to your meter, you will either have a keypad or a sensor that can read this voucher and transfer it to a certain [electricity] value," he said. In both options, customers would be alerted whenever the value of their prepaid service is near completion. They will also be able to purchase varying amounts of electricity, and will be able to turn off the system when it is not in use. (Jamaica Observer)

Shabakie Fernandes

istry, administered by professional hair and beauty expert, Malinda Marks, nail technician, Stacy Grant and makeup artist, Kimberley Fernandes. The foundation, which has since partnered with the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre and its patron Jessica Hatfield, provided free hair and beauty training courses for single women

who aspire to be financially independent in the interest of themselves and families. The threemonth course covered areas of cosmetology such as hair-styling, manicures, pedicures, facials and make-up. The women were also exposed to parenting classes held by the Guyana National Faith and HIV Coalition and the Education Ministry.

They were given talks on career guidance and child sexual abuse. The women pooled their resources to provide donations towards the kitchen of the Ruimveldt Children’s Centre. The “I-Can” Foundation is not changing the lives of just women but those of their families and generations to come. We intend to continue placing our little drops in the ocean,” the founder stated. Fernandes lavished praise on the Guyana Goldfields Inc for making the venture possible. “The “ICan” Foundation celebrated the empowerment of women who have taken the first step in taking control of their own lives, which is their destiny and that of their posterity by the kind donation of Guyana Goldfields. A society that supports and

enables women to garner skills and build their capacity, and know their worth is making a worthwhile investment in the future of its citizens.” The foundation is an organisation that seeks to reach out to various communities to provide information, as part of its vision to transfer knowledge on social issues to communities. To achieve this, members of the foundation have been visiting and working with communities in areas such as child sexual abuse, parenting, domestic violence, trafficking in persons and community life competence. Part of its undertaking is to assist women, men and children to thrive and build, strengthen and sustain individual families and community life. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |week ending May 16 , 2013

Guyana lauded for progress in HIV/AIDS fight

s the countdown to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) continues, Guyana is being lauded for its remarkable progress in fighting HIV/ AIDS. Guyana/Suriname United Nations HIV/AIDS programme coordinator, Dr Roberto Luiz Brant Campos, said Guyana is on track for the achievement of goal six of the MDGs, which seeks to combat HIV/AIDS by 2015. He pointed to the outstanding feat of Guyana in decreasing its HIV prevalence in pregnant women in the last 10 years from 2.6 to 0.9 per cent. This was achieved through the ‘prevention of mother-to-child transmission’ programme, which has received accolades

internationally and is now being used as a best practice in many countries. The UNAIDS representative also lauded the fact that access to HIV/AIDS treatment is now readily available to 80 per cent of the population in need. Guyana has also seen a steady decrease of HIV/AIDS cases from 2006. According to the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), the number of reported HIV/AIDS cases in Guyana has been reduced to one per cent of the total population, complying with the UNAIDS target of 1.3 per cent. Guyana is currently pursuing a trajectory of eliminating HIV/AIDS by 2020, as outlined in its strategic plan. Health officials in Guyana said the

country is on a path to achieving a collective goal of having zero new infections, zero stigma and discrimination, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero mother-to-child transmission by 2020. Government said this progress in part has resulted from strong political will and commitment, and a willingness to

frontally address social and cultural norms that serve as a driver of the HIV epidemic. In terms of AIDS cases, Guyana recorded an average of about 500 cases annually up to 2003. In 2011, this dropped to 40 new AIDS cases. In 2002, AIDS- related deaths accounted for 9.5 per cent of all deaths. This was reduced to 4.7 per cent by the end of 2008. Presently, more than 3500 persons are in Guyana’s HIV/ AIDS treatment programme and are being treated with antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). Another 1500 persons are being managed, although they have not yet been recommended by their physicians to start ARV treatment. At the end of 2011, approximately 300 persons were being treated with

New US immigration bill could benefit Caribbean nationals

he United States Congress has started formal consideration of a sweeping immigration reform bill that creates a “path to citizenship” for an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants, including Caribbean nationals. The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to finish work on the bill this week, adopting Republican amendments aimed at stronger border security. The immigration bill requires the US federal government to gain almost total control of the border, authorising money for drones, Customs and Border Protection officers and prosecution of illegal entries. Under the bill, new guest worker programmes would be established, particularly for low-skilled

workers, and employers would be required to verify the legal status of all employees. In exchange, Caribbean and other immigrants now in the US without legal status would be eligible for provisional status if they paid fees, fines and taxes. They could gain legal residency 10 years after the border was declared secure. After 13 years, they would be eligible for citizenship. The eight senators in the bipartisan group that drafted the bill - four of whom are on the 18-member Judiciary Committee were successful in fending off changes that would derail the bill. Immigration advocates and legal experts say no previous Congressional effort to change immigration law has offered such

a broad, swift reprieve to immigrants deported by the US. The bill would give a legal second chance to thousands of Caribbean and other deportees without serious criminal records who have a child, parent or spouse with a green card or American citizenship. Many deportees brought to the United States before their 16th birthday would be eligible to return as well. An amendment from Alabama Republican Senator Jeff Sessions, who is among the bill’s most vocal critics, has sought to strip out the deportee reprieve. But other opponents have welcomed it as a political godsend, describing it as such an overreach that it would make the entire immigration bill easier to defeat.

Some Democrats and immigrant rights groups have pledged to defend the deportee return, characterising it as an important step in correcting a wrong. “We have had four million people deported since 2002 and close to two million since 2008,” said Angelica Salas, director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles. “This is the only way to reunite families that have been destroyed by our outdated, broken and cruel immigration policies,” she added. The Senate bill would reduce future deportations by giving millions of immigrants in the United States provisional legal status. But a Senate aide involved in legislative negotiations says deportees would not be granted an automatic right of return; they would have to apply. He said Caribbean and other deportees would be ineligible if they had been expelled for criminal reasons, or if they were convicted of a felony or at least three misdemeanors. The waivers would be granted at the discretion of the secretary of homeland security. Immigration lawyers, however, say that could mean approvals end up being inconsistent, adding that some immigrants would likely not trust the system that had deported them. “It’s arbitrary. It depends on who picks you up, when, and where they pick you up,” said David Leopold, general counsel for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. “So who will become eligible or ineligible in terms of illegal re-entry is really luck of the draw,” he added. (CMC)

second line ARVs. In addition, close to 1200 persons are receiving treatment and care through an innovative home-based care programme in Guyana. Youth, women of childbearing age, commercial sex workers, mobile populations such as miners and loggers, and men-who-have-sexwith men have been identified as among those most at risk of contracting HIV in Guyana. HIV/AIDS, however, still poses a significant socio-economic challenge for the country. It is a developmental issue. HIV/AIDS represents a major barrier to overcoming underdevelopment and, further, HIV/AIDS can lead to regression from gains made in the last decade.

Jamaican gov’t to build million-dollar medical facility

Jamaica’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Arnaldo Brown (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

he Jamaican diaspora is expected to play a key role in the development of health tourism in the island. According to Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Arnaldo Brown, discussions are far advanced with nationals abroad for the realisation of health tourism projects in the island. Cabinet has approved the construction of a US$200 million medical facility in St. James, which will be spearheaded by the diaspora. Speaking at a recent ‘JIS Think Tank’, Brown said that health is “one of the areas that the diaspora is strongest in”. Brown said that nationals abroad have made significant contributions to the health sector through various means, including medical missions, and the donation of equipment to hospitals and other facilities.

He said that there were 132 medical missions to Jamaica in 2012 and 135 in 2011, many of which were spearheaded by the diaspora. Brown added that there is an established process to allow for the smooth movement of medical equipment into the country, noting that there is a drive to donate 1,000 blood pressure machines to medical facilities in the island. He said that a team of Canadian health professionals also visited Jamaica in March, and conducted an audit of hospitals to see what equipment and furnishings were needed, and they are putting containers together to address those needs. In addition, he has also met with officials at the Sony Brook Hospital in Canada, during a recent visit to the country, where discussions focused on donations, training, and the sharing of knowledge and information, Brown said. (JIS)

News week ending May 16, 2013

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Headache for Guyana gov’t allocates Gy$2.5 herbalists in TT billion to aid rice farmers

TT’s Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan (TT Guardian file photo)

he legal department at the Ministry of Health in Trinidad and Tobago has written the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard to take action against herbal practitioners who publicly advertise curing body illnesses. Last Thursday, TT’s Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan confirmed the move by his legal team, stating that “by now the DPP should have charged somebody...but we are hoping he gets around to it soon. The DPP will go after those making false claims, but we now have to take action on the Food and Drug Division to register the drugs before they can be sold.” Asked if the ministry will soon crack down on unregulated herbal practitioners, Khan said, “I know you want me to say yes, we are trying to.” The letter was sent to Gaspard, Khan said, “a while aback.” So far, Khan has received no feedback from the DPP, but promised that another letter will be dispatched to find out the cause of delay. “It’s taking too long for action. Herbal practitioners are like drug dealers. You take one out and ten will take their place.” Some advertisements claim to cure asthma, tuberculosis, cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and promote weight loss. Khan said the advertisements contravene the Consumer Protection and Safety Act, which provides the legislative basis for overall consumer protection. Herbal drugs, Khan said, are not regulated under the law. “What we are trying to do is bring them (herbalists) under that... the law.” Last May, Independent Senator Subhas Ramkhelawan said the ministry need-

ed to crack down on the unregulated herbal medicine industry. Ramkhelawan said consumers were being scammed by promises for cures of major diseases. Unable to say how many herbal shops are in existence, Khan said there is a lot, with every “Tom, Dick and Harry selling the products which is now a thriving industry.” Khan said because the Food and Drugs Act needs to be revised, herbalists do what they please. He said labelling requirements for items under the act do not adequately protect consumers. Khan described the situation as “serious and horrendous” since herbal practitioners have been “making false and spurious claims of curing all sorts of major illnesses.” Dr Austin Trinidade, public relations officers of the TT Medical Association, also intends to write the DPP by month’s end, since they have been receiving complaints from medical practitioners about the effects herbal treatments were having on patients. On May 1, the association issued an advertisement advising the public that the title “doctor” before a person’s name does not mean the individual is a medical practitioner. They also reminded citizens that only medical practitioners registered with the Medical Board of TT (MBTT) are licenced to diagnose and treat patients, since a number of people were offering spurious medical advice and dispending therapies of questionable value to the public. Trinidade said his letter would be the second in three years, since the MBTT had written Gaspard’s predecessor. Though nothing was done, Trinidade said he felt compelled to ask the DPP to intervene. (Excerpt from TT Guardian)

u y a n a ’ s Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy has announced that government has set aside Gy$2.5 billion for rice farmers throughout the country who are in dire need of financing to return to their fields. Addressing scores of farmers on Saturday in the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) boardroom at Anna Regina, Region Two, the minister said the deal was struck following turbulent negotiations between the Agriculture Ministry and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). He said payments will be made available to farmers with “cash flow” problems. Dr Ramsammy explained that a list of farmers owed by millers will be prepared by millers and sent to the GRDB and the Rice Producers Association (RPA) for verification. Once the process is completed, cheques will be prepared by GRDB and deposited into the accounts of affected farmers. The advance will allow cash-strapped farmers to return to cultivation. The rice industry has been faced with several challenges, amid record increase in production. Guyana’s major buyer for the last three years has been Venezuela. The signing of the contract to supply Venezuela was delayed following the passing of that country’s

Region Two Vice Chairman Vishnu Samaroo addressing farmers at the meeting in the Anna Regina RDC boardroom

President Hugo Chávez last month. The delay in the signing resulted in a cash flow problem as no paddy or rice has been exported to the neighbouring country. This situation has affected many farmers and millers claim that they have exhausted their overdraft facility at the commercial banks. The lack of payment has severely affected the ability of farmers throughout the country to return to their fields. Dr Ramsammy said the rice industry has experienced significant growth over the years and is one of the largest agriculture subsectors. He contended that while the industry is confronted with several challenges, a survey has shown that the acreage sowed increased by 10 per cent, going over 200,000 acres for the first time in the history

of Guyana, and yields have increased by 23 per cent. The minister said too that exports have increased in most of the other markets last

the supervision of the GRDB. Traditionally, Region Two is the first region to begin sowing and harvesting, but farmers have complained bitterly that lack of funds has severely affected their ability to begin cultivation in the second crop. Their complaints were heard by the Agriculture Ministry which intervened to remedy the situation. Dr Ramsammy has also called on farmers, millers and officials in the rice industry to work together for the betterment of the industry. Thus far, Region Two has harvested 76,827 tonnes of paddy and the millers are expected to export some 21,800 tonnes of paddy and 8500 tonnes of white rice to the Venezuelan market.

A farmer making a point at the meeting

month. Dr Ramsammy said some farmers will be given seed paddy and fertiliser to aid their replanting efforts. This will be done under

The farmers praised government’s intervention in addressing their plight, pointing out that it is timely and a most welcome relief. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

Gov’t spending US$20 million to expand ICT space in Jamaica

amaica’s Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining (STEM), Phillip Paulwell, says the country’s Information C o m m u t a t i o n Technology (ICT) sector is poised for continued growth, with the government providing some US$20 million for the expansion of office space. “Jamaica is on a growth trajectory once more. We are seeing expansion taking place, especially in Montego Bay, and we want to facilitate and encourage that,” the minister said recently. He added that, “the minister of finance will again be allowing anoth-

Jamaica’s Minister of Science Phillip Paulwell (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

er US$20 million funding for the creation of office space and we got a commitment from Factories Corporation of Jamaica for the construction of

60,000 square feet of space.” The minister, who was addressing a press briefing last Friday, after a tour of call cen-

tres operations in the Montego Bay Free Zone, said the government is pleased that the private sector “is looking at their own role in expanding space”. “We want to be in touch with this industry, because we believe that there is such vast potential, and every month, a team of us from related ministries hear the concerns and work through issues to ensure that we continue to see growth,” he said. Paulwell added that focus is also being placed on training to provide qualified personnel for the sector. (Excerpt from JIS)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending May 16, 2013

Jamaica’s health Guyana eyes extraminister seeks public regional markets support for smoking ban after TCL cement hike

uyana’s Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali has deemed the five per cent hike in cement price announced by Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) as unjustifiable. The minister made this comment during an interview last Wednesday. Ali said the Guyana government refuses to have this additional burden to be placed on builders, noting that the government is seeking other methods to deal with the hike. The housing minister declared that government will not allow this in any way to hamper the country’s thriving construction sector, even though this new challenge has arisen. Alluding to the impact of five per cent increase in the price for TCL’s cement; he noted that the increase in price for the commodity will have to be met with some policy intervention. According to Ali, the foreign affairs minister has been notified and advised on the issue and government is currently awaiting a full analysis of the situation. Subsequent to this, a determination will be made on what position

Guyana’s Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali

to take or decide whether the market should be open to extra-regional companies. Ali said Guyana stands to suffer the most as it boasts one of the most aggressive construction sectors. “Growth at the moment is enormous, we have since advised the minister of foreign affairs to take up this matter officially with Caricom so we are now awaiting the outcome of that process,” he informed. The housing minister explained that Caricom has to re-examine the issue in terms of the common external tariff because of the regional implications. “TCL has increased their prices for cement, I am however comforted by the fact that we have

gotten assurance of the local cement manufacturer that they are going to keep their prices, we have done an analysis and our information is that there is not enough evidence to support the increase in prices at this time,” he added. According to the cement company, the price movement forms part of a deliberate pricing strategy, which was designed by TGI to minimise the impact of a large one-off increase on the market. It said an escalation of 26 per cent in spares and 12 per cent in packaging, has also been impacting its cost profile in spite of improved operational efficiencies. While Guyana has a five per cent increase, in some parts of Trinidad, the price has increased by as much as 9.5 per cent this year. Even with this announcement, the company has reiterated its strong support of Guyana’s developmental goals. The company also maintains its offer of a 20 per cent discount for first time home owners under the government’s low-income earners housing initiative, which it has been supporting since 2010.

PetroCaribe oil agreement remains beneficial to Antigua and Barbuda

he government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced that it will continue to benefit from the PetroCaribe agreement. According to a government statement, at the recently concluded Ninth Ministerial Meeting of PetroCaribe and the Summit of Heads, it was agreed that the PetroCaribe programme would continue in its current form. “Participating countries also agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines the terms and conditions which will enable the parties to assess jointly, the proposals for the establishment of a PetroCaribe Economic Zone” the statement said. Antigua and Barbuda, along with nine other CARICOM countries, are members of the PetroCaribe pro-

gramme. Assurance about the continuation of the PetroCaribe agreement comes since there were concerns that the programme would come to an end with the death of

programmes to develop their respective economies. Maduro had campaigned on a pledge to fulfil Chavez’s vision of a “21st century revolution” in South America’s

Antigua and Barbuda, along with nine other CARICOM countries, are members of the PetroCaribe programme

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in March. Under PetroCaribe, payments are stretched over 17 to 25 years at one per cent interest. The intent was designed to allow Caribbean countries to put the savings into

largest oil producer. During his 14 years in power, Chavez tapped the world’s biggest oil reserves to help cut poverty to 29.5 per cent in 2011 from 48.6 per cent in 2002, according to the United Nations. (CMC)

amaica’s Health Minister Fenton Ferguson has called for public support and understanding as he moves to institute a ban on smoking in public spaces in the country. The minister said the dire situation of the nation's young people using tobacco demands that urgent action be taken. "The 2010 Global Youth Tobacco Survey, undertaken by the National Council on Drug Abuse, indicates that 40.4 per cent of youth aged 13-15 have smoked at least once and at least 19.4 per cent of those who have ever smoked were under 10 years old. In addition, 70 per cent of the students surveyed indicated that they were exposed to second-hand smoke," Dr Ferguson said. He was speaking at last week's opening of the Health and Wellness Expo at the Clan Carthy Primary school in Kingston. Dr Ferguson said he was not declaring open season on smokers nor was he adopting an anti-smoker stance, but that he had a duty as health minister to protect the nation's health. He added that the smoking ban in public was in keeping with the ministry's strategic plan to combat the scourge of non-communicable or lifestyle-related diseases such as cancers and cardio-vascular disease. "... Very often the bad choices adults

Jamaica’s Health Minister Fenton Ferguson

make affect innocent young children for life," he said. The annual Health and Wellness expo at Clan Carthy Primary was this year held under the theme 'Get Educated, Eat Healthy, Live Wealthy'. Students mounted displays of charts and healthy foods, both prepared and unprepared, while there was participation from health agencies offering blood pressure and blood sugar tests along with HIV screening. (Jamaica Observer)

TT gov’t to impose sterner measures for land development

he government of Trinidad and Tobago will ensure strict enforcement of land development throughout the country via new legislation, and a series of other initiatives. This was revealed by Planning Minister Dr Bhoe Tewarie when he addressed the post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair last Thursday. “We are preparing the Planning and Facilitation Bill. That is before the Legislative Review Committee. I think that by next week, that should be approved,” he said. Tewarie added that once the bill is approved, “we go to Parliament with it”. Responding to a question from TT media, Tewarie noted that while the laws in the existing Town and Country ordinance were strong, they have “never really been enforced, or deployed in the manner needed to be done”. Noting the challenges facing the Town and Country Division of his ministry when he assumed office in June, 2011, Tewarie said he did not think it was right for enforcement to take place in a situation where

TT’s Planning Minister Dr Bhoe Tewarie (TT Newsday file photo)

there was too much arbitrariness. He explained that now the situation was improving, and the Division was serving the public better, “there will be stronger and more precise elements of the law to ensure that we develop land in a more sustainable way in TT.” Noting the Division received 52,600 applications for permission to develop in TT from 2006 to 2012 and 5,024 addition-

al requests from 2009 to 2012, Tewarie said, “As of December 2012, the existing backlog was approximately 3,710 applications. To date all 3,710 applications have been processed with the exception of about 100 applications.” “The first good news is that we have cleared the backlog for 2012, and we are now processing basically 2013 applications,” he declared. (Excerpt from TT Newsday)

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week ending May 16, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Work to begin on Jamaica’s Ferry/Linstead highway in September

Jamaica’s Transport, Works and Housing Minister Dr Omar Davies speaking in the House of Representatives last week. (Jamaica Observer photo)

ork is scheduled to begin on the Ferry to Linstead leg of Highway 2000 in September, Jamaica’s Minister of Transport, Works and Housing Dr Omar Davies announced in parliament last Tuesday. The highway will bypass the troublesome Bog Walk gorge, which is prone to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, thereby leaving scores of persons stranded. Dr Davies, speaking in the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, also announced that work has resumed on the Mount Rosser bypass, which is section two of the NorthSouth leg of Highway 2000. He explained that several pieces of heavy duty equipment, including trucks, cranes, excavators and bulldozers were imported into the island last week and have been mobilised on the site to facilitate the construction of the motorway. The minister said that barring any unforeseen circumstances, this leg of the highway should be completed by next May, thereby reduc-

ing the travel time from Linstead to Moneague to 15 minutes. He further informed that work on section three of the north-south leg of Highway 2000, which will run from Moneague to Ocho Rios, will start in November. Dr Davies said the process of land acquisition is moving ahead and valuations and negotiations are now being carried out by valuators employed by National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC). The minister noted that the environmental impact assessments have been completed for both sections and all relevant permits have been issued by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA). He also said the developers are now finalising geotechnical investigations and designs for work and NROCC has convened several public meetings with various stakeholders to discuss the project. "In short, all systems are 'go' for this significant project, which will result in untold benefits for all Jamaica. It will curtail travel time between Kingston and the North Coast; it will result in a reduction of fuel consumption and it will open up Kingston and its environs with several historical and cultural attractions as a tourism destination for visitors based on the north coast," Dr Davies said. The minister described the investment by China Harbour Engineering and Construction Company (CHEC), in the northsouth leg of Highway 2000, as the "single largest capital project being undertaken in Jamaica". (Jamaica Observer)

Berbice Expo 2013 set for July 26-29 in Guyana

(L-R) Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce President Leekah Rambrich, Guyana Tourism Authority Director Indranauth Haralsingh, Region Six Chairman David Armogan, and expo coordinator Tajpaul Adj

he Berbice Exposition and Trade Fair to be held in Guyana this July was launched last Wednesday under the theme “Raising Our Standards, Enhancing Our Competitiveness”. The four-day event is scheduled for Friday, July 26 to Monday, July 29, at the Albion Sports Complex, Berbice. Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) Secretary Poonai Bhigroog explained that the theme was chosen to keep abreast with world trends, as it relates to information technology and the Internet. The former president of the chamber said apart from businesses that operate in the manufacturing sector, emphasis will be placed on ‘modern age’ businesses. Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Indranauth Haralsingh said the theme is timely, relevant, and appropriate. “Standards of service; service delivery; communication…; qual-

ity of our products and services; packaging; presentation; cleanliness; sanitation; convenience; comfort and ambiance; security and safety, including food safety; are the components… of a competitive business industry sector and economy.” The GTA director called on the chamber to have seminars for exhibitors. Haralsingh read a message from acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali, which congratulated the chamber for successfully organising the annual expo that has been showcasing the products made in Berbice and other parts of the country. The GTA director also gave the assurance from Minister Ali that he will be working with some of the big businesses that operate in Georgetown to take part in Berbice Expo 2013. CCCC President Leekah Rambrich noted that the Berbice Expo has seen remarkable improvement, since the

annual event was first held in 2005. That year 15,000 persons attended the four-day event, while in 2012, 25,000 attended the event at the Albion Sports Complex. This year, the chamber is predicting that there will be a record turnout of 25,000 once again. Among those that attended the event were the police, private security firms, sponsors of the event, and regional officials. The CCCC secretary said this year some of the sponsors will be the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, Digicel, Demerara Distillers Limited, Banks DIH Ltd, ANSA McAL, Beharry Group of Companies, and Republic Bank. “I am challenging the regional chairman to use his good office to get some of the ‘big boys’ from Georgetown to come on board.” Region Six Chairman David Armogan took up the challenge, and in turn called on the chamber to get more small

businesses involved. “What we find is that we get involved in more commerce than manufacturing, and I would like to see this year manufacturing stuff being exposed.” He said people need to become aware what goods and services are available. The regional chairman also challenged the CCCC to have more cross- border businesses involved, making reference to Suriname which is across the Corentyne River, and said his office will give what support it can towards making Berbice Expo 2013 a success. According to the chamber president, in the past, efforts have been made through the respective embassies in Guyana to have support for the expo from the neighbouring countries. However, only the embassy of Brazil has ever responded and its support came in the form of a troupe performing at the opening of the expo. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

TT Police Service developing plan to deal with rogue/corrupt cops

he Police Service of Trinidad and Tobago does not cover up for officers who commit crime. In fact, the Service is in the process of developing a plan on how to deal decisively with rogue/corrupt cops, Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams said last Friday. “At present,” he said, “we are developing key recommendations for an expanded

and upgraded professionals standards unit, which will give us a greater drive at treating with rogue police officers,” Williams told a Joint Select Committee of Parliament. This includes recruitment of attorneys to function on a disciplinary tribunal and penalties which will include dismissal from the Service and publication of said offence. The Police Service’s objective, he added, is to

have the plan presented to Cabinet within two months. On the widespread perception that police cover up their own rogues, Williams insisted, “there is no cover up...it’s mere perception”. The big challenge, he said, is perception which tends to hurt organisations like the Police Service. “The Police Service takes a very active and aggressive approach to treating with any com-

plaint of misconduct, whether it involves criminality or not. We take a very strong position on that.” In those circumstances, he said, a number of police officers are being prosecuted by the police service. The police service, he said also has a plan in place for witness protection to be taken to Cabinet, but that could not be discussed in the public domain. (TT Newsday)

TT's Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams (TT Newsday file photo)

News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |week ending May 16, 2013

Canada to help with TT’s forensic science improvement C

anadian assistance has been obtained towards operationalisation of Trinidad and Tobago’s new Forensic Science Centre and for local defence, security and related infrastructure using Canadian products and services, says Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran. Dookeran, in a statement to Parliament last Friday, outlined benefits from the prime minister’s recent trip to the US and Canada. On the PM’s meeting with US deputy secretary of state William Burns, he said discussions concerned the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance act designed to combat tax evasion by US citizens holding overseas investments. Dookeran said it required foreign banks and financial entities to disclose the balances, receipts and withdrawals

of American account holders to the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or be subject to a 30 per cent withholding tax on income from US financial assets held by the banks or financial entities along with other requirements “which are a cause for concern” he added. “This is a topic (Finance Minister Larry) Howai and the Bankers Association will meet to discuss next week,” Dookeran added. On the Canadian visit, Dookeran said heads of both states expressed satisfaction with the launch of negotiations between TT’s Air Guard and provincial Aerospace Ltd of Canada with respect to two long range multi-mission aircraft which “would allow the Air Guard to be more effective in the fulfillment of its security, surveillance and searchrescue mandate.”

TT’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran (TT Newsday file photo)

Dookeran stressed: “As of now, there’s neither a formal contract nor any other agreement for purchase between the parties.” He said memoranda of agreement were signed

on Canadian military training and co-operation, providing training in peace support, communications and leadership. Another focuses on defence and security, providing the National Security Ministry with products and services of Canadian security and defence companies and “augurs well for crime fighting efforts both within and outside TT’s borders,” he said. A third MOU between UWI and Brock University promotes research and exchange between the two institutions. The fourth, between the National Training Agency and the Career Foundation of Toronto will improve existing employment centres. He said assurances were received Canada would assist with the new Forensic Science Centre. There would be engagement

between the Eastern Ontario Regional Forensic Pathology Unit and the Forensic Pathology Centre of TT’s forensic centre for a quality assurance review. Canada’s Correctional Service also agreed to develop a proposal for provision of training and technical expertise for TT’s prison service in key areas. He said new negotiations would start with Canada on three other MOUs including defence as well as an overarching framework for collaborating with Canada on such priorities as border security, law enforcement and anti-money laundering. Another MOU concerns health promotion, mental health and maternal and child health. TT would work to give impetus to stalled CaricomCanada trade talks. (TT Guardian)

Asian, North American airlines invited to ply Guyana route T

he Guyana government has made initial approaches to reputable Asian and North American and neighbouring South American airlines in the ongoing effort to broaden the range of commercial air services operating the Guyana route. The Government Information Agency (GINA) said that among them is ‘JetBlue Airways Corporation’, an American low-cost airline headquartered in the Long Island neighbourhood of New York City, which according to President Donald Ramotar, is awaiting the completion of the airport runway extension. The extension of the runway to a total of 10,800ft to accommodate large

JetBlue Airways Corporation is among several airlines that the Guyana government has approached and invited to service Guyana.

transatlantic aircraft, forms part of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project that is now delayed after the political opposition used their one-seat majority to cut the entire air transport allocation.

Among the areas hampered is expansion of the Ogle International Airport that was only recently upgraded to a regional class facility and is located in a geographic vicinity apt for people and business link advantages in the Caribbean

and South America. The government is optimistic nevertheless, that the development plans for the air transport sector will allow for expansion of traditional trade ties with North America and Europe, while simultaneously broadening the relationship with major economies such as Brazil, India, Russia and China. President Ramotar, who has vowed to do all in his powers to restore the Gy$31 billion cut from this year’s national budget, told stakeholders gathered at the launch of the “Invest Guyana” magazine about the approaches that have been made to ‘Air China’ and two major U.S. airlines to fly

the Guyana route. ‘Surinam Airways’, which re-entered the commercial skies in April last year after a period of six years, was asked to consider flying additional routes when President Ramotar met vice president of Surinam Airways Clyde Cairo during the 24th Inter-sessional Meeting of Heads of Government of Caricom in Port- auPrince, Haiti. The airline resumed with twice weekly flights from Paramaribo to Georgetown and flights to Toronto, Canada. Cairo had noted that there are options which the airline will examine but that such decisions hinge on discussions at the level of the board.

Trinidad’s Caribbean Airlines (CAL) was recently granted flag carrier status, allowing it to conduct direct flights between Georgetown and New York, Georgetown and Toronto. CAL’s service to Guyana has been loyal over the years, coming to the rescue last year with seating for passengers who were left stranded after the now defunct ‘EZjet’ faced a sudden suspension, following fraud charges against its executive. Its other competitor ‘Redjet’ ended operations after facing feasibility trouble and more recently, ‘Delta Airlines’ ended its operations in Guyana on claims of route profitability challenge.

More help for Jamaican exporters

amaican exporters will be further enabled to take advantage of market opportunities and increase their export earnings with an expansion of the ‘Export Max: Enterprise Development Programme’. A sum of Ja$54.9 million has been set aside for Phase II of the project, which will provide technical assistance to an additional 10 companies. Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister Anthony Hylton, made the disclosure at a Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA) members’ luncheon which was held recently at the the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston.

Hylton informed that the initiative, which was launched in 2011, was developed by the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) to focus on the development of a cluster of export-ready clients. “(Phase I) of the programme enabled a group of 15 exporters to take advantage of market opportunities and increase their export earnings,” he pointed out. The priority industries include: agro processing; aquaculture; furniture; coffee; fashion; mineral and mining; ICT; entertainment; and education. According to the minister, the expansion of ‘Export Max’ is among a number initiatives be-

ing pursued by the ministry, and in particular JAMPRO, to advance the National Export Strategy (NES). Another such programme is the FINPYME Export Plus Programme, which was launched in October 2012. It is co-ordinated by JAMPRO in collaboration with the JEA and the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association, with funding support of some US$150,000 from the Inter-American Investment Corporation and the Inter-American Development Bank. To date, some 78 small and medium sized enterprises have registered to participate in the programme, which

aims to build the export readiness and capacity of SMEs; improve market access for SMEs; and increase performance and exports of SMEs. Minister Hylton further informed that FINPYME recently approved 15 technical assistance programmes with over 30 modules, ranging from market access for agro processing in various markets and operational efficiency and cost cutting measures, to certification for agro products. “I invite those of you who have not yet registered, to do so soon, as the benefits are invaluable,” he stated. Jamaica is among a selected number of

Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Anthony Hylton (right), is greeted by President of the Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA), Andrew Collins, at the JEA members’ luncheon, held at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston, last week. (JIS photo)

countries in which the FINPYME Export Plus programme has been executed, and is the only country in which all six FINPYME initiatives have been implemented. Jamaica’s National Export Strategy is a unified strategic initiative

that seeks to maximise the export sector’s direct contribution to economic and social development. The vision of the NES is to make Jamaica the place of choice for creative, innovative goods and services of exceptional quality. (JIS)

feature week ending May 16, 2013

Guyana’s opposition leader urges more citizen participation in electoral politics

p p o s i t i o n Leader and A Partnership for National Unity Chairman, Brigadier (retired) David Granger has called for greater citizens’ representation in Caribbean electoral politics. He made this call while participating in a two-day regional forum on “strengthening regulation of political parties and political financing systems in the Caribbean”. The forum, sponsored by the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, brought together representatives from government and opposition parties from 14 Caricom states in Bridgetown, Barbados May 8-9. Granger, reacting to the “Draft Model Law on the Regulation of Political Parties and Political Financing Systems” advanced by the OAS, suggested that, at this time, emphasis should be placed on strengthening ‘representation’ of citizens rather than ‘regulation’ of parties. Granger pointed out that Caribbean constitutions guaranteed freedom of association and the political system should aim at reinforcing, rather than restricting, that freedom. The forum was declared open by Barbadian Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and was addressed by OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza. Insulza said political financing reform is necessary, “not only for the consolidation of free and fair elections, but for the strengthening of democracy. This is not only our duty, but our obliga-

tion so that the peoples of the Americas may realise their aspiration for a fair, democratic system, and benefit from the certainty of liberty and equality, which are intrinsic to democracy and indispensable for greater freedom and justice,” said the OAS leader. “Political funding should not be stigmatised,” the secretary general added, “as it is a necessary part of a healthy and normal democratic life. However, it is undeniable that money can introduce important distortions to the democratic process.” Addressing those distortions is crucial, he said, as “the perception of legitimacy lies at the core of this discussion”. The leader of the hemispheric organisation stated that in most countries of the Caribbean where the OAS has deployed Electoral Observation Missions, there is a need for greater regulation of political parties and political financing systems. Nonetheless, he noted as positive the tendency in the region to “seek a balance in the influence of money in politics, and to strengthen the mechanisms for transparency and accountability”. The meeting saw the participation of 42 delegates, and was aimed at discussing the underlying complex relationship between money and democracy. The forum builds upon a 2010 regional consultation on model campaign finance legislation organised by the OAS in Kingston, Jamaica, and aims to engage high-level stakeholders in the development of laws and regulations on political financing in order to ensure transparent and equitable electoral processes in the region.

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New calls for relocation of Camp St jail in Guyana

Former Chief Magistrate K A Juman Yassin

Opposition Leader David Granger

ormer Magistrate in Guyana KA Juman Yassin is recommending that land on which the Camp Street Prison stands be marketed to the business community and the penal facility relocated outside the city. During an invited comment, Yassin stated that Lot 12 Camp Street is prime real estate, and the purchase price would adequately compensate for the move, which in his opinion, makes logistical sense. “My view would be to build a prison elsewhere and sell Camp Street. The price you will get for Camp Street will cover the cost of constructing a new prison. It’s as simple as that,” the former magistrate said. He noted that the state has in its possession land on the highway and also just outside of town. However, Yassin cautioned that such a situation would require the administration to ensure a proper transportation arrangement is in place

Camp Street Prison in Georgetown

to ferry prisoners back and forth from court. He noted that this has always been a problem. “And I don’t see how that can be a major problem, because once you have proper vehicles and staff; transportation should not be a problem. I would recommend that Camp Street be sold immediately,” Yassin emphasised. He added that the government would reap millions of dollars from such a deal that would prove a win-win situation, since there would be no need to purchase additional land to relocate the prisoners. The issue of the relocation of the country’s main security prison has been discussed many times over the years. Former President Bharrat Jagdeo once said that the ideal is to have the prison located far from the capital city, but this would require money that the government of Guyana did not have at the moment. The Camp Street

prison was built several years ago and was not initially constructed to cater for the current population size. Yassin lauded the Director of Prisons, Dale Erskine for his valiant attempts to bring a semblance of order to the facility. Echoing Yassin’s comments, Attorney Lyndon Amsterdam stated that the prisons should be located to a lesser populated area. He believes it should also be significantly extended to house the growing population of criminals. “As a layman in security matters, I also think that having the prisons remain on Camp Street is a risk; to such an extent that even the roads surrounding the facility have to be cordoned off to the inconvenience of persons living around there,” Amsterdam said. The lawyer added that the prison does not have to be relocated away from civilisation or in a remote area. “However, that

doesn’t mean it has to be Camp Street or Regent Street. Guyana has bountiful land in Sophia, Liliendaal and all these areas.” Commenting on the accessibility of Camp Street to lawyers, Amsterdam stated that society will always have competing interests; however, he noted that the security risk justifies the move and supersedes concerns about easy access to clients. “We have to stop seeing Guyana as Georgetown and start thinking of going further.” However, another lawyer seemed to differ on the relocation of the facility, stating that the prison is convenient and facilitates faster access to clients. The lawyer said that in terms of national security, Camp Street provides for faster response time in the event of a break-out, as well as reduced transportation costs, as against prisons in remote locations. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

Demand for 4G smartphones jumps in TT O ver 60,000 people in Trinidad and Tobago used Digicel’s 4G Service in the past 30 days and with more and more people purchasing smart phones everyday, TT is on par with the rest of the world in terms of embracing technology. In an interview, Digicel CEO John Delves said the mobile service provider had seen a huge increase in the demand for 4G smart phones over the past year. “We launched the 4G service and we were the first in the Americas to do. We did a lot of testing to make sure that it would run properly. We are happy with it.” He said several thousand people chose the 4G ex-

perience every month. “Once you experience 4G it can help you with apps, office programs, it turns your phone into a small portable computer.” This is why Delves said the company, in addition to selling popular smart phones from Samsung, Blackberry, Nokia and others, had made the decision to create their own smart phone for the TT market. In one month Digicel will launch its smart phone, the DL 600. “We are trying to what we did seven years ago when we broke the monopoly on local mobile service. “We are trying to make 4G affordable and accessible.” He said the phone would offer the best val-

From left: Hayden Blackmann of Blackberry, soca artiste Destra Garcia and CEO of Digicel John Delves during a Smart Collection Unveiling which took place at the Digicel IMAX theatre last week in Trinidad. (TT Guardian photo)

ue for money with a 3.5 inch display, Android Jellybean system and high specifications. The company recently launched the Blackberry Z10 and the Samsung S4 smart phones along with the Nokia Lumia series and Delves said the

phones were doing very well. “Blackberry has a loyal fan base in this country. Most people here would have had a Blackberry as their first smart phone and the Z10’s new operation is very good.” (TT Guardian)

feature

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending May 16, 2013

Why action on forests now is essential to our futures Written by Bharrat Jagdeo, president of Guyana from 1999 to 2011, and now roving ambassador for the Three Basins Initiative. First published in the UK Guardian on April 16, 2013 (http://www. guardian.co.uk)

hile forests once provided subsistence for local people, for generations clearing forested land has also been good for global business, providing immediate food security for the world. Put simply, forests have been worth more dead than alive. As populations grow, emerging and industrialised countries are looking to the three great world forest regions – the Three Basins of the Congo, the Amazon and south- east Asia – for their growing resource needs. The economic imperative to acquire and clear more land increases daily as demand for food and commodities grows. More than half of the global forest loss has occurred in the Three Basins. But world food production needs standing forests not felled trees. And forests are not about food: they provide protection for local communities against catastrophic flooding and erosion during rainy seasons. The forests of the Three Basins act as huge carbon capture and storage units, drawing down around 10 per cent of

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

annual greenhouse gas emissions every year. They are the planet’s principal defence against climate change – a fact that is often lost amid a debate about climate change that focuses almost entirely on fossil fuels. Destroying the forests makes our climate unstable and unpredictable, with increasing desert areas and more extreme weather. Conversely, addressing forest use in the Three Basins has huge potential to limit future damage from climate change. Clearly, we need to stop damaging the world’s forests but this is not as easy as it sounds. In the same way as fossil fuels are deeply embedded in the way countries develop, so is a centuries- old model of land use in which forested land is seen as a resource to be exploited. Stopping forest destruction overnight is neither possible nor desirable, as it would cause the price and availability of food and other commodities to rocket.

However, it is possible to get the balance right. Brazil is already showing what is possible. By reducing deforestation by two thirds since 2004, Brazil has avoided an estimated one billion tonnes of CO2 emissions – few people know that this is a larger reduction in emissions than any other country has managed. This has not come at the cost of economic growth: at the same time, Brazil has lifted 10 million citizens out of poverty and continues to supply the world with food such as beef and soy, and other resources. My own country, Guyana, is maintaining 99.5 per cent of our forest, while investing heavily in new economic sectors that take pressure off the forests over the long term. Many other forest countries in the Three Basins are willing to act. Ambitious national proposals have been made. Many, including Vietnam, Gabon and the Republic of Congo have detailed plans in place, backed by high- level political commitment.

New model

If countries are ready to act: how do we deliver development, reduce poverty and feed increasing numbers of people while protecting the climate? The challenge is to invest in a new model of land use that addresses the drivers of forest loss, develops alternative sources of income and employment

for forest communities, and meets the increasing demand for global food security. This means decoupling poverty alleviation and economic growth from deforestation, much in the same way as the world is beginning to separate economic growth from fossil fuel use. But this is difficult and expensive – and everyone who benefits needs to share in paying for the valuable services forests provide. We need to make forests worth more alive than dead. In 2009 in Copenhagen, hopes were high for a forest financing mechanism as part of a global climate deal which would recognise the climate services provided by those forests. Pledges were made to mobilise US$ 100 billion (£ 65 billion) of new funding a year by 2020. But despite the urgency, the process has stalled. Brazil and Guyana are showing what is possible when international partnerships materialise: in both cases, Norway is paying for some of the avoided greenhouse gas emissions. But beyond Brazil, Guyana, and Indonesia, forest countries are faced with a reality that funds have been delayed; they are beginning to question whether a deal is possible. Such slow progress puts millions of lives and livelihoods at risk in every part of the world. My consultation across the Three Basins has shown

- saving forests offers a new route to alleviating hunger and malnutrition, promoting development and tackling climate change that without the prospect of sufficient, secure, predictable finance, it will be hard to resist growth through the continued destruction of forests. A deal does not just make sense for food and the planet: it offers a new way of partnering for development. The west invests in forest- friendly economic growth and gets something in return – less exposure to weather- related damage, cheaper insurance premiums, and a lower need to invest in flood

return, new markets for food and resources are developed, trade increases and we deliver climate change targets. This will not just bring momentum and confidence to these commitments, but will divert private capital away from deforestation towards maintaining forests sustainably. The international community should commit to deliver on existing pledges, including commitments to ramp up support for Three Basins countries to develop new forest- friendly econo-

We need to make forests worth more alive than dead (Guyana Times photo)

and other climate defences. A fair payment for the services provided by forests supports a forest country’s own efforts towards development and poverty alleviation, creating the catalyst for private investment, entrepreneurship and sustainable employment. In

mies as part of global efforts to combat hunger, nutrition and climate change. Just by delivering a fraction of funds that have already been promised – we estimate nine per cent – richer nations could kick start a change that benefits us all.

Trinidadian Garth Bernard gets lifetime achievement award T railblazer, leader, innovator. These three words were used to describe Trinidadian national, Garth Bernard when he was honoured with the International Association of Black Actuaries (IABA) 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award in the United States of America. Bernard, who graduated from St Mary’s College, left Trinidad as an open island scholarship winner in the latter part of the 1970s to pursue actuarial science in Canada. He returned home but eventually migrated with bigger things in the industry in mind. Bernard was hailed as a trailblazer in that

he was one of fewer than a dozen people of African descent to have achieved the designation of Fellow of the Society of Actuaries in 1986. With a few other black actuaries with whom he had an informal networking group, Bernard worked to get a group of black Life and P&C actuaries together at the Society of Actuaries meeting in Washington, DC in October of 1992. Some 65 men and women from the United States, the Caribbean and Canada attended that inaugural meeting of the National Association of Black Actuaries (NABA) in Washington, DC. The meeting was a rousing success, but in

the two years following that initial meeting, it was still basically an informal network. In 1994, in large part through Bernard’s efforts, the NABA met again in Chicago, and this time elected officers, changed its name to the International Association of Black Actuaries, and began to take shape as a formal organisation. Bernard was elected its first president. Under his leadership, the organisation implemented many of the features still in place today, most importantly, defining the key purposes of the IABA, which includes increasing the number of black actuaries worldwide; provid-

Garth Bernard was honoured with the International Association of Black Actuaries (IABA) 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award in the U.S.

ing a support network for actuaries at various stages of their careers; encouraging participation in actuarial professional committees and organisations; and supporting black actuaries as entrepreneurs. As an innovator, Bernard has had a distinguished career in several major life

insurance and annuity companies, including at MetLife. His colleagues, Lisa Kuklinski and Dan DeKeyer said to him: “As our colleague, we appreciate your unwavering focus, out of the box thinking, passion, and eloquence. You also bring your unique per-

spective to every issue, and you are a pioneer in many regards, particularly in your groundbreaking work in retirement income.” Bernard is widely recognised as a leading expert in the field of retirement income and annuities. (Excerpt from TT Newsday)

fEATURE week ending May 16, 2013

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Canadian artist painting stories from ‘back home’ S

andra Brewster, an overseas-based artist of Guyanese parentage, is a multi-media artist creating work (drawings, paintings, video and mixed media) that engages issues of race, identity, representation and memory. One of her interests is African-Canadians born in North America and those who arrived in North America from the Caribbean during the 60s and 70s. At times, she references old photographs and recreates elements using painting, drawing, and gel transfers, juxtaposing imagery to provide a dialogue through contrasts or likenesses. In this work she visually represents a time or a memory and provides a platform to tell stories of “back home”. In other pieces, Sandra presents portraits of individuals that challenge stereotypes and perceptions. Her series, Smiths, question prevalent assertions to the existence of a monolithic black community. This series of multimedia works, begun in 2004 and still evolving, is a playful attempt to “offer a questioning around concerns of identity and representation”. Brewster’s parents migrated from Guyana in the late 1960s.

Sandra Brewster

Her parents were part of the wave of northbound post-Independence migration that has left an indelible Caribbean imprint on contemporary Canada. When Brewster was nine her family moved from Toronto, where she was born. After high school, Brewster joined the fine arts programme at nearby York University, with one of Canada’s most diverse student bodies. During a trip to Guyana in 2008, the artist was inspired to create her ‘Guyana Art’ collection, which includes “transferred images of places and people and align[ing] them with drawings/paintings of Toronto-based scenes and people, to ex-

pose some contrasts and similarities between the two spaces, and to allow feelings of nostalgia.” In 2012, Brewster was asked to be among 41 artists to participate in a project called ‘Play Me, I’m Yours’, a piano art work installation that has been touring internationally since 2008. That year ‘Play Me’ partnered with the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, and requested artists representing each of the 41 countries, to create art work on each piano. The pianos were then placed in public parks, streets and squares in the U.S. for any member of the public to play. The painter worked on 2 pianos: Guyana and Suriname. The Guyana piano was placed in Mel Lastman Square, New York, and the

'Guyana Girl 1' (2009)- mixed media on wood

Suriname piano in Sick Kids Hospital. For the Guyana piano, the images gel- transferred to the surface of the piano refer to the streets, people, food and landscape of Guyana. The map of the country is repeated on the area behind the pedals and a painting of the flower ‘Bird of Paradise’

is located on the left side. Brewster holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from York University. Her practice includes work as an arts educator, community arts facilitator, and has coordinated numerous exhibitions involving local artists. She recently completed an

Untitled (Smiths- 2011)- mixed media on wood

artist residency at Alice Yard in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, she is a recipient of numerous grants to develop projects. Her work has been published in several journals and magazines: Of Note, The Walrus, Small Axe, Chimurenga, MIX, and NKA, among others. Recent exhibitions include 28 Days, Georgia Scherman Projects, Toronto; Serious Play, SPACE, London, UK; (Re) Visions, The Print Studio, Hamilton, Ontario; Listen Installation, Robert Langen Gallery, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario; Fortune Tellers, Five Myles Gallery, New York; and Fleeting Face, A Space Gallery, Toronto. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Anna Regina Town Day planned for August 23 in Guyana T

he Anna Regina Interim Management Committee (IMC), the Essequibo business community and other stakeholders have set August 23 to 25 for Anna Regina Town Day celebrations in Guyana. The IMCled council and members of the Essequibo business community met last Thursday at a special meeting held specifically to discuss plans for the

town day. IMC Chairman Toolsie Narine lauded the efforts of the business community for supporting the idea of a town day in Anna Regina. He said the day, which will be the first of its kind in Essequibo, has generated much interest and enthusiasm in the country especially among the business community. Regional Vice

Chairman Vishnu Samaroo, who attended the meeting, said he is proud of the committee and lauded its plans in putting together the activities for the town day. Essequibo Technical Institute representative Raul Pearce said the town day is long overdue and pointed out that it will be of great financial benefit for the council. Suggestions were made for several sub-

committees to be formed within a town day planning committee. At the meeting, a special committee was selected to look at the planning of the activities for the three-day event. The members selected to be on the committee were IMC Vice Chairman Harry Persaud, Raul Pearce, Rajendra Prabhulall, Gary Williams, Ganesh Jaigobin, Derick Walcott

and Baney Persaud. The committee will also be supported by the Town Clerk Diana Critchlow, IMC Chairman Toolsie Narine, Regional Vice Chairman Vishnu Samaroo, the police, IMC councillors, stakeholders of the town and staff of the Anna Regina Town Council. Some of the activities suggested for the town day celebrations are an

interfaith service, an exhibition, cultural activities, a day of sport, a pageant, a photographic exhibition, the setting up of an album of historic sites of the town, a concert, and guided tours to historic sites and other areas. Most of the main activities will be held on the car park tarmac and the event is expected to attract thousands of Guyanese.

PM Skerrit ties the knot D

Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit married Melissa Poponne on Saturday

ominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit Saturday married Melissa Poponne, “his sweetheart for many years” according to an official statement issued over the weekend. The statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said that Skerrit, 40, and Melissa were married at the Bourne Roman Catholic Chapel, followed by a private reception at the prime minister’s private

residence in Vieille Case. The statement said the couple were scheduled to leave Dominica on Sunday for a “short period” and gave no other details about the bride, the marriage or where the couple would be travelling to. Skerrit, the leader of the ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP), became prime minister following the death of then prime minister Pierre Charles in 2004.

feature

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending May 16, 2013

L’ Toya Carter and her daughter Nikia after winning the competition in the middle category

t was an evening of creativity, elegance, and colour when the ‘22nd Annual Mother and Daughter Pageant’ was held at the National Cultural Centre on Saturday evening before a packed audience in Guyana. After hours of competition, which featured breathtaking performances and elegant evening gowns uniquely designed to capture the essence of each mother-and-daughter pair, only three pairs were adjudged the winners. In the junior category, Oneca Neblett and her stunning daughter Ariana Teixeira copped first place, while L’ Toya Carter and her daughter Nikia won the middle category, and Wendy Griffith and her daughter Melissa, the senior. First to take to the

stage to thrill the audience were the contestants in the junior category. The audience was abuzz with excitement over “a fairy-tale and tea party” presentation by the contestants. The adorable children: Ariana, C’Jada, Winesha, Linesha, and Xaviera made their grand appearance on stage followed by their mothers Oneca Neblett, Candy Byron, Natasha Payne, Donna Isles, and Luani Lowe respectively. Their dresses were designed by popular Guyanese designers, including Olympia SmallSonaram and Natasha D’Olivera, in eye-catching colours such as lilac, purple, gold and white. The pairs elegantly and gracefully manoeuvred on the stage as they hugged, kissed, and blew

Winners of the junior category: Oneca Neblett and her daughter Ariana Teixeira

kisses at each other to depict this year’s theme, “Love’s Showtime”. The audience was mesmerised by the lighting effects that helped to create that special feeling in their hearts. While the Nebletts copped the title in the junior category, Candy and C’Jada and Luani and Xaviera were adjudged second and third best in that category. The junior category competition was followed by the middle category contest, and the contestants further impressed the crowd with their magnificent gowns of rich colours and luscious sequins. Most of the daughters in this category were preteens and teens. They added more flavour to the evening as they displayed and demonstrated love, a

touch of class, and sophisticated styles. At the end, Samantha and Brea Aaron and Lorraine and Jennay Duke Natayo, copped second and third place respectively. The highlight of the evening, however, was the senior category which saw nine pairs competing head on for supremacy. Paula Bristol, Kim GomesDainty, and Wendy Griffith definitely provided their daughters with an example in style, charm and confidence as they used the stage with grace and poise in their excellent display of motherhood. The competition also saw Yvonne George and her daughter Latoya creating a stir on stage, capturing the crowd’s attention. The Georges’ presen-

Wendy Griffith and her daughter Melissa, winners in the senior category of the 22nd annual Mother and Daughter Pageant held at the National Cultural Centre

tation left patrons bemused, as they tried to determine who was mother and who the daughter. The gowns worn by the senior contestants were arresting such as the black and orange of Nicole Williams and Uteika; startling white tinged with pink, gold and black presented by Alphina Albert and Sheneka. Carlotta and her daughter Jovetta wore shades of pink and light blue representing the fight against breast cancer and tranquility. Second and third places in this category went to Kim Gomes- Dainty and Shanai and Cheryl and Kimberly Jones. During the evening, there was a surprise tribute paid to founder Ingrid Fung by her five children; and a tribute to mothers

through songs performed by the GT& T Jingle finalists who added spice to the programme. There were also special door prizes, including trips to Kaieteur Falls, Baganara and ArrowPoint Resorts, dinners, spa treatments, jewellery, and photo shoots. The high-level competition was judged by Reverend Jackelyn and Melissa Bourne; chief judges Petal Ridley and Mischka; Cheryl Weever and Ameka; and Shamila and Alana Seebarran. The competition was judged on appropriateness, creativity, crowd response and talent among other criteria. The night’s proceedings were chaired by Margaret Lawrence and Michella Abraham Ali. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

An affair of the art in Jamaica G

allery owner and art enthusiast Hugh Dunphy is singing the praises of Jamaican art. Dunphy, an Englishman who has lived in Jamaica since the 1960s, is the proprietor of ‘Bolivar Gallery’ in St Andrew. He says Jamaican art has become more diverse thanks to the popularity of intuitive and primitive painters. “Many artistes are not looking to Europe for training as they did in the early days. Now the influence is more diverse... more independent, you could say," he said while noting that the growth of Jamaican art is vital. "For a small place, we have a lot of good artists," Dunphy told Jamaican media recently. "The bad artists are what's bad about it... They are not all wonderful artists, [but] they are all trying and a remark-

able number of people make a living from art. You see it on the street, you see it going from office to office and loads of people have Jamaican art collections. That means that Jamaica is a country that is enthusiastic about art," he noted. Dunphy made the comments last Thursday evening at the opening of an exhibition featuring his collection of paintings by celebrated Jamaican artist Ralph Campbell at the Bolivar Gallery. The 26-painting exhibition hangs until June 15. Dunphy says Campbell is his favourite Jamaican artiste. He has been collecting his paintings since 1965. "I have had the collection for some time and always wanted to do something like this to remind people, especially since he has been dead since 1985, and many people

Bolivar Gallery’s owner Hugh Dunphy (right) and painter Barrington Watson (centre) present the Ralph Campbell piece ‘Beverley and Michael’ to Arnaldo Brown, state minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

are not aware of his work and the high quality," he explained. Campbell was one of the primal figures in the modern Jamaican art movement, which started in the 1930s with Edna Manley. He studied with Manley before going to England to further his studies. At last Thursday's event, Dunphy presented the government

and people of Jamaica with a Campbell piece, ‘Beverley and Michael’ — a portrait of former prime minister Michael Manley and his fourth wife Beverley Anderson. The gift was accepted by state minister Arnaldo Brown. "I feel it was only proper to give something back to Jamaica. The piece is very appropriate as it features two

Hugh Dunphy is an Englishman who has lived in Jamaica since the 1960s and is the proprietor of Bolivar Gallery in St Andrew. (Jamaica Observer photos)

national figures — key figures in Jamaican history and in a 100 years time, somebody will ask 'who is that' and a teacher will have to explain," he said. Campbell's contemporary, master painter Barrington Watson, opened the exhibition. He described Campbell as a humble man with extraordinary talent and noted that they shared similar ideas about what Jamaican art should

be and its place on the world stage. Watson stated that Campbell's signature was the freedom with which he executed his craft. That point was echoed by Dunphy: "He took liberties with the rules and got away with it because of how he painted with emotion. One of the secrets to great art is how it arouses emotions in you when you look at it." (Jamaica Observer)

fEATURE week ending May 16, 2013

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Anti-Indian racism in Guyana 3: Wismar Continued from last week

nti-Indian racism again took its inevitable course into violence in the 1960's riots as the PNC worked in cahoots with the CIA to remove the PPP from office. The "communist" bogeyman provided cover for the hate that had been nurtured for over a century against IndianGuyanese. The most terrifying episode in those dark days when Guyana experienced its first bout of "ethnic cleansing" in the Wismar-ChristianburgMcKenzie (soon named "Linden" after Burnham) when almost the entire Indian population had to flee. Below are excerpts from the Commission of Inquiry into the violence.

Background

The population of these three areas was about 18,000 in May 1964, and of these, about 3000 were East Indian, the majority of the rest being Africans... Although some 350 of the East Indians were employed at Demba, the majority were businessmen who in many cases owned their places of business and their homes. Some of them owned more than one building and were engaged in more than one occupation. The majority of the Africans were wage earners. The majority of the 3,000 East Indians were supporters of the P.P.P. or were so identified. The majority of the Africans were P.N.C supporters who had the satisfaction of knowing that the representative for the Upper Demerara River constituency in

Robert Jordan

the House of Assembly was an African, Robert Jordan. The news of the murder of the African couple - the Sealeys - at Buxton reached Wismar on Friday the 22nd May, and seems to have been the incident which precipitated the planned reprisal against the East Indians in the WismarChristianburg area on Monday 25th May, 1964. The economic prosperity of the East Indian community must have been a latent source of jealousy, which determined that the major aim of the attack would be the destruction of property.

The violence

Between 7 and 8 o'clock on the morning of May 25th, the situation deteriorated rapidly. There was widespread violence, arson and looting. The stage was set for a day of unmitigated tragedy. At about 8:00 a.m. it was rumoured that an East Indian man had kicked an African boy. The Police subsequently investigated this but found it to be untrue. If any was needed, this was the casus belli. The violence of May 25th, although started at the river front, was at first mainly concentrated in remote areas Fire in Wismar

such as Half Mile, One Mile and Valley of Tears. It was only later that large buildings such as those owned by Messrs. T. Prashad, Lalta Paul and Hakim Khan in Silvertown and Silver City were destroyed. Protection money was demanded and in some cases obtained from the owners of big business. But this did not prevent their business places being looted and burnt, subsequently, nor did it prevent them from being assaulted.

Comment

The local population in the majority supported these acts. A few of those who engaged in these acts of violence might well have come from other parts of the country, some were undoubtedly drawn from the criminal elements who made periodic visits to the area, whilst some others were from the area. Wherever they might have come from, however, they were certainly well informed about the precise location of East Indian premises in the WismarChristianburg area, and were well equipped and trained for incendiarism. The local population knew how to prevent fires spreading and indeed lost no time in forming bucket brigades to save African homes. African furniture was removed from Indian houses so that the houses could be burnt. Neighbours and other members of the public were either afraid or were unwilling to render any assistance to the security forces. They never lent a hand to extinguish fires kindled on East Indian homes, and the very few who offered shelter to East Indians were threatened to such an extent that they had to put out the families whom they had succoured. The majority of the Africans laughed and jeered at the East Indians as blood stained and battered, raped and naked, shocked and destitute, they helplessly went their way to the only place of refuge, the Wismar Police Station. African women played their part in these events to the fullest extent. Your Commissioners are convinced that "this was a diabolical plot, ingeniously planned and ruthlessly executed."

II. Conduct of the Security Forces at the scene

On the day of the disturbances at Wismar-

Christianburg, there were 57 cases of assault, including rape, which were treated at the Mackenzie Hospital. Two persons were killed and at least 197 houses were destroyed in addition to several cases of looting. With the single exception of Assistant Superintendent Lashley, who in company with Lieutenant Wishart and a party of men, apprehended and shot a looter who refused to halt when ordered to do so, no member of the Volunteers or Police admitted witnessing any cases of assault or rape, looting or arson. A variety of allegations were made by witnesses against the security forces - the Police and Volunteers. These included bribery, partaking in loot, standing by and refusing to give assistance whilst rape and assault were being committed, refusing to extinguish fires, supplying gasoline to arsonists and being politically partial by telling people who were beaten and stripped to go to their political leaders. Several witnesses have alleged that Mr. Robert Jordan, member

actions by East Indians on the coast. Four witnesses claimed to have seen Mr. Jordan on the Saturday in company

the disturbances which took place in the Wismar- ChristianburgMackenzie area on May 25th, 1964, were polit-

An Indian woman surveys her burnt home

with various community leaders and at least one of the known criminal element, either inciting Africans or planning acts of violence against East Indians.

Loss and damage

Two hundred and twenty houses were destroyed. Stocks, including household furniture and general merchandise, were looted, and what could not be taken away was burnt with the buildings. The Social Assistance Department compiled

ically and racially inspired. Although there is a difference of opinion among the security officers who gave evidence before us on the point, the thorough-going destruction of East Indian property, and the fact that the security forces were in no case able to apprehend arsonists, force us to conclude that the destruction was not "spontaneous" but was organised, and well organised. (b)The recent disturbances in Wismar-

Torched home at Wismar

of the former Legislative Assembly for the Upper Demerara River constituency, bears a major responsibility for the events of May 25th and 26th. Mr. Jordan was said to have been seen on Thursday May 21st and again on Saturday May 23rd, inciting African people to violence against East Indians. Three witnesses said that on the Thursday he was seen with a newspaper on the public road drawing to the attention of those he met the murder of Mr. & Mrs. Sealey, African farmers of Buxton, East Coast, Demerara, and asking what the people of Wismar were going to do in reprisal for such

statistics relating to the displaced persons from Wismar-Mackenzie area and they were made available to the Commission. The number of families displaced is 744 comprising 1,249 adults and 2,150 children, making a total of 3,399 individuals. The estimated value of the houses is Gy$1,457,810. The number of business premises is 87, valued at Gy$448,540. There were 8 farms destroyed valued at Gy$6,500 and livestock lost valued at Gy$30,000. The estimated value of the total amount of property destroyed or lost is Gy$1,942,850. We have come to the conclusion that

ChristianburgMackenzie have been examined by your Commissioners in the context of the wider pattern of planned violence, murders, arson, bombings, reprisals and counter-reprisals that characterised life in British Guiana during 1964... There, within the brief period of 48 hours, a total section of a community was attacked, outraged and subsequently had to be evacuated. Nearly all their property was maliciously destroyed, while the majority of their erstwhile friends and neighbours either took part in the destruction or stood idly by. (Guyana Times Arrival Day Magazine)

feature

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending May 16, 2013

By Indrawattie Natram

ndian culture is nurtured and expressed in many ways through various stories and exhibitions outlining the life and work of Indian ancestors, for example. However, one significant way it has come to be maintained has been through traditional dances. The Swarswattie Dance Troupe on the Essequibo Coast in Guyana, which is known for promoting Indian culture through traditional folk dances, continues to play an essential role in sustaining Indian culture through dance. Head of the dance troupe, Sursattie Singh, aka Annie, said traditional folk dances done by her group of dancers reawaken the Indian cultural identity. The 25-year-old dancer explained that the danc-

Annie (centre) and her dancers

es trace ancestry paths, with benefits similar to reminiscing or invoking “memory therapy”. She said Indian dance pieces were brought from India and remained in Guyana; as such, they should be kept alive. Singh, who has been dancing for the past 16 years, said the involve-

ment in folk dances facilitate a growth of confidence, and a forum to express ancestral paths. “The opportunity to express oneself and keep the culture through the medium of dance holds the benefit of keeping the culture alive. It’s a true blessing to be able to express the thoughts

Swarswattie Dance Troupe

of your ancestor,” Singh said. She added that dancing makes you physically fit, explaining there is an improvement in balance, strength and gait when one starts dancing. “Dancing makes you feel alive; like you’re young again. I don’t know anything else that can have that effect on you.” Shedding some light on her dancing life, she recalled that she had begun dancing at 10 years old. Recounting, she said she started to look at simple Indian dance films, where she learnt a few dance movements. The lover of dance said she and her cousins used to dance, and by dancing often she realised that she was becoming good at it, and, as such, she decided to form her own

dance troupe. In 2003 her dance troupe "Annie Dance Troupe" was established, now renamed “The Swarswattie Dance Troupe”. She said because there was a need for more movement in dancing, she joined the Dancing School in Spring Garden, where she acquired more skills and techniques. Her motive behind the classes was to introduce new dance moves – mostly traditional dances, to the group. Today, Annie holds her own dance classes every Sunday at the Anna Regina Kendra, where she teaches young girls and boys to dance. Her group of 11 dancers is involved in some of the most energetic forms of dancing. Pointing out that mainly young people make up her group, she said the group dances to songs that provide the opportunity for self expression and recall their Indian heritage. Her group performs traditional Indian dances which, in most instances, describe the roots of the Indian indentured immigrants. Explaining the folk dances, Singh stated that the dances are performed by young girls and boys who move in a circle, creating a rhythm through special foot movements, while striking each other’s wooden sticks. She said some-

times the performances may be lengthy as the singer increases the momentum until the song reaches its climax. Her dance troupe Sursattie Singh aka Annie

performs these folk dances especially during Indian Arrival Day celebrations or at special occasions that relate to the Indian arrival in Guyana. (Excerpt from Guyana Times Arrival Day Magazine)

Jamaican student in coma nine months after bus crash A

tallia Williams should have been sitting nine subjects in the 2013 Caribbean Secondary Examinations, but instead she is lying unconscious in a hospital bed nine months after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Williams was among several students of Brown's Town High School in St Ann, Jamaica, who were injured when the bus in which they were travelling collided with a truck on September 5, 2012 in St D'Acre, killing the bus driver. The Toyota Hiace minibus, driven by Christopher Hall, was transporting several students on the afternoon shift of Brown's Town High from the Aboukir area when it collided with the truck.

Nadine Beckett Miller takes a photo with her daughter following several surgeries last year

Williams, whose neck was broken in four places, was admitted to the University Hospital of the West Indies where she remained until two weeks ago when she was transferred to St Ann's Bay Regional Hospital. Williams, who was 16 years old at the time,

initially underwent several successful surgeries; however, a problem surfaced during the last surgery, leaving her in a coma since last November. Nadine Beckett Miller is in pain, having to watch her third child lie in the same place dai-

ly; however, she is not giving up hope. Beckett Miller believes strongly that her "Boonu", as she affectionately calls her daughter, will regain consciousness. But while the mother is patiently waiting for that to happen, she now needs some assistance to take home her daughter. The mother, who expressed extreme gratitude for the financial help received so far, said she is making another appeal for additional assistance. Beckett Miller needs help in acquiring a mattress, a portable oxygen machine, a suction machine and a nebuliser to take Williams home to continue her recuperation. Williams' spleen, the mother explained, was removed and this has af-

fected her body's ability to fight infections. With a medical bill of almost Ja$6 million and an additional Ja$70,000 owed to a caregiver along with the daily expense of medication, food and other necessities, Beckett Miller is finding it hard to cope financially. To add to her mounting problems, Beckett Miller's car was stolen a month ago, while she was in Kingston attending to her daughter. "We got up the Monday morning ready to go to the hospital; when we stepped out, the car was gone," she said. The car, which her son operated, was also a source of income for the family. The mother, who usually travels overseas, has to give up working to stay with her daugh-

ter. All responsibility now rests with her husband who also has to ensure their other children go to school. No insurance money has been paid to assist Williams, according to Beckett Miller, who said the insurance company is still awaiting the medical report from the hospital. The experience for the family has been devastating, as Beckett Miller said she has suffered several nervous breakdowns. Getting Williams home is Beckett Miller's deep desire, as she believes her daughter can be nursed back to good health. With her training as a practical nurse, Beckett Miller will be her daughter's caregiver at home. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Bollywood week ending May 16, 2013

Farhan Akhtar to endorse smartphone

ctor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar has been named the new face of smartphones brand ‘Intex Technologies’ and he says the products are value-for-money, reports IANS. “To me, Intex has been a long-standing player that spells trust, credibility, innovation and evolves with the usage patterns of consumers like us,” Farhan said in a statement. “The products are versatile and offers value-for-money, I am looking forward to this association and the next line up of innovative offerings from the Intex stable,” he added. Calling the 39-yearold actor “versatile and youthful”, Sanjay Kumar Kalirona, general manager-mobility division, Intex Technologies Ltd., said: “We are pleased

| www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Kareena claims acting is in Kapoor genes W

to announce one of the leading icons of film industry, Farhan Akhtar as our brand ambassador, who would be the face of our mobility division.” For the next one year, Farhan will be seen in the brand’s campaigns. (Bollywood Celebden)

Soha and Kunal living together

ctress Soha Ali Khan, who is in a relationship with actor Kunal Khemu, says commitment is more important for her than just finishing the formality of signing a paper. Her mother, actress Sharmila Tagore, wants her children to settle down soon in their lives, but Soha has a different view on marriage, IANS reported. “We have taken a big step together, where we are living together, which is equivalent to being married. For me, that’s the biggest step,” Soha told IANS. “She is a mother and she wants her child to be settled. But for me, moving [in] together was the biggest step. Now whether we get married or when we get married is not on my mind right now,” the 34-yearold, seen in films like ‘Rang De Basanti’, said. “For me, this is the biggest commitment and we have made this commitment to make things work. The formality is just associated with signing paper, but the value and commitment is more important to me,” she added. (Bollywood Celebden)

hen Kareena Kapoor says that acting is in her genes, the actress, who represents the fourth generation of her family, is absolutely right, as the Kapoor family enjoys about an 85-year long association with arc light, greasepaint and camera. It was Kareena’s great-grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor who laid down the foundation of acting in the family by entering showbiz in 1928, which was taken forward by his three sons – Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor, whose wife Jennifer was the first female from the clan to act in movies. Later, all three sons of Raj Kapoor – Randhir, Rishi and Rajeev-faced the camera. In the fourth generation, it was Randhir and actress Babita’s daughter

Karisma who carried forward the legacy of her family. Later, Kareena followed in her sister’s footsteps. As Indian cinema celebrates its 100 years, talking about her asso-

ciation with filmdom, Kareena told IANS: “Being a Kapoor, acting is genetic. My sister paved the way for me in the industry when she became the first Kapoor girl to take up acting.” Reminiscing on filmdom as a child, Kareena said she would accompany Karisma, who entered filmdom in 1991 with ‘Prem Qaidi’, to the sets and has grown up with the industry. “As a child, I used to accompany Lolo (Karisma) to the sets of her films, so I’ve seen the industry grow and vice versa. I have nothing but the highest regards for the industry,” said Kareena, who completes 13 years in filmdom and has been part of over 45 films, including hits like ‘Ajnabee’, ‘Aitraaz’, ‘Jab We Met’ and ‘3 Idiots’. (Bollywood Celebden)

Shahid Kapoor completes 10 years in filmdom

s he completes a decade in Bollywood, actor Shahid Kapoor has thanked his fans for showering their love on him, IANS reported. Shahid debuted in 2003 with hit movie ‘Ishq Vishk’, which portrayed him as Rajiv, a college boy confused about his feelings for best friend Payal, played by Amrita Rao. “10 years. Thank you all for all the love,” Shahid, who later gave hits like ‘Vivah’, ‘Kaminey’ and ‘Jab We Met’, posted on Twitter. The movie was directed by Ken

Ghosh and it also starred Shenaz Treasurywala. Actor Vishal Malhotra, who also got his big break with the same film where he played Mambo, Shahid’s best friend, also took to the socialnetworking site to thank his fans, the report said. “10 years ago today my first film ‘Ishq Vishk’ released. Mambo says … Thank you,” he tweeted. Shahid and Vishal worked together in 2008 movie ‘Kismat Konnection’ as well. (Bollywood Celebden)

Kiran Rao doesn’t believe in women-centric films F ilmmaker Kiran Rao, who made her directorial debut with ‘Dhobi Ghat’ in 2011, says she prefers creating “challenging roles for women in films” over women-oriented movies. She was at the time speaking at an awards function organised by Women In Film and Television (WIFT), IANS reported. “I would like to present women in all their diversity and colour. I think that’s what we should do best because filmmaking is ulti-

mately storytelling and I believe that to tell a story you need talent that women bring on the screen…I certainly will have more interesting women characters in my film,” she added. Talking about her next project, she said, “I have started writing. It’s a long process for me since I am unable to write a script faster. Though I have started, but I will make it only if something good turns out.” (Excerpt from Bollywood Celebden)

Ranbir Kapoor co-starring with parents Shahrukh Khan gets

ctor Ranbir Kapoor, who will be sharing the screen space with father Rishi Kapoor and mother Neetu Singh in Abhinav Kashyap's 'Besharam', says it was a learning experience. "It was a great experience working with mom and dad. It was for the first time we shot together. It is always fun to work with family. My father bullies the director and it's fun to watch him. It's a learning experience," said the 30-year-old. Ranbir, who was appreciated for his role in 'Rockstar' and 'Barfi!' recently, says, "I have not achieved anything, there is miles to go and lots of films to do. My parents are proud of my work and this is my biggest achievement," he said. 'Besharam' is slated to release Oct 2. (Times of India)

‘Chevalier Sivaji Award’

ollywood ‘Baadshah’ Shahrukh Khan was conferred with the ‘Chevalier Sivaji Award’, constituted after veteran Tamil actor Sivaji Ganeshan, at the 7th edition of Vijay awards, IANS reported. Shahrukh received the award from the hands of Kamal Haasan, Vijay and members from the family of Sivaji Ganeshan. "I have enjoyed working with Kamal Haasan and Ajith Kumar in my career. I may be the owner of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL cricket league, but my favourite

team is Chennai Super Kings," said Shahrukh while receiving his award. Shahrukh, 47, worked with Kamal Haasan in Tamil-Hindi bilingual ‘Hey Ram’ and with Ajith Kumar in Hindi film ‘Asoka’. ‘King Khan’, as he is often called, also handed over special category awards to actor Vijay and filmmaker A.R Murugadoss. The awards were presented to actors under different categories for the year 2012. (Times of India)

hollywood

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |week ending May 16, 2013

Jolie undergoes Justin Bieber serenades Angelina double mastectomy mom on Mother’s Day S

ustin Bieber had something special up his sleeve for his mom, Pattie Mallette, on Mother's Day: a sweet serenade. While the 19-year-old pop star performed to a sold-out crowd in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Sunday night, he surprised both the audience and his mom by bringing her up on stage and dedicating his popular song ‘One Less Lonely Girl’ to her. Just after the show, the singer took to Twitter to further express his love, writing, "Happy Mother's Day @ PattieMellatte. Today U R my #OLLG. Love u." Pattie was, of course, equally touched by her son's thoughtful gestures and tweeted, "So yep … @JustinBieber surprised me for Mother's Day tonight & brought me out for OLLG! #VerySweet!" (Excerpt from Yahoo OMG!)

uperstar Angelina Jolie has revealed that she underwent a double mastectomy, after learning she carried the BRCA1 gene which leads to an increased risk in breast and ovarian cancer. The 37-year-old, who lost her mother Marcheline Bertrand, 56, in 2007 to ovarian cancer, finished three months of medical procedures on April 27. Jolie opted for the surgeries because the gene put her at an 87 per cent risk of developing

breast cancer, reported New York Times. Jolie's surgery was a success and doctors say her chances of developing breast cancer are now

less than five per cent. The 'Salt' actress, who raises six children with fiancé Brad Pitt, revealed her kids were one of the main reasons why she had the surgery. “I can tell my children that they don't need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer. It is reassuring that they see nothing that makes them uncomfortable. They can see my small scars and that's it. Everything else is just Mommy, the same as she always was.” (Excerpt from Times of India)

Filmmaker Michael Haneke wins Spain’s Asturias prize

A Suri Cruise to launch fashion line T om Cruise and Katie Holmes' daughter, Suri, is all set to bring out her very own fashion line. The 7-year-old has inked a 1.5millionpound deal and her label has been imaginatively named 'Suri', the Sun reported. The fashion-conscious schoolgirl, who often tops lists of most stylish celebrity child, will launch her first collection for young girls this autumn in a New York-based department store. The brand will be launched in shops across North America next year, if it gets successful. A source told the Sun that Suri is only sev-

en but she is incredibly interested in clothes. The source revealed that while most girls dream of being able to make their own clothes, this just means that Suri's drawings will now become a reality. However, plans for the fashion range - which will cover everything from dresses, tops and jeans to shoes and accessories - have been in the pipeline since last year, after several firms approached Holmes. In the beginning, the idea was for Suri to have a fashion blog, but the concept was extended after she started to talk about special designs

for her clothes. (Excerpt from Times of India)

DiCaprio environmental art auction tops US$38 million

eonardo DiCaprio urged wealthy art collectors Monday to bid at an environmental charity auction in New York as if the planet's fate “depends on us” -- and they responded by splashing out US$38.8 million, AFP reported. The “11th Hour” auction at Christie's featured 33 works of mostly contemporary art, much of it created for the event and addressing environmental themes. Most of the proceeds went to environmental protection causes championed by the Hollywood actor's ‘Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation’. Even after the sale, the haul shot up when an anonymous collector donated US$5 million to match the prices realised for three tiger paintings featuring in the line-up “in order to protect tigers”, Christie's said. “The gifts of many other generous donors totalled US$500,000, generating an overall amount of US$38.8 million,” the auction house said. DiCaprio, currently starring in a lavish new production of ‘The Great Gatsby’, describes his foundation as

ustrian filmmaker Michael Haneke was announced as the recipient of the 2013 ‘Prince of Asturias Award’ for the Arts, IANS reported. The 71-year-old writer and director's films include, ‘The Piano Teacher’, ‘The White Ribbon’ and ‘Amour’, which won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Meeting in the northern Spanish city of Oviedo, capital of the principality of Asturias, the jury for the arts award selected Haneke from among more than 30 nominees. "Employing radical sincerity, keen observation and extreme subtlety, his work constitutes an original and highly personal approach to fundamental issues that concern and affect us both individually and collectively," the jury said of Haneke. Haneke greeted the news of his selection with extraordinary joy and satisfaction, as he thanked the jury for the honour. Along with a cash

award of 50,000 euros and a sculpture by Joan Miro that symbolises the awards, each recipient gets a diploma and an insignia bearing the Prince of Asturias Foundation's coat of arms. The arts prize is one of eight ‘Prince of Asturias Awards’ given out annually. (Hindustan Times)

‘Y&R’ actor Jeanne Cooper dies at 84

‘T

he Young and the Restless’ (Y&R) star Jeanne Cooper has passed away. She was 84. Her son, actor Corbin Bernsen wrote on Facebook that she died in morning of May 8th in her sleep, Fox News reported. The family also confirmed the death to CBS, according to a network spokeswoman. The star was best known for her role as, Katherine Chancellor, for nearly four decades on the popular show, ‘The Young and the Restless’. Cooper, born in the California town of Taft in 1928, joined the daytime serial six months after its March 1973 debut, staking claim to the title of longest-tenured cast member. The role earned her 11 Daytime Emmy nominations and a trophy for best actress in a drama series in 2008. She had a parallel career in TV, with shows including, ‘The Adventures

of Kit Carson’ in 1953, ‘The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse’ in 1954 and ‘Bracken’s World’ in 1969-70. But it was her role on, ‘The Young and the Restless’ that made her a TV star intimately familiar to viewers. (Hindustan Times)

Jaden Smith keen to be emancipated from parents

“dedicated to protecting the last wild places on Earth and the critically endangered species that inhabit them.” However, DiCaprio said the world's embattled environment needs far more help. (Excerpt from Times of India)

ill and Jada Smith's elder son Jaden is looking forward to buying his own house and getting emancipated from his star parents. Will Smith revealed to the Sun that his son recently told him that he wants legal freedom and independence from them

and so he wants to buy his own house and live alone, Radar Online reported. Will said that Jaden, who will be turning 15 in July, has asked for a very unique gift. “He says, 'Dad, I want to be emancipated.' I know if we do this, he can be an emancipated

minor, because he really wants to have his own place….like 'Ooh',” Will said. Will, who is father of two other kids, Willow, 12, and Trey, 19, added that he has a laid back approach to parenting and he doesn't believe in scolding his children. (Times of India)

feature

week ending May 16, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Twin boys reflect on their mother’s influence in their academic successes

wins Tony and Andy Geer are forever grateful for the solid academic and ethical foundation laid by their parents, especially by their mother, and this they acknowledged as the basis of their successes. Tony now works as a digital project manager at a marketing agency in downtown Toronto, and Andy is a decision support specialist at a downtown hospital in Toronto, which means he is involved in patient costing and performance measurement. They both have followed very similar academic paths, earning their first degree in Computer Science from the University of Guyana, and MBAs from the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business at UWI, where Tony graduated with a distinction, and was awarded the Director’s Prize for outstanding academic achievement and contribution to student life. In September, Andy would be starting the MHSc Health Administration programme at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto. The following is the excerpt of an interview from the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine (SM) in which Tony and Andy spoke of their mother’s influences and what makes her unique. SM: Tell us a bit about your mom. Tony: Our mom, Jean Geer, celebrated her 63rd birthday earlier this year. She grew up in Bel Air [Georgetown] and she and dad continued to live and spend most of their time there. She’s very outgoing: loves meeting up with new people and existing friends and family. She’s also got a keen business

The Geer family

sense. Andy: Overall she’s a pretty good inspiration as someone who is exuberant about life, willing to take calculated risks, and believes in continuous improvement. Our parents also like to travel, so we get to see her and dad a couple times a year. SM: What are some fond childhood memories with her? Tony: There are lots, but the first

that comes to mind was when we visited Florida and went to theme parks there-that was pretty nice. Andy: I can start by telling you what wasn’t fond: getting ‘licks’ with anything within reach when we got into trouble! But I’d say my fondest memories are those half-remembered, foggy ones that most people have of when they were growing up. Mine centred on her being a really good, patient teacher, and enjoying the time we spent to-

gether. SM: What advice does she always give to you? Tony: The best lesson that she’s taught us over the years, through her words and actions, is to do what is right, even though sometimes it’s much easier to just do what’s easy. Andy: That nothing good ever comes without sacrifice. SM: What makes her unique? Tony: A thousand things! When I think of her, two things stand out for me: firstly, that she’s one of the strongest people I know, having gone through a lot, but she still soldiers on without complaint; and secondly, she’s not only been a great mother to her children but she’s also a great wife to my dad, and a great friend to all of us as we’ve grown older. Andy: All moms are unique, in their own way. I also feel that her strength has been an inspiration to me, along with the great marriage she and our dad have worked on maintaining. SM: What’s one thing she does that you can never live without? Tony: Of course her cooking! But really, it’s great to have someone who has always believed in us and supported us in everything that we wanted. Andy: Tony nailed it - her cooking. She makes it look so easy sometimes too. On one visit, I thought I’d learn how to cook curry, so of course I just stood in the kitchen watching. Apparently there’s some truth to the saying “learn by doing”, because when I got back home I still had to Skype her, because I couldn’t remember how to do anything. (Excerpt from Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Documentary on ‘Cedros Hosay’ launched in TT S

everal different elements of Trinidad and Tobago culture are fading fast, but the Culture Division of the Arts and Multiculturalism Ministry is working on preserving them so that future generations would not forget the country’s past. “Ten Days of Muharram: The Cedros Hosay”, is one of these projects that has been completed by the ministry working with writer and director, Che Rodriguez. The one hour and 46 minutes long documentary was launched last Wednesday at MovieTowne, Portof-Spain. Speaking at that event, Arts and Multiculturalism Minister, Dr Lincoln Douglas said the project was inspired by tassa camps conducted by the ministry alongside the National Tassa Association in 2011 in the Cedros area. The camps allowed the ministry to interact with the Cedros Hosay Association and

people in the community. “The strong sense of pride and commitment to preserving the tradition of Hosay became evident. Also striking was the complete involvement of persons regardless of race, religion or age. We felt that the richness of the festival was not only in the outcome but more so in the process,” Douglas said. He added this documentary is just the beginning and the ministry would continue to explore ways to continue to document the rich cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago. Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Diedre Bascombe said the documentary is an educational experience. “It chronicles the genesis, development and experiences of the festival of Hosay. What is significant about this documentary and about the festival of Hosay itself is the participatory development approach utilised,” she said. Bascombe added the entire community is involved in a collab-

A scene from 2009 Cedros Hosay in Trinidad (TT Newsday file photo) orative, nation building effort, something that could be adopted by the rest of the nation.

“We recognise the benefits of unity in diversity,” she said adding the ministry has spon-

sored pan camps and tassa camps in the past to this end. Director of Culture, Ingrid Ryan-Ruben said the idea for the documentary took root a year and a half ago during the Tassa workshop and is now a reality. “Hosay for us is a true Trinidad and Tobago experience and the Cedros Hosay is totally Trinidad and Tobago. People of all races and religions, everyone in the community is part of the Hosay celebrations and those are the things that make us Trinbagonians,” she said. She said the Culture Division is working on heritage preservation. “We recognise that we cannot move forward positively unless we know who we are and where we come from. It is our past which defines our future.” Ryan-Ruben said in 2009 the Division began resuscitating cultural archives, some of which were information collected by the National Cultural Council from

1975 until the 1980s. “We understood the gems we had and so out of that work we introduced the Remember When Institute,” she said. On the documentary, she said the Division recognised the need to capture the essence of the people. “Hosay was one of those things that we felt was in urgent need of safeguarding which is why we commissioned the film on Hosay,” she said. “We have been spending the last two years working on developing the National Inventory of intangible cultural heritage. We shortlisted what we think is in urgent need of safeguarding, meaning if we do not capture it now, we would lose it forever. Stuff like how to make chilli bibi and others foods. Festivals like Hosay and Sipari Mai and La Divina Pastora.” These would receive attention first, she said so that it would be preserved for future generations. (TT Newsday)

feature

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending May 16, 2013

‘Prison changed me’ - Canadian inmate thankful for Fort Augusta experience in Jamaica

anadian national Christine Peers is a long way from home. The mother of three is serving time in Fort Augusta Adult Correctional Centre in St Catherine, Jamaica, and had to spend Mother's Day away from her children. As difficult as it has been however, she says the experience has changed her for the better. “This has taught me a big lesson and I'm not ashamed. I don't regret it and I'm really happy that it happened," she told Jamaican media. She said the stories shared by the juveniles in the facility have moved her and have opened her eyes. "They have come from really bad situations and they all just want something of you and if you give one, you have to give to 10 more and you're only one person. I have three, but even though they're not with me, I know they are being

A group of incarcerated mothers at Fort Augusta Adult Correctional Centre in Jamaica, talk about having to spend Mother’s Day without their children. (Karl Mclarty/Jamaica Observer photo)

loved right now and my heart goes out to them," she said. The juveniles' stories hit home with Peers because prior to coming to Jamaica, she was in the midst of a custody battle and since her incarceration, they have become wards of the State. The more she talked about it, the more she cried.

"If I hadn't had this experience, I probably would have just left home with my same... I would have never changed. It's opened my eyes to what I was doing, my destruction in my own life, the pattern, this circle I was creating. They say that life is a circle, you either keeping on going in that circle

or you break it and you go on a different direction in life," she said. Asked what that cycle was, Peers said "drugs". "I truly believe that because I was using, is why I'm here," she said. "Somebody planted drugs in my suitcase and it was God's way of showing me that this is the way your life is going, look what you are doing to yourself. And either I can come out of here and continue being a drug addict or I can go home and change my life and get those kids back, and that's what I plan to do." Peers and a friend, who is also behind bars with her, came to Jamaica on vacation and ended up in Fort Augusta. They are serving two years and should be released either in October or next February. "The lawyer said take some time, go rest your nerves and go on vacation. When you come back we'll figure out what to do from where we

are," she said, explaining the reason she came on vacation. “(But) because I was in custody here, they made them wardens of the state. So I had my heart ripped out of my chest; but I've spoken to the lawyer and, a couple of days ago, she told me that we are gonna go back to court and fight because what they did was wrong," she said. "I believe that next year Mother's Day will be the happiest day of my life again," she said. Peers and Ann were among a group of mothers to whom Jamaican media spoke on Saturday, the eve of Mother's Day. They talked about their feelings being separated from their children, how it has affected their relationship and how they cope with it. As at Saturday, there were 237 adult inmates at Fort Augusta, and 57 juveniles. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Star of the Week

ay-Ann Ward was born in Clarendon, Jamaica. She wears many hats including that of choreographer, fitness instructor, dance instructor and creative director. She is also the founder of Bold Movement Production company, a business that produces dance / fitness classes, events and performances for a variety of functions. Ward works part-time too as a programme coordinator for the Scarborouch Youth Resource Centre and also teaches several dance workout classes. More so, she is dance ambassador for the “I love dance/ J’aime la danse”, a six year national awareness campaign presented by the Canadian Dance Assembly and its partners. She recently performed with some of Jamaica’s legendary artists such as ‘Beenie Man’ and ‘Yellow Man’. Her choreography style is known as innovative and compelling, whether it’s fun and exciting, sexy and upbeat or a deep and emotionally-based dance piece, she sets the tone to go above and beyond with the movements she creates. Ward fuses unconventional movements to create performances that bring the music and message to life, as well as bringing the best out of her dancers and clients. Never holding back from what she wants to say through her artistic work, she stays inspired by leaving herself open to the endless creativity that surrounds her. Known for her strong and captivating solo performances, she has created a unique dancehall-inspired performance called the ‘Island Goddess’. Her ability to command the stage when she is teaching and performing is what sets her apart as a true instructor, performer and entertainer. This talented young lady plans on creating her own dance workout DVDs and instructional dance DVDs.

sport

week ending May 16, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Jamaica’s Shaun Bridgmohan boots home five-timer

Jamaican jockey Shaun Bridgmohan (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

amaican jockey Shaun Bridgmohan captured five straight wins, including the feature US$64,418 Unbridled Sidney Stakes for the third consecutive year, to grab all the headlines at the famous Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky Saturday. The 33-year-old won races six through to 10 on the 11-race programme to move to 15 wins for the two-month season, and overtake Kentucky Derby winner Joel Rosario on 14. More significantly, he steered 3-1 chance ‘Good Deed’ to victory in the Unbridled Sidney, beating the three-year-old and upward fillies and mares by 4 1/4 lengths over a five-furlong sprint. The four-year-old bay filly clocked 57:37 seconds. Good Deed duelled

early on with 13-1 bet ‘The Last Meow’ before setting the pace with fractions of 21.99 seconds for the first quarter and 45.13 for the halfmile. Once in the stretch, Bridgmohan opened her up and she breezed to the finish unchallenged to easily win her debut on turf. "With her natural speed, I just let her put herself in the race and just go from there. It was all her," Bridgmohan said afterward. The top reinsman also captured the Unbridled Sidney in 2011 with ‘Little Polka Dot’ and last year with ‘Wild About Marie’. After failing to impress in two rides on the five previous races on the card, Bridgmohan came to life in race six’ when he produced a stalking ride aboard 15-1 outsider ‘Gamay Noir’ to beat the three-year-old and upward fillies and mares by 3 1/2 lengths over a mile on dirt. He returned in race seven with the sevenyear-old bay gelding ‘Au Moon’ to eke out a narrow win in another mile trip before winning an identical close contest in race eight with favourite ‘Flashy Sunrise’ over a mile and sixteenth. In race nine, Bridgmohan paired with three-year-old chestnut colt ‘Coin Flip’ to whip the three-year-olds and upward by 4 1/2 length in a six-furlong sprint, in a warm-up for the Unbridled Sidney. (CMC)

TT’s Kelly-Ann Baptiste wins Florida 200m in windy 22.63 T

rinidad and Tobago’s KellyAnn Baptiste sped to victory in the women’s 200m in Florida on the weekend in a wind assisted time of 22.63. The clocking was aided by a strong tail wind of 6.3 metres per second. Winds also pushed former world champion Tyson Gay (USA) to a fast men’s 200m win of 19.79 (+2.5) while Jamaican Nickel Ashmeade ran 9.91 (+3.8) in the men’s 100m heats with Keston Bledman running a legal 10.14(+2.0) in his heat. In the finals, Martin Keller of Germany was the fastest in 9.99 (+3.7). Meanwhile, Kashef Daniel of Arksansas State finished joint second in the men’s high jump at the Sun Belt Outdoor Championships in Miramar, Florida. The Scarborough Secondary graduate had a bestleap of 2.05m. Coppin State’s Haysean Cowie Clarke was 11th in the men’s 100m prelims in 10.81 at the IC4A/ECAC Champs in New Jersey. Cowie Clarke was part of Coppin’s State’s men’s 4x100m team which finished ninth in 41.72, missing the finals by one place. TT’s Olympic men’s javelin champion Keshorn Walcott is set to compete in second Diamond League meet in Shanghai, China on May 18. Walcott will be seeking to overcome his Diamond League baptism in Doha on May 10, where he could have only managed sixth in the Qatari capital with a distance of 79.79m,

well below his season’s best of 84.59, achieving in winning at the TnT Elite Twighlight Games at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on May 3. Double Olympic bronze medallist (400m/4x400m) Lalonde Gordon is also down to compete in the Chinese city. The 24-year-old is down to compete in the men’s 400m and will be making his third Diamond League appearance after compete in Zurich, Switzerland and Brussels, Belgium last year. Wayne Davis II got under the World Championships B standard for the men’s 110m hurdles at the SEC Outdoor Championships in Missouri, US on the weekend. The Texas A&M student was quicker than the 13.50 mark when he topped the heats in 13.45 and returned to win the finals in 13.46. The national record holder (13.37) is now the eleventh local athlete to notch marks for the 2013 World Outdoor Track and Field Championships set for Moscow, Russia from August 10 to 18. Sparkle McKnight (Arkansas) added the 400m hurdles ‘B’ standard to the 400m flat, which she already achieved earlier this year. Mc Knight captured the SEC one lap hurdles title in a pb of 55.71 getting past the 56.55 standard. The 2010 double Carifta medallist dipped under the 52.30 400m flat ‘B’ mark, running 52.17 in April. Olympic men’s javelin champion Keshorn Walcott leads the list of

Kelly-Ann Baptiste (TT Newsday file photo)

‘A’ qualifiers with his season’s opening throw of 84.39 (A standard-83.50). Olympic bronze medallist Deon Lendore (men’s 400m-season’s best45.00/A standard-45.28), sprint queen KellyAnn Baptiste (women’s 100m=11.06/11.28), Mikel Thomas (men’s 110m hurdles-13.39/13.50), Michelle Lee-Ahye (women’s 100m11.07/11.28) and Jehue Gordon (men’s 400m hurdles-49.05/49.40) are the other ‘A’ qualifiers. The ‘B’ standard picks are Cleopatra Borel (women’s shot put-season’s best 17.75/B standard-17.20), Sparkle McKnight (women’s 400m52.17/52.30 & 400m

hurdles-55.71/56.55), Aleesha Barber (women’s 100m hurdles-13.04/13.10), Rondel Sorillo (men’s 100m10.21/10.21). Qualifying performances must be achieved from 1 October 2012 to 29 July 2013. The men’s 4x100m (38.10, 4x400m (3:59.40) and women’s 4x100m (42.31) relay teams have all gotten the required marks in 2012 as the qualifying period for relay teams from 1 January 2012 to 29 July 2013. The men’s 4×100 (38.10), 4×400 (2:59.40) and the women’s 4×100 (42.31) teams achieved the qualifying marks of 39.30, 3:05.00 and 44.00 respectively in 2012. (TT Newsday)

WICB to benefit by US$4.5 million from CPL T

he West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) stands to benefit to the tune of US$4.5M per year from their deal with Verus International-the owners of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). This according to WICB director Baldath Mahabir. The TT representative to the WICB said: “The West Indies Cricket Board was running the regional T20 tournament and was losing US$3M a year because there were no sponsors. Now, with this deal with the CPL, we have our players playing good quality T20 cricket and the WICB don’t have to fork out the US$3M to stage it.

“On the other hand, CPL will pay the WICB a license fee of US$1.5M per year, so in effect the value of the deal will be worth US$4.5M to the WICB.” Recently, questions were raised as to why the WICB would enter into such a lengthy deal in terms of time (20 years) and whether they took into account inflation when they settled for a fee of US$1.5M per year. Mahabir allayed those fears by saying that the board has taken that into account and there are measures in place to deal with inflation, since, “There is a clause in the contract which states that after seven years they can re-

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) stands to benefit significantly from the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL)

view the value of the li-

cence fee, so this is good

and it will take into account inflation and other things.” Mahabir said it would have been very difficult for the WICB to go the route of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in owning the tournament and having franchises. “The WICB needed someone to bankroll this tournament because when you look at the economy in the region, it would have been different for the WICB to sell the franchises. You might have gotten buy in from say Trinidad and Tobago, but some of the other countries would have found it difficult to be part of it. “In this way the

WICB can still benefit financially and put more players on retainer contract, while the tournament is well taken care off.” The CPL, which has replaced the regional T20 tournament, will officially bowl off on July 30 and will have six teams coming from TT, Barbados, Jamaica, Antigua, Guyana and St Lucia. The fixtures, which were revealed over the weekend, will see the each franchise playing seven matches, three at home, three away and one at a neutral venue. The semi-finals and finals will be played in Trinidad and Tobago. (TT Guardian)

sport

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending May 16, 2013

Holding gets lifetime award Guyana versus Jamaica from London University boxing showdown on June 8 W

Iwan Azore

Edmond DeClou

Dexter Marques

he intention of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) and the Jamaica Boxing Association (JBA) to have a solid and working partnership was aptly exemplified following the sealing of a deal to have a Guyana versus Jamaica five-fight showdown on June 8 on the Island of Wood and Water. GBBC’s matchmaker Eion Jardine told the press last Thursday that five tantalising fights are billed for the next month’s card, with five Guyanese fighters set

to represent the Golden Arrowhead in the land of reggae. Heavyweight Theophilus King, welterweights Gladwin Dorway and Iwan Azore, middleweight Edmond DeClou and fly weight Dexter Marques have been earmarked to represent Guyana on the historic card, which will be the first to be jointly promoted by the governing bodies of the respective nations. King will trade skills with debutant Jamaro Nooks in a four- round contest; Dorway will face Donavon Campbell in an

eight- round exhange; Azore, the welterweight champion of Guyana, will face recently crowned WBC CABOFE welterweight champion Sakima Mullings in a 10- rounder; De Clou will put his WBC CABOFE middleweight title on the line against Anthony Osbourne; and Marques will defend his WBC CABOFE flyweight belt against Rudolph Hedge. A touring party to accompany the boxers will be announced soon, while a venue for the card is yet to be finalised.

VCB promises explosive starts in future

orld-class athletes don't always repeat errors, which is why 100m sprinters should not expect former IAAF World Championships 100m champion Veronica Campbell Brown to have a poor start as she did in her opening race at the recent Jamaica International Invitational (JII) meet at the National Stadium. Campbell Brown, who stormed back from fifth place midway the race to nip Trinidad and Tobago's Kelly-Ann Baptiste on the finish line to win in 11.01 seconds, admitted she was not as alert to the starter's gun as she should have been. “In every race you normally learn things that you need to go back and work on," Campbell Brown said. She added: "I needed to be a little more alert (tonight). I felt like I was sleeping somewhat, I didn't react the way I should have, but it was my first 100m and it normally gets the kinks out. I am glad I got it out of the way and I look forward to the rest of the season."

Veronica Campbell Brown of Jamaica

Despite this, Campbell Brown, who ran several 200m races leading up to the JII event, was pleased with her time, in spite of what she described as "a shaky start", but she reverted to her experience from years of competing, maintaining her composure "and kept running through my phases" to the victory. The London Olympic

Games 100m bronze medallist, who will compete next at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in New York at the end of May, said she had to change plans midway the race after the poor start. "When I realised I was not where I wanted to be, I just concentrated on doing what I needed to do and run through the phases," she noted. (Jamaica Observer)

est Indies cricket legend, Michael Holding, was presented with a ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award by the University of East London (UEL) at its annual Sports Awards over the weekend. Holding, who was feared by batsmen and often referred to by the chilling moniker ‘Whispering Death’, is regarded by many as the greatest fast bowler of all time. “It’s a great honour to be receiving this award, Holding told a packed audience at the Emirates Stadium— home of Arsenal Football Club. “It means a lot,” he said. Holding was a key

Michael Holding

player in the legendary West Indies squad which dominated international cricket at a time of global race riots and apartheid, with an exceptional winning streak that lasted from the mid-seventies to the early nineties. “When I was a kid my mother always told

me ‘make sure you get a piece of paper behind your name’, and now I’m a doctor,” Holding said. “It’s a great feeling to know that the University of East London wants to give me this award,” he added. High Commissioner of Jamaica, Her Excellency Aloun Ndombet-Assamba and Olympian rowing star, Mark Hunter MBE were among officials in attendance. The University of East London, which celebrated an unprecedented year in sports, says it’s aiming to be the number one university in London for sport by 2015. UEL has over 28,000 students from over 120 countries. (TT Newsday)

Barbados crowned Four-day champs

We are the champions! The Barbados players and management team pose with Sir Everton Weekes (centre), in whose honour the Regional Four-day trophy was named

istless Trinidad and Tobago slumped to a heavy innings and 22- run loss in the Regional Four-day final, to hand Barbados their 21st first class title on Saturday. Starting the penultimate day at Kensington Oval on 1404 and requiring nothing short of a miracle to stay alive in the contest, TT folded meekly for 237, 25 minutes after lunch, to complete a miserable outing and finish the season with little to show for their efforts. Attacking opener Lendl Simmons converted his overnight 111 into a top score of 140, while Stephen Katwaroo got 34, but the lower order was devoid of fight as TT lost their last six wickets for 97 runs. Seamer Javon Searles was the pick of the bowlers, grabbing 3-31, while impressive fast bowler Miguel Cummins added one to his three from overnight to finish with 4-75. He was voted Man of the Match for his ninewicket match haul. TT captain Denesh Ramdin said afterward, his side’s campaign had suffered because of the loss of key personnel,

with the new players not performing up to scratch. “It was an up and down season and we had to keep chopping and changing players, some going and some coming. We did not get that balance in our batting department so we were always struggling to put 200 runs on the board and our bowlers have done it throughout the season for us,” the West Indies wicket keeper said. “This is [one of the few times] we have gotten over 220 runs for the season. It is something we have to think about and we have to go back to our drawing board. The top five or six batters need to come to the party. They didn’t come consistently as we wanted them too in this tournament.” He added: “Well played to Simmons this game. He got a hundred but coming from 260 behind, it is a hard task to overcome that.” Barbados coach Hendy Springer, meanwhile, was understandably elated by his team’s triumph. “It feels great after you have completed a season after the kind of start

we had, win a trophy and still look around and see some of the young guys improve as well. That is the definition of success for me,” he said. “We had guys that were willing to fight, willing to prove their worth and that was important.”

sport week ending May 16, 2013

Fraser-Pryce among nine Jamaicans for Shanghai Diamond League

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

ouble Olympic 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will be among nine Jamaicans to compete at the Shanghai Diamond League meet on Saturday. Fraser-Pryce will renew her rivalry with 100m World Champion Carmelita Jeter, who set a world leading 10.95 seconds a few weeks ago. Aleen Bailey, Sherri-Ann

Brooks and Samantha Henry-Robinson are the other Jamaicans to line up in that event. Three-time Diamond League winner Kaliese Spencer will also seek to extend her dominance in the league’s 400m hurdles when she takes on World Champion American Lashinda Demus. Jamaica’s Kimberly Williams will start in the women’s triple jump, seeking to continue her creditable performance in the event in the past two seasons. Olympic 200m bronze medallist Warren Weir will tackle the 100m third-place finisher American Justin Gatlin over the longer sprint. Weir should start as favourite based on times with a season’s best of 20.14 seconds and a personal best of 19.84 seconds. Marvin Anderson and Jason Young are the other Jamaicans in the event which also features the consistent American Wallace Spearmon. (Jamaica Observer)

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Guyana looks to lift rugby title in clash with Barbados this weekend T

he Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has named a strong 26-man squad to face Barbados on Saturday at the National Stadium, Providence. The game is part of the North American and Caribbean Rugby Association’s (NACRA) Senior Men 15s Caribbean championship. According to a correspondence from the GRFU, this initial squad will be further reduced to 22 on Friday. The players have been in training over the past few weeks at the National Park rugby field, and according to head coach Theodore Henry, the Guyanese are expected to give a good account of themselves come Saturday. Technical Director of the GRFU, Alwin Etwah, said the coaching staff is

Ryan Gonsalves

Theodore Henry

Claudius Butts

satisfied with the level of training so far, but pointed out that much more needs to be done not only for this game, but for the games to follow. Etwah warned that the Bajans will be coming with all cyclinders firing, especially since they earned a draw against the Guyanese last year, but he is confident Guyana will emerge with the victory this time. President of the GRFU, Colonel John

Lewis, said he is pleased with the combination of players put together by the selectors for Saturday’s game. He said the Guyanese are looking at nothing short than lifting the title once again, having dominated regional rugby in the recent past. As such, he is urging Guyanese to wear green in support of the home team this weekend. The squad is: Delroy Gordon, Rondell McArthur, Dwayne

Schroder, Kevon David, Rickford Cummings, Richard Staglon, Avery Corbin, Jacques Archibald, Terrence Daniels, Jason Tyrell, Grantley Williams, Cloyde Prowell, Dillion Downer, Ryan Gonsalves, Christopher Singh, Breon Walks, Claudius Butts, Lancelot Adonis, Blaze Bailey, Ronald Mayers, Akeem Fraser, Peabo Hamilton, Troy Bascombe, Elwin Chase, Carl Lewis and Leon Greaves.

NEW GPC INC supports Guyana’s referees’ council with state-of-the-art cameras

Bolt ‘excited’ N to run in Zurich

Usain Bolt

print legend Usain Bolt will compete at the Diamond League meet in Zurich in August, the Jamaican athlete confirmed Monday. "I am excited to go back to Zurich. I love the electric atmosphere at the stadium and both the competition and the events during the week of the meeting are always extremely well-organised," he said in a statement on the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) website. The ‘fastest man on the planet’ and defending 100m and 200m champion from the Beijing and

London Olympics said he will decide whether to run the longer or shorter sprint nearer the time of the meet on August 29. Bolt's appearance will be his first outing after the World Athletics Championships in Moscow from August 1018, where he will be hoping to regain the world title he lost to training partner Yohan Blake in Daegu, South Korea, in 2011. Bolt won last year's 200m at Zurich in 19.66secs. In 2009, he won the 100m in 9.81secs and the previous year in 9.83secs. In 2007, he was second in the 200m in 20.19secs. (Jamaica Observer)

EW GPC INC continued its support of the Guyana Football Referee Council (GFRC) last Friday, supplying the body with state-of-theart digital camera monitoring devices at the company’s head office, East Bank Demerara. The digital cameras, which are expected to monitor the actions of referees during a game, will aid referees to improve and work to become better referees according to junior vice president of the GFRC Dion Inniss. Marketing manager of NEW GPC INC Trevor Bassoo indicated that the company is delighted to be a part of the progression of the council and by extension the game of football. “We are pleased to be associated with the council and in expressing our support of the council, this is another one of our gestures to support the council in order to enhance the game of foot-

Trevor Bassoo (third from right) hands over new camera equipment to Dion Inniss in the presence of a few referees and general secretary of the referee council Dwayne Lovell (extreme right)

ball,” Bassoo stated at the handing over ceremony. Meanwhile, Inniss expressed thanks on behalf of the GFRC, stating that the new equipment will go a far way in assisting the referees. “We want to express our heartfelt thanks to the NEW GPC, it is some of the best technical equipment and we think

it will enhance our performance greatly over a short period of time,” he said. Inniss noted that the “(NEW GPC) have been good partners with us and they would always render assistance to us and I think it is a company that puts their money where their mouth is and this will go a far way in helping improve referee-

ing.” Further, he appealed to corporate Guyana to come out and support the council, “I also want to take this opportunity to ask corporate Guyana to come forward and help. I don’t think much is being done worldwide in helping referees and NEW GPC has started and we want more to come onboard,” Inniss stated.

Grenada makes giant leap in FIFA rankings

renada has emerged as the most improved team in the latest FIFA rankings. The ‘Spice Boyz’, crowned Windward Islands Football champions last month, climbed 20 spots to 121 in the global rankings and 16 in the Confederation of

North, Central American and Caribbean Football (CONCACAF). The movement is owed in part to the two victories in the Windward Islands Football Association (WIFA) Tournament in St Vincent. Grenada defeated the host 1-0 and St Lucia

2-1 to win the threeteam tournament following the withdrawal of Dominica after the tragic death of the coach and a player a few days before the kick-off. St Vincent had the biggest drop in points (35) and ranks (10) to 131. Mexico remain lead-

ers in CONCACAF and 16 in the world, followed by the United States 29, Panama 38, Costa Rica 48 and Honduras rounding off the top 50. Jamaica, ranked 53rd and sixth in CONCACAF, is the top team from the Caribbean Football Union (CFU). (CMC)

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

INTERNATIONAL WEEK ENDING MAY 16 , 2013 Taveena Kum

By Ravendra Madholall

amaica’s lone female boxer on show, Felice Groves, failed to make an impact against experienced Canadian fighter Taveena Kum on Saturday at the Treasure Beach Sports Park in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. Kum dominated the proceedings from the first bell in the six-round confrontation and her coach, Jamaican-born Dewith Frazer, has since expressed great satisfaction with the performance. During an inclusive interview with Caribbean Times International Sport on his return from the reggae island, the coach said the night’s action was pleasing in both the female and male categories, when the Jamaica Boxing Board of Control (JBBC) in collaboration with promoter Jason Hazell held the international meet. “I [am] definitely happy with the outcome by these young, talented athletes (who performed) with such an unbelievable passion,” Frazer stated. “The only encounter in the female category was tremendous and I think Taveena (Kum) showed great class as a professional boxer.” During the fight, the 26-year-old flyweight fight-

er proved her all-round capability sending a range of punches to her opponent’s head and body, according to Frazer and she also displayed great skills and techniques against the local, something that brought a great degree of satisfaction to the coach. Efforts to contact Kum for words on her victory proved futile. However, in the other clashes of the night, the males also emerged with victories in their five bouts. Jonathan Tello defeated Kemahl Russel in a fiveround feather-weight encounter, while Josh Wagner thrashed Kesta Davis in their middleweight fight. The experience of Jesse Wilcox was too much for the lowly-rated Jonathan Hanson in another middleweight match-up, while Max Rizzi and Oshane Cleary were engaged in a tight tussle but the local boy was disqualified owing to a violation during their interaction. Frazer also spoke greatly about the men who proved their superiority over the host team. He is now convinced that his team will continue to make a big impression when the Jamaicans return to Canada for the second leg. “They had some good fighters from Jamaica who represented their country at various levels, but our

boys fought with typical aggression and technique so I was confident they would have done well,” Frazer declared. The coach expressed gratitude to the JBBC for hosting such an event, which he said he believes would subsequently build a good relationship between the two countries, especially in the field of boxing. “I want to thank the JBBC and Hazell for hosting us in this international meet; it certainly demonstrated an excellent relationship between us and we would continue to have a steady clash with the boxers; the Jamaican boxers are expected to be in Canada later this year and I am very confident it will be another exciting event,” Frazer, who runs a Boxing Studio in Mississauga, Toronto, reckoned.

Caribbean Times International - (Canada Office) Unit 12, 680 Rexdale Blvd., Etobicoke, Toronto, Ontario M9WOB5 email: news@caribbeantimesinternational.com, marketing@caribbeantimesinternational.com, caribtimes@gmail.com