Caribbean Times International - Week Ending August 15, 2013

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ISSUE NO. 63

CANADA EDITION

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WEEK ENDING August 15, 2013

Essequibo student cops 20 subjects at CSEC in Guyana Page 2

Guyana’s Education Minister Priya Manickchand with the top five students of the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary at the CSEC examinations. Also in photo are Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud (right) and ARMS Headmaster Lalljeet Rooplall (left) (MOE Photo)

Omar Davies

Chinese to invest US$1.5 billion in Jamaica

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TT downgraded in human trafficking report Page 5

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Essequibo student cops 20 subjects at CSEC in Guyana Z imeena Rasheed, a Guyanese student who attended the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary (ARMS) in Essequibo has topped this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations with 20 subjects-18 grade ones and two grade twos.

Coming in second was Yogeeta Persaud, also a student of the ARMS, with 18 grade ones.

Announcing the results at the ARMS on Tuesday, Guyana’s Education Minister Priya Manickchand said there has been an overall improvement in the number of students gaining grade ones in Guyana at this year’s examinations, but acknowledged the continuous poor performance in mathematics and english.

Guyana’s overall performance

Students’ performance in mathematics worsened from an overall pass rate of 29 per cent, grades one to three in 2012 to 28 per cent in 2013. And in english A, though a 45 per cent pass rate was recorded, a decent improvement

tion at the University of Guyana, and has already been accepted at the institution.

Her mother, Verna Rasheed could not hold back tears of joy. “I am so happy about my daughter success, she has always been an educated individual; I knew she was going to do well, but not this well.” Rasheed is the second child for her parents.

Stay focused

Zamina Rasheed

from the 37 per cent obtained last year, it translates to 55 per cent of students who sat the examinations failed.

From this year’s examinations, a total of 231 students gained eight or more grade ones, compared to 175 last year.

This year, Region Two, for the second consecutive year, produced the country’s top student at the CSEC examinations.

The ARMS produced 21 students who gained

eight or more grade ones, but was not enough to dethrone Queen’s College, which produced the majority of the top students at the examinations.

Manickchand noted that the number of students sitting the examinations decreased from 13878 in 2012 to 13654 this year. Females continue to outnumber males sitting the examinations. This year, 8649 females sat the examinations compared to 5005 males.

Meanwhile, rounding out the country’s top five performers aside from Rasheed and Persaud are Phillipe Walker and Akeila Wiltshire, each with 16 grade ones and

Yogeeta Persaud

one grade two and Cecil Cox with 16 grade ones, all of Queen’s College.

Students’ response

A future structural engineer, Rasheed said, “I am satisfied with my grades. I knew I was going to gain excellent grades–the news of topping the country made me feel elated, I just couldn’t do this by myself, my parents and teachers supported a lot.”

Speaking about her tutelage at the ARMS, Rasheed said the school teaches beyond ordinary curriculum.

“ARMS is a really excellent school, the teachers are friendly, the classrooms are con-

ducive for learning, the school teaches every student integrity, selfpreservation, religion, sports; way beyond ordinary curriculum, when a child achieves an education at ARMS, he/she is a well-rounded individual,” the top performer stated.

A top performer at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), Rasheed said by the time she got into fifth form, she had already developed a love for books.

She said she love technical drawing and has a passion for tall buildings.

The top student for Guyana said she plans to continue her educa-

Meanwhile, the second top performer, Persaud, is encouraging upcoming CSEC students to stay focused.

The 16-year-old said she wants to become a doctor. Persaud credited her successes to her extra lesson and research on the Internet. The only child for her parents, Persaud said she has not yet decided if she will pursue studies at the University of Guyana in September.

She thanked her parents and teachers, noting that her favourite subject is biology.

Supervision

ARMS headteacher Lalljeet Rooplall when asked what makes his school different from the others, said “supervision”. He said teachers at his school closely monitor students and their performance.

(Excerpt from Guyana Times)

Warner sends pre-action letter to CONCACAF, Sir David Simmons

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ndependent Liberal Party (ILP) interim leader in Trinidad and Tobago Jack Warner Tuesday carried out on his earlier threat by

sending a pre-action protocol letter to the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), Sir David Simmons and all the authors of a report which alleged he (Warner) was involved in financial wrongdoing during his tenure at the regional football body.

Warner is demanding an apology and withdrawal, to be published internationally, within 28 days and damages and costs.

If CONCACAF and Simmons did not withdraw the allegations against Warner and apologise, he would begin court proceedings against them, the letter warned. Warner Tuesday told TT media that he did not expect CONCACAF to settle via a withdrawal, apology and damages and costs. “I expect a fight. But I am doing all that is legally right on the instruction of QC Mitchell. What he says I will do,” he said.

Warner added that “for who believe, no further explanation is nec-

Independent Liberal Party interim leader Jack Warner (TT Guardian file photo)

essary and for those who don’t believe, no further explanation is possible.”

He said he had been waiting until after the Chaguanas West by-election to deal with the matter because he did not want it to be viewed as an election ploy to gain sympathy.

Simmons headed the CONCACAF Integrity Committee, which produced a damning report last April 18 on Warner, former Fifa vice-president and CONCACAF president.

The report came after the committee interviewed several CONCACAF officials but Warner refused to appear before it to answer allegations made against

him. The pre-action letter was sent Tuesday from Warner’s local attorney, Keith Scotland, to Simmons at the address of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Port-ofSpain, where Simmons sits as chairman of the commission of enquiry into the 1990 attempted coup. A copy of the letter was also sent to the president of CONCACAF. Scotland and a team of attorneys are acting on the guidance of Andrew Mitchell, QC. Scotland said in the letter: “As a consequence of the said damning, unjustifiable, reckless and clearly libellous statements published in the local, regional and international media and on the World Wide Web, my client’s good name and reputation has been and continues to be damaged.”

Scotland said an immediate withdrawal and apology, the terms of which to be settled

by Warner’s legal team, will serve to mitigate the damage his client was suffering. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

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EDITORIAL

Youth Migration

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nternational Youth Day was observed on Monday, August 12 with a focus on youth migration. It is good that this issue is taking centre stage, as for some time now it has not been explored and debated by policymakers and other key stakeholders the way it should be.

United Nations (UN) estimates say that of the annual total of some 214 million international migrants, young people constitute more than 10 per cent, yet too little is known about their struggles and experiences. This is due to a number of factors, most notably, inadequate research being done in order to dig deeper into issues affecting young migrants.

Migration can never be stopped. All over the world, people are looking for better opportunities. Some are fleeing persecution, others are escaping economic hardship.

Some have communities to go to, others must make new connections. In transit and at their final destinations, many young migrants face equal or greater struggles, including racism, xenophobia, discrimination, and human rights violations. Young women, in particular, face the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse.

The UN says that poverty, crowded and unsanitary living conditions, and the challenges of finding decent employment are regular features of the migrant experience. These challenges are exacerbated by the current global economic and financial crises.

Migrants are also often accused by communities and politicians of taking jobs from local people, exposing them to further risk of discrimination. In other cases, young people left behind by migrating parents face psychological and social challenges and greater vulnerability.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organistion (UNESCO) Director General Irina Bokova has pointed to the fact that “migration is changing the world map and the face of modern society”. She says that while it has enormous potential for the rapprochement of peoples, intercultural dialogue and development, it raises immense challenges in terms of exclusion, poverty, exploitation, and discrimination.

Hence, she suggests that it is vital to improve knowledge of such migration in order to design public policies that are more appropriate and more efficient. She explains that social science research is of the utmost importance. It has revealed striking changes in migration flows in the last 20 years, with the number of migrants, particularly women and young people, on the rise.

Bokova recommends that in order to unleash the potential of young people, we must consider them to be key partners in the formulation and implementation of youth policies. In her view, the intensity of migratory movements in a globalised and interconnected world calls for stronger cooperation and solidarity among states. It also calls for greater access, within societies, to quality education, democratic participation, and intercultural skills that help people to live together, especially in cities, where more than half of the world’s population lives.

That being said, it is also necessary to emphasise the positive contribution young migrants make to their societies– economically and by enriching the social and cultural fabric.

Most of them work hard to earn a living and improve their circumstances.

As pointed out by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, the remittances young migrants send to support families in their home countries are a major contributor to economies worldwide.

Further, when they return home, young migrants often enhance development by applying skills and ideas acquired abroad. And, in many cases, women are empowered through migration as they gain financial and social independence.

In an effort to harness the energy, imagination, and initiative of the world’s youth in overcoming various challenges, we join the call for governments and other stakeholders to consider seriously youth migration as an issue that should be placed on the regional agenda for serious discussion.

Young revellers from the band ‘Splash’ enjoy J’Ouvert celebrations held to commemorate Arima Borough Day on Sunday in Trinidad. (Abraham Diaz/TT Guardian photo)

Freedom of movement a priority for Eastern Caribbean States T wo years after Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), declared that people of the regional grouping can move freely, chairman of the OECS Authority prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda Baldwin Spencer says the free movement of nationals will continue to hold a pride of place in efforts to further develop one economic space among the OECS member states.

In a statement released on the weekend by the OECS secretariat, Spencer said through this regime, arrangements are being enhanced for OECS citizens to enjoy free movement throughout the six independent member states of the OECS and most recently Montserrat.

“It is extremely important that if we are going to be integrating this region and creating a single economic space for the benefit of the people of the region, then they ought to be able to move freely up and down the OECS and it is a critical component of the Economic Union.

“The arrangements agreed by member states to give effect to the Revised Treaty of Basseterre are for persons to enter the participating member states without hindrance and remain for an indefinite period in order to work, establish businesses; provide services or to reside. There is a solid commitment among the mem-

ber states to have persons enjoy free movement throughout the OECS Economic Union,” the Antiguan leader said.

The OECS chairman noted that participating OECS member states are working towards ensuring that the necessary processes and mechanisms such as legal documentation are in place to firmly buttress the free movement arrangement.

Elma Gene Isaac, head of the OECS Secretariat’s Regional Integration Unit (RIU), which coordinates activities regarding the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the OECS Economic Union, said member states are at different stages of implementation of the legislative and administrative requirements regarding the free movement of the OECS Nationals.

Isaac said finalising of arrangements will enhance confidence and participation thereby reducing difficulties encountered by persons seeking to enjoy the privileges associated with the free movement of OECS nationals as stipulated in the Revised Treaty of Basseterre, which took effect on January 21st 2011.

In observance of the 2nd year since the implementation of arrangements for the Free Movement of people across the OECS Economic Union, the OECS Secretariat has rolled out a video produc-

tion of the first official sitting of the OECS Assembly, which was held at the assembly’s headquarters on March 26 in Antigua and Barbuda.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Ellsworth John of St Vincent and the Grenadines, who also chairs the OECS Free Movement Committee said, “what we are trying to do is to be able to measure how many persons have actually moved and the impact that the movement is having on the Member States.”

Ambassador John opines that the people of the OECS want the free movement regime to take full effect. He has also suggested the need for the publication of statistical data that will guide persons who are keen on utilizing the free movement regime.

OECS was established by the Treaty of Basseterre on 18 June 1981. The nine member states are: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands.

The OECS Member States with the exception of the British Virgin Islands share a single currency, the Eastern Caribbean or EC dollar. Institutions of the OECS Organisation include the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority.

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TT downgraded in human trafficking report

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he stranding of 163 persons from Indonesia in the territorial waters of Trinidad and Tobago for three months, as well as the detention and prosecution of 75 foreign women in March, has led to the country being downgraded into a lesser tier in the 2013 United States’ Trafficking in Persons Report.

The report is an annual publication by the US government, and is used as the principal diplomatic tool to engage foreign governments on the scourge of human trafficking. In 2012, TT was placed in the Tier Two Category, however, this year, the country’s status was officially downgraded to the “Tier Two Watch list” category.

However, while speaking to members of the media Tuesday following the launch of the Human Trafficking Subject Matter Expert Exchange conference at the TT Police Service Barracks in St James, Trinidad, National Security Minister

TT’s National Security Minister Emmanuel George (TT Newsday file photo)

Emmanuel George described this downgrade as “unfair”. “I think it was an unfair downgrading. From my information, the decision to downgrade our classification was largely on the fact that we had an Indonesian vessel in our waters where a number of sailors were marooned for quite a while. Now from my information it seems that the US was of the view that we did not pursue the particular issue in the manner they

wanted us to, or expected us to.

“But, that said, I don’t think they fully appreciated the approach to the matter that we took and how sensitive a nature it really was. In my own personal view, it seems their opinion was swayed by media reports on the issue rather than the facts that we had in our possession with respect to that situation.

So from our view it was not a fair downgrade, but other than that I will not say more at this time,” George said.

The Department of State publication also notes despite the relevant legislation in place, in March a raid was conducted which resulted in the arrest of approximately 75 foreign women. It went on to note that “despite having the infrastructure in place to screen the women”, law enforcement charged the women with solicitation, and did not screen them for trafficking indicators, or refer them for care and assistance. (Excerpt from TT Newsday

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Guyana gov’t still trying to convince hydro investors to stay - after Sithe Global pull-out

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resident Donald Ramotar has pledged to continue to explore all possible ways and means to see the materialisation of the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project, so that Guyana can benefit from more affordable electricity. The president made these comments during an address to the nation on Monday regarding the withdrawal of Sithe Global/Blackstone from the over US$800 million project. He assured citizens and stakeholders that he “will continue to work to get cheaper energy for Guyana”.

“I will continue to try to convince investors to stay on and invest in this project and in this country and I still hope that the opposition, particularly the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) could see the bigger picture and that they would put the interests of our people above narrow party lines and rise to the call to support this project.”

Involvement

The president reiter-

President of Guyana Donald Ramotar

ated the steps that were taken to get all stakeholders involved, including the parliamentary political parties whose input into proceeding with the project was vital, were kept informed about the specifics and benefits of constructing the hydro facility.

Prior to its recent visit to Guyana to host consultative forums on the details of the project, Sithe Global in 2012, also met the leaders of the opposition to sensitise them on why it was

an important undertaking for the people of Guyana, Ramotar highlighted.

Government had also invited the InterAmerican Development Bank to host related discussions with opposition parties.

Additionally, President Ramotar said that in June this year, yet another presentation was made to the APNU, after the AFC declined to be a part of the discussion.

The president not-

Opposition leader in Guyana David Granger

ed that despite these efforts, the hydro project still remains in jeopardy to be realised in its entirety, following years of work and investments by both the developer of the project and government.

The project is now on shaky ground after Sithe Global withdrew its services, citing a lack of consensus from all political parties to pass the Hydro-Electric (Amendment) Bill.

The bill, which was put forward by govern-

ment, was only supported by the AFC. As such, following Sithe’s announcement, President Ramotar said he spoke with Opposition leader David Granger and “urged him once again to join in showing support for the Amaila Falls project, for our country’s future development and for the life opportunities of generations of Guyanese”.

APNU wants project repackaged

Meanwhile, the APNU is urging govern-

ment to repackage the hydroelectricity plan for the country, even as it declared it will not budge from the earlier position of non-support for the mega project. Granger, during a press conference on Monday, reiterated the coalition’s position on the project, and said that his party will not bend on its decision.

The APNU, he said remains firm on its position that the financial architecture of the project is likely to place a burden on taxpayers’ dollars.

Granger said the coalition’s position is based on a number of conditions it has outlined. He said too that unless government provides more information, further discussions on Amaila will be affected.

Granger noted that the IDB is currently engaged in a due diligence study of the Amaila Falls project, and until that time, only then the main opposition would be able to pitch in, based on the findings. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

President’s College student tops CAPE in Guyana – Anu Dev tied at number two with five ones

Shalita Appadu secured six grade ones at this year’s CAPE

By Whitney Persaud

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resident’s College student Shalita Appadu came out on top in this year’s Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination in Guyana with six grade ones and one grade two. In 2011, Appadu who attended the New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary School in Berbice, attained 15 grade Ones at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination coming in second in the country after Anuradha Dev. Tying for the second position are: Melodie Lowe, Kaleshwar Singh, Prashant Shivdas, Deowattie Narine, Anuradha Dev and Benedict Sukra, all of

Queen’s College with five grade ones each.

Speaking to the media, Dev said preparation for the examination was a challenge as she did not attend any lessons. According to the young lady, she studied with the help of her father and her teachers who again contributed to her success. Dev wrote Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Pure Math (all Unit Two) and Caribbean Studies this year, and in 2012 in Lower Sixth Form, she wrote Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Pure Math and Communications Studies (all Unit One). Her next step is to move on to Trinidad, where she will pursue her medical studies. Dev was the Caribbean’s top student when she wrote the

CSEC examinations.

Meanwhile, Guyanese students have this year contributed to an approximately three percent increase in passes at the examinations, Guyana’s Education Minister Priya Manickchand revealed on Tuesday.

This year 748 students wrote the examinations, eight more than last year. The pass rate has been recorded as 89.19, as compared to last year’s 86.2. This year candidates were offered units in 23 subject areas, with each unit comprising three Modules equivalent to 150 credit hours. The Single Unit subjects offered were Caribbean Studies and Communication Studies.

The overall pass rate in 2013 is 86.6 per cent.

This is an increase from 2011 when a pass rate of 82.5 per cent was attained and a marginal increase over the 86.2 per cent pass rate in 2012.

In relation to gender, females have outweighed the number of males sitting the exams and have also dominated in recording pass marks.

Queen’s College students account for the majority of the country’s top students in the CAPE exams, producing 11 such

students. Completing the remainder in the top five performers are Malinie Tulsie with four grade ones, one grade two and one grade three, Amrita Milling with four grade ones and one grade two and Andy Sattan with four grade ones and one grade two. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

Anuradha Dev

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Cambridge experts train TT Second trial of Guyanese man accused cops in ‘evidence policing’ of killing infant ends in hung jury

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ive lecturers from the Cambridge University in London, trained in the scientific ways of dealing with crime, are in Trinidad and Tobago to train officers of the TT Police Service in ‘evidence-based policing.’

Monday, the lecturers carried out the training programme at the Hyatt in Port-of-Spain, which was attended by all heads of division of the Police Service. Last week, over 200 sergeants and assistant superintendents were also exposed to training.

According to one of the officers who attended the programme, the scientific method centres around the use of the best available research and the outcome of police work to implement guidelines; evaluate agencies and units and police officers generally.

Officers are also expected to be trained in what causes crime in hotspot areas, and how well such areas were identified using research in every police procedure to evaluate current practices and to guide officers and police executives in future decision making.

It was said that approximately 200 officers were currently involved in training.

The decision by the Police Service to approach fighting crime on a different level re-

Deputy Police Commissioner in TT Mervyn Richardson (TT Newsday file photo)

sulted in the special programme.

Monday, Deputy Police Commissioner (DCP) Mervyn Richardson said the Police Service will soon see a more vibrant approach to dealing with crime, which will focus heavily on evidencebased policing using scientific methods.

However, Richardson noted that the police by themselves cannot get the job done, and he again issued a call to the public to partner with the Police Service as they embark on this new thrust.

Richardson added that apart from the training, visibility has been increased in all divisions, and the public can now expect to see more officers on every street corner and along

the highways.

He also revealed surveillance has been increased as officers attempt to infiltrate certain areas where illegal arms, ammunition and drugs are smuggled into the country. According to the DCP, since last week all divisions embarked on road block exercises and searches, and he noted that on Sunday, ten persons were held for driving under the influence of alcohol while another 100 tickets were issued against motorists, who were in breach of traffic regulations.

He also noted that no homicides were recorded on Sunday night, and he added that it will take some time for the country to reap the required results, but is confident that crime will be curbed.

(TT Newsday)

September 9 is Budget Day in TT

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o n d a y , September 9 is Budget Day in Trinidad and Tobago.

A statement sent from the Office of the Prime Minister on Sunday stated that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in consultation with Finance Minister, Larry Howai, has selected Monday September 9 for the reading of the budget.

With local government elections constitutionally due around October 26, the announcement of the date would further fuel speculation that elections are around the corner.

In an immediate response to the budget date, political leader of the Independent Liberal party (ILP), Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner said in a statement that while he is pleased with the date for the budget, “what is of more importance to me is the announcement of the date for the local government elections.”

Warner ended by saying that he hopes “the

TT’s Finance Minister Larry Howai (TT Newsday file photo)

prime minister follows wise counsel and announces the date for the local government elections soon.”

Meanwhile President of the South Western Chamber of Commerce, Nigel Minors is calling on government to pay particular attention to the diversification of the economy away from its dependence on oil and gas. He pointed to the taking away of the lands allocated for an E-Teck park in Point Fortin, saying it had destroyed all opportunities for a light manufacturing sector in

Point Fortin. Of equal importance to the south western peninsula, he said, is the simultaneous construction of the highway to Point Fortin from the southern borough. He is also calling on government to honour its commitment to the building of the long overdue Point Fortin hospital.

Contacted Sunday night, Nicholas Lok Jack, president of the TT Manufacturers Association gave a few of the organisation’s proposals.

The TTMA asked for Value Added Tax (VAT) to be removed from manufacturing machinery, speedier VAT returns and better allocation of VAT returns. The TTMA also wants a bigger allocation in the budget to revamping regulatory agencies such as the Chemistry Food and Drug Division of the health ministry.

Lok Jack said too the TTMA would also “like to see a plan for a new port.” (Excerpt from TT Newsday)

alvin Thomas, the Guyanese man accused of hacking an 18-month-old baby to death, will now have to undergo another trial for the second time in seven months after there was a hung jury. Thomas called “Calvin Bailey”, “Mara” and “Coochie” of Wisroc Housing Scheme, Linden, was indicted with the murder of Shaquan Neru between April 4 and 5, 2007, at Cinderella City, Amelia’s Ward, Linden.

The accused was on trial in February of this year for this same matter and it resulted in a hung jury. On Monday, the prosecution, led by State Counsel Teshana Lake and defence attorney, George Thomas, both delivered their closing addresses to the jury after which Justice Navindra Singh summed up the evidence to the panel. After about two hours deliberating in the jury room, the panel returned, indicating that they were not able to arrive at a unanimous decision.

Justice Singh enquired whether further directions or explanation would clarify the doubts among the jurors; however, the foreman said

Murder accused, Calvin Thomas called “Calvin Bailey”

it would not. Hence, the trial judge once again informed the accused that the jury could not arrive at a unanimous decision; hence, he would be further remanded until his case is recalled in another assizes.

The trial into this matter commenced about two weeks ago before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12-member mixed jury. The prosecutor presented several witnesses to testify against the accused, including the mother of the deceased, Bernadette Neru.

Bernadette, who moved to Barbados after the incident, gave her evidence via video link from the Guyana Consulate in Barbados.

The woman said she got involved with the accused when her son was over a year-old. She noted that she moved in with the accused shortly after and they were living in Wisroc; however, she was constantly abused by him.

Bernadette explained that she decided to leave him and on April 4, 2007, went to a relative’s house in Cinderella City but Thomas followed her there and they had a confrontation after which he left. The woman recalled that later in the evening, she was at her aunt’s house, on the landing, about to take her son who was sleeping in her hands to bed, when the accused showed up at the bottom of the stairs.

The woman said they had an argument and the accused rushed up the steps and stabbed her to the head, causing her to fall on the landing with the baby in her hand. She recounted that the man continued to stab her and the cutlass point cut her son’s throat. Bernadette called out to her cousin, Alfred Carrington, who came out, but the accused managed to escape. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

OAS to support debt management talks in Caribbean

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rganisation of American States (OAS) Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin said the hemispheric body will support discussions on the debt situation in the Caribbean, given the gravity of the challenge facing member states in the region. Speaking with Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell, in St George’s, Assistant Secretary General Ramdin agreed that the debt issue cannot be ignored by any institution or country, given its direct link to and impact on economic development, stability, security and other key areas.

“We can’t address these issues in isolation. Growing debt is a critical matter as it has a serious impact on everything else. We support the discussions and the review of economic and

financial fundamentals. We will continue to work with member states to assist in whatever way we can, so that an integrated Caribbean-led strategy on debt management can be formulated,” said Ramdin.

During his brief visit to the Caribbean, Ambassador Ramdin met with Dr Mitchell, Foreign Minister Nicholas Steele, and Governor General Cecile La Grenade. In Barbados, he met with Foreign Minister Maxine McLean, Caribbean Development Bank President Warren Smith, University of the West Indies (Cave Hill) Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal Sir Hilary Beckles and private sector representatives. He also engaged briefly with St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves.

Barbados’ PM weighs in on same sex relationships

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rime Minister Freundel Stuart believes the issue of same sex relationships is one which must be wrestled with and resolved in the way Christ would have settled it.

Stuart expressed this view Monday while delivering the feature address at the opening of the Anglican Church Province of the West Indies’ Congress 2013 at the Roy Marshall Complex, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. He said the church must ask what Christ would have said and done.

Acknowledging that the issue was a very sensitive one and a new agenda item, which was difficult for Christians to grapple with, he continued: “It does not seem to conform to anything that we think God intended and we are going to win the ar-

gument as long as it is framed in moral and ethical terms.

“But, I have noticed, as I am sure you have, that those who are promoting this idea have themselves realised that they cannot win the argument if it is left in moral and ethical terms. So, they have shifted it, quite wisely I think, on to human rights grounds. And, once you put it there the question has to be asked, if heterosexuals are entitled to enjoy the human right of interaction with one another and of marriage, why can’t homosexuals?”

The five-day Congress has as its theme, ‘Challenges Facing Caribbean Families–The Church’s Response’, and it will give participants an opportunity to look at critical issues in the family.

(Excerpt from BGIS)

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Nigel Hughes in conflict of interest mix in Guyana - was lawyer for foreman in Lusignan massacre trial

By Vahnu Manikchand

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he foreman who sat on the panel in the Lusignan massacre trial in Guyana two weeks ago, was on Tuesday banned from jury duty by Justice Navindra Singh after it was disclosed that he was once a client of Attorney Nigel Hughes, who had represented one of the accused in the matter. The man, Vernon Griffith of Lot 1455 Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was the foreman on the panel of jurors that was selected for the trial, which began on July 17 and concluded on August 2.

Justice Singh on Tuesday called Griffith in court and enquired from him whether he has any matter in court and who his attorney was.

He hesitantly responded that he had a matter in the High Court and was represented by two attorneys from the Hughes, Fields & Stoby law firm, one was a female and the other was Hughes. The judge informed the man that he was in possession of the case that he (Griffith) had and Hughes is on record as his attorney.

Empanelment

The judge then asked the man why he did not step forward when he (the judge) had asked the panel whether they knew any of the defence attorneys or prosecutors at the time of the empanelment. Griffith’s response was that he did not know the attorney personally.

The judge informed Griffith that he is banning him from jury-duty for life. Griffith, who

Justice Navindra Singh

Nigel Hughes

previously sat on a panel in 2011, was told that he can no longer serve as a juror and if, due to a slip in the system, should he be selected for a panel, he should remove himself from the proceedings.

Griffith, a former employee of the National Bank of Industry and Commerce Limited

(NBIC), had sued the bank after he was dismissed in October 2002.

He sued the bank in December of that year and the matter had engaged the court for six years during which Hughes was his attorney.

Ground broken for Ja$40million Claremont centre of excellence in Jamaica

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Jamaica’s Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson (third left) performs the symbolic groundbreaking exercise at the Claremont Health Centre in St. Ann last Friday (Jamaica Observer photo)

ork to upgrade the Claremont Health Centre in St Ann, into one of four centres of excellence in Jamaica, earmarked for development by the health ministry, is scheduled to get underway shortly.

Ground for the Ja$40.6-million project, being funded by the National Health Fund (NHF), was broken last Friday by Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson.

The scope of works will include: expansion and modification of sections of the existing building; construction of a new waiting area; upgrading of the sanitary facilities and elec-

trical fixtures; paving of the driveway and parking area; and erection of a new perimeter fence.

The other facilities earmarked to be developed into centres of excellence are the Isaac Barrant Health Centre, St Thomas; Santa Cruz Health Centre, St Elizabeth; and Darliston Health Centre, Westmoreland.

The upgrading forms part of the ministry's efforts to enhance the provision of primary health care islandwide.

Speaking at last Friday's ceremony, Dr Ferguson cited the current high incidence of non-communicable diseases among the reasons for the ministry's heightened focus

on advancing primary health care. Access to the centres will reduce the number of persons seeking health care at secondary institutions, primarily hospitals.

"Non-communicable diseases have been the bane of our health system in recent times, costing us in excess of US$179 million annually. More and more Jamaicans suffer due to these illnesses, which are largely lifestyle-related. Cancers, heart disease, respiratory illnesses, diabetes, and hypertension are ravaging our people at an alarming rate. These are among the top 10 killers," Dr Ferguson said.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Mini-trial

On July 16, when the jury panel was being se-

lected for the Lusignan massacre trial, Hughes had requested a mini-trial to be held so that each of the intended jurors was questioned about their knowledge and position on the massacre before they were finally selected for the panel. This was the first time in Guyana that such a procedure, which the U.S. uses, was undertaken and in voir dire, several persons were grilled by the defence attorneys and prosecution.

After several hours, the panel was finally selected and Griffith opted to be the foreman.

On August 2 after retiring sometime around 11:30h, the panel took some seven hours before finally returning around 18:30h, finding both accused not guilty of 11 counts of murder and not guilty also of the lesser count of manslaughter.

The first accused, Mark Royden Williams called “Smallie”, was further remanded to prison because he has five other matters pending in court while James Anthony Hyles called “Sally”, who was represented by Hughes, was granted Gy$1.1 million bail after the prosecution served a notice of appeal before he was released.

Appeal

Meanwhile, the prosecutor in the massacre trial, Senior State Counsel Judith Mursalin on Tuesday filed an appeal at the High Court against the verdict. The appeal, which was filed on behalf of the director of public prosecutions (DPP) and named Williams and Hyles as the respondents, mostly cited grounds based on this discovery.

(Excerpt from Guyana Times)

TT Independence flag raising ceremony for Markham Civic Centre on August 28

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he board of directors of the Trinidad and Tobago Business Council of Canada (TTBCC) in collaboration with the City of Markham will be hosting the annual flag raising ceremony to mark TT’s 51st anniversary of independence on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at the Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham, ON. The event takes place at 10:00 a.m.

A release from the TTBCC stated that representatives from TT’s High Commission, Mayor and Councillors of the City of Markham, Members of Parliament, prominent business persons and other Officials are expected to be present.

Light refreshments will be served followed by live entertainment reflecting the rich culture of TT, the release

The event commemorates TT’s 51st anniversary of independence

added. The event is free and TTBCC is encouraging the public to join in celebrating TT’s 50th anniversary of independence.

In 2010, the City Council of Markham proclaimed August 31st as TT’s Independence Day in the City of Markham. In recognition, the City will fly the TT flag for the entire day at the Civic Centre.

Casinos illegal in TT – Finance Minister

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asinos and private members’ clubs offering casino style games are operating illegally in Trinidad and Tobago as there is no existing legal framework in place for such type of gambling.

“The existing legal framework within which gambling takes place in Trinidad and Tobago indicates quite clearly that casinos were not specifically authorised under the law,” Finance Minister Larry Howai said Tuesday.

He added that the absence of public policy regarding the legalisation of the operations left the industry without the prescription of specific operating conditions and requirements for gaming.

“The existing statutes remained unenforced and the emerging

casino-type activities unregulated,” he said.

In an effort to tighten control of the industry, the TT government has proposed the introduction of a comprehensive framework, which would see licences being issued for casinos and private members’ clubs offering casino style games.

Howai said Tuesday, it was important that the local regulatory framework met international standards, and to avoid TT’s regulatory compliance reputation from being impaired, immediate efforts had to be taken.

According to the minister, the international regulatory body, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which monitors the local industry, noted that by 2009 the sector consisted of close to 70 operational

Private Members’ Clubs.

The growth in gambling would suggest that there is a public demand for gaming services, which is gaining momentum,” Howai said, addressing the media at the finance ministry, Eric Williams Financial Complex, Port-of-Spain, after holding talks with members of the gambling and gaming industry.

He said all casino operations conducted by self-styled private members’ clubs and all gaming machine operations, excluding the amusement prize categories wherever located, in recreational clubs, in pubs, in arcades and in shopping malls, are illegal activities under the current legislative framework. (Excerpt from TT Newsday)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending August 15, 2013

Guyana gov’t not borrowing Owner of Casino in Trinidad charged with tax evasion on US$4 million to fund Amaila project

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US$15 million has already been spent on construction of the roadway leading to the project site (Guyana Times file photo)

he Guyana government on Monday announced that Guyanese will not have to pay back any debt on the Amaila Falls project to any foreign company, as the country is not borrowing. In an effort to answer lingering questions regarding the cost of the Amaila project, the government in a statement to the media, noted that “there has been considerable confusion in recent weeks concerning the costs of the Amaila Falls project to be borne

by Guyana”. It noted that “Guyanese taxpayers will pay for Guyana’s share of ownership (the equity) in the Amaila Falls private company– in return, the taxpayer will save money each year from not having to pay a subsidy to GPL.” They will also benefit from considerably lower electricity rates as a result of paying a consumer tariff. According to the statement, taxpayers will be required to pay

approximately US$100 million in equity; US$20 million of which is going towards the construction of the access road to Amaila facility.

“US$15 million has already been spent on construction, with most of the remainder under contract to be paid on completion of the road in the coming months,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the US$100 million in equity also consists of US$80 million, as part of the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF).

Government also noted that “it is very important to emphasise that no more money will be paid by the taxpayer for Amaila Falls and that no government borrowing is taking place”.

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) will see a significant reduction in how much it pays for the generation of electricity.

In the first 12 years of Amaila’s operations, the cost will drop by some 40

per cent, while the following eight years will see it go down by 71 per cent and by another 90 per cent for the next 80 years after that.

“Furthermore, the subsidy to GPL can be eliminated with Amaila Falls under the current structure. This will save the taxpayer billions of dollars every year (the 2012 subsidy was six billion dollars).

These savings (US$30 million per annum) will exceed the amount paid in equity (US$100 million) after less than four years.” It was also noted that consumer tariff could decrease by some 20 per cent within two years of Amaila going into operation, even if GPL did not address operational efficiencies.

Government also reiterated that “after 20 years, the project will be 100 per cent owned by Guyana, and is expected to last for a 100years”.

(Excerpt from Guyana Times)

n American owner of Island Club Casino has been charged by United States authorities with failing to pay taxes on nearly US$4 million (TT$25 million) in earnings from the casino based at Grand Bazaar, Valsayn, in Trinidad.

David Migliore, a national of the United States, appeared in federal court in New Jersey Monday, charged with failing to pay the US government taxes on more than US$3.9 million in income for 2009, 2010 and 2011.

He made an initial court appearance before US Magistrate Judge Mark Falk in a US District Court in Newark, wearing shackles over a gray suit and white open-collar shirt Monday afternoon and did not enter a plea, according to an Associated Press report. Migliore was released on US$1 million bond secured by two properties and ordered to submit to electronic monitoring. He has another court appearance scheduled for next week.

Migliore’s attorney, Robert Weir, said Migliore owned Island Club Casino for about ten years until recently but, spent most of his time in New Jersey and hasn’t been to Trinidad in years.

Weir also disclosed Migliore was scheduled to be served with an arrest warrant Tuesday for a drug possession charge in Wall Township.

US attorney Paul J

Fishman said Migliore is accused of tax evasion and failing to file federal personal tax returns on income derived from his ownership of the casino in Trinidad, resulting in a US$1 million tax loss to the United States.

A source confirmed to TT media that Migliore owned Island

a member of the association and while she was aware of Migliore’s connection with the casino, she never met the 50-year-old Monmouth County businessman.

Persad admitted she was concerned about the reports that Migliore was charged with failing to pay taxes in the US,

The Island Club (casino) members club in Trinidad. (Andy Hypolite/TT Guardian photo)

Club Casino, which was said to be 15 years old and one of the busiest casinos in Trinidad.

The source also said the Grand-Bazaar based casino was “very large and well organised.” Sherry Persad, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Casinos and Members Club Association, said Island Club Casino was

but, noted that she was not aware of the charges against him.

The Association’s members, she noted, were all registered with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and ensured that they met with the unit’s regulations and requirements. (Excerpt from TT Newsday)

Caribbean nations wooing Indian immigrants with attractive cash-for-citizenship offers

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ricket may soon not be the only connection Indians have with the Caribbean, according to reports in New Delhi, India.

The Times of India in a report on Sunday said St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda have “rolled out attractive cash-for-citizenship programs to woo Indian immigrants.”

It said that Antigua and Barbuda is the latest to launch a citizenship-by-investment (CIP) program, opening up its borders to Indian immigrants in a month.

The paper said that Antigua and Barbuda is giving full citizenship to Indian nationals for an investment of at least

US$400,000 in an approved real estate project.

It said in order to become a citizen of St Kitts and Nevis an investment of US$400, 000 is also required while Dominica is even cheaper at US$100,000.

The Times of India said both countries have set their sights on wealthy Chinese, as well as Indian immigrants.

“Since the program was announced in March, we have had a number of inquiries from Indian citizens,” the paper quoted Jason Taylor, chief executive officer of Janik Partners, an Antigua-based company that specializes in CIP. “Most of them view it as a lifestyle investment.”

The report stated that

The Times of India in a report on Sunday said St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda have “rolled out attractive cash-forcitizenship programs to woo Indian immigrants.”

an Antigua passport can get one visa-free travel to 126 countries, including Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Europe. St Kitts and Nevis, on the other hand, gets one to over 100 countries, while and Indian passport only

gets one to 55 countries, the paper said.

“Most Asian clients are keen on providing a western education for their children, and this is one of their primary reasons for seeking a citizenship,” said Eric Major, chief execu-

tive officer of Henley & Partners, considered the global leader in international residence and citizenship planning.

“Another reason is mobility, thanks to visa-free travel.”

The Times of India said Henley and Partners recently advised the Antiguan government on the design, implementation and administration of its CIP, and also reformed the CIP of St Kitts and Nevis.

“We get about a 1,000 such applications each year in total, and the overall numbers are growing,” he said, stating that NRIs (Non Resident Indians) account for much of the demand “because of the Dubai situation.

“Even though many

Indians work there, most don’t have the privileges of residency,” he added.

“Those who have done well there but don’t have status often want a better standing, passport ranking wise. This is the new breed of people we call global citizens, and we are helping them become that.”

The Times of Indian said the fact that the Caribbean nations are “serious about Indian immigrants became clear when Denzil Douglas, PM of St Kitts, who was in India in April, asked Indians to look at its citizenship program and invest in it.”

The paper said St Kitts and Nevis has “the world’s oldest CIP” that was launched in 1984.

(CMC)

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GECOM ready for local gov’t elections in Guyana

By Samuel Sukhnandan

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uyana Elections Commissioner ( G E C O M ) Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally said his entity is fully equipped and ready to stage the long-anticipated local government elections.

Surujbally’s statement comes after the final four local government reform bills–the Fiscal Transfers Bill 2012, the Municipal and District Councils (Amendment) Bill 2012, the Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2012 and the Local Government Commission Bill–were passed by the National Assembly last Wednesday.

Local government elections, he said, could happen within the next six months, once President Donald Ramotar assents to the bills. A GECOM official had earlier said that the commission would not be ready for local government elections within six months.

The GECOM chairman explained that apart from that, certain statutory provisions will have to be made in order to move ahead with the successful hosting of local government elections. “…generally speaking, the team is ready; we are starting in September, a new con-

Chinese to invest US$1.5 billion in Jamaica Jamaica’s Works Minister Dr Omar Davies (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

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he government of Jamaica Monday night announced that it is in negotiations with a major Chinese corporation that wants to invest US$1.5 billion in Jamaica.

Addressing the South East St Andrew constituency conference at the Mico University, Works Minister Dr Omar Davies said the project involves major expansion to existing facilities at the island's main seaport.

He explained that the investment will change the employment picture across the entire Kingston Metropolitan Region.

Dr Davies said this project will provide major opportunities for in-

vestment across several sectors, particularly the information technology sector.

Davies said he could not divulge too much information about the negotiations, which he is spearheading, but promised that there will be an announcement in months.

He, however, revealed that the Chinese company is seeking to make Jamaica its central location for the western hemisphere.

Dr Davies said Jamaica was chosen because of its location and because the Chinese have found that Jamaican workers are easy to train. (Jamaica Gleaner)

GECOM Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally

tinuous registration exercise, which will ensure that the voters list is even more perfect,” Dr Surujbally posited.

According to him, GECOM has already demarcated the various boundaries and constituencies–71 districts.

Each of these areas has been targeted for voters’ education. Further, Dr Surujbally added that with support from foreign donors and funds covered under the commission’s own budget, finance will not be a problem.

“So I’m very positive about everything,” the GECOM chairman remarked.

Dr Surujbally said GECOM has been ready for local government elections since April 19, 2010, when it had been scheduled to take place.

This is the first time that GECOM, under the stewardship of Dr Surujbally, will be hosting local government elections. He said, “We must get it right, especially after we have waited…years to have local government elections.

We can’t have mistakes and miscalculations… that cannot happen,” in response to queries about the importance of

the elections.

U.S. Ambassador D Brent Hardt expressed satisfaction with plans to host local government elections. Hardt said the U.S. government is supportive of local government reform in Guyana and will assist GECOM in preparing for this through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The suite of local government bills, key to the holding of local government elections not held in Guyana since 1994, passed in the National Assembly with a number of government-sponsored amendments. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

Protest erupts again in Trinidad over highway construction

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he Trinidad and Tobago government attempts to move ahead with the TT$7.2 billion San Fernando to Point Fortin Highway project hit another snag Monday after residents of several south Trinidad communities threatened to halt work along the route. The residents made the threat as they staged fiery protest action against what they called unfair compensation for their properties and intimidation.

Already faced with a legal battle brought by the Highway Re-route Movement, whose leader, Dr Wayne Kublalsingh continued his protest outside the Office of the Prime Minister Monday as well, government came in for heavy condemnation as residents of Debe, Mon Desir and South Oropouche blocked roads from as early as 5 am during their action. This caused a traffic pile-up. Within minutes heavily armed soldiers

and police officers were out to quell the action but, residents continued.

They accused the National Infrastructural Development Company (Nidco) and government of thuggery, saying they are being threatened to

way done because this government has nothing else to show for elections,” he added.

Standing outside his demolished home along the Southern Main Road, South Oropouche, Monday, 48-year-old

Oropouche resident Marlon Jones stands with a placard on the site of his demolished house Monday as he joined with others to protest the low settlement packages being offered for their properties on the Point Fortin Highway route Monday. (Kristian De Silva/TT Guardian photo)

accept TT$50,000 compensation packages or face the demolition of their homes. “At the end of the day, all Nidco wants to do is settle and build the highway,” leader of the Highway Action Committee, Edward Moodie, said. “It is an attempt to get the high-

Marlon Jones said Nidco workers demolished his family’s home on Saturday. He said the house sheltered 16 relatives, 12 of whom are children between eight months to 16 years old.

He said their home was valued at TT$500,000 but

they were only given TT$100,000.

Even though Moodie led Monday’s charge, last year he took part in a prohighway demonstration, rivaling Kublalsingh and the Highway Reroute Movement. Moodie does not share the same woes as the residents, as he was compensated some TT$4.1 million for his Goopie Trace, Penal, home.

However, Monday, he said: “This is not about me, I got my settlement. I am standing for my brothers and sisters.” While he wants the intervention of Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar, he is also calling on the Independent Liberal Party (ILP) leader Jack Warner to defend the residents. He made it clear that if government did not heed their warnings, he would make public several instances of corrupt practices linked to the highway construction. (Excerpt from TT Guardian)

12 News Outgoing Canadian envoy notes Guyana’s progress G www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending August 15, 2013

uyanese last Thursday evening bid farewell to Canadian High Commissioner David Devine and his family during a reception and ceremony held at his residence in Georgetown.

Among those who paid homage to the outgoing ambassador was Buxton Youth Developers Association President Robin Phillips and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.

Phillips was loud in his gratitude to Devine for the contribution he made to the organisation over the years.

“Indeed, we are thrilled in Buxton for the

support we have received from the high commissioner and the people of Canada,” Phillips said.

He also singled out Canadian Fund Coordinator Ann Geer for her involvement with the community, which he said, has undergone tremendous changes.

“The Canadians have made an impact on our society,” Phillips remarked.

Fresh dynamism

Outgoing Canadian Ambassador David Devine

Prime Minister Hinds, in his remarks, noted that although Devine’s stay seemed short and he wished it had been longer, the ambassador brought a fresh dy-

namism to relations between the two countries.

Devine’s focus has been mostly on developing more business relationships between citizens of both countries.

assist. We must watch our young men grow. We must be proud of them when they graduate to be doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers etc. We must not be lining up at mortuaries, funeral homes, or cemeteries.”

She set a target for improvement, stating by 2014, there must be change.

“We must ensure that our youths are not involved in criminal activity. We must ensure that our young men are not killed by rival gangs, or

by the police. We must uplift them, and ensure that our youths are moving forward in the right direction,” she said.

The prime minister said gang culture and migration posed threats.

“In Trinidad and Tobago, we must be careful that we do not lose our young people. Young people are attracted by what is out there in the world today. They are attracted by the bright lights abroad,” she said. “In 2010, there were an estimated 27 million inter-

During his goodbye speech, the high commissioner said he and his family were going to miss Guyana very much, especially the warmth of the people, the delicious food, and the beautiful landscape.

Ambassador Devine stated that he was truly honoured to have been given the opportunity to live and work in Guyana.

The high commissioner said while he came to Guyana with the intention of making his contribution, he is leaving with far more as well as a better understanding and appreciation for the Caribbean region.

Impressed

He added that he remains impressed with the vast potential of Guyana and while there is much work to be done, the nation has come a long way.

“I know the politics is rife with tension, but I also know that persons who will bitterly argue with one another on public issues can also sit down and have a drink together or watch cricket together or sometimes put aside their differences and even work together,” he reflected.

Devine made reference to the passage of the local government bills, which, he said, is an example of collaborative effort for the

greater good.

He related that he was heartened to learn of the progress made towards local government elections and expressed hope that such progress would continue.

“From what I have seen, I think that most people, from various sociopolitical backgrounds all want the same thing: for Guyana to move forward, to develop, to fulfil her potential. Everyone wants the best for Guyana, including myself and the Canadian companies, that have invested here,” the Canadian envoy remarked. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

PM Kamla fears TT’s youths face a wipe out

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rime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar Monday warned that Trinidad and Tobago’s youths were being wiped out and were at risk of being lost through crime and emigration.

In an official message on the occasion of International Youth Day, which was celebrated Monday, PersadBissessar said, “We have to protect our youths before it is too late. We appeal to parents, teachers and the churches to

ENVIRONMENT YOUTHS: From left are; Rinelle Cozier, Samantha Raman, Marissa Mohammed, Deputy Dir CNIRO, Jheuel Carter, and Diana Persad interns at the Carib Youth Environment Network, at Monday’s International Cleanup Certificate ceremony held at the Marriot Hotel, Invaders Bay in Trinidad. (TT Newsday photo)

national young migrants.

While migration can often offer valuable opportunities and contribute to the development of communities and society at large, it can also pose risks and lead to unacceptable situations, including discrimination and exploitation.

Young people make up a significant share of the global number of international migrants.”

Persad-Bissessar said while a large number of our young people are encouraged by the global demands, TT has another problem at its door steps. “A section of our young population is attracted by gang activity.

According to data from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, there are close to 100 gangs operating in the country,” she

said. “Most of the members are young men, aged between 14 and 25. These young men look up to the gang leaders. They love the culture. They feel they are not wanted by either their parents or teachers. They feel no one cares too much for them.

But what is the spin-off effect? They are being wiped out.” (Excerpt from TT Newsday)

CAPE passes rise...But growth in entries slows

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he Barbadosbased Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Monday said that overall performance at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) has reached the 90 per cent mark for the first time in six years.

It said this year, 90.15 per cent of the Unit entries achieved grades one to four—which are the acceptable grades at CAPE—noting that in the last five years the percentage of entries achieving acceptable grades remained steady at 89 per cent.

But CXC said the growth of CAPE slowed this year for both candidate entries and unit entries. It said the number of candidates entered for CAPE stood at 28,228, an increase of 185 candidates compared with 2012.

The number of unit entries submitted increased, but marginally; this year 109,659 unit entries were submitted compared with 108,379 last year, an increase of 1,280 entries.

"Of the 28,228 candi-

dates taking CAPE, 62 per cent are female and 38 per cent male. The majority, 43 per cent are 18 years old, 33 per cent are 19 years and older, and 21 per cent fall in the 17-years-old, category" CXC said.

The examination body said that this year, 13.77 per cent of unit entries achieved grade one; 19.03 per cent achieved grade two; 22.20 per cent achieved grade three; 19.49 per cent achieved grade four, and 15.67 per cent achieved grade five.

It also said that performance improved on 19 units, remained steady on 10, and declined in 17 units. "Art and design units and 1 and 2 returned the best results overall with 100 per cent of entries achieving grades [one to four]. The highest percentage of grade [ones], 58 per cent, was also achieved in art and design unit 2."

Meanwhile, CXC said there were mixed performances in mathematics and the natural sciences, while most of the units in the humanities clus-

ter performed better than they did last year, with only a few exceptions.

Of the six business units, management of business unit two returned the best performance, 96 per cent, even though it was one percentage point below last year's number.

The regional examination body also said that economics unit two showed the most improved performance when compared with last year; 87 per cent of entries achieved acceptable grades compared with 79 per cent last year.

The two single-unit core courses, Caribbean studies and communication studies, continue to perform very well. Ninetyseven per cent of entries for communication studies achieved grades one to four this year, CXC said.

For Caribbean studies, 93 per cent of entries achieved acceptable grades, a decline when compared with 2012 when 97 per cent of entries achieved similar grades, it added. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

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Site for construction of children’s hospital spurs heated debate in Trinidad

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rinidad and Tobago’s Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan says he will meet with seismic experts and structural engineers objecting to the construction of TT$1.5 billion Children’s Hospital at Preysal. His comment comes as more seismic experts expressed concern over the proposed site in the wake of Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal’s declaration that the hospital would be constructed at its present location.

The experts, in a TT media report last week, expressed their objections to the construction of the hospital at its present site. They said the hospital was being constructed near the earthquake-prone Central Range fault line, which is said to be building sufficient strain energy to deliver an earthquake of magnitude 7.5 if it ruptures.

Another noted geologist, Dr Krishna Persad,

Artist’s impression of the proposed children’s hospital in Trinidad to be funded by the Chinese government (TT Guardian photo)

Monday also called on the Urban Development Corporation of TT (Udecott) to re-examine the design for the hospital, given the fact that it was on a major fault line. Monday, Khan told TT reporters that he had asked the experts to come in and discuss

their concerns.

However, he said: “Dr Moonilal and Udecott have assured me of what is going on and they are quite happy with what it is.” Khan said he was setting up a meeting with the experts through his permanent secretary to discuss their concerns

about the location of the hospital, which is being constructed just off the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway, Preysal, Couva. “I am just asking the seismic people to kind of show me what exactly they find so that I could look at it myself,” Khan said.

University of Guyana hosts first international research conference

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Undergraduates, lecturers, secondary school teachers and students were at the opening of the University of Guyana’s, Faculty of Natural Sciences’ first international research conference (GINA photo)

cadre of internationally distinguished experts led plenary sessions at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown at the University of Guyana (UG) International Research Conference.

The conference opened on Monday under the theme “Sustainable Development: Science Education, Research, Innovation and Enterprise.” The threeday exercise is the first international research conference hosted by the university’s Faculty of Natural Sciences in collaboration with the education ministry.

It will serve as a platform for the hosting of a biennial research conference in the natural sci-

ences and to commemorate the university’s 50th anniversary.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who opened the conference, advised that on the question of science, he is of the view that in these times, “every citizen should have a minimum grasp of science in order to understand in some degree, the world in which we live”.

He said his position is to have the allocation for science education placed in such an order that much emphasis is on ‘bringing up more rapidly the primary, then secondary, then tertiary level”. Hinds suggested more distribution of money for all schools, or if not feasible, “bringing up more the schools which have been less en-

dowed up, so that overtime there will be coverage of all schools at one desired attainable level”.

Among his suggestions was having greater importance placed on knowledge delivery at the level of the primary school.

UG Vice Chancellor Professor Jacob Opadeyi said over 47 papers were to be presented during the three days. He said his aspiration is to have over 100 papers at the next conference.

Professor Opadeyi said the conference was an important initiative of the university and is part of an agenda of involving all in the understanding of science and technology and its importance in the development of Guyana. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

On Sunday, Moonilal, line minister for Udecott, which is overseeing Chinese contractors, Shanghai Construction, work on the project, said all necessary precautions would be taken to ensure the building would be constructed to standard international codes. He said Udecott had assured that the contractors will be planning and building to ensure that the hospital could withstand any impact from a large-scale earthquake.

Last week, seismologist Dr Joan Latchman, of the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) Seismic Research Centre, said the present location of the hospital was in “close proximity” to the active Central Range/Warm Springs

(CR/WS) fault system.

She suggested the construction of the hospital be halted and a new location away from the fault line be found for the project.

Asked Monday if he agreed with Moonilal’s position that the hospital would continue at the present site, she said: “Dr Moonilal is the person in charge of Udecott and Udecott is our project managers and if Dr Moonilal has said that... remember they are acting on behalf of the ministry of health.” However, the health minister said: “If I see anything in the seismic study that needs further discussions with Dr Moonilal I will do that. I would engage in further discussions if need be.” (Excerpt from TT Guardian)

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Guyana to benefit from €2.7M regional climate change project

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uyana is one of four countries to benefit from a €2.7 million regional REDD+ project supported by the European Regional Development Fund (EDER), the French Global Environment Facility (FFEM) and the local government of French Guiana (Région Guyane).

The project’s overarching aim is to support the reduction of Greenhouse Gases (GhG) associated with deforestation and forest degradation through information sharing and strengthening the tech-

nical capacity of REDD+ focal points and forest service institutions in Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and the Brazilian State of Amapa.

According to a release from the Office of Climate Change of Guyana, a technical platform will be established which is aimed to support estimation of land cover changes and forest carbon stocks; identifying deforestation and degradation drivers; and modelling land use changes and socio-economic development.

At the first meeting

Shyam Nokta

of the project, held on August 8 in Paramaribo,

adviser to the president and head of the Office of Climate Change, Shyam Nokta recognised the genesis of the project which was initiated out of a meeting by the then president of Guyana Bharrat Jagdeo and the environment ministers of France and Suriname at the United Nations Climate Conference in Poznan in December 2008.

Nokta provided an overview of Guyana’s REDD+ initiatives under the framework of the Low Carbon Development Strategy and with support from the Kingdom

of Norway. He emphasised the critical role the Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system has played in Guyana’s REDD+ model in helping to determine with greater accuracy the extent of forest cover and drivers of deforestation and the important role a robust MRV system will play in future REDD+ mechanism.

In lending support to the project, he outlined Guyana’s willingness to share experiences and lessons learnt while at the same time seeking support from the project to continue to build a

REDD+ model. Guyana’s Office of Climate Change and the Guyana Forestry Commission are represented on the project’s Steering Committee.

The Guiana Shield is one of the largest blocks of primary tropical forest worldwide as well as a region with very high biodiversity.

With 90 per cent covered with intact rainforest, the Guiana Shield plays a critical role in mitigating climate change and in water regulation of the Amazon and Orinoco basins.

(Excerpt from Guyana Times)

Digicel roaming charges to be Global economic crisis boosts investments in Barbados’ agriculture abolished in Caribbean - gov’t minister reports

President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union Phillip Paulwell (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

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aribbean Telecommunications Union president, Phillip Paulwell, who is also Jamaica’s minister of science, technology, energy and mining, last Wednesday announced an agreement with regional mobile telecoms provider Digicel that will see roaming charges abolished for users of Digicel’s networks when they travel within Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries.

After some negotia-

tion, Digicel has agreed as of October 1, 2013, on the abolition of voice roaming on Digicel's network in CARICOM countries. Each traveling subscriber will be treated as if he is using his local/domestic Digicel network throughout the region and therefore will be billed accordingly,” said Paulwell.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the joint International Telecommunications (ITU) and Caribbean

Telecommunications Union (CTU) Caribbean Ministerial Forum on ICT, which started on August 7 in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Paulwell said that negotiations would continue with Digicel for the abolition of roaming on data charges by yearend, and for the removal of taxes on international calls in Jamaica and Haiti.

Discussions with LIME, the region’s other major telecoms provider, on a plan for that network to eliminate roaming charges, the CTU president said, were ongoing.

“The overall aim is to abolish roaming for both voice and data, and the objective is to achieve this by year end,” said Paulwell. “Those charges hinder affordable communication between Caribbean people, and as we move toward greater regional unity, we must take every opportunity to remove the barriers that keep us apart,” he added. (JIS)

A

senior government minister has told a conference in Barbados that the economic downturn in the country has facilitated increased investment in agriculture as the engine for economic growth in both the public and private sectors.

Agriculture, Food,

excited about the possibilities for renewed investment in food and agricultural science, technology and knowledge development and transfer.”

Estwick said the sector needed to influence and attract more young people to become agricultural entrepreneurs,

Barbados’ Agriculture Minister Dr. David Estwick

Fisheries and Water Resource Management Minister, Dr. David Estwick, addressing a two-day National Seminar on Food and Nutrition Security that ended in Bridgetown last Friday, said the recession had led to increased government and private sector spending in the agricultural sector.

“It involves not only increased government spending on agriculture and infrastructure for inputs and marketing but also encourages private sector investment (which) includes foreign direct investment in food production, post-harvest storage, processing and marketing…,” the minister stated.

He added that, “I am

adding there was also the need to address the needs of “small holder” farmers.

He said these farmers should be encouraged to be a part of the implementation of the draft plan, so that they could better participate in new potential investments.

“Perhaps the key for unleashing the full potential of our small holder farming is the establishment of Food Zones at specific locations around the island. This initiative would be community driven.

“I would like to reiterate my government’s vision that all members of the Barbadian society permanently enjoy their right to adequate food and to be permanently

empowered with sufficient resources to make sound food choices that lead to a healthy lifestyle,” Estwick said.

Meanwhile, Health Minister John Boyce believes the scarcity of arable land, diminished spending power due to the global recession and soaring world food prices, all pose a threat to Barbados’ food and nutrition security.

Boyce said that while the country needed to guard against these threats, the challenge Barbados faced was more related to poor food choices, which directly contributed to the epidemic of chronic noncommunicable diseases.

He said Barbados, like other Caribbean countries, was experiencing a shift in nutritional patterns resulting in increased rates of obesity.

“Food security is a complex sustainable development issue, linked not only to health, but also to sustainable economic development, the environment and trade. Such issues as to whether households get enough food, how that food is distributed within the household and whether or not it fulfills the nutritional needs of all members of the household, show that food security is linked to health,” Boyce said.

He added that the draft food security and nutrition policy plan is based on the regional policy adopted by member states of the Caribbean Community in 2010 and policy draws on stakeholders from agriculture, finance, social care and health.

(Excerpt from BGIS)

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US$65 million for LIAT’s fleet modernisation B

y the end of January 2014, regional airline LIAT should have seven of its twelve new planes.

This disclosure came last Friday during a ceremony at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) headquarters for the signing of LIAT loan agreements totalling US$65 million to four shareholder governments– Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica-for LIAT’s fleet modernisation project. Prime Ministers Freundel Stuart, Dr Ralph Gonsalves and Dr Baldwin Spencer signed the agreements.

The agreements provide for the funds to be lent to and repaid by LIAT over a 13-year period, following a twoyear grace period. Cofinancing for the project is being provided by shareholder equity contributions and from the sale of LIAT’s existing

aircraft. The project involves the replacement of the aging fleet through a combination of lease and purchase of aircraft, financing the transition costs associated with the changeover, the upgrade of maintenance facilities and other institutional strengthening activities.

Stuart told the gathering that the government and people of Barbados had a special interest in the survival and efficient operations of LIAT. “Barbados has a vested interest in the easy movement of people in this region… because caricom is our third largest source market for tourism. So, we cannot contemplate a region without the services of an airline like LIAT… I don’t know of any other airlines prepared to do in this region, what LIAT has done since 1956, in one form or another.

Therefore, the government of Barbados, over which I preside, had no

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has inked LIAT loan agreements totalling US$65 million to the airline’s four shareholder governments

difficulty in lending its consent to the securing of this loan,” he stated.

He stressed that regional transport was an indispensable prerequisite to the development of the Caribbean.

“So, Barbados remains committed to LIAT’s cause. That does not mean that from time to time we too may not have to comment in ways that might make LIAT uncomfortable. But, that

is not to be interpreted as any reneging from our commitment to ensuring that this regional airline maximises its opportunities and provides the kind of service to this region which they so richly deserve,” he added.

President of the CDB, Dr Warren Smith, said the airline’s aged fleet poses a significant risk to its commercial viability as well as to the socio-economic bene-

fits accruing to regional economies.

LIAT services 22 destinations, with nearly 1,000 flights weekly.

Crucial to regional integration

Meanwhile, prime minister Spencer, also spoke of his country’s commitment to LIAT, noting that it is a major symbol of regional integration and is indispensable to the economic and social development of the

region. “…[LIAT] is absolutely vital if our experiment in regional integration, bringing our people together, they being able to move up and down the region, to transact business, to do whatever–it is so critical and crucial to our development,” he said.

Noting that there are challenges in terms of the aviation industry and the airline’s structure and operations that need to be addressed, Prime minister Spencer said that he is confident that as time goes by and they seek to move into the new phase of LIAT’s development, the challenges can be met and overcome.

“It is going require the support of all of us, not only the shareholder governments, but the people of the region… and the press; the media has a very critical role to play in this exercise,” he added. (Excerpt from BGIS)

Aids secretariat launches ambitious anti-HIV strategy for Guyana

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Guyana’s Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran (centre) alongside Programme Manager Dr Shanti Singh (at his right), in the presence of officials from UNAIDS and other organisations

he National Aids Programme Secretariat (NAPS) last Thursday launched Guyana’s National HIV Strategic Plan 2013-2020 at the Grand Coastal Inn with UNAIDS Guyana calling for the health ministry to waste no time in implementing the ambitious project.

The project dubbed “HIVision 2020” was crafted to reduce the social and economic impact of HIV and AIDS on individuals and communities and simultaneously reduce the spread of HIV. Additionally, it seeks to improve the quality of life of persons living with HIV. Project Manager Dr Shanti Singh in a detailed presentation said the project was designed to place Guyana on a trajectory to eliminate HIV.

HIV control

“This plan takes into consideration the priorities for national development and specifically for the prevention and con-

trol of HIV, the regional priorities as guided by the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework (CRSF) and the international commitments to the Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS and the Millennium Development Goals,” Dr Singh explained.

HIVision 2020 comprises five priority areas: coordination, prevention, treatment, care and support, integration and strategic information.

Five strategic objectives were incorporated under coordination to “ensure a coordinated multi-sectoral response, mainstream HIV services into the programmes and services provided by the non-health line ministries; create and strengthen strong and sustainable partnership...and mobilise, harmonise and align resources,” she pointed out.

Meanwhile, under prevention, the health ministry through NAPS is anticipating that they will accomplish a zero

new HIV infections, zerodiscrimination and zeroAIDS-related deaths by 2020. It was explained that the strategic plan will create social, economic, legal and institutional environment for unhindered HIV prevention.

Turning her attention to “treatment, care and support”, the programme manager said improving the quality of life and reducing morbidity and mortality for persons living with HIV were placed high on the agenda.

Priority area

“The overall aim of this priority area is to strengthen the health system to create the conditions necessary for universal access through the simplification of high quality treatment and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of treatment and care delivery,” she highlighted.

Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), mater-

nal, newborn and child health have been closely linked to HIV, and as such, the strategic plan strives to integrate the coordination and implementation levels, national primary health care and public health programmes.

Under the “strategic information”, HIVision 2020 will enhance the ministry’s capacity to translate data into strategic information that will be subsequently used as the basis for action. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

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uneasy with CAP Amerindians making Opposition developments in Jamaica progress in Guyana T G

uyana’s indigenous peoples have progressed significantly in terms of education, health and infrastructural development over the past two decades with the assistance of government, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai said.

She expressed these sentiments last Friday at a press briefing as the country joined with the United Nations (UN) and other countries to observe World Indigenous People Day 2013 under the theme, “Building Alliance: Honouring Treaties, Agreements and other arrangements”. She noted that with the assumption of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) of office, it pursued accelerated support for development in improving the lives of indigenous people in the country, which has seen noteworthy progress.

She said presently Amerindian people have access to services that were once denied them or limited.

Making reference to education specifically, which, according to her, will propel the peo-

Guyana’s Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai

ple away from a level of sheer “vulnerability”, she underscored that the administration has achieved universal access to primary education in the hinterland and is working to expand access to secondary education.

Advancing communities

P r e s e n t l y , Amerindians are enjoying much more opportunities and access to services than before, so the minister urged them to take advantage of these opportunities to develop themselves and their

communities, particularly in the area of land ownership.

“We are the largest collective private land owners in this country and we have to rise to the challenge to utilise resources that can assist in moving to a higher level, with the support of government by advice, expertise, and financially,” the Amerindian affairs minister noted.

She added that over the past three or four years, indigenous people have received millions of dollars to assist their communities with respect to advancing productive and economic activities from government.

National Toshaos Council chairman, Derrick John, said indigenous people have come a long way in terms of development over the last two decades, adding that hinterland communities have been transformed.

Amerindian Action Movement representative, Peter Persaud, stated that Guyana’s indigenous people are treated with far more respect than those in other countries. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

he opposition in Jamaica has raised concerns about recent developments in government's efforts to dispose of over US$400 million (Ja$30 billion) in debt triggered by the 2004/05 alumina forward-sale agreement with global metals and energy trader Glencore International.

Opposition spokesman on finance, planning, growth, and economic development, Audley Shaw told Jamaican media Sunday that his party is concerned about a number of issues emanating from recent reports on government's efforts to tidy up the deal, including a one-to-one debt exchange of principal being offered to Clarendon Alumina Partners (CAP) noteholders by the government; a reported contract with Hong Kongbased Noble Resources for the sale of CAP's alumina; and Glencore filing a claim against CAP in London for trading with Noble Resources.

“We were told that, from December 2012, the government would have gotten out of the agree-

ment with Glencore.

So what is the basis on which Glencore has taken the government to court?" Shaw asked.

Last week, Minister of Science Phillip Paulwell, said that, in an effort to ensure the best possible arrangement for Jamaica at this time, one which was consistent with the overall economic strategy of the country, it had become necessary to review previous contractual arrangements in order to maintain and diversify the markets for Jamaica's alumina exports.

Against this background, he said Cabinet had decided to accept an option provided by Noble, which offers more advantageous arrangements for Jamaica and removes CAP as a burden on the national budget, consistent with the country's agreement with the International Monetary Fund.

But Shaw said that the opposition was concerned about the effect of the new arrangement with Noble Resources on the new debt exchange, which will result in the

conversion of US$162 million (Ja$16.2 billion) in debt owed by CAP to bonds that will be owned by the government.

CAP previously secured a deal to supply specified annual quantities to Glencore, which is now alleging that delivery of alumina to Noble will lead to a breach of CAP's contractual obligations to Glencore.

Glencore said that its position is based on CAP's current alumina production forecast. Glencore is now seeking declaratory relief and monetary damages in the London courts, as well as an injunction against CAP supplying alumina to Noble, unless it can be assured of receiving its annual quantities.

The forward-sale agreement, which has haunted the Jamaican economy and, especially, its agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for several years now, required that 50 per cent of the product that is being sold to Glencore, with whom CAP signed the agreement, is sold to them at a fixed price. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Caricom Change Team pleased with Guyana consultations

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he Change Facilitation Team based at the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat has expressed satisfaction at the response by participants at the Guyana national consultations on a five-year strategic plan for the Community. The strategic plan is a critical part of the reform process within Caricom, which has been initiated by the conference of heads of government.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Maria MasonRoberts said, “very solid recommendations and ideas have been put forward” during the sessions that began last Monday. Mason-Roberts was high in praise of the organisation of the consultations by the ministry of foreign affairs, led

by Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, who has been appointed the change driver for Guyana.

Heads of government approved the outline of the strategic plan at their inter sessional meeting held in Haiti, last February and agreed to appoint change drivers in each member state with overall responsibility for coordinating and facilitating the change process at the national

Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque

level.

The change drivers are coordinating the national consultations, which are scheduled to be held in all member states and associate members.

The first was held in Barbados last June, with Guyana as the second, to be followed by Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Montserrat, St Lucia, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago scheduled for September.

The Bahamas, Belize, Haiti, Jamaica and St Kitts and Nevis are scheduled for October.

The consultations in member states will include stakeholder groups including heads of government, leaders of the opposition, members of parliament, representatives of business, labour,

youth and other civil society groups, Caricom institutions and other regional organizations with headquarters in the member state.

These consultations are intended to address the vision, mission and core values of the Caribbean Community.

The recruitment of a change facilitation team resulted from discussions among heads of government at their inter-sessional meeting in Suriname in 2012, after receiving a report on the review of the Secretariat.

The leaders agreed that it was necessary to re-examine the future direction of the Community and the arrangements for carrying this forward, which would include the role and function of the Caricom Secretariat.

The strategic plan will, among other things, identify the priority areas of focus for the Community and guide the restructuring of the Secretariat.

Caricom SecretaryGeneral Irwin LaRocque is leading the change process at the Secretariat and has initiated some corporate reforms within the organisation while awaiting the completion of the strategic plan.

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Guyana experiences booming tourists’ arrivals

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estination Guyana continues to attract tourists from around the world, and has already recorded an 11.5% increase for the first half of the year, heading for a larger increase this year.

The figure was further boosted last week when the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) welcomed over 300 Dutch visitors from Suriname and Holland at Moleson Creek after they disembarked the Kanawaima ferry that services Guyana and Suriname.

The tourists were scheduled to stay for three days in Guyana.

They said they were looking forward to experiencing the country’s rich cultural heritage; the many historical sites in Georgetown and the Essequibo Islands, the country’s flora and fauna, the exotic cuisines, and entertainment,

among others.

The trip was organised by the Garage Tour Company of Suriname, which has been collaborating with the tourism ministry of Guyana and has been bringing over 40 visitors in the South American Caribbean country on a weekly basis.

GTA’s Director, Indranauth Haralsingh, who greeted the guests at Moleson Creek in Berbice, said, “this does not only bring economic development to Georgetown, but the Corentyne and then you can see that area being a hub for influx of tourists.”

He highlighted the resuscitation of the Number 63 beach on which a lot of work is being done to enhance its surroundings.

“Immediately one can see the economic benefits and the spin offs,”

Visitors from neighbouring Suriname disembarking the Kanawaima ferry at Moleson Creek in Berbice, Guyana (GINA photo)

Haralsingh pointed out, not only for Guyana, but Guyanese as a whole in terms of transportation, fuel, hotels and stores whose sales will be boosted. And so when they shop in Georgetown, when they stay and dine and travel it is bringing a lot benefits to all Guyanese,” he noted.

Haralsingh stated that GTA is looking for-

ward to continue fostering the partnership between Guyana and Suriname so as to ensure there is a consistent flow of tourists in the country.

The tour company will also be bringing a large contingent on August 24 for the R Kelly Show at the Jamzone summer break international night.

Both government and the private sector have been collaborating to promote ‘Destination Guyana’, and Haralsingh said that this has resulted in many persons wanting to visit the country to experience what it has to offer.

Additionally, GTA is working with Suriname at the Amazon Cooperation Treaty

Organisation (ACTO) level to establish a tourism manual among Guyana, Suriname and Brazil to promote crossborder and multi -destination tourism.

Suriname is close to Guyana, and is a key partner and through ACTO, a Caribbean tourism trail of which Suriname and Brazil is a partner with Guyana has been established.

Meanwhile, GTA also welcomed a team on that same day from three communities in Berbice who came from New York to conduct community works in their respective villages.

Visitor arrivals have been increasing significantly in Guyana over the last decade. Last year, there was a recorded figure of over 175,000 visitors compared to 10 years ago when it was just 70,000-80,000.

(Excerpt from GINA)

Regional project launched to improve free movement of artisans and domestics under CSME

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he regional umbrella body of non-governmental organizations, the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC), last week launched a regional project aimed at improving the free movement of artisans and domestic under the Caribbean Community Single Market and Economy (CSME).

The project, entitled Making CSME Work for Artisans and Domestics, will focus its efforts on the five leading Caricom member nations that send and receive workers under the scheme: Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago.

In 2006, Caricom leaders agreed to the in-

clusion of artisans and domestics to the categories of skills that can move freely throughout the CSME, in addition to teachers, nurses, university graduates, other professional workers, artistes, sports people and media workers. But the rules to allow artisans and domestics to move freely are still to be fully developed.

“This project will help artisans and domestics to fully understand and access their rights at the same level that other categories of workers are able to under the regime. We also intend to provide them with support services as they move,” said CPDC executive director Shantal Munro-Knight.

The project will therefore seek to part-

ner with all the relevant agencies, interest groups and institutions responsible for developing and implementing the regime; including workers organisations, accreditation bodies, Caricom's CSME Unit and the national focal points-the ministries and agencies that grant the right to free movement.

She added: “It will also ensure that those who have to use regime will have a say in how it is shaped. We want them to be able to share their experiences and input what they want to see done so that they can take advantage of the same privileges and protections that academics and professionals currently enjoy in the CSME.” Further, the official

MSJ to contest seven local gov’t seats in TT

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he Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) plans to contest seats in at least seven of the 14 municipalities in the upcoming Local government elections in Trinidad and Tobago, said political leader David Abdulah on Saturday.

The political leader said candidates who have already been selected to be councillors have been “out in the fields” interacting with members of the public. Abdulah made the comments dur-

ing a walkabout in the Siparia and Palo Seco districts, which fall within the Siparia Regional Corporation (SRC). MSJ has selected two candidates for this corporation-Philbert Thomas and Theophilus “Theo” Henry for the electoral districts of Palo Seco and Erin respectively.

The term of Local Government Council expired on July 26, and according to law, elections must be held within a three-month period which ends on October

MSJ’s political leader David Abdulah (TT Newsday file photo)

26.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar announced last week that United National Congress local government councillors wanted to delay the calling of elections. (TT Newsday)

highlighted that, “There is a lot of misinformation out there. We hope by this project, to clear up misconceptions as the Community moves eventually and inevitably to the free movement of all its nationals."

The CPDC project is intended to present facts on the benefits to free movement, counter false perceptions and misinformation, and proposes solutions to valid concerns, MunroKnight said.

It is hoped that following a series of consultations with rep-

The project will focus on the five leading Caricom member nations that send and receive workers under the scheme

resentative groups, including the media and other stakeholders, lessons from the project can be applied in all member states.

‘Making CSME Work for Artisans and Domestics’ is funded by the Caribbean Aid

for Trade and Regional Integration Trust Fund (CARTFund), financed by the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) and administered by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

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Hugo Chavéz Centre for Rehabilitation commissioned in Guyana

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he Hugo Chavéz Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration in Guyana was on Saturday commissioned with the Guyana government expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Venezuelan government for helping to make the project a reality.

The centre at Onverwagt, Region Five was constructed to the tune of US$2.5 million, with the Venezuelan government providing US$2 million.

The proposal for the construction of the centre was conceived by the government of Guyana as a policy initiative with the objective of aggressively addressing the issue of those less fortunate persons within society who, for a

The male dormitory at the Hugo Chavéz Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration located at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice in Guyana. (GINA file photo)

multiplicity of reasons, are forced to make the streets their home.

Guyana subsequently sought the assistance of the government of Venezuela in providing the resources to fund this project.

Guyana’s Human Services and Social Security Minister

Jennifer Webster, speaking at the opening, said the gesture by Venezuela does not only demonstrate the late Hugo Chavéz’s love for humanity, but his unreserved commitment in providing a sense of hope and belonging for the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged members

of society.

Construction of the centre commenced in January 2010, but was not completed earlier due to some unforeseen circumstances.

“Today, I am proud to say that this magnificent edifice would accommodate 100 males and 80 females and will

include medical, recreational, kitchen, conference, training and dining facilities. The centre will also provide land, which will be utilised gainfully in agricultural production pursuits by residents of the centre. The centre endeavours to transform the lives of its occupants so as to enable them to become disciplined and productive members of society. I hope that we could continue to benefit from the best practices of the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in the initiation of the activities of the centre, particularly in the form of training and expertise of its personnel in this area,” Minister Westford said.

She said the project stands as a tangi-

ble demonstration of the firm friendship and cooperation between the governments of Guyana and Venezuela.

The occasion was attended by President Donald Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, other ministers of government, members of Parliament, Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana Reina Magarita Diaz and other members of the diplomatic corp.

Construction of the facility began in January 2010 with a design prepared by Guyana’s ministry of public works and communications and a technical team. The facility can house 180 persons. It was built to accommodate males and females in separate dormitories. (Excerpt from GINA)

Racial discrimination still in TT - PM Kamla

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rime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar last Thursday said many in the country are facing racial discrimination on

a daily basis. The prime minister was addressing a luncheon put on by her office at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s to commemorate Emancipation

Day, which was observed earlier this month.

She also said she will attend next year’s Emancipation Day celebrations, “God willing”, as

Members of the Wasafoli Dance Group perform last Thursday at a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s in commemoration of Emancipation Day which was observed on August 1. (TT Newsday photo)

she pledged to take up the cause of reparations for the victims of the transAtlantic slave trade as the chairman of Caricom.

“We need to change attitudes and beliefs and behaviour,” she said.

“Many are currently facing and fighting racial and religious discrimination.”

On her non-atten-

dance at Emancipation Day celebrations this year (which came after a keenly-fought by-election) she noted she had attended every year and even before she was prime minister.

“My apologies for my non-attendance,” she told the audience, which included Khafra Kambon, chairman of the

Emancipation Support Committee. “I was there every single year, even before I became prime minister and God willing I will be there next year.”

Persad-Bissessar told the audience, that Caricom would take up the reparation issue—involving the payment of former slaves—“to the end”. (TT Newsday)

Venezuelan president for official visit to Guyana

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enezuela’s President, Nicolas Maduro is scheduled to pay an official visit to Guyana at the end of August.

According to media reports, Maduro will visit Guyana on August 31, following the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) summit in Suriname.

President Donald Ramotar, who made the announcement on the weekend, said Guyana and Venezuela remain committed to a peaceful resolution to Venezuela’s claim to the mineral and forest rich Essequibo region which makes up two-thirds of Guyana’s 83,000 square miles.

“We are committed to working with

the government of Venezuela to take our relations to higher levels, to consolidate the existing programme of cooperation and explore new areas that will bring us new benefits as well as preserve the climate of mutual respect and understanding that will allow us to continue our engagement under the Good Officer’s Mechanism of the United Nations,” said Ramotar.

Despite Venezuela’s downplay of the more than 100-year-old border controversy since late President Hugo Chavéz reassured that the colonial era matter should be a thing of the past, Guyana has maintained that the matter must be settled at the level of the UN. Chavéz visited Guyana in 2004.

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U.S. airlines oppose Caribbean Millions missing from National Workers’ carriers’ Guyana service

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he U.S. airline industry and its largest pilots union have stepped forward at the Transportation Department to oppose efforts by two small Caribbean airlines to operate between New York and Georgetown, Guyana, Travel Weekly reported.

According to papers filed by Airlines for America and the Air Line Pilots Association

vice, has filed for rights to operate New YorkGeorgetown, a route that Delta abandoned several months ago.

Airlines for America said in a legal pleading that the two applications raise “serious and troubling issues for consumers” and for the industry, which traditionally takes a bilateral approach to international routes.

That means the traffic rights between

ronment, Airlines for America said the Transportation Department should be working on “clearing away” these impediments rather than granting special favours to the region’s carriers.

In the same vein, ALPA said neither of the Caribbean carriers “can point to any compelling U.S. public interest that would be served” by their proposed operations, es-

Union in Jamaica

Acting General Secretary of the National Workers’ Union in Jamaica Granville Valentine (Jamaica Observer photo)

A (ALPA), the two carriers–Caribbean Airlines and Fly Jamaica–are not entitled to serve a route between the U.S. and Guyana because they are based in third countries– Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, respectively.

At issue is a pending application by Caribbean Airlines to drop the unprofitable short segment of its TrinidadGeorgetown-New York route and operate strictly between the U.S. and Guyana.

Separately, Fly Jamaica, a new entrant that is offering New York-Kingston ser-

Country A and Country B are generally reserved for the airlines of those countries rather than carriers from third countries.

Airlines for America said Caribbean Airlines’ third country operations are responsible for “forcing the cancellation” of Delta’s Guyana service and said so-called “doing business issues” such as fuel subsidies from Trinidad and Tobago, and “excessive taxes” in some countries make it difficult for U.S. carriers to compete.

In such an envi-

pecially since “a U. S. carrier has just surrendered its service in the market”. Fly Jamaica, after getting the go ahead by the government of Guyana to operate directly between the route, went to the U. S. authorities to finalise the deal so that it could begin operations.

Last Wednesday, Guyana’s acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali told reporters that local authorities were still awaiting an update from Fly Jamaica, but operations are expected to start shortly.

n issue surrounding several million dollars of unaccounted-for spending by the National Workers' Union (NWU) in Jamaica has emerged as the latest development in the unfolding story of a power struggle within the union.

Acting General Secretary Granville Valentine told Jamaican media last week that an audit being conducted into the accounts of its white- collar affiliate, the Union of Clerical, Administrative and Supervisory Employees (UCASE), has shown that there is disbursement of approximately Ja$30 million which is unaccounted for in terms of invoices or receivables.

“And that is for only one year, 2009/10, so

far," Valentine said on Sunday. He said that he intends to do a full audit of the accounts and to get answers about how the funds were used.

However, former secretary/treasurer of UCASE, Robert Harris, has denied that the missing sum is anything new or has anything to do with UCASE. He said that a former accountant was dismissed in 2010, after an issue developed about missing funds. This followed an audit apparently commissioned by former general secretary Lloyd Goodleigh, when it became obvious that millions of dollars were being siphoned from the union's account without receipts.

According to Harris, the accounts showed that

there was some Ja$120 million collected in dues from members, of which only about Ja$90 million could be accounted for.

However, he said that, at that time, UCASE did not have its own account until 2011 and all dues collected were paid into the NWU's account and the general secretary had oversight over the use of the funds, until that system ended recently.

"It was one of the hardest fights that we had, because the NWU always wanted to maintain control over the UCASE funds," said Harris, who was dismissed by Valentine on July 17, triggering a dispute over unauthorised dismissal.

Harris said, however, that it was his view the funds were siphoned off through the NWU's accounts department. He said that the union fired the accountant, who has since claimed unfair dismissal, another issue involving former employees of the union now being conciliated at the ministry, or headed in that direction.

Harris said that the union engaged the Police Fraud Squad at the time, but they failed to find the trail of the missing funds. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Canadian Corp to clear the air soon on Penal hospital contract - TT housing minister

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he Canadian Commercial Corporation is to issue a statement on the controversial contract given to troubled Canadian firm SNC Lavalin to design and build the TT$ 1 billion Penal children’s hospital and rehabilitation centre, TT’s Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal said last Thursday.

He was responding to an article written by Patricia Adams, executive director of Probe International, which was published in the Huffington Post last week.

The article quoted the CCC as saying that TT was not getting any preferential conditions in the construction of the project. Moonilal initially defended the People’s Partnership’s decision to build the hospital using a government-to-government loan granted by the Canadian authorities.

Contacted last Thursday morning, Moonilal said he was in touch with the CCC and a statement

TT’s Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal (TT Newsday file photo)

was expected to be issued by the organisation to clarify the matter. He did not disclose any details of the preferential conditions TT would enjoy if the project went ahead.

However when contacted later that evening, Moonilal said he was still waiting for the CCC’s statement.

Since TT media reported that SNC Lavalin got the contract to design the hospital, several groups including the Joint Consultative

Council for the construction industry and the Local Content Chamber have called for full disclosure on the contract. Calls were also made about the alleged involvement of TT’s High Commissioner to Canada, Philip Buxo, in the deal.

Before his diplomatic appointment, Buxo held the position of Director of the Caricom (Caribbean Community and Common Market) Region Energy and Infrastructure Division of SNC-Lavalin.

However, he has denied any involvement in the selection process, saying: “The TT government is not involved in the decision-making process to hire any Canadian company to construct the hospital. The full responsibility for the selection of any company is the exclusive responsibility of the Canadian government’s designated co-ordinator, the CCC.” In a statement last month, president and CEO of the CCC, Marc Whittingham, said the TT government had

signed a contract in February with SNCLavalin to design the Penal hospital, on the recommendation of the CCC. Whittingham said a framework agreement was signed between the governments of Canada and TT on May 1, 2012,

to promote co-operation in the health sector. He explained that in early 2012, CCC and Udecott decided to split the work into two phases: The design of the hospital and the construction and installation of medical equipment.

He said the design

phase was almost completed and Udecott and CCC were now working on a contract for phase two. However, a due diligence review is now in progress to decide whether SNC-Lavalin will get the second part of the contract. (Excerpt from TT Guardian)

20 feature Guyanese company transforms waste to works of art

Flower made from plastic bottles

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending August 15, 2013

up with creative ways in recycling garbage then that would make a great impact on our littering habits.

Bravo Arts realized we have to teach our younger generations in order to change this dirty habit because the adults are

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Steve explaining how to go about creating art from trash

oing their part in the crusade against the garbage epidemic in Guyana, local art company Bravo Arts has introduced their fun initiative for teaching youths how to get creative in transforming recyclable garbage into wonderful art.

In a recent inter-

view, Bravo Arts’ Steve Douglas revealed that he is peeved with the littering situation in the country and has conceptualized a ‘Get Creative Funshop’ painting and recycling art class, to get youths involved. He believes if the younger generation is taught how to treat garbage correctly

then this would definitely start a revolution against the littering plague.

“This fun and creative programme is suited for students during the August holidays. It is eyesore seeing garbage around Georgetown but I believe we can all play a part in ending this situation. If we all can come Getting creative at Funshop

not really setting an example. So we started this programme to impact the youths in a creative way,” stated Steve.

Through his research, Steve was astonished to see how plastic bottles were used in the U.S. to build a house and this motivated him to come up with inventive ways in dealing with garbage in Guyana.

He noted that making a difference, calls for ingenious thinking and seeing beyond these items being just garbage.

“I found that preaching on people to desist from littering does not work because they still do the same thing. But coming up with creative

bage. The first class was held in July and Steve expressed his amazement on how creative the children were with plastic bottles, cardboard rolls, newspapers, paper bags, CDs, and old tires. They made chairs out of tires, flowers out of plastic bottles, hats out of bottle labels, and art frames from CDs-just a few ways the garbage was artistically used.

“This has really inspired us at Bravo Arts to take this initiative to another level in the near future. Adults have called and expressed their interest in being involved so we’re planning on expanding our efforts. I hope we can

Photo frames made from old CDs

ways in recycling garbage items has so far been effective. These young minds are still fresh and perfect for shaping artistically. They are open to ideas and even gave us suggestions. It was truly a learning experience for us professional artists to learn from these children. We were pleasantly impressed with their brainstorming and imaginative work,” Steve expressed.

‘Get Creative Funshop’ is Bravo Arts’ inaugural art programme on recycling gar-

also work with groups and schools to make this a bigger project,” Steve declared.

Outlining his plans for this project, Steve is focused on getting schools involved by encouraging the collection of certain garbage items and teaching them artistic ways of using these.

In addition, he is urging companies and groups to team up with Bravo Arts to make the venture a countrywide initiative. (Excerpt from Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

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‘Jambana 2013’ rocks with added features at new location in Canada STORY AND PHOTOS BY NADIA HUSSEIN

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sea of green, yellow and black took over Markham Fairgrounds for ‘Jambana’ last Monday, August 5.

Thousands came out to the event wearing the Caribbean country’s colours and waving the flag. In previous years, the event has been held

same great vibes.

A huge line-up of performers helped keep the crowd entertained.

Many came out to see ‘Yellowman’.

The reggae and dancehall deejay became popular in Jamaica in the 1980s and is known for his song ‘Zungguzungguguzungguzeng.’

Nadine Sutherland was at Jambana as well to deliver her hit song ‘Action’

An energetic cultural performance

The audience enjoyed singing, dancing and comedy performances

at Downsview Park, but organisers moved its location to provide more space for the celebrations. Despite the new venue, the festival continued the

and more. The legendary band Byron Lee’s Dragonaires were also present.

Different sections dubbed ‘villages’ encompassed the many aspects of

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ith more than eight million viewers worldwide tuning in, the romantic islands of Antigua and Barbuda took centre stage recently as the scenic backdrop for the Rose Ceremony Episode of ABC’s Television primetime reality series, ‘The Bachelorette’.

Antigua and Barbuda, ‘The Romance Capital of the Caribbean’ was chosen from amongst other Caribbean destinations as the perfect location for this season’s two-part finale episodes of the ABC TV show, ‘The Bachelorette’.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, John Maginley commented, “Antigua and Barbuda was proud to be showcased on U.S. national television during ABC’s season finale episodes of The Bachelorette.

This was a fantastic opportunity to introduce our beautiful islands to the entire world, along with

The two-part finale episodes featured the spectacular beaches and exotic scenery of Antigua and Barbuda

the high-standard of accommodations on-island through our partnership with Elite Island Resorts.”

Larry Basham, Chief Operating Officer of Elite Island Resorts, noted that, “This project has given Antigua and Barbuda a tremendous boost in terms of public relations, market profile, and exposure to millions of viewers within the island’s travel demographic.”

The two-part finale episodes featured the spec-

tacular beaches and exotic scenery of Antigua and Barbuda, coupled with the romance and style of St. James’s Club & Villas, The Verandah Resort & Spa and Galley Bay Resort & Spa. Antigua & Barbuda provided the idyllic setting for the remaining suitors and Bachelorette, Desiree Hartsock, who found true love during the finale episode which aired Monday, August 5th, 2013.

Antigua and

Vybz Kartel’s book gets Princeton endorsement

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he ‘Voice Of The Jamaican Ghetto’, a book authored by controversial Jamaican dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel and his business associate Michael Dawson, is still going places despite receiving some amount of resistance locally.

The book was released in July 2012, with the tag line 'Babylon can incarcerate the messenger but not the message', and it appears the words have been spoken into being, with the prestigious Princeton University recently adopting the book into its libraries. Princeton University is regarded by many as one of

the most prestigious tertiary institutions in the world, and is often compared with Harvard in debates about the best universities in the United States of America.

The university has one of the most robust matriculation criteria globally, and currently serves as the alma mater of former U.S. presidents, John F. Kennedy, who later transferred to Harvard, James Madison and Woodrow Wilson.

America's first African-American First Lady, Michelle Obama, also studied at Princeton University before pursuing law at Harvard Law School. (Excerpt from Jamaica Gleaner)

Jambana, which had something for everyone. The food village had dishes such as curried goat, ackee and saltfish and vegetarian patties. Children were engaged in their own area with face painting, rides and interactive games.

Meanwhile, in the Domino Village, the winning team of the ‘Lick A Six’ tournament won a trip to Jamaica.

There was also a Travel & Trade

Barbuda was featured on two episodes of ‘The Bachelorette’, on the show that aired July 29th, 2013.

‘The Bachelorette’ was the highest rated show on American television for this date, with over eight million viewers.

On Monday August 5th, ‘The Bachelorette’ was again the highest rated show of the night, doubling all rivals in the 8—10pm time slot.

The show was top ranking among adults 18 - 49 years old, and attracted more than 8.672 million viewers.

“The Bachelorette’, with its appeal to mil-

Village and a Health Village providing plenty of information on a variety of topics such as financial planning and diabetes.

In its 8th year, Jambana continued to display the vibrancy of Canada’s cultural mosaic in its finest form. Attendees had the chance to celebrate Jamaican culture for 9 and a half hours as the day started at 12 and ended at 9:30 p.m.

lions of viewers in North America, provides an excellent opportunity to showcase our breathtaking islands which are world renowned for love and romance. The four hours of prime time television exposure that Antigua and Barbuda received is an unparalleled PR opportunity for our destination. This opportunity will yield significant brand awareness for Antigua and Barbuda which will translate into a significant spike in our visitor arrivals for the upcoming winter season," said Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua

and Barbuda Tourism Authority.

This season on ‘The Bachelorette’, Desiree, 27, an operations manager and stylist at a bridal salon, who previously charmed America’s favourite bachelor, Sean Lowe, had another chance of finding true love with 25 potential soul mates and she got another shot at love as the Bachelorette.

Millions watched, stunned, as Sean sent Desiree home following the hometown dates, even after she pleaded he was making a big mistake.

(Antigua and Barbuda gov’t)

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El Dorado maintains supremacy at international competition T he El Dorado 8 Year Old Rum has surprised its competitors by winning the Best Rum Trophy at the annual International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC).

At the 2013 IWSC, held in London, the El Dorado 8 Year Old was awarded the Best Rum Trophy while its more popular counterparts, the El Dorado Special Reserve 15 Year Old Rum and the El Dorado 12 Year Old, both won Gold Outstanding trophies.

The El Dorado 21 Year Old won the Gold Trophy while the El Dorado 5 Year Old and the El Dorado 3 Year Old won Silver Outstanding, a re-

lease from the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) said.

In judging the El Dorado 8 Year Old, the judges described the product as “amber gold.

Very complex aromas combining orange pekoe tea, roasting nuts (brazil, walnut and pecan) and smooth caramel. This complexity rolls around in the mouth, achieving a wonderful balance of aged richness, and a superb integrated sweet/ bitter balance that is outstanding. The finish is long and evolves beautifully”. The El Dorado 15 Year Old, the flagship brand of Demerara Distillers Limited, also boasts the distinction of

The El Dorado 8 Year Old was awarded the Best Rum Trophy at the 2013 IWSC in London

being the only rum ever to have won the title Best Rum in the World, a record 8 times since 1998 at the IWSC. The rum has also won the IWSC

Gold Medal a remarkable 12 times during the years 1998 to 2013.

It was also adjudged the Best Spirit of the Caribbean at the

Caribbean Rum Fest for four years with outstanding recognition as the Best Spirit of 2001. In addition, the El Dorado 15 Year Old was awarded the Platinum Medal by the Chicago Beverage Testing Institute in 2001 and the Gold Medal at the 2003 Rum Fest held in Newfoundland.

The judges described the El Dorado 15 Year Old as “Deep bronze amber colour. Crêpe Suzette aromas waft, sprinkled with dots of barley sugar and dried pineapple, coconut and papaya. This is sipping rum, a thinking not drinking glass, pensive, pervasive and ultimately satisfying”.

The El Dorado 21 Year

Old evoked the following response from the judges: “Dark bronze amber colour. Molasses, smoke, syrup and mocha on the nose. There is a quite pronounced oak influence evident, both on the nose and in the mouth, but this does not detract from the wonderful character of this product.

Enjoy”.

According to DDL, it has always been committed to producing the finest quality products for its customers the world over. It said the fact that its rums have gained sustained international acclaim is testimony to the company’s commitment to quality and excellence.

mant that no gays would be considered for positions in his Cabinet.

Blake believes Jamaicans have become more tolerant of gays since then.

“When I started, numerous folks whom I reached out to for an interview, both in Jamaica and abroad, rejected my request. Now they are

munity. The PNP scored a resounding victory but Prime Minister Simpson Miller has said little about the promised revision.

Blake says there are plans to screen ‘Taboo Yardies’ at film festivals in the U.S. and Canada.

One of her main goals, however, is to show it in Jamaica to legislators.

Trini gets wildlife preservation award

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U.S. wildlife biologist DJ Schubert, left, presents the 2013 Clark R Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Award to retired Trinidad and Tobago game warden Samsundar Ramdeen on August 2 in New York. (TT Newsday photo)

n A presentation ceremony held on August 2, the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) honoured Trinidad and Tobago national and resident Samsundar Ramdeen, a retired Game Warden from the Wildlife Section of Trinidad and Tobago’s Forestry Division, with the 2013 Clark R Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Award.

This award was presented to Ramdeen for his 36 years of dedicated service in proactive enforcement of the laws of Trinidad and Tobago regarding protecting wildlife. His commitment to protecting wildlife made him a deserving recipient of this award.

The presentation took place at the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement office in Valley Stream, New York. The Animal Welfare Institute is a non-profit charitable organisation founded in 1951 and dedicated to reducing animal suffering caused by people.

The Clark R Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Award is presented to persons who demonstrate exemplary efforts to combat wildlife offences. The Institute indicated that the award is traditionally presented to honourees at each meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the Conventional on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora. The last CITES meeting was held in Bangkok, Thailand in March 2013.

Mr Ramdeen was not able to attend that meeting, so special arrangements were made to honour him in New York.

“The Animal Welfare Institute is honoured to recognise Samsundar Ramdeen with the Clark R Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Award,” stated Susan Millward, executive director of AWI. “Not only are his accomplishments most deserving of this recognition, but they should set the standard for all of those in Trinidad and Tobago who are responsible for enforcing that country’s wildlife protection laws,” Millward said.

“Officers like Warden Ramdeen truly embody the legacy of Clark Bavin,” said Edward Grace, deputy assistant director for Law Enforcement of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“We’re proud that our New York office was able to help AWI honour this man’s contributions to wildlife conservation.”

As he accepted the award from wildlife biologist DJ Schubert, Ramdeen said, “The wildlife diversity of this country and of the world is irreplaceable and every person, whether they wear a badge or not, must help protect these amazing species and their habitats from destruction.”

Ramdeen received congratulations from the TT Consulate in New York. In a statement, the Consulate said, “We congratulate Mr Samsundar Ramdeen on his stellar achievements and on the occasion of being awarded the 2013 Clark R Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Award. Citizens such as Mr Ramdeen make us all proud to be Trinbagonians.”

(TT Newsday)

aboo Yardies’, a Jamaican filmmaker’s documentary on her country’s indifference toward homosexuality, is doing the promotional rounds.

The 77-minute film, produced by Selena Blake, had a screening last Monday at the International LGBT Film Festival in Dublin, Ireland. According to a spokesperson for ‘Taboo Yardies’, the project “went over very well” with the audience.

Though ‘Taboo Yardies’ also had screenings in Jamaica in February at various locations, including the University of Technology and the University of the West Indies, Blake says no official release date has been set.

The St Catherineborn Blake began work on the documentary six years ago. She interviewed persons such as then Jamaica Prime Minister Bruce Golding, United States Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, journalist/ gay activist Staceyann Chin, psychiatrist Dr Aggrey Irons and Jason McFarlane of JFlag.

In 2008 when Blake interviewed Golding, he had controversially told Tim Sebastian of the British Broadcasting Corporation that there were no plans to legalise homosexuality in Jamaica. He was ada-

Selena Blake, producer of ‘Taboo Yardies’ (Jamaica Observer photo)

willing and ready, that’s an indication that something has changed,” she told Jamaican media.

A statement from at least one senior politician gave Jamaican gays some hope. In the televised debate for general elections in December 2011, People’s National Party (PNP) leader Portia Simpson Miller, said a PNP administration would consider revising the country’s buggery laws.

Her comment did not go over well with many Jamaicans, but was welcomed by the gay com-

“We are open to an invitational screening from the PM, (we) would love to do a private screening for her, members of parliament and other stakeholders,” she said.

Born and raised in Old Harbour, Blake moved to New York City in 1979, working as a model and appearing in television commercials.

In 2005, she made her debut as a filmmaker with ‘Queensbridge: The Other Side’, a revealing documentary about the low-income Long Island housing project. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

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week ending August 15, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Bolt’s hometown elated with Moscow victory W

hen Usain Bolt lunged towards the line comfortably ahead of a strong field in the 100-metre final at the IAAF World Championships at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow Sunday, wild cheers erupted across Sherwood Content, Jamaica.

The small farming community in Trelawny, roughly 12 miles from the parish's chief town, Falmouth, is proud of its most famous son and is keen to impress on reporters that there was never any doubt of Bolt's victory.

"I am happy for the race. I know that Bolt could never lose," cried Joel Ried who watched the race at Kurgan Shop and Bar, where a group of men playing dominoes paused their game to wit-

Sherwood Content residents watching the race at Kurgan Shop and Bar in Jamaica. (Mark Cummings/Jamaica Observer photo)

ness Bolt's demolition of the field.

"Bolt really did a wonderful job. He showed Sherwood Content people, Jamaica and indeed

the world that he is the best," Reid told Jamaican media.

And the celebrations were not confined to Kurgan Shop and Bar.

Highway. It was part of the impetus to create a specialised series of teachers’ colleges; and was apparently the Colonial concern about adequate numbers of trained people to run an ex-colony.

“The prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago who led the country to full internal self-government, and then to Independence, Dr Eric

coming each other from all corners of the globe…

Over the 16 years of its existence, 3,200 of the best and brightest young teachers brought a highly developed sense of professionalism to the teaching profession in Trinidad and Tobago.

Many migrated and continued to be of service in metropolitan countries. Those who stayed at home went on to be-

Cheering could be heard from rum bars and shops as well as homes around the usually quiet community.

Sherwood Content

resident and businesswoman Sharon Lawrence, who said she has known Bolt for more than 25 years, was "elated and filled with joy", but insisted she was "not surprised".

"It (the win) was expected. I know Bolt was not going to lose. I know him from he was a baby, so I know what he is capable of doing," she explained.

In Sunday’s race, Bolt made a hesitant start but left the field for dead after about 60 metres to win in 9.77 seconds.

"Bolt is definitely a cut above the rest, I know he would win and we all appreciate the victory.

The 200-metres race is for him just the same," said Wayne Francis, another Sherwood Content resident.

Celebrations, on

Sunday, spread from Sherwood Content to other sections of Trelawny, as cheering residents hailed Bolt as "one of the best athlete to grace the world".

Bolt was not the only Jamaican in the race. His compatriots Nesta Carter placed third (9.95); Kemar Bailey Cole, fourth (9.98); while Nickel Ashmeade was fifth, also in a time of 9.98 seconds.

American Justin Gatlin copped the silver medal in 9.85 seconds.

At the Championships two years ago in Daegu, South Korea, Bolt was eleiminated from the race by a false start. Fellow Jamaican and training partner Yohan Blake went on to win the title.

Blake, however, was unable to defend his title this year, due to injury.

(Jamaica Observer)

Mausica Teachers’ College Renowned Jamaican actress back in celebrates legacy in TT

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espite the fact that Mausica Teachers’ College in Trinidad and Tobago closed its doors in 1979, the alumni still continue to celebrate its past existence, as one pioneer graduate, Brenda Alexander-Perez, who now lives in Canada, wrote in an article in 2005 after a reunion in Canada, “Mausica legacy lives on… This is

Toronto’s theatre with ‘Mi Get Mi Landed II’

The Mausica Teachers’ College celebrates 50 years since inception in 1963

what Mausicans brought to the classroom all over Trinidad, Tobago, Grenada and the world.”

As the College celebrates 50 years since inception in 1963, the alumni hosted a golden reunion from July 19 to 27. Celebrations began at Mt Irvine Bay Hotel with a cocktail reception and continued with fellowship in Tobago until Monday July 22, during which time the past students attended ‘The Ole Time Wedding’ in Moriah during the Tobago Heritage Festival. After a week of activity in Trinidad, the former Mausica graduates ended with a formal dinner/dance at The Hyatt Regency on July 26.

Founded in 1963, Mausica Teachers’ College (MTC) was located on Mausica Road, D’Abadie, south of the Churchill-Roosevelt

Eustace Williams, had received his tertiary education in Britain, at tremendous cost to his country. He was determined to find ways to bring the necessary education to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, without the long exile from family and country that study abroad necessitated.

Mausica was one such concept”, writes lecturer, Linda Edwards in the draft Commemorative Magazine’s “introduction”.

From 1963 to 1979, with its motto “Moulding a Nation through Service”, Mausica produced graduates who have done just that, throughout the primary and secondary schools in Trinidad and Tobago for over five decades.

“Living the Legacy,” says Anna Maria Mora (1968-1970) “is the theme chosen for our celebrations. We will be wel-

come government ministers/politicians/senators, solicitor general, ambassadors, permanent secretaries, director of culture, schools’ supervisors, principals, schoolteachers, successful businessmen/women, medical doctors, lawyers, hoteliers, university lecturers (local and foreign universities), sportsmen/sportswomen/sport administrators, writers” (local and foreign), comedians, calypsonians, film producers, musicians, computer engineers, systems analysts, teachers of the year, religious leaders, radio/television announcers, psychologists “We continue to make significant contributions to nation building and ‘live the legacy’ in meaningful ways and it is for this reason that we will be getting together this year to celebrate our achievements.” (Excerpt from TT Newsday)

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Jamaican actress Terri Salmon (Photo:Contributed)

our years ago, Devon Haughton’s play, ‘Mi Get Mi Landed’, chronicled the consequences of having secret agendas and not being honest with one’s partner. Starring renowned Jamaican actress Terri Salmon, the play achieved critical acclaim.

Salmon is back in the play’s sequel, ‘Mi Get Mi Landed II’.

Written by Haughton, the play picks up four years after the events of the original theatrical production.

The play surrounds the life of Ruth (Judy ‘Pye’ Cox), a hardworking and mild-mannered woman who wanted only love and happiness when she foolishly

fell in love with Enos, married him, and then sponsored him to emigrate from Jamaica to Canada. In the sequel, Ruth has used her life savings to start a nursing home and long-time family friend, Pu Pam Pam, arrives in need of a job. Ruth’s sister Tatti (Salmon) tries to return to Canada but loses her landed status at the airport. Coco, a Christian-minded landed immigrant who is the housekeeper at the nursing home, needs money to save her dying daughter. Barbabas weaves his conniving ways to destroy Ruth.

As the play progresses, Ruth battles mental health issues, Tatti fights to retain her landed immigrant status and Coco valiantly at-

tempts to cope with her problems.

Salmon is an award winning actress, who has appeared in a number of local and regional productions, alongside some of the best known and loved Jamaican actors. Her awards include the Actor Boy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Karl Hart’s ‘Dem Good Ole Days’ in 2001. She won the award again in 2009 for her role in Basil Dawkins’ ‘For Better or Worse’. Salmon credits her success to her ability to “pull the audience.”

She believes her intrinsic nature “allows me to lift the script from the page and make the character my own.”

The remaining show dates in Toronto and Ottawa are as follows: Friday, August 16 at 8 p.m. at the Jamaican Canadian Centre, 995 Arrow Road; Sunday, August 18 at 6 p.m. at the Metropolitan Centre, 3840 Finch Ave. East, Scarborough; Friday, August 23 at 8 p.m. at Faith Open Door Ministries, 920 Caledonia Rd.; Saturday, August 24 at 8 p.m. at Polish Hall, 1551 Stevenson Rd., Oshawa.; and Sunday, August 25 at 6 p.m. at Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Avenue in Ottawa.

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Miss World Guyana takes bullying, Driving gender-based violence campaign to TT me crazy

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Miss World Guyana 2013 Ruqayyah Boyer with supporters of her campaign against bullying and gender-based violence in Trindad and Tobago

iss World Guyana 2013, R u q a y y a h Boyer was in the twin Island of Trinidad and Tobago earlier this week undertaking several projects in relation to her campaign against bullying and gender-based violence.

Boyer, who is currently an ambassador for Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness (CADVA) is currently working alongside her team members to advocate for this cause in an effort to increase international awareness in hopes that it results in a standard national domestic violence policy in Guyana that does not fail its victims.

Recently, four Guyanese women lost their lives at the hands of their partner in separate incidents which could be viewed as a result of a failing/non functional system.

Miss World Guyana 2013, Ruqayyah Boyer’s involvement in bringing awareness to violence on a whole with a focus on bullying as well as violence against women and

children started over a year ago, and has now fully evolved into a more global platform and personal passion.

Miss World Guyana started her ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ project on these issues by joining forces with CADVA and the Irene Madray Recreational Arts Centre (IMRAC), while in Guyana preparing for the Miss World pageant before taking her campaign across borders to Trinidad. The Miss World pageant consists of over eight segments, one of which ‘Beauty With a Purpose’ requires each contestant to submit a video presentation on the work they have been doing as an ambassador for their country.

As part of Boyer’s campaign against bullying, the Miss World Guyana Organisation and CADVA have extended their reach to Trinidad where the issue is also prevalent.

Change

There, Miss World Guyana along with CADVA and IMRAC launched Operation Build-Board, which is

being used as a tool to bring about change on the issue of bullying.

To mark the occasion of International Youth Day (Monday, August 12), the team members of CADVA, IMRAC and Miss World Guyana Organisation ended their final event, joining together in celebration with Trinidad’s ‘Youth In’ (a Caribbean network for youth development) in their movement for change with a moving art exhibit under the theme “Reflections:Faces of domestic violence” painted

by Guyanese artist Carl Anderson.

The events were coordinated efforts by CADVA, IMRAC, Miss World Guyana 2013, the U.S. embassy in Portof-Spain, the Education Student Support Services Ministry, Chaguanas; Pipiol Angels in Cantaro Village, Santa Cruz; Rotary Club of Pointe-aPierre, Rotary District 7030 and Youth In. Members of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida were key contributors towards making these events pos-

sible as they continue to link up Caribbean communities with the rest of the world.

The objectives of these events are to raise awareness of sexual violence and sexual abuse; shifting the cultural mindsets to promote a healthier perspective towards women’s sexuality; and bullying prevention: bridging the gap between children, youth, parents, teachers and community.

On Saturday, the team joined The Rotary Club of Pointe-a-Pierre, Lakeshore Restaurant, Petrotrin and on Monday, Ruqayyah Boyer performed Sam Cooke’s song, “A Change Is Gonna Come” to end the week-long event.

August 12 was International Youth Day and the event was held at the National Academy of the Performing Arts (NAPA) and hosted by the United Nations Youth In Group. It was televised live.

The Miss World Pageant is scheduled to commence from September 3 to September 28.

UWI students for TT mission in U.S.

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our students of the University of the West Indies (UWI) St Augustine campus, will spend this month on an internship at the Trinidad and Tobago Mission to the United Nations (UN) in New York, a Foreign Affairs Ministry statement has revealed.

The students of UWI’s Institute of International Relations (IIR) were chosen due to academic excellence and include Kayann Layne, Hannah Katwaroo, Kimberley Gonsales and

Gina Granado.

At the UN, the interns will work alongside TT diplomats at the Mission on various bodies, commissions and committees. The interns will be exposed to multilateral diplomacy from the perspective of different countries. They will also attend lectures in diplomacy at New York universities and participate in assignments at various UN bodies.

“The students will be exposed to a wide range of multilateral issues including climate change,

the post-2015 development agenda, sustainable development, UN Security Council reform, challenges facing Small Island Developing States and the criteria used for graduating Member States to Middle/High Income status (which make them ineligible for developmental assistance).

“This internship will enhance classroom discussions on their return, expose them to job opportunities at the UN and other multilateral institutions and advance the

foreign policy agenda of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” said the statement. “It is hoped that upon graduation from UWI they will choose to work in our country’s diplomatic service or seek employment in multilateral agencies,” the release stated.

The students will also spend a few days at the TT Embassy in Washington DC where they will be exposed to TT’s bilateral initiatives with the U.S. and TT’s interactions at the OAS. (TT Newsday)

By Anu Dev

S

o recently, I started to take my mandatory theory driving classes. And after spending 15 years in a school system where most of my classmates were in my peer group, these classes, with persons running the gamut of the ages was a new, interesting experience.

Of course, I’m also sure that my teachers in school weren’t ever police officers.

So I never had to worry that they might start handcuffing me and reading me my Miranda rights if I handed in my homework late. This circumstance added a whole new edge to these classes.

But seriously, it’s really nice. The older members of the class are clearly really knowledgeable about most of these things than I am.

I’m just coming out of high school, I never really gave much thought to the theory part of driving. In such spare moments I had, I more or less fantasised about jumping into a car and speeding off in a cloud of dust. Wait, did I say “speed off”? In case any of my (police) instructors are reading I meant “driving off within the speed limits”, of course! So honestly, the driving classes, which are going so well aren’t driving me crazy.

They’re quite pleasant actually.

What’s driving me crazy is our Warriors’ last performance against Trinidad.

One would hope that coming back from a defeat, the troops would have rallied and crushed Trinidad (like we did the first time around). But instead, we handed TT their first win.

And I mean “handed”. What was most heartwrenching about the defeat was how sloppy we were in the field–catches were dropped, run-out chances were messed up, fours were let through.

They seemed to be having delayed-action responses to everything. They were a sharp contrast to Barbados the night before.

The Barbadian players, also coming back after a bit of a break, were intense in the field. They made an effort to keep up the intensity even though they already had 3/3 wins.

As Pollard said, West Indians have a tendency to relax, so they made a conscious effort to counteract that. They were diving and throwing themselves all over the field to save singles, and were slowing down and giving up when chasing down balls about to go for four.

I’d hoped the game would’ve distracted me from the countdown to my CAPE results–which were supposed to go online at mid night–the night of the game.

But thankfully results came out two hours early and I was happy enough about my results that it helped to soften the blow of Guyana losing.

Out of the five subjects I wrote at CAPE (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Caribbean Studies), I got all ones.

Bollywood week ending August 15, 2013

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| www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Katrina plans sister’s ‘Divorce is not the worst wedding in London thing’ - Karisma Kapoor

P

ost her holiday in Spain with alleged boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor (which drew up quite a storm), Katrina Kaif has put all that behind her and is currently in London.

Sources have said that Katrina is there to plan the wedding of her sibling, Natacha, as the nuptials are next month and Katrina has taken it upon herself to be in charge of the trousseau.

Natacha is one of the many sisters that Katrina has and sources have said that the actress has ensured that the wedding is a success. This is also one of the reasons why Katrina has not been seen at a lot of Eid parties that were held by her friends in the city.

Furthermore, she has also invited her family to Mumbai and is busy with the trousseau and clothes’ coordination with Indian designers.

Katrina is also personally supervising the menu and post the wedding, she will resume her work commitments.

(TOI)

‘I was a geek in school’ - Huma Qureshi

A

ctress Huma Qureshi has revealed that she may have turned fashionable nowadays, but she used to be a book lover during her school and college days and never worried about following trends.

"I love books. In fact, I was a geek in college and school. I became an actress by mistake," the 27-year-old told reporters at the launch of debutante author, Vibhor Tikiya's book, ‘Dada’.

"Now I have become fashionable, but initially I used to wear my dad's shirts. In Delhi, I still have more books than clothes," added the ‘Gangs Of Wasseypur’ actress.

Huma has a special fascination for biographies and seeks inspiration from them.

"Lots of books inspire me, especially autobiographies and biographies... whether it's an athlete's or an actor's or an industrialist's. If you read an autobiography you will find somewhere all stories are the same," Huma said.

"They are all human beings no matter which background or ethnicity they belong to. They somehow seem to have

A

Won’t do anything to offend my family’ - Sonakshi

A

ctress Sonakshi Sinha says her family has given her freedom to choose her kind of films but at the same time she would not do anything to offend them.

"My parents have given me enough freedom to choose and do the kind of roles and films I want to do. They know how professional I am...they trust me. They know I will not do anything that will offend them," Sonakshi said.

Her comment comes

in wake of reports that her mother Poonam Sinha used to come on the sets and was skeptical of the intimate scenes with her co-star Ranveer Singh in ‘Lootera’.

"My mom never came on set for that particular scene. You can say what you want to by using my name but there is no need to drag my family.

If it happens I will take a stand...I will stand up against it," she said.

She feels all this was done for publicity to grab eyeballs for that particular scene or film.

The actress reveals that her mother used to come on the sets to give food to her, co-stars and director, and that they all loved her. (TOI)

SRK doesn’t keep a track of other actors at box office! the same problems and demons they have to fight with," she added.

Huma is currently shooting for Vishal Bhardwaj's production venture ‘Dedh Ishqiya’. (TOI)

‘I’ve got more than what I had ever dreamt of ’ - Akshay Kumar

kshay Kumar, 45, is easily one of India's most good-looking men. He considers the month of September both lucky and expensive for him as his birthday as well as the birthday of both of his children, his niece and his parents' anniversary take place in it.

Ahead of his up-

O

ne of India's most stylish celeb moms, Karisma Kapoor pours out her heart in her mother-

hood book.

She says the journey from being a pregnant woman—heavier by 24 kilos—to the svelte mother of two she now is, was more challenging than the role she played in ‘Zubeidaa’, referring to her critically acclaimed performance in the 2001 Shyam Benegal film.

On the issue of being a single mom, the actress wrote, “I would firmly advise you not to think of a separation/ divorce as the worst thing that could have happened to you and your family.”

She continued, “India has progressed to a stage where a divorcee status hardly matters. What matters is that you raise a positive, independent, well-behaved and intelligent child.”

(TOI)

coming release ‘Once upon a time in Mumbai Dobaara’, he spoke to Indian media about how much he misses his father, why martial arts needs to be made compulsory for girls and how he can beat Tina (Twinkle) hands down at cooking. The following is an excerpt of that interview:

A lot in your life is connected to your martial arts training.

What do you like the most about it?

Apart from the fact that it teaches you to defend yourself, it teaches you how to respect others. It teaches you to be humble.

Let's talk about your father?

If I have got a jolt in my life, it is when he died of cancer in 2000…

I was most attached to him. He gave me company in everything I did.

When I would represent volleyball in school, he would be the only father who would be there.

You are self-made.

You must be a proud man?

I have got more than what I had ever dreamt of. (TOI)

S

hahrukh Khan's ‘Chennai Express’ has made a new record at the box office, but the actor claims that when he makes a film, he only thinks about his movie and doesn't

think about the box office.

While talking about trade analysts, who are busy comparing SRK's Eid release to Salman Khan's movies like ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ and ‘Dabangg’, which released on the festival of Eid in the past, the actor believes that there is no competition here. "If I start thinking on everything what people say that I will not be able to work. I don't think there is competition. It's a good time to release any film," said SRK. "I don't have any calculations at the box office. Also, to be honest I don't know how much other actor's films make money on Friday as I don't remember how much money my last film did on Friday," concluded Shahrukh.

(TOI)

Nagma to make a comeback

A

ctress Nagma, who cut down her acting assignments due to her political career, says she will make a comeback soon.

Nagma, who is an All India Congress Committee (AICC) member, has been busy campaigning for the Congress Party.

"I had never left acting. An actor can never stop acting. For few years, I was busy concentrating on politics and I had left (acting) for some time. Now, I will start again," Nagma told reporters at a photoshoot organised by fashion designer Amy Billimoria.

The ‘Baaghi’ actress, who has been a part of multi-lingual films, is getting good offers.

"There are few offers coming my

way. Filmmaking is changing and I want to choose the right scripts. I will reveal the names of my films when the right time comes," said the 38-year-old.

(TOI)

26

hollywood

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending August 15, 2013

Pamela Anderson becomes Cory Monteith’s house cleared of his belongings racing car team’s boss!

F

ormer Baywatch star Pamela Anderson has become part owner of a sports car racing team, bringing a little Hollywood glamour to motor sport.

According to CNN, Anderson has linked up with the Race Alliance team, which is competing in the inaugural FIA GT Series, after venturing into motor sport in March 2012 when her and occasional racing driver Markus Fux

fronted the Downforce1 European Le Mans teams.

Following the failure of that venture,

Fux and Anderson have teamed up with the Race Alliance team for the final three races of the GT Series' 2013 season, the report said.

Competing against Anderson's team will be one led by rally driving legend Sebastian Loeb, who won a record nine World Rally Championships in a row between 2004 and 2012 and now heads the Sebastian Loeb Racing team, the report added.

(TOI)

Banning porn not a solution, says Amanda Seyfried

A

manda Seyfried has said that banning porn would not be a solution, as people should be "free to watch what they want."

The 27-year-old ac-

tress told Day and Night at the UK premiere of her upcoming biopic ‘Lovelace’ that banning porn would not work, the Daily Express reported.

The actress stated

that you can't put a ban on it, as underage kids were still drinking.

She said that porn will always exist, and people should be free to watch whatever they want. Seyfried also said that there are issues how porn films are made and produced, as some are safe and positive, whereas there is trouble elsewhere.

Seyfried is playing the role of ‘Deep Throat’ pornstar Linda Lovelace in her upcoming flick.

(TOI)

L

ate actor Cory Monteith's apartment was cleared of his possessions for the first time after his death.

Known for his role in ‘Glee’, the actor was found dead in Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel room in Vancouver, Canada July 13. He died because of the lethal combination of alcohol and heroin. He was 31.

Three men were seen carrying his belonging from his house into a budget moving truck Monday, reports dailymail.co.uk.

His things, including furniture, a

Kim, Kanye won’t sell daughter’s photos

R

apper Kanye West and his girlfriend Kim Kardashian have got several offers to sell their daughter North West's exclusive pictures, but they not tempted at all.

A

cret. I just do all the things you're supposed to do. I eat right, I sleep, I work out, I'm happy. I have a beautiful family,

and nice friends. I choose the good things. I choose the happy, and healthy things. I don't choose the bad, unhealthy, and unhappy things," said Stone.

She also admits that she has resisted a facelift, despite constant offers from plastic surgeons.

"I can't tell you how many doctors try to sell me a facelift. I've even gone as far as having someone talk me into it, but when I went over and looked at pictures of myself, I thought, what are they going to lift," said Stone. (TOI)

Bruce Willis bored of acting in action movies

H

ollywood actor Bruce Willis has reportedly admitted that he is 'bored' of starring in ac-

tion movies but takes them up to make lots of money.

The 58-year old actor has earned a lot of flak for virtually refusing to speak in some UK interviews and not appearing to properly promote his own films, the Mirror reported.

The ‘Die Hard’ star said that he finds explosions and fireballs the most boring part of action movies.

He added that he takes up all sorts of movies but as he likes to earn lots of money, he acts in action movies that generate the most revenue.

Willis was reportedly recently kicked off ‘Expendables 3’ because of his 'greedy' pay demands. (TOI)

Kim, 32, gave birth to North July 15 and has ever since maintained a low profile. There has been a lot of hoopla around the child, who has not yet made a public appearance.

Initially, the couple thought of selling the pictures and donating the money to a charity, but dropped the idea, reports tmz.com.

The pictures could fetch a $3 million, but Kim and Kanye have already rejected such an offer.

They are juggling through two ideas, either release the pictures to a fancy magazine or release it on social media. (TOI)

Kelly Osbourne wishes she had brother’s illness

Sharon Stone enjoying ageing ctress-producer Sharon Stone is 55 and she is a happy person as she is enjoying the process of ageing.

"I think I am ageing, but I'm enjoying the process. I think that's really it. I'm enjoying my years, I'm enjoying my life, and I'm enjoying my family.

I'm just happy...a happy person," femalefirst. co.uk quoted Stone as saying.

The actress previously said that she has never gone under the knife and rather prefers a healthy lifestyle.

"My secret is no se-

desk and chairs, and numerous boxes, were shifted within four-and-a-half hours to an unknown location. (TOI)

A

ctress Kelly Osbourne says she sometimes wishes she suffered from multiple sclerosis (MS) in-

stead of her brother, Jack Osbourne.

Jack was diagnosed with the disease last year but tries to lead a normal life. He is married to Lisa Stelly and has a year-old daughter Pearl. The couple is now expecting their second child.

"When you get told that your little brother has a disease that most people don't even understand, you're like, 'So my mum had cancer, my dad almost died and now my brother has MS," Cosmopolitan magazine quoted Kelly as saying.

The actress calls Jack a hero for leading a normal life.

"He's such a hero. He walks around like he doesn't have it -you'd never even know. He's so brave and strong and willing to do anything he can to find a cure," Kelly said.

"And you know what? I wish I had it instead of him. I think all about the… things I've done, yet my life is perfect.

I wish I could take it away from him," she added. (TOI)

Kristen Stewart to pursue studies

‘T

wilight’ star Kristen Stewart has reportedly enrolled at America's prestigious University College Los Angeles to study English Literature along with doing films.

The 23-year-old actress has been thinking about a life after films and thus, wants to get a proper education, the Mirror reported.

Sources revealed that the ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ starlet is an avid reader and is eager to start her correspondence course.

The University of California, in Los Angeles, is one of the most respected universities in America and re-

cently ranked fourth in a list of top colleges nationwide and has one of the best English courses around. (TOI)

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week ending August 15, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Mainstay regatta helps boost Essequibo’s tourism - as organizers pull off another success event

T

he 13th Annual Lake Mainstay Regatta in Guyana, which was held on Sunday at the black water resort, was dubbed a success despite a slight drop in attendance compared to the previous year. This was perhaps as a direct result of the accident, which led to the death of Orin Belle during the 12th edition of the regatta.

Nevertheless, Director of the resort Wilfred Jagnarine, expressed his satisfaction with the turn out and level of participation at this year’s event.

Jagnarine said he had anticipated that, after the unfortunate accident last year the attendance would have dropped even more since the Belles were diehard racing fans. He is, however, optimistic that the time will come again when the Belles will participate.

Jagnarine also expressed his gratitude to the Regional Democratic Council for rehabilitating the road, which has

been a major challenge to the regatta. The road, he noted, was graded twice since they had expected a high influx of patrons.

He also thanked the sponsors who came onboard to make the event a success.

Toshao of Mainstay/ Whyaka Joel Fredericks also called on the government to complete the allweather road that leads to the villages. This road, he stated is a very important as it leads to one of the most attractive resorts on the Essequibo Coast. Without a proper road, Fredericks noted that patrons would not be too keen on visiting the resort, and this will ultimately hamper economic growth. He reiterated that tourism is a major economic activity for the settlement.

Tourism Ministry Deputy Permanent Secretary Daneshwar Deonarine said the Lake Mainstay Regatta has become a part of the national calendar and people look forward for such an event on an annual basis.

The Gonsalves of Pomeroon pose with their trophies (Guyana Times photo)

Positive impact

He said the event has a positive impact on tourism and ultimately on the country’s economic growth, noting that it is an opportunity for small and medium enterprises to provide services such as transportation, accommodation, wildlife, arts and entertainment.

It will also bring about the creation of new jobs and generate foreign exchange, investment and

payments for goods and services provided.

Some 18 events were held on Sunday. Patrons came out in their numbers with their baskets and tents to have a grand time. During the races, they cheered with energy as they supported their favourite competitors.

The Gonsalves out of Pomeroon River created a whirlwind as they dominated the day’s proceedings.

From open races to 200 horsepower to novelty events, the day was accident free.

Rocking party

As the place got dark, patrons were seen gyrating to the music dished out by the Chinese Assassin and Pream Music Systems, but it got even better with performances by chutney singer Anil Bheem out of Trinidad and Tobago; Vanilla and other local

Bajan craftsman discovers passion for intarsia - painting with wood A

walk around the craft market at the Crop Over in Bridgetown, Barbados, transcended one into the annals of time. The aroma of local cuisine being cooked by the wayside, the vendors displaying their wares-from toys to paintings to crafts and even vegetables and plants-the blaring soca music, and a few revellers whining away to the beats.

The atmosphere un-

der the crisp Caribbean sunshine was reminiscent of fun and frolic.

Tucked away from the excitement, Mario Smith displayed the intarsia art he creates.

Necessity is the mother of all invention, it is said and Smith, who worked as a joiner-making doors, windows, and kitchen cupboards-had to stay home after his son was born. "I stayed back home as my wife had to go back to work, this was

2004," he said. "When I was home, I started to research on the Internet and came across saw art and decided to try it.

"I started to trace patterns on the wood, used that as a back-panel and then cut them with a saw. The mechanism is same like a sewing machine; the saw alternates the cuts, which gives a clean, seamless finish.

It is an intensive exercise which takes a lot

of precision and patience to execute the process. The scroll saw art piece takes around two to three hours to finish.

Yearning to do something more, he turned his energies to intarsiaa form of wood inlaying in a matrix.

A self-learner, Smith informed that his experiments with intarsia and its subsequent receptiveness in the market led him to concentrate on this art form. This, he says, over the years, has also become gratifying.

Meticulous Process

Intarsia artist Mario Smith with his creations at Barbados Crop Over craft market in Bridgetown

Unlike saw art, intarsia involves a very meticulous process. "I draw the designs and then start piecing the artwork together."

Smith explained that,

acts.

As usual, Bheem did a splendid job in getting the patrons to get their grooves on. With some excellent chutney, soca and a few dancehall vibes, he had the ground partying none stop. The night also saw a versatile performance by the Caribbean Hotshots Band, which added some spice to the evening with some salsa, chutney, dancehall, Spanish, soca and Latin selections.

Guyana’s soca queen, Vanilla also performed to perfection. Vanilla’s cool moves and excellent choice of songs had the crowd behind her. There were also performances by 2K4, a young group out of the Essequibo.

Apart from the adult fun, there were also a number of fun-filled events for the kids, including bouncy castle, face painting, merry- goround and others. The curtains came down on the 13th Annual Regatta around 23: 00h, leaving patrons with smiles on their faces. (Excerpt from Guyana Times) Mario Smith’s wooden inlay stork at Barbados Crop Over craft market in Bridgetown (Jamaica Gleaner photos)

en pieces in the pattern provides depth.

Smith is inspired by nature, which is reflected in his work. The figurines of dolphins, dogs, whales and other anfirst, he selects different varieties of wood, and uses their natural grain pattern and colour to create the artwork. However, he said that he sometimes applies stains or colours to complement the work, this gives a variation in the pattern.

He scouts for leftover or discarded wood at furniture manufacturing units. After selecting the specific types of wood to be used in the artwork that is being created, each piece is then individually cut, shaped, and finished.

The pieces are put together like a jigsaw puzzle. "I start off with the most raised area of the pattern-like the nose of the dog," he said. The asymmetry of the wood-

imals are the focal points.

"I love what I do," he says, adding that he does not repeat a design that he makes, which adds to the uniqueness of his creations.

Though he is able to make a living from his art, Smith says that there is a lot that can be done in terms of finding new markets specially in the Caribbean.

Mario says he is currently the only intarsia professional in Barbados. "I want my artwork to be in every house in Barbados," Smith says with a coy smile, adding. "I want to further establish myself and then I would like to teach youngsters this art." (Jamaica Gleaner)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending August 15, 2013

T

he recently formed group West Indians Serving Humanity (WISH) has bold plans to aid underprivileged children through tapping the large West Indian community in Queens.

WISH group members Safraz Deen and Deven Dindiyal in a recent interview spoke of their experiences, aspirations for their group and the charitable spirit they have discovered in borough residents.

Many members of WISH grew up in poverty, a powerful motivation behind their current efforts to improve the lives of children living in poor areas of the West Indies.

Dindiyal, who grew up in Cornelia Ida, Guyana, noted that “my family was very poor, at times my parents would beg the neighbours for milk to feed me as a child while they starved themselves. We did not have

West Indians Serving Humanity President Safraz Deen (second from left) is joined by Miss Guyana World 2012 Arti Cameron (second from right) at the Guyana Expo in New York in June

government resources to tap into for clothing, food or any main necessities of daily life”.

WISH currently serves Guyana and Trinidad, though there are plans to network with other aid groups and expand to other countries this year. This may even include locations outside the West Indies.

Dindiyal noted that refugee children caught in the current Syrian civil

war are also in dire need of aid.

The group gathers clothing, books and toys and inspects the items for quality. Toys must be in packaging, though books may be lightly used. This quality inspection prevents the shipping of useless items in the otherwise limited space available, as the items are packed into bulk shipping barrels.

Monetary donations

made to WISH covers the cost of shipping. WISH members then meet the shipment in the destination country and ensure it is distributed to those who need it most.

Once the shipment arrives, it is distributed by that group member to all children in the community, regardless of race, religion or gender.

A critical aspect of WISH’s efforts is ensuring that borough resi-

dents are aware of how to donate and have the opportunity to give their donated items directly to WISH. As Deen observed, the vast majority of donations to WISH are from individuals who live in Queens, New York and are otherwise unaware of how they can have their contributions reach needy families in the West Indies.

In June, WISH hosted the Guyana Exposition at Queens College. Miss Guyana World 2012, Arti Cameron, was present at the event and helped

to promote the group’s charitable efforts. Deen noted that due to this successful event, the group had received several requests to pick up bags of clothing and boxes of young adult books from those who had attended the expo.

Plans for WISH include a toy drive in the fall. Last year’s toy drive had the donations go to Toys for Tots, but plans for this year’s drive will instead focus on having the toys shipped to Guyana in time for Christmas.

Star of the Week

A

licia Bess is a 23-yearold focused on marketing her beautiful country to the wider world. She was recently crowned Miss Guyana Jamzone 2013. She recently competed in the Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant in St Kitts and Nevis. The 6-foot-tall beauty possesses a humble personality, filled with ambition, generosity and consideration. Her philosophy in life is that through hard work and determination nothing is impossible. The elegant young woman is also enthusiastic about the arts. At a very young age she trained in dance, drama and singing, and continues to be a notable figure in the performing arts arena. In 2009, she was rewarded an RBL Arts and Culture Award for her dedication to the three arts: drama, singing and dancing. Alicia believes that true beauty comes

from within, and this she has portrayed through her humanitarian work. The beauty queen is an active member of charitable and community work, and is a peer educator offering advice on various social issues, and assistance to persons in need.

Alicia was always interested in pageantry and has excelled in it. This year she was first runner up in the Miss Bartica Regatta Pageant where she won the Miss Congeniality award. In the Miss Jamzone pageant she also won People’s Choice, Best Body, Best Gown and Best Smile.

Alicia is currently enrolled as both an ACCA and ABE student with the hopes of reading for her master’s in business management in 2014.

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week ending August 15, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Ontario Softball Cricket League celebrates 17th anniversary

By Ravendra Madholall

T

he Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) celebrated its 17th anniversary on Sunday with a twenty/20 cricket match and family picnic at the Ellesmere Cricket Club ground in Scarborough.

During the day, East End All-Stars defeated West End All-stars by six wickets. West End batted first and scored 115 all out while the hosts, in reply, safely reached 117-4 in the 17th over.

Abinash-Singh Ramnarayan top-scored for the losers with 39 while contributions came from Ryan Bhup and former Guyana under-19 batsman Ejaz Mohamed with 16 and 14 respec-

East End All-Stars skipper Gavin Singh, receives the winning trophy from president Albert Ramcharran while other executives share the moment (Ravendra Madholall photo)

tively.

Ompal Singh was the chief wicket-taker with four victims conceding 23 runs from his allotted four overs while he received admirable support from Anand Balwant, who finished with 3-27

off four overs.

Former Guyana firstclass fast bowler, Trevon Garraway, led the way for the winners, scoring a rapid 26 while Balwant returned with the bat to make 25 and 14 from skipper Gavin Singh.

‘This is what I worked for’ - Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce celebrates her World Champ victory

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (forefront) celebrates with Jamaican fans after winning the women’s 100 metres final at the World Championship of Athletics, at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow Monday (Ricardo Makyn/Jamaica Gleaner photo)

S

helly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's second IAAF World Championships 100m title in a cool Luhzniki stadium in Moscow Monday night reinforced Jamaica's claim to the title of ‘Sprint Capital’ of the world, completing the double after Usain Bolt won the men's equivalent 24 hours earlier.

This was the second time that both Fraser-Pryce and Bolt were winning the 100m title at the same World Championships, having done so in Berlin, Germany in 2009. Both failed to repeat in Daegu, South Korea two years ago as Bolt was disqualified after a false start and Fraser-Pryce was fourth.

This second World Championships gold medal, in addition to her back-toback Olympic titles, has put FraserPryce at the very top of all-time female sprinting as she joins American Gail Devers as the only women to hold the Olympic and World Championships titles.

Not bad for an athlete who was a virtual unknown six years ago until she burst onto the scene with her win at the 2008 JAAA National Senior Championships.

Fraser-Pryce, who ran 10.87 seconds in her semi-final heat earlier in the day, said she had a brief moment of doubt after the semi-finals, as she felt some pain close to her 'gluteus maxi-

mus', but said once she got into the blocks for the final she was calm and was able to clear her mind.

While dismissing suggestions that her large margin of victory was indicative of an "easy win", she said the gold medal was the result of "hard work and commitment".

"This is what I worked for, this was my first year out of school and I was completely focused on getting this done, and after the Olympics, I said I was ready," she told reporters.

Fraser-Pryce, who just missed equalling her national record of 10.70 seconds, said she was not surprised by her victory as her 10.77 seconds run in the semi-finals of the London Anniversary Games told her all she needed to know about her form coming into the championships.

"I would be lying if I said I was surprised, I knew I was doing well in the 100m; I knew I was very focused and determined to get it right, and when I ran that time in the heats of the London meet, I knew that all I had to do was to go back and continue to work on the starts because most persons in the race are closers... when they get to 70 metres they are opening up, but I knew I had an advantage and that was my start and that was what I focused on to get the start and get it right," she said. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Kumar Doodnauth grabbed two wickets for 21 runs from his fourover spell but in a losing cause. Ompal Singh was adjudged man-of-thematch and he collected a trophy, compliments of the OSCL.

Meanwhile, at the presentation ceremony, president of the league, Albert Ramcharran congratulated both teams for their participation while he thanked the players and their families who came out and

graced the occasion.

“I just want to extend congratulations to both the winning team and the runners-up team for their participation today. We at the association will continue to work hard because I know we have a committed team to make softball a success in Canada.

Seventeen years and we [are] going strong; that shows we believe that the sport is bringing people together,” the Guyanese Ramcharran declared.

Treasurer of the league, Kim Sue, was also on hand and congratulated both teams and stated that they will ensure softball cricket remains very popular in Canada.

Digicel Horse Racing Classic in Berbice, Guyana…

‘Score’s Even’ rules on race day

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t was ‘Score’s Even’, out of Dennis Deoroop’s Simply Royal stable, that won the feature race of the Digicel Horse Racing Classic on Sunday at the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) in Berbice, Guyana.

The animal, imported from the United States of America and seemingly becoming the horse to beat, pummeled its rivals to race away with the sumptuous Gy$2.5 million top prize in the B and Lower race when the third annual Digicel Horse Racing Classic was run off.

The day was filled with excitement as horse racing fans from across the country assembled to witness the eight- race meet. The feature race was undoubtedly the most electrifying for the patrons at the packed turf club.

The race was seven furlongs and from the time the horses left the stall, the crowd erupted.

As the animals navigated the first turn they were bunched together.

However, ‘Swing Easy’, considered the pre-race favorite in betting circles, broke free from the crowd and seemed in control, but ‘Got To Go’ was also prowling behind.

As the horses approached the fourth turn and into the homestretch, ‘Score’s Even’ made its move to challenge the leader.

Ridden by champion jockey Randolph Richmond and with just

50m to the finish line, ‘Score’s Even’ proved her worth and edged out ‘Swing Easy’ in front the grand stand to provide a perfect finish to claim the Gy$2.5M

and ‘Easy To Win’ of T.Dookie stable won the G1 and Lower and I and Lower races.

‘I Want Revenge’ and ‘Who’s On My Case’ of Jumbo Jet stable

Neesha Deoroop of the Deoroop stables collects the winning B and Lower trophy from Digicel’s CEO, Gregory Dean in Berbice, Guyana

first prize.

‘Got To Go’ finished third, while ‘The Message’ had settled for fourth.

‘Princess Alicia’ of the Jumbo Jet stable won the co-feature, Three-year-old event for horses bred and born in Guyana and the West Indies for the first prize of Gy$1.3 million.

‘Monsoon’, ‘It’s My Turn’ and ‘Silent Night’ finished in descending order.

Meanwhile, in other events: ‘Treacle’

took care of business in the J2 and Lower and D3 and Lower races.

‘Unsettled’ of the I. Bacchus stable won the Two-year-old race for Guyana and West Indies bred horses while ‘Royal Intention’ of M. Ketwaroo stable finished on top in the J3 and Lower event.

Meanwhile, horse owners will now turn their attention to the Guyana Cup which is scheduled for August 25 at the Port Mourant Turf Club.

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending August 15, 2013

LimacolCPL excitement continues - Guyana’s Warriors end Barbados’ Tridents unbeaten run

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Mohammad Hafeez celebrates one of his three wickets (www.cplt20.com)

he Barbados Tridents were brought crashing down to earth on Sunday evening, plum meting to a 27-run defeat at the hands of the Guyana Amazon Warriors. The defeat didn’t affect the Tridents’ push for a semifinal placing anyway, but did scratch their unbeaten record.

Some big hitting from Carlos Brathwaite and Jason Holder at the end was merely to bridge the gap of defeat. Holder struck Sunil Narine in the final over for three consecutive sixes, but the match had already been lost with the Tridents needing 44 runs from six balls.

The Tridents were chasing 150 to win after Martin Guptill had blazed 73 runs from just 55 balls after the Amazon Warriors won the toss and elected to bat.

The chase had gotten off to a slow start scoring at six an over dur-

ing the Powerplay. Kirk Edwards, who had come in to the side, failed with the bat, scoring just one but Dwayne Smith started positively.

He struck four boundaries during the Powerplay, but rarely got the strike he needed.

When he was out in the ninth over, it started a slide that would lead to the Tridents’ downfall.

Mohammed struck twice in two deliveries, removing Smith for 28, and then Umar Akmal was stumped a ball later.

Two overs after, Kyle Mayers also fell to Hafeez.

However, the big wicket came in the next over as Kieron Pollard was bowled by Steven Jacobs. At that point, the Tridents looked done and dusted at 55-5. Not long ago, they were 36-1 after the Powerplay. Shakib al Hasan also came and went as Tridents were further reduced to 636. It was at that point

Carlos Brathwaite started a show of his own.

He struck 18 runs from just 14 balls, hammering a six and a four.

When he was out, Holder came out and struck Narine all over the park.

But too much was needed to do.

The Warriors had a contrasting innings at the top end of the game. After losing Lendl Simmons first ball, Martin Guptill held the Warriors innings together.

Guptill struck 73 runs from 55 balls, smashing four fours and four sixes during his time at the crease. He batted for much of the innings, into the 18th over.

The Warriors were travelling along nicely at 136-3. Mohammed Hafeez had played a good hand of 35 runs from 37 balls. James Franklin struck 16 from 13 balls before he was brilliantly caught at long-on

by Pollard but the innings fell away, and the Warriors merely leaped to 149-9.

They lost six wickets for just 13 runs. After Franklin, no other batsman got into double-figures. Rayad Emrit was the pick of the Tridents bowlers with 3-27.

Ultimately, the score of 149 was enough to break Barbados Tridents’ unbeaten run. Carlos Brathwaite earned himself the Limacol Super Six award, while Martin Guptill was both Manof-the-Match and Digicel 4G Fastest Scorer.

2013 Toronto and District Cricket Association…

Bajan cricketer powers Centurions to victory with astounding century

By Ravendra Madholall

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arbados first-class all-rounder Sharmarh Brooks cracked an impressive century for Centurions Cricket Club (CCC) over the weekend against Gujurat Cricket Club at King City where action continued in the 2013 Toronto and District Cricket Association (T&DCA) Elite League competition.

The 24-year-old former West Indies under-19 captain, playing in his debut season in North America, hit eight fours and three sixes as his team whipped Gujurat by a massive 226-run margin.

CCC won the toss and opted to take first strike. The team piled up a towering 333-6 from the allotment of 50-overs while Gujurat, in reply, was dismissed for 127 in the 34th over.

Brooks, in an invited comment, stated that he was very pleased with his performances thus far in this year’s competition and is looking forward to see his side as champion by the completion of the competition.

“It [is] very nice up here so far and I am really enjoying the cricket. I

was very happy to get a big score for my team and (I am) looking forward to make a steady contributions as my objective is to see them coming out on top,” Brooks related.

He is currently residing in Scarborough and believes that once you play to the best of your ability, runs and good performances will come.

His leg-break for his native country at both the youth and senior levels has been very productive but he hasn’t done much bowling in Canada as yet.

However, his batting has been admirable after attractive half-centuries on a regular basis. He had scores of 69, 51 and 58 and more useful innings.

Meanwhile, Guyanese Eugene Lafluer, Rajindra Chandrika and Royston Crandon have been in great form as well. Lafluer also in his first season in Canada made a solid 70 for Victoria Park while his fellow countrymen Dominic Rikhi and Anthony D’Andrade, both former national youth players, also chalked up fifties.

The competition continues on Saturday and Sunday with a number matches at King City and other venues across the Greater Toronto Area.

Team Guyana wins first leg of Inter Guiana Games

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National coach Hassan Mohamed (right) and Guyana Cycling Federation president Cheryl Thompson (second left) with the successful cycling team

eam Guyana won the opening leg of the 2013 Inter Guiana Games (IGG), defeating Suriname 62-58 after competing in four disciplines on Saturday in Guyana.

The two countries participated in cycling and table tennis, which Guyana won, and football and chess, which were won by Suriname.

In the cycling competition on the West Demerara, Guyana’s five-member team made

a clean sweep of the male and female categories, while in table-tennis at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Guyana’s male and female teams dominated their Surinamese counterpart to lift that title.

The tourists however, won the male football match at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, by a 2-1 margin, while they prevailed over the locals in chess at the Ocean View International Hotel.

Guyana earned the maximum 11 points each for winning the male and female cycling and tabletennis and nine points each for finishing second best in foot ball and chess.

On the other hand, Suriname gained the maximum 11 points for winning the chess and football, but had to settle for nine each after being beaten in male and female cycling and table-tennis. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

Sport Minister calls for NAAAs resignation in face of ‘doping matters’

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rinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Sports Anil Roberts has called for the resignation of the executive of the National Association of Athletic Administration (NAAAs) over the drug scandal involving sprinter Semoy Hackett, who was allowed to compete at the World Championship Games in Moscow, although she tested positive twice for the use of banned substances.

Hackett who attends Louisiana State University (LSU), had tested positive for Methylhexaneamine in March 2012, but was handed down a “retroactive ban” and was allowed to compete at the London Olympics in July.

However, she tested positive for the same drug at the November 2012 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships, in Iowa, USA, and was handed a provisional suspension by a National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) disciplinary panel.

This suspension was later lifted by a NAAAs panel, that cleared the way for her to participate at the National

Kelly Ann-Baptiste tested positive for a banned substance

Championships in June, this year. But the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) appealed the NAAA ruling and decided to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). While this case was pending, the NAAA still sent Hackett to the World Championships, but she withdrew from the competition this past weekend, even as reports emerged that fellow sprinter Kelly AnnBaptiste tested positive for a banned substance and bowed out before any race.

Up to Tuesday, it was unclear what substance was used by Baptiste, a bronze medallist at the World Championship in Daegu, South Korea, who has reportedly returned to her college base in the

United States.

Quizzed for a comment on the results of tests done on Baptiste, Roberts said he did not want to say anything until he gets all the information surrounding it.

“I need to know when the test was done and what type of drugs were used etc. I do not want to say anything on that because I do not have the facts.”

Meanwhile in a release Monday, NAAAs president Ephraim Serrette confirmed the withdrawals of Baptiste and Hackett from the World Championships were related to doping violations. The NAAAs boss said, “The absence of both athletes is related to doping matters of varying degrees and complexity.”

(Excerpt from TT Newsday)

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week ending August 15, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Caribbean Pre-Cadet Championships…

Guyana takes gold in Girls Under-11

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uyana walked away with the gold medal in the Girls Under-11 category when the group stages of the Caribbean Pre-Cadet Championships concluded on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Neveah Clarkston gave Guyana an early twogame advantage to put Trinidad on the back foot winning their games 3-1 and 3-2 against Ackayla Lucas and Shurjah Welch respectively.

Abigail Martin then

Boys Under-11 category, as well as the Boys and Girls Under-13 categories.

Guyana (Team Two) took silver in the Boys Under-11 category, while Guyana (Team One) took silver

Guyana’s Neveah Clarkston (right) stretches out to save a point during her match against Trinidad and Tobago’s Shurjah Welch on Sunday (Photo: Treiston Joseph)

The Guyanese girls were matched against Trinidad and Tobago and a mixed team containing players from the Dominican Republic, Barbados and Aruba.

While the Guyanese girls lost to the mixed team 1-3, it was their match against Trinidad and Tobago that decided the winner as they won 3-1 to claim the gold medal.

Selinas Jackman and

fell to Trinidad’s Shreya Maharaj 2-3 in a thrilling game to pull the Trinidadians within in one game of tying the match at 2-1 in favour of the Guyanese.

However, Jackman return to close off the victory for Guyana with an emphatic 3-1 win against Welch to pick up the gold medal for the Land of Many Waters.

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago won the

in the Boys Under-13.

Guyana (Team One) took bronze in both the Girls Under-13 and Boys Under-11 categories.

The Barbados players also added to their medal count, picking up silver in the Girls Under-13 category, while taking bronze in the Boys Under-13. Aruba was the only team to be left out of the medal count at the end of the day’s proceedings. (Guyana Times)

2013 Men’s Pan American Cup in Canada…

TT humble Brazil 5-2 Story and photo by Ravendra Madholall

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rinidad and Tobago humbled bitter rivals Brazil 5-2 in their opening encounter on Sunday when the 2013 Men’s Pan American Cup got underway at the Cassie Campbell Community Centre, Brampton, Toronto.

Inspirational skipper Dwain Quan Chan started off things magnificently for the Trinidadians when he opened the scoring in the third minute with a consummate hit while the Brazilians equalised 26 minutes later.

The experienced Hubertus Reinbach was the man that targeted the goal effectively beating the defence of goalie Andrey Rocke, but since then they failed to maintain the momentum as TT sent three more goals to seal the deal in front of a small but vocal crowd.

At half time, both teams enjoyed a lead each but upon resumption, Kwan Browne exhibited great skills and lashed in the second goal in the 45th minute while soon after the burly and energetic Wayne Legerton added the other goal.

Brazil produced some real challenging passes but found it difficult to beat Rocke. The South Americans were playing a dynamic style of attacking hockey, but TT were defending cleverly to cut the options for passes.

Veteran Kwan Browne (288 Caps) showed that he still had plenty of speed, running away from the Brazilian defense only to see his shot deflected by the keeper. He was on target a few minutes later on a penalty-corner, slotting a powerful ball perfectly in the corner of the goal, completely out of reach of the keeper.

They had two penalty-corners early in the period but, with Kwan Browne on the bench for both, the team could not do

TT player going through the pace against Brazil

much. Brazil was more efficient at the other end and Bruno Paes scored a onehanded goal after collecting a long ball behind the defense, closing the gap to one goal with plenty of time in the period. Kiel Murray added a timely goal for boys from the Caribbean country after an outstanding solitary run through the Brazilian central defense and a little chip over the sliding keeper.

TT controlled the end of match to post a solid victory and showed that they will be serious contenders for a semi-final berth in Pool B. Meanwhile, coach of the TT team, Glen Francis expressed delight with the result but still cautioned his players not to be too complacent.

He further related that the boys showed great character against Brazil but the teams in their Group are competitive. TT is set to face Chile and host Canada in the other preliminary rounds with championship game billed for Sunday at the same venue.

Jamaican Samardo Samuels hopeful for FIBA Americas tourney TT Kung Fu School bag 22 awards in US

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here are hopes that Jamaican power forward Samardo Samuels should be fully fit and ready to go when the Jamaican team opens their FIBA Americas tournament against Canada in Caracas, Venezuela, on August 30, after he suffered a "mild strain in his left hamstring" in last week Thursday's opening game of a two-game friendly series against Canada in Toronto.

The Jamaican Basketball Association (JABA) confirmed the injury and, as a precaution, kept him out of the second game as the Jamaicans lost both games 81-72 and 77-72.

According to reports, Samuels, who has signed a two-year contact with Italian club AC Milan, left the court with less than a minute to go, and team physician Dr Melita Moore, who also serves as the team doctor for the National Basketball Association's Sacramento Kings, the injury does not appear to be severe.

"Samardo sustained a mild left hamstring strain that typically resolves in several weeks," she was quoted to have said. "We fully anticipate him being able to play

he Al-Hikmah Kung Fu School copped the lion’s share of prizes at the Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame tournament which concluded in Houston, Texas, USA, on August 3.

At the meet, Al-Hikmah bagged a total of 22 awards which comprised 17 medals- (14 gold, two silver and one bronze). In addition to the 17 medals there were separate awards for other divisions in which the club received three first placed finishes, one runner-up and one third placed finish.

Victorious locals include grand master Abdul Quddus winning two gold in his rank division, professor Davanand Samaroo also earning two gold and one bronze in the Master and Open categories while Zen Jennifer Roghan claimed one gold and a silver in the Black Belt

Jamaican power forward Samardo Samuels sustained a mild left hamstring strain that typically resolves in several weeks (Jamaica Observer photo)

in the FIBA Americas Championship that begins on August 30."

Samuels has also played down the severity of the injury. "It is nothing big to be worried about, if Game Two was an important game, I think I could have played."

"The tournament in Venezuela is important, and I want to be 100 per cent by then," he added.

"This is just a mild injury, nothing too serious."

The Jamaican team has since returned to their training base in Montego Bay, where they are expected to be

joined by several other top players, including Patrick Ewing Jnr and Jerome Jordan, before leaving for Venezuela.

In addition to Canada, the Jamaican group will also include Argentina, Brazil, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, a release from JABA said.

The teams that finish in the top four of the FIBA Americas tournament next month will qualify for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup tournament scheduled to commence in August 2014 in Madrid, Spain.

(Jamaica Observer)

Women’s division.

Mancini Mahadeo also showed class when he snatched two gold in the Intermediate Men’s division while Mikhail Rahamatula won the same in the Intermediate 15-17 category.

Additionally, the sibling combination of Zane (two gold - Black Belt 15yrs), Triston (one gold and one runner-up finish - Black Belt 13yrs) and Javane Mohammed (1st place - Brown Belt seven yrs), sister and brother duo of Crystal (1st and runner-up - Girls 14yrs and Under) and Christian Amman (1st and third - Brown Belt 10yrs and Under) and Sherelle Noel (two gold - Beginners 15-17yrs) also had fine showings. These national competitors mostly participated in both empty hand and weapon katas. (Excerpt from TT Newsday)

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

INTERNATIONAL WEEK ENDING AUGUST 15, 2013

International athletes to lift standard of Guyana’s Boyce and Jefford Classic W

ith the Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic set for this weekend in Guyana, the inclusion of international athletes will make the meet of higher class, according to organisers. The meets gets going from Saturday at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, and then moves to Mackenzie Sports Club ground, Linden, the following day.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Mark London and Tonya Nero are expected to make an appearance in the middle distance events at the meet.

London, a three-time Carifta gold medalist in the 800m, has a personal best time of 1: 50.54s and is expected to give the Guyanese athletes a stiff run in the event.

Matching up with the talented TT athlete, who ran a season best of 1:50.98s, from Guyana will be ALBA silver medalist Wayne Harlequin, who has a personal best of 1: 50s and a season best of 1: 54.78s.

Cleveland Thomas who has a season best of 1: 55.66s is also expected to compete in the event along with Police’s Dennis Horatio and Guyana’s distance king

Tonya Nero

Mark London

Kenisha Pascal

Cleveland Forde.

The 800m is billed to be one of the marquee events of the meet especially since Forde is seen as unbeatable in Guyana, while Harlequin has always been touted as one

of the best talents in the event.

Thomas’ hard work and Horatio’s gift of performing when it matters most make this race the one to watch come Sunday.

Harlequin and Thomas will look to attack the race from the start while Forde and Horatio, who are more strategic, will look to evaluate the race during the event.

However, the unknown is definitely the Trinidadian but based

on his times, it certainly seems as though the three-time Carifta gold medalist will not play around especially on foreign soil.

Meanwhile, TT’s Tonya Nero will look to hit the ground running in the women’s 1500m that will feature Guyana’s three-time Carifta 1500m gold medalist Jevina Straker and Linden’s own Cassey George as a guest athlete; she is also the Carifta 1500m gold medalist.

Straker, known for running from behind, almost dampened the return of Linden’s own Marian Burnett at last year’s edition of the event when she came from behind to finish second.

However, with George’s form at the moment, having run 4:36.37s earlier this year at Carifta, one wonders how Straker’s strategy will work against the Lindener, who has run the faster times for the year.

Factoring Trinidad’s Nero into the mix and you have a show-stealing event because of her personal best time of 4:22.74s.

Grenada’s Kenisha Pascal is also expected to compete in the same race.

The sprint events is already expected to be highly competitive, especially over 400m.

(Excerpt from Guyana Times)

Chanderpaul back to number two in Test rankings Shivnarine Chanderpaul

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est Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul regained the number two position in the latest ICC Test batting rankings after Australian captain Michael Clarke’s sub-par showing in the fourth Test against England at Chester-le-Street.

Clarke posted scores of six and 21 to fall three spots to fifth. England’s Ian Bell (6 & 113) continued to make gains, hopping three places to seventh while Aussie Chris Rogers (110 & 49) climbed 41 places to 42nd.

South African Hashim Amla con-

tinued to lead the rankings while his teammate AB de Villiers and Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara are third and fourth respectively. Among the bowlers, Aussie Ryan Harris (2/70 & 7/117) skipped four places to seventh while Man-of-the-Match Stuart Broad jumped from 14th to ninth. There were no changes in the top six with Dale Steyn, Vernon Philandeer, Rangana Herath, Saeed Ajmal, Peter Siddle (1/41 & 0/59) and Grame Swann (2/48 & 2/53) each maintaining their places.

(First published in the TT Guardian)

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