Berbice Times

Berbice

Serving her community through poetry, drama

Monday, December 23, 2013

GUYANA

– Stephanie Bowry calls on youths to read more

See page 6

Issue No. 004

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Business brisk in Berbice

– as Christmas nears

Business in full bloom in central New Amsterdam

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

B

usiness in Berbice has taken a quantum leap over the last couple of weeks, and businessmen predict that the status quo will most likely remain even after the festive season comes to an end.

The Christmas holidays have always seen a boost in economic activities in the Ancient County. Salons, barber shops, hotels, restaurants and bars, supermarkets and general stores are flooded daily with cheerful customers. Young entrepreneurs take the opportunity to exhibit their work while stalls are erected on the roadside, drawing inquisitive shoppers.

Berbice Times caught up with a few business owners, who without hesitation expressed how grateful they were for the successes they have garnered so far. One

businesswoman disclosed that this holiday season is by far the best time for her business.

“When I compare business now to what it usually is throughout the year, I can happily say that things are great for me.”

Another store owner noted that his business has been doing great despite a few hiccups.

Household items, including furniture, kitchen appliances and curtains, are top priority for shoppers this year.

Clothes vendors have also seen an increase in sales. Though supermarkets are usually inundated, owners revealed that they expect sales to triple, come Christmas Eve. A visit to several banks in the town saw an overflow of persons, all eagerly awaiting their turn at the ATM, so that they could begin shopping.

But while some customers on the streets

are enthusiastic and plan to experience Christmas at its best, there are others, especially housewives, who have expressed utter disgust over the country’s economic state, explaining that they are not in any position to make major purchases this year. “Right now, the economy is not running good. I am in frustration; the economy is not in favour of poor people. And all these things affect my Christmas so I cannot enjoy Christmas this year,” one woman declared. Another housewife said food prices have escalated so high, she has no idea what kind of Christmas she will have. “I don’t know what is happening; Christmas is a time of giving. But instead of prices going down, they going up.”

While some preferred to remain silent, others disclosed that they do not have to purchase much, since their “fully stocked” barrels have already arrived from overseas.

On the Corentyne, the flow of business is even greater. Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce President Leekha Rambrich noted that the area is a predominantly farming community, with most of its residents working either within the sugar or rice industry.

The recent incentives received by workers of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) have also contributed to the boost in economic activities.

The rice industry has also seen an early crop and rice farmers were able to receive their monies early.

Rambrich pointed out that the business community has been experiencing a spike in sales during the Christmas season. He also took the opportunity to thank the police force for keeping criminals at bay, while wishing everyone, especially the business community, continued success and goodwill.

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Cinemas in Central Corentyne

Page 3

Angoy’s Avenue: Rising from the rubble Page 4

St Therese’s wins Heart Page 8 of Oak Masters Christmas Football Tournament

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MonDAY, December 23, 2013

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Christmas

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MonDAY, December 23, 2013

Cinemas in Central Corentyne

shopping HEATS UP I in Rose Hall R

ose Hall Town was a hive of activity Sunday evening as Berbicians took the time to complete their last-minute shopping for the Christmas holidays.

The scene was almost chaotic in some quarters as shoppers were seen frantically trying to make their purchases in the various stores, malls and stalls located in the town.

Berbice Times was in the area and took the opportunity to solicit comments from both shoppers and business owners on their thoughts about business this year.

One shopper, Brenda Hunte said she had initially done most of her shopping for the holiday in the U.S.; however, she could not resist going out in the town and feasting her eyes on the many beautiful items on sale for the season.

“I did my shopping over there when I was on vacation, but I still fattening my eyes on everything because this year, it got so much more to choose from.”

Another shopper in her company pointed out that she would rather do her shopping at home as it is sometimes cheaper.

“When you work out the exchange, it’s the same price or even cheaper here and remember you gotta pay to post your barrel,” she explained.

Berbice Times also caught up with Aunty Dato (only name given), 57, who hails from Number 54 Village.

She disclosed that she was shopping with her family and was very happy this year because of the low pric-

One of the many stores in Rose Hall

es of commodities.

“Abbie buy nuff nuff thing this year, all dem curtains and mats and all thing we want, even toys for dem pickney too and now we ah go buy Churches Chicken because we got money left back,” she said with a smile.

Affordable

Most of the shoppers said they were pleased with the prices of the various merchandise on sale as they were affordable and within their budgets. Shoppers were seen purchasing furniture, electrical appliances, rugs, curtains, clothing and accessories.

The spirit of the season was upon them as they all were seen happily shopping even though there was a long wait at the cashiers’ counters.

This publication spoke to several business owners, all of whom seem ecstatic that the reception for this year’s Christmas was beyond their expectations, most of them smilingly nodded their heads and ex-

claimed “good, good, great,” when asked how business was going for the holidays.

One businesswoman, Benita, the owner of Benita’s Cosmetic and Gift Store, who has been in business for over five years, said this has been the best year by far.

“I have never seen people shop like this, they spending money like crazy, almost everything we brought in for the holiday season has been sold, people really get money this year,” she said.

Meanwhile, shopping for household items, clothing and accessories, toys and the other necessities for the holidays has in no way affected sales for greens and vegetable vendors.

Rose Hall Town Municipal Market vendor Omawattie Reddy said that business was excellent and better than the previous year.

“Selling is a bit slow but we going slowly and surely and making good money too,” she said.

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Professor Daizal Samad

n Rose Hall, Albion, and Port Mourant, there were three cinemas – Apollo, Yolanda, and Roopmahal. As teenagers, these were the places to which we would go for limited privacy. There were respectful courtship, a few brief whispers, and surreptitious meetings in the cinemas, which then were divided into the “pit”, “house” and “balcony” sections.

“Pit” was the cheapest with long wooden benches and a floor of concrete.

One never took a girl there.

“House” had seats, but they were clustered together. For some, it was affordable. You could bring your girlfriend there, but it was risky.

Someone could see and report to a teacher or parent our activities. The balcony was the choice for couples —if you could afford it.

The boy would go into the cinema first and his neck would be crooked backwards, waiting, looking, expectant. The girl came in after, most likely accompanied by a conspiring sister or female cousin. The boy and girl then found their way to the back, immediately behind the projector.

The awkward fondling, the kiss that was more teeth on teeth than anything else, the sheer innocence of it, the innocence

Professor Daizal Samad of hide and seek. This was our version of romance, as we looked at Hindi movies in which a kiss was symbolised by flowers coming together. Often, these hidden “dates” ended in marriage, especially if parents found out. It was an issue of honour on both sides.

The question would be asked; ‘Yuh like he?” or “Yuh like she?” With affirmative answers, there was a wedding. We never heard of a girl child abducted outside a school gate and forced into marriage, into the condemnation of being resigned to a life not lived.

Like death-in-life. No caring parents would want to condemn their child to that kind of horror.

Back in the days, we were not saints. We did our

thing as the young would.

But, out of respect or fear for our elders, we hid. We hoped for romance, and there was some degree of that. I know truly beautiful people who have not had a chance to choose, and they live with the misery until they learnt to think that misery is love.

They live the lie, and utter the words like “I love you”, knowing full well that the life they live is less real than images on a screen.

And almost all of the time, the female is the victim.

She stays, trapped, since she has borne children.

Until, defeated, she learns to adore her captor. The Stockholm Syndrome.

Even if this cruelty existed back in the days, it should not happen now. But it does.

In the cinemas in Berbice, we began with what we thought was romance. We did our thing, but we preserved that sense of innocence. In innocence, there was a kind of purity. To condemn purity is to condemn innocence. To condemn innocence is evil.

Evil has only one purpose: to confound good. Now we hunt and prey on the weak and wounded. I liked the old cinemas: Apollo, Yolanda, Roopmahal. They are gone now, gone like goodness fled or else hidden.

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Taking the fight to HIV/AIDS

MonDAY, December 23, 2013

Benefits of migration

United Brick Layers F assists highrisk population U

nited Brick Layers (UBL), a leading non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Berbice, has made a significant contribution towards the national goal of testing 15,000 persons for HIV/AIDS during 2013. The organisation completed more than 9000 HIV tests during the year helping the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) to realise its goal.

The organisation was recognised for its sterling effort in the fight against HIV/AIDS, receiving an award from NAPS. Project Coordinator Eulanie OuseleyTorrezoa noted that during the year UBL worked with the United States Agency for International Development ((USAID) on its projects. She said the project to prevent the spread of HIV/ AIDS mainly targeted the key at-risk populations in Regions Five and Six: Female Sex Workers (FSWs) and Men that have Sex with Men (MSM).

In explaining h o w the organisation was able to achieve its unique milestone, Ouseley-Torrezoa said, six peer educators consisting of three FSWs and three MSMs, along with a prevention coordinator, spent several hours in the field daily.

“They were joined from time to time by a monitoring and evaluation officer and a social worker while a VCT [Voluntary Counselling and Testing] counsellor conducted peer education sessions at places that are frequented by the key at-risk populations.”

Some of the peer educators

told Berbice Times about the difficulty they had in reaching some sections of the society.

Ouseley-Torrezoa said the focus of the project was not just to test persons and to distribute preventative material to them but to get them to change their lifestyles.

It was this particular aspect of the UBL programme that prompted the award. “The project focused on activities that were able to improve the knowledge of the target group in terms of the consequences of risky behaviour, provide the FSW population with a relative skill that can be used to pursue other means of income.” This, the project coordinator noted, was done through a collaborative effort with the Human Services and Social Security Ministry.

She explained that one of the more difficult parts of the programme was to provide information to those who facilitate co m m e rc i a l sex workers and other key at-risk groups.

“Sensitisation sessions served the purpose of informing the owners and managers of bars, brothels, and nightspots about the feasibility of the project. The main intention was to get their ‘buy-in’ for the project so that reaching the target population at their places of operation would be easier.”

The organisation can look back at a successful 2013, knowing that it has touched thousands of lives and more persons would thus embark on less risky lifestyles, making Guyana a safer place to live.

(Andrew Carmichael)

5

irst I don’t want to cause any confusion between immigration and migration. In a “nut shell”, immigration refers to relocation to another country and migration refers to the movement from one region to another.

I actually migrated two decades ago to Canada and anytime I visit Berbice (my home county) I normally see lots of migration within the villages throughout the county.

And I know that we all have our own views on this, because as humans, we tend to be very judgemental when we see someone ‘strange’ (myself included). I think that is it important for us to get to know the ‘new’ folks who are migrating to Berbice and help them to get settled and show them potentials that exist right here.

I know that the public attitudes toward migration are more influenced by cultural and social concerns, but we

have to realise that we as citizens have to play that ‘leadership’ role to set some standards for our own villages.

I encourage you to make the effort to get to know the new migrants in your community, because I can assure you that by doing so, you will reap the advantages of a happier, healthier life that is just a little less miserable.

I remember when I went back for a visit earlier this year; many people were voicing their concerns and said to me that there are lots of “strange people”.

And by no means are they saying anything wrong, but as Berbicians and Guyanese, it is important that we adopt a ‘welcoming’ culture.

One of the things we have to keep in mind is that once we take the time to know the new migrants among us, it will be much easier to borrow food and an egg when in the middle of a recipe. I am sure we all have been in situations where every so often, we

think we have an ingredient and have actually just run out. This is just one example.

Just think about all the other possibilities that we may rely on from these new migrants.

It is fair for us to say that migrants can fill job vacancies and skills gaps and they also bring energy and innovation. I can also see economic growth here as well.

I remember when I was in Guyana; we used to run a very successful business right at the Number 63 Beach entrance. Most people will probably recall it as the “School Shop”.

Although, we tried to name the business Beach Resort, that didn’t go so well, because we were surrounded by three schools, so it was hard to erase the name School Shop.

We were able to employ migrants, who I used to call strangers at the time to be honest and it worked out well, because as Berbicians we wanted people to know

Narine Dat Sookram

that we are people of good values and we wanted it to be contagious, because we want to be the ones to set examples for others to follow so that the transition for all migrants in Berbice will be a smooth ride.

Check out next week’s article as I reflect on the joys of Christmas

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MonDAY, December 23, 2013

Neighbourhood Drunk drivers on B Division Serving her community police officer alleges traffic department’s radar through poetry, drama police harassment

B Division Traffic Chief Calvin Brutus

By Shiran Ramnauth

W Vanita Adridge

A

neighbourhood police officer in B Division is at her wits’ end and believes that her cry for justice has fallen on deaf ears.

Vanita Adridge said she has been a neighbourhood police officer for more than seven years, and while she has faced many challenges, nothing compares to the physical and psychological abuse she faces daily at the Central Police Station.

The woman, who lives alone, said the problem began three months ago, on September 13, when she arrived at work. “When I got to work, I met two corporals (names given), the one was mopping the floor. So I walked in to get the book to sign in my time.” Adridge claimed that this seemed to have infuriated the corporals who began using foul language and physically assaulted her, breaking her spectacles and wristwatch in the process. She alleged they continued to use threatening language, telling her that she would be placed under close arrest. When she queried the reason for this, she was greeted with further abuse.

Torment

Since then, Adridge has filed complaints against the corporals and their colleagues, who make it their duty to torment her. A worried Adridge told this publication that she is a simple woman and has very few friends at her workplace, noting that nothing has come out of her numerous complaints.

She alleged that another colleague was in the habit of hiding the time book every time she approached to sign. Asked what might be the reason for these incidents of abuse, the visibly concerned woman said she did not know. She explained that the book was hidden again on December 17, and this caused her to be served with a Breach of Discipline Form.

“I was supposed to do beat duties on the road between 08:00 and 14:00h. I went in to sign, but the book was not there, but I went out, the police van even passed and saw me there and the station sergeant [still] served me this notice and told me to sign.”

Adridge said she refused to sign the document and was again threatened, this time by the station sergeant. “He told me that if I do not sign it, I would be placed under close arrest and so I signed it.”

The neighbourhood policewoman said she made another attempt to raise her concerns with the top brass in Berbice on Wednesday, this time with B Division Deputy Commander Steven Mansell.

Mansell, when contacted by this newspaper, said he was unaware of the situation. He also said that he was not going to divulge any information. He later contacted this publication saying that an investigation would be launched into the issue.

ary of the increase in alcohol consumption around this time of the year and the resultant flouting of traffic laws, the Berbice traffic department has implemented measures to arrest drunk drivers, thus ensuring an accident-free Christmas in the county. This is according to the Officer in Charge of the traffic department, Calvin Brutus.

He explained to Berbice Times that owing to the influx of traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian, during this festive season, the traffic department has stepped up its campaign, with specific emphasis being placed on Christmas Eve when the main issue is traffic congestion.

Christmas Eve

“We know Christmas Eve is a big thing throughout the country; Rose Hall Town usually gets an orgy that left the place very dirty with broken bottles and debris scattered all over the place,” he said, pointing out that the traffic department will be monitoring the situation there as well as in the town of New Amsterdam.

He noted too that the same situation usually occurs in the Corriverton area during the Old Year’s Night celebrations to welcome the new year.

“We will monitor all these and will continue to monitor people after they would have left the roadways, joints, bars or other activities to get home safely and so they don’t exceed the speed limit and drive while under the influence,” Brutus said.

Brutus has also appealed to drivers and pedestrians to use the roadways with care, caution and consideration and to be extra focused. He cautioned errant drivers to desist from lawlessness: “We will be out there looking for anyone who would want to break the law,” while assur-

ing that perpetrators will face the full force of the law.

“There is still a number of days remaining for the year to conclude and we are hoping that nothing happens, as anything can happen in a second and we don’t want any negative to happen,” he said, as he took the opportunity to wish all Berbicians a happy holiday.

The main causes of accidents in the region are drunk driving and speeding. Brutus said the department is making tremendous progress with respect to curbing driving under the influence. He explained that a large number of cases have been made throughout the division against drivers, as a result of stringent measures being implemented by the traffic officers.

Brutus told this publication that cases of speeding have doubled over the year.

Additionally, he said drivers’ inattentiveness was another major challenge for the department and this was manifested in various ways, especially drivers speaking on their cellphone or attempting to change CDs or DVDs while driving.

There has also been an increase in cases of persons not wearing a seat belt while driving.

“We are also faced with the challenges of inadequate parking facilities, derelicts lying on the roadways, building and waste materials, mud left by farmers using tractors in the rice fields… these are all issues.”

Tired drivers

Brutus also cautioned against persons riding on/in the trays of vehicles, noting that this has resulted in the deaths of at least two persons recently, one being a porter and the other a deejay.

“One factor that is very difficult for us to deal with and control as policemen is the issue of fatigue,” he further said in concluding the list of top causes of accidents.

Brutus disclosed that there have been a number of fatal accidents because of this mistake, while some resulted in the loss of limbs.

He advised drivers experiencing tiredness to stop their vehicles and take half of an hour rest at a convenient place or even at the side of the road or possibly get a driver to assist.”

Studies have shown that fatigue is a serious cause for concern while driving,” he said.

– Stephanie Bowry calls on youths to read more

Stephanie Felicia Bowry

S

tephanie Felicia Bowry is no stranger to the art and entertainment sectors in Berbice. Her messages of love, triumph, social injustice, and family have reached many far-flung areas in Guyana.

As a child, she was an ardent lover of reading and poetry, a trait she inherited from her mother, who, although she was a domestic worker and had a family to care for, found time to read.

Her interest intensified and as she entered womanhood, she began writing. Her main focus earlier was on poems. Those poems were brought to life when she began performing at many events across Guyana. “Ms Bowry”, as she is popularly known in Berbice, noted that she wrote poems to suit any event. She has published three books of poetry. Apart from reading, she was also very enthusiastic about the fascinating folklore told to her by her grandparents. She wanted to share these with others and so she again began writing.

In 2011, she completed her first book of short stories.

The public received this with much excitement. Owing to this, she went on to publish a second book. Ms Bowry confirmed that many schools in Guyana are using her work. She is in the process of compiling another series of short stories and this should be released in the upcoming year.

The great grandmother bemoans the current reading situation in Berbice and to wider extent, Guyana.

She said after retiring from the New Amsterdam Town Council in 2001, she began working along with some schools and the National Library. She is upset that English Literature is not a compulsory subject in many schools. It should be, she said, since children are generally losing their grip on effective reading. “If the child does not learn to read or develop an appreciation for reading, learning will be more difficult. You have to read in order to learn and express yourself and if we are not careful very soon, the children will not know how to spell.”

This, she noted, is as result of the advent of the Internet and the many social networks. She said that she is not complaining, she just envies the role of the Internet is playing in shaping the minds of the youth.

“The kind of spelling that goes on over the Internet, the short hand and even when you are typing with the computer, if you spell a word wrong, it corrects it. So a person wouldn’t find it necessary to learn to spell.” Ms Bowry pointed out that no matter how interesting a story is on television, a child would never be able to express himself effectively unless he reads. She is encouraging parents to work along with teachers, since, while the school has a mandate to educate their children, they themselves have that responsibility.

Stephanie Bowry was born in Canefield, East Canje.

Her family moved to New Amsterdam while she was a child and she has been living in the town ever since. She received numerous awards from many organisations, including the Women and Gender Equality Commission and the Rotary Club, for the numerous contributions she has made. (Alexis Rodney)

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MonDAY, December 23, 2013

7

Young designer making Entertainment quiet moves in Berbice A

young, upcoming designer believes that nothing happens overnight and is encouraging young people to pursue their dreams.

Nineteen-year-old Shameza Subrattie, a hardworking and creative designer of Tucber Park, New Amsterdam, Berbice, recently completed her studies at the University of Guyana Berbice Campus where she pursued studies in business management.

with the hope of one day being a designer and owning my own business,” Subrattie stated.

When asked about the challenges facing a young designer, Subrattie disclosed that Berbice should host more fashion events, since it is very hard for young designers like herself to travel to Georgetown, where most events are held, and also find accommodation.

Advice

Skills, ability

Subrattie burst on the scene when she secured second place in the 2012 Designers’ Portfolio competition during the Guyana Fashion Week in Georgetown. This, Subrattie said, allowed her to share her skills and ability in fashion and designing.

During an exclusive in- Shameza Subrattie designs terview with Berbice Times, signing since she wants to own her own Subrattie noted that as a designer she gets her inspiration from vari- fashion boutique. This is also the reason ous things in the environment and the she studied business management.

“I started drawing designs since I way she feels. She added that since the completion of Designers’ Portfolio, she was in primary school, where I would has been enjoying every moment of de- draw for my peers in the science class

She advised young designers to follow their passion and be a part of the Designers’ Portfolio competition to jump start their career and learn much. The young designer said persons should jump on the opportunity offered by the Guyana Fashion Week event.

She stressed that success is the result of constant effort: one has to keep trying and eventually one will be successful. Subrattie, who is currently working as an accounts clerk at Home Designs and Engineering Associates, located at Princess Elizabeth Road in New Amsterdam, said she plans on furthering her studies in business and fashion.

Late delivery of drugs, staff shortage affecting Skeldon Hospital to perform surgery, so it makes recommendations and has any patient requiring such transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

Additionally, the GMO related that challenges faced during this year included staff shortages. He noted that the hospital started the year with only two doctors, but later three more doctors

the general population in Skeldon and its environs.

Over the year, the hospital was involved in several activities such as the Corriverton Town Day celebration, the first-ever Berbice Regatta with a booth at the Number 63 beach, and tuberculosis and HIV sensitisation programmes with the launch of the Clean Hands, Save Life

party for less fortunate children on Wednesday. Berbice Times understands that the annual party, which is funded by members and staff of the health institution, is part of the hospital’s effort to give back to the community.

Some 100 less fortunate children from the Number 48 Village to Moleson Creek and Orealla and surround-

Government Medical Officer, Dr Ryan Campbell

his weekend promises to be an exciting one in Berbice, with lots of activities, commencing with the usual Christmas Eve extravaganza Tuesday evening.

Many will throng the town of Rose Hall for the traditional “Stop Traffic” party, which starts in the very early afternoon and goes into the evening. It is there where one can make merry with friends as the entire road becomes the site of the party. However, when the sun goes down, the action moves to New Amsterdam where each bar tries to outdo the other and the road is filled with families and lovers, many on a traditional Christmas Eve outing and others doing last-minute shopping.

Most of the stores are not expected to close their doors until well after midnight.

However, the real partygoers will prefer the border town of Corriverton, where you’ll find Guyanese culture flavoured with some Dutch spice. The bars and nightclubs are usually filled until daybreak.

Much fun is also expected to be had at Rosignol and Hopetown on the west side.

On Saturday, party fans can check out the Sheers Lounge in Pitt Street, New Amsterdam, when Empire Entertainment will once again bring one of its promotions to town. The party will allow fans to participate in giveaways and enjoy beverages at reduced prices.

The Sheers Lounge is expected to be transformed into a futuristic Christmas scene. The promoters recently brought Ravi B to Sheers and promised to have a super artiste visit the club every night.

Nurses in Concert 2013

Nurses’ Concert

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mid a shortage of doctors and porters, the government-run Skeldon hospital continues to deliver quality healthcare to residents in the Corentyne, Government Medical Officer (GMO), Dr Ryan Campbell has said.

During an interview with Berbice Times, Dr Campbell disclosed that the hospital provides 24 hours of accident and emergency services, as well as services such as: dermatology, gynaecology, outpatient clinic, internal medical clinic, psychiatric clinic, paediatric clinic, obstetrics clinic, VIA cervical cancer screening, orthopaedic clinic, youth friendly health clinic, counselling on alcohol and substance abuse and others.

The GMO said during 2013, no patient at the hospital experienced complications, but, unfortunately, one neonatal death occurred for the year so far.

According to Dr Campbell, the hospital is not equipped

Lots on for Christmas week T

O

Children being feted at the Christmas party hosted by the Skeldon Public Hospital

were employed. Other challenges were a shortage of porters and the timely delivery of drugs, according to the GMO, the hospital has tried to overcome these challenges.

It has completed most of its scheduled programme while providing quality health-care services for

campaign – a project initiated by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by introducing proper hand hygiene techniques for persons in a hospital environment.

Meanwhile, the hospital held its annual Christmas

ing communities were treated. Each child was provided with gifts and goodies and played games with staff of the hospital.

Further, members of the Skeldon Hospital outpatient department will be hosting a Christmas lunch, as well as a staff party for members of the health institution.

n Wednesday, nurses from both east and west Berbice joined together to entertain persons at “Nurses in Concert 2013”. The event was held at the New Amsterdam Town Hall and the nurses rocked the house with some melodious singing, skits and dances.

Around the same time, the churches in New Amsterdam and East Canje also joined together in “An Evening of Carolling”. Among some of the church groups that participated were the Roman Catholic, Ebenezer Lutheran, Salvation Army and All Saints Presbyterian. The event was well-attended and several of the popular Christmas favourites were sung.

The concert hit its high point as the COFONA/ United Gospel Band, in the final event of the night, went back in time and worked their way through the years, performing the perennial favourites specific to each era. The event was organised by Lincoln “Polo” Williams and was held in front of Banks DIH’s New Amsterdam office. A crowd amassed as Philip Rose Jr performed hits like “When A Child Is Born”, “Joy To The World” and “A Merry Little Christmas Time”.

The band featured Patrick Peters on drums, Roydel Fraser and Isaiah Mc Calmont on keyboard, with backup vocals from Tristan Rose, the only female in the band. The crowd stealers were the trumpet players Juel Fraser, Mark Christian, Juel Sampson, and John Lashley.

The Lions Club of New Amsterdam also organised a Christmas concert at the same venue on Friday.

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MonDAY, December 23, 2013

Sport briefs St Therese’s wins Heart of Oak Masters Christmas Football Tournament

Saints Primary, and NA Primary.

St Therese’s won two of their three games and was held to a draw in their final game against All Saints Primary. Delon Alleyne scored the lone goal to give Therese’s a one-nil win over St Aloysius while NA Primary and All Saints Primary played to a nil-all draw.

A defensive error gave St Therese’s a one-nil victory

against NA Primary, while game four saw St Aloysius recording a similar one-nil win over All Saints. Kelly Amsterdam was the goal scorer in that game. When All Saints and St Therese’s met, both teams failed to score, while Jaden Nedd helped St Aloysius to a onenil win over NA Primary.

Second place went to St Aloysius Primary. The top two teams each received a trophy.

Rain delays final of NBS 40-over cricket

C

onsistent and intermittent rain last week forced organisers to reschedule the much-anticipated final of the New Building Society (NBS) 40-over Cricket competition between Number 71 and Young Warriors.

The match scheduled to be played at the Number 69 ground has now been rescheduled to a day to be announced later. NBS officials have issued a release saying that the final will be rescheduled when the current weather pattern has changed.

The winning St Therese’s Primary team and Heart of Oak officials

S

t Therese’s Primary has won the Heart of Oak Masters

Christmas Football tournament.

The competition, which

was played on Monday at the All Saints Ground on Princess Elizabeth Road, in

New Amsterdam, saw four schools participating: St Aloysius, St Therese’s, , All

Reviving New Amsterdam’s only cricket ground

The Bermine ground cricket pitch being developed

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orks to resuscitate the Bermine Cricket Ground at Stanleytown, New Amsterdam are well underway.

Already the foundation for a new concrete entrance bridge has been completed. Government is spending $3 million initially to redevelop the facility. Currently, the cricket pitch is being re-laid.

When the resuscitation of Bermine ground is completed, it will be well received by New Amsterdamers. The only municipal cricket facility in the town, it is home to the former Guyana and West Indies prolific opening batsman Clayton Lambert.

In the early days of his career, which started when he attended the Berbice High School, Lambert played on the Bermine ground where he learnt and perfected most of his strokes.

No cycling

A

joint regional/municipal/ private sector partnership could soon see cycle races being held around the town of New Amsterdam. It is now seven years since there has been an absence of such events, owing to the poor state of the main access roads in the town, namely Republic Road and Main Street.

The private sector, with help from the regional administration, is gathering material to fix sections of the road which will allow for competitive cycling, within the town.

Races that take riders around the town have been touted as a good starting point for juvenile riders and also easily attract sponsorship from the business community. Currently, all cycling events in Berbice are held on the Corentyne.