Caribbean Times International - Week ending July 4, 2013

Limacol CPL will aid young players’ development - Sarwan

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ISSUE NO. 57

CANADA EDITION

Fly Guyana to begin operations in October F

Guyana’s acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali

ly Guyana has announced that it will launch its flights out of Guyana in October, according to a representative of the new airline, Harry Chowbey.

“We spoke to the government of

Guyana which was very supportive of this, and in the near future, Guyana will have back their airline,” he revealed.

Chowbey said the other airlines have all been doing a great job and expressed the hope that all agents will support the venture.

Alluding to the scope of the operations, he explained that the new airline will fly the Georgetown-New York route seven days a week and that the management will direct all of its energies towards managing this route before expanding. “Our message will be simple, come home to Guyana,” Chowbey stated.

Over the past few months, the Guyana government has committed to exploring new avenues to remedy the current shortfall in airlift to Guyana, particularly since the exit of EZjet and Delta Airlines. see full story on page 13

CN $1.00

WEEK ENDING July 4, 2013

Caribbean’s high youth unemployment ‘disturbing’ Page 2

TT’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar greets International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director-General, Guy Ryder before the opening of the two-day eighth ILO Meeting of Caribbean Labour Ministers held on Tuesday at the Hilton Trinidad, Port-of-Spain. Looking on is TT’s Labour Minister Errol Mcleod. TT is this week hosting the 34th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom.

See story on page 5 The Caribbean Children Foundation donates Cdn$50,000 to Sick Kids Hospital

Jay Brijpaul

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NEWS

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending July 4, 2013

Canada ready to lend expertise on Jamaica’s logistics hub development

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he Jamaican government is being urged to tap into Canada's hub of knowledge in supply chain management in its pursuits to develop Jamaica into a global logistics centre.

Canada's High Commissioner to Jamaica Robert Ready says his country, a major trading nation with some of the world's busiest air and sea ports, stands ready to lend its expertise if and when Jamaica calls for assistance to set

up the much-touted logistics hub for which the government is currently seeking investors.

"We feel that in Canada there are particular areas of expertise for management and logistics and we are seeking to make connections between those areas in Canada and some of the planning that Mr Hylton (minister of industry, investment, and commerce) and the others on the Jamaican side are set out to do," Canadian High Commissioner

Canada's High Commissioner to Jamaica Robert Ready (Jamaica Observer photo)

Robert Ready told journalists at a meeting last week at his residence in Kingston, Jamaica.

"Canada has worldclass port facilities and Canadian companies have worked internationally on some of the

largest projects in the world," he added, noting that areas of expertise from which Jamaica could benefit include container inspection, port security, revenue collection, and systems to track goods being transported.

The logistics hub, which should become operational in 2015 to coincide with the reopening of the Panama Canal, is a multi-dimensional project that will include "clusters of global businesses operating from special economic zones, technology parks, logistics parks and industrial parks", according to the ministry of industry, investment and commerce (MIIC).

The hub is expected to generate jobs in a range of industries, including logistics; marine

and aerospace; information communication technology; dry docking; aeroplane repair and maintenance; apparel; chemicals, food, beverage, hospitality and other fast-moving consumer goods.

Already, the high commission said it is working with Jamaica, through the MIIC and Jampro, the government's economic development agency, to identify Canadian companies that might have an interest in investing in the logistics hub or establishing a presence in the proposed commercial economic zones.

"These are yet to be fully defined as the logistics' hub initiative is in its early stages, however, we actively promote opportunities to invest in this initiative with a

view to increasing commerce between our two countries," the commission said.

Meanwhile, Canada is set to pump Cdn$27 million worth of new funding in Jamaica over the next four years as it seeks to help the country create the conditions to facilitate private-sector driven development.

The programme is part of a wider package announced by Canada's Minister of International Co-operation Julian Fantino early last month at the 19th annual Conference de Montreal earlier this month to help the world's most vulnerable people. A key objective of the programme is also to create jobs for youth "who are at risk of turning to crime".

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Airport upgrade to boost Jamaica's tourism industry

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FC, a member of the World Bank Group, and First Caribbean International Bank have invested US$15 million to resurface the single runway at Jamaica’s Sangster International Airport and support other safety upgrades, such as the construction of a new fire hall.

Work on the 2.6-kilometer runway is underway and will allow for smoother and safer landings in Montego Bay, which receives twice as many passengers as Kingston. Once the project has been completed, Sangster International

Sangster International Airport in Jamaica

Airport will have extended the life of its runway by 15-20 years.

S a n g s t e r International Airport in Montego Bay is the largest of Jamaica’s three international airports and

sees approximately 3.4 million passengers each year. It is the gateway to Jamaica’s seaside resorts on the north and west coasts and is vital to the tourism industry, which plays a key role in

the national economy.

S a n g s t e r International Airport is operated by MBJ Airports Limited under a 30-year concession granted by the government of Jamaica. IFC has made four investments in the airport since 2003 for a total of US$105 million, including US$53.5 million mobilized from other investors. Previous IFC loans have supported the construction of a new terminal in 2003, the refurbishment of the original terminal buildings in 2005, and the purchase of check-in related equipment in 2008.

Caribbean’s high youth unemployment ‘disturbing’

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nternational Labour Organisation (ILO) Director-General, Guy Ryder, has described the fact that 20 percent of young people in the Caribbean are unemployed as “particularly disturbing.”

He said the phrase “lost generation” was a reality and one of the priorities of the ILO was a focus on young people.

He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the two-day eighth ILO Meeting of Caribbean Labour Ministers held Tuesday at the Hilton Trinidad, Port-of-Spain.

There were 18 regional labour ministers at the meeting as part of 21 delegations.

Caricom Secretariat Secretary General, Irwin La Rocque, also expressed concern about the rising levels of youth unemployment, and poverty in the region, noting that unemployment of youths was more than twice the adult rate.

He said one of the reasons for this was a lack of access to technology, and this had the potential to widen the economic gaps.

He noted that even those with access to university education and technology could not find a job, and this shows a mis-match between the skilled sets that are necessary, and those being taught.

“We need to broaden offerings within our gen-

eral education system to promote creativity and innovation,” he said.

He pointed out that a reduction in youth unemployment would result in about one to two per cent increase in regional GDP. TT’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in her feature address, said that youth unemployment cannot be reduced without the government’s policies supporting job creation.

She noted that governments of the region have to focus more on labour and labour-related issues since there was “no development without labour.” (Excerpt from TT Newsday)

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EDITORIAL

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Agenda for Caricom

his Thursday, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) will complete two score years of its existence. Such a round number alone warrants a closer look at the institution to ensure that the rationales for its formation are still relevant and, if so, what can be done to achieve those goals that remain unfulfilled. There has to be an acceptance of a willingness to be bold. There can be no complacency in an endeavour that has such high stakes for the people in the Caribbean.

In an address to a “Caribbean Growth Forum (CGF)”, held in Nassau last week, Inter- American Development Bank (IDB) President Luis Alberto Moreno made some points that we hope all Caricom will take some time to ponder. The IDB has been the largest source of funding to the region, and in that time has analysed us more profoundly and sustainably than any other institution, especially as far as what it will take for us to embark on a path of higher growth.

He noted that there were others in far worse shape than us at the time of independence, but through a willingness to make hard decisions, have forged far ahead. Notable in this regard is Singapore, a city- state with almost no natural resources that is now a “developed country”. In his book ‘From Third World to First’, Singapore’s first prime minister, Lee Kwan Yew explicitly cited the instance of Jamaica, which was ahead of his country by so many criteria, but has now lagged. What Singapore did was craft a plan for its development and stick to it with dogged determination.

Caricom’s leaders did have such a vision and plan back in 1973 when they signed the Treaty of Chaguramas, but they have not stuck to the plan. Moreno pointed out that we have to diversify our economies and become more export-oriented.

The first part of the advice has been one of the foundational goals of Caricom from the onset. What else could economies that have been founded to produce a single crop – sugar – do? The term “mono- crop” agriculture was invented in the Caribbean.

The second part of the advice should have been redundant, since historically, all our production was for export.

But for the Caribbean to diversify, when they each had such small internal markets, they not only had to expand their markets, they also had to rationalise their production. It was accepted from the beginning that it did not make sense, economic or otherwise, for each country to produce the same range of goods: the relative comparative advantages were identified quite early on. The only constraint was the lack of political will from the politicians to overcome their aversion to cooperation.

Caricom must return to this basic lesson. The Bharrat Jagdeo Initiative on Agriculture is as good a place to start as any. Ten constraints had been identified since 2004 as necessary to be removed if we were not only to become self-sufficient in food production, but also become large exporters. The reason why none of these have been resolved is the conclusion by the other leaders that since Guyana and Belize have the greatest amount of available agricultural land, they would benefit inordinately.

There has been very little discussion that agriculture is not only about land and that each territory would have also benefited since each could have provided different inputs. Trinidad and Barbados, for instance, would have earned greater returns on the capital they would have invested.

Returning to Moreno’s advice on “diversifying”, he explicitly mentioned not just the products, but the markets.

For too long we have reflexively continued shipping our goods to our “traditional” markets in the U. S. and Europe.

The 1973 plan for Caricom was drafted at a time when SouthSouth linkages were being pushed so as to overcome the past dependent relationships. We dropped the ball, which must now be picked up this Thursday in Trinidad.

Guyana’s Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai is greeted by residents of St Ignatius, Region Nine on Sunday before launching the Youth Apprenticeship and Entrepreneurship Project in the country’s Rupununi regions. (Samuel Sukhnandan photo)

Caricom nations can become richer with deeper integration – President Ramotar

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resident Donald Ramotar said Caricom countries can be richer if they take bold steps to deepen the integration progress.

Ramotar made the comments in a message to mark the 40th anniversary of the formation of Caricom.

Ramotar said it was indeed an ambitious but necessary undertaking by the four founding nations – Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago – when on July 4, 1973 they signed the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which represented a tangible expression of their collective belief in the ideals of regional integration.

“This juncture in the history of the Caricom family is an occasion for celebration, as well as critical reflection.

Regionalism is a tangible expression by states that greater benefits can be accrued from promoting our commonalities. Therefore, the region has much to boast about its collaboration in the areas of foreign policy, advancement through joint partnership with third states and groupings like the European Union, the joint promotion of our culture through events like CARIFESTA and sports. A united Caricom is indeed a very powerful voting bloc in multilateral bodies and the region’s commitment to democratic principles is recognised and applauded the world over. I am convinced that our individual countries can be more prosperous and indeed strengthened, if bold steps are taken to deepen our integration process,” President Ramotar said.

In this regard, he said the revision of the Treaty of

Chaguaramas paved the way for the implementation of the Caricom Single Market and Economy. According to him, while the economies of the region remain vulnerable to external shocks, the CSME offers businesses the opportunity to expand their operation and be profitable by accessing the markets of the wider region.

Hassle-free movement

“Integration implies, however, that our peoples must be vested with the right to move and do business across the region without imposed barriers. Heads of government since the conference of heads in Grand Anse, Grenada in 1989, have re-committed to hassle-free movement of people to promote a greater sense of community. Yet insularity continues to plague our union and poses a threat to what we envisage for our peoples,” the Guyanese leader said.

He said the region has indeed survived many challenges, the most recent being the economic crises which struck in 2008 and the many natural disasters as a result of climate change. “Given our vulnerabilities as a region, it is time that we heighten our preparedness to such challenges even as we remain engaged in the process of advocating for countries to reduce their emissions. Similar progress must be made in other areas in order for us to meet the demands of the international environment. Critical to this is the work of the Caricom Secretariat in performing at its intended optimum. In this regard, Guyana welcomed the reform process currently tak-

ing place across the region.

This process will see the restructuring of the secretariat, and other regional institutions to make these more proactive to anticipate and respond to the current trends in a timely manner.”

President Ramotar said while Guyana has had the distinction to serve as the headquarters of the Caricom Secretariat, many are unaware of the work being done on behalf of the wider community.

Notable successes

Additionally, Ramotar said 40 years has brought many notable successes, making reference to institutions and associate institutions such as the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC); the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), on which a notable Guyanese national sits as a judge and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). However the region is challenged to reorient if it is to remain effectively engaged globally.

“I trust that even as we celebrate such a momentous occasion, that we would pause to reflect of our journey thus far and seek new ways of ensuring that the strides we have made over the past 40 years are not lost to the insecurities that exist. Guyana’s commitment to regional integration has been steadfast over the years and will continue in the future. I acknowledge the inputs made by Guyanese to the success of regional integration and we would continue to seek new ways in which the aspirations of our Caribbean Community can be realised,” the President said.

News

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The Caribbean Children Foundation donates Cdn$50,000 to Sick Kids Hospital

City TV News Anchor Gord Martineau expressing thanks and interviewing TCCF’s Jay Brijpaul while Kumar Singh, secretary of TCCF (in red), Doodie Ross (at left), Vic Ramsamujh and others look on.

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t the annual ‘Herbie Day’ fundraising event held at Dundas Square in downtown Toronto, president of The Caribbean Children Foundation (TCCF) and popular real estate broker, Jay Brijpaul handed over a cheque of Cdn$50,000 to Gord Martineau, City TV News Anchor.

This year, TCCF is celebrating its 13th anniversary and continues its humanitarian work by reaching out to more vulnerable and needy kids through various charitable efforts such as the ‘Herbie Day’.

Since the charity's inception in 2000, it

has raised more than Cdn$1.11 million. A remarkable feature of TCCF is that there is no administration fee and consequently all of the funds raised goes directly to the ‘Herbie Fund’.

To date, TCCF has helped 56 kids from various Caribbean countries with very complicated medical conditions that required high levels of sophisticated surgery.

These levels of expertise are not available in the homeland of the kids.

This is where the highly experienced and talented specialists at Sick Kids in Toronto play their invaluable role.

Each year, Gord pro-

duces touching and insightful news serials on ‘Herbie’ patients facing life threatening medical conditions that cannot be addressed in their home countries.

Without the ‘Herbie Fund’/Hospital For Sick Children partnership, which is supported by generous donations from the public, these children will not receive the help they need to thrive.

The dedication that goes into saving these children is a message to the world that Canadians are a generous and compassionate people who believe in giving children the best chance in life.

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News

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Deepwater harbour a matter of priority – Guyana’s private sector

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he Private Sector Commission (PSC) in Guyana is calling for crucial infrastructural development, including a deepwater harbour to be addressed as a matter of absolute urgency.

The commission believes that the broadening of the country’s economic base, the Brazil road, hydroelectricity and interior airstrips are critical to attracting valued-added investment and in order to reduce dependence on commodity price import and export.

According to PSC Chairman Ronald Webster, over the last six months, global commodity prices for rice, sugar, bauxite and gold have fallen dramatical-

ly, in addition to the rise in fuel cost, corn and soya products; placing a burden on the economy.

The PSC chairman said that the local economy has fortunately become more diverse, allowing for a certain amount of cushioning.

“However, these external pressures will have an impact, regardless, and we must find a way to mitigate this impact and guard against accusations being bandied about that it is the fault of government or the opposition.”

He disclosed that 2012 was a flagship year for many businesses in the private sector of Guyana, most of which achieved robust and unprecedented growth.

Although, there was

PSC Chairman Ronald Webster

a slowdown earlier in 2013, most businesses recorded some amount of progress and momentum which is projected to continue.

There was impressive fiscal performance of 4.8 per cent growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

and increases in all the productive sectors with the exception of sugar.

Webster revealed that the taxes remitted to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) by private sector companies amounted to Gy$36.4 billion; which is 11 per cent more than 2012.

He said for this growth trend to continue into the future, along with private sector development, there has to be a very significant broadening of the economic base, increase in quality job creation, reduction in migration of skills and access to and from export markets.

Webster pointed out that this imperative, in turn, requires a quantum increase in infrastructural investments.

He noted that the commission will continue to collaborate with government as an equal partner in the implementation the IDBsupported competitiveness programme, which was launched and conceptualised in 2006.

Key programmes currently being undertaken with the involvement of the National Competiveness Council are interior airstrips, extension and rehabilitation, road links, the Demerara Harbour Bridge Project, Port Georgetown, and hydroelectricity.

Webster stated too that politicians must realise that the median age of Guyanese is 24.6, which is lower than its Caribbean average of

30.5.

The private sector community has collaborated with the Technical Vocational and Education Training Council in recognition of its role in skills creation.

It has also partnered with the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) to submit proposals to the University of Guyana towards reviewing the curriculum to produce a more marketable workforce.

The community also committed itself to working with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) on employment projects which will seek to upgrade the employability of young graduates. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

All booths sold out for Guyana’s International Building Expo 2013

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A model home on display at the 2012 International Building Expo at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

s preparations mount for International Building Expo 2013 in Guyana, Housing Minister Irfaan Ali said his ministry was now forced to turn potential exhibitors away, since the National Stadium is now filled to capacity.

During a interview earlier this week, Ali stated that the ministry regrets this; however, “the

fact is, we had this open a long time…those who came first were served first, so it’s just amazing to see the response locally, regionally and internationally.”

He promised that this year’s building expo will be exceptional and interesting, encouraging persons to attend the event.

“Building Expo 2013 is going to be one of the most exciting building

expos that you have experienced.” He added that this year’s expo will cover every aspect of the building, housing and home furnishing sectors while providing an excellent opportunity to educate persons on new products and materials.

Ali underscored that the housing ministry is also trying to incorporate the services of banks with that of the Central

Former coastguards sentenced to death for gold miner’s murder in Guyana

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hree former coastguards of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were on Tuesday sentenced to death for killing a young gold dealer back in 2009 after robbing him of some Gy$17 million and dumping his body in the Essequibo River. Family members of the late Dweive Kant Ramdass shouted for joy when the 12-member jury returned the unanimous guilty verdict before Justice Franklyn Holder at the

Suddie High Court in Essequibo.

The condemned former coastguards are Devon Gordon, Sherwin Hart and Deon Greenidge. Their lawyers said they will appeal the decision.

The death sentence for the trio was read after the jury returned with the guilty verdict. During the sentencing, family members of the accused coast- guards broke down in tears while the death sentence was read out.

Reacting to the sentence handed down by Justice Holder, family members of Ramdass said they are satisfied with the decision. They commended the effort of Justice Franklyn Holder and the jury for the decision.

The family members, who travelled from Bartica to hear the judge’s decision, said they were anticipating the moment four years now.

(Excerpt from Guyana Times)

Housing and Planning Authority so that persons can go to this year’s expo and acquire the services of a one stop shop.

He said the ministry is encouraging persons especially those with old applications who would like to be a part of the turnkey, lower income or the professional home initiatives to attend the expo since the ministry is hoping to complete the pre-qualification process for all the potential allottees by the end of the expo.

Ali stated the response from the private sector for this year’s building expo has been tremendous, alluding specifically to the urban development plan also

known as Silica City on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

He reiterated that the community is intended to be luxury development.

“We want to build a community that creates its own economic options, a community that creates its own livelihood options, a community that

is linked to exceptional recreational services.”

International Building Expo 2013, which is slated for July 5 to 7 at the Guyana National Stadium, will be held under the theme, “Consolidating P a r t n e r s h i p s for Sustainable Development”.

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News

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending July 4, 2013

Hopes for tourist arrivals in Jamaica soar on Air Canada’s wings

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here are lingering hopes in the Jamaican tourist market that the country will experience a boost in tourist arrivals, following the recent introduction of Air Canada's new leisure-airline flight to Jamaica, Air Canada Rouge.

The flight made its inaugural landing at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston from Toronto at 1:40 p.m. Monday, with 130 passengers on board. A total of 142 passengers left the island on the return trip.

"We are delighted that Jamaica has gone down in the record books today as the very first destination flown to by Air Canada Rouge. It was not by chance. We chose Jamaica in recognition of the tremendous partnership between our two countries," said president and CEO of Air Canada's Leisure Group,

Robert Ready (left), Canadian high commissioner to Jamaica, greets Eamonn Ferrin, president and chief operating officer of Air Canada Vacations, during the arrival ceremony for Air Canada Rouge’s inaugural flight to Kingston at the Norman Manley International Airport Monday (Rudolph Brown/Jamaica Gleaner photo)

Michael Friisdahl.

Friisdahl, calling it as "a tremendous achievement", said the addition of the new flight

would serve to increase Air Canada's capacity to Jamaica from several Canadian gateways in the coming months.

"This summer, our seats to Kingston will increase from Toronto by 15 per cent. "For winter, we will increase seats into

Kingston from Toronto by a further 13 per cent, and with the additional Rouge to Montego Bay (come November), our capacity from Toronto will increase 56 per cent," Friisdahl said.

"In total, Air Canada Rouge will be increasing Air Canada's capacity for next winter by 35 per cent, which is a tremendous commitment to the Jamaican market," he added.

Additionally, the president and CEO pointed out that the creation of Air Canada Leisure Group, which includes Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Vacation, is part of the airline's initiative to position itself to effectively compete in the industry by offering affordable travel packages for tourists, especially.

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Dr Wykeham McNeill, while pointing to the cordial relation-

ship that Canada and Jamaica have shared over the years, said he, too, has high hopes that the country will see an influx in visitor arrivals.

"With today's arrival, we expect that increased visitors from Canada will continue for many years to come," McNeill said.

"The announcement that Air Canada Rouge will be increasing its seats out of Montego Bay during the winter is very encouraging news for us, and it is really a great show of confidence in Jamaica."

The tourism minister added that it was his hope that with the arrival of the new flight into Kingston, more Canadians would make use of the opportunity to take advantage of the "unique and often unexplored pleasures of our capital city (Kingston) and Port Antonio".

(Jamaica Gleaner)

Bank gives full support to Jamaica’s Cybercrimes Act amendments

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ssistant vicepresident of eBusiness at First Global Bank in Jamaica, Dalton Fowles, says the entity is in full support of the pending amendments to the 2010 Cybercrimes Act. "We have invested heavily in these systems, so we have intrusion detection systems that monitor our network and there is constant vulnerability assessment. We have not seen anywhere where someone has attempted to but that does not make us relaxed in any way," Fowles told members of the

Jamaica Observer weekly Monday Exchange at the newspaper's Beechwood headquarters in Kingston.

"We are in full support, anything that deters criminal activity... let's face it cybercrimes and fraud have a cost to the industry, and to the players, so anything that will discourage persons from participating we support 100 per cent," he added.

Presently, under the Act, an offence is committed when a person who knowingly obtains, for himself or another person, any unauthorised access to any pro-

gramme or data held in a computer, that individual is liable, upon conviction before a resident magistrate, to a fine not exceeding Ja$2 million or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both such fine and imprisonment.

If damage is caused as a result of the commission of the offence, a convicted individual faces a fine not exceeding Ja$3 million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both such fine and imprisonment. Convictions before a Circuit Court can see an individu-

al facing a fine or term not exceeding five years or both fine or imprisonment or imprisonment not exceeding seven years. As it stands, no one has been convicted since the passage of the Act in 2010, despite numerous offences.

A joint select committee of Parliament has been meeting since February to review the provision with a view to improving it. Just last month, frustrated pleas for an increase in the penalties under the 2010 Cybercrimes Act by law enforcement officials have resulted in proposed amendments

A joint select committee of Parliament has been meeting since February to review the provision with a view of improving Jamaica’s 2010 Cybercrimes Act

which could see some offenders facing prison terms of up to 25 years.

The committee will be submitting a draft of

recommendations for amendments to the Act, including the increased penalties, to Parliament (Jamaica Observer)

New HDC chairman in TT promises delivery

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ewly-appointed Housing Development Corporation (HDC) chairman Rabindra Moonan Monday hit back at his detractors after receiving his instruments of appointment, insisting he will help make the HDC a flagship of delivery. Speaking with reporters after the installation ceremony at Cypress Hill’s Housing Development, Union Hall, San Fernando, Moonan said he was not aware of any controversy surrounding his appointment.

Opposition leader Dr Keith Rowley and Movement of Social

Justice (MSJ) have opposed his appointment as chairman, two months after being fired as chairman of Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL). “It seems to have been manufactured by certain sectors of the community.

There has been absolutely no controversy as I am concerned,” Moonan said.

Told that many people had opposed his appointment, he said Rowley and MSJ did not constitute many.

Moonan, however, said he remained confident of doing the job he was mandated to do by the Cabinet and the TT government. “I move forward. I will not be dis-

TT’s Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal presents Rabindra Moonan with the instruments of appointment as chairman of the Housing Development Corporation at Union Hall, San Fernando Monday (TT Newsday photo)

tracted or run off the road with any vehicle,” he added.

Also defending

Moonan’s appointment, TT’s Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal said Moonan brought a range

of expertise to the board.

“When we looked at the skills at the board level we thought it was a right mix. We move full speed ahead,” he said.

And that was his message to the new board during his address. He said: “My first message to the new board of directors is that there shall be no slowdown in our programme of housing construction to 2015/2016.”

Moonan, in his brief remarks, said he felt a sense of deja vu, having been appointed to a different board (CAL) a year ago.

Thanking Moonilal, the Prime Minister and Cabinet for “reaffirming

faith in me in joining the public service,” Moonan, as a senior public servant, said he had words of advice for his board members. “I recognise, as my board members will recognise, that when you are in public service you are subjected to scrutiny more than anything else in the world but again if you going to a boxing match and you don’t intend to get hit than you not supposed to be there.

So be prepared for what we are to face and be prepared,” he said.

However, he also advised them to remain focussed on their own agenda.

(Excerpt from TT Guardian)

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Surinamese butchery opens multimillion dollar outlet in Guyana

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uyanese will now have the options to buy fresh, quality cut meat, as popular Suriname butchery, Rossignol Butcheries, expands its services to Guyana, investing some Gy$240 million in the venture.

Rossignol Butcheries is a Suriname-based company with six branches across the neighbouring country that provides high quality meat to its customers. The butchery has been opened since April of this year for a trial run before the official opening.

Located on Church Street, Georgetown, Rossignol Butcheries (Guyana) is a state-ofthe-art meat centre with top of the line storage facilities. In addition to selling beef, pork and chicken, cut according to the “European style”, which they also have pre-seasoned, Rossignol Butcheries also sell sausages, a variety of cheese and meat seasonings.

The butchery has also introduced their bread section, where they have available several types of imported bread, semicooked from Suriname, along with various delectable pastries made

from different meats and cheese.

Business opportunity

Owner of the Rossignol Butcheries franchise, Gerrald Van Dijk, said that he got the idea of his business to Guyana about five years ago. “We saw the opportunity a while ago because Guyana does not have anything like this and we were looking into how we were going to get started with it and now here we are,” he said.

Van Dijk disclosed that in order to make his new venture successful, he teamed up with five other persons in Suriname, to fulfil the desire. Some Gy$240 million was invested in this expansion, with a loan of Gy$160 million from the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI).

Apart from providing top quality meat, the state-of-the-art butchery also provides employment to 14 Guyanese, who are being paid above the new minimum wage. The butchery will also provide market for Guyanese farmers, from whom they will buy raw meat; however, they will also be importing small portions from Suriname and the U.S.

The official opening of the Rossignol Butcheries on Sunday was attended

by Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy, Suriname’s Trade Minister Raymond Sapoen, Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana Mehroen Nisa KurbanBaboe, GBTI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Tracey, and members of the diplomatic community.

Van Dijk’s business partner, Surinamese Bryan Renten, said the butchery offers high quality meat, which is up to par with international standards.

Suriname trade minister, Sapoen, said that the establishment of a Rossignol Butcheries in Guyana is an improvement of cross border activities between the two countries.

“This is a good example of regional integration between Caricom states, it’s all about raising the living standards of our community, it’s all about providing employment, it’s all about generating income and this is an example of it,” said the Surinamese minister.

Dr Ramsammy pointed out that Guyanese

Owner of Rossignol Butcheries, Gerrald Van Dijk showing his products to Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy and Surinamese Trade Minister Raymond Sapoen

welcome the establishment of the high quality butchery, as it seeks an improvement in quality and services.

Foreign investment

Dr Ramsammy expressed his gratitude to

the Surinamese company for investing in Guyana, noting that the country has vast opportunities for local and foreign investment.

The opening of Rossignol Butcheries

comes shortly after the hosting of the Guyana Investment Conference, a forum held to discuss challenges and opportunities investors face in Guyana. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

PM Kamla accuses Warner of being disloyal I

n a clear parting of ways, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Monday night described her former UNC colleague and one-time trusted lieutenant Jack Warner as being disrespectful and disloyal to the government, party and people of Chaguanas West.

Warner was disloyal and disrespectful, she said, when he took a decision by himself — without consulting anyone in the party and anyone in Chaguanas West — to resign as a Cabinet member, as chairman of

the UNC and as MP for Chaguanas West.

Speaking before a noisy and energised crowd at the party’s Monday Night Forum at the Vishnu Boys Hindu College, Caroni, Persad-Bissessar did not hold back any political punches as she called on supporters not to split votes but rather to remain united behind the party’s candidate for the July 29 Chaguanas West bye-election, Khadijah Ameen.

“The question has been asked, why did I accept the resignation of the former Member

of Parliament for Chaguanas West. Let me tonight indicate that whenever it becomes necessary for me as your Prime Minister to act, so as to protect the integrity of government or take action to ensure the principles and values which you supported in 2010 remain intact, I have acted fearlessly in the national interest,” PersadBissessar said.

She told the gathering that it was Warner who by his own personal choice, resigned as a member of Cabinet over allegations of financial

Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar (TT Newsday photo)

impropriety when he was a member of world

football governing body FIFA.

“His decision to resign from his seat and as chairman of the UNC was taken unilaterally.

No institutions of the party, of which he was chairman, were consulted. No one asked him to resign,” PersadBissessar said.

“He returned one of the safest UNC seats that was given to him on a platter by the UNC and now, he asks you to vote him back! I consider this to be disrespect for the party and for you the constituents of Chaguanas West,” she declared. (Excerpt from TT Newsday)

Probe into land sale fraud ongoing at Guyana Lands and Survey Commission

A

number of staff of the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GLSC) has been dismissed and some are under investigation for alleged fraudulent sale of lands, Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud said on Monday.

He said too that Cabinet has plans to im-

plement a National Land Use Plan in the near future. Persaud at the time was addressing residents of Kuru Kururu at a community outreach meeting. He told residents that the national plan will deal with issues of illegal land practices across the country; guide the use of land in a transparent and an open way;

and the operations of the GLSC, the Central and Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Forestry Commission, the Regional Democratic Council and other agencies. The plan will also ensure that there is maximum use of every

square metre of land in Guyana because a land that is rich in agriculture, tourism, or mining will be wasted if used for something else, Minister Persaud said.

Persaud told residents that over the years there have been complaints with regards to GLSC officials, who had facilitated, encouraged

and engaged in illegal activities. He said these staffers have since been dismissed and others are under investigation. The minister said if it has been found that such illegal practices are re-occurring, “we are going to weed out and stamp out those officers within the commission who are in one way or the other...

Guyana’s Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud

contributing to this problem.”

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Over Gy$670 million in PM wants full developmental works for support for St Berbice in Guyana Lucia’s move to CCJ

T

he Region Six administration in Guyana as part of its quest to improve the quality of life of its citizens has awarded several contracts for the development of roads, bridges, sluices, canals and the kitchen of the Black Bush Polder Hospital.

The contracts totalling in excess of Gy$60 million were awarded last Friday. In excess of Gy$25 million will be spent in the 52-74 Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC) area.

Among the contracts are the rehabilitation of the Number 71-72 foot path bridge and the rehabilitation of the double door sluice at Number 35 Village. Some Gy$6.9 million will be spent to excavate the Manerabisi main drainage canal while a further Gy$6 million will be spent to excavate the Excess façade.

Meanwhile, a contract to rehabilitate a cross street at Number 65 Village was also signed last Friday.

Region Six Chairman David Armogan noted that the administration is placing great emphasis on the quality of work and the

Contractor Peter Lewis signs one of the contracts at the Number 52-74 NDC office in the presence of regional officials and residents

timely manner in which it is completed.

The contracts were signed at the Number 52-74 NDC in the presence of residents, NDC officials and opposition members of the Regional Works Committee. The chairman noted that residents do not have the right to stop a contract if it is observed that the contractor is not working to specifications as stipulated in the contract.

“You can report it and then we will come and check it. Remember, we

are spending taxpayers’ money and we want to get value for the money.

It means that you have to make sure that the dollar is well spent, because we will not be coming back next year to do your street, or your area, we will have to do work in another community.”

Meanwhile, a further seven contracts were signed for work in the Black Bush Polder area. Works there will include the rehabilitation of the Post Office Street, the construction of con-

crete bridges at Mibikuri and Lesbeholden and the construction of a kitchen at the Black Bush Polder Hospital. A further Gy$2.3 million will be spent to rehabilitate the doctor’s quarters at the same institution. In that community, a contract for Gy$6.7 million was also signed to rehabilitate a road at South Field, Joanna. The chairman also took the opportunity to ask residents to monitor the projects.

(Excerpt from Guyana Times)

History made by 2013 MedSci graduates in Barbados T he first cohort of graduates from the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill campus, wrote their names on history’s page with expectations great.

Addressing the graduates, Professor Emeritus Henry Fraser told them that the occasion was indeed historical for more than one reason.

He said, “I have had a very special feeling for this historic class.

It’s a pleasure both because you are the history making first class of the new Faculty of Medical Sciences, re-born in 2008 by evolution from our School of Clinical Medicine and Research and because your class has a proud record of excellent performance.”

Congratulating the students on their accomplishments, he said that their successful completion signifies much more.

He stated, “This year is therefore not just a special year and today a special day for you, cel-

The 30 Barbadian students who started their internship at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Monday outside the hospital’s staff entrance.

ebrating your success, but a special year for Barbados, for UWI, for the Medical Faculty and all who have worked so hard to try to make sure you made it to this point in your life’s journey.

Today justifies the vision of Sir Hilary Beckles, our Principal, the vision, obsessional years of preparation and hard work of me and my colleagues, and your own dedication to joining the most priv-

ileged and honourable profession in the world.”

After five years of studies, dedication and commitment, Professor Emeritus told the foundation class in the new phase one programme of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Cave Hill, “now let me compare you with those first UWI students, graduating in 1954 [from Mona campus]. Professor Pamela Rogers – world famous

neurologist; Professor Mike Woo Ming – pioneer cardiac surgeon; Professor Ken Standard – PAHO HERO of Public Health of the Americas.

They were our heroes when I was a student, and they must be your gold standard. You were specially chosen from many applicants, and from whom much is given, much is expected.”

(Barbados Advocate)

P

Dr. Kenny Anthony

rime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony says he expects opposition support when his government tables legislation allowing St Lucia to move towards the Trinidadbased Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as its final court.

In an exclusive interview with the Mirror newspaper in St Lucia, Anthony, a former law lecturer at the University of the West Indies (UWI), said the recent “opinion” handed down by the OECS Court of Appeal means that “the government of St. Lucia will lay before parliament legislation to accede to the Caribbean Court of Justice.

“Obviously, I would prefer if the legislation was supported by the opposition, given the fact that the former Prime Minister, (Sir) John Compton, made pronouncements supporting the Caribbean Court of Justice. Of course, there are people who are interested in invoking his (Compton’s) history for different purposes,’ Anthony said, although he gave no immediate time frame for St. Lucia’s transition from the London-based Privy Council to the CCJ. But the government is anticipating challenges to the May 24 “opinion” by the OECS Court of Appeal, which effectively said St. Lucia does not need to have a national referendum to break with the Privy Council.

Anthony told the Mirror newspaper that the responsibility of his

government is to obey the constitution by following the route prescribed for amending the Supreme Court Order.

“If we can avoid a referendum, clearly it is in the interest of the country. A referendum is an expensive business and, as you well know, our political parties, because of opportunism sometimes, do not all join hands on an issue of a referendum.

The history of referenda in the Caribbean has not always been a good history.”

Prime Minister Anthony concedes that once the necessary legislation is enacted, it is possible for the legislation to be contested.

He said is possible that those who challenge the opinion will argue the legislation enacted by the government is unconstitutional, and return to the Court to get a declaration to that effect.

“Obviously, if that is done, then the government would have to respond,” Anthony said, telling the newspaper that his government does not intend to go further with the Court of Appeal opinion “before all processes are completed”.

The St. Lucia Bar Association said it has referred the Court’s opinion to “eminent counsel’ in Britain.

Anthony said that the May 24 opinion of Appeal Court is an advisory opinion, which means that it is not a legally binding view of the court, nor is it a judgment. (CMC)

11 Guyana’s investor confidence hinges on security, governance news

week ending July 4, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

- Canadian High Commissioner tells investment forum

By Danielle Campbell - Lowe

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anadian High Commissioner David Devine believes Guyana’s investment potential hinges on investor confidence in the country’s security and governance and a detailed understanding of the manner in which investors behave.

He was addressing a two-day high-level investment seminar under the theme, “Maximising Opportunity for Investment in Guyana” at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal last Thursday.

Economic prospects

The forum sought to focus on enhancing Guyana’s economic prospects by identifying the challenges and opportunities facing foreign and local investment.

Devine underscored that Guyana, even with its impressive forecast, must satisfy certain key requirements of global investors in order to successfully raise capital on international markets.

He stressed that the

Canadian High Commissioner David Devine addressing the investor forum

demand for investor funds has become competitive even for countries like Guyana with extraordinary natural wealth, as thousands of investment promoting firms across the world jostle each one, aggressively chasing the same investor dollars.

He pointed out that Guyana is an indisputably beautiful country; however, when investors are pondering where to base their finances, they will ask critical questions such as: Why funds should be chan-

Caribbean health agency to be based in TT

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he Caribbean Public Health A g e n c y (CARPHA), launched Tuesday to combine five existing regional healthy bodies, will have its headquarters in TT, guests learnt at the official launch at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.

TT’s Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan said CARPHA will be based either at Caura, Valsayn or Federation Park.

CARPHA is a single agency that combines the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI), Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC), Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute (CFNI), Caribbean Heath Research Council (CHRC) and Caribbean Regional Drug Testing Laboratory (CRDTL).

CARPHA executive director Dr James Hospedales, said the region has made much progress in addressing

communicable diseases (like AIDS/HIV) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) but not so with the third health concern identified by Caricom leaders in 2005, as injuries and violence.

He promised a thrust in tackling injury and violence, especially homicide, which he said is often linked to alcohol and the illicit drug-trade.

Hospedales won applause by vowing to tackle lifestyle woes such as tobacco consumption and childhood obesity.

St Kitts Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas hoped CARPHA could be a model for how Caricom shapes the future of any of 25 other regional services including the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), and in the areas of meteorology, disaster management, fisheries, agriculture, crime and security. He hoped that increased wealth would lead to more money being spent on the health of the poor in the region.

(TT Newsday)

nelled to Guyana, rather than elsewhere in South America, the Caribbean or Africa? Devine said insecurity created by an unwillingness or inability to enforce laws and regulations is considered the most critical impediment to investment. He continued that countries which do not have effective corruption-fighting measures will discover that companies with strong ethics and regard for their global image will refuse to invest. According to Devine, such countries are likely to attract investment with uncertain

terms and conditions which lack integrity and dedication to nations and their people.

Devine said it was important to understand that the simple promotion of Guyana as an investment destination will not in itself result in the investment levels required to effectively develop the country.

He explained that in an environment where time is money, a deal may be lost due to restrictive rules and the lack of transparency which can act as a deterrent to investment opportunities. He disclosed

that copyright laws and intellectual property right protection are indicators of how a country’s investment potential will fare in international jurisdictions.

Changing environment

The Canadian ambassador said the ability to reinvest, be flexible, and to respond to economic shifts is important in today’s volatile economy. “Investment fund will flow to places where it gets the best rate of return in relation to the risks. Reducing that risk must be a priority for Guyana. This is where the exercise of looking

to how rules, regulations, and policy affect investment must be taken seriously. Admittedly, new adjustments to rules and regulations in Guyana will not be easy.

However, Guyana’s ability to evolve with a global, changing environment is one of the essential conditions for becoming an attractive location for local and international companies alike.”

He stated that these conditions will assist in establishing Guyana as one of the most attractive business hubs in the region. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

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The Guyana experience is a lesson for Caribbean countries – CDB president

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here are some interesting lessons for the rest of the Caribbean region to learn from the road Guyana has travelled, having moved from a deep abyss to a position of enjoying seven years of uninterrupted growth up to 2012, at a rate of 4.5 per cent per annum. This is the view of Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) President Dr William Warren Smith, who noted that Guyana’s growth did not start seven years ago, but that those who have been around for a while would be familiar with the challenges that the country had been experiencing over too long a period of time.

Potential

“Those of us who are from the region have always known about, talked about and hoped for the blossoming of the Guyana potential,” Dr Smith said during a recent interview with the National Communications Network in Guyana.

“Even though Guyana was coming from a very deep abyss, in many respects what has been interesting about Guyana’s experience for me is that once Guyana took the decision to start to address

its economic and social issues, there has been a very remarkable and commendable consistency of policy from one regime to another and it has been maintained up to this point,” Dr Smith emphasised.

There is no question in his mind that that has been a direct underpinning of the successes today, and in spite of all of the pressures, Guyana has been able to maintain that constancy of policy especially in the economic arena.

“What we have seen is a willingness to make very tough decisions and live with them in spite of the fall- out – political or otherwise,” the CDB president was quoted by the Government Information Agency (GINA) as saying.

Good police

He stated that the fact that Guyana was able to survive that difficult period has a lot to do with good economic policy, and that approach was reflected in the management of the financial sector; however, going forward, Guyana’s financial sector is one that would have to show much more rapid development and greater deepening in order to underpin the dy-

ident highlighted that the bank is of the view that Guyana needs to put a lot of emphasis on good governance, social development, creating stronger institutions to strengthen the good things that are happening in the country.

Caribbean situation

CDB President Dr William Warren Smith

namism of the economy that is now emerging.

“Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is part of the good story…it has helped to drive development…that FDIs perhaps would not have been attracted to coming here if that economic stability and foundation had not been created over a very long period of time with a lot of pain so that the two things are related and they create an environment within which much greater things can be done on the economic and social front,” Dr Smith said.

Good governance

When it comes to advising the government of Guyana, the CDB pres-

With regards to the financial situation being experienced by the Caribbean, Dr Smith stated that it is one of the most difficult periods that he has experienced.

“The Caribbean is experiencing the international economic crisis in somewhat of a differentiated way; every simply put, what we’re seeing on the global scene where you have sort of a two-speed development taking place, where you have some countries developing rapidly and others are recovering slowly, the same phenomenon is playing out in the Caribbean,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile Guyana, Suriname and Belize are experiencing very rapid economic growth, with very high foreign direct investment in flows and are generally on a very good trajectory as far as the development of their economies are concerned.

Ramotar wants to work with U.S. on fighting crime

By Leana Bradshaw

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resident Donald Ramotar has highlighted his government’s willingness to work in partnership with the United States of America, in an effort to fight crime, terrorism, and trafficking in persons. The president extended the offer to the U.S. government through its ambassador to Guyana, D Brent Hardt, as he joined him, other members of the diplomatic corps, and government officials in celebrating America’s 237th independence anniversary at a ceremony on Tuesday.

Ramotar said as globalisation takes place, his administration is ready

U.S. Ambassador to Guyana D Brent Hardt shares a toast with President Donald Ramotar to the health of Guyanese and the strengthening of ties between America and Guyana, as well as the region

to work with the U.S. in combating corruption, which is occurring worldwide.

He, therefore, lauded the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), which he deems impor-

Guyana-based DIDCO in receivership

tant in contributing to national efforts. “We remain committed to the implementation of the various facets of that programme.

I also would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the valuable partnership of the United States with the Caribbean in advancing another element of our security agenda, which is the region’s comprehensive disaster management strategy,” the president said.

The head of state added that the regular funding provided through the U.S. to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency

Management Agency (CDERA), for humanitarian assistance and programmes, has been improved to include assistance for the construction of a training facility and regional coordination centre with a warehouse that would also house the agency’s new headquarters in Barbados.

He congratulated America on reaching yet another milestone, noting that its independence is one of the most important events in the history of the hemisphere.

Addressing the gathering, the U. S. ambassador highlighted Guyana’s similarities and existing relations with the U. S., noting that both Guyana and the U. S. have diverse indigenous populations with long histories and cultural traditions that enrich their nations.

Hardt highlighted too the CBSI project, through which “DEA [Drug Enforcement Agency] trainers conducted a counternarcotics investigators course for Guyana’s antinarcotics units”. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

Didco headquarters, Ramp Road, Ruimveldt

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hicken trading company in Guyana, DIDCO, is in receivership, according to a public notice in the Guyana Chronicle last Thursday. The notice stated that as part of the process, house lots are up for sale at Plantation New Hope, East Bank Demerara.

According to the notice, there are 400 lots which are approved for housing.

Despite the recent change in custodial responsibility for the property, the company’s website continues to describe its activities as being carried out under the name DIDCO Trading Company, with its head office located at Ramp Road, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana.

DIDCO had major plans for chicken production for the local and export markets, but encountered various problems, including a damaging fire several years ago.

Chief Executive Officer Deo Singh, a veteran businessman, secured the first KFC franchise in Guyana and on April 26, 1994 opened the first KFC out let in Guyana near the busy downtown Stabroek Market.

However, in December 2011, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) filed a petition in the High Court to institute winding-up proceedings against DIDCO Trading Company Limited which it said had failed to honour its financial obligations to the revenue authority.

The GRA in a statement in November 2009 said it took legal action against DIDCO Trading Company Ltd, because it failed to remit the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) deductions for various pe-

riods between 2007 and 2009 and judgment was subsequently granted in favour of the GRA with the company being given an eight-month stay of execution by the court and another eight months by the GRA to liquidate the liability before levy proceedings were instituted.

The statement said that despite having been granted time by the court and GRA to liquidate the outstanding liability, the company failed to honour its financial obligations and this led to the GRA taking further action to pursue winding up.

The statement had quoted GRA’s legal services division head, Hessaun Yasin-Nandlall as saying “the failure of DIDCO Trading Company Ltd to honour its financial obligations has left the GRA with no other choice than to pursue winding-up proceedings.”

She added, “Apart from the PAYE liabilities, DIDCO has liabilities for Corporation Tax for the years 1993-2010; Property Tax for the years 2007-2011; and Value Added Tax (VAT) for the years 2007-2011, along with other PAYE debts which total in excess of Gy$180 million.”

According to the company profile, it started as a distribution company – importing and wholesaling essential food products and later branched off into shipping; poultry feed production; poultry hatching, rearing and processing; and also bathroom tissue converting and packaging.

DIDCO had two sister companies: Friendship Hotel and Restaurant Holdings Limited, and Nova Scotia Manufacturing Company. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

News Singh takes the helm from Corbie at CAL

13

week ending July 4, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Fly Guyana to begin operations in October

- airline’s review on track

CAL Chairman Phillip Marshall (TT Newsday photo)

V

ice President of Operations at Caribbean Airlines (CAL), Captain Jagmohan Singh, has been appointed to run the day-to-day operations of the airline following the sudden resignation of acting CEO Robert Corbie last Friday. In an interview, CAL communications manager Clint Williams said, “Captain Jagmohan Singh, the vice president of operations, is currently at the helm.

“He was appointed by the board to manage the day to day operations of the airline at this time.” On the issue of Corbie’s sudden departure, Williams said, “Naturally the staff are surprised by Mr Corbie's resignation, but we are an airline and we are used to going through challenges and surprises. The operations of the airline of course will continue with the excellent team that is in place.”

Corbie released a statement to CAL staff members on Saturday, indicating that he had tendered his resignation last Friday and the

board had accepted it with immediate effect.

“After 29 years in the aviation industry during which I have seen, learned and experienced much, I close this chapter of my career, with a heavy heart but optimistic outlook,” Corbie said.

Meanwhile CAL’s chairman Phillip Marshall Sunday assued that the detailed diagnostic review of the State-owned airline’s operations is “well underway.” Marshall made this statement, following the resignation of Corbie and said CAL will be “moving forward” with the process of hiring a CEO. Marshall could not indicate when this review and its associated recommendations for CAL’s future would be submitted to Finance Minister Larry Howai for his consideration but said the process is in train. Last week, TT media reported that Marshall had been speaking with former BWIA executives Conrad Aleong and Ian Bertrand about assisting in charting a way forward for CAL. In keeping with statements made two weeks ago by Minister in the Ministry of Finance Vasant Bharath regarding issues between CAL and Air Jamaica over branding issues for the latter as part of the overall merger between the two airlines, Marshall said CAL’s team in TT is already working on that matter.

Bharath said committees in TT and Jamaica would address these issues simultaneously. (Excerpt from TT Newsday)

F

Airline representative Harry Chowbey makes the announcement about Fly Guyana

ly Guyana has announced that it will launch its flights out of Guyana in October, according to a representative of the new airline, Harry Chowbey.

“We spoke to the government of Guyana which was very supportive of this, and in the near future, Guyana will have back their airline,” he revealed.

Chowbey said the other airlines have all been doing a great job and expressed the hope that all agents will support the venture.

Alluding to the scope of the operations, he explained that the new airline will fly the Georgetown-New York route seven days a week and that the management will direct all of its energies towards managing this route before expanding. “Our message will be simple, come home to Guyana,” Chowbey stated.

Over the past few months, the government has committed to exploring new avenues to remedy the current shortfall in airlift to Guyana, particularly since the exit of EZjet and Delta Airlines.

Guyana’s acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali reiterated the

dedication to this goal and reassured that the challenge to provide adequate and reliable airlift to and from Guyana was being met head on as the government has been engaging other airlines, including COPA Airlines and JetBlue, to begin operations in Guyana.

Added to this, Fly Jamaica is expected to start operations in Guyana by the end of July, and will be transporting passengers to New York, Canada, and Caribbean countries. According to Roxanne Reece, one of the carrier’s executives, the airline hopes to have all arrangements settled by this time to place Guyana on the first leg before beginning Toronto fights.

Even with the possibility that these new airlines will increase capacity, Minister Ali has noted that given the aggressive marketing campaign currently underway, there will still be need for additional airlift to adequately service the market. Word about the Guyana tourism product is spreading

like wildfire across North America as the Tourism Ministry and Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) continue their marketing and sensitisation campaign.

Government in early June announced that it had granted its approval for Fly Guyana to operate the Georgetown/New York and the Georgetown/ Toronto routes from Guyana. Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon said then, the airline has welcomed the decision by Guyana. Dr Luncheon stated that the approval came after the standard evaluative proce-

dures were carried out by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and the recommendation was made to Cabinet by Public Works Minister Robeson Benn.

Dr Luncheon said the approval would have come earlier, but the submission made to Cabinet was too late to be incorporated into the agenda for the statutory meeting. Dr Luncheon explained that Fly Guyana would have completed those requirements and deposited the required bond of Gy$40 million before the recommendation could have been made to Cabinet by Minister Benn. (Guyana Times)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending July 4, 2013

KN’s Adam Harris, reporter found guilty of contempt in Guyana court

K

aieteur News Editor-in-Chief Adam Harris and reporter Rehanna Ramsay were last Friday ordered to pay Gy$150,000 and Gy$50,000 respectively as fines after they were found guilty of contempt of court charges in Guyana.

The duo appeared before Justice Brassington Reynolds in a packed to capacity courtroom in the High Court where his lordship explained that if they failed to pay the fine, they can both be jailed for 14 and seven days respectively.

The charge stemmed from a report in the Kaieteur Newspaper involving a voir dire (a trial within a trial) with respect to a Soesdyke/ Linden murder trial.

The article which appeared in a recent edition of the newspaper forced Justice Reynolds to discharge the jury and aborted the trial in the interest of justice. He then summoned Harris and the reporter responsible to attend court to show cause why they should not be cited for contempt.

It was reported that

Forty years later, regional leaders gather at the birthplace of Caricom - focus on transportation, economic and other issues

T

Kaieteur News Editorin-Chief Adam Harris

Justice Reynolds informed the jury that a piece of reporting in the Kaieteur News contains an inaccurate account of events which transpired in these proceedings. The report was highly prejudicial, and can materially affect the outcome of these proceedings, he reportedly told the jury.

Harris and Ramsay were represented by Attorney Khemraj Ramjattan. During the hearing of a voir dire, reportage is not allowed since the jury is absent, and as such, is not privy to such information.

The trial involved murder accused Andrew Gomes, who allegedly killed his father on November 27, 2008.

rinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who assumed chairmanship of Caricom on Monday, welcomes 14 Caribbean leaders to the heads of government meeting that begins in Port-ofSpain Thursday.

The leaders include three associate members: The Prime Minister of Equatorial Guinea, President

Danilo Medina of the Dominican Republic and President Nicolas Maduro of the Republic of Venezuela.

The meeting begins at 6 pm with a flag ceremony at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s.

Several leaders, including Persad-Bissessar, will address the ceremony. The meeting is expected to discuss the economic situation facing member states and

the region; transportation in the region; proposal for a high-level meeting on people with disabilities and special needs; membership and associate membership of the Caribbean Community; reform process in Caricom—state of progress; progress on the region’s preparations for the United States Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act and external trade issues.

Among the conference highlights will be the re-enactment of the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas with a ceremony at the Chaguaramas Convention Centre on Thursday.

On Friday all the leaders will attend an all-day retreat. The conference ends on Saturday with bi-lateral talks with President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela.

Jamaica Stock Exchange bond market launched C

ompanies are now able to list bonds on the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE), which will give a wider pool of investors access to debt instruments.

The JSE is currently reviewing the minimum amount, also called a board lot, that investors can buy into the bond market, but it should be in the region of Ja$10,000 increments.

And while no corporate bonds — instruments issued by an entity for the purpose of borrowing money from investors for a defined period of time at an interest rate — are ready to be listed, the stock exchange is waiving the fee to do so for the rest of 2013.

"The bond market is designed to facilitate the trading of bonds

Wayne Dass (right), CEO of Caribbean Information and Credit Rating Services Limited (CariCris) speaks with Donovan Perkins (left), Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) chairman, while JSE general manager, Marlene Street Forrest listens attentively. (Bryan Cummings/Jamaica Observer photo)

whether they are cor-

porate bonds, government of Jamaica securities, or the securities of any other sovereign CARICOM nation," said Marlene Street Forrest, JSE general manager.

"The JSE Group has the platforms through which issuers of corporate bonds can raise capital on the primary market and list on the JSE. "Equally, those corporate bonds that have already been floated privately can still be listed on the exchange."

The idea behind the JSE bond market, is to facilitate the trading of bonds with the aim to increase efficiency, transparency and liquidity.

For companies, the market and trading platform offers an alternative to bank loans, flexibility to expand from equities into bonds, and potentially cheaper source of fund-

ing.

Rating of bonds provide another means by which companies are able to signal the grade bonds they are floating, which could potentially impact on the cost of borrowing, according to Wayne Dass, CEO of Caribbean Information and Credit Rating Services Limited (CariCris).

On the other side of the coin, investors will be able to enter or exit bond positions much easier, they will have greater access to information on the borrower, there is potential for capital appreciation of the bonds, and continuous pricing allows for daily monitoring of the bonds.

As is customary, investors will be required to place their buy and or sell orders with a licensed member of the JSE. (Jamaica Observer)

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week ending July 4, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Guyana Trade, Tourism Expo in New York attracts thousands T

he thousands of patrons who attended the opening of the Guyana Trade and Tourism Expo in New York were more than thrilled by the energetic and entertaining cultural performances that heralded the start of the three-day event.

The Fitzgerald Stadium came alive last Friday evening as Guyanese music filled the air and the aromas of local food wafted about, welcoming the throngs that came to see the display of craft, products, food and fashion.

Many were captivated by the colourful displays in the isles as each exhibitor sought to display their company logos in grand style, with banners of green, red, yellow, blue and a kaleidoscope of other colours adorning the venue.

Addressing the gath-

ering at the grand opening ceremony, acting Guyana’s Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali extended warm greetings and expressed his gratitude to the patrons who took the time to visit the event and participate in the many sweepstakes and activities planned for the occasion.

“Today, we join all of our brothers and sisters back home in sharing a piece of your country with you and the many opportunities that you can be part of. That is why we brought this Trade and Tourism Expo here, we believe that we have a strong tourism product,” Ali announced.

At this point, Ali spoke of the record in arrivals last year, when Guyana was leading the 32 member Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) countries in arrivals, with

Guyana - made craft items attract patrons at the expo

several record breaking months.

Expounding further on the developments sweeping the nation, the acting tourism minister noted too that Guyana has moved from a destination with 700 hotel rooms to having more than 3000 rooms, exclud-

ing the accommodation at the Marriott Hotel which is presently under construction.

“In addition, we will be having a new airport and more than Gy$32 billion has been invested in the improvement of infrastructure to develop the industry. Major investors

are turning to Guyana as they realise that they have the opportunity to expand their business.”

In closing, Minister Ali resounded the call for more Guyanese to return home and assured those gathered that the government is ready to partner with them, and welcome them home.

“We want all Guyanese to be part of the transformational process, we want to take this opportunity to say that home is awaiting you and we want you to be part of the future Guyana. I want to assure you that we have a bright future ahead.”

Developments

Tourism brand ambassador and veteran Guyanese cricketer, Sir Clive Lloyd also spoke of the developments in Guyana and placed the call for more persons to witness the developments

taking place.

The expo opened at 09:00h last Friday morning and by the closing time, 21:00h that night, the venue was still overflowing with patrons all wanting a chance to glimpse the displays and experience the authentic products on display.

For many patrons, the nostalgic nature of the expo provided the incentive to visit and for others, it offered the chance to network and to meet industry representatives on hand with important investment, housing, travel and tax information.

The Guyanese business representatives that travelled to New York for the show all lauded the organisers and pointed to the massive exposure that such an activity will provide, considering that it spanned several days and will attract thousands of visitors.

Grenada imposes hefty fines and/or lengthy jail terms for offensive online comments

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he Grenada parliament last Friday passed legislation to punish people with hefty fines and/or lengthy jail terms for what is termed "offensive online comments".

However, the expression "offensive" is referred to in vague and broad terms, leading many people, especially journalists, to fear that anything could be regarded as offensive by the New National Party (NNP) government led by Prime Minster Dr Keith Mitchell who, following general elections in

February, currently enjoys control of all 15 seats in the lower house of parliament.

Mitchell has a long history of using the law to prosecute and/or otherwise intimidate local and international media and journalists in attempts to suppress unfavourable reporting.

Now, according to the new law, complaints about offensive comments would be filed with police.

A judge would then decide if the message was offensive. Those found guilty could be fined up to EC$37,000 or face three

years in prison.

"We have problems when some use the technology to engage in mischief," said Grenada’s Legal Affairs Minister Elvin Nimrod. "We have to put structures in place to ensure that persons and, in some cases, companies and characters are not tarnished."

"A person will be able to take that evidence of the posting and use it as evidence in the court," Nimrod added. "People have to act responsibly to others."

Although the law is the first of its kind in the

Jamaican diplomat gets new United Nations posting

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he UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon has appointed Jamaicanborn diplomat, Michelle GylesMcDonnough, as the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System’s operational activities for development in Malaysia.

Gyles-McDonnough will also serve as Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Malaysia, with additional responsibility for the Republic of Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, and will have overall responsibility and team leadership for the coordination of UN development activities in these three countries.

Her appointment became effective July 1.

The Barbados-based diplomat, served as UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative for Barbados and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean (OECS) for the past five years.

“During her tenure, she significantly raised the visibility of the development challenges facing small island developing states and mobilized other development partners to work together with

the UN to support Barbados and OECS member states to address the impacts of climate change,” according to a UN statement.

It said she also played a role in making the transition to more sustainable energy future; strengthen capabilities to assess and manage disaster risks and impacts; and improve citizen’s security, well-being and life chances, among other key development areas.

Prior to her posting in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, GylesMcDonnough was Programme Adviser in the Executive Office of UNDP, and Regional Adviser in Jamaica.

She has also served in the United Nations as Coordinator for the Grenada Recovery Programme following Hurricane Ivan in 2004, and Chief -- UNDP Caribbean Sub-Regional Resource Facility in Trinidad and Tobago.

Gyles-McDonnough is married to Ambassador Lorne McDonnough, the chief executive officer of the Caribbean Community Development Fund.

(Jamaica Observer)

Caribbean, other countries have been talking about policing online social media content.

In April, Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson announced that The Bahamas government was working on legislation that will police information posted on the internet.

Earlier in April, Bahamas Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade warned that the police would press charges against people who post “lewd” or “obscene” pictures on social media websites.

In Grenada, other Caribbean nationals

living and working in Grenada have expressed concern over the new law and it is like that regional leaders and media associations will be drawn into the debate.

One regional journalist working in Trinidad has already called upon

that country’s Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar to “take a stand for Trinidad and Tobago nationals everywhere” in relation to the “negative impact … of this draconian law” in Grenada. (Excerpt from CaribbeanNews)

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Labour Minister warns Jamaicans to beware of bogus employment agencies - as 248 more students trained for employment in Canada

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abour and Social Security Minister Derrick Kellier has warned Jamaicans to be wary of organisations that appear overnight offering training and overseas employment without having them verified as legitimate.

Kellier was addressing the graduating class of Health Education and Counselling Institute (HECOIN) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre Sunday for 248 students who were trained to take up employment in Canada under the Temporary Overseas Employment

programme.

"Too many times we have some fly-by-night institutions that come and set up their tents by morning and take it up in the night, and after you have come and made arrangements and handed over your hard-earned cash, some of you have to scrape up for yourself or borrow from your parents and friends and when you go back tomorrow morning, they disappear," the minister said.

Kellier, however, warned that the ministry would not sit idly by.

"We are not going to allow that to continue

in the Jamaica labour market," Kellier told the gathering.

He warned that with identity theft on the rise, people should guard fiercely their personal information.

"Do not give personal details to anyone unless you know who you are dealing with, for in this age of identity theft, you have to guard your personal details very carefully," Kellier implored.

He advised that people should not be quick to surrender information and money to recruiters of no reputation.

"Let no one without

a solid track record convince any of you to pay over money as guarantee of employment to Canada or the Canadian overseas employment programme," the minister warned.

He also entreated the graduates to become good ambassadors while on the programme, citing that its success depended on them.

"One thing that elite corps of workers do not do is to abuse their status. You have to act as ambassadors so that your brothers and sisters here can also get the opportunity to go on the pro-

Jamaica’s Labour and Social Security Minister Derrick Kellier (Jamaica Observer file photo)

gramme," Kellier said.

He commended HECOIN for its excellent record of service and said the ministry would be seeking exploratory talks with the institution to broaden the scope of the programmes.

Kellier said labourmarket surveys indicate that Canada has an ageing population and retires one million people annually, while it can only supply 696,000 for the job market, leaving a shortfall of more than 300,000.

He said this offered a wonderful opportunity for Jamaica to capitalise on. (Jamaica Gleaner)

CoP Williams predicts a standout year for TT’s police

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rinidad and Tobago’s acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams is predicting that 2013 will be a “standout year” for the country’s police service.

“For me the organisation has been doing an excellent job in 2013.

I’m pressing the officers, making sure they have a full appreciation that we

have an opportunity to stand out. 2013 can be a standout year for the police service in the context of performance. And that will be reflected come December 31,” he said.

Speaking with the media following the closing ceremony for the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the

Caribbean (UNLIREC) National Armoury Management Training Course last Friday at the Police Academy in St James, Williams said he would rate the performance of the service for the year so far as “very good” but that there was a lot of work to be done in the next six months. He said the police were always questioned with re-

TT’s acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams (TT Newsday file photo)

spect to crime statistics but when these figures are released, “the media itself takes the very said figures and questions (them) and say ‘well the statistics is manipulated to suit the police service’”.

“What...we try to do is a professional job. So

we are treating with the crimes, compile the information, compile the statistics and present it.

If we don’t present it, we are then challenged in relation to hiding information. When we present it we are challenged in relation to twisting the information.” he said.

On the issue of illegal firearms, Williams said that more than 130 firearms and several thousand rounds of ammunition had been seized for the year so far.

“That should be a little bit of good news to say that the police are working. Look at the rate of recovery and the number of days. Do the multiplying and you would realise that has been excellent work,” he said.

He admitted, though, that the recovery of firearms for 2013 was not where he wanted it to be.

“I would want the

Police Service to be able to recover all the firearms that are out there causing us hurt on a daily basis, a weekly basis, but that is not possible.

So I am appreciative of the efforts of the officers in recovering firearms.

I’m pushing them to do more to recover firearms.

Because we are getting hurt big times with firearms,” he said.

He also critiqued a media report that a recent diesel racket discovery had perpetrators exchanging gas for guns.

“Sometimes when we present information and it is not based on supportive facts then you go into the realm of supposition. I will never present to you that as a fact that there is an exchange of guns for gas. So I don’t know who presented it but that is not a matter of fact. (Excerpt from TT Newsday)

UNC councillor mulls crossing over to PNM

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he vice chairman of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation Lawrence Lalla last Friday confirmed that he is contemplating crossing the floor and moving across to the People’s National Movement because of his concern over a lack of funding to cater to the needs of the people in the electoral district of Valencia where he also serves as councillor.

Lalla who won the Valencia seat in the last local government election in 2010 for the People’s Partnership government, said he was the first person to take away the seat originally controlled by the People’s National Movement.

Lalla also admitted that he will not be filing nomination papers to contest the Valencia seat in the local government election because he feels aggrieved over what he described as the inability to get the necessary funds to alleviate the problems of the people of

Valencia.

Lalla first made public his concerns at the Statutory meeting of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation last Thursday and on Friday Keshwar Maharaj, Chairman of the Sangre Grande Corporation said Lalla had not officially informed him that he was moving across to the PNM. He said if Lalla had any concerns he should first discuss it with the members of the corporation who would then take up his matter with party officials. However, when contacted Lalla said, “I am contemplating seriously crossing the floor to go to the PNM because the type of representation which we have in this region under Colin Partap and in particular Rupert Griffith who seem unconcerned with positive governance in this part of the country.” Lalla also spoke of the inability of the corporation to implement the requirement of the act of 1990. (TT Newsday)

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week ending July 4 , 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Rogue Caribbean lawmen tipping Guyana’s combined opposition meets Caribbean off criminals – IMPACS head

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a r i c o m Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) Executive Director, Francis Forbes has revealed that a serious impediment to policing has developed in the region as unscrupulous security personnel intentionally compromise law enforcement efforts by providing information to criminal organisations, and even supply them with protection, service gear, and ammunition.

Forbes was delivering remarks as the curtains came down on a twoday investment forum in Guyana organised by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and other partners. He stated that there is always an economic cost to corruption with empirical research indicating that such activity leads to uncertainty in the economy, impeded foreign and domestic investments, a forcing of companies to operate outside the formal sectors.

IMPACS Executive Director Francis Forbes

Corruption also hinders the state’s ability to raise revenue which leads to higher taxes being levied on fewer and fewer citizens.

Forbes said this in turn reduces the government’s ability to deliver essential goods and services, including the rule of law which then encourages a vicious cycle of increasing underground economic activity.

The crime and security expert pointed out that the region has, however, been up to speed reflected in a recent de-

cision by Caricom Heads of Governments to adopt the first Regional Crime and Security Strategy, which was produced by IMPACS with support from communities, police, military, immigration, and customs chiefs.

The strategy is intended to significantly improve citizen security by creating a safe, just and free community while improving economic viability of the region.

It has 14 strategic goals one of which includes removing the profit factor out of crime and targeting assets of criminals to protect the financial system.

Forbes pointed out that the significant proceeds from the drug trade have placed a whole new dimension on the extent of the problem. “If this continues the future of effective law enforcement, unprejudiced public administration, and even the integrity of the judiciary will be threatened. There is already significant indication of these public agen-

cies being undermined and government officials, including politicians, have come under the radar for being associated with crime syndicates and other white-collar crimes,” the IMPACS Head noted.

Modern technology

He stated that cybercrime is fast becoming endemic with perpetrators exploiting the speed, anonymity, and convenience which modern technology offers to commit a diverse range of criminal activity from the distribution of child pornography and identify theft to attacks on data systems and email scams.

The cybercrime trends in the region include hacking, credit cards and cheque fraud, telephone fraud, counterfeiting, and identity theft.

Forbes related that lax law enforcement has, over the years, affected the region’s ability to address problems posed by these threats. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

PNM stands behind Rowley

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s the People’s N a t i o n a l Movement (PNM) gears up for battle in the upcoming local government election in Trinidad and Tobago, party stalwarts and supporters acknowledge that some of its members are still dissatisfied with the party’s leadership.

However, with two years to go before the next general election is constitutionally due, they poured cold water on claims that moves are afoot to replace Dr Keith Rowley as PNM political leader.

In fact, they said given the numerous missteps of the People’s Partnership (PP) government, the PNM, under Rowley, is well-poised to, once again, lead the country.

“Because of the ineptitudes of the UNC government, the PNM is in an excellent position to bring back sanity to governance in the country,” former PNM government minister Overand Padmore said last Friday.

“In fact, the people are coming to this conclusion.

They can see a proper alternative,” he said.

The PP crushed the PNM in the May 24, 2010, general election, winning 29 of the 41 constituencies.

Rowley, the opposition leader, is currently before the Privileges Committee of the House

Former PNM government minister Overand Padmore (TT Newsday photo)

of Representatives after Speaker Wade Mark ruled on May 22 that a prima facie case had been made out by Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar against him.

Rowley alleged that Persad-Bissessar and several other ministers were involved in an email scandal relating to the Section 34 issue during debate on a no-confidence motion against the government in the Parliament on May 20.

Padmore said last Friday that the PNM’s landslide victory in the January 21, 2013, Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election was “an indication of how a thinking electorate reacts to issues and choices before them.”

He expects that the local government election will reflect the feelings of citizens.

“I am expecting the local government election to reflect the anxieties and

concerns of the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.

Padmore, who held several top ministerial portfolios in the Dr Eric Williams regime, scoffed at the hullabaloo, in some quarters, over Dr Rowley’s suitability to lead the 57-year-old party.

“The leadership issue...people are really making a mountain out of an issue that really is a mole hill,” he contends.

Padmore said the PNM, at this stage, had one leader “until the party removes him in a democratic fashion.”

Padmore’s stance came days after government senator Marlene Coudray claimed in the Upper House that an opposition MP has been canvassing support from colleagues in the Lower House in order to approach President Anthony Carmona and have Rowley removed as opposition leader.

During debate on a private motion on the government’s commitment to democracy last Tuesday, Coudray claimed “his own members are quietly hustling in and out some back door undermining him.”

“I understand that a certain member in the other place was looking for signatures to go to the President and have this leader removed and replaced,” said Coudray, Minister of Gender, Youth

and Child Development.

PNM senator Fitzgerald Hinds later dismissed Coudray’s claims as “small political fluff.”

Although PNM founding member Ferdie Ferreira described the party as the “only stable political force in the country,” he noted that there have been tensions visa-vis Dr Rowley’s leadership. (Excerpt from TT Newsday)

Financial Action Task Force

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embers of the combined opposition in Guyana, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) last Friday met with representatives of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) at the Office of the Opposition Leader, Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

The meeting provided an opportunity to brief members of the opposition on the operations of CFATF and Guyana’s responsibilities within the ambit of the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act 2009.

U.S. embassy, Political and Economic Chief Michael Fraser, Roger Hernandez of CFATF and C MurrayBailey of the Trinidad and Tobago Anti-Money Laundering Unit, comprised the visiting team.

According to an APNU release, Hernandez gave a detailed overview of CFATF and the importance of the legislation and a credible action plan to satisfy the requirements of the taskforce.

He said Guyana was evaluated in 2010 and put in an expedited follow-up process, which required reporting every six months.

In May, 2013, Guyana was placed by CFATF on a “public statement” for failing to meet deadlines and being non-compliant with all 16 requirements.

Both Hernandez and

Murray-Bailey stressed that passage of legislation by Guyana would not be enough to remove the country from its present status.

Hernandez said the legislation alone would serve to meet one key and critical element of the compliance requirement, but it would not be enough to remove Guyana from the expedited status.

The CFATF representative said what was required was political commitment combined with an action plan.

The opposition team comprised Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Basil Williams, Joseph Harmon, Keith Scott and Mark Archer from the APNU and Khemraj Ramjattan and David Patterson from the AFC. The opposition has said that they need more time to study the bill, and voted for it to be sent to a Special Select Committee.

The government has pointed out that the bill brings benefits to the people, reduces the cost to do business, improves transparency, safeguards external dangers from terrorist groups and helps to modernise Guyana’s financial architecture.

The CFATF has since extended its deadline on Guyana, giving the country until November to make the necessary amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Act to avoid blacklisting.

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Guyana could tap climate action line of credit C

a r i b b e a n Development Bank (CDB) President Dr William Warren Smith has urged the Guyana government to take full advantage of a new low-cost facility available through the newly approved US$47 million country strategy.

Speaking after his

low carbon technologies and climate adaptation.

“I implore the government to make full use of this facility in pursuit of its own objectives of building climate resilient and improving environmental management.”

Smith noted that the CDB’s partnership with

populated area; Region Three also stands to benefit from improved road safety and farm-to-market access road projects in the coming years.

“We have done several road projects in Guyana with similar results,” Smith said.

The CDB board of directors has also recently

Dr William Warren Smith

opening remarks at the recently held investment conference, Smith disclosed that under the new strategy, Guyana can access a relatively new US$65.3 million climate action line of credit.

Smith said the European Development Investment Funded line will provide concessionary resources for climate change related interventions such as energy efficient, renewable energy, forestry and land use,

Guyana is aimed at improving investment and growth and as a stepping stone to systematic poverty reduction.

The CDB president pointed out that since 1970; the bank has provided US$297 million to Guyana.

Early this year, the bank signed an agreement with government for a US$34 million loan for the West Coast Demerara Road Improvement Project.

Guyana’s third most

approved a new US$47 million country strategy for Guyana.

According to Smith, this strategy places emphasis on tackling poverty by increasing access to basic social services, to the improvement of skills to take advantage of emerging job opportunities, enhancing competitiveness and responding to climate change through coastline protection.

This new strategy also includes a US$7

million grant under the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) seventh programme, which was launched last Thursday.

“We are extremely proud of the BNTF programme; it has been facilitating investment in community infrastructure and related services in water and sanitation, access road and drainage, education and human resource development since 1979.”

Smith added that through the BNTF, the CDB has had its biggest impact on poverty reduction, especially in rural areas and remote locations in Guyana. Guyana also stands to benefit from a US$7.1 million grant under the seventh cycle of the BNTF. So far, Guyana has benefited from some US$35.9 million under this trust fund and has been one of the largest beneficiaries, receiving some 15 per cent of the bank’s soft loans and grant.

According to Smith, Guyana has been a major beneficiary of the bank’s Special Development Fund also known as SDF. He stated that since it’s founding in 1917 right up to 2012, Guyana has been the largest beneficiary of soft loans and grants from the bank.

Over that span of time, Guyana received US$165 million on SDF loans at two per cent interest repayable for over 30 years with 10 years for repayment of principle. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

Burden on TT to lead Caribbean integration - Dookeran TT’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Dookeran

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he “burden” of leading the move towards Caribbean integration is on Trinidad and Tobago, and the 34th meeting of the Heads of Government of Caricom this week is an ideal opportunity to renew those efforts, says TT’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Dookeran.

Speaking at a panel discussion, ‘From FrancoGerman Relations to Regional Integration and Beyond’, organised by the Institute of International Relations at the University of the West Indies, Dookeran said: “The fact that the meeting is here and is to be chaired by Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar is an opportunity that will be used.”

Expected to attend are 15 heads of government, including the presidents of Venezuela, Dominican Republic, and Equatorial Guinea.

“Leaders have recognised that there is need to do something to rescue the Caribbean, at least from an economic perspective,” Dookeran said. He said the meeting provides an opportunity for Caribbean leaders to “inject new life and a more intense commitment” to the regional agenda.

“We have to think beyond the orthodox thinking that has brought us

where we are today. We are searching for an integration movement without borders. That is the challenge of our time,” he said. To achieve that, Dookeran said, institutions must be put in place to allow free capital flow among Caribbean countries. Caribbean integration would also open up economic opportunities and help in making the region more resilient to the global economic turmoil, which Dookeran said he believed was permanent.

“When we look at the Caribbean collectively, we are not small. The population of the countries in the Caribbean Sea is in the order of 30 million people, equal to some of the large countries in the world.” He said the region also needed to demonstrate collectively a stronger position on global issues.

Saying that this is not easy because different countries have different interests, Dookeran said: “The Caribbean has a strong voice. We have 15 votes in the Organisation of the American States and so in the United Nations.

These votes must mean something. The policy of abstention, which is what we have inherited, does not allow us to use that voice. We must come to a common and firm position.” (TT Guardian)

Sex among church youth alarming - Antigua’s Youth Director

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he number of young people in the church engaging in pre-marital sex may shock the populace, however, Antigua and Barbuda’s Youth Director Cleon Athill said society should share the blame because double standards send the wrong messages to youths curious about sex.

“There is always a concern about adults saying one thing and doing another. We are very imputative but we are very permissive,” Athill said.

“The issue for me is how do we provide them with the information, present ourselves and

bodies to them; how do they feel about themselves and the skill to negotiate safe sex? I don’t think we are doing that sufficiently.”

Athill, speaking on the state-owned station’s Media Roundtable, explained that the number of teens engaging in various sexual activities is alarming.

“We are seeing issues where young people are forced into transactional sex. They are experimenting more with sex and different types,” she noted, revealing, “Our young people are having sex whether they are in church or not because there was a study that

Antigua and Barbuda’s Youth Director Cleon Athill

was done of Evangelical youth that shocked the pastors.”

In a UNICEF study entitled “Survey of the Sexual Practices of Youth

Attending Evangelical Churches in Antigua, St Lucia and St Vincent,” a review was done among people attending youth programmes in Evangelical churches.

Participants indicated that 67.6 per cent of them had been asked to have sexual intercourse while 46.7 per cent had been sexually active and 33.5 per cent had oral sex. Of the female respondents, 42.5 per cent have been sexually active while males in this category amounted to 58.2 per cent. The average number of sexual partners for females was four and males seven. The start of sexual activity

peaked between the ages of 15 and 17.

Twenty-eight people – 2.8 per cent of the total – stated that they had tested positive for HIV. Athill further stated that such shocking statistics among children who attend church, stands to highlight that many more who do not attend church are engaged in such activities.

“Now if we are saying that those persons who are close to God and going to church every day and clapping their hands and getting the spiritual guidance are having sex, what much less to the other people,” she said.

(Antigua Observer)

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Glory days for Guyana’s sugar not over – Dr Ramsammy F

aced with the recurring low production and dire financial problems of the sugar industry, Guyana Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy on Saturday declared that “the glory days ” of GuySuCo are not over, vowing that the corporation will have even more glorious days.

Ramsammy was speaking at a ceremony to honour outstanding workers across the various estates. He said the industry had to be brought out of its death bed in the 1980s, and government succeeded in bringing it back.

GuySuCo will continue to be a pillar in the development of the economy as it is more that an industry, it is essential to the country and

too important to fail, he stressed.

“We all have one goal and that goal is a better Guyana…we were once a poor, highly rejected bankrupt country, and today we are a middleincome country,” he said, proving that difficulties are not insurmountable.

Some 28 workers were honoured from Albion, Blairmont, Enmore, La Bonne Intention (LBI), Rose Hall, Skeldon, Uitvlugt and Wales sugar estates, as well as the Demerara Sugar Terminal. The ceremony was held at the Blairmont Community Centre.

Last year, GuySuCo’s production was relatively low when compared to previous years; however, the company saw it necessary to honour the per-

Blairmont champion worker Avril Patricia Spencer receives her certificate from a GuySuCo official

sons who contributed to the company’s output.

Minister Ramsammy in his address to the workers said that even as the company celebrates the history and success of

the industry in this difficult time, there are some persons who seem to be happy with the company’s situation.

Total production for 2012 was 218,070

Barbados facing very serious economic challenge - PM Stuart admits

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Bd$400 million fiscal adjustment programme is needed if Barbados is to stave off economic doom.

This was disclosed by Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, as he gave the closing address at last Friday’s one-day National Private/Public Sector Consultation on the Economy at the Hilton Barbados.

He told those gathered that his country was facing "serious problems of debt and deficit" and stressed that if the present challenges were to be overcome, then the cooperation of all Barbadians, in what he termed "this mighty effort", would be required.

"The Governor of the Central Bank was very clear that we have to make a very serious adjustment if we are to eschew the prospect of economic damage being done to Barbados. He contends that we need to do about a 4.4 [per cent] adjustment and that 4.4 adjustment translates into about Bd$400 million in the short-term.

Now short and sharp interventions can lead to short and sharp responses and that is a fact which we must bear in mind. I think, therefore, that we have to continue the dialogue.

"But the reality is that we have problems. These

problems are not problems of a nature, quality and kind that we can claim to be new. We've had these problems before, what we're dealing with here is the gravity of the problem. And, as

we are and that we're going to have to take some strong corrective actions, bearing in mind always that there are vulnerable elements in the society whose protection depends on us as well," he

real beneficial fiscal consolidation in economies like ours should best be undertaken during periods of economic buoyancy. But once things are going well we forget all of the structural chal-

Prime Minister Freundel Stuart while expressing confidence that Barbados would surmount the present difficulties, however, warned that once buoyancy returned to the economy, “some serious structural changes” had to take place

I said this morning, the extent to which the problems have been able to sustain themselves over as long a period as they have," he said.

Stuart pointed out that last Friday’s meeting was part of an important consultative process so that decisions could be made to save the economy.

"We have heard interventions that have left me in no doubt that people understand where

noted.

The Prime Minister called for creativity, perspective, and innovation rather than imitation, declaring that government had to make decisions while the going was "good".

"The worst thing you can do is waste a recession. The truth is that it is even more criminal to waste a period of economic buoyancy and that's the point that I made this morning - that

lenges and we have a good time, and as soon as difficulties surface, we press the panic button," he observed.

Expressing confidence that the country would surmount the present difficulties, the Prime Minister, however, warned that once buoyancy returned to the economy, "some serious structural changes" had to take place in Barbados. (Excerpt from BGIS)

tonnes, a contraction of 7.8 per cent.

This was attributed to industrial relations disruptions and inclement weather, during the first half of the year.

A dry weather spell aided the industry during the second crop; however, the first crop contraction of 33.4 per cent could not be compensated for by the second crop increase of 13.3 per cent.

The agriculture minister urged that although workers may have differences, these should be resolved with the management to bring success to the company.

“These are difficult times, but it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t continue to try and we will work to overcome those difficulties,” he said.

Minister Ramsammy is

optimistic that GuySuCo will not only recover, but attain heights as never before.

“We will make sure that we put this industry on the road of success… we have the capacity and the will to work closer together to have a greater understanding,” he said.

Even in difficult times, the company continues to contribute not only to the economic development but also social development of workers, whether by providing scholarships for children, recreational facilities, supporting sport development, or contributing to community needs. Workers have put their lives into the industry, thus, honouring them is necessary, he noted. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

Police detain nine in lottery and money laundering schemes in Jamaica

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amaican Police last week detained nine people in the western part of the island as they continue investigations into money laundering and lottery scamming activities.

The joint operation involving members of the Major Jamaican police said they were Organised Crime also warning people against Anti-Corruption helping others involved in Task Force (MOCA) the illegal money laundering and lottery scam activities and the Financial Investigation Division (FID) swooped down been fleeced of a signifon the communities of icant amount of money Norwood, Paradise and by scammers who call John’s Hall in St. James unsuspecting persons, as well as the com- mainly in the United munity of Welcome in States, informing them Hanover. that they have won milThe police said the lions of dollars. The vicsix men and three wom- tims are told that in oren are being questioned der to receive prize, they in the presence of their need to make a cash paylawyers, and that formal ment to the criminals. charges will be laid at a The police say more later date. than 200 Jamaicans The police said they have been killed due to were also warning peo- disputes between lottery ple against helping oth- scammers. ers involved in the illeThe Jamaica govgal money laundering ernment says it hopes and lottery scam activi- the new Lottery ties.

Scam Bill, the Law “Do not be used. Do Reform (Fraudulent not let them (criminals) Transactions) (Special use you to facilitate or Provisions) Act, 2013 conduct transactions will help to eradicate on their behalf, as you the scam, for which will find yourself on the the US Federal Trade wrong side of the law,” Commission (FTC) resaid MOCA communi- portedly received about cations officer, Inspector 30,000 complaints from Dahlia Garrick.

American citizens in Many people have 2011.

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Canada-based Guyanese family raising funds for needy through golf tournament

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he Kissoon Annual Charity Golf Tournament was started in 2000. Sugrim Kissoon, patriarch of the Kissoon clan, passed away in 1979. Though he never visited Canada, his children decided that they wanted his name to be forever remembered in their adopted homeland.

The tournament took its birth at the Mayfield Golf and Country Club in Caledon, Canada. There were eighty golfers. Little did the organizers of the first tournament know that the “Kissoon Classic” would over the years become one of the most successful community tournaments.

The first four tournaments were held at Mayfield, Canada. But as the tournament grew in size and stature so did the demand for bigger and better facilities.

From 2004 to 2007 the tournament was hosted at the Woodbine Golf Club, Canada. It became a full shotgun tournament in 2004 with 144 golfers. There was no turning back. The tour-

Dhaman Kissoon, first from left in front row, with his mother, seated, and other family members and friends

nament has been completely sold out every year since.

In 2008, it was necessary to move to Royal Ontario, a golf course with a larger banquet facility.

Sugrim Kissoon was a devouted Hindu. In his name the proceeds from the golf tournament were donated exclusively to the Devi Mandir in Pickering, Ontario. This exclusive support continued for ten years as that would have been what Sugrim, his children believed, wanted.

But the children de-

cided to change the focus of their charitable efforts and wanted to give back to the Canadian and Guyanese communities.

Since 2010, the proceeds have been shared among a number of charities that have focused on the health of children in Canada and in Guyana.

The Toronto Sick Kids Foundation, Guyana Three Rivers Foundation, and the Guyana Help the Kids Foundation were the main beneficiaries.

Funds from the “putting” contest, over the years, have been donated to the Canadian Cancer

Society.

Then the Kissoon children decided to add another dimension to their charitable work – the education of children. To this end they have created, in memory of their parents, the Latchmin and Sugrim Kissoon Scholarship Fund.

This scholarship will assist a number of deserving high school students who will be going on to college or university. The scholarship would be done in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Brampton Flower City and the Pandit Sirju

Persaud Scholarship Fund.

The scholarship also includes funding for students pursuing studies at the University of Guyana.

Of note, the backbone of this charity is Dhaman Kissoon. Born in Guyana, Dhaman comes from a family of lawyers, High Court judges and legal luminaries in Guyana, Barbados, England and Canada. For the last eighteen years, he has been a lecturer at the Faculty of Law at Queen’s University in Canada.

“I migrated to Canada

in 1976 and graduated as a lawyer in Canada in 1991. I own my own law firm and have been teaching law at Queen’s Faculty of Law since 1990. The golf tournament was started in 2000 in recognition of my deceased father. For the first ten years, the golf tournament assisted a Hindu temple in Pickering because that was what my father wanted. But in 2010 the focus of the tournament changed. Health of children became a major concern and so now we’re supporting the Toronto Sick Kids Foundation, Guyana Help the Kids, and the Three Rivers Kids Foundation,” Dhaman Kissoon stated in a recent interview.

On June 19, this year, the 14th annual charity golf tournament was successfully held at the Royal Ontario Golf Club.

The funds raised will be given to the various organizations in Canada, Guyana and beyond, as the charity has been doing for years. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Ravi B apologises for Human bones found under TT’s Red House date to 430 AD glorifying rum

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he fragments of human bones found beneath the site of the Red House in Trinidad have been confirmed as being human and estimated to date back to between 430 AD to 1390 AD. On March 26, 2013 during initial excavation work undertaken as part of the restoration of the Red House, a number of skeletal remains, cultural and historical artifacts were found on the site.

Subsequently, a composite of material comprising human bones, fragments of animal bones, shells, pottery and other artifacts were discovered and extracted from the soil in other areas at the Red House.

“The samples of the excavated remains were subsequently sent abroad for DNA testing and Radiocarbon dating in order to determine the ethnicity, gender and likely age of the bones,” the Parliament said in a press release issued by spokesperson Jason Elcock. “The tests were conducted at Binghamton University, New York and Beta Analytic Inc Lab, Miami and have revealed that the remains are indeed human and the age of the bones date from 430 AD to 1390 AD.” The find could have an impact on the timeline for the completion of the restoration, since work has had to be adjusted in order to allow a specially-appointed team to do six months of excavation

work.

“An archaeological research and rescue excavation team has been assigned for a six (6) month period on a full time basis, as of Monday 1st July, 2013,” Elcock said.

comprise a site manager, two (2) assistant site managers and twenty five (25) labourers. The services of specialists in the areas of Amerindian and European pottery, zooanthropology, human anatomy

Red House

“During this period, the Red House restoration project will focus on the completion of essential surveys and designs ahead of construction works scheduled to commence in February 2014. Only minor necessary works will be undertaken at the Red House site, during this period, under the supervision of the project’s consultant historical architect.”

The Archaeological Team is headed by Dr Basil Reid, lead archaeologist, and will

and soil testing will also be available to the team.

The Red House is the seat of Parliament in Trinidad and Tobago. The architectural design of the Red House is of Greek revival style. The original building was destroyed in the 1903 water riots and was rebuilt in the year 1907. The Red House is located centrally within the capital city Port of Spain. It is currently used as a meeting place for parliament and elections and for political uses. (TT Newsday)

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mid controversy surrounding the lyrics of songs by Trinidadian Chutney King Ravi “Ravi B” Bissambhar and Antiguan band Burning Flames, the chutney singer last Wednesday apologised to his Guyanese fans for glorifying rum.

The artiste, in a short text message to the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian last Wednesday said: “I am very sorry if anyone finds my song offensive. It was done purely as an item of entertainment and I have performed it several times in Guyana. I love all my Guyanese fans and again, I am sorry if anyone feels offended.”

The TT Guardian also contacted Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) President Lutalo “Brother Resistance” Masimba, who said although you cannot tell an artiste what to write or sing, it was the personal responsibility of all artistes to be mindful of the messages conveyed in their songs. “As an artiste you have a responsibility, because you are dealing with words and you are putting music out there for people to move to. They also have to remember that this music can be heard by children.”

Masimba said it was also the responsibility of radio stations and the media to ensure songs with improper or offensive lyrical content were censored.

Ravi B’s “Prescription” and Burning Flames’ “Kick Een She

Back Door” were earmarked to be banned from Guyana’s airwaves after a recommendation by the Women and Gender Equality Commission, which described the music as illicit and seeking to promote genderbased violence.

A commissioner of the organisation, Nicole Cole, told Guyanese media last Tuesday that the commission was totally against these songs being promoted and played in public places. Cole, who is also a member of the Media Monitoring Committee of Guyana, said “Prescription” promotes substance abuse.

She was quoted as saying: “Really and truly, no doctor would give such a prescription – “three bottles of rum a day!”

Cole said the song also promoted gender-based violence, which is linked to substance abuse and has led to the murder or the deaths of many innocent women. The lyrical content of the other song, which won the Antiguan Road March in 2012 but was subsequently banned there, is said to be inciting acts of violence and promoting rape and sodomy of women.

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Narine Dat Sookram - a Guyanese Canadian who lives to serve others F

or Narine Dat Sookram, volunteering is much more than a passion. It is practically in his blood and almost a full-time job. Growing up near Number 63 Beach in rural Guyana, Sookram, at age 14, established a youth group to enable members to learn, grow and support their community.

His obsession to serve people and communities continued when he migrated to Kitchener in 1993. He founded the Active Vision Charity Association to promote Indo-Caribbean culture in Canada and help newcomers assimilate into a new society.

For the past 17 years, Sookram and his organisation have helped new immigrants shape their resumes and cover letters and offered advice

on job hunting.

The organisation also provides driving lessons and tips on how to apply for a drivers licence and he can always be counted on to provide transportation for seniors and other area residents who do not have access to vehicles.

“I like to help people, so volunteering comes easily to me,” said Sookram, who was presented with a June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism recently at the One King West Hotel in downtown Toronto.

Through his organisation, Sookram provides Guyanese schools with text books and other school supplies and he hosts a weekly 45-minute radio show on CKMS 100.3 FM on Mondays.

The musical show features soca, chutney and

Sami Yusuf to perform live in Guyana

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uyanese will be in for a treat when internationally renowned artiste Sami Yusuf performs at the Guyana National Stadium, on September 28.

The singer is brought to Guyana through Inspire Inc in collaboration with the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) and the Muslim Youth League of Guyana. Yusuf has a huge fan base and has sold over 15 million albums worldwide.

He has inspired many by his spiritual and meaningful lyrics and his interpretation of the current state of the world.

He is known for his singles “Al-Mu’Allim”, “Mother”, “Asma Allah”, “Ya Mustafa” and “Allahu”. The 32-yearold was named Islam’s biggest rock star by the Time Magazine and King of Islamic pop by Aljazeera.

Yusuf produced his fourth and latest album

Sami Yusuf

“Salaam” in 2012, which continues to spread love, peace and unity.

The groups have invited Sami Yusuf to perform in Guyana against the backdrop of their desire to inspire the country, especially its young Guyanese, who are the leaders of tomorrow.

“We will continue to plan events and activities that will positively impact our nation. As we continue to grow economically, we must also grow morally and spiritually.” said Yog Mahadeo, who is chief executive officer of Inspire Inc. He continued: “This is why this event will promote ‘peace, love and unity’.” This will be Yusuf’s first visit to Guyana.

Yusuf has performed in numerous countries across the world, including the United States, Canada, France, Belgium, Austria, Spain, Denmark, Greece, Germany, Netherlands, Bosnia, Turkey and the MENA region.

Narine Dat Sookram

Indian classical sounds.

A home inspector, Sookram is also an emerging poet. He is the recipient of the 2009 Pakaraima award for ‘Home Away from Home’.

Last year, the Alliance of Guyanese Community

Organisations recognised him with an award for community service.

Ontario’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Dr Eric Hoskins made the presentation to Sookram. Eleven other individuals and eight

groups were also recognised with awards.

“It’s such an honour to be here with such an outstanding group of people who are passionate about making their communities, our province and our country a better place to live in,” said Hoskins.

“Your spirit of service and your conviction to strengthening the foundation of our society recalls the values and commitment of late journalist and author June Callwood.

“You noticed a problem and decided to act.

Sitting back and doing nothing was not an option. You decided to be part of the solution and to do so in the most unselfish way by volunteering your time and your brain power.”

Hoskins said the stories of Sookram and the oth-

er recipients are inspirational and their contributions are remarkable.

“All of the recipients honour the legacy of June Callwood, a humanitarian, who was one of Canada’s best known social activists and one who is remembered as Canada’s conscience for her support of countless causes, including poverty reduction, health and wellness and freedom of expression.” The well-known journalist, author and activist passed away four years ago. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards that recognise thousands of residents who generously donate their time. A total of 48 ceremonies will take place across the province this month, honouring countless dedicated and devoted volunteers.

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Canada-based Trinidadian Brenda WilsonWalters honored with Ajax Civic Award

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love of volunteering, led to Trinidadian Brenda Wilson-Walters, being the recipient of the Ajax Civic Award, an award of excellence in the adult category, for volunteer work in the town of Ajax, Ontario, Canada, where she now lives.

Reportedly the highest form of recognition granted by the town, Mayor Steve Parish made the presentation at the Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony in the Ajax Community Centre, as a tribute to her exemplary voluntary work.

Wilson-Walters, daughter of the late Ignatius and Constance Wilson, and sister to former Minister of Finance Selby Wilson and Annette Wiltshire, is a former teacher at Point Fortin Intermediate Roman Catholic School and Providence Girls’ Catholic School. The mother of two daughters, Zuwena and Kesi, moved with her passion for teaching when she emigrated to Canada, where she has since helped hundreds of children in

Brenda Wilson-Walters (left) and her daughter Kesi Walters, who helped start the Reading Circle. (TT Newsday photo)

her community to develop a love of reading.

Fourteen years ago, Brenda helped Kesi and her friend Camaro West start a Reading Circle, a programme where children ages four to 12 years old learn to read stories with high school volunteers. Today, programme participants are not only reading in English, but in French as well, and Brenda has

used her computer skills to teach and guide young readers on how to access computer reading programmes and e-readers.

“My daughter, Kesi, was interested in starting a Reading Circle.

She did one in Pickering (a neighbouring town).

She asked me to develop one here. So I helped her. When she went off to University, I continued it,” said Brenda, a

teacher for 40 years, who retired two years ago.

The Mausica Teachers’ College pioneer has lived the motto: “Molding a Nation Through Service.” In noting her accomplishments, Mayor Parish said, “Brenda is a true example of how, with commitment, determination and passion, one can enlighten and brighten young minds.” She also encourages continuous giving-back and many students who were once young readers have returned to serve as volunteers for the programme.

Brenda’s generous nature developed in Trinidad where she volunteered to bring food to senior citizens at St Vincent de Paul in Belmont, every year on her daughter’s birthday.

In accepting the award, Walters said, “I want to thank the Town of Ajax for the award and I accept it on behalf of all the volunteers of over 14 years.

I’m proud my daughter and her friend, who started the circle, are here. Volunteers, without them, we wouldn’t have the success we’ve had.” (TT Newsday)

Sir Shridath Ramphal receives Commonwealth Life Time Achievement Award

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he Caribbean’s Sir Shridath Ramphal, Commonwealth secretary-general from 1975 to 1990, received the Commonwealth Life Time Achievement Award 2013 at a gala ceremony in London last Thursday.

Guyana-born, Sir Shridath, is the second recipient of the award, which was bestowed on the legendary Nelson Mandela last year.

Organised by Nexus Strategic Partnerships, the award was delivered to Sir Shridath by the present Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma before an audience of some 200 persons representing various organisations in the Commonwealth.

The citation of the award recalled that “Nelson Mandela said of Sir Shridath that he is one of those men who have become famous because in their fight for human justice, they have chosen the entire world as their theatre”.

It continued: “Elected three times by Commonwealth Heads of Government, he served for 15 momentous years as Commonwealth

Jamaican philanthropist lands Harvard fellowship

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Pat Ramsay

oing back to school was the last thing Pat Ramsay had on her mind.

Afterall, the renowned Jamaican philanthropist, who spares no effort to promote Jamaica overseas, has been busy building the island's involvement and profile in the International Women's Forum (IWF).

But her sterling organisation of the IWF World Cornerstone Conference in Montego Bay in May, laid the foundation for her nomination and eventual selection as one of 30 outstanding individuals to benefit from Harvard University's Advanced Leadership Initiative next year.

Ramsay was floored when she heard of her selection last Monday night from Harvard Law School's Professor Charles Ogletree, who was in Jamaica for a function at the Norman Manley Law School.

However, towards the end of last week, the news got better. Ramsay will complete the course with a full scholarship, having been nominated as a distinguished fellow of the prestigious university.

First in the Caribbean

Former Commonwealth secretary-general Sir Shridath Ramphal received the Commonwealth Life Time Achievement Award 2013 at a gala ceremony in London

Secretary-General – the only person to have so enjoyed the confidence and trust of leaders over so long a time.

“He placed the Commonwealth at centre-stage in the common challenges that confronted the world and he effectively fashioned a consensus that allowed the Commonwealth - even though it could not negotiate for the world – to help the world to negotiate.

“Under his stewardship, the Commonwealth tackled the issues of poverty and development, of climate change and dis-

armament, of bridging the divide between countries of the North and South and seeking new paths for international co-operation.

“He believes in the oneness of humanity.

He led an unremitting Commonwealth struggle against racism in Southern Africa and in particular against apartheid in South Africa. He led that struggle with political acumen – often appealing to people over the heads of reluctant leaders – and bound together the Commonwealth’s values of democracy and development. and of hu-

man rights and human advancement.

“At the Commonwealth Secretariat, he focussed on change and renewal – constantly ensuring that the Commonwealth was relevant not only to the people of its own member states but also to the global community.

“The Commonwealth owes more than it can repay to the tireless endeavours and creative statesmanship of the recipient of the 2103 Commonwealth Life Time Award Sir Shridath Ramphal”.

(CaribbeanNews)

Ramsay said she was told that she was the first person from Jamaica and the Caribbean to be selected for the programme, which began in January 2009.

Harvard says that the programme "is designed to enhance and leverage the skills of highly accomplished, experienced leaders who want to apply their talents to solve significant social problems, including those affecting health and welfare, children and the environment, and focus on community and public service in the next phase of their careers".

Ramsay is already clear about how she will use the knowledge and experience gained over the year of study.

"I want to use it to implement programmes for young people, young leaders," she said.

That's not an idle promise, as Ramsay is known for getting things done with great efficiency.

The IWF conference in Montego Bay is a perfect example. On June 10, IWF President Deedee Corradini wrote to Ramsay expressing appreciation for her handling of the May 29-31 conference.

"Words simply cannot express the gratitude that the International Women's Forum has for your leadership of the 2013 World Cornerstone Conference," Corradini said.

Selection

"As conference chair, you continued to go above and beyond to make this an extraordinary event.

The time, love, and dedication that you put into the programme certainly showed. As you well know, the programme was a huge success and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We are certain all of the IWF members and guests who travelled from 30 nations felt a truly warm welcome to your beautiful country!

We were honoured to hold the event in such an inspiring place with so much hope for what the future brings," Corradini added.

So impressed were the IWF officials that they nominated Ramsay for the Harvard programme, which will require her to live on campus for five months of the year, starting January 2014.

"I will go there for orientation December 14-17 this year," Ramsay said, adding that she must also spend 12 days out of each month in the summer on the campus.

"This is really a natural fit for what I want to do with young leaders in Jamaica," said Ramsay who, "blew away" the Harvard selection committee during her interview last month.

But that's not surprising for a woman who served as cultural director of the University of Technology, chair of the Arts Foundation at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, board member of the National Gallery, United Way and the CHASE Fund, and who established the local IWF chapter. (Jamaica Observer)

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Guyanese artist Karr Dyal - representing Indo-Caribbean heritage through art

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S - b a s e d Guyanese Karr Dyal is a celebrated artist who creates pieces immortalizing his heritage, and he believes that the “right kind of influence” contributes to creativity.

Born in Guyana, Dyal attended the Burrowes School of Art and graduated with a Diploma in Fine Art. He also graduated with a Bachelor’s in Fine Art from the School of Visual Arts, and graduated as a Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the

New York Institute of Technology. Dyal is currently employed as technology professor at LIM College in Manhattan, NY. In a recent interview, Dyal mentioned that his art career, as well as his professional career, got a significant start just after finishing high school and becoming a student of the Burrowes School of Art. While a student at Burrowes, one year later, he was appointed art master of St. Roses High School and the follow-

ing year became president of the Burrowes School of Art Student Association.

In that same year being elected president, he was selected to represent the art school at Carifesta in Barbados.

The artist was awarded a special prize for his drawing “Portrait of Tony” in the National Exhibition of Visual Arts.

This painting was subsequently bought by the government and is currently housed in the national collection.

In explaining the essence of his art, Dyal stated, “Migrating from Guyana to the United States of America many years ago and clinging on to most of my traditional values, I continue to be effervescent in representing my heritage through art, even amidst the challenges posed by migration and adaptation to a new land. I remained conscious that with the progression of time and inclination there will be a more expressive Guyanese sim-

The artist used pencil, pen, chalk, and ink on paper to create this piece Feminine Juxtaposition in 1989

Painting done in tribute to cricket legend Rohan Kanhai (2012)

Meditational Contemplation (1998)

ulacrum through art in the new land.”

Over the years, Dyal has enjoyed exhibiting his art at various international locations. He presented a “Man- Made Cave Installation” featuring art and animation (giving an aesthetic analysis of cave art) at the NYIT Gallery 61 in 2009.

Additionally, he was part of a two-person show at the Queens Council on the Arts in 2002. In 2000, he had his one-man show at the Great Hall in Queens New York. The artist has also participated on numerous occasions in the National Exhibition of Visual Arts in Guyana.

His art commissions include life-size bronze portraits of historical personalities in Guyana, one such being “Kowsilla” c o m m i s sioned by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers U n i o n

Guyanese artist Karr Dyal

in 1999.

In 2002, “Canecutter”, a 5-feet high cement and steel sculpture, was commissioned by Dr Surujpaul Ragnauth in New York.

Moreover, his other mix media sculptures are part of numerous for private collectors in New York.

In May 2012, Dyal was honoured by the Indo-Caribbean Council, NY, for his accomplishment in sculpture and art, and contributing to the Indo-Caribbean body politics and the IndoCaribbean identity.

Noting the source of his inspiration, the artist said, “My inspiration is my experience, with people and things and education as well. No one is born creative; perhaps with the ingredients, but with practice that conscientiousness is nurtured and reflected in one’s endeavours. The right kind of influence is also helpful. This has been my personal experience.”

(Excerpt from Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Antiguan receives prestigious Caribbean Heritage Award

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ntigua and Barbuda received extensive coverage at the annual Caribbean Heritage Organization Awards 2013 when Antiguan descendant Reno Wilson was honored at the Caribbean Heritage Organization’s Annual Awards Event.

The event, held each year, recognizes the contributions of outstanding CaribbeanAmericans for their contributions to the Arts and Entertainment.

This year’s event was held last weekend at the Hilton Universal Studios Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Antigua and Barbuda Tourism officials used the unique opportunity to showcase the destination and to present the award to American-born Actor Reno Wilson who is of Antiguan and Barbudan descent. Wilson was one of three honorees, each representing the core values of the Caribbean Heritage Organization.

The gala event each year brings together the who's who of the Caribbean- American community to showcase the different aspect of arts and culture, and to celebrate the rich and diverse contribution of the Caribbean and its people internationally.

Reno Wilson was born in Brooklyn, New York and grew

Antiguan descendant Reno Wilson was recently honored at the Caribbean Heritage Organization’s Annual Awards Event

up with a blues pianist father and an opera singer mother, who was a first generation Caribbean American. So it comes as no surprise that Reno’s artistic ability is deeply rooted in his genes. Reno's grandparents James and Adelaide London, who were originally from Freetown migrated to the USA in the 1920's and settled in the East Flatbush area of Brooklyn commonly known as "Little West Indies."

Reno Wilson was introduced to the Antigua and Barbuda public via Observer Radio's “Voice of the People”

last Friday and has received widespread congratulations for the love displayed for his Antigua and Barbuda heritage and for the genuine warmth and willingness to use his celebrity status to promote the destination.

In presenting the Heritage Award to Reno Wilson for his outstanding contributions to television, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin C. James commented, "All those who believe in a future where the expatriated Caribbean, and more so, the Antigua and Barbudan community will continue to

make an indelible mark on the world stage will join me in applauding Reno…This is out of respect for the wondrous talent that he has demonstrated as an actor, but more importantly, for the pride he has displayed in his Caribbean Heritage and for using his personal life as a father and husband to lead by example with the love and values that we all strive for…”

From a young age, Reno's innate talent was evidenced by the fact that he was accepted and attended the notable High School of Performing Arts in New York. It is this training and his dedication to hon-

ing his craft that catapulted Reno to the television screen where he secured a coveted role on the legendary television series, "The Cosby Show’ and we well remember Reno on screen in a recurring role as ‘Theo Huxtable's’ best friend, ‘Howard’.

Reno Willson has since starred and guest-starred in dozens of television series, including "Heist"; Blind Justice"; and the critically acclaimed series, "The Hoop Life."And he can also be seen in the feature film "Bolden," playing the legendary jazz icon Louis Armstrong.

Reno’s other movie credits include "Mighty Joe Young”; "Rough Draft"; "Fallen" and "White Hype." He is also an accomplished voiceover artist who, most notably, gave voice to the Decepticon "Frenzy" in the film Transformers"; The Autobot”; "Mudflap" in "Transformers 2"; And the Autobot "Brains" in "Transformers 3."

It is this extensive talent of Reno and a powerful imagination that landed him his most recent role as the irrepressible police officer Carl McMillan on the successful CBS sitcom Mike and Molly.

The event was also supported by CBS, Time Warner and The Africa Channel. (Excerpt from ab.gov.com)

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Guyanese author pens memoir to preserve love for homeland

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verseas-based Guyanese author Helena Martin wanted to not only preserve her love for her homeland but to share this with the wider world, and this she accomplishes through her memoir, “Walk Wit’ Me…All Ova Guyana”. Martin was born in 1947 in British Guiana. She taught kindergarten until her marriage in 1968. She and her husband migrated to Australia and currently reside there with their four children and seven grandchildren.

Some 16 years ago, Martin wrote a poem, “Come Walk Wit’ Me”, but it was left forgotten in a drawer for many years.

When she came across it about 6 years ago, it sparked the beginning of her memoir.

In the book, she documents the first 21 years of her upbringing in Guyana where she was born to a Portuguese immigrant family from the islands. Martin is uncertain about which islands: Madeira or the Azores. In 1835, the first Portuguese arrived in Guyana from the Portuguese island of Madeira. Between 1834 and 1882, some 30,645 Portuguese settled in British Guiana, the vast majority from Madeira, but others from the Azores Islands.

She writes in her book, “Bits of information were passed on here and there as I was growing up, but

Helena as a young lady in Guyana

I never thought to ask for meaningful aspects of their lives. Most people never think of doing that until it is too late.”

For most of her childhood, her family socialized with other members of the migrant Portuguese community where everyone was related. They moved many times from Georgetown to Pomeroon and then to the Rupununi’s open savannah next to the rainforest. They settled there about twelve miles from Lethem in a remote village called Moco-Moco where there was no school and life proved difficult.

The family then decided to move the children to board with relatives in Albouystown so that they could attend school. Of her mother’s choice of school she writes, “She wanted us to attend a school where all the Putagee (Portuguese) children went because we were fair skinned.”

The book not only speaks of Martin’s experiences growing up Portuguese, discovering the country of her birth, but also of her visits back to her homeland from Australia.

“I yearned to preserve the love for my country, family and fellow countrymen,” the author relates in a recent interview. “But most importantly, I want to pass on the legacy of my life in Guyana to my children, grandchildren and future generations.” In this compelling, humorous mem-

plained.

“Keep in mind that this is not based on the experience of every Guyanese. This was the way I saw and experienced things back then.” While documenting her own experience of Guyana, Martin also takes care to preserve the traditions she has come to love while conveying the clever humour and witty repartee abundant in Guyanese culture.

“Not only is this a personal account of my life, this memoir was inten-

M

The author with her book

oir, Martin recalls her years living in Guyana while navigating a labyrinth of family secrets.

“My memoir is laced with nostalgia and at the same time it is my sincere intention to portray the true essence of the Guyanese culture without offence,” she ex-

tionally written to preserve the language from that era. I also wanted to enlighten readers on the delightful folklore and cultural aspects of a little unknown country in South America,” she mentioned. (Excerpt from Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Trinidadian student graduates at top of class in Montreal

N

adimah Mohammed, 2009 President’s Medal winner for Modern Studies, has graduated top of her class in political science at McGill University in Montreal.

A former student of St Joseph TML Primary and St Augustine Girls’ High School, Trinidad and Tobago, Mohammed was awarded the Allen Oliver Fellowship at her graduation ceremony on May 30. According to the letter confirming the award, “the fellowship is awarded to the students who stand highest in first class honours in each of the Departments of Economics and Political Science at the final B.A. examination.” A total of 255 students graduated with a BA in Political Science.

Following her successful CAPE examinations in 2008 and 2009, Mohammed was enrolled for one year at the University of the West Indies at St Augustine, studying psychology, before taking up her Open Scholarship at the University of Nottingham in England, reading for a degree in International Relations. Part of that programme involved spend-

Nadimah Mohammed and her father Fazeer mimic the trademark pose of Jamaican sprint champion Usain Bolt after her graduation with a bachelor of arts degree in political science from McGill University at the campus in Montreal on May 30. (TT Guardian photo)

ing a year at an affiliated university, and having chosen McGill for that year and finding the courses at the Canadian institution more challenging and stimu-

Caricom Day 2013

lating, made a full transfer from Nottingham, graduating with a BA Honours in Political Science with a minor in Economics. (TT Newsday)

By Anu Dev

onday was Caricom Day. For many of us, the long weekend was exactly what we had been praying for – a welcome break. For some of us, it was exactly what we needed in order to wind down after an action packed week. Some of us, as members of the Queen’s College Graduating Class of 2013, needed a little more time to come down from our high after graduating last Friday. I know I probably needed some more time before I can be let out to interact with the general public. It’s still pretty difficult for me to suppress the urge to shout out, “School gave Dobby a certificate, Dobby is freeeeeeee!!!” I guess it speaks something about school life if I’m comparing the life of a student to that of a house- elf from Harry Potter.

The first Monday of July was a day set aside to celebrate Caribbean unity. But I’ll admit I’m having some mixed feelings about what exactly it is that I should be celebrating.

I mean, there are aspects of Caribbean unity that I think have been particularly successful, CXC being one of the most important to me. But on the other hand, there’s the whole issue with the Caribbean Airlines. With them having practically a monopoly of the whole business of flying people in and out of our country, they’re doing exactly what companies with a monopoly do – they’re charging an arm and a leg.

Hey, they’re basically charging an arm, a leg and your firstborn.

But how’s that in keeping with this whole idealistic notion of the Caribbean as a unit that helps each other out and keeps each other afloat? Caribbean Airlines has been appointed as our country’s national flag carrier.

In biology we covered three types of relationships between organisms.

Those were: Mutualism, where both organisms benefit from the relationship; Commensalism, where one organism benefits and the other is unaffected; and finally Parasitism, where one organism benefits and the other suffers.

If we’re to practise what we’re preaching about helping each other as Caribbean people we should have a relationship where all parties at least derive some sort of benefit from the relationship, no? But this, this squeezing of Guyanese for max profit, this isn’t a mutualistic relationship.

This is poor sportsmanship. We have no choice but to fly Caribbean Air, and they’re milking us for all we’ve got. This is kicking a man when he’s down – and not just any kick – it’s a below- the- belt kick.

I’m just coming into the adult world and I’m learning everyday that so many of the ideals that are thrown out to us in social studies class, most of the promises made by politicians from their podiums, most of the goals set out by these organisations that seem too good to be true are just that – too good to be true. Is it any surprise that so many of us have trust issues? Caribbean Airlines needs to take a good hard look at what exactly it is they’re doing. To them, the people that fly with them are just face less people that they can make money off. But we’re fathers, mothers, brothers, people with other obligations – we’re people without limitless bank accounts.

And some of us are people that thought that there was something called a “Caribbean Community” that actually meant something. But money obviously seems to matter more, and the rest of us are left here with our shattered ideals, broken dreams and holes in our pockets

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Hrithik Roshan inspired

by Manisha’s strength

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A

zad Rao Khan is a blessing to Kiran Rao and her husband Aamir Khan. The one and a half year old Azad was born through surrogacy. This celebrity couple has inspired another celebrity couple Shahrukh Khan and Gauri Khan to have their third child through surrogacy.

Recently Shahrukh and Gauri were in controversy for determining the sex of their unborn child, which is an illegal practice in the country.

Recently Kiran Rao was asked about her experience regarding surrogacy and motherhood.

Surrogacy is still considered taboo in India.

Kiran gave her suggestions on surrogacy. She said, “I feel surrogacy is an option for people who cannot have a child by other methods. If done

rithik Roshan, who returned to Mumbai from New York, where he was on a holiday with his family, was surprised to learn that Manisha Koirala was also on the same flight. The lighteyed actor met the actress on the way back and after asking about her well-being, also lauded her courage in coping with the illness.

When asked about his meeting with the actress

ethically and if done well, it’s a viable alternative for people like me who can’t have a baby.

In fact, it’s probably the only way we could have had Azad. I’m very grateful that we could have the option of surrogacy.

Having said that, it’s a tricky question. I feel it needs to be done very sensitively and ethically so that the process is

not misused and all parties who are involved are taken care of properly.”

When asked that in surrogacy people try to exercise sex determination, she slammed, “It should not arise as it’s illegal in our country.

There is no reason actually why should anyone want to know the sex of their unborn baby?”

(Bollywood Mantra)

Makeup, hair, clothes are an actor’s vital tools - Vidya Balan

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idya Balan is often praised for her acting skills and is not one to fear experimenting with her looks. She says the right combination of makeup, hair, clothes and body lan-

guage is very important for an actor.

"Makeup, hair, clothes, body language, accessories and accent are the important tools of an actor. If you're able to create a different person using all these tools, then that's the joy.

I'm glad I'm getting the opportunities to play different people on-screen, and I want to make the most of it," Vidya said.

If in ‘Kahaani’, Vidya sported a faux baby bump, she flaunted a geeky and simple kurta-clad look in ‘No One Killed Jessica’. In ‘The Dirty Picture’ blockbuster, the actress didn't shy away from cleavage-baring blouses and several sensuous outfits; neither did she care about critics when she stepped into bold and bright colours with polka dots, floral prints on kurtas and short maxi dresses, teamed with big headbands, for her latest release ‘Ghanchakkar’.

"I love getting into new looks every time. It's always enjoyable," said the 35-year-old. (Hindustan Times)

No more acting lessons for Sonakshi Sinha, says mom

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oonam Sinha is in awe of her daughter Sonakshi Sinha's performance in her forthcoming film, ‘Lootera’, and says now, even her father, veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, will think twice before advising her on anything after the film.

"After the film, I think her father will also think twice before advising her or teaching her something because she has given a brilliant performance," Poonam said at a special screening of the film.

Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, ‘Lootera’ is a period romance set in the 1950s. She is all praise for lead actor Ranveer Singh's performance in ‘Lootera’, coming out July 5. "Ranveer and Sonakshi, both, have done brilliantly well. A moth-

recently, Roshan said, "I was too mesmerised by her beauty, her face was radiating such bright-

ness. She amazes you by the strength of spirit within her and all around her in her family; it's the kind that could inspire heroes." Later, the actor was also glad to meet her "extremely loving and gracious" family.

"It was sheer joy to receive love from them."

Incidentally, Hrithik and Manisha are also followers of the same spiritual guru whose ashram is based near Chennai.

(Times of India)

Theatre is the most difficult performing art - Amitabh Bachchan

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egastar Amitabh Bachchan says stage is the most trying and difficult of all performing arts and that it would be wonderful to get back to it. The thought came to the 70-year-old after he came back from watching a play at the Prithviraj Theatre at the weekend.

He says the experience reminded him of work in school and college.

"It would be wonderful to get back to it, but now it is frightening to get up there... a controlled environment is suitable to us today," Big B posted on his blog.

Acting on stage is tough job. "The stage is the most trying and difficult of all performing arts, a wonderful place to learn to get initiated of what may follow some of the greats have migrated from the stage to greatness of their own elsewhere, but have never forgotten the days of the smell of the wood work," he wrote. (Hindustan Times)

Please gift Sonam only books

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onam Kapoor is an absolute book-worm and everyone knows that. Her most favourite thing to do on a day off, is curl up at home with a book for company.

The actress is most happy to spend her entire day just reading. In fact, she is known to go on vacations and do nothing but carry along her books and read. She has a mini-library at home and is very careful about lending her collection to anyone.

The actress's obsession with books is also very well known to all her friends. Though she splurges a crazy amount at bookstores across the world, her friends also make it a point to only gift her books.

In fact, Sonam has told her friends

that they should only gift her books and nothing else. (Times of India)

Don’t want to be the highest paid actor - Irrfan

I

er doesn't consider her children that talented, but when outsiders say, she agrees. But I think I have to bow down to Ranveer and Sonakshi's work in the film," she said. (Hindustan Times)

rrfan loves his craft and aims to nurture his relationship with his fans by giving them "memorable films". As far as money is concerned, the Padma Shri winner's motto is to earn enough to enjoy life - and not to be the highest paid actor. "I don't look at my life that way and that's not my goal.

I don't want to be the highest paid actor. The only thing I want is that

whatever work I am doing, it should give me enough to enjoy my life," Irrfan told IANS in an interview.

"I have a relationship with the audiences and I should keep giving them some films which should be memorable.

That is my concern. I only look at the story and the script and see how much I can contribute to the film," he added. (Hindustan Times)

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Had crying fits watching wife Matthew Perry spills on during delivery - Channing Tatum his past struggles with drug and alcohol addiction

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f there's one thing Matthew Perry has been overly friendly with over the years, it's pill-popping and booze.

Gracing the cover of this week's issue of People, the ‘Friends’ star is opening up big-time about his battles with substance abuse, a particular hardship given his iconic role on the hit sitcom and the tabloid scrutiny that accompanied it.

Perry revealed that during ‘Friends’' successful run, he not only abused alcohol routinely,

but following a jet ski accident in 1997, he quickly became addicted to prescription medication that a doctor had pre-

scribed for him.

"Here, take this,'" the actor recalled the physician telling him. "I did and I felt better than I ever felt in my entire life.

I had a big problem with pills and alcohol, and I couldn't stop."

Now clean and sober at 43, Perry still enjoys acting, but he's channeling much of his energies these days into being a passionate advocate of drug courts where nonviolent drug offenders can be rehabilitated through treatment as opposed to jail. (E Online)

Cher counts Tom Cruise among her top five best lovers

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her has ranked Tom Cruise in her top five best lovers list.

The 67-year-old actress, who dated the ‘Oblivion’ star in the mid-1980s, talked about

her love life on ‘Watch What Happens Live’ last Thursday night, saying that she was crazy for Cruise, the New York Daily News reported.

Cher described her ex as a great, lovable guy, and told the show's host that their relationship had gotten hot and heavy back in the day.

When asked if she had ever been with a woman, the star revealed that she had a lesbian fling. (TOI)

A

ctor Channing Tatum, who portrays a tough guy on the big screen, had succumbed to multiple rounds of tears while watching wife Jenna Dewan give birth to their daughter Everly.

The 'White House Down' star became emotional to see Dewan in pain when she was struggling to deliver their daughter through the painful labor, reported Ace Showbiz.

"I probably went to

the bathroom four times and had a crying fit. Like, I'm just like, I don't know what to do! It's like someone's hurting, someone that you love and you can't do anything about it. You physically cannot help. There's a real reason why God did not give (men) the ability to have babies, because we would not be able to do it. I don't know how (women) do it.

It's a real thing. It's like National Geographic animal-style for real. I don't get it," he said. (TOI)

Affleck-Garner celebrate anniversary by baptising son

A

ctor-filmmaker Ben Affleck and his wife Jennifer Garner celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary by baptising their son.

The Hollywood stars tied the knot June 29, 2005. They celebrated their wedding anniversary weekend by baptising their 15-month-old Samuel in Garner's hometown in West Virginia.

The religious ceremony took place at the Christ Church United Methodist Sunday, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Samuel's elder sisters, Violet, 7, and Seraphina, 4, were also present at the ceremony along with Garner's family members. (TOI)

Kim Kardashian is a natural mother, says close friend

I couldn’t cope with fame, says Al Pacino

A

l Pacino has revealed that he had trouble coping with the amount of fame, that came his way after the release of ‘The Godfather’ that made him an overnight sensation.

During an interview with Emma Freud at the London Palladium, the Veteran actor insisted that he was not prepared for fame and it hit him

hard, the Daily Express reported.

The Hollywood star asserted that he did not have the capacity to deal with his sudden success.

Pacino admitted that he has never liked the recognition, the questions and the publicity.

He added that he has often felt like running away and hiding as there have been a lot of selfdoubt and unwelcome

K

im Kardashian's close friend and choreographer Robin Antin has revealed that the reality TV star is a natural

mother.

Antin said he was surprised to see the new mother and daughter, who have returned home now with boy-

friend Kanye and mother Kris Jenner, reported Daily Mirror.

"When I walked in to see her, Kim was holding the baby. I said, Oh my God. You're a natural.' Kim said, 'I know ? it's so weird!," she said.

‘The Pussycat Dolls’ founder said that Kardashian and baby both are doing well.

"The baby is beautiful. Kim keeps telling me how much fun it is to be a mom. She and Kanye are so happy," he added. (TOI)

Hugh Jackman finds gay Sandra Bullock gives preference rumors ‘frustrating’ to son over relationships

A

ctress-producer Sandra Bullock has no time for relationships as her three-year-old son Louis takes up all her free time.

The 48-year-old adopted Louis in 2010.

events in his life. (TOI)

"Things could change but right now Louis is so young and everything is on such a tight schedule that I don't have time," femalefirst.co.uk quoted Bullock as saying.

"I'm running around after him all day and by the time eight-oclock comes around, well, believe me... you wouldn't want to go out with the mess that is me! You would want the mess to go take a shower and get some sleep. But this time won't last and when it calms down, who knows what could happen," she added.

The 48-year-old, who split from ex-husband Jesse James in 2010, has moved to Los Angeles from Austin, Texas. (TOI)

H

ugh Jackman has dismissed rumors suggesting that he is gay, insisting that he finds them "frustrating" because they upset his spouse, DeborraLee Furness.

During an interview with '60 Minutes', the 'Wolverine' star said that in his opinion, such kinds of speculations are not the most interesting thing about a person, News.com.au reported.

Furness, 57, who was also present at the discussion, said that the constant rumors of her hubby's sexuality are a

lie.

She asserted that she finds the questions offen-

sive and annoying and if Jackman was gay, he would say he's gay. (TOI)

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A

ll doubts were laid to rest, when Lionel Richie took to the stage at the St Kitts Music Festival on the final night on Saturday.

"Sugar City!" he called out to his screaming fans.

"I'm telling you, I don't know why it has taken me so long to get here, but I am now here to stay, right here!...

I've been all around this place, I've been to Nevis, I've been there, I've been here, and now I get here and I see you and I understand what Shaggy was saying, 'You're gonna come here and you're not gonna wanna leave, brother, you're not gonna wanna leave!'"

It was clear that Lionel Richie effortlessly stole the show.

The fans unashamedly sang along with him and danced their hearts away, and at the end of the show fans admitted that they had had the time of their lives.

Richie himself, who seemed to have had a real fun time, rated the show highly when St Kitts media asked him about it.

"The crowd was amazing. First of all they knew the songs better than I did. It was fantastic. I'll be back. I'll be back!"

Earlier Pan jazz expert Andy Narrel and Trinidadian veteran calypsonian ‘Relator’ per-

formed to a much smaller crowd. Narell felt they brought something different to the festival.

"We had a lot of fun playing here," he said.

"It felt really nice out there. Like the people were really enjoying it...and we enjoyed ourselves. It felt like a re-

blends a whole bunch of Caribbean stories together. It helps to tell the Caribbean story... one of things that the St Kitts Music Festival does is that it brings the best of St Kitts and Nevis, the best of the Caribbean and some of the best of the rest of

Barbados culinary team enjoys sweet taste of victory

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Lionel Richie performing at the St Kitts Music Festival. (Photo: St Kitts Music Festival)

ally good vibe between the band and realtor and with the audience...

I'm enjoying it so much.

Every minute of it."

Tourism Minister Ricky Skerritt enjoyed Saturday night’s pan jazz kaiso session. A former Windies manager, Skerritt talked about cricket while ‘Relator’ belted out his famous cricket song.

"The cricket is part of our culture, so it

the world that we can afford, and we try to get a bunch of local, regional and international visitors to just have a wonderful time."

The soca fans had their Thursday night, reggae dominated last Friday with Beres Hammond and Shaggy taking centre stage.

But his long standing fans will tell you that Lionel Richie 'killed it' on Saturday. (WINN)

The victorious Barbados Culinary Team as they posed with their awards after returning home Monday

arbados has once again earned the title of the Caribbean Culinary Team of the Year.

Coming through the arrival doors of the Grantley Adams International Airport Monday afternoon to a rousing cheer just before 3 p.m., the 10-person team was all smiles as they were greeted by their friends and families.

The team took part in the gruelling five-day Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Taste of the Caribbean, which was held in Miami.

In addition to the

top prize, the jubilant team brought home gold in the team competition. Also taking gold in the seafood competition was Nathan Crichlow, who was also awarded for Best Use of Seafood, while Junior Chef of the Year was awarded to Javon Cummins.

Six silver individual awards were also presented. These were Andre Nurse in the Chef of the Year competition, Julian Broome in the Pastry Chef of the Year and Best Cheesecake competitions and Kenneth Whittington in the Beef and Best use of Beef competitions.

Bartender Rohan

Hackshaw took the silver in the Bartender of the Year category and the Rum of Puerto Rico competition. In addition, he was awarded for the Most Creative Use of Ingredients.

Competition Kitchen Manager Michael Harrison said, “Overall, I think the team did outstanding.”

Saying that the hard work done during preparation paid off, he congratulated the entire team on a job well done.

“It was a real unit, it was a real team and the judges saw that and the other teams saw that as well,” he expressed.

(Barbados Advocate)

Dwight Yorke is Tobago’s brand ambassador D

wight Yorke last Friday signed a new fouryear contract with the Division of Tourism and Transportation of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) as Global Brand Ambassador in the island’s international destination awareness campaign.

The Tobago-born former Manchester United star striker will have as his primary responsibility, the raising of the island’s profile as a golfing destination, through initiatives such as the Dwight Yorke International Golf Tournament.

He will also be involved in other promotional activities, including participation in the destination’s social media campaign and appearances on behalf of the Tourism Division at key local, regional and

international events.

Yorke said he was delighted to be associated with Tobago’s tourism and was honoured to be the ambassador for Sports Tourism that will see more recognition for the island as manifested in an increase in visitor arrivals.

“I will continue to do my best for Tobago and to work very closely with the THA and the Sports Tourism sector to try and develop Tobago in whatever capacity I can bring to this country” he said at the signing event last Friday.

Tracy DavidsonCelestine, Secretary of the Division of Tourism and Transportation, said, targeting the Sports Tourism market was a specific approach being adopted by the Divison. She said Yorke will focus his attention on various sporting disciplines, mainly soccer,

Dwight Yorke, seated right, signs on the dotted line, in the presence of administrator of the Division of Tourism Claire Davidson-Williams, seated left, Secretary of the Division of Tourism Tracy Davidson-Celestine, standing centre, Marketing Officer in the Division, Nigel Wilson, standing left, and Communications Specialist Aisha Sylvester. (TT Newsday photo)

within universities and also seek out golf clinics that can utilise what Tobago has to offer.

She said plans are at an advance stage to hold negotiations with

a number of universities. Yorke’s next major appearance on behalf of Tobago will be at the World Travel Market in November, she added.

“We expect that over

the next two to three years going forward, we will see an increase in those persons who are involved in golf and football and, of course, an overall increase in the

number of visitors to our shores,” she added.

With respect to crime, Yorke said crime was an issue on everyone’s agenda and persons visiting any country will pay particular attention to that country’s crime figures.

He said that there was no getting away from crime, that one could only seek to control it but Tobago has had a great reputation over the years and which he was sure it will continue to have in the future.

Administrator in the Division of Tourism, Claire DavidsonWilliams, said the Division’s intensive and strategic promotional campaign will target specific regions, including Europe where with Yorke remaining a popular and influential personality, the Division hopes to reap significant rewards for ‘Destination Tobago’. (TT Newsday)

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Restoration work underway at Manley’s birthplace in Jamaica

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hose who make the annual pilgrimage to Norman Manley’s birthplace at Roxborough on Thursday to celebrate the national hero’s birth are likely to be well pleased.

After years of frustration and complaints about the failure of the authorities to upgrade, restore and adequately maintain the historic site, significant improvement work has been done over the last three months.

The work is by no means complete, but the 19th-century stone and mortar building in which Manley was born and spent his first few years, has been partially restored and is now to be used as a museum. Three walls and a roof have been erected to complement the front of the building, which served as a façade following the destruction of the

original building by fire in 1968.

An old stone wall in the immediate vicinity of the house has been carefully restored to reflect the original look; old rain-water catchment facilities, including a tank and run-off barbecue, are also being restored. With the help of the Jamaica Horticultural Society, the spacious grounds, with a panoramic view of much of central Manchester, have been developed to include a rose garden, inclusive of Manley’s favourite plants.

The plan is for solar energy to be used to power the museum, the nearby caretaker’s house, and other facilities to be developed over time.

Long before they arrive at the historic site, Thursday’s visitors will be seeing improvements.

That’s because the nearly one-mile long access road from the Belritiro main

road, once bumpy and potholed, is being resurfaced. Signage pointing the way to Roxborough is being cited as an important part of the project.

For Tony Freckleton, chairman of the South Coast Resort Board who outlined the improvement plan to journalists seven months ago, the development work at Roxborough is a deeply emotional case of “promise delivered, promise kept”.

“Words cannot express how I feel,” Freckleton said. “I am extremely proud of the fact that Roxborough is now shaping up to be the centrepiece of heritage tourism in Manchester,” he said.

Freckleton, as well as Ainsley Henriques, chairman of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), which has overarching responsibility for the protection and pres-

ervation of historic sites such as Roxborough, had rich praise for a wide array of public sector agencies and private contractors for the “outstanding” work done so far.

“This is a perfect example of what can be done when there is joined-up government working together for the good of the country,” said Freckleton.

Henriques, whose agency has kept a keen eye to ensure the historic site is not compromised by the development work, was pleased that the cost so far was “only about half” the orginal estimate of just over Ja$42 million. Funding is coming from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF).

Like Freckleton, Henriques visualises a day when revenue will be earned from what will be a “permanent exhibition” with “people booking to

Men at work on Norman Manley's birthplace ahead of the July 4 celebration in Jamaica. (Gregory Bennet photo)

have functions there” including wedding receptions, family get-togethers and picnics.

Currently, the only event at Roxborough is the annual July 4 celebration.

According to a note on the JNHT website, “On the 4th of July, 1893 Norman Manley was born on the property. He lived there until 1903 when his father died and the family moved to their Belmont property at Guanaboa Vale” in St Catherine.

Freckleton says the long-term plan is to make Roxborough an “iconic” example of Jamaica’s preserved heritage and a “world-class” heritage tourism attraction.

“It’s not just about building a museum. The end result will be a place where, when you visit, you will leave feeling inspired. In these challenging times, Jamaicans need inspiration… never again will Roxborough only be [relevant] on July 4th,” he said. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Star of the Week

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eauty and brawn are visible qualities Guyanese Stacy Small possesses. Always a fan of the gym, Stacy enjoys lifting weights and looking fit. Approached last year by the managers of Fitness Paradise gym, where she works out, to compete for the first time in a body building event, Stacy seized the opportunity to challenge herself. Working out days and nights tirelessly in the gym, Stacy decided she was ready to sign up in December 2012 for the local competition, Flex Nite International. With dedication and relentlessness, Stacy wowed the crowd with her ripped physique and although she did not win, Stacy was happy to be awarded second place in the Ms. Best Legs category. From then on, Stacy fell in love with the sport because it pushed her to be better.

She competed in the Guyana Amateur Body Building Fitness Federation (GABBF) and placed second in the Ms. BodyFitness and Ms. Physique categories.

Additionally, she competed in the Ms. Fitness Paradise and won first place in the Best Legs category.

At present, Stacy is sweating it out in the gym, making needed improvements, and is planning to compete once again in Flex Nite International scheduled for December. When the fitness expert is not in the gym, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, listening to music, or watching a good movie. For the pro champion, being fit has built her self-confidence and has given her a greater sense of well-being.

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Limacol CPL step in the Mullings retains title at 2013 All right direction – Holder Jamaica Junior Championships

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Jason Holder

lready having tasted the limelight of the international stage, Barbadian fast bowler Jason Holder is anxiously eyeing the Caribbean Premier League as yet another chance to make his mark in world cricket and continue his swift rise to recognition.

Standing six feet, seven inches, the 21-year-old cuts an imposing figure and is likely to be just as intimidating when he turns out for Barbados Tridents, after being picked up by the Desmond Haynes-coached franchise in the highly publicised player draft.

While Holder has played only two One-Day Internationals for West Indies, he has already been picked for three international tours – the most recent being the ICC Champions Trophy in England and Wales – and said he is thrilled with what he has accomplished so far.

Holder made his first class debut back in 2009 as a 17-year-old and has not looked back since, representing the West Indies Under-19s at the Youth World Cup in New Zealand a year later before gaining a surprise call-up to the Windies senior team in 2012 as an injury replacement for fast bowler Tino Best on the limited overs tour of Bangladesh.

He was snapped up by Indian Premier League franchise Chennai Super Kings and packed his bags for the Asian subcontinent.

With the tour of Australia and the IPL in his rear view mirror, Holder has now set his sights on dominating the Caribbean Premier League.

He believes that the experience gained over the last year will augur well when he turns out for the Barbados Tridents.

“I am very excited about the CPL. I think it is a great initiative mixing the local players with some international stars. I think the teams are very evenly balanced so it should be very interesting to see what transpires in the next few months,” Holder said enthusiastically.

“I definitely think the IPL has prepared me for the CPL. I have gained a lot of knowledge over the past few months with these players in the IPL, and just playing against a lot of players.

I have had a lot of conversations with various international players around the world – even at the Champions Trophy – so I think I have broadened my knowledge in terms of how to react in certain situations so it’s just about executing it in the game.”

Holder says he intends to dominate in the CPL. (Excerpt from WICB)

S

quash player Alyssa Mullings blew through the field at the All Jamaica Junior Championships to retain the Girls Open title at the tournament, which was held over the weekend.

The top-performing teenager maintained her dominant form, beating arch-rival Mary Mahfood 3-2 to win the championships. The victory is another confidence boost for the youngster who is all set to defend her regional Under-15 title at the Caribbean Area Squash Association Championships in Trinidad later this month.

Another successful title defence was posted by Mia Mahfood, who easily retained her Under-13 crown. Mahfood came through the round robin tournament with the maximum 12 points, while Mira Handa was second with nine, and Mia Lake placed third with six.

In the Boys' competition, even though longtime champions made their presence felt, several newcomers managed to assert themselves. Last year's Under-17 champion Julian Morrison took

Alyssa Mullings displays her trophy (Jamaica Observe photo)

the Under-19 title without losing a match, finishing with 12 points to relegate perennial rival Jake Mahfood to second.

Mahfood had better luck in the Under-17 competition, where he won the overall title.

New champions emerged in all of the other age groups, including Tahjia Lumley, who held off last year's Under-13 Boys' champion Jonathan Walker to win the Under-15 boys' title.

Lumley's 3-1 victory left Walker in second place, while Luke Roberts beat Adam Ardito 3-1

to place third. Ardito came out on top in the Under-13 Boys' competition, finishing ahead of Joe Rousseau, whom he beat 3-0. In the Under-11 competition, the winner was Sebastian Levy, who earned nine points to beat William Wildish, who finished with six points.

The juniors will now focus their attention on the Caribbean Area Squash Association Championships, which is set for July 19-27 in Trinidad and Tobago.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

TT’s boxing WICB, UTech launch Coaching Education Programme in Caribbean board appointed

T

T

he West Indies Cricket Board and the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) on Monday launched a Cricket Coaching Education Programme (CCEP) designed to restructure, revamp and broaden the sustainability of the sport in the Caribbean region. The CCEP launch took place at a ceremony held at UTech’s campus.

The CCEP will introduce to the Caribbean Level 3 Coaching Certification Programme. The CCEP benefited from technical expertise from the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Chief Executive Officer of the WICB, Michael Muirhead said “we cannot over-emphasise the importance of certified coaches in the development of West Indies cricket.”

“The important pillar of coaching education has been returned to being among the top priorities in West Indies cricket,” Muirhead added. “With this redeveloped programme we now have structure, uniformity and consistency in the delivery of coaching education across the region. This partnership represents the very best of collaboration between regional organisa-

Left to right: Laurence Garriques, director of sport (acting), University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech); Lyndel Wright, president, Jamaica Cricket Association; Michael Muirhead, CEO, WICB; Dr Colin Gyles, Dean, Faculty of Science and Sport, UTech; Professor Ashok Kulkarni, deputy president, UTech; and Orville Byfield, head, Caribbean School of Sport Science, UTech at the launch of the WICB/UTech Cricket Coaching Education Programme held at UTech campus on Monday

tions to achieve a greater good and it is one which we hope will serve as a model in cricket, sport and in broader areas moving forward,” the WICB CEO further noted.

President of the Jamaica Cricket Association, Lyndel Wright who was also in attendance at the launch also praised the reconstituted coaching programme.

Professor Ashok Kulkarni, deputy president, UTech, in his welcome stated that “cricket is more than a sport and remains an important integration strategy which has the potential for creating a lasting impact on the development of the region.” He noted that the synergy between UTech and WICB augurs well for the continued development of cricket in Jamaica and the region.

The University and the WICB previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding in September of last year which will see both entities cooperating for the development of West Indies Cricket.

Each programme will include sports science, academic and technical components and will be graded and assessed on standard systems as designed by UTech and the WICB. There will be a structured syllabus and course outline for each programme which will ensure consistency of delivery throughout the region.

The Foundation Coaching Programme will target every Physical Education Teacher and Kiddy Cricket Teacher in the region.

The CCEP has a target of training 1500 Level 1 coaches across the Caribbean region within the first year of implementation. The Level 1 programme is an advanced introduction to cricket and Level I certified coaches will be equipped to coach junior club cricket, school teams and secondary club teams.

The Level 2 programme will equip coaches to coach national junior/age group teams, senior club and district/county/parish teams.

The training programme which is slated to commence within two months will start with the Tutors and Assessors Programme which will target the training of 40 coaches across the region at this level for the first year of implementation.

he long awaited Trinidad and Tobago Boxing Board (TTBB) has finally been appointed. Monday Minister of Sports Anil Roberts presented TTBB members with their instruments of appointment.

The board is being led by Deopersad Ramoutar and comprises Zaid Mohammed (vice chairman) and ordinary members Sharma Stroude, Dr Keven Antoine, Courtney Dookie, Vijay Bhaggan, Neil Greaves and Collin Mills.

However it is uncertain whether Boxu Potts, Special Adviser to the TTBB has been re-appointed in his position.

Last night a member of the board explained that Potts’ position will be determined by the new board.

The member who wishes to remain anonymous said the board will decide if Potts’ work in the past is deserving of another chance to advise them. Monday, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Amateur Boxing Association (TTABA) Cecil Forde said he is pleased with the appointment, saying Mr Ramoutar was a good choice.

“He has been in boxing for a number of years and has interacted with all stakeholders including the boxers, fans and administrators. He is well aware of what needs to be done for the betterment of the sport and he has the full support of the TTABA. We will work alongside him to get boxing back on its feet since it has taken quite a few knocks lately.”

Forde also expressed thanks to the minister for announcing the board.

Forde explained that the lack of a boxing board has hindered the sport in many regards for the past several months. (TT Newsday)

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www.caribbeantimesinternational.com | week ending JuLY 4, 2013

Limacol CPL will aid young players’ development - Sarwan

By Avenash Ramzan

G

uyana Amazon Warriors senior batsman, Ramnaresh Sarwan, believes the upcoming Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will provide a solid platform for the young talents of the region to be showcased, and in turn, help the West Indies to consistently produce quality players at the international level.

He made the comment on Saturday afternoon, moments after a local Limacol CPL team hosted a media briefing at Duke Lodge in Kingston, Guyana.

The 33-year-old Sarwan, a former West Indies captain and veteran of 87 Tests, 181 ODIs and 18 T20Is, rea-

soned that the Limacol CPL is an excellent opportunity for up and coming players to announce themselves to the world.

“I think it’s exciting,” he opined. “Obviously, it’s an opportunity being provided for young players in the Caribbean. Of course we know the excitement that surrounds T20, so I think to have something similar to the IPL [Indian Premier League] to showcase the talents we have in the Caribbean and to have players from abroad who will be sharing their experiences and helping our younger players, I think is something great for West Indies cricket.”

With the Limacol CPL format allowing for two Under-23 players in each of the six franchis-

es, Sarwan added that his role in the Guyana Amazon Warriors unit, apart from stabilising the middle-order, would be to offer guidance to the emerging players.

“Obviously [my role would be] to try and sup-

Questioned on Guyana’s chances of creating history by winning the inaugural Limacol CPL, Sarwan said, “I think we stand a good chance like any other team. A lot of the teams have very good

the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise includes Sunil Narine, Mohammad Hafeez, Lendl Simmons, Denesh Ramdin, James Franklin, Christopher Barnwell, Krishmar Santokie, Williams Perkin, Steven Jacobs, Ronsford Beaton, Trevon Griffith, Narsingh Deonarine, Veerasammy Permaul and Martin Guptill.

Limacol’s investment

port the younger guys.

On a personal note, I would want to try and gain as much experience as possible and learn from the players around me, while sharing my own experiences to help the younger players,” he posited.

players, and obviously foreign and local players, so I think it will be an exciting tournament and hopefully at the end of the day, may the best team win… and that would hopefully be Guyana.”

Sarwan apart,

Commenting on New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation’s (NEW GPC INC.) acquisition of the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ franchise and subsequently becoming title sponsor of the CPL, through its Limacol brand, Sarwan said it is a step in the right direction for cricket in the

Caribbean.

“I think it’s great for the whole country. Obviously for Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop (NEW GPC executive chairman), I think it’s a great achievement and let’s hope that this will help in the long term development of West Indies cricket,” he said.

NEW GPC’s sponsorship is a multi-year agreement which will affect all aspects of the tournament, from branding and uniforms to advertising, marketing and promotions.

Limacol is a well-established and respected brand that is distributed throughout the Caribbean as well as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe and Asia. (Excerpt from Guyana Times)

Bovell adds 50m butterfly Jamaica’s Warren Weir cops 200m at Edmonton International gold in Montreal

T

George Bovell

T’s Olympic and World Short Course Championships bronze medallist, George Bovell won his third gold medal from as many starts, this time in the men’s 50m butterfly finals at the Canada Cup in Montreal on Saturday night, the penultimate day of competition.

Following his doublegold swim last Friday night in the 50m breaststroke and 100m freestyle, the 29-year-old Bovell was eager to add another precious piece of silverware to his tally and he did not disappoint as he stormed to victory in the ten-man final in 25.08 seconds, just ahead of Bruno Ortiz

(25.10) and Christopher Bezeau (25.13).

The other finishers in the final were Miguel Ortiz (25.42), Marc Muise (25.58), Oliver Lee (25.65), David Sharpe (25.68), Mirando Jarry (25.89), Alexandre Magnan (26.15) and Michael Sinila (26.73).

In the morning heats, Ortiz (B) was the top qualifier in 24.83 seconds ahead of his brother, Miguel (25.24), Bezeau (25.23) and Bovell, 25.50.

Sixth fastest in the heats was Lee (25.71) followed by Sharpe (25.84), Muise (26.00), Magnan (26.13), Jarry (26.18) and Sinila (26.21).

The top TT swimmer was expected to go after more gold in his

pet event, the 50m freestyle, but opted out of the event.

Last Friday, Bovell splashed to gold in the 50m breaststroke in a new national record of 28.22 seconds ahead of Warren Barnes (28.55) and Richard Funk (28.90).

The time by Bovell bettered the 28.24 mark established by Abraham Mc Leod set at the National Open Long Course Championships in March.

The Canada Cup hosted by Club de Natation des Piscines du Parc Olympique was the first taste of competitive action for Bovell since he splashed off his season with victory in the TYR Jax50 freestyle at the Bolles School Vible Pool, San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida, in April.

Bovell, the 2004 Olympic bronze medallist in 200m individual medley, next heads to the French Open in Vichy (July 6 - 7) and then the FINA World Long Course Championships from July 28 to August 4 in Barcelona, Spain.

(Excerpt from TT Newsday)

N

ewly crowned national men's 200m champion Jamaican Warren Weir ran a wind- assisted 19.90 seconds (4.4 metres per second wind) to win the half-lap event at the Edmonton International Track meet held on Saturday at Foote Field in Edmonton, Canada.

Weir, the Olympic bronze medallist who ran a personal best 19.79 seconds last Sunday to win the men's 200m at the JAAA/ Supreme Ventures Senior National Championships, was the only Jamaican winner on the day.

He led home Jason Young who was second in 19.96 seconds with American Terrell Cotton third in 20.48 seconds.

Patricia Hall, who was third in the 400m at last weekend's Senior National Championships, was fourth in the women's 200m in 22.85 seconds (1.6m/s) behind winner Shalonda Solomon of the US (22.41 seconds), the best time ever recorded at the venue.

Shermaine Williams, who was third in the women's 100m hurdles last weekend, was

Warren Weir

fifth in a wind-assisted 12.84 seconds (3.1m/s) as American Lolo Jones won in 12.49 seconds.

Sherri-Ann Brooks took third place in the women's 100m, in a wind-aided 11.08 seconds (3.6m/s) behind the American pair of LaShaunte Moore (10.98) and Tori Bowie (11.04).

Another Jamaican Aleen Bailey was seventh in 11.59 seconds,

while Samantha HenryRobinson was timed in 15.15 seconds.

Ramone McKenzie competed twice over the 100m, placing second in the B race in 10.20 seconds (2.3m/s) then seventh in the A race, running 10.38 seconds (2.8m/s).

Commonwealth Games champion Lerone Clarke failed to complete the race, pulling up midway. (Jamaica Observer)

Caricom 10K for Trinidad A

thletes from eight member states of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) will compete at the ninth Annual Caricom 10k Road Race which takes place in Port of Spain, Trinidad and

Tobago on Saturday.

The race has become the precursor to the annual Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom.

The 34th meeting of the

conference began in Port of Spain on Wednesday, July 3 with an opening ceremony at the Diplomatic Centre.

Runners from Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Suriname,

and host country Trinidad and Tobago will begin their quest for honours opposite Whitehall around the Queen’s Park Savannah.

The race ends opposite the Queen’s Royal College also

around the Savannah. The winning male athlete will receive the Caricom Chairman’s Trophy while the victorious female runner will receive the Caricom Secretary-General’s Trophy.

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week ending JuLY 4, 2013 | www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Guyanese batsmen continue to shine in Toronto cricket humiliated Yorkshire Cricket Club by a handsome six-wicket margin.

The losers were skittled out for a paltry 82 in 38.4 overs while Brampton galloped to 83-4 in the 18th over.

GNIC’s off-spinner Elton Baker snapped up a five-wicket haul to lead Civics to an emphatic seven-wicket win over Toronto Cricket Club.

Baker, in his debut season in Canada, also com-

By Ravendra Madholall

G

uyanese batsmen continued to be impactful in this year’s Toronto and District Cricket Association Elite and Premier League 50over competition as another round of matches was completed over the weekend.

Former West Indies ODI batsman, Guyanese Royston Crandon stroked an impressive 127 to inspire Vikings Cricket Club to an emphatic 60-run win over Headstar Eastern while 20-year-old former Guyana under-19 batsman Dominique Rikhi cracked a splendid, unbeaten 182 for Victoria Park Cricket Club against Hagee Sports Club in the Premier League Division.

The right-handed Crandon hit five fours and five effortless sixes as his team made 230 while Headstar re-

Dominique Rikhi

plied with 170 all out as Trinidadian and offspinner Jason Patraj grabbed three wickets for 18 runs from six probing overs.

Rihki in his second year for Victoria Park batted aggressively spanking ten fours and seven sixes to see his side accumulated a formidable 334-4 at the expiration of 50-overs

while Headstart Sports Club only responded with 91 all out.

Former Guyana under-19 captain and leftarm orthodox spinner Eugene LaFleur captured three wickets for 13 runs from nine economical overs.

At the same venue on Sunday, defending champion Brampton Master Tranzac Cricket Club

Bolt wants to dominate until 2016

O

lder and wiser, Usain Bolt is out to dominate his rivals on the track at least until the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The six-time Olympic champion, who is competing at the Areva meeting in Paris on Saturday, looks to be back in shape after his form and motivation were questioned following a defeat

by American sprinter Justin Gatlin at the Golden Gala on June 6.

Bolt has recovered since then by winning the 200 at the Bislett Games and running 9.94 on home soil over 100 metres at the Jamaican trials on June 21. And he clearly wants to keep that form going.

“I want to continue dominating until the next Olympics. I have to work hard, train hard and stay focused,” Bolt told a news conference Tuesday. “I’ve won everything already, but now it’s to show that I can be a dominant sprinter. You want to dominate for the rest of your career.”

In some ways, losing to Gatlin may even have helped the tall Jamaican to get back into his stride.

“I figured out what I needed to do to get back on target,” he said. “I’ve been working hard, I’ve

been focused, I’ve been sacrificing a lot, so now I’m on target.”

Bolt, who turns 27 in August, is preparing for next month’s World Championships in Moscow by racing the 200 metres in Paris, the ninth leg of the Diamond League.

It’s a meet where he will face compatriots Warren Weir and Nickel Ashmeade, along with former 200-metre European champion Christophe Lemaitre of France.

And it’s a meet he is clearly relishing.

“I really enjoy running big races before championships. It tells you where you are and tells you what you need to work on,” he said. “I know these young guys are stepping up and they’re going to come running and pushing you to the limits.”

Bolt is under no illusions about the task facing him on Saturday, and also further down the road as a new generation of sprinters emerges. Weir won the 200 in Shanghai and New York in May, and clocked 19.79 in Kingston last month.

However, Bolt reckons he has experience, as well as speed, on his side.

“It’s going to be hard,

it’s going to be challenging because there’s always going to be younger, faster kids coming up and challenging you,” Bolt said. “I look forward to the young kids coming up and I look forward to beating them also.

“I think I’ve learned a lot over the past few years. You learn that some things you can’t do. When I was younger, I used to do a lot of different things. But now I have to sacrifice a lot more ... because the older you get, the more your body reacts to certain things. So I think I’m going wiser definitely.”

After the Areva meeting, Bolt will compete in the 100 and the 4x100 relay in London on July 26-27. That will be his final major meeting before the worlds, which start on August 10 and where Bolt plans to win three gold medals.

And he is still sparing a thought for 2016, and defending his Olympic titles at the Rio de Janeiro Games.

“I want to go for Rio to be three out of three,” Bolt said. “If I want to get there, I have to make sure every year I’m on top of things. I can’t jump off any season. I have to make sure every year I keep pushing myself to keep a certain standard.”

(AP)

pleted a hat-trick as he conceded 28 runs from five overs.

When his team batted, they safely reached 136-3 with Travis Blyden hitting an unbeaten 41.

Meanwhile, in another Premier League game, Vincentian and former Windward Islands under-19 batsman Orlando Brown scored an entertaining 45 for Parkdale Cricket Club, defeating Ahmadiyya Sports Club

by one run at King City.

Brown hit three fours and two sixes as his team accumulated 1333; he got useful support from the in-form Alphie Gould, who weighed in with 36.

E l s e w h e r e , Caribbean Limers and Mississauga Ramblers Cricket Club were engaged in a tight tussle with the former emerging with another thrilling one-run win.

Jamaica’s Novelene Williams-Mills braved breast cancer to win national trials

J

Novelene Williams-Mills

amaica's 400m c h a m p i o n , Novelene WilliamsMills was diagnosed with breast cancer on June 25, 2012.

According to a report on www.dailymail.ok.uk, Mills told no one apart from her husband of five years, Jameel, family and friends.

She then went on to win the 400 metres at the Jamaican Senior National Championships that weekend in 50.60 seconds, booking her place in the Olympic team.

Williams-Mills finished fifth in the 400m at the London 2012 Olympics and won a bronze medal in the 4 x 400m relay.

The report stated that just three days after the games surgeons removed a small lump in her breast. She then had a double mastectomy, a further operation to cut out the remaining cancerous cells and reconstructive surgery. Her final operation was on January 18.

Last week WilliamsMills lay on the track

as the Jamaican 400m champion after qualifying for the World Championships in Moscow this August by running 50.01secs.

‘I’m back,’ she thought. ‘I’ve still got it.’

Until then, the DailyMail said, Williams-Mills has told nobody outside her close circle about her devastating illness.

"She did not want any sympathy; she just wanted to concentrate on winning the most difficult race of her life," they said.

The 31 year old, fivetime world and threetime Olympic medallist said she “just happened to mention she had found a small lump” at a routine gynaecologist appointment and her life changed forever.

“It feels like your own body has betrayed you, like I’ve been stabbed,” she said. “I’m an athlete. I workout, I train. It can’t be possible.”

Williams-Mills’ older sister, died from ovarian cancer at the age of 38 in 2010. (Jamaica Observer)

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

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

INTERNATIONAL WEEK ENDING JULY 4, 2013

Sarwan to captain Guyana Amazon Warriors in Limacol Caribbean Premier League

T

he Limacol C a r i b b e a n Premier League on Tuesday announced the six captains for the franchise teams for the tournament that will be staged from July 30 to August 24 in six Caribbean territories.

Guyana Amazon

Warriors will be captained by Ramnaresh Sarwan, who captained the country to the inaugural Stanford Twenty20 and Caribbean T20 titles while Antigua Hawksbills will be led by Jamaica’s comeback kid Marlon Samuels.

Barbados Tridents

Ramnaresh Sarwan

Marlon Samuels

Kieron Pollard

Chris Gayle

Darren Sammy

Dwayne Bravo

has Trinidadian Kieron Pollard as its head and Jamaica Tallawahs will be marshalled by the talismanic Chris Gayle.

West Indies Test and T20 captain Darren Sammy will lead St Lucia Zouks and Dwayne Bravo will take charge of Trinidad and Tobago’s Red Steel.

Commenting on his selection as captain for the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Sarwan said, “It is a great honour to have been chosen to captain the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the first ever Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament.

I have the opportunity to work with and lead some of the best players in the region and the world, and I am looking forward to using my years of experience to guide the Amazon Warriors to victory.”

Meanwhile, fans can follow the various Limacol CPL social media networks for more information and updates.

Additionally, awardwinning El Dorado Rum has signed on as Official

Partner for the Limacol CPL, bringing its distinctive taste and spirit to the tournament and guaranteeing an unforgettable and fun experience for cricket-lovers.

Produced by Demerara Distillers Limited, El Dorado will, for this landmark event, also sponsor the tournament’s Catch of the Match award. This award will go to one player in each of the 24 matches who makes a thrilling catch in the game, demonstrating the spirit of the tournament and the El Dorado brand.

DDL Vice President for International Marketing, Komal Samaroo, said, “The Eldorado Rum brand

embodies the spirit of Guyana and the Caribbean – competitiveness and fun, hard work and enjoyment – all at the same time. This is the spirit of the Limacol CPLT20 League, styled Carnival T20, making both a perfect match for each other!

“The growing appreciation and following of Eldorado Rum around the world and the global viewership of CPLT20 presents to the world the best that Guyana and the Caribbean have to offer.”

“We are delighted to have the El Dorado brand as part of our sponsor family,” said Jamie Stewart, commercial director and consultant to the Limacol CPLT20.

Usain Bolt wants to dominate until 2016 Caribbean Times International - (Canada Office) Unit 12, 680 Rexdale Blvd., Etobicoke, Toronto, Ontario M9WOB5 email: news@caribbeantimesinternational.com, marketing@caribbeantimesinternational.com, caribtimes@gmail.com

See story on page 31