Guyana Times International

INTERNATIONAL THE BEACON OF TRUTH

for FRee distribution guyanatimesinternational.com

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

ISSUE NO. 149

Guyana has a bright future ahead

week ending july 7, 2013

Govt slams KN inaccurate article on Page 8 airport project – Ali tells thousands gathered at See story on page 23

Trade and Tourism Expo in NY

Staff of the Ministry of Tourism posing with products manufactured by the NEW GPC at the Guyana Trade and Tourism Expo which was held in New York last weekend.

Sarwan to captain Guyana Amazon Warriors in Limacol CPL Page 55

FBI probing visa racket at US Embassy in Georgetown Page 3

2

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS

3

week ending july 7, 2013| guyanatimeSinternational.com

FBI probing visa racket at US Embassy in Georgetown

T

he United States Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has launched a probe into reports of a multi-million dollar U.S visa racket at the United States Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana.

Reports indicate that over the past few months FBI agents have been interviewing various persons attached to the Georgetown embassy. It is alleged that a former Consul Officer who was based at the embassy was behind a visa racket scheme that also involved a number of Guyanese.

The former Consul Officer is back in the United States as the in-

The US Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana

vestigation continues.

The alleged visa racket is being described by persons familiar with the probe, as an elaborate scheme which allegedly involved the consul officer and a number of

locals who would meet at various city restaurants and hang out bars to facilitate transactions. Reports state that persons were being asked to pay as much as US$40,000 to be guaran-

teed a visitor’s visa.

The usual fee for a US Visitor’s visa application is US$150. There are reports that the investigators believe he was acting with other persons at the embassy

in Georgetown and they have been pressing for names of the other persons who might have been involved.

It is also being reported that the FBI is paying close attention to the man’s money trail and the businessmen he met and spent time with while on duty in Guyana.

It is believed that the visa scam may have netted hundreds of thousands of U.S dollars and the scam is also being linked to a Georgetown businessman who was killed at a city hotel. It is unclear whether the man’s murder is related to the racket or his alleged involvement in its

operations.

The last time a major visa racket rocked the US Embassy in Georgetown was in 2000 when a senior US consul officer was linked to another multimillion dollar visa fraud scheme.

That official was put on trial in the US and found guilty. His involvement in the racket and the involvement of several local high profile Guyanese businessmen, police officers and officials is the subject of a new book titled “The Thomas Carroll Affair”.

The Thomas Carroll visa racket has been described as the biggest visa racket in US State Department history.

50 more students graduate from Hinterland Scholarship Programme

A

warded scholarships to study at the secondary, technical and tertiary levels under the Hinterland Scholarship Programme, a batch of 50 students, hailing from different hinterland regions graduated on Wednesday at a ceremony held fittingly at the Amerindian Village, Sophia Exhibition Complex.

Speaking at the an-

nual graduation ceremony Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of President, emphasised that Government is committed to improving access to quality education for young people across the country.

“You would have heard about the tremendous improvements in greatly increased numbers of secondary schools in the hinterland in par-

ticular,” Prime Minister Hinds said, as he mentioned the contract that was awarded for the construction of the new secondary school in Kato, Region Eight.

The Prime Minister stressed that the site where the school is being built is a beautiful one and expressed the hope that soon there would be a University of the Pakaraimas. The new school will accommodate

350 students.

Forty of the 50 students wrote CSEC last year and achieved passes in 301 subjects, an average of 7 or 8 subjects pass per students, and a total pass rate of 86 %.

This is an 8 percent increase over the previous years.

Prime Minister Hinds congratulated the students for their hard work and dedication to their studies and urged that

they continue to further their education. “An important aspect of improving opportunities for children in the hinterland is to have the best students attending some of the top secondary schools in Guyana,” he said.

Once the rate keeps growing, he said more secondary schools will have to be established and the quality in terms of the ability to teach and train students will

have to be improved.

“Today marks the attainment in one phase in your life as a student,” Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai told the students.

More than 51 years ago, six Amerindian students were awarded scholarships to attend schools in Georgetown under this project, and thus far 368 hinterland students have benefited. continued on page 10

4

Views

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International

New York Office 106-15 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica NY 11435 Email: guyanatimesnyint@gmail.com Tel no: 718-658-6804 Guyana Office Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana.

Tel no: (592) 227-0704, 227-0709.

Fax (592) 225-8696, 227-0685 Email: guyanatimesint@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Mercosur and trading blocs

W

ith the inability of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to bring the 2001 Doha (Development) Round of negotiations to a conclusion, there has been a bewildering number of bilateral and multilateral trading platforms launched in the interim.

Trading blocs formed earlier have also become more energetic.

The recent announcement that Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett will be attending the July11 meeting of Mercosur (Common Market of the South) and, along with Suriname, Guyana will be given “associate” status, suggests we examine the dynamics behind the move.

Mercosur has been around since 1991, having been launched

by Argentina; Brazil; Paraguay (which is currently suspended); and Uruguay. Venezuela became a full member last year while Paraguay, which had opposed its accession, was suspended.

Paraguay’s action illustrates the major feature of Mercosur: the ideological orientation of the major players such as Brazil and especially Venezuela, not to accept the ideal of ‘free trade’ tout court.

Back in 2005, under the strong influence of Brazil, the bloc torpedoed the U. S. sponsored Free Trade Association of the Americans (FTAA). The U. S.’s refusal to give ground on agricultural subsidies while pushing services and intellectual property rights were the sticking points. These same issues stalled Doha.

But this has created some tensions within the bloc and is one reason for the recent lassitude in activities. Mercosur has five “partners” – Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru – that do not enjoy full voting rights or complete access to the markets of Mercosur’s full members.

They receive tariff reductions, but are not required to impose the common external tariff that applies to full Mercosur members.

Four of those countries – Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru – are also members of a smaller trade bloc, the Andean Community of Nations (CAN). The rules of Mercosur demand that a country cannot be a full member if it is in another trade bloc. Venezuela had been a member of CAN, but resigned when it joined Mercosur in full last year.

Bolivia has indicated its interest in becoming a full member but in addition to leaving CAN would also have to lower its external tariffs to Mercosur’s 35 per cent. Both these issues would apply to Guyana and Suriname, which are members of the Caribbean Community (Caricom). But with the latter grouping going nowhere, some of its other members have shown some interest in entering Mercosur en bloc. In this scenario, the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed by Caricom with the European Union (EU), would also be a sticking point.

In the meantime, Mercosur has attempted to deepen and widen its economic and political reach by coming together with CAN in 2008 to form the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).

UNASUR is meant to encompass trade, security, and political issues, much like the European Union (EU) and some believe it may replace Mercosur as the South American organisation to speak for the entire continent.

But those countries that insist on “free trade” and the “sanctity” of the market have not thrown in the towel: last year they launched the Pacific Alliance – a bloc made up of Mexico, along with the “partners” of Mercosur – Colombia, Peru, and Chile.

Looking across the Pacific to cultivate closer linkages with Asia, they have moved very aggressively in the past year. Stressing their “stability” and their adherence to the neo- liberal world order, they have caught the attention of other countries such as Costa Rica and earned accolades from Canada and the U. S. The United States has also not been quiet. Under great secrecy, it has pushed since 2010 for the granddaddy of all free trade blocs: the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). This would include the U. S., Australia, Brunei, Chile, Canada, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. Japan has expressed its desire to become a member. Some say it is a platform for the U. S. to gain some leverage over the Chinese.

Guyana has chosen well to go with Mercosur.

Happy Independence Day to all our readers and supporters Mrs Saskia Hardt (third from left), wife of U.S. Ambassador to Guyana D Brent Hardt, joins guests for a photograph at the embassy’s independence celebrations Tuesday evening at the ambassador’s residence Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara. The event was held under the theme "Celebrating the West”, and guests were asked to dress in cowboy and cowgirl attire as is evident

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

T

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.

“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.

“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.

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 dynamism 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 president 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.

“That is a work in progress… I think that the government themselves they acknowledge the work that needs to be done in strengthening those areas and some good things are beginning to happen,” he said.

What the bank is trying to do is use its resources and the experiences to help the Guyana government and other member countries to address these problems because sometimes they would recognise the need, but the resources are not there to carry it out.

Caribbean situation

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 experi-

encing 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 inflows and are generally on a very good trajectory as far as the development of their economies are concerned.

“Those of our economies that are more dependent on services, especially tourism and financial services are having a very difficult time. These countries tend to be much more integrated into those economies that are experiencing either very low growth or recessionary conditions – I am speaking about North America and the European countries,” Dr Smith indicated.

He added that the tourism and service dependent economies are either going through negative economic growth or very marginal growth, whereas the commodity-based economies like Guyana, Belize and Suriname are growing rapidly.

The CDB does not only finance projects, it does much more than that. “We like to think that the advice that we provide to our countries is as much a part of our mandate as the financing role and we do have very frank and open dialogue with our countries about economic strategy, we also talk to them very frankly about the issues they need to address in order to be more diversified, to become more attractive to international investment,” the CDB president emphasised.

5

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

6

news

week ending july 7, 2013| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana making strides in labour – Webster tells ILO confab

H

uman Services and Social S e c u r i t y Minister Jenifer Webster said Caribbean governments must create an enabling environment that ensures resources are optimally and efficiently utilised, pollution minimised and livelihood opportunities created to accelerate progress across all sectors.

The minister made these remarks at the eighth International Labour Organisation (ILO) meeting of Caribbean Labour Ministers in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

The sessions opened on Tuesday under the theme, “The Caribbean and Labour 2013 and Beyond – Strengthening Decent Work for Development”.

Webster told her Caribbean counterparts that Guyana has made significant strides in recognising the Decent Work Country Programme, which was signed in April 2012.

“We have enacted the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and rati-

fied the ILO Convention on Occupational Safety and Health. In the not too distant future, the Ministry of Labour will enact mining regulations to enforce safety procedures with respect to employers and employees within the mining sector,” Webster said.

Regulations

The minister revealed government’s intention to formulate regulations for the construction, forestry, manufacturing, and chemical sectors.

Further, regulations will be enacted for HIV/ AIDS in the workplace so that vulnerable persons would not be discriminated against or denied employment opportunities on the basis of status, Webster disclosed.

The human services minister pointed out that Guyana’s 2003 revised Constitution has as a fundamental right; equal rights and status in all spheres of economic and social life and the labour laws offer adequate protection against gender-based workplace discrimination.

Only recently, government approved the National Minimum Wage and a 40-hour work week for both private and public sector employees which details coverage for workers in all categories.

Webster disclosed that Guyana has also ratified ILO Convention 189 on domestic workers, creating the basis for decent work with respect to persons employed as household service workers.

She said Guyana has an effective tripartite body comprising 20 members, including six government representatives, employers, two trade union umbrella bodies and one representative from the staterun National Insurance Scheme, that meet frequently to discuss and implement labour regulations.

Under the decent work country programme, Guyana has held workshops in occupational safety and health with respect to mining and forestry, seminars on coopera-

tives throughout the country and a seminar on green jobs.

A “South-South” and Triangular Cooperation model was also developed to ensure the necessary transfer of skills and technology from Peru to Guyana.”

Since the world is grappling with challenges of averting catastrophic climate change and delivering social development, Webster stated that a move towards a low carbon economic growth path is being seen as the approach to deliver economic and social development, and environmental sustainability.

She added that creating new jobs, while reducing the environmental impact of economic sectors; reducing the need for energy and raw material, avoiding greenhouse gas emissions, minimising waste and pollution, and maintaining ecosystem servic-

Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster

es like clean water, flood protection and biodiversity are also key actions needed to address climate change.

The minister pointed out that climate-proofing the global economy will involve large- scale investments in new technologies, equipment, buildings, and infrastructure, which will provide a major stimulus for much-needed new employment and an opportunity for retaining

and transforming existing jobs.

Benefits

However, Webster remarked that despite the potential benefits, a green economy and the benefits it will provide can have a profound effect on the way countries produce, consume and transform sectors.

She revealed that this transition will be the challenge which many developing countries will face.

Rogue Caribbean lawmen tipping off criminals – IMPACS head

C

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 two-day investment forum 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.

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

judiciary will be threatened. There is already significant indication of these public agencies 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

IMPACS Executive Director Francis Forbes

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 decision 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.

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

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. In 2008, the cost of cybercrime was estimated at US$ 8 billion worldwide with corporate espionage and stolen intellectual property belonging to international firms reaching the one trillion U. S. dollar mark.

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

Pointing to statistics from Jamaica, Forbes noted that in 2011, more than 229 sites were hacked including those of government agencies, tertiary institutions, and private organisations.

news

7

week ending july 7, 2013| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Miss Guyana World participates in medical outreach

Miss Guyana World 2013 Ruqayyah Boyer testing a resident’s blood pressure

N

ewly-selected Miss Guyana World 2013 Ruqayyah Boyer participated in a medical outreach and community health fair project held in Cane Grove, East Bank Demerara at the Irene Madray Recreational Arts Centre (IMRAC) on Sunday.

The event was hosted by the Operation Dream Catchers Group (ODC) out of the United States and saw a collaborative effort between ODC; Caribbean American Domestic Violence

Awareness (CADVA); the Health Ministry; and IMRAC. The session helped to highlight and educate the community on various health issues and ways in which they can be prevented.

There were blood sugar and blood pressure tests administered; CPR demonstrations; sessions on the liver, heart diseases, and mental illness; and several donations were made to members of the Cane Grove community before and after the health fair.

Boyer, who was

crowned Miss Guyana Universe in 2012, is the first Guyanese to hold two major national titles at the same time.

The only other Guyanese to hold both titles was Odessa Phillips.

The previous Miss World Guyana, Arti Cameron, will officially crown the new queen later this month. The beauty ambassador, who has been working assiduously in her role as Guyana’s national queen, was this year named an ambassador and spokesperson for several organisations such as CADVA, IMRAC, and Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) – Guyana for which she is the public relations officer.

The community health fair in Cane Grove is the second activity undertaken by the queen, since she was given her second national title (Miss Guyana World); the first being an interactive forum she hosted on bullying in schools and domestic violence at the St Stanislaus College last Friday.

The new Miss Guyana World is preparing to compete in the Miss World Pageant come this September in Indonesia.

8

News

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Public Works Ministry slams KN inaccurate article on airport project

T

he Public Works Ministry has responded to what it calls renewed misconceptions being carried by Kaieteur News on the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion Project. The newspaper recently carried articles quoting a Christopher Ram column about the price being charged by the airport contractor for toilet sets and urinals.

In its statement, the ministry said the contract between China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and itself is a Lump Sum contract signed under the terms and conditions of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC).

According to the ministry, the articles by KN failed to reflect that under such contracts the cost for each line item usually includes several other costs, including materials, labour, overhead, transportation, and profit. It noted that for the particular items mentioned there is no pricing stated for sew-

er lines, and washroom cubicles, doors, and fittings; these are all catered for in the line item pricing as such as “ toilet set” – as is the case for all lump-sum contracts.

“It is, therefore, deliberately misleading for one to extract a line item indexed cost and represent that this cost is the cost for the stated line

item, while completely ignoring the associated costs related to the item given the distributive native of lumpsum contracts,” the ministry

stated.

It further stated that the airport expansion contract pricing is very competitive and reasonable when compared to

other airport contracts: “The ministry deplores this new line of attack on the project, particularly by persons who are certainly aware of the nature of these contracts and, more so, who have stated that they have “consulted” on the type of contract entered in.”

The ministry said it is very concerned about the continued attempts by some politicians and media operatives to frustrate the project and stymie development in Guyana. “Guyana needs to have the necessary air transport facilities and infrastructure if it is going to attract new carriers, the diaspora, business travelers and tourists in the new competitive environment.

Peace Corps have served Guyana well – Olato Sam

P

eace Corps Guyana on Wednesday swore in the 25th group of volunteers (Guy 25), consisting of 28 volunteers to give their services in the health and education sectors. The ceremony took place at the Guyana International

Conference Centre (GICC) at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

The trainees arrived in Guyana on May 2, and have since been involved in pre-service training designed to equip them with the necessary practical skills to meet the needs of the communi-

ties they will serve.

The components of the training include a focus on technical and cross-cultural concepts, local language, and maintaining personal health, safety and security.

According to Training Manager Julie Kanhai-

Trapnell, upon being sworn in, the volunteers would support primary level education and community health education, by serving two years in seven of the 10 administrative regions of Guyana.

Meanwhile, Chief Education Officer Olato Sam said the Peace

of life as they learn how to cook local food, negotiate in the market place, and participate in community activities.

There is a technical component within both the health and education sectors.

The trainees would engage in field practicum in schools and

productive relationship and active diplomatic engagement,” said Pierce.

He noted that the Peace Corps solidify the relationship with Guyana and plays an important role in aiding in the building of a more secure, prosperous and healthy Guyana.

Front row, from left to right: Peace Corps Country Director Brannon Brewer, U.S. embassy Charge d’ Affaires Thomas Pierce, Chief Education Officer Olato Sam and Peace Corps Training Director Jaime Brancato, along with the Peace Corps volunteers

Corps volunteers have positively impacted the local education and health sectors.

“Peace Corps have serve d Guyana’s education sector very productively and efficiently… their volunteer teachers have served in the hinterland and riverine areas where there is a lack of teachers,” said Sam, noting that the experiences shared among the volunteers and Guyanese will give great meaning to their attachment.

During the pre-service, trainees time with host families, who teach them the Guyanese way

health centres to enhance their abilities to meet the needs of the communities they will serve as volunteers.

Meanwhile, U. S. embassy Charge d’ Affaires Thomas Pierce noted that in addition to Guy 25, since 1996, Guyana has had 639 volunteers from the Peace Corps.

He noted that the programme seeks to work with communities and this will somewhat solidify the relationship with Guyana and the United States.

“The United States of America has strong interest in working with Guyana to form a more

The Peace Corps was first active in Guyana from 1966-1971.

In 1993, the organisation was invited to return to Guyana by the late President Dr Cheddi Jagan, and the first group arrived in 1995.

Upon accepting the invitation to serve, Peace Corps volunteers agree to live and work in Guyana for two years.

The late U. S. President John F Kennedy created the Peace Corps in March 1961 to provide human resource and technical assistance to developing countries that have requested such engagement.

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times International, Industrial Site Ruimveldt Georgetown, Guyana or guyanatimesint@gmail.com

9

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Santa Fe project holds out great promise to schools Dear Editor, The idea of a selfsufficient school is not farfetched. In the late 1970s, my secondary school used to have a great agricultural input. It was so designed that, for every term, the students used to plant small scale, and they always ended up taking home things like bora, boulanger and pepper, among other things. The signs were there for the idea of earning while learning.

This principle is now really gathering some momentum, and I think that Guyana must jump on it, but in a more purposeful and wide-spread manner.

Kudos are in order for all the relevant groups for making good the ‘earn while-youlearn’ philosophy quite a reality.

A visiting team of officials from the Agriculture Ministry was most impressed by the progress at the Santa Fe mega farm, where harvesting of paddy has already begun. In fact the first bumper crop of dry land rice will be processed at the nearby mill that was specifically set up for this purpose.

Brazil has been in this kind of rice cultivation for over 25 years,

and it is good that Guyana’s experimentation so far is looking quite good. It should be noted that the Santa Fe project is really modelled after what is happening in Brazil, and it is a Brazilian expert, who is guiding the process.

Where Santa Fe is concerned, it is good to note that the farm is also exploring cultivation of some fruits and vegetables, as the aim is to create a large-scale multi- farm. At present, all crops, including rice, are being done on a very small scale, but the expectation is to increase production over time, even as plans are in place to introduce new cultivation to the farm.

In fact, where rice alone is concerned, the next rice crop is expected to see about 1000 acres of rice being cultivated.

Also on the agenda is the rearing of beef and dairy animals on 30 acres of the farmland.

This is how Guyana must think. There is abundance of space, and the land is quite amenable to farming. All that is needed is willingness to invest. In time to come, I am sure that self-sufficiency will be achieved and earning from selling and export will be realised.

A good education is considered one of the best routes out of poverty.

However, in many developing countries, technical and vocational education is neither good nor readily available to many youths.

Also, distance may pose many challenges.

So, especially in the riverine areas, where communities are blessed with land mass, the bivocational and self-sufficiency idea can work wonders.

Let me leave a little inspiration for Santa Fe and others who may want to go this route.

In Paraguay, the selfsufficient school idea took root in one school in 2003. The emphasis was on technical and vocational education, and farming was the route.

The school has now been able to transform young farmers into financially successful “rural entrepreneurs” by integrating the teaching of traditional high school subjects with the running of 17 small-scale, on-campus rural enterprises.

I think these types of success stories can become more and more abundant in Guyana.

Yours faithfully, Damien Glasgow

Drama must be emphasised in school

Dear Editor, A Chinese proverb says, “Tell me and I will forget, show me and I will remember, involve me and I will understand.” This came to my mind, when I read of the launch of the 2013 National Drama Festival. As regards the importance of drama as a school subject, I feel good that plans are already in place to make this a big part of the Caribbean Secondary Examinations Council (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) all across Guyana.

Dramatic arts education is an important means of stimulating creativity in problem solving. It can challenge students’ perceptions about their world and about themselves.

It also provides students with an outlet for emotions, thoughts, and dreams that they might not otherwise have

means to express.

A student can, if only for a few moments, become another, explore a new role, try out and experiment with various personal choices and solutions to very real problems – problems from his/ her own life, or problems faced by characters in literature or historical figures.

This can happen in a safe atmosphere, where actions and consequences can be examined, discussed, and in a very real sense experienced without the dangers and pitfalls that such experimentation would obviously lead to in the “real” world.

I remember being a part in William Shakespeare’s “Othello” and how this brought home to me the utter foolishness of jealousy.

I plotted against a better man, Othello, and it left a bitter taste in my mouth. That is why dra-

ma as a subject must be done and not just taught.

The University of Guyana (UG) will do well to have its own studio for its courses, or it can bring the subject to the National School of Drama, the Theatre Guild, or the National Cultural Centre.

When there are local shows in Guyana, they must be supported. Just to bring off one play takes a lot of time, energy and thinking. Even if the artiste cannot make a living with their pieces, they can at least be morally encouraged.

The media must play a part too. It seems like most media personnel and outlets are about mere entertainment.

I think that good, old school drama needs a push. There is little lasting glory in just being happy, but not being enlightened.

Respectfully yours, Fabian Gonsalves

Minimum wage, working hours must be carefully considered

Dear Editor, I wish to first of all point out that this subject of the 40-hour per week or five working days was engaging the attention of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) for a number of years, and acting upon the urgings of that body for the enactment of the bill, tripartite meetings were held years ago.

According to the labour minister, a consensus was reached that the implementation of the new national minimum wage of Gy$ 35,000 per month will take effect from the July 1, 2013.

It is, however, regrettable that the government has rushed into this arrangement as business communities foresee a wide range of difficulties in the implementation.

However, employees including domestic workers, manual work-

ers, and watchmen will benefit if the Labour Ministry would monitor and examine employers’ books to see if minimum wages are being paid and the 40-hour is adhered to, as fixed in the new legislation.

Moving vigorously on the implementation does not make sense, since Guyana already enjoys too many holidays without production. Low production is the direct cause of our poverty and changing the working hours would significantly decrease the national output of goods and services.

History teaches us otherwise.

It states that fewer working hours corrode economic growth, and create inflation and reduction of work (all moving together – not inversely). Today the

Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate has climbed higher than ever, while the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) smoulders. The low production in some sectors that began almost some years ago is still with us.

Today we need a defence. Our economic planners must never forget the lessons of those enterprises struggling to make profits.

So wouldn’t it be appropriate to consult with the business community? This new labour legislation change, for a 40-hour week without reduction in pay and a minimum wage law for all working people, portal-to-portal, will definitely have some serious impact on production and the business community.

Yours faithfully, Mohamed Khan

10

News

week ending july 7, 2013| guyanatimeSinternational.com

U.S. citizen nabbed with cocaine at CJIA A n American citizen was busted with more than four kilograms of cocaine on Wednesday at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport while checking in for a Caribbean Airlines flight.

Twenty-five-year- old Briana Ashley Rodney was taken into custody after ranks from the

Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) discovered 4.130 kg of cocaine in her suitcase sometime around 13: 00h.

CANU head James Singh confirmed that the bust was made and the woman had been taken into custody pending investigations.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times International, Rodney

was a passenger of outgoing flight BW526 to New York. During a scan, CANU ranks discovered a strange object in the woman’s suit case and became suspicious.

The woman was taken into custody and a search was conducted on the luggage during which the drug was found in a false wall.

She was then arrest-

ed and taken to CANU headquarters where she assisted with the investigations.

Further information received disclosed that the woman mentioned a name to investigators and efforts are being made to contact the person.

Investigations conducted revealed several inconsistencies in the

woman’s statements.

Rodney reportedly told investigators that her uncle gave her the cocaine.

The woman’s suitcase had an address of Hadfield Street, Lodge, Georgetown; however, she gave investigators an address at Lamaha Park, Georgetown.

This publication understands that Rodney

has visited Guyana on several occasions before, with her last visit being in 2012. The 25-year-old woman has reportedly been in Guyana since March and was returning home when the bust was made.

Rodney told investigators that she is a social worker and is currently attending a university in the U. S., studying law.

12 pilot communities receive funds to implement Community Development Plans

T

he Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Project Management Office in the Office of the President announced that the first set of funds has been disbursed to Amerindian communities under the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) Project.

The project is expected to benefit approximately 180 communities and is being implemented in two phases. Phase I of the project will provide 27 communities with funding of up to Gy$5M each for the development of a community based and led initiative or business investment.

Twelve of the 27 communities in this phase of

the project have received disbursements to begin implementing their CDPs which they developed over the course of months. Each of the CDP was approved by consensus or majority vote at village meetings. The following 12 community projects have received disbursements: Prior to the disbursements, the Ministry and the UNDP invited representatives from the communities to travel to Georgetown to participate in an Inception Workshop held on March 22-23, 2013 to discuss the projects and share their visions and expectations.

The specific objectives included: engaging the representatives of each community as well as consulting with the rele-

vant national stakeholders on the projects; identifying and building key linkages as well as synergies between community projects and institutions; and examining each project in detail to understand the support and other requirements needed to maximise chances

for success.

Subsequently, the ministry and UNDP coordinated with various government agencies (including the Ministry of Agriculture’s Fisheries Department, National Agriculture & Research Extension Institute, Guyana Livestock Development Agency, and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to undertake field visits to the selected communities, an exercise that began on April 17 and is

still on-going.

The field visits focused on: the technical aspects of implementing each CDP, outlining each community’s technical assistance and training needs; the management and implementation arrangements for each CDP, examining the experience and arrangements each community had in recording keeping and financial management; adjusting the budgets to within the allowable allocation (Gy$5M)

including the required inputs while considering feasibility and economic sustainability; reviewing the general and specific provisions of each grant agreement; examining and assessing the technical feasibility and suitability of each site proposed; examining the business and economic feasibility of each CDP; and signing of the MicroCapital Grant Agreement According to the work plan, in the coming months, the combined project teams will continue to engage the remaining communities in Phase I, ultimately facilitating the disbursement of funds to these communities.

Concurrently, the project will produce outputs that will benefit Phase II, including a functional and scalable disbursement mechanism, key lessons learned and implications for the Phase II operational plan.

50 more students graduate from...

from page 3

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, Permanent Secretary, Nigel Dharamlall and the graduating students

This is evidence, she said, that incrementally the Government of Guyana’s investment in education continues to have a positive impact on the young people.

“Today, Guyana can boast of achieving the MDG for universal primary education…government continues to invest and support equal access to pupils and students nationally to acquire an education,” Minister Sukhai said.

She also highlighted the school uniform and school feeding programmes, the subsidy for examinations which is accessible to vulnerable families, expanding education infrastructure

and continuous training for educators which all have a tremendous impact to ensure improved education delivery across the country.

However, she said that the new goal for the government is to achieve universal secondary education to meet the Millennium Development Goal (MDG). “I can assure you that the government has the political will, what will be the challenge is having adequate resources and the support of many stakeholders and students to whom secondary education is offered,” she said.

She charged the students to become more re-

sourceful and continue to be successful in their future endeavours.

The graduates were given certificates as well awards for consistent academic performance and maximum performance.

Pearly Melville who completed studies at the Carnegie School of Economics received an award for maximum performance.

Kester Hernandez of Region One, and Mary Parker and Maxine Welch of Region Nine, Dacia Chapppelle and Lisa Thakurdin of Region Two, and Laura Vandenburg of Region Six, received for consistent academic performance.

11 Mayor Green has no moral standing to accuse anyone – Ganga Persaud M news

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

inister of Local Government and Regional Development, Ganga Persaud on Tuesday responded to a letter published in the June 28 edition of the Stabroek News entitled ‘Local Gov’t Minister statement is a tissue of untruths’ which was submitted by the Mayor of the City Council and Councillors.

The first matter addressed by the Minister was the claim that the City Council has already submitted its 2013 budget. However, Minister Persaud noted that he was speaking about their subvention programme for 2013 which has not been approved for 2013 as yet.

The second bit in the article is that the Minister misinformed the nation when he said that the government has paid the first and second quarters’ taxes for 2013 owed to the Municipality.

“The fact is, as we speak, the government has paid the first and second quarter taxes to the Municipality of Georgetown, that is undisputed and can be verified by the municipal

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Ganga Persaud

treasurer…what may have happened is that when I would have made that statement it means that the payments were not made at that point in time but they were in process…I would have made that statement based on approval at my level,” he said.

At that point in time the Municipality would have collected for the year 2013 based on its projections 40 percent of the rates and taxes for 2013, which is based on the report presented by the Municipality.

The Mayor and his team sought to give the Minister a lecture on

morality, trying to suggest that he should not be speaking on issues of accountability and transparency because of his involvement, and to quote the Mayor, ‘in a major scandal involving millions of tax payers’ dollars for the printing of law books.’

Minister Persaud explained that a bit of research would have shown that in 2001 when he was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, he signed a contract for the printing of Guyana’s law books and he did so without having the approval of the IDB because the

Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green

money was intended to have come from a loan for the Justice Improvement Programme.

“The records would show that the contract was nullified because of incorrect procedure and not a cent of taxpayers’ dollars was paid by the IDB for the printing of the law books based on that contract which I had signed,” he stated.

Minister Persaud emphasised that it is a clear fact that the PPP/C government, interested in maintaining law and order in this country, sought to hold an inquiry with regards to what went on and how he ended up signing that con-

tract.

“I was found guilty of breach of procedure and I was surcharged based on the regulations …every cent from that surcharge was paid,” he pointed out. He highlighted that that is kind of transparency that the PPP/C government ventured into.

“Mr. Hamilton Green must remember that he and his political party were described by Lord Avery as running elections in Guyana that were as crooked as barbed wire…cheated and robbed people at the ballot box…so he should not be speaking at all and questioning the au-

thority of anybody with regards to transparency and accountability and worse yet democracy,” Minister Persaud argued.

He added that the people of the city know very well how democratic has been his rule and how much he has been serving their interests.

Minister Persaud noted that the Ministry is still functioning under the legal framework Green and his people brought to bear with regards to local government in light of the fact that the Constitution was changed in 2011 but had no impact on local government. The reforms for the latter are now engaging the Select Committee of the Parliament.

“So for him to say so is downright wicked, mischievous and trying to rewrite the history of our country…trying to embarrass the intelligence of the people of this nation…Mr. Green and his select team of councillors will definitely have to answer to the people, not only of the city, but the country.” he said.

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

By Leana Bradshaw

P

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 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 important 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 valu-

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

able 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 added, “We are looking forward to the completion of this project that will be another tangible demonstration of the collaboration between the United States and the countries of the Caribbean in strengthening disaster management in the region.”

As America celebrates its independence, Ramotar said, “The revolutionaries of 1776 continue to inspire people who want freedom”, and

their achievements have encouraged Guyana’s own fight against colonialism, as he pointed to late President Dr Cheddi Jagan.

He said in the last 237 years of independence, the people of the USA have built an economy that is the largest in the world, with the most powerful military industry.

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.

“Bilateral relations

have evolved since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1966 (when Guyana achieved her independence) and I’m happy to say we enjoy friendly relations with the United States,” Ramotar said. “We must continue to strengthen this friendship, abiding always with the principles of mutual respect, understanding, and noninterference in each other’s affairs.”

Courage

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.

“Looking back since last July 4, relations between the United States and Guyana, and the U.S. and the Caribbean Community have never been closer or more dynamic,” Hardt stated.

He pointed out that in working with the people of the region, much has been accomplished and with continued mutual support, more can be done.

Hardt highlighted too the CBSI project, through which “DEA [Drug Enforcement Agency] trainers conducted a counternarcotics investigators course for Guyana’s anti-narcotics units”.

The U.S. officially celebrates its independence anniversary on July 4; however, it was on July 2, delegates to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia took the fateful step towards independence.

July 4 stands as a symbol to Americans and to many worldwide of the ideals of liberty, freedom, and independence.

12 news Trini artiste a victim of gay hate crime in NY W week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

hile gay communities cele b r a t e d last Wednesday’s US Supreme Court ruling which gave federal recognition to married same-sex couples, one Caribbean activist group has been rallying support after a hateful attack against a Trinidadian-born artiste.

New York newspaper Times Ledger reported that on June 23, Zaman Mohammed Amin suffered head injuries after his Caribbean Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual (LGBT) activist group, Chutney Pride, was attacked by a Caribbean tassa group at Players Restaurant and Bar in Richmond Hill, Queens. Amin, an East Indian dancer whose stage name is “Sundari Indian Goddess,” has

performed alongside several local chutney artistes including chutney queen Drupatee Ramgoonai.

His group, Chutney Pride, is a social organisation made up of Caribbean natives whose aim is to promote equality for LGBT communities.

According to Times Ledger, Amin was cheering on his brother Mohamed Q Amin’s boyfriend who had entered a cooking competition at the bar. It was alleged that a customer made demeaning comments about Amin’s group, and when he took offence, it drew attention to his sexual orientation.

The report stated that Amin and his brother were dragged outside the bar where members of the tassa group

news outlets, Richmond Hill police are investigating the assault as a hate crime. Despite the LGBT community claiming victory from the court nullifying of the Defence of Marriage Act, Amin’s assault was the 22nd against the city’s gay community for 2013.

T&T LGBT group condemns attack

Zaman Mohammed Amin

were engaged in an altercation with Amin’s friends. During a scuffle, a suspect allegedly seized a trophy won by one of Amin’s friends in the cooking competition and struck him. Amin received seven staples at the Jamaica Hospital to

close the gaping wound on his head.

Days after the attack, Chutney Pride and other groups held an anti-violence rally and even engaged in a placard demonstration outside the bar.

According to various

The attack has caught the attention of local LGBT group, Coalition Advocating for Inclusion of Sexual Orientation (Caiso), which said the incident was saddening because it was committed by another Caribbean group. “It is tragic that the perpetrators were also Indo-Caribbean.

They were players in a tassa band. It helps reinforce the idea of the Caribbean person as particularly homophobic.

“That kind of narrative, while it may reflect part of the reality, it often ignores the progress being made by Caribbean people in advancing equal rights for sexual minorities,” said Richie Maitland, deputy director of Caiso. Maitland also extended condolences as Caiso had collaborated with Chutney Pride in the past.

He said, “It is significant that the attack happened around the time of the US Supreme Court judgement nullifying the Defence of Marriage Act. It shows that whatever strides we have made legislatively in advancing equal rights for sexual minorities, there is still a culture of gay hate rage that is pervasive and a lot more difficult to address.” (Trinidad Guardian)

U.S.-based Guyanese makes appeal on behalf of sick children

I

Jeanette Singh (far left), founder of Three Rivers Kids Foundation, with a group of patients

f it sounds impossible to turn your home's clutter into life saving treatment for sick children in Guyana, it isn't. Guyanese native, Vanessa Sharma, is doing just that to

help Three Rivers Kids Foundation, a charitable organisation dedicated to helping sick children in Guyana whose parents are too poor to afford medical care.

Vanessa is host-

ing ‘Clear Your Clutter For A Cause’, a charity yard sale she hopes the Queens community will embrace by donating their own "clutter" to the cause. The garage sale will take place on the

weekend of July 20th between 121st and 123rd Streets on 103rd Ave. (one block from Liberty Ave.). All proceeds from the sale will help provide life-saving medical treatment to children

of Guyana who need it most.

There are hundreds of sick and poor children in Guyana who are in desperate need of life-saving medical help.

These children must be brought overseas for treatment. Most of these children suffer from lifethreatening conditions and will not survive if they do not receive the proper medical care.

"I was born in the country, I understand life there and the hardships people face and

I want to help them," Vanessa said.

To date, Three Rivers Kids Foundation has helped over 100 children receive life-saving surgery; however there are hundreds more waiting for help.

Please e-mail vanesssa20783@gmail.com or call 347-494-8025 if you'd like to donate any items to be sold at the yard sale; and please save July 20th and July 21st to come to the charity yard sale for some great deals.

Successful public/private partnership results in Sophia residents benefitting from Gy$300M dental clinic

I

n any society, acts of benevolence and kindness are appreciated by those on the receiving end, and on Tuesday residents of Pattenson, or ‘B’ Field Sophia were the happy recipients of a dental clinic that was engendered through a public / private partnership.

The residents are now able to access oral health services in their community due to the efforts of the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and United Insurance which provided the funding for the project.

The Rotary Club has been working with the community for a number of years, and also has literacy clubs in varying parts of Sophia, in keeping with the club’s mandate to improve the lives

of residents.

At the international level, Rotary has six areas of focus which include peace and conflict resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy and economic and community development.

Residents participated in the official commissioning of the Gy$300M dental clinic which is outfitted with two dental chairs.

Principal Dental Surgeon, Dr. Shameer Ali expressed his satisfaction that a project of this nature happened through a public/private partnership. He noted that this is something that is lacking in society since everyone looks to the government to address their needs, howevcontinued on page 14

News

13

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

GUILTY! Former coastguards sentenced to death for gold miner’s murder

T

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.

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.

The deliberation period commenced on 16: 27h and concluded on 17: 05h. Before handing down his sentence, Justice Holder asked the

Delon Gordon

Deon Greenidge

Sherwin Hart

accused if they had anything to say and again they proclaimed their innocence.

In court, one of the accused lawyers Latchmie Rahamat said the former army ranks will appeal the decision. According Rahamat, the pathologist who performed the autopsy on the remains of the gold miner revealed that he died on August 21, 2009.

Rahamat said the defence case will continue to hold that the coastguards are not guilty because they were in police custody on August 20, 2009.

Speaking to the court and the jury, Justice

Holder gave a detailed summary of the case.

The case commenced sharply at 10: 00h. The courtroom was packed with family members of the deceased as well as the accused coast guards.

Justice Holder told the jury that the law must be applied to the case and circumstantial evidence is important to note. He asked the jury to consider carefully the testimonies of each witness. Justice Holder told the court and the jury that 16 witnesses testified in the matter, one being a civilian who he named as pathologist Dr Vivekanand Bridgmohan and others being police

officers.

Justice Holder said the state is relying on the evidence to justify the case with the principles of law such as “Felony murder” “Common de-

Global Technology celebrates Apple’s first anniversary in Guyana is currently focusing on iPhones and other Apple products as its new technological advancements, with efficient connectivity available for data plans through their telecommunications partner, I-net telecommunications.

Dena James pulls the winner of the iPhone5

G

lobal Technology Inc., Guyana’s only authorised reseller of Apple products on Tuesday held their Fathers’ Day promotion draw for the winning prize of an iPhone5 as part of Apple’s first anniversary in Guyana.

According to Chief Executive Officer George Melville, the iPhone5 data plan will run on the I-net network, which will see full connectivity in September. “Hopefully, the I-net communications will be up for GuyExpo to offer its services,” Melville said.

In this regard, Melville revealed that another promotion draw at the end of July will see Global Technology customers having a chance to win free five meg Internet connections for a year.

The winner of the iPhone5 Anthony Islam, receipt number 94574 of Enmore, East Coast Demerara, was pulled by Dena James, a journalist at the drawing. Some of the gadgets displayed included the iPad Mini, iPad4, iPhone4 and iPhone5.

Global Technology Inc

sign-joint enterprise” being applied.

Holder said the murder of the gold miner is suspected to be a joint venture, according to the prosecution witnesses.

The judge said the prosecution case is that the accused committed the act of murder “jointly”.

Prosecutor Judith Gildharie-Mursalin represented the state’s case while Attorney Peter Hugh and Lachmie Rahamat represented the three accused.

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. Brother of the deceased, Richard Ramdass said “I really admired the way the prosecution took the evidence,” noting that losing his brother was very emotional.

He said his brother was only 23 years old when his life was brutally snatched away from him.

Ramdass said due to his brother’s death, his family diverted from gold business to construction due to fear.

14 News Preparations for Berbice Expo in full swing B

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

erbice Expo Coordinator Tajpaul Adjodhda said preparations for the upcoming trade fair are moving rapidly. The event slated for Wednesday, July 26 to 29 at the Albion Sports Complex, Berbice, is being held under the theme “Raising Our Standards, Enhancing Our Competitiveness”.

Speaking to Guyana Times International in a telephone interview

on Tuesday, Adjodhda said about 50 per cent of the booths have already been reserved, pointing out that the aim is to have about 150.

He said the response from exhibitors has been “good” so far compared to previous years, expressing hope that this year’s expo will be the largest the county has seen.

Adjodhda is optimistic that after the International Building

Expo which is scheduled for this weekend, more businesses will indicate their intention to participate in the event, as many are currently busy preparing for this weekend’s event at the Guyana National Stadium.

The Berbice Expo coordinator also disclosed that the Corentyne Chamber of Commerce is working closely with the Tourism Ministry and the Guyana Tourism

Authority (GTA) to get Venezuela and Brazil onboard.

“We are hopeful that Brazil and Venezuela will take part in the expo, currently, we are in discussions with the two countries,” he said.

Thus far, Suriname has already indicated its intention to participate in the event and has reserved about five to six booths.

The coordinator noting the importance of

the participation of foreign countries, pointed out that this will aid local and foreign businesses in building linkages.

He stated that at this year’s expo, “we are looking to promote businesses in Berbice and to build relationships with small businesses in Berbice and businesses in Georgetown.”

Apart from being a business forum, the coordinator stated that the expo will be providing

entertainment as well, highlighting that a live band will be there each night, along with several other excitements.

He said patrons have already disclosed their enthusiasm for the upcoming event. He stated too that many Berbicians overseas plan their vacation around the time of the expo.

The expo showcases the products made in Berbice and other parts of the country.

Successful public/private partnership results in Sophia...

from page 12

er the government cannot respond to everyone at the same time.

Dr. Ali illustrated that in 2006 the paediatric unit, a new department at the time, was installed at the Cheddi Jagan Dental Clinic through a private/public partnership. Contributions for that department included Colgate/Palmolive, GT&T, Rotary Club and Namilco.

“I feel proud that this community is being able to be serviced with a dental clinic which is going to be made full use of,” he said.

Dr. Ali also recognised the challenges of

the residents to travel to the dental school for services.

He indicated that the Health Ministry tries to provide oral health services all across the country, but it is not able to do so to a great extent because in Guyana there is a very small dental fraternity.

He explained that the lack of dentists was also impacted by the fact that the dentistry programme is the most expensive. Nevertheless, in 2006 the government and the University of Guyana were able to put together a Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme,

At the head table are Principal Dental Surgeon, Dr. Shameer Ali and Chief Executive Officer United Insurance, Howard Hall

and as a result top quality dentists are being trained locally.

Chief Executive Officer United Insurance Howard Hall acknowledged that the project is a good reflection of, and demonstrates how governments, NGOs and the private sector can work together to maintain and improve the wellbeing of communities, particularly at a time when the economic pressure is forcing organisations to restrict the funding they can make available towards sponsorships. In this regard, he said the company is pleased to be a part of this effort.

15 Private sector body says Deepwater harbour a matter of priority T News

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

he Private Sector Commission (PSC) is calling for crucial infrastructural development, including a deep-water 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 dramatically, 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

sive 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 said that had sugar broken even; the GDP growth rate would have been recorded at six per cent.

Faults

PSC Chairman Ronald Webster

accusations being bandied about that it is the fault of government or the opposition,� he added.

Webster mentioned that if such a situation is improperly handled, it can lead to chaos and unrest.

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

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

There was impres-

He faulted production downtime, poor yield and terrible prices as contributors to the ineffective functioning of the sugar sector.

Webster stressed how critical it is for the sugar industry to develop a high level of efficiency in the long-term.

Despite the slippages in commodity pricing, the World Bank has estimated that GDP growth will reach 5.1 per cent.

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 of 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.

16

News

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Fashion council hosts “Fit Me 2013” T

he newly-formed Guyana Fashion Designers Council on Sunday evening staged “Fit Me 2013”, the

group’s signature fashion show at the Umana Yana. The show was organised by the fashion designers council and the

Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA). The event was addressed by Human Services and Social

Fashion designers and members of the Guyana Fashion Designers Council at “Fit Me 2013”

Security Minister Jenifer Webster, GMSA President Clinton Williams, and the feature speaker was European Union Delegation Chargé d’Affaires Derek Lambe.

In his speech, Lambe outlined how EU cooperation is funding fashion design in Guyana via the Caribbean Export Development Agency.

He noted that the GMSA had obtained a grant of 30,000 euros from CEDA for capacity building in different areas, one of which is fashion design. This funding assisted in the setting up of the Guyana Fashion Designers Council, and the funds will also be used to fund capacitybuilding activities for operators in the local fash-

ion industry, including training by professionals from abroad and visits by local designers to overseas fashion centres.

In a statement, the GMSA said the CEDA grant is reimbursable.

According to the association, the grant was approved following a 2012 application it made to CEDA, the Caribbean region’s principal financier for development projects.

The funds are being provided from the 10th European Development Fund (EDF), the main instrument for providing “community aid” for development cooperation in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries.

During the first quarter of 2013, the GMSA

began the initial outreach to local designers and soon thereafter, the Guyana Fashion Designers Council was formed principally to provide a platform that will allow all designers to speak with one voice, to organise capacitybuilding programmes, secure technical expertise, participate in overseas activities, and find foreign markets.

Certain milestones were set out by Caribbean Export in order to qualify for funding, one of which is the establishment of the council which will be registered shortly. The council must also raise the ‘seed capital’ to build the capacity and competitiveness of the fashion designers cluster.

News

17

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Surinamese butchery opens outlet in Guyana – investment pegged at Gy$ 240M G

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-base 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 sells 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, semi-cooked from Suriname, along with various delectable pastries made from different meats and cheese.

Bussiness opportunity

Owner of the Rossignol Butcheries franchise, Gerrald Van Dijk, told Guyana Times International 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.

Apart from providing top quality meat, the state-of-the-art butchery also provides employment to 14 Guyanese. The butchery will also provide market for local farmers, from

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

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 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, acknowledged the hassle persons faced at the border and assured the busi-

nessmen that the issue is currently being addressed.

He said that the establishment of a Rossignol Butcheries in Guyana is an improvement of cross border activities between the two countries.

Dr Ramsammy pointed out that Guyanese welcome the establishment of the high quality butchery, as it seeks an improvement in qual-

ity and services. “People want better standards, people demand better standards and that is why more and more people are shopping in supermarkets rather than corner stores and community markets… it’s because we do desire better service.”

The minister disclosed that when it comes to quality meat, Guyana is the only World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) certified Caricom country, while adding that Guyana is on the verge of receiving another certificate from the OIE.

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.

18

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

19

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

20

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

news

21

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Fly Guyana to begin operations in October Big mouth does get small sometimes

I

t got some people in life who just always got a big mouth. People does call dem loud mouth. Plenty of de loud mouths does also be lewd mouths.

Well, it got plenty loud and lewd mouths in de media… especially de newspapers. This week alone, one of de loud mouths write a set of tings bout a girl who had a cruel attack pun de road. The girl still deh in hospital and de loud mouths start gossipin.

What de loud mouths didn’t know was that de girl had people who coulda stand up fuh she. But de loud mouths play big bully and didn’t even wanna say sorry.

De same loud mouths also turn up in Parliament and hear one story bout a government official, then go back and write sum ting else. Is like dem mouth so loud that dem ears does can’t hear what people sayin. Well, dis was Parliament, so de loud mouths had to kneel down and beg… plus put it in writin.

Finally, de loud mouths turn up in court. Dis time, every ting dem hear dem write… word fuh word. Not a word ain’t leff out. Dem even write what dem not supposed to write.

But dem judges and magistrates does don’t mek joke when any body try to mess wid dem wuk. It turn out to be de same loud mouths who does want fuh cuss out one Brazzy, who don’t bother to cuss back. Well, dis other Brazzy in de court don’t tek bullyin. Was pay up time or jail time.

A reporter seh one of de loud mouths woulda prefer to tek de jail time, because he woulda enjoy life fuh 14 days straight! But another loud mouth pay de fine and tek it out he salary! Ting-a-ling-aling… friend tell friend… mattie tell mattie! And look out fuh all de loud mouth people dis week!

F

Airline representative Harry Chowbey makes the announcement about Fly Jamaica

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 mes-

sage 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) contin-

ue 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 procedures 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)

Govt officials interface with Demerara River communities

T

he Local Government and Regional Development Ministry embarked on another leg of its outreaches in the Demerara River where five teams of ministers and regional officials visited and interacted with residents on both sides of the river.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) report, Local Government and Regional Development Ministry Permanent Secretary Colin Croal engaged with the residents of Low Wood and Princess Carolina, both of which are predominantly farming communities.

Solar panel

While at Low Wood, Croal recalled that the community was visited last November and a request was made for a solar panel for the village’s primary school. That request has since been fulfilled.

He emphasised that during his last visit to the community, it was observed that construction was being carried out on the teachers’ quarters and the health post. He

Local Government and Regional Development Ministry Permanent Secretary Colin Croal engage residents of Princess Carolina, Demerara River during a ministerial outreach

pointed out that thus far, phase one of the project is complete but the fittings and plumbing works are yet to be installed.

Additional staff for both institutions will also be finalised shortly.

Croal emphasised that those projects are investments being made by the government in communities regardless of their location and the challenges being faced.

He highlighted that in the region’s work programme, upgrades will be done on the Low Wood Primary school, and it is anticipated that by the end of July, work will start.

While the much needed infrastructure is being put in place, attention also has to be paid on the environment.

This, he indicated is the partnership that is

required between the government and the community, that is to keep the environment clean and to ensure that parents send their children to school regularly and the health facility is adequately utilised. Both of these provisions are intended to make the lives of the people better. In this regard, Croal urged the residents to return to the days of communi-

ty spirit.

Long-term planning

Meanwhile at Princess Carolina, he noted that the Local Government Ministry through the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) is responsible for the entire country, so anything that takes place in the communities is the business of the ministry.

He indicated that

while all the requests and concerns cannot be sorted out immediately, there are some that require long-term planning and budget allocations while others can be dealt with by the residents themselves.

In 2013, the village’s primary school will benefit from repairs. Croal urged the headteacher to collect a copy of the unpriced bill of quantities so as to eliminate the blame game, mis-information and the community would be fully aware of the project.

He emphasised that even though the school’s population is low, government is still investing in the school so as to ensure that every child has access to education and this is in tandem with the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) that targets education.

In relation to agriculture, each of the visiting teams had an agriculture extension officer to answer to the concerns raised in that field and based on the feedback, the Agriculture Ministry will schedule an engagement with the residents.

22

News

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Glory days for sugar not over – Dr Ramsammy

F

aced with the recurring low production and dire financial problems of the sugar industry, 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 than 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.

Renowned singer Sami Yusuf

G

Economic development

Production

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

Sami Yusuf to perform live in Guyana

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

The singer will be 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-year- old 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

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

“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, 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.

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

persons who seem to be happy with the company’s situation.

Total production for 2012 was 218,070 tonnes, a contraction of 7.8 per cent.

This was attributed to industrial relations disruptions and inclem-

ent 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.

“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 sports development, or contributing to community needs.

Workers have put their lives into the industry, thus, honouring them is necessary, he noted.

GuySuCo Chief Human Resources Manager Stacy London commended the workers who have gone the extra mile to achieve outputs over the past year.

London urged other workers to continue to work to the best of their

ability and to take example from their colleagues, so that the estate can surpass its target.

London stressed that the workers need to work beyond the call of duty in order to improve the company’s image.

GuySuCo Chairman Rajendra Singh congratulated the champion workers as well. He said that even as the company celebrates its workers, they should use the event to reflect on what was done wrong and how they can improve on production.

Singh urged workers to work together in order to effectively correct the situation that caused the decrease in production.

He said the board, management, unions, workers and stakeholders should bond with the same objectives and take the industry to recovery.

The workers were also presented with certificates and other prizes.

Wakenaam farmers focusing on largescale coconut cultivation

F

armers on the island of Wakenaam, Region Two, are focusing on large-scale cultivation of coconut so as to cash-in on the demand for the commodity in the region and further afield.

The farmers told Guyana Times International that rice cultivation on the island is facing troubling times, and as such, they have switched their attention to coconut cultivation.

Coconut farmers from Marias Pleasure, Wakenaam, said they are cultivating huge acres of coconut, with one farmer, Diabee Persaud informing this publication that he is cultivating 10 acres alone.

Persaud said the main reason for planting more coconut on the Island is due to the easy access to market.

Persaud said coconut plants need less attention and the price for a coconut on the market is increasing.

The farmer, who also cultivates rice, said his coconut farm gives him less trouble than his rice field.

He said marketing rice on the island is “troublesome”, pointing out that there is only one major buyer of paddy on the island. On the contrary, he said, there is a ready market for coconut, with a price of Gy$ 20 per nut.

While on the island, Guyana Times

Diabee Persaud

International caught up with two major coconut buyers, who said they have secured a market for dried coconut in Dominica.

According to Gomattie Persaud, on a weekly basis, she purchases in excess of 200,000 tonnes of dried coconuts from the island.

Persaud said she

managed to secure the market in Dominica, where she supplies a company on West Coast of Demerara, and it in turn incurred the expenses of shipping the coconut to Dominica.

She has been purchasing dried coconut on the island for some seven years, and during those years, Persaud said her business has been doing well.

The businesswoman said she has encouraged many persons on the island to get involved in coconut cultivation as there is a demand for the commodity in the region.

Persaud currently has 10 persons in her employ, whom she said carefully select and grade the coconuts.

Another large-scale

coconut buyer, Deodad Singh, who was visiting the island to make his purchase, said he purchases over 40,000 tonnes of dried coconuts from the island every week.

He also supplies the Dominican market. Like Persaud, he grades the coconuts and pays similar prices.

Singh has been buying coconut from the island for the past two years.

Farmers said they enjoy planting coconut since it is marketable and it can grow easily on the island. Due to the ready marketing opportunities on the island, many farmers are putting more and more lands under coconut cultivation.

A coconut cultivation on Wakenaam

news

23

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEW GPC INC Guyana has a bright future ahead appoints general – Ali tells thousands gathered at manager Trade and Tourism Expo in NY

T

N

Ravie Ramcharitar

EW GPC INC has appointed finance executive Ravie Ramcharitar as its general manager. This appointment comes at a time when the company is rapidly expanding in Guyana and will see the general manager taking responsibility for growth in one of the company’s key business segments.

Ravie, as he is fondly known, has a reputation for versatility and is actively involved in the decision-making machinery of the company. He has been a senior executive with the NEW GPC and the Queens Atlantic Investment Inc (QAII) group since January 2000.

He has held positions previously in finance and administration.

Ramcharitar also serves as a director at QAII and its subsidiaries.

Ramcharitar is a

professional accountant by training. He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and member of the Certified General Accountants (CGA).

The NEW GPC, via Limacol, recently announced its title sponsorship of the inaugural Caribbean Premier League Twenty20 (CPL T20) competition and the acquisition of the Guyana franchise, the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

This is a big and necessary boost for cricket and tourism in the region and will also see the company’s products being promoted even further on the international stage.

The board of directors, management and staff of the NEW GPC, as well as the entire QAII group, congratulate Ramcharitar on his most recent appointment.

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, other 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 gathering at the grand opening ceremony, acting 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

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,” he added.

Developments

Guyanese craft items attract patrons at the expo

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,” Minister Ali announced.

Ali spoke of the record in arrivals last year, when Guyana was leading the 32 member Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) countries in arrivals, with several recordbreaking 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, excluding 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,” he added.

In closing, Minister

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.

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.

Judicial backlog a problem not only in Guyana – Professor Hamilton – AG says govt taking steps to enhance justice system

By Michael Younge

U

niversity of London Law Professor Jenny Hamilton said the challenges which arise as a result of having to deal with a backlog of cases in the judicial and a relatively slow justice system are not unique to Guyana or the wider Caribbean.

Dr Hamilton was at the time speaking during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times International while on a business visit to Guyana to shed more light on the University of London’s relationship with Nations University to provide its law degree programme to Guyanese at an affordable cost and on flexible terms.

Access to justice

“I think this is an issue that is not peculiar to Guyana. It affects just

about every other country in the world. In the United Kingdom, there are similar issues about access to justice, the speed of the courts and there was a very influential reforms programme which commenced in the UK to address these,” she said.

Hamilton’s comments come on the heels of heated debates and public exchanges about the state of the country’s judiciary and the need for more to be done to enhance citizens’ access to speedy justice and an effective administration system.

She alluded to the system in England while highlighting the fact that several other aggressive reforms have taken shape in the sector to ensure citizens and their communities benefit from quality representation and an effective-

ly functioning judiciary which she noted is critical in the world today.

Professor Hamilton declared too that developing countries must accept that justice must not only be “procedural” in nature, but must also be speedy and substantial.

“It’s not just a case of being able to get to court quickly, but it’s a case of being able to get substantial justice when you get to court,” she said.

“It is a challenge,” she continued, as she lauded Nations University for seeking to provide Guyanese with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the law and to have access to a legal education which would empower their activism while strengthening their understanding of their rights.

Not automatic

Asked about the need

to improve the functional quality of students that leave these law programmes and attempt to practice, Dr Hamilton said that mastering theory and the basic requirements of a programme do not mean that one will automatically have the ability to be a skilled communicator or public speaker.

Using the law degree offered by the University of London, which started some 100 years ago, Professor Hamilton said that young lawyers have to demonstrate that they have the competency and ability to perform after acquiring the degree.

Meanwhile, Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall has endorsed the sentiments expressed

by Professor Hamilton.

Speaking with this newspaper from New York on Saturday, Nandlall said

Professor Jenny Hamilton

the problem with the backlog of cases has been recognised in Guyana and the Caribbean and governments are actively implementing measures to deal with it.

Guyana, he reminded, has embarked on a series of such initiatives which include paying judges an incentive to deal with and dispose of cases that are in the system for a long period of

time and effecting legislative changes designed to augment speedy judicial disposal of cases.

The attorney general, who is also the legal affairs minister, reported that government had commenced a process which would see the establishment of more specialised courts where cases in a particular area of law are dealt with by these entities.

24

News

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Caricom has much to celebrate as it marks 40 anniversary – Secretary General Small days still on dem mind

A

still deh pun people mind, and that small days is a “good, good” time. That song is a nice song and plenty people like it, but while it might be true fuh some people, it ain’t true fuh all people.

That is because some people had good small days and some had bad small days. And dem who never had good small days does want to mek up in de days when dem grow up, or tink that dem grow up. So that is why some of dem does end up behaving like nevah see come fuh see when dem grow up.

Well, in Guyana it got some people around who never had good small days. That is why now that dem grow up dem still ain’t really grow up. Dem does behave like dem is bad boys and can do any ting, seh any ting, and write any ting bout any body.

Some of dem does even run to people in other countries to complain bout other people and bout de guvament. And when dem in Guyana, dem always behaving like a big bully who want to bad talk people and tell dem what to do and what not to do.

Dem boys who seh dem is boys tink dem grow up and dem does really want to behave like bad boys and does talk a lot and write a lot bout people who dem ain’t like or who dem jealous of. But life is strange and what does go around does come around. Old people seh yuh must never wish fuh people sum ting that yuh don’t wish fuh yuself.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling… friend tell friend… mattie tell mattie! Well, after all, it turn out that dem boys who seh dem is boys play bad boys wid a real bad boy. Now de whole country know who had to kneel down and beg. But one of dem boys seh dem like de kneelin down part!

T

he opening ceremony for the 34th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Governments of Caricom was held on Wednesday evening in Trinidad and Tobago where Guyana’s Head of state Donald Ramotar joined his colleague Heads at the St Ann’s Conference Center.

Delivering opening remarks, Caricom’s Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque called on the leaders of member states to remember that for 40 years, Caricom has been building a foundation and has a base upon which they can build a sustainable future.

“There is also much to celebrate at this milestone in our integration process. We have persevered. We have kept the faith. We have demonstrated clearly the benefits of our co-operation and collaboration. We have responded, time and again to whatever challenges were before us, and used our unity to exercise influence in the global diplomatic arena way above our size,” he said.

President Donald Ramotar among Caricom Heads of Government at the opening ceremony of the 34th Heads of Government Conference in Trinidad and Tobago

A m b a s s a d o r LaRocque said the grouping could boast of being the longest surviving integration alliance among developing countries and second only to the European Union in global terms. “The programmes of functional co-operation and common services have deepened and expanded in health, disaster management, agriculture, the environment and education to name a few. We have maintained the concept of negotiating as a bloc and have trade agreements as CARICOM with six countries as well as numerous technical cooperation agreements”.

As part of efforts to improve Caricom, a fiveyear strategic plan for the Community, the first in its existence according to the ambassador is being implemented, “Relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, flexibility, responsiveness, innovation and creativity, all aimed at providing improved service to our people, is the goal of this reform process. The people centered approach to development is the driver of the change that we are striving to provide. It

is at the heart of our integration arrangements and our agenda item at this meeting on treatment of persons with disabilities demonstrates our continued concern at the highest level for the welfare of our citizens”.

Incoming Chairperson of Caricom, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla PersadBissessar reminded attendees that, “There is strength in unity is no cliché, testimony to the vision of what is possible when we contemplate our development as an inclusive entity,” noting that as the world faces a variety of challenges, Caricom members must be ready to stand as one.

She cited successes in the areas of health, security and foreign policy from which member states have benefitted.

She urged fellow leaders to consider the proposed membership of the Dominican Republic along with the French and Dutch Caribbean Islands, to increase its strength and economic capabilities. “With our numbers, it means our markets will increase and when our markets and our production increase,

manufacturing increases then the quality of life of our citizens will also be uplifted…when we look at the Caribbean Sea which unites us, it must never ever be seen to divide us. Our people remain resilient; they remain unwavering in the embrace of the guiding principles and objectives of a Caribbean community, which is why this meeting is so critical”.

In closing, she reminded attendees that Caricom is a work in progress and members should remain united, working together to make it an even greater force in the world community, “I say, in the Caricom, we are one people, we are one nation and we are one community”.

Working sessions begin on June 4 and end on July 6. The Heads of Government are expected to lead that assessment and provide direction on a new approach during this meeting which is being held as the Community celebrates 40 years of integration in the country where the founding Treaty of Chaguaramas was signed in July 1973.

Corentyne rape accused freed

T

he accused in the Corentyne rape and buggery trial was on Friday set free by a mixed Berbice jury last Friday.

The jury returned a unanimous verdict of notguilty after deliberating for 30 minutes on the evidence following guidance

by Justice Dawn GregoryBarnes.

On trial was 29-yearold Fazil Roy Hussain of Olverston Village, Corentyne. He was accused of committing the two acts on his ex-lover between April 27 and 28, 2009. The state’s case, which was presented by State Prosecutor Diana Kaulesar, was that the victim was walking along the road with an aunt when the accused rode up to her on a bicycle car-

Fazil Roy Hussain

rying a cutlass and demanded that she go with him on his bicycle.

He then took her to the Liverpool Community Centre where the acts were committed.

The defence, led by Attorney Sasha Roberts, contended that what transpired was consensual sex and not rape.

In his evidence, Hussain said he no lon-

ger lives with the lady who has accused him of the act and is now married. When they were living together, he had plans to marry her, but she left for Suriname and was now pursuing him. “I did not accept that proposal [of reigniting the relationship]. She was upset with me for marrying.”

Hussain told the court that on the night in question, the VC hailed him when he was riding along the road and told him that she had not had sex for the past three months.

“She is the one who suggested that we go to the community centre, because we used to go there before we were living together.” He also told the court that he did not have anal sex with her that night.

NEWS

25

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

National Competitiveness Council calls for more value-added exports per cent of exports and 69 per cent of GDP,” the council stated.

It added that the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) has also been creating many competitive threats for Guyana.

T

The National Competitiveness Council meeting with President Donald Ramotar at the recent quarterly meeting

he National Competitiveness Council believes that Guyana can become more successful if it develops a more robust value-added export industry. While various sectors have comparative advantages due to the availability of land, water, competitive wages, and an advantageous position as a potential exporter to Caricom, Guyana has not been successful at building up competitive advantages.

The council said that what is needed is a longterm strategic analysis and planning by government, along with effective and vigorous private sector entrepreneurship

through the formulation of policies aimed at enhancing national competitiveness and diversification of the economy.

Progress

According to the council, important progress has been made locally in recent years in managing the process of adjustment to the new world economic environment.

This has been undertaken through the exercise of fiscal discipline, improvements in the environment for private investment, reform of the tax system, creation of a property market, investing in basic education and infrastructure, and boosting productivity in

traditional sectors of the economy.

However, the council is of the opinion that urgent and pressing challenges remain to be tackled, including the economic imperative of improving national competitiveness and diversifying the economy.

“Whilst economic diversification has long been and remains a major aspiration of Guyana’s policymakers, as a country, we have historically been highly dependent on the exports of only a handful of natural resource commodities. This continues today with sugar, gold, rice, shrimp, timber and bauxite accounting for 86

The council feels that along with the challenges of globalisation also come opportunities to tap into international markets and take advantage of increasing capital and technology flows which can lead to greater

income and employment opportunities.

It said that Caricom’s flagship CSME can create a single economic space which provide access to a market of over 14 million consumers, continued on page 26

26

NEWS

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

APNU MPs fan out to Regions One, Eight

O

pposition Leader Brigadier David Granger was part of a team of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Members of Parliament (MPs) on a “fan out” exercise in Regions One and Eight. According to a release from the coalition, Granger’s team visited Mabaruma and the surrounding areas.

During the visit, APNU MPs met with residents and held several community meetings to inform them of the partnership’s activities in the National Assembly and stance on several key issues, especially those of interest to the people of BarimaWaini.

At several community meetings, APNU criticised the state of health-care, education, unemployment (especially, youth unemployment), the high cost of living, poor condition of the roads in the region, the lack of 24 hour electricity in Mabaruma and the surrounding areas.

The APNU called on the government of Guyana to set up technical and vocational schools in the BarimaWaini region and to improve the delivery of education by having more

trained teachers assigned to schools there.

The APNU reiterated its call for an enquiry into the annual gastroenteritis epidemics in the region that cause great pain and suffering to residents, especially in the Kaituma area.

The coalition also implored the government to address poor regional infrastructure, especially the main road that links Mabaruma and the surrounding communities and the Kamaka stelling, which is still to be completed. The partnership called for a new and reliable ferry service to replace the aging and problematic Lady North cote, giving residents much needed relief when travelling to and from Georgetown and farmers a reliable source of transportation for their produce.

The APNU team that visited Mabaruma, included Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Amna Ally, James Bond, Renitta Williams, Jennifer Wade and Sydney Allicock.

Another team of APNU MPs headed by Volda Lawrence visited Port Kaituma, Matthews Ridge sub-region while yet another team headed

by Ronald Bulkan travelled to Region Eight.

National Competitiveness Council calls for... from page 25

encourage international standards of production and allow for a more efficient utilisation of regional resources.

Over time, Guyana can enjoy increased access to capital, skills, and other contributions and benefits from across the region as well as the strengthening of the legal framework to facilitate the pooling of Caricom resources, which can result in a more effective community during international negotiations.

Integration

The council said that such an environment will provide the platform to enable Guyana and the entire Caribbean community to integrate effectively and competitively with the rest of the global economy by creating the conditions which enable goods and services to be competitive in both intra-regional and extraregional markets.

“It is necessary to chart a new way forward to generate a new momentum for growth and prosperity that is consistent with these more challenging competitive

realities, with the ultimate objective of delivering a better quality of life for all Guyanese.”

The National Competiveness Strategy came into being in 2006 after a multi-stakeholder forum with various private sector representatives pouring several ideas out for the enhancement of Guyana’s economic outlook.

The challenge, however, over the years has been the implementation of the strategy by the National Competitiveness Council.

Executives of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) described the strategy as one of the most articulate and well-written documents. The chamber believes that the strategy aptly encapsulated the deficiencies of the economy and the measures that are to be taken to reverse this trend.

However, the business community called for an acceleration of the work of the council in relation to the implementation of the ideas.

27

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

28

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

29

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

30

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

31

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

32

Feature

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Physiotherapist Beverly Nelson of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation explains her department’s mandate and her love for what she does

T

he Rehabilitation Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is a key department within our medical sector in Guyana.

Professional therapists provide timely, restorative medical techniques, in helping persons with temporary or permanent disabilities, heal both physically and emotionally.

Equipped with medical therapy experts, the Rehabilitation Department offers effective, modernized programmes. Of note is Beverly Nelson, the principal physiotherapist of the department.

Nelson has been working in physiotherapy for more than 20 years.

She initially worked for a number of years in her hometown of New Amsterdam, and about 10 years ago, was transferred to Georgetown.

She started off working as a physiotherapy assistant and moved up in the profession. Excelling in a two-year training

programme in Guyana, Nelson was granted a scholarship for a threeyear professional programme in physiotherapy in Jamaica. About two years ago, she graduated with her Masters in Physiotherapy.

“You have to like what you do before you can be committed to it.

This job requires lots of patience. Sometimes we have patients who may become depressed because, to them, they’re not getting better. This requires not only being able to offer physical rehabilitation, but also emotional. For me, it has been a rewarding career,” Nelson declared in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

The physiotherapist explained that her department offers occupational therapy, speech therapy, audiology, and medical rehabilitation for persons with temporary or permanent disabilities. She noted that patients include those with temporary disabil-

ities, those who have been privately referred to her department for medical rehabilitation, persons suffering from a stroke, and those with speech problems. There is also occupational therapy which is the use of treatments to develop, recover, or maintain the daily living and work skills of patients with a physical, mental or developmental condition.

The therapists also use a variety of modalities to help treat their patients. These modalities, which comprise hot/cold packs and electrical stimulation, can help strengthen, relax, and heal muscles.

Additionally, the modern equipment at the gym at GPHC is vitally necessary in the healing process.

Nelson sees more than 40 patients on a daily basis and has worked with famous athletes such as pro cricketer Ramnaresh Sarwan, who was required to undergo remedial phys-

iotherapy treatment, due to an injury he sustained while playing.

“We assess the injuries and work not only to treat these but to find the reason for the injuries, so that they can avoid doing so again.

I’m happy when rehabilitation brings joy to families. I recall a patient, who had a fracture to his pelvis, who came in on a stretcher, but left us walking without the use of aids. Our department has certainly developed over the years and some credit must go to the Ministry of Health for their support in providing timely resources. Right now I think we are on par with any rehab department in the Caribbean,” she conveyed.

Nelson encourages persons who need the services of her department to seek its help as it aids in living healthy lives. She pointed out that persons maybe be hesitant because they may have the misconception that it is pricey.

Beverly Nelson and fellow physiotherapist Ernesto Campo Gonzalez

Nelson disclosed that those going to GPHC pay only $40 (Guyana) dollars for the entire duration of their therapy session. She added that there are similar departments in all administrative regions of Guyana and the services at those locations are free.

Discussing the challenges faced by her department, Nelson revealed that there is an urgent need for more professionals in the areas of occupational therapy and speech therapy.

She stated, that a core of professionals, to guide staff, are also needed.

The department recently completed its celebration of its 10th rehabilitation week.

Informative booths were placed in front of Republic Bank, lectures on coping skills for staff were done at GPHC, and a charity drive, among other activities, were done in commemoration of the week.

The importance of early detection of ill health was underscored during the week; this under the theme, “Rehabilitation Moving Forward: New Ventures, New Technologies”.

Nelson pointed out that early detection means early intervention, and she believes early intervention helps to decrease the number of complications resulting from various disabilities.

Feature

33

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Kissoon Annual Charity Golf Tournament raises funds for

those in need in Guyana, Canada and other parts of the world

T

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 home land.

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 tournament 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. The after-golf banquet had grown substantially. Many supporters,

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

who do not golf, would attend, just to be part of this very special event.

Sugrim Kissoon was a devout 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 decided 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 assists a number of deserving high

Unwind…Have Fun…Be Entertained Enjoy a great summer day at Central Park Bandshell Peace in the Park: Be Free…Be Light…Be Happy Friday, July 26, 2013

S

hake off the stress of the city and find serenity at “Peace in the Park,” an oasis of calm and spirituality in Central Park on the afternoon of Friday, July 26, 2013.

Peace in the Park attendees can: • Sit in a peaceful space and be transported to an experience of inner calm and love • Relax and enjoy live music that soothes the mind and energizes the spirit.

• Listen to small talks with big ideas...30 minute life changers.

• Discover their inherent qualities; qualities that give you the power to see the light of the future.

• Live...love...laugh...while learning ways to a happier, healthier, and more harmonious life.

• Participate in fun and uplifting activities, for kids and families, that fire up the imagination.

Brahma Kumaris open their arms in offering you and your family an

opportunity to recharge amid the natural beauty of Central Park. Peace in the Park will run from 12noon to 7pm, and individuals are encouraged to drop by and explore at their leisure.

The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU) is an international organization founded in India in 1936.

It currently has a network of 8,500 centers in more than 108 countries. The organisation works at all levels of society seeking to bring about positive change.

The BKWSU is a non-governmental organization of the United Nations, in general consultative status with the Economic and Social Council and in consultative status with UNICEF. The work of the Brahma Kumaris is inspired by a vision of the world where every individual can develop to his or her full potential as a human being and live in harmony with others and the world.

Courses and programs are offered free of charge and focus on developing the “whole person” by emphasizing a process of self-discovery of one's inner qualities and abilities through the method of Raja Yoga Meditation.

school students, who will be going on to college or university. The scholarship is 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 an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

“In addition, this year we are partnering with the Brampton Flower City Rotary Club, of which I am the president, to give 10 deserving scholarships to graduating high school students going on to college or university. We have also assisted an orphanage in India this year for the first time,” he added.

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.

For more information on the work of the Kissoon family visit www.kissoongolftournament.com

34

Arts & Culture

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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)

Guyanese artist Karr Dyal

U

S-based 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 Arts and graduated with a Diploma in Fine Arts. He also graduated with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts 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 an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine,Dyal mentioned that his art as well as his professional career, got a significant start, just after finishing high school and becomCanecutter (2000)

ing a student of the Burrowes School of Arts. While a student at Burrowes, one year later, he was appointed art master of St. Roses High School and the following 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, that “Migrating from Guyana to the United States of America many years ago and clinging to most of my traditional values, I continue to be efferves-

Guyanese artist Karr Dyal

cent 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 simulacrum through art in the new land.”

Harmony Stride (1998)

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” commissioned by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union in 1999. In 2002, “Canecutter”, a 5-foot 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 Indo-Caribbean 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.”

Feminine Synopse (2002)

Travel & Tourism

35

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

T

he Mazaruni River is a tributary of the Essequibo River in northern Guyana. Its source is in the remote western forests of the Pakaraima Mountains, and its confluence, with the Cuyuni River, is near Bartica.

The Roraima plateau is also the source of the Mazaruni River. The Mazaruni River drops down from each Roraima plateau through three steep sided canyons with many picturesque falls and creeks.

It also flows over three distinct habitats: the flat tops of Roraima plateau, known as “tepuis”, the lower two plateaus and the low lands. Each habitat is characterized by its own vegetation.

The habitats are fantastic lands of rain swept sandstone eroded into forms with exotic plants and savannahs with bands of canopy jungle where beautiful orchids are found.

The iron hydroxide stained brown waters of Mazaruni are home to many fish species. The most abundant are the large and dangerous black electric eels (numfish), piry (relative of piranha cutleback), haimara, and baiara. However, the most famous fish is lau-lau, with specimens weighing up to 200 kg.

Mazaruni River waters are also home to the largest water snake, the anaconda, known locally as “water kamudi”; large herds of wild pigs – peccaries, sometimes in large groups of a few hundred, live on swampy flats of the Mazaruni River.

Many monkeys, of which the howling monkey is the noisiest, inhabit tree tops, sharing the space with many types of birds. Pairs of red, yellow and blue macaws add to the kaleidoscope of life at the Mazaruni River.

Mazaruni River at Aruwai Falls (Photo by Cody H)

Early sunset over the jungle canopy, a view from near Olive Creek on the Mazaruni River (Photo by Cody H)

Mazaruni River rapids

Picturesque view of the river

A serene section of the Mazaruni River (Photo by Cody H)

36

fun time

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

This week's Crossword

J k es

Test time

In class one day, Mr. Johnson pulled Johnny over to his desk after a test, and said, “Johnny I have a feeling that you have been cheating on your tests.”

Johnny was astounded and asked Mr. Johnson to prove it. “Well, said Mr. Johnson, I was looking over your test and the question was, ‘Who was our first president?’, and the little girl that sits next to you, Mary, put ‘George Washington,’ and so did you.”

“So, everyone knows that he was the first president.”

“Well, just wait a minute,” said Mr. Johnson.

“The next question was, ‘Who freed the slaves?’

Mary put Abraham Lincoln and so did you.”

“Well, I read the history book last night and I remembered that,” said Johnny.

“Wait, wait,” said Mr. Johnson. “The next question was, ‘Who was president during the Louisiana Purchase?’ Mary put ‘I don't know,’ and you put, ‘Me neither’.”

Old blue

This week's Puzzle

A man was opening a wildlife park and needed a bear for an exhibit. He called some hunters and asked them if they could recommend someone who specialized in taking big game alive.

They told him about a man that was a little unorthodox but the best in the business. He called the specialist and made arrangements to meet him at a spot in the woods where a bear had recently been spotted.

After waiting a while an old beat up pickup backed in next to him. An old man jumped out and started unloading an unusual assortment of items. He took out a feather, some rope, a gun, and an old hunting dog.

“What are you going to do with all of this?” asked the park owner.

"Well this is Old Blue,” the old man said referring to the dog,” He's the best tracking dog there ever was. He is going to track the bear down and run him up a tree. Then I'm going to climb the tree with this feather and start tickling the bear.

That will loosen his grip and he will fall out of the tree. Old Blue is trained to lunge between his legs as soon as he hits the ground and bite down with all of his might. The bear will throw his arms up in pain. That's when you take the rope and tie him up and we've got him." The old man said.

"Wait a minute" Said the park owner. I want to take the bear alive. What's the gun for?" The old man looks at the gun and says "That's in case the bear knocks me out of the tree first.........then you shoot Old Blue!"

Big family

Flying home from France on a recent trip, I noticed a rather haggard looking mom walking into the customs area with eight children-- all under age 10. Collecting their many suitcases, the nine of them entered the cramped customs area.

A young customs official watched the large entourage in disbelief, ''Ma'am,'' he said, ''do all these children and this luggage belong to you?'' ''Yes, sir,'' the lady said with a sigh, ''they're all mine.''

The customs agent began his interrogation: ''Ma'am, do you have any weapons, contraband or drugs in your possession?'' ''Sir,'' she calmly answered, ''if I'd had any of those items, I would have used them by now.''

Made in where?

see solution on page 46

A three-year-old boy went with his dad to see a litter of puppies. On returning home, he breathlessly informed his mother, "There were 2 boy puppies and 2 girl puppies."

"How did you know?" his mother asked.

"Daddy picked them up and looked underneath," he replied. "I think it's printed on the bottom."

Feature

37

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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’ performed to a much smaller crowd. Narell felt they brought something

ple were really enjoying it...and we enjoyed ourselves. It felt like a really 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 for-

Lionel Richie performing at the St Kitts Music Festival. (Photo: St Kitts Music Festival)

different to the festival.

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

"It felt really nice out there. Like the peo-

mer Windies manager, Skerritt talked about cricket while ‘Relator’ belted out his famous cricket song.

"The cricket is part of our culture, so it 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 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)

38

Scenes from the Guyana Trade & Tourism Expo in N.Y.

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Scenes from the Guyana Trade & Tourism Expo in N.Y.

39

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

40

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

feature

41

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

gotiate 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 disarmament, 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

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

T

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 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 ne-

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 human 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)

42

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

feature

43

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

O

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

Helena as a young lady in Guyana

Portuguese arrived here 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 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 social-

ized 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 an interview with

Guyana Times Sunday Magazine. “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 memoir, 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 explained. “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 intentionally written to preserve the language from

The author with her book

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.

Included in the book is a glossary of terms, providing readers with insight and translation of the colloquialisms and vernacular used throughout the book.

In addition to docu-

menting Guyanese culture, Martin also aims to bring readers back to simpler times. “The majority of today’s society is totally focused on achieving happiness through material possessions. My book will show the importance of good ol’ family values and friendship.”

Email the author at helenjon21@yahoo.com. au for more information on her book.

44

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

News

45

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

GABPC hosts Sixth Annual Awards Dinner in NY

S

ome 250 business executives and persons from the legal, academic and cultural professions in New York came together to celebrate the achievements of six awardees.

The ladies were fashionably dressed in shades of green while the men were elegantly attired with green ties, shirts or pocket handkerchiefs.

The theme for the evening was “Forging Links into the Green Age”.

Hon. Peter Vallone, NY City Councilman District 22 made a special appearance and congratulated the organisation and the six individuals/ organisations , who were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions in health and scientific research, entrepreneurship and business advocacy, community representation and active concern for the environment.

Dr. Deborah Persaud, MD, an immigrant from Guyana and a graduate of York College, Queens, New York, said, “I view my life as being part of

Standing from left: Darshan Chickery, David Beldi, VP of Missions Bon Secours VA, Viberd Bernard, Patrick Ramlall, COL Thomas Auer, MD, Leyland Halzewood, Dr. Ingram Hazlewood, Mark Chandarpal, Jame Secreto, Asst. Chief of Police Patrol Boro Qns South.

Sitting: Joann McCaffery, Director of Diversity Bon Secours Health System, Camile Grippon, Director of Ecology& Diversity, Bon Secours Health System, Dr. Deborah Persaud, MD, Shanie Persaud and TD Bank Representative.

the ‘American Dream’ where miracles can happen and hard work is recognised and rewarded”.

Time Magazine has named Dr. Persaud, the John Hopkins Children’s Center HIV expert, virol-

ogist and infectious disease specialist as one of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2013.

Jack Friedman, Executive Director the Queens Chamber of Commerce was honoured for his advocacy and con-

tributions to the business community.

Other honourees were; Patrick Ramlall, CEO, Rams Bottled Water philanthropy and community consciousness; Mark Chandarpaul, CEO, Go

Solar Green NY in recognition of environmentally conscious business model for new small business; Bon Secours Virginia Health System for their excellence and leadership of the environment. James Gennaro, New York Council Member and recipient of the 2013 Environmental Quality award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was honoured for his public service and work as Chairman of NY City Council’s Committee on Environmental Protection.

TD Bank, one of the awardees was singled out for its outstanding effort that made it the largest U.S. based bank to become carbon neutral.

Leyland Hazlewood, President, Guyanese and American Business and Professional Council (GABPC) said, “Our ‘green’ theme symbolises our universal connectedness as expressed in our concern for sustainability of biodiversity, which of course includes us all.

Like globalisation, we ignore at our peril the fact that economics and the environment now link all parts of the world”.

The evening was punctuated by entertainment from the exciting Samba Nova Dance Group and Kavita Tajeswar’s graceful choreographic interpretations of modern Indian music. Attendees themselves were able to choreograph their own steps to modern dance music late into the evening.

The 2013 Gala Awards Dinner enjoyed support from a wide range of organisations - Bon Secours Health System, Inc. as a platinum sponsor, Visiting Nurse Service of New York Choice Health Plans, Athena Health, TD Bank, Zara Luxury Apartments and Homes, United Health Care, Sybil’s Restaurant and Bakery, Health Diagnostics Laboratory Inc, Unique Professional Creations and MultiViz Health Services, HUB International, and several other businesses.

46

history

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Hermanus H Post and Plantation Le Resouvenir

Intending to move back to the Netherlands with his new bride, Post divided Le Resouvenir between his brothers, sisters and parents. But the “Fourth English war” delayed these plans as just after the British took the colony in Feb 1781, the French wrested the colony away from the British in Feb. 1782. Then the Peace of Paris treaty in Sept 1783 returned Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice to the Netherlands.

Post and his wife left for the Netherlands in May 1783. In his native land however, Post was disillusioned with Dutch religious society and deemed the country

Part I

H

ermanus Hill Bertus Post was born Dec. 22, 1753 in Utrecht, Netherlands, the fifth child of his parents. He lived a comfortable life at first, and attended a distinguished school where he showed a strong interest in religion. However, when his father lost his public position and became bankrupt in 1768, Post was forced to leave school at 14.

The family moved at least twice before Post returned to Utrecht and started working in an office. But he was unable to continue working there as he was, according to his later friend, John Wray, too proud for that kind of work “after being accustomed to wearing a sword by his side, and associating with the most respectable people of the city.”

With an interest also in travel, in 1774, Post arrived in the Dutch settlement of Guiana, where his parents had earlier moved, with letters of recommendation, to show the prominent members of Demerara society, and the intent to buy a plantation.

With his energy and willingness, Post was soon manager of a plantation on the west side of the river. Just two years later, in 1776, with the help of a friend, he came into possession of land on the east coast, described as being “about 8 miles

The plantation 'Le Resouvenir', early 19th century. View includes the planter’s house and Bethel Chapel. Figures probably HH Post and slave. (Reinhart: Nederlandse literatuur en slavernij ten tijde van de Verlichting)

from Stabroek and 1 mile from the sea to the Courabana Creek.”

The fl 20, 000 (Dutch Guilders) purchase price was paid half by “the children Post” and the other half by a relative of Post’s mother. In memory of his friend who had helped him, he named his plantation “Le Resouvenir”.

According to AN Paasman, author of “Reinhart: Dutch literature and slavery at the time of the Enlightenment” (1984) Post began at Le Resouvenir with 13 slaves, including a blind old woman, and became “manager, carpenter and

mason” in his efforts to convert the swampy, flood prone lands into agricultural fields with “a system of locks, dams and sluices”.

He slept in a hammock in a hut with a fire burning all night to keep away the numerous mosquitoes, and it was from this that the plantation and plantation house were eventually built, where he cultivated coffee, cocoa and cotton, and later included a vegetable and flower garden.

Post soon became co-owner of other plantations, and was a prominent member of Demerara society. He be-

came “ensign of the civil division of the East Coast” in 1778 and lieutenant in 1779.

Preserving our heritage through pictures

Map of the plantations in Demerara. 'Le Resouvenir' is located on the east coast of the Rio Demerara.

The Coerebane creek intersects Post’s plantation (see arrow). (Reinhart: Nederlandse literatuur en slavernij ten tijde van de Verlichting)

For an undetermined period, Post is said to have had a live-in relationships, but in May 1781 he married another woman, the daughter of the neighbouring plantation’s owner.

“pagan”. In July 1784 he made arrangements to buy back the plantation from his brothers and sisters, and returned with his wife to Demerara a few months later. (TO BE CONTINUED)

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

European quarters, Demerara Bauxite Co British Guiana nd

Feature

47

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Keeping our culture alive

Guyanese Canadian volunteer making a big difference

The Katiwau - started youth group at age 14 (Sand Creek) F Cultural Dance Troupe A s a Guyanese living in Toronto for too long now, I don’t get to savour things Guyanese a lot, unless I make it myself.

So when the Toronto Independence Day Festival came around June 23 (Still too cold here in Toronto on May 26) this year, I revelled in nationalist pride and wrapped myself in my flag for a day. Little did I know what was in store for me.

A small group of eight children from Katiwau (Sand Creek), South Rupununi, a Wapishana cultural dance troupe, caused a storm of nationalist pride in being Guyanese and in particular, Amerindian pride.

From the devotion and dedication of Ms Dorothy Faria and the hard work of her Katiwau Cultural Dance Troupe came an outpouring of pride that has done more than the

snow and ice of Canada to make me think it’s time to go home. Not that I haven’t thought of going home before, but this one single event has done more than anything ever has.

es that stole everyone’s hearts.

They just tugged on everyone’s already pent up pride and quickly turned us all homesick.

Of course, there were other Guyanese per-

“I was so overwhelmed with theperformance of the Katiwau (SandCreek) Cultural Dance Troupe, a Wapishana cultural dance troupe, trained by Ms Dorothy Faria, at the Toronto Guyana Independence Day Festival on June 23, 2013, that I felt compelled to write an article for submission to your paper. ” – David C Khan These children have put Guyana, Sand Creek, and Amerindian culture on the map and have piqued interest in things Guyanese and in Amerindian culture.

They were awe- inspiring with their energy, precision, poise and passion, as they belted out their songs and dances in captivating and explosive performanc-

formers there and other Amerindian dance troupes at home that are deserving of praise, but it was good to know that Amerindian culture survived and their pride was palatable.

Guyanese can be proud that a culture so old and original was the first strand of the fabric that weaves us all together.

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 driver’s 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 recently at the One King West Hotel in downtown Toronto with a June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism.

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 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 his services conferring 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

Narine Dat Sookram

Hoskins.

“Your spirit of service and your conviction to strengthening the foundation of our society recall 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 other 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 recognises 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.

48

Bollywood

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Makeup, hair, clothes are an Hrithik Roshan inspired actor’s vital tools - Vidya Balan by Manisha’s strength

V

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

P

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 mother 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)

H

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

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

M

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

S

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

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)

Hollywood

49

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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

I

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

C

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)

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

events in his life. (TOI)

Sandra Bullock gives preference 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.

"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)

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)

Kim Kardashian is a natural mother, says close friend

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)

50

Sport

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Plaisance Academy sends GTI packing - Marian Academy rob UG of offence

By Treiston Joseph

W

ith Plaisance up by one point in the final two minutes, Nikkoloi Smith drove the middle of the lane to put Plaisance Academy up by three points, starting a scoring surge to give the East Coast school a 42-33 win over the Government Technical Institute (GTI) when the National School’s Basketball Festival (NSBF) continued at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Tuesday evening.

With the game 34-33, and the ball in the hands of Smith signaling an isolation play, his first step beats his defender without much effort as he heads to the rim to finish a smooth lay- up with 1: 36 minutes to play.

Two possessions later with two full court outlet passes from Smith after hoarding the defensive rebound Plaisance Academy are suddenly up by nine points with 16 seconds left in the game as GTI watched the close game slip through their hands, along with their hopes of even reaching

the quarter-final.

A close game throughout, both teams played isolation basketball while using the pick and roll in the fast-paced and physical game in the paint.

However, it was Smith’s clutch drive in the final two minutes that changed the tide of the game along with his rebounds that started a 9-0 run for Plaisance.

Smith dropped a double-double, scoring 16 points while collecting 12 rebounds to lead Plaisance Academy to their first win in the final leg of the tournament, which is sponsored by Digicel, Beharry Group of Companies and Banks DIH. Kelvin Yorrick had 10 points to assist Smith while Dwight Gray was the only player for GTI with double figures with 12.

Meanwhile Marian Academy put on their sticky gloves as they picked apart the University of Guyana with 20 steals, grabbing a 31-23 win over the tertiary institution.

Marian, playing with their well organised sys-

tem, looked to pass the ball for the easiest shot available while reverting to their 2-3 zone defence on the other end of the court.

However, UG’s style of pushing the ball on offense resulted with Marian breaking their zone defence at times which allowed their star guard Dominic Vincente to utilise his vision and defensive skills set to pick off the UG players; he ended with seven steals.

With Marian picking up 20 steals compared to UG’s nine, UG were never able to stay afloat against the well coached team.

Dale Beresford ended the night for Marian with 10 points and four steals while Vincente, along with his seven steals, added nine rebounds and six points.

Kwakwani Secondary had another outstanding game as they routed Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) 55-28.

Kwakwani dominated the painted area while hitting the occasional dagger from downtown. GSA had no

Part of the action during the Plaisance and GTI game on Tuesday evening

offensive response for Kwakwani or the defense of Kwakwani.

GSA, to their own detriment, put the ball in the hands of their star guard Emmanuel Archibald too often who scored 18 of GSA’s 28 points. But once he was double teamed GSA offense became horrible to watch.

Meanwhile, Ron Meredith and Shafeik

Thomas each had a game 16 points to lead the defending champions to their second straight win in the final leg of the tournament.

In the under-17 category, St Roses High School dominated Brickdam Secondary 4721.

Nathan Howell and Anfernee Jervic scorched Brickdam for 17 points apiece while Joshua

Lee had nine points for Brickdam.

The final under-17 game of the evening saw President’s College (PC) defeating New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary School (NAMSS) 27-19.

Sherland Gillis had eight points and eight rebounds for PC while Fileen Anton had five points and five rebounds for NAMSS.

Pistorius resumes “low- key” training

S

outh African athlete Oscar Pistorius has resumed training, weeks before he is due back in court over the killing of his girlfriend.

His family has released footage showing the Olympic runner jogging on a track.

A statement on his website said the “lowkey routine” was not “a formal return to athletics”, but a way of helping him “process his trauma”.

Pistorius denies murdering Reeva Steenkamp, saying he shot her after mistaking her for an intruder.

His next hearing is scheduled for August.

Pistorius, 26, is a double amputee who won gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and also competed at the Olympics.

Mental equilibrium

On Friday, his family released video of him training at the High Performance Centre in the capital, Pretoria.

In the video, Pistorius can be seen putting on his prostheses before lightly sprinting on a track.

Oscar Pistorius

The statement on his website said that his focus “remains entirely on the court case”. “Oscar is not contemplating a formal return to athletics and his training is not aimed at preparing for competition,” the statement read.

“His family, and those close to him, have encouraged him to spend a few hours a week on the track to assist him in finding the necessary mental and emotional equilibrium to process his trauma and prepare for the trial.”

Pistorius’s arrest in February stunned many South Africans who saw him as a national sport-

ing hero after his long legal battle to compete in the Olympics.

The athlete allegedly shot his 29-year-old girlfriend through the bathroom door of his house in Pretoria on February 14.

The prosecution has accused him of premeditated murder, alleging that he killed Steenkamp intention ally after a fight.

Pistorius was freed on a bail of one million rand (£ 74,000; US$ 110,000).

A court in March eased his travel restrictions, allowing him to leave South Africa to compete as long as he complied with certain conditions.

(BBC Sport)

SPort

51

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyanese batsmen dominate in Toronto

Hats off to Limacol/ NEW GPC INC

Sports view

by Neil Kumar

H Ryan Ramdass

By Ravendra Madholall in Toronto

S

everal batsmen from Guyana dominated over the weekend in the continuation of the 2013 Toronto and District Cricket Association Elite and Premier League 50-over competition at King City ground.

Guyanese and former West Indies ODI batsman Royston Crandon stroked an impressive 76 to inspire Vikings Cricket Club to an exhilarating one-run win over Victoria Park Cricket Club.

The right-handed Crandon hit five fours and a maximum to see his team reach 225-7 in the penultimate over, replying to Victoria’s challenging 224-8 from 50 overs.

Former Guyana under-19 captain and leftarm orthodox spinner Eugene LaFleur captured three wickets for 59 runs from his 10 overs but it was in a losing cause.

When Victoria Park batted after winning the toss, LaFleur proved his all-round capability with a steady 39 while contributions came from his compatriots Dominic Rikhi and Anthony D’Andrade with 35 and 21 respectively.

At the same venue on Sunday, defending champion Brampton Master Tranzac Cricket Club 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 first season in Canada, also completed 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.

Royston Crandon

Meanwhile, in the Premier League division, 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.

Elsewhere, Caribbean Limers and Mississauga Ramblers Cricket Club were engaged in a tight tussle with the former emerging with another thrilling one-run win.

Trinidad off-spinner Vinood Persaud produced a fine performance to lead Caribbean Limers to a tense victory. He took four wickets to keep Ramblers to 160 after his side made 161 from 41.4 overs. Richard Harris top-scored with 30.

And in the Brampton/ Etobicoke 50-over firstdivision cricket competition, Guyanese and ex-West Indies opening batsman Ryan Ramdass once again was in supreme form, hitting another century to follow up his double-century a week ago.

Representing Brampton team, the stocky right-handed Ramdass fashioned a brilliant 113 while he got admirable support from former Trinidad and Tobago first-class cricketer Avidesh Samaroo who chipped in with 56.

When Britallan Sports Club batted, they were dismissed for 155 in the 39th over with only Shameer Adul putting up any sort of resistance with 37. Pacer Migel Seiwdas grabbed 4 for 35 runs.

Notably, several other scheduled games were abandoned due to rain on Saturday and Sunday.

The action is set to resume with a number of matches across the Greater Toronto Area, weather permitting.

ats off to corporate citizen, Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop, for his genuine support to the first Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as franchise owner! NEW GPC INC, through its Limacol brand, has taken the title sponsorship of the CPL. This impressive Caribbean cricket tournament will now be called the Limacol CPL. The Limacol Caribbean Premier League Twenty20 will be a spectacular cricket championship in the Caribbean.

This first genuine, most attractive and well organised tournament will bring to the Caribbean quality cricket at its best.

The franchise superstars from around the world will be playing with the Caribbean’s best. The very young cricketers with their potential and talent will have a well-deserved opportunity to play in the same team and against some of the best in the world.

Euphoria

Oh! It will indeed be a delightful euphoria to see the likes of Ricky Pointing, Ross Taylor and Muttiah Murlitharran playing with our Caribbean stars in the same team.

The first-ever Caribbean Premier League is coming after the well-established Indian Premier League, Big Bash in Australia and other Twenty20 leagues in Bangladesh and elsewhere.

However, our Caribbean cricketers are known for their special calypso type cricket and after all we in the Caribbean are fully aware of the nostalgia when our own “Super Cat” Clive Lloyd lifted the first two World Cups.

The West Indies cricket team has achieved greatness and our cricketers are world class players.

India can boast that they are the richest cricketing country with an abundance of world class players and money. Hence, the thousands of spectators who fill the huge stadiums across India and the millions who watched their television stations and the

further millions, who listened to radio commentary, certainly help to bring peace, tranquility and satisfaction to a greater part of the Indian population.

Diaspora Scores of Guyanese in the diaspora are already calling and requesting information about returning home to see the matches that will be played at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.

Hundreds of Guyanese from North America, UK and other parts of the world will be coming home to share in our Emancipation Day activities and will seize the opportunity to witness the CPL matches at Providence.

The NEW GPC sponsorship is a multi-year agreement which will be in all aspects of the tournament, from branding, uniforms, advertising, marketing and production.

Above all, NEW GPC is the franchise owner of our country’s pride, Guyana Amazon Warriors.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors is really a very good team. Ramnaresh

Sarwan was the first captain to win the first ever Twenty20 tournament in the Caribbean. He was the Man-of-the-Series in the 2004 Champions Trophy tournament when West Indies won.

Sarwan is known as the batsman who can walk to the wicket at number three and play through the innings.

Most significantly is the fact that Ramnaresh Sarwan is a great finisher. The Amazon Warriors includes the number one bowler in the world Sunil Narine, New Zealand’s in- form batsman Martin Guptill, Pakistan’s solid allrounder, Mohammed Hafeez.

Team strength

The batting will further be strengthened by the dependable and experienced Narsingh Deonarine, Lendl Simmons and the West Indies wicketkeeper/ batsman Denesh Ramdin.

Hence, it cannot be denied that the Amazon Warriors are extremely strong in batting.

The bowling will benefit from the speed of Ronsford Beaton, who will receive valuable

support from Krishmar Santokie and James Franklyn. Narine will receive support from Hafeez and Veerasammy Permaul.

Young Christopher Barnwell, Trevon Griffith and William Perkins are players who can impact on the tournament.

Dr Ramroop is very optimistic about the future of cricket in the Caribbean.

He said, “Guyana Amazon Warriors represents an investment we have in the CPL, in the sport, in the players.

Caribbean cricket is part of our culture.”

He added, “We believe in the transformative potential of CPL for the Caribbean region.

Not only does it promise to completely rejuvenate and revitalise cricket in the Caribbean, it has the potential to provide a tremendous economic and social boost as well. We feel it is important for the major corporate houses of the region to support this landmark initiative and intend to set an example by taking the title sponsorship of the event.

52

Sport

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WICB collaborates with UTech to launch Coaching Education Programme - Level 3 Coaching Certification introduced to West Indies

K

i n g s t o n , J A M A I C A – The 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.”

Coaching education

“The important pillar of coaching education has been returned to being among the top priorities in West Indies cricket,” Muirhead added.

President of the Jamaica Cricket Association, Lyndel Wright who was also in attendance at the launch also praised the recon-

Left to right: Laurence Garriques, director of sport (acting), University ofTechnology, 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

stituted 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.

Laurence Garriques, acting director of sport, UTech in his overview of the project and courses said that “the Coaching Education Programme will be administered

by UTech and will be a fully WICB accredited programme. The CCEP accreditation will be globally recognised and will serve as the official Coaching Certification for the West Indies and the Americas.”

The CCEP includes: (i) Foundation Coaching Programme, (ii) Level 1 Coaching Programme,

(iii) Level 2 Coaching Programme, (iv) Tutors and Assessors Coaching Programme and (v) Level 3 Coaching Programme.

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.

The WICB is currently engaged in the selection process of coaches. The Tutors and Assessors will all be trained in Jamaica at UTech’s campus and will be equipped to deliver the Foundation Coaching programme and the Level 1 Coaching Programme in their respective territories.

The Level 3 programme will equip coaches to coach national senior teams and all West Indies teams – senior and junior and male and female. The Level 3 programme will be done through an application process.

Accreditation

The CCEP will have a fixed continuing education component. Coaches previously certified by the WICB will need to renew their accreditation by completing specially organised coaching workshops to bridge the gap between previous certification and the CCEP. Upon successful completion certification will be re-issued.

Limacol CPL will aid young players’ development - Sarwan …says Guyana Amazon Warriors chances good as any

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.

The 33-year-old Sarwan, a former West Indies captain and veteran of 87 Tests, 181 ODIs and 18 T20Is, reasoned 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 franchises, 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 support 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.

Great record

Based on his record, Sarwan should be a leading candidate to the lead the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise in the July 30 to August 24 league.

He led Guyana to victory in the inaugural Stanford 20/ 20 in 2006 when a magnificent slog sweep for six by Narsingh Deonarine off leg-spinner Samuel Badree sealed victory against Trinidad and Tobago. He was also in charge in the first Caribbean T20 in 2010 when a Jonathon Foo cameo powered Guyana past Barbados in the final.

Should he be appointed captain, Sarwan, who has a record of 19 wins, 12 losses and two

no-results, will be in a prime position to continue Guyana’s tradition of winning the first installment of T20 competitions in the region.

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 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, 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

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 brand-

Ramnaresh Sarwan

ing 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.

The Limacol CPL will be contested by the Antigua and Barbuda Hawksbills, Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, St Lucia Zouks and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.

Sport

53

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

DDL onboard with Limacol CPL

A

Demerara Distillers Limited Marketing Director Sharda Veeren-Chand hands over a bottle of El Dorado rum to captain of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Ramnaresh Sarwan. Commercial director and consultant of the Limacol CPLT20, Jamie Stewart (right) also shares the moment

ward-winning El Dorado Rum has signed on as Official Partner for the Limacol Caribbean Premier League T20, 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 fam-

ily,” said Jamie Stewart, commercial director and consultant to the Limacol CPLT20.

“The company’s reputation for producing quality, award-winning top shelf products that are world renowned for their distinctive flavour means that we can offer the best to our patrons. Both El Dorado and Limacol CPL share similar value and aspirations; we are both proudly Caribbean, yet with global ambitions.

Both of us seek to delight cricket followers all over the world.”

The inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League starts on July 30 in Barbados and concludes on August 24 in Trinidad.

54

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sport

55

week ending july 7, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sarwan to captain Guyana Amazon Warriors in Limacol Caribbean Premier League

T

he Limacol Caribbean 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 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

Sri Lanka demolish CT13 champions

K

ingston, Jamaica Commanding centuries from Upal Tharanga (174 not out) and Mahela Jayawardene (107) steered Sri Lanka to a mammoth 348 for one and a crushing 161-run victory over India in

the third match of the Celkon Cup tri-nation series at Sabina Park on Tuesday.

Sent in by the world champions, Sri Lanka blunted the Indian attack and played untroubled as their openers posted 213 for the first wicket, be-

fore the innings closed with a daunting 348 on the board for the lost of Jayawardene.

India, who successfully chased 330 against Pakistan a year ago, were expected to challenge the opposition but the Sri Lankan bowlers proved too restrictive and the total too imposing for the reigning ODI champions. They were dismissed for 161 with five overs remaining.

After a watchful start, where the first 50 came off 12 overs, Jayawardene, who slammed his century off 107 balls, and Tharanga brought up the 100 off 21.1 overs and kept the Indians toiling as they stretched their unbroken stand to 213 in the 39th over.

At this stage, Ashwin picked up the lone wicket for the Indians as Jayawardene, who also

showed a return to form with his first ODI century in two years, was caught by Yadav playing a reversesweep.

However, there was no let-up as the left-handed Tharanga changed gears and along with captain Angelo Matthews, Sri Lanka added another 135 for the second wicket off 11 overs.

Tharanga seemed at his devastating best and also recorded his highest ODI score in helping Sri Lanka to post a historic 348 for one.

The Indian bowlers seem bewildered by the situation and as their persistent length balls went for regular boundaries, Tharanga also showed remarkable acceleration.

While his first 72 runs came off 105 balls, he hammered an additional 102 off just 54 balls while striking 19 fours and

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.

Upal Tharanga

three sixes.

When the Indians batted, they slipped into early trouble as opener Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 5, with the score on 12 off 4.2 overs, and never got into a position to threaten the Sri Lankans.

They reached 50 in 14 overs and were 64 for four, losing captain Virat Kohli for 2, by the 19th over.

Suresh Raina (33) and Dinesh Karthik (22) staged a minor fight-

back , putting on 53 for the fifth wicket once they were separated, with the score on 118 for five, the last five wickets managed just 69 runs.

It was all over, Malinga fired a yorker into the stumps of Yadav in his eighth over.

West Indies lead the tri-nation series with nine points, after victories over both Sri Lanka and India, and the Sri Lankans picked up four points for the win over India. (CMC/ WICB)

guyanatimeSinternational.com

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

week ending july 7, 2013

Official team uniform and kit sponsor secured for Limacol CPL

L

imacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) organisers have confirmed India-based apparel and equipment manufacturing company TK Sports Private Limited as the League’s official and exclusive supplier of team apparel and protective gear.

TK is a leading global sports apparel and equipment brand with a major presence in Europe since 1984, and has supplied clothing and gear to sports teams around the world across all sports verticals, including the Indian Premier League’s Sahara Pune Warriors and Kings XI Punjab. TK Sports

The team uniforms for the six

India will be providing the full range of kit for all six teams from practice jerseys and uniforms to gloves, helmets and pads.

“TK Sports India is pleased to have been chosen as the kit supplier for the Limacol Caribbean Premier League,” said

Managing Director Rajan Kohli.

“Our reputation for upholding the highest standards of quality control

and using the best material and designers guarantees that the LCPL teams will be highly satisfied with their respective gear.

We wish the LCPL management and the teams very best and look forward to outfitting them for years to come.”

“Ensuring that our teams are using and wearing gear of the highest quality is of paramount importance to us because the quality of their performance can be affected if they are uncomfortable in their kit,” commented LCPL Chief Executive Officer Damien O’Donohoe. (CPL)

Jamaica’s Warren Weir cops Plaisance 200m at Edmonton International Academy sends GTI packing

N

Warren Weir (Photo credit : Wikimedia)

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 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 Henry-Robinson 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)

- Marian Academy rob UG of offence

W

ith Plaisance up by one point in the final two minutes, Nikkoloi Smith drove the middle of the lane to put Plaisance Academy up by three points, starting a scoring surge to give the East Coast school a 42-33 win over the Government Technical Institute (GTI) when the National School’s Basketball Festival (NSBF) continued at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Tuesday evening.

With the game 3433, and the ball in the hands of Smith signaling an isolation play, his first step beats his defender without much effort as he

Nikkoloi Smith

heads to the rim to finish a smooth lay- up with 1: 36 minutes to play.

Two possessions later with two full court outlet passes from Smith after hoarding the defensive rebound Plaisance Academy are suddenly up by nine points with 16 seconds left in the game as GTI watched the close game slip through their hands, along with their hopes of even reaching the quarter-final.

A close game throughout, both teams played isolation basketball while using the pick and roll in the fast-paced and physical game in the paint. see full story on page 50

Guyana Times International - (Guyana Office) email: guyanatimesint@gmail.com, Tel: (592) 227-0704, 227-0709, Fax: (592) 225-8696, 227-0685 (NY Office) email: guyanatimesnyint@gmail.com, Tel: 718-658-6804 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INTERNATIONAL INC.; AVAILABLE AT ALL MAJOR WEST INDIAN STORES.