Guyana Times Newspaper - Sunday, July 22, 2018

18 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3632

Sunday, July 22, 2018

Fuel prices, deplorable interior roads threaten economic growth – Ali Page 3

Early Childhood Development Centre commissioned

Page 14

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Police shut down illegal miners in P12 Demerara River

Mother’s arrest 3-week-old baby kept at Police Station for P2 breastfeeding

Former GCCI President lashes back at Minister Gaskin P10 – for telling Private Sector to stay out of politics

Armed bandits escape with clothing P15 …after kicking businessman to mouth

Inspector transferred after stopping senior Policeman’s friend at P2 roadblock

The Early Childhood Development Centre, Leonora, West Coast Demerara, was commissioned on Saturday in an effort to aid early learning for children under five years old

Gunmen “Utter rob money lawlessness” on WCD changer roadway in broad – Finance daylight Minister Page 8

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Law students take Caricom bodies to court Page 18

Canal No.1 farmers suffer millions in losses due to flooding P9 …call for REO's removal

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NEWS

SUnDAY, july 22, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

Mother’s arrest

3-week-old baby kept at Police Station for breastfeeding

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ast Berbice Police on Wednesday arrested 24-yearold Nadia Beharry and her mother, 42-year-old Urmila Beharry, after Maureen Sundarsingh of

Lot 316 Fifth Street, Rose Hall Town, Corentyne was reportedly stabbed at her brother’s wake.

Following her arrest, Nadia’s three-week-old baby began experienc-

ing distress in her feeding schedule, and eventually had to be taken to the Whim Police Station on Saturday to stay with her mother in order to be breastfed.

Sundarsingh’s brother, Wayne Sundarsingh, was, on July 14, beaten unconscious during a drinking and gambling spree at Bulletwood Street, Rose Hall Town.

He subsequently died.

Days later his sister was stabbed, and remains a patient at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Public Relations and Press Officer of the Guyana Police Force, Superintendent Jairam

Ramlakhan, has said inquiries are being made to determine whether the young mother can be placed on station bail, so that the infant will not have to be at the Police Station.

Inspector transferred after stopping senior Policeman’s friend at roadblock …claims victimisation

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Police inspector who was attached to Central Police Station in New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) has been transferred to ‘C’ Division because he refused to take a call on a civilian’s telephone.

Reports are the incident occurred at the Berbice River Bridge in March after the inspector had stopped the civilian at a Police roadblock.

This newspaper was told that Inspector Godfrey Playter stopped a civilian on March 22 and as he approached the vehicle, the driver pushed out his cellular phone and demanded that the inspector take the phone to speak to the person on the line. However, Playter refused telling the driver that his decision not to take the call was premised on the

fact that his commander had given clear instructions not to encourage such practice.

He was later told that the caller on the phone was a senior Policeman.

Following the incident, there was an inquiry by two Assistant Commissioners and following that the inspector was transferred with immediate effect.

Guyana Times was told that the inspector was transferred with immediate effect and also without any accommodation, which is not in keeping with common practices of ranked officers, who are being transferred.

Meanwhile, having felt discriminated, Playter, who has been a member of the GPF for over 33 years, penned a letter to Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan. In this letter, which was seen by this

Inspector Godfrey Playter

newspaper, Playter wrote that he was told that his decision not to take the phone call was viewed by the senior Police Officer as being disrespectful.

The letter to Ramjattan stated, “my refusal to take the said call was premised on the fact that my commander had given clear instructions, which were adhered to by me in the execution of my duties. turn to page 15

3 Fuel prices, deplorable interior roads threaten economic growth – Ali T news

SUnDAY, july 22, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, July 22: no retraction, single lane at retractor span and Monday, July 23 – 14:00h to 16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, July 22 – 12:45h to 14:15h and Monday, July 23 – 13:30h-15:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals and light rain should prevail throughout the day, interrupted by cloudy skies. Thundery showers in the early evening hours followed by partly cloudy skies are expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 12:28h reaching a maximum height of 2.19 metres.

Low Tide: 05:56h and 18:20h reaching minimum heights of 0.96 metre and 1.03 metres.

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surprised that domestic debt was projected to grow by this year-end. In fact, he reminded that the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) had warned of this recently.

Debt

When it comes to debt, the Public Debt Annual

Fuel price hikes are expected to have some effect on growth

LOTTERY NUMBERS

increased cost of sand,” Ali pointed out.

On the other hand, the Government’s projected inflation rate of 2.4 per cent for 2018 is also not likely to be borne out, Ali said, adding “high fuel prices coupled with the introduction of more than 200 tax measures will likely stoke inflation above the projected amount”.

The fact that Guyana’s balance of payments is projected to record a deficit of US$79.7 million was also zeroed in on by Ali, who noted that a deficit of US$94 million has already been recorded, surpassing the year’s projection in three months.

Nor do Guyana’s international reserves look positive.

“Within the first quarter of 2018, to satisfy the huge balance-of-payments deficit, US$99 million was used.

As of May, international reserve held by Bank of Guyana was at its lowest in 10 years at US$485 million.

Moreover, external debt service to export ratio has increased from 4.8 per cent to 7.4 per cent.”

Ali also noted that during the first quarter of 2018, Central Government recorded a deficit of $1.6 billion. He explained that poor Public Sector Improvement Plan (PSIP) implementation rates, the fuel prices and the retraction of traditional sectors like sugar, rice, gold and timber are all contributing factors.

Meanwhile, he was un-

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he coalition Government is no stranger to revising growth figures, having done so several times last year.

But the poor state of interior roads, coupled with high fuel prices and other factors, could see Guyana’s economy further declining.

This is according to Opposition parliamentarian Irfaan Ali, who has said that Government’s projection of 3.8 per cent growth may fall short. Ali on Saturday debunked the Government’s optimistic outlook while referencing the Bank of Guyana’s statistical abstract.

“High fuel prices and deplorable interior roads will place added burdens on loggers, miners, rice farmers.

We have heard of the downsizing of sawmills, closure of small and medium-scale mining activities, increased construction cost due to the

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Evening Draw

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Report released by the Finance Ministry last year had highlighted that since 2015, there has been a 4.1 per cent rise in Guyana’s indebtedness to creditors.

The report details that Guyana’s total debt, inclusive of external and domestic debt, increased to $330

The deplorable Linden-Lethem road

billion as of December 2016.

The Ministry attributed this to disbursements from the Export Import Bank of China towards the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project, as

well as monies from multilateral creditors.

A breakdown of the figures shows that total external debt amounted to $240 billion, a 72.6 per cent bite out of the total public debt.

On the other hand, domestic debt stood at $90.6 billion, or 27.4 per cent of the total.

Board of Governors meeting

At the recent 48th annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in Grenada, Minister Jordan had made an address to the gathering. There, he announced that the previous 3.8 per cent growth projection he had announced at the last budget reading would be revised downwards.

Guyana’s last best growth rate was 5.2 per cent in 2013. World Bank records show Guyana’s growth rate in 2014 was 3.8 per cent; in 2015, 3.2 per cent, and in 2016, 3.3 per cent. For 2017, initial projections of 3.8 per cent were revised to 3.1.

This figure then went to 2.9 per cent, before the final figure of 2.1 per cent was announced. Jordan had claimed that the poor performance was linked to the dismal figures for sectors including sugar – a sector the Government itself radically downsized when it came to office.

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SUnDAY, july 22, 2018

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Undermining Democracy: Outcome versus process

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n the three centuries of development of Liberal Democracy since the 18th century European Enlightenment, there has been a sustained debate about the relative importance of “outcome” versus “process” in that form of governance; which gradually became the most widespread, but which is now facing challenges.

The outcome of democratic governance was described succinctly by US President Abraham Lincoln as “rule of the people; by the people and for the people”. It is now accepted as inextricably linked with the processes that undergird it, and which are mediated through various institutions, each linked with one or more values of democracy. The debate echoes, to a great extent, the older and more philosophical one of the inseparability between ends and means in human life.

In Guyana today, however, after only three years of rule by the PNC-led APNU/AFC coalition Government, there is clearly a sustained campaign led by President David Granger to control the outcome of the democratic process by subverting the institutions that sustain the latter. In fact, the coalition Government has displayed a total contempt for democratic institutions. Take, for instance, the “rule by the people” outcome. One of its foundational cornerstone is the “separation of powers” doctrine, which is supposed to describe the existential relationship between the three institutions that exercise the powers of the state on behalf of the people: the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary.

Because of the peculiarity of our particular form of “parliamentary government” -- which was introduced by the founder-leader of the PNC, Forbes Burnham, in 1980 -the head of the Executive does not sit in the Legislature, as in Britain; but, as a “president” wielding enormous powers, he is represented in the Legislature by a Prime Minister; and through the Whip system, has total control of the legislature – unlike, for instance, the president of the US. In this scenario, there is no separation of powers between the Executive and the Legislature, and, as such, the only hope for a democratic outcome in the governance of Guyana lies in the independence of the Judiciary.

The PNC-led APNU/AFC regime, however, from the beginning of its term of office, has launched a sustained attack on the independence of the Judiciary, which began with virulent attacks by Attorney General Basil Williams, who is the legal officer of the Government. The AG issued what was considered an implied threat against Justice Franklyn Holder, which forced the latter to vacate his Bench. He also attacked then sitting Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Carl Singh, which caused the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) to denounce and remind him that “the Judiciary must be protected when actions occur that seek to destroy, penetrate, and even climb over the wall of judicial independence.”

But the Government’s total instrumental view of the law, and its willingness to subvert the decisions of the Judiciary were exposed by no other than President Granger when he referred to a decision by the Chief Justice as her “perception” and said he is entitled to his. And it was on this latter “perception” that he acted when unilaterally appointing exJustice James Patterson as Chairman of GECOM. Not coincidentally, that particular democratic institution is meant to uphold “rule of the people”. In each of his “casting” votes since, Patterson has taken the side of the Government’s Commissioners. One of those decisions has since been taken to the Ethnic Relations Commission, which has only been recently constituted, three years late. But in terms of subverting the Judiciary, President Granger’s insistence on appointing an ex-GDF officer now on the Belize Bench as the next Chancellor of the Judiciary, while bypassing the incumbent without any good reason offered, shows that he is willing to even “pack” the Court to ensure the outcome of the latter’s decisions are in his favour.

The President’s refusal to subject himself to questioning from the media – a crucial institution of democratic governance – is another indicia of his Government’s insistence on controlling, and thus subverting, outcomes of institutions.

Guyana and Windies spinner Devendra Bishoo shares bowling tips with some of the students from West Demerara Secondary during Saturday's Digicel Hero CPL Youth Series

New temple to be opened in Leonora The newly-constructed temple

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Pandit Jagmohan Persaud

he community of Groenveldt, at Leonora, West Coast Demerara will see the opening of a Hindu temple, and the executive members of the Groenveldt Dharmic Shiva Mandir will be consecrating the newly construct-

ed building at a ceremony set to begin on Monday and continue throughout the week with other activities.

During the opening ceremony, a Ram-Leela presentation will be performed by members of the Ayodhya Research Institute of India,

after which a prayer session is scheduled for the late afternoon hours. The events will commence at 17:00h.

On Tuesday, prayer services commonly referred to as a Ramayan Yajna will be held at 06:30h, followed by a closing ceremony which will

be conducted on June 29 at 09:30h to conclude the consecration exercise.

The organisers are encouraging the general public to grace the event with their presence to partake in the week’s festivities.

Facilitating revision process of Amerindian Act 2006

Dear Editor, Contrary to the position taken by the Legal Advisor to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs (MoIPA), David James, at the National Toshaos Conference (NTC) -that MoIPA is unaware of any other consultation happening on revision of the Amerindian Act 2006, the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) would like to clarify that it has in fact been supporting training sessions on the revision of the Act at the district council level, through the Steering Committee for the Revision of the Amerindian Act 2006 (SCRAA).

On Thursday, the Legal Department of the MoIPA provided an update on the revision process for the Amerindian Act 2006, which the Government has committed to amending since taking office in 2015.

During his presentation, James explained that the Government is currently undertaking cluster consultations in select villages, to

gather recommendations on strengthening the 2006 Act. Following his presentation, the attorney-at-law was asked by a toshao to clarify whether separate consultations were being conducted by other indigenous organisations to the knowledge of MoIPA. James responded that he was not aware of any other organisation conducting consultations on the Act. “I am not aware that there are separate consultations from the Government,” said the attorney, while explaining that civil societies and organisations can work with village constituencies to formulate recommendations for the Act. However, the APA would like to recall that, in April, the MoIPA met with the SCRAA, a body comprising of the National Toshaos Council, indigenous organisations, and district councils, to discuss synergies for the implementation of the revision process. Despite commending the Committee for its revision process strategy, which included

hosting Amerindian Act training sessions at the District Council meetings to familiarise villages on the Act, the MoIPA decided that it would pursue a revision process separate from the SCRAA. Therefore, James’s claim that he is unaware of any other organisation conducting consultations on the revision of the Amerindian Act, without acknowledging the efforts of indigenous representative bodies aiming to facilitate the process, raises serious questions from the standpoint of the APA. The committee -- dedicated to ensuring that villages understand the Amerindian Act 2006 within a legal and human rights framework before submitting their recommendations to the Government -has made a concerted effort to collaborate with the MoIPA as consultations take place.

For the month of July, the APA has already supported the revision process of the Amerindian Act 2006 with three training ses-

sions completed in the villages of Santa Rosa, Moruca Sub-District, Region 1; Kako, Upper Mazaruni Sub-District, Region 7; and Kopinang, North Pakaraimas SubDistrict, Region 8. These sessions included several other villages from the respective sub-districts. The aim of these sessions was to build communities’ capacity to read and analyse the 2006 legislation, so they could make their own recommendations to the MoIPA for amendments to the Act. So far, the APA, with assistance from SCRAA, has collaborated with the Moruca District Council (Region 1), Upper Mazaruni District Council (Region 7), and North Pakaraimas District Council (Region 8) to conduct these sessions with the help of facilitators from each region who are trained to understand the current Act as well as international and constitutional human rights’ guarantees. continued on page 5

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Where are the internal control systems to look after Guyana’s interest?

Dear Editor, In 2016, some 36 per cent of the revenue of the entire nation of Mongolia came from just one company — a copper mine. In such a situation, transparency and accountability are paramount, because of the risks. As a first step, the Mongolian Government published the contract immediately upon signing.

Some 30 countries in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) have together disclosed more than 800 massive contracts. So why was Team Granger so reticent about practising good governance? Even after the oil and gas contracts were published, the world did not end for the Guyanese people.

This now brings me to another big question: When will Guyana see the feasibility study on the gas pipeline that

Minister David Patterson promised to release? Back in December 2017, Exxon’s Upstream Country Manager, Doug Mc Gehee, indicated to local stakeholders that his company was in fact currently studying the feasibility of having available natural gas brought onshore in order to power an envisioned power plant. Seven months have elapsed, and the Guyanese people cannot see the feasibility study.

Are we walking into another dark and secret contract that would give away another chunk of Guyana?

There are many arguments in favour of publishing State-executed contracts.

Transparency prevents corruption, and helps build trust between the decision-makers and the people. Why would a president want his people to distrust him? Irrespective that the contract signed by

Minister Raphael Trotman provided pennies on the pound for an entire nation (Guyana), its publication provided pertinent information to the analyst community to ensure that the politicians are kept on their toes, because they must never be trusted.

Secondly, when one compares the US$18 million signing bonus for an entire nation to the US$10 million given to one NGO to do less than 5% of the environmental load of the nation, you can understand that Guyana got robbed blindly. And this robbery was facilitated by Team Granger, and that team must be held accountable.

I must commend the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, for confirming that his party, the PPP, will not interfere with the current contract when they win the 2020 elections; that was the mature action. The

newly published New York Times article (dated July 20, 2018) exposes how tattered Guyana’s reputation remains globally, and to add that we do not respect signed contracts would do further damage to that reputation.

But what this contract disclosure means is that some members of Team Granger should be in jail post-2020 for their alleged white-collar criminal action closely tied to official misconduct, which is a serious crime internationally.

Can you imagine a minister in Team Granger signed a contract that obligated the taxpayers to honour the corporate tax commitments of this investment from the people’s portion of the cash distribution? Would this not limit the scope for Guyana to improve its tax collection?

What this Granger Government does not know, and may never know, is how

Bullying is an abnormal behaviour

Dear Editor, I would like to dwell on a single statement of importance in a letter from Dr David Hinds: “Minister Broomes incident is a clear case of official bullying of powerless citizens.”

Dr Hinds states, “I am very certain that had she been a private citizen, she would have handled the matter differently”. I disagree with Dr Hinds.

Dr Hinds needs to know that Ms Broomes is simply a bully. I am pretty sure that she has bullied others as a private citizen, even when she was not decorated with ministerial powers. It is only by chance that Ms Broomes was

Facilitating revision process... from page 4

Once sessions are completed, villages will make their own recommendations on the revision of the Act, which are expected to be submitted in written form to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs after a team of lawyers has framed the recommendations in legal language. The Committee’s plan is, through collaboration with their District Councils, to ensure that as many indigenous villages and communities as possible are prepared to make recommendations that are informed by actual knowledge of what the current Act says, and what their rights are under international law and the Constitution.

Although the MoIPA has already started its consultations separate from the activities of the APA and SCRAA, the Committee is still open to collaborating with the Government to ensure the mutual and just advancement of our indigenous peoples.

Sincerely, Amerindian Peoples Association

caught on tape bullying her victims that the nation had a chance to see what she is like.

We all know of private citizens who bully others. Only just a few days ago, citizens in Enmore, on the East Coast of Demerara, were bullied by private citizens to the point where their personal properties, like their gas range, clothing, furniture and other valuables, were taken from their homes and thrown onto the streets. Similar to these Enmore bullies, Ms Broomes threw away “No Parking” signs and then threw her victims in jail for 16 hours. The CCTV tape rescued these innocent victims.

Ms Broomes and the

Enmore bullies have got to share poor values. Bullying is a big problem for Guyana.

Because of cruelty and lack of empathy, bullies can’t feel the pain of another human being.

Of course, Ms Broomes and the Enmore bullies will continue to hurt others, if they are not held accountable and if they also fail to seek out psychological help.

Bullying is an abnormal behavior, which is largely a product of ignorance. Bullies evaluate their victims as powerless based on a wide range of stereotypes about ethnicity/ race, sexual orientation, physical stature, social status, religion, culture, and job status, among other things. Ms

Broomes and the Enmore bullies are also in dire need of education.

And in spite of such dysfunction by a Government Minister, President Granger remains silent, and shows no indication of firing Ms Broomes.

Sincerely, Annie Baliram

much is being made? Under what terms? And by whom?

Unless and until we leverage the full potential of this contract, Guyana will never know the facts. So an entire nation and its Government are clueless on the future cash flows, and this has created tons of consulting time for the consulting companies to sell their

services to the investors, who are trying their best to paint a bright picture on this great swindle.

In such a situation, where are the internal control systems to look after Guyana’s interest?

Sincerely, Sasenarine Singh

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SUnDAY, july 22, 2018

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Ashley Anthony

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n July 20, 2018, “The 20 Billion Question for Guyana” hit the New York Times. In said article, one Mr Clifford Krauss attempted to discuss the potential impact of our recent oil finds on the country. I will not address the parts of the article that delve into the impacts of oil, the parts which warn of potential mismanagement, nor even the parts which draw comparisons to other countries that have found oil in the region.

These concerns raised are valid ones, and I do not think that there is any Guyanese who does not have doubts about whether or not the resource will be handled responsibly and the money will reach the people.

Instead, I wish to focus on the parts of the article dedicated to describing the country. The article opens with a punch of descriptive imagery, “Guyana is a vast, watery wilderness with only three paved highways.

There are a few dirt roads between villages that sit on stilts along rivers snaking through the rain forest.

Children in remote areas go to school in dugout canoes, and play naked in the muggy heat.”

Now, anyone familiar

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with modern day Guyana would immediately recognise that this statement was purposefully misleading. It attempts to create a caricature of this country to make the oil find that more dramatic. Understandably, people were not pleased with the way the country was described, and Mr Krauss has found his twitter subject to tweets from the angry.

One interaction, however, which I found particularly interesting, was when twitter users contested his opening sentence, in particular the bit about Guyana only having three paved roads. To this he replied that he never said roads, but instead said highways. Now, according to the United States code, the term highway and road are interchangeable. Specifically 23 USC 101: Definitions and declaration of policy, having defined the term highway as including roads, streets and parkways. However, for the purpose of discussion, let us assume that Mr. Krauss meant highways to be defined as main roads (usually connecting cities). His response is therefore meant to be interpreted as: Guyana may have more than 3 paved roads, but only 3 paved main roads. Yet this is not what will be understood by someone whose first introduction to Guyana is this article. His immediate juxtaposition of the dirt roads and villages

along rivers in the rainforest lends one to believe that, outside of our three paved highways, this is all that exists.

The situation of children going to school in dugout canoes and playing naked is

by way of regular means of transportation? Schools which manage to produce the Caribbean’s top performers year after year?

This is because things like these do not fit your narrative. It does not support the

towns like Georgetown, the capital, which seems forgotten by time, honeycombed with canals first built by Dutch settlers and African slaves. The power grid is so unreliable that blackouts are a regular plague in the

one of an extreme. And even though the article specifies children in “remote areas” it does very little to present what the life of a child living in a non-remote area (say Georgetown), looks like.

It truly does not give the reader an understanding of the life that most Guyanese live, and this is done deliberately. Who wants to read about a Third World country where most children go to town on the coastlands

idea that Guyana is a dismally poor (mentioned two separate times as being “one of the poorest countries in South America”, and once as “one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere”), which the jackpot of oil has come to save. I suppose when we are saved, those children may finally be able to afford some clothes.

The second paragraph goes on to read, “Hugging the coast are musty clapboard

cities, while in much of the countryside there is no electricity at all.” Here, again, we see purposeful exaggeration where he diminishes cities like Georgetown to “musty, clapboard towns”, giving the reader the imagery of a town comprised of mostly wooden buildings (of a particular style), possessing a stale or mouldy smell; whilst in reality, although Georgetown maintains some old colonial buildings, significant parts of the town have

been overcome with newer architecture.

The last sentence is again also painfully misleading, as it gives no context to the reader; in this instance, the context being the percentage of the Guyanese population who live within towns and neighbouring areas. While a large part of the country may not have electricity, what percentage of the population live in these areas?

Finally, there is one other line that bothers me tremendously. It reads as follows, “A vast majority of college-educated youths emigrate to the United States or Canada, while those who stay behind experience high rates of HIV infection, crime and suicide.”

I suppose by simply existing in Guyana I should personally experience HIV infection, crime and suicide?

Yes, Guyana has social issues, but to paint the country with such a broad brush, to say that anyone who remains in the country remains to experience these things, is just careless reporting. It does not address the fact that a large part of the reason why HIV infection is so high is due to education, and that certain groups are more vulnerable than others (perhaps because if it had mentioned this nuance, one would see that college educated youths are part of the least at-risk).

Perhaps the experience he meant is second hand experience, but even so, the purpose of the sentence is simply to bring up social ails within Guyana. Not once is time taken to explain the things that Guyanese enjoy about Guyana; and the mention of educated youth leaving gives the subtle inference that those who are smart enough and have the ability to leave do. Very little time is taken to address the fact that people may leave (for example, in my instance) to become better educated (in ways that UG cannot provide), or because they simply cannot reach the heights of their careers within Guyana.

For example, a budding physicist who wants to work at CERN and leaves his home in Iowa hasn’t left because conditions in Iowa are unbearable, but simply because, for his career, CERN is the best place to be.

This article struck a wrong cord with many Guyanese, and we must be vigilant in portraying an accurate image of our country to the rest of the world. Prior to this, Guyana’s calling card has been Jones Town. We are in the public eye now, and we must ensure that we present a favourable image of our country (whilst not ignoring legitimate issues we may have).

7 Gunmen rob money changer Gun-toting bandits rob in broad daylight Laing Avenue man news

SUnDAY, july 22, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

…escape with jewellery

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wo armed bandits confronted 57-year-old money-changer Wazir Khan at his place of operation on Water Street, Georgetown -- in the vicinity of the old KFC building obliquely opposite the Stabroek Market -- on Saturday at about 8:10 hrs; and in what can only be described as a daring daylight robbery, relieved him of some $400,000 in local and foreign currencies.

According to reports, Khan, of Lot 7 Back Middle Walk, Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, was plying his trade when two males known to him approached him. One of them pulled a firearm from his waist, pointed it at Khan, and ordered

him to hand over his money.

Khan had in his possession a quantity of local currency besides pounds sterling and TT and US currencies. He threw it all on the ground, presumably in both panic and in a desperate effort to stymie the robbery attempt; but the gunman’s accomplice quickly picked it all up.

The two perpetrators then both escaped in a southerly direction through the Route 45 Bus Park.

The matter was reported, and an investigation has since been launched.

Only last week, drivers working from the bus parks in Georgetown’s Stabroek Market area decried the absence of GPF ranks or City

Constables to address criminal activities which are reportedly pervasive at the minibus parks.

t about 20:15h on Friday last, Laing Avenue Georgetown resident Desmond Gordon was crossing the West Ruimveldt bridge between Front Road and Laing Avenue when two masked men armed with handguns confronted him from the opposite direction and relieved him of three gold chains valued $210,000 and two gold rings valued $70,000.

The 52-year-old a ven-

dor said he was wearing his jewellery on Friday evening as he proceeded north in the direction of downtown Georgetown when the bandits approached him from the opposite direction, and both men pulled out handguns from their front pants waist. They held him at gunpoint, and one of them relieved him of his jewellery.

Both perpetrators then made good their escape in a southerly direction, join-

ing a silver coloured Toyota Spacio motorcar which had no number plate as it sped away in a westerly direction.

The matter was reported to the Police, and persons in the area were questioned, but no useful information was received.

The area was also checked for CCTV cameras, but none seen. Nevertheless, investigations are in progress.

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SUnDAY, july 22, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

Controversial Police “assault” case

Expectant mother fined $15,000 for disorderly behaviour

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alicia Richardson, a 20-year-old expectant mother of Lot 296 Oronoque Drive, Mackenzie, Linden, has been fined $15,000 for disorderly behaviour as a controversial matter involving a civilian and two female Police officers concluded before Linden Magistrate Clive Nurse on Friday.

Several charges were, however, dismissed against Richardson. She was found not guilty of assaulting Police officer Charmin Pantlitz on

November 6, 2017, causing Pantlitz actual bodily harm.

Richardson was also found not guilty of assaulting Police officer Keisha Williams at the Wismar Police Station on the day in question.

She was, however, found guilty of disorderly behaviour, in that she behaved in a disorderly manner on November 6, 2017 at the Wismar Police Station.

Richardson was represented by Attorney Rene McDonald, who, in plea of mit-

igation, requested leniency for her client. The attorney told the court her client has never had any brushes with the law prior to the current matter, and she also is expecting a baby.

Richardson apologised to the court for her actions, and was fined $15,000. Failure to pay the fine will result in her serving one week in prison.

The two female ranks -Williams and Pantlitz – were counter charged for assault.

However, Magistrate Nurse

found the duo not guilty of the offence.

This incident was widely publicised in November last year after Richardson had accused ranks of assaulting her when she visited the station to lodge a report against her child father, a Police constable attached to the Wismar Police Station. She had mentioned in sections of the media that she was beaten with a mop stick and had her wig ripped off of her head by her child father.

Robbery-murder trial commences at Linden Magistrate’s Court

T

hree men were further remanded to prison as the trial into the robbery/murder of 51-year-old labourer Dhanpaul “Pauline” Dookie of Uitspa Village, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, Demerara commenced before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

The trio: Chanderpaul Persaud, called “Buju”

or “Duffy”, 45, of Lot 238 Lusignan, East Coast Demerara; Herrilall Ramdhan, called “Baha” or “Rohan”, 54, of Lot 702 Good Hope, East Coast Demerara; and Jagishwar Dhanai, called “ToTo”, 29, of Lot 56 Lusignan Pasture, East Coast Demerara, have been charged with robbing and murdering Dookie between

July 24 and July 26, 2017 at Uitspa Village, Linden Highway, Demerara during the course of a robbery. The trio had allegedly confessed to stabbing the labourer twice in the abdomen and once to his lower back, hip, forehead and above the right eye.

It is alleged that the trio carted off money, jewellery

and other items belonging to the deceased. His decomposing body was discovered days after the incident.

When the matter was called before Magistrate Nurse last week, the men were further remanded to prison until July 30, when the case will continue.

What…

A

…to talk about?

fter throwing all the blame on the PPP for not following up on THEIR promise to “have dialogue”, the PNC-led APNU/AFC coalition Government have had their bluff called– by the international community to whom they complained.

Time longer than twine!! They didn’t count on Jimmy Carter being conscientious enough to call Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. They figured that with Trump dismissing us as a “shithole country”, we just didn’t matter. And they could “do wha’ deh want wid we”!!

Well, we may be a shithole country, but we’re now a shithole country WITH OIL!! And that makes a world of difference. Mainly that while the big ones are pumping out all that oil from under the sea – by injecting back all our gas – they don’t want folks getting restless here.

See what could happen when folks are rioting in the streets for bread?? The LARGEST reserves of oil in the world go begging – in Venezuela!

No siree Bob!! They don’t want that here. It’s not the rioting per se. The oil, after all, will NEVER touch our soil; but it’s the bad press it’ll give the petroleum industry, which isn’t exactly the poster boy for benevolence!! So we’re going to have “talks” – headed

by Granger and Jagdeo -- and the question arises as to what they’ll “talk” about. Now that’s not a problem, is it? After all, as your Eyewitness mentioned before, as soon as he was catapulted into the presidency (after PNC riots made President Janet Jagan sick) Jagdeo was forced to dialogue with Hoyte!

What was their agenda? Well, like the warlord he was -- who’d forced the PPP to truncate their term of office by two years – Hoyte, in 2002, demanded that villages in his constituency, which he dubbed “marginalised”, be “rehabilitated. Never mind that the recent Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) had shown that ALL rural communities were similarly economically challenged – and that Amerindian hinterland communities were worse off.

And you wonder why Amerindians want their own party?

Anyhow, President Jagdeo’s PPP government doled out the money to fix Hoyte’s villages, but then the latter passed on to the “land of the ancestors”, as they say in Wakanda. Corbin seized leadership of the PNC, and to flex his muscles to show challengers like Vincent Alexander he was “man”, in 2003 he demanded new “talks” with Jagdeo. And demanded new spending!

So the first thing Jagdeo can do is to identify “depressed villages” in his constituency, and demand the PNC government get them fixed, or else!! This shouldn’t be a problem, since Granger has fired 5700 sugar workers…and 2600 Amerindians.

All the fancy talk about “governance” and “debt” and such like can wait. The first oil money should make “depressed” sugar and interior villages whole.

Drill baby, drill!!

… about a Ministry of Labour?

Granger promised to continue the “legacy” of his socialist Founder-Leader Burnham, yet he has stubbornly refused to reinstate the “Ministry of Labour” -- which he not only miniaturised into a department, but placed at its head Keith Scott, about whom, after three years, folks are still asking “Keith who??” Well, he’s one of the “one-man” parties in APNU. And if the AFC, much less WPA, can’t get a minute of Granger’s time, imagine Scott’s “influence”!!

So much for “making the small man into the real man” in this iteration of PNC rule!! And imagine, we have the largest Cabinet in the HISTORY of Guyana with a Ministry of Business!! So, if Business deserves a Ministry – not that Gaskin’s done anything, but that’s neither here nor there! – why doesn’t Labour? Does your Eyewitness have to remind Granger that the neoliberal dogma his Government follows has left workers screwed across the world?

Where even the middle class are demanding Labour protection for the inequalities generated!

…is a “Compromat”

The Trump-Putin tango has generated another Russian meme- “compromat” - in the English-speaking world, now that “glasnost” is passé.

It means, “a compromising situation”…and isn’t confined to using the services of porn stars!!

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

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SUnDAY, july 22, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Canal No 1 farmers suffer millions in losses due to flooding …call for REO’s removal

Dharamdeo Singh’s son Roopnarine in their flooded citrus farm

By Lakhram Bhagirat

F

armers of Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara are now counting their losses, incurred from their farms having been inundated for almost three weeks.

They contend that the flooding could have been avoided had the Regional Authorities paid attention to their pleas for help.

Eighty-seven-yearold farmer Dharamdeo Singh, speaking on behalf of a group of farmers in L’Esperance, Canal Number One Polder, said their farms have been under water for over three weeks, and they had made representation to both the Canals Polder Neighbourhood Democratic Council and the Regional Democratic Council, but to no avail.

This citrus farmer has said that more than 15 acres of his citrus trees are on the brink of dying. He explained that the flooding could have been avoided had the Water Users Association not burst the dam to install large tubes.

“We are asking the Water

Users Association to remove those two tubes from there as early as possible. It is at the Façade, and they burst the dam that does control the trench water and put the tube, so when the water raise it shub it pon we, and that is our plight,” he explained.

Singh said he met with

Dharamdeo Singh

Morlene (only name)

A flooded yard in Canal Number One

the Water Users Association and regional officials on Wednesday where it was related that nothing could be done to assist them as yet. He added that Regional Executive Officer Dennis Jaikaran had promised to visit the affected communities some two weeks ago, but to date that visit is yet to materialise.

The senior citizen further related that follow-up visits to the Regional Democratic

Council (RDC) were unsuccessful.

“The REO, he is hiding from us. He making promises, saying that he coming to see us for two weeks now, and I think they should move him from there and put somebody else who can handle the job. I don’t know what is the Government doing…I begging them to remove the REO from there and put somebody else, and we think we will get satis-

faction with the movement,” Singh said.

Farmers have also said that the current contractor cleans the main access canal haphazardly. They explained that the canal is laden with “shrimp moss,” which affects the flow of water, and that the contractor neglects that. The farmers also said that they were told by the NDC Chairman that the NDC is bankrupt, and no assistance could be ren-

dered.

Cash crop farmer Morlene (only name given) told this publication her entire farm is under water, and she has incurred losses amounting to over half of a million dollars.

“We, the farmers here, we punishing real bad here.

I lost 1,500 root of sweet pepper, all dead. Them really need to move the two tubing them have at the Façade and clean the canal better,” she said. turn to page 16

10 news

SUnDAY, july 22, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Former GCCI President lashes back at Minister Gaskin – for telling Private Sector to stay out of politics

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usiness Minister Dominic Gaskin’s advice that the Private Sector should stay out of politics until elections time has been rebuffed, with a former Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President reminding him that politics is very much the Private Sector’s business.

Addressing the second day of the Business Development Forum, former GCCI President Vishnu Doerga pointed out that the business community is, by virtue of paying its taxes, already involved in politics. At the same time, he noted the importance of the Private Sector ensuring it is in compliance with the laws.

“We (the business community) understand that we’re all in politics,” he related. “Who funds all of this? It’s your taxpayers’ money that funds all of this, so that actually means that we’re all involved in politics…,” he contended.

“Make sure that you comply; pay everything that you need to pay, so that you can actually open your mouth.

Former GCCI President Vishnu Doerga

If you don’t, that’s why the Minister said to stay quiet.

Because if you’re not paying the levels, you shouldn’t be talking. But if you are, and you meet all your obligations, it is your responsibility to (have a) say,” Doerga charged.

He cited an example wherein businesses would have to interact with regulatory agencies such as the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GAFDD) due to the importance of ensuring they are selling and consuming products safely.

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin

“And is that politics? If it is where the money is coming from, and how we’re being taxed, and how it’s being used, then I’ll say yes, do get involved!” Doerga related.

Stay out

At the opening of the forum on Friday, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin had advised the Private Sector to stay clear of politics until the time comes to fund the elections, and to place their focus on business.

He was addressing the inaugural Business Development Forum hosted

by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) at the Pegasus Hotel.

The Minister managed to raise eyebrows at the launching with his pronouncement that he believes the business sector ought to stay out of politics until the election period, and should rather concentrate on what it does best.

“I believe that the Private Sector should concentrate on business, and stay out of politics, at least until the election season comes around, when you can decide which parties you want to support or which candidates you want to fund, because funding is of course a very key component of the election campaigning process. But certainly, in the off season, you need to concentrate on business, and Government is supportive of that… let the Private Sector do what it does best: compete, comply and get compensated,” he said.

He went on to say that, for far too long, Guyanese have been blaming bad politics in Guyana for bad business practices, as he compared Guyana to other countries.

Talking

S

atiricus was livid, and his expression and gait betrayed this as he strode firmly towards the Back Street Bar. He didn’t care what the fellas said, he was going to give them a piece of his mind.

How dare the PPCEE demand his leader, Nagga Man, not be the lead negotiator between them and the Government?

“How dare Jagdesh complain about Nagga Man to Carter?” Satiricus demanded of his friends without even taking a swig of his beer.

“Eh! Eh! Sato? Like fyaah a come t’roo yuh nose!” said Bungi. “Cool dong wid wan beer, fus’ na?”

“OK,” said Satiricus, as he took a long pull from his beer bottle. “But I demand an answer!”

“Suh who tell yuh Jagdesh complain Carta?” asked Cappo.

“That’s what the papers say,” said Satiricus truculently.

“That’s NOT what the papers say,” said Hari quietly but firmly. “Carter was told JAGDESH didn’t LIKE Nagamootoo…so he had to clear that up!”

“And da w’en Jagdesh aks Carta wha’ mek ‘e sh’ud taa’k wid wan maan who cyaan even get wan meetin’ wid Grain Ja!” Bungi interrupted.

“That’s the problem I have with you fellas,” complained Satiricus. “How do you KNOW Nagga Man can’t get a meeting with Grain Ja?” “Budday!! Na Nagga Man seh ‘e waan fuh ta’k wid Grain-Ja fuh two year now about ‘e wuk?” asked Cappo.

“Well, maybe so,” conceded Satiricus. “But why Jagdesh said Nagga Man didn’t have power to make binding agreement?”

“Suh fram whe’ ‘e guh get dat powah?” demanded Bungi.

“Well…duh!” said Satiricus scornfully, as he slapped the table. “Pressie will give it to him to negotiate!!”

“Sato, my friend,” said Hari is his usual calm manner. “Wasn’t it Pressie who signed a piece of paper that Nagga Man would have power to Chair the Cabinet?”

“Yes,” conceded Satiricus. “But later Pressie found out the Constitution didn’t allow that.”

“Exactly!” said Bungi. “Suh wha’ mek Jagdesh sh’ud believe Nagga Man gat pawah fuh even arda fry rice from New Trivin’?”

Satiricus was silent.

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SUnDAY, july 22, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

Revamping the Guyana Prize

By Ryhaan Shah

T

here is a national discussion going on about the fate and future of the Guyana Prize for Literature. I have been paying some attention, since I am a past winner.

I won the Best First Book Prize in 2007 for my novel “A Silent Life”, published by Peepal Tree Press, UK. The book was submitted by the publisher as per the rules, even though I shared – and still share – the public perception that the Prize appears to be controlled by cronies who alternate as judges and winners, thus keeping the Prize and monies awarded within a favoured clique.

The perceived corruption of the Prize must be taken in context of the pervasive corruption that infects just about every state institution. It is the culture; the way things are done. The perception includes views that the Prize is used to reward friends, placate foes, and snub those considered persona non grata for political or other reasons.

I have since had two more novels published by a different British publisher, who was unaware of the Guyana Prize. I never told them about it either. I had no interest in having my work judged by a Prize committee whose integrity was questionable.

Since the current administrative body is tainted by allegations of corruption, any move to revamp the Prize must include changes that would include new management and staff. I would recommend that the new administration be located within the Education Ministry, or even be established as a separate body. It must be governed by strict rules as to the qualifications for works submitted, adhering to deadlines and the selection of the judging panel. These, in turn, must reflect international standards of judging and publishing, including such basics as to what constitutes a novel (or novella) by way of length, i.e., the number of words; and a collection of poetry.

The shortlisted books must be available to the public.

The media should be encouraged to publish reviews and to interview the authors, and public opinion should be polled and included as a percentage of the final points awarded to each work.

Suspicions of favouritism do exist in other countries when there are multiple-time winners or alternating judges and winners. However, since the shortlisted books are always available to the public, they are open to scrutiny; and this transparency works to dispel doubts of possible corruption in the selection and judging processes.

Manuscripts should not be accepted as a standard for a national prize. Literary agents and publishers can be accessed online. I found an agent through online research, and she found me a publisher for my second and third novels. Also available is the route of self-publishing or vanity publishing, wherein you pay to be published, though this can often be expensive. Note, however, that such publications are not accepted as entries to most literary competitions, or for academic study.

Martin Carter did self-publish, but he was exceptional and fully deserved his Guyana Prize award. However, there is no one of his calibre writing in Guyana today. In fact, there has been a generational shift downward in the literacy level. The poor grammar in newspaper reports, and the mispronunciations and mangled language on broadcast news and programmes are a sad indictment of the education system. It is failing our children.

I fully support scrapping the Prize and having the funds used to establish annual school-based competitions that would encourage reading and writing in order that the fluency of language and the skill required to produce good writing are regained. This is not impossible.

The writings of Martin Carter and Wilson Harris can stand with the best in the world, and the Caribbean region has literary Nobel Laureates in V.S. Naipaul and Derek Walcott.

The work of our best should be the measure for any national prize.

Foundational remedial work must be done, and with two recent NGSA top performers saying they wish to become writers, the interest is there. Nalia Rahaman who topped the country wants to be the next J.K. Rowling; and failing that, she would settle for being president of the country. That she feels it would be more fulfilling to be a writer than President of Guyana might arise from a youthful assessment of our political leadership; and it might not be far off the mark.

We should not disappoint the ambitions of our children.

With reading and writing encouraged at school level, perhaps in a generation or two there will be a crowd of good writers, each truly deserving of winning a Guyana Prize.

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SUnDAY, july 22, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Police shut down illegal miners in Demerara River

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olice in Linden, Region 10, have swooped down on an illegal mining operation up the Demerara River, and have detained several persons.

This publication understands that a number of Brazilians, along with others, including two female cooks, were taken into custody on Saturday following intervention by Linden Municipal Councillor Lennox Gasper and other officials of Linden and Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Councillor Gasper indicated that following reports, he and Regional Executive Officer Orrin Gordon intercepted what is believed to be an attempt to commence mining in the upper reaches of the Demerara River.

According to them, “they had permission to do mining

The dredge in the Demerara River

up in the river. However, after speaking with the man (in charge), I asked him quite clearly if it’s mining they’re doing or just dredge they’re dredging the river, but then we understand that it was mining,” Gasper stated.

Gasper said he enquired from Gordon if anyone had received permission to conduct any such operation in the Demerara River, and the response was in the negative. “I said to him (the

man in charge), ‘Did you get your EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) assessment and all of that to go ahead with it?’ He wasn’t sure what I meant. Well, he’s Brazilian,” the Councillor related.

Gasper said he later alerted Regional Chairman Renis Morian, who then called in the Police. The Police have since shut down the operations.

“Upon investigation, we recognised that not only

they did not -- based on the records presented -- get permission to mine in the Demerara River, but some passports will be expiring in as short as three days. And they didn’t provide any work permit. So the Police eventually detained all of them,” Gasper told this publication.

He said that in order for those persons to pass the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge, they would have had to dismantle the roof of their dragger. And they were in the process of reconstructing it at the back of the Watooka Complex when the team confronted them.

A Policeman checking the passport of one of the miners (Photo courtesy of Lennox Gasper)

According to Gasper, persons were aware that the group had been operating under the pretense of trans-

porting parts of a dredge to dredge the Kwakwani River to assist in flood relief efforts. (Utamu Belle)

Ban on scrap metal trade coming in July

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usiness Minister Dominic Gaskin on Friday said the ban on scrap metal exportation will be reintroduced by the end of July, and he expects the Scrap Metal Bill to be tabled in the National Assembly before August.

The minister made this announcement even as dealers patiently anticipate this piece of legislation, which would govern the sector, being enacted by year end.

“We are currently in a period of resumption; and that comes to an end, I believe, by the end of this month,” the minister noted.

The minister added that he hopes the bill is introduced before the National Assembly goes into recess in August, since, if that does not happen, it would mean that the bill would have to be tabled during the last quarter of the year.

“There is draft legislation that is going to set up a new regime under which the scrap metal trade will be regulated. It (the legislation) is with the Attorney

General’s Chambers. It has already passed through cabinet, so we are hoping we can get it tabled in the National Assembly before the recess in August. If not, it will have to wait until the last quarter of the year,” Gaskin pointed out.

Gaskin said the Ministry of Business (MoB) is anticipating the new legislation being enacted before the end of the year, and that it would usher in ‘firm and solid’ management to regulate and monitor the scrap metal industry through the development of a managing body.

Government approved a restart of the scrap met-

al trade during February 2017, after shuttering the industry one year prior. The main reason for this restart was to allow exporters to ship out their existing stock for a limited period of three months, thereby ensuring there was no stockpile of materials.

However, in April 2018, after several months of delays and much criticism, Government was pressured to reopen the scrap metal trade on a limited basis to facilitate the clearing of some of the accumulated scrap metal across the country. turn to page 17

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SUnDAY, july 22, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

La Grange residents benefit from medical outreach

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Indian Indentured Labour and Emancipation

I

t’s the run-up to Emancipation Day, and sure as the sun rises in the East, there will be the claim made by folks from the African Guyanese community that Indian indentured labourers “undercut” the bargaining power of the freed slaves after 1838, and that is what pushed them off the plantations.

“It’s like déjà vu all over again,” as Yogi Berra was alleged to have quipped.

In vain I’ve pointed out over the years that it’s futile to play the “blame game” when, in the development of capitalism, after constructing its base on the back of African chattel slave labour (following genocidal extermination of the Indigenous Peoples), it went on to appropriate the very FORM of unfree labour they had used before Ravi Dev slavery – indentured labour (of Europeans). That’s right… plantations here were developed first by indentured European labour; in Barbados, for instance. In fact, the first Slave Laws (in Barbados) of 1661 distinguished Africans Slaves from White workers on the basis of the latter being “Christian”, not their colour (negro).

There is no question the planters did intend to undercut the bargaining power of the freed slaves after Emancipation, because of the new dispensation of Free Trade. But the new 19th Century indentureds were also contributing to what Marx dismissed as “primitive accumulation” in the drive of capitalism to create what he called “doubly free labour”: free to sell their labour-power to anyone they choose, and (ironically) freed from any ownership over the means of production.

But I was just as unsuccessful in pointing out that the details of their claim of Indian perfidy was so blatantly incorrect it suggested that more was at play than careless historiography.

In 1998, I noted in my paper, “Aetiology of an ethnic riot”, and almost annually afterwards: “It was not Indian labour that broke the back of African attempts to wrest higher wages from the planters. Rather, if labour were to be “blamed”, it was more the Portuguese and, ironically, fellow Africans from both the WI and Africa who played key roles.

After their successful strike of 1842, the ex-slaves called the strike of 1847 at a point of financial crisis for the planters; who, encouraged by the indentureship of 15,747 Portuguese, 12,897 Africans from the WI, and 6957 Africans from Africa – a total of 35,601, compared with only 8692 Indians -- held off the demands for higher wages. After 1848, by when more than half of them had moved into villages and towns, the unskilled ex-slaves by and large decided to make their living off the plantations, because even though Indian indenture was suspended between 1838 and 1845, and then again in 1849-50, there was no movement back to the plantation by the Africans, nor was there any increase in the wage scale. Available land was the pull factor for the move in Guyana (and Trinidad).

What is also overlooked is that, eventually, there were more indentured Africans arriving from the Caribbean (40,783) than the Portuguese from Madeira (30,078) and from Africa (13,355).

In fact, between 1835 and 1838, exactly 5000 African exslaves had been brought from the smaller islands into Guyana.

Somehow, these African indentured servants – mostly from Barbados – have been forgotten. Ironically, there were several instances recorded of Indian indentureds protesting that the West Indian indentureds were undercutting their wages!

I wrote to one interlocutor in 2004, “The point I have been making is that we are going against the analyses of history made by eminent West Indian historians such as Williams and Rodney (among others) when we lay blame to the immigrants – whether Portuguese, Indian, Chinese, West Indians or Africans, who were all indentured. It was the working of the systems imposed on us by the British; whether political (imperialism), economic (pre-capitalist) or cultural (cultural hegemony), that kept us all in thrall. Today we are still busy blaming each other for our mess, and not questioning whether those bequeathed systems are not still contributing to our problems. And that we should get busy, as a first step, in modifying them to assist in leading to greater equity and justice for all of us.”

A decade after capitalism’s latest globalised financialised phase has imploded, the travails of “doubly free” labour continue, as Britain, Europe and the US blame immigrants who “took away their jobs”. When will we ever stop blaming the Indian in Guyana?

ore than 100 residents from the village of La Grange on the West Bank of Demerara received medical treatment as part of an outreach organised by the La Grange People’s Progressive Party Group.

The medical outreach is the second of its kind organised by the PPP Group and saw numerous residents benefiting.

Secretary of the Group, Anjanie Narine, told Guyana Times that the outreach was their way of giving back to the community as well as aiding the National Blood Bank in its calls for more blood donations. Just two hours into the activity, the Group was able to secure 20 units of blood, and members hoped to collect in excess of 75 units by the end of the day.

“Our outreach today so far has been very successful. Apart from the medication giving out, we are also giving a hamper to 50 se-

Receiving medical advice during the outreach

A resident donating blood

nior citizens in the area and this is in commemoration of the 100th birth anniversary of our founder, Dr Cheddi Jagan and all year we will be having activities. So, the La Grange PPP Group did this

sort of activity in remembering Dr Cheddi and he would have wanted us to do this if he was here,” Narine said.

The residents were able to benefit from regular medical check-ups, dental care as well as preliminary eye tests.

Narine said that as long as the support is available, the Group intends to make the activity an annual one and on a larger scale.

The team of doctors included former Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony; Opposition

Member of Parliament, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo; Dr Bheri Ramsarran along with representatives from the Blood Bank.

One resident, Golyn Persaud, thanked the Group for the initiative, noting that she was able to receive her diabetes medication without visiting the clinic. In addition, she and her grandson each had a medical checkup. The Group also prepared lunch for the 50 senior citizens to whom hampers had been distributed.

14 news

SUnDAY, july 22, 2018| guyanatimesgy.com

Early Childhood Development Centre commissioned

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he Finance Ministry on Saturday handed over the Early Childhood Development Centre located at Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD), to the Social Protection Ministry.

The building, which was constructed through a partnership with the Finance Ministry and the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), is intended to provide the children in Leonora and other neighbouring communities with learning spaces.

As part of the project, a total of 64 youths were also trained in relation to the standards that are set out by childcare facilities before the building was handed over.

Some of these persons will be employed at the facility to manage and take care of the children.

Representative of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA), Zalaika Williams, who was present at the commissioning ceremony, related that the building and other aspects of the project were successfully completed via collaborative efforts between the Agency and the organisations involved.

“The Early Childhood

The newly-commissioned Early Childhood Development Centre

Development Services Unit has supported BNTF from the initial stage of this project through our personnel, who provide the necessary guidance and training of potential staff, in order to achieve standards outlined in the regulations which govern all childcare facilities,” she said.

Williams further addressed the trainees, who were participants of the training programme, urging them to utilise the skills that they would have acquired to assist in the management of the new Centre.

Meanwhile, Finance

Minister Winston Jordan, who commissioned the Centre, noted that it was a structure geared towards a sustainable approach towards the continuation of quality development at an early age.

“This project was conceived with two goals in mind; to create comprehensive learning spaces for children of the community from infancy to the age of five and secondly, to train and generate job opportunities for youth,” the Minister indicated.

“We’re trying to ensure that children from zero to

five get the kind of attention, get the kind of care and they’re exposed to the kind of early education that will feed their minds and that they will grow up to be excellent sons and daughters of this soil,” he further stated.

The introduction of the new building and its facilities will provide quality resources for early childcare development, as well as employment for those who were engaged in the training exercises. Two other centres were recently commissioned – one in Ithaca, Berbice and another in Anns Grove, East Coast Demerara.

The Importance of Compliance Monitoring Hello again, valuable readers, Whenever you notice the staff of the Environmental Protection Agency go into the field with their cameras, notepads, noise meters and other equipment, you might be wondering why they are there. Well, most times, they are there to ensure compliance with the Environmental Protection Act, Cap 20:05, Laws of Guyana, and its regulations by observing and collecting information about the environment. Specifically, they are there to MONITOR how development projects are impacting the environment.

They are there to fulfill what they are mandated to do by the Act, i.e., “to establish, monitor, and enforce environmental regulations.”

Compliance monitoring is a critical part of environmental management.

Once conducted p r o p e r l y, compliance monitoring will lead to early detection of environmental issues and noncompliance, to prevent any longterm damage to the environment.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, monitoring ensures the effectiveness and efficiency of activities of businesses and developmental projects. This is so since information is gathered which can be used to track changes occurring in the environment as a project progresses.

Therefore, developers and persons responsible for the changes occurring are notified in a timely manner if something is going wrong; and therefore, they will be able to address the issue, improving their quality of work.

Before any activity that is likely to have an impact on the environment commences, an authorisation from the EPA has to be issued in the form of an Environmental Permit. In order to have this, the Agency must be provided with a description of the project, including the foreseen impacts and the mitigation measures to address them.

Once a project is issued a permit, compliance monitoring is scheduled by the EPA, to ensure that these measures are implemented, and of course to determine how effective and efficient they are. Some of the parameters that are monitored include air and water quality, noise levels, waste and land management techniques. There are specific parameter limits that need to be followed to ensure that there is little environmental impact. The tests and observations conducted by the EPA in the field will reveal the level of compliance with these limits. To ensure that our natural resources are kept unharmed, the EPA conducts REGULAR compliance visits.

The authorisation given to conduct economic and developmental activities can be granted for various periods of time, with the maximum being five years, after which it would have to be renewed.

However, before it is renewed, the EPA is required to carry out compliance monitoring to ensure the project’s site is in order.

It should be noted that developmental projects will carry out self-monitoring yearly, and submit an annual report of their findings to the Agency.

The importance of compliance monitoring cannot be emphasised enough. Through this process, businesses and other developmental projects are able to benefit along with the environment. The EPA ensures that compliance monitoring is carried out for every activity in Guyana that can pose a threat to our environment.

Remember that while the EPA is the main regulatory body for environmental management in Guyana, you also have a part to play by complying with the Agency’s Act and regulations, and by being vigilant towards the environment.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail. com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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SUnDAY, july 22, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Armed bandits escape with clothing …after kicking businessman to mouth

Rystad’s analysis of oil revenue exceptionally unfounded and highly misleading

I

t is very intriguing, and unfortunate at the same time, when one reads in the local press articles from supposedly brilliant minds peddling a bunch of nonsense and the most unscholarly commentaries.

Such only serves to devalue the true meaning of intellectually sound analyses, and the intellectual faculties of the persons themselves on pertinent matters of national economic importance are called into question.

It is important for one to be reminded that, firstly, Guyana is known for producing some of the most prolific scholars in the world; and secondly, we are not living in an era that some of our parents and grandparents lived through more than two decades ago.

Contemporary quality education today is becoming more and more easily accessible and affordable to the Guyanese people – implying that a vast majority of Guyanese are well educated and cannot be easily fooled these days by international consultants from the rest of the world. In fact, many Guyanese are by far much more brilliant than some of these very foreigners that come here and try to mislead the people with “wishy-washy” analyses, or a bunch of nonsense in the truest sense of the word.

Having said that, particular reference is made to the presentation made by Rystad’s Senior Energy Analyst at a private sector forum earlier this month. Rystad’s learned Senior Analyst suggested that, should Exxon extract all of the oil reserves it has discovered so far, Guyana’s total take could reach US$100 billion (G$20.8 trillion) at production capacity of about 700,000 – 900,000 barrels per day. It is extremely unfortunate that Rystad did not think it wise and prudent to consider the massive levels of deductibles contained in the PSA between the oil exploration companies and the Government of Guyana. Had they opted to do so, they would have presented a much more realistic and scholarly analysis at that forum.

Guyana, unfortunately, will not earn $20.8 trillion dollars in twenty years from oil revenues. That is nothing but an overly optimistic and unrealistic picture painted by Rystad, perhaps on the assumption that Guyanese are stupid people. It is basic mathematics one needs to understand to refute such overly ambitious nonsense. Based on what is publicly revealed by Exxon, production will commence in 2020 at 120,000 barrels per day (Bpd). Then, in 2022, production may be increased to 220,000 bpd. So, at 120,000 bpd x 336 production days in a year for 2 years, total production should be 80.64 million barrels.

Then at 220,000 Bpd for another four years, total production should be 295.68 million recoverable barrels of oil.

Therefore, in the first six years of production, Exxon would have extracted 376.320 million barrels of oil. Multiplying 376.320 million recoverable barrels by Rystad’s optimistic US$70 per barrel give rise to gross revenue of US$26.342 billion in six years.

After the first six years, there will be only 14 years remaining for the oil industry, a notion which this column previously dealt with extensively on the changing dynamics of global oil economics, in which a series of articles were published in this regard. It was thus established that this is the main reason that oil production in Guyana would have to be increased to as much as one million barrels per day, in order to maximise profits; because when the next energy market crash comes – which is imminent within the next twenty years (and the oil companies are well aware of this) -- that will mark the demise of the oil industry in Guyana.

More importantly, one ought to consider the deductibles from Guyana’s profit share, of which the major one is the corporate tax for Exxon, which is at a current rate of 40%; and another major deductible is Exxon reserves the right to retain whatever amount of crude it needs for its operation. This is obviously uncertain, but perhaps a conservative assumption is about 10% of the total production, which could be less, or more. It is important to note that Guyana will not benefit from Royalty from that portion either. Hence, in this regard, and for ease of reference, the author represents hereunder an extract of a table with a simulation of computations that were previously done and published in an earlier column.

Potential Gross Annual Oil Revenues: Computation using average oil price at US$50 per barrel and number of production days of 28 days per month

(For comments, questions and responses on articles featured in this column, readers can reach the author at jbinsights@outlook.com).

A

Georgetown businessman was on Saturday assaulted by two armed bandits, who escaped with a quantity of clothing after raiding his store and relieving him of his belongings.

The robbery occurred about 13:00h on Saturday at the Lot 71 Winter Place, Georgetown clothing store.

According to reports, the owner of the store, Greg Terborg, 32, of Lot 423 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was also robbed of his gold chain valued $140,000, a quantity

of clothing valued $400,000 and $5000.

It was reported that Terborg was in his store, which is located in the bottom flat of a two-storey wooden and concrete building in a fenced compound on the eastern side of Winter Place, Georgetown when two identifiable males entered.

One was short in height and clad in a pair of short black pants while the other was tall and wearing a pair of long light blue jeans.

After entering the store, one of the perpetrators

whipped out a handgun and pointed it to the victim's face, telling him to get down on the ground; the other perpetrator took the victim's gold chain from his neck and removed his money from his right pocket.

Being fearful for his life, the businessman remained on the ground during which time one of the perpetrators dealt him a kick to his mouth, while his accomplice removed a quantity of clothing from the store.

The perpetrators then fled in a southern direction

on Winter Place and made good their escape.

The Police were alerted and despite Terborg receiving minor injuries to his mouth, he refused to seek medical attention.

Several persons were questioned in the area, but no useful information was garnered. Checks were made for CCTV cameras in the area and one was seen on the neighbours’ building, facing the area where the incident occurred. The footage was collected and would be reviewed by investigators.

Investigations are ongoing.

Inspector transferred after stopping...

In addition, he had precisely stated, that should anyone complain that they can be directed to call him and he will give further instructions.” “…this serves to remind me that there are other worse situations involving other ranks which are met with little or no sanction and therefore as a rank who understands the fundamentals

of justice to an extent and would have sought to dispense same in performing my duty became a victim of such miscarriage. In this context, I, therefore, seek your intervention to halt such callus conduct of my superiors in future instances,” the letter addressed to the Public Security Minister said in part.

Meanwhile, the letter was also sent to Attorney General

Basil Williams and Ministry of the Presidency.

In April, Minister Ramjattan had promised to investigate but this newspaper was told that there has been no word on the matter since then.

The inspector, Guyana Times was told is hoping that other officers will not have to suffer the high-handedness and inconvenience by senior

from page 2

officers, who use their high officers to satisfy the wishes of their friends.

On Saturday, this newspaper was told that one of President David Granger’s advisors attached to the Ministry of the Presidency has since contacted Playter and assured him that the matter is being investigated by her office.

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SUnDAY, july 22, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

“Utter lawlessness” on WCD roadway – Finance Minister …calls for Police to do their jobs

A

little over a week after the West Coast Demerara (WCD) highway was officially opened to the public, Finance Minister Winston Jordan has expressed his concerns over the way the roadway is being utilised by commuters.

During a visit to Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) on Saturday, the Finance Minister stated that he was not pleased at what he saw along the highway. According to him, many vehicles were parked haphazardly along the roadway and vendors were operating along the shoulders of the roadway.

“I believe it’s utter lawlessness in terms to have a market where people are parked all over the place. No one should be denied a living, but we must do our living within the laws of the country. We should not, as law enforcers, turn a blind eye to law breaking. It starts from a small crime that you might want to overlook and then it balloons into some of the problems that we do have today,” Jordan said.

The Police were urged to perform their duties so as to ensure that all guidelines were adhered to, in order to

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

preserve the highway. This includes ensuring that traffic hazards are not created when vendors ply their various trades.

“I was really not pleased with what I saw coming over here; and I’m asking the Police to do what is necessary; first of all, to do your job and then do also what is necessary, so that this highway can be preserved,” the Minister said.

“Parking on shoulders degrade highways very much.

We ought not to allow parking on shoulders for highways, and we certainly ought not to allow people to be selling on highways, thus creat-

ing traffic hazards, congestion, and all these things,” he added.

He further stated that for such structures to last, citizens and visitors would have to ensure that they were cared for and used the correct way.

“This is easily the newest of the three coming from across the bridge (the Demerara Harbour Bridge).

I’m already concerned that we seem to be ‘new people’.

We seem to commission new things and then we move on to the next, not seeming to care that if we don’t care what we put in place, it would not service for the time that it is supposed to service.”

The 30.7 kilometre highway spans from Vreed-enHoop to Hydronie, and was commissioned as part of a road improvement project, which was ongoing for approximately 40 months.

The project, budgeted at US$46.7 million, which was signed under the previous Administration in 2014, was the fourth of its kind funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), in collaboration with the Government. It comprised road works along the main access road on the WCD.

Canal No 1 farmers...

Another farmer, Doodnauth Singh, said his entire pineapple field has been under water as high as three feet for the past two weeks. He said his pineapples have withered and his cattle have had to relocate to higher ground to access feed.

“The last time we had flood I lost all the pine, and now is the same thing. Them

people got to get themselves together and clean up the canal and so! I don’t live here, but my farm here, so I spend most of the time here,” he related.

Collectively, the farmers reiterated their call for the REO to give up his chair, since he has done nothing to alleviate their sufferings.

Just last December, the

from page 9

residents of Canals Polder experienced a devastating period of flooding resulting in millions of dollars in losses. Government is yes to assist those farmers, and then this current flooding came just as they were getting back on their feet.

Efforts to contact Regional Executive Officer Dennis Jaikaran proved futile.

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SUnDAY, july 22, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Boat operators can be suspended for overcharging passengers – MARAD

O

ne week after commuters had complained about extortion being practised by boat operators traversing the Georgetown and Vreed-enHoop stellings on Sundays and holidays, Harbour Master Michael Tennant has announced that those operators can be suspended for their actions if the matter is reported.

Guyana Times reported that boat operators were charging double fares on Sundays and holidays, much to the discomfiture of the travelling public.

Tennant, in an interview with this publication, said passengers need to report the incidents for MARAD to act. He noted that complainants would be required to file an official report, which would require the name of the boat along with the time of the incident, since it would make the investigation easier.

This newspaper was informed that boat operators usually demand a fare increase of an additional $100 when they transport half the number of passengers on this route.

Passengers have also

The Georgetown Ferry Stelling

detailed cases when they were forced to pay the extra $100, some without even knowing that the additional fee is unlawful.

When Guyana Times visited the Georgetown Stelling to investigate the complaint one recent Friday, some disgruntled passengers opined that the fare increase was quite burdensome and “unfair” to them. An angry passenger had said, “I ain’t get raise on my salary, so I ain’t concern with no raise of fare!

I won’t go for no raise of fare!”

Another frequent boat

user had told Guyana Times, “I think that the fee increase on weekends and holidays is unnecessary and unacceptable. The boat captains and bowmen would have the maximum number of persons on board and still charge the $200 fee. It is a matter that should be looked into by the relevant authorities, because it’s an act of exploiting customers.”

Another passenger of the water taxis had said, “We have no other choice.

Sometimes — especially when they (boat operators) know that the bridge

GCCI head calls for more help in financing businesses

P

resident of the Guyana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Deodat Indar, has called for better provisions to be put in place for persons wishing to expand or develop local businesses.

He made this call on Friday during the launching of the inaugural Business Development Forum for local businesses at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.

According to Indar, in most cases, persons wishing to develop a business are left with no other option but “to borrow: we (may) have some savings, some family member lends us some money, or pool the money into it, or we go to the bank for a loan.”

He stressed that when persons go to the bank for a loan, there is a collateral requirement which, in many instances, serves as an impediment.

“When we go to the bank for a loan, regardless of which institution in Guyana, there is some form of collateral requirement which is the impediment. It is a grave impediment that makes small business (unable to) grow, and we have to address that. We have to approach the appraisal system of banks (to determine) if it needs modification so that small businesses can get money,” Indar noted.

He expressed dissatisfaction that when businesses, especially small businesses, are allotted money, they

GCCI President Deodat Indar

are often pressured to repay those loans instantly, thereby stifling their chance at economic growth.

“When they do get access to funding, it must be (disadvantageous). You can’t have funding at a price that is blocking the foot of the business before it even starts to walk. So what we have to do is ensure we look at a capital market development, where money can be accessed that is less rigorous to get and more competitive (to borrow),” he argued.

Indar said the capital market would allow for businesses to develop from the micro stage to being large scale. He said it is quite ironic that large businesses have access to bank loans, whereas small businesses would be challenged despite being the ones needing capital. It is because of this ironic situation, Indar pointed out, that small businesses remain stagnant.

He shared those views

as the inaugural Business Development Forum kicked off on Friday.

Back in June, the GCCI launched its Business Development Forum with the aim of expanding all businesses, whether small scale or large scale.

The two-day Business Development Forum, which concluded on Saturday, focused on areas such as access to capital, insurance policies, incentives for investment, export market readiness, donor agency funding, modern marketing tools, registration, and compliance.

The event was hosted in partnership with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA); Nations University; Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business; Republic Bank Guyana Limited, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

A fee of $20,000 was attached to attendance at the two-day event.

is closed — they try to exploit us, and I think that is unfair.”

Still another passenger had noted being sub-

jected to the increase predominantly on Sundays and holidays. “The double-fare being charged by boat operators on Sundays and holidays is definitely ridiculous!

It’s unethical! This was never approved! I believe only persons who aren’t aware of this are the ones that are being targeted. I pay $100 on those days, especially when the boats travel with a full load,” this passenger had said.

Agreeing with the statements expressed by most passengers, Trisha Patterson had said she had seen cases in which the boat operators had come over with full loads and were still demanding $200 from

each passenger. She opined that the situation needed to be investigated.

A bowman who spoke to this newspaper had said the fares are increased on Sundays and holidays because those are not full working days.

“Sundays and holidays is $200 (charged) because we ain’t supposed to be working. So them man does come out because them ain’t got nothing fuh do (and them want) fuh try and help de passengers to get across more fast. $200 a head. Me ain’t know why them (passengers) does row, because this is de cheapest boat fare around here,” he had declared.

Ban on scrap metal trade...

The minister disclosed that a meeting was held with exporters and dealers to introduce them to a new system that the Business Ministry is trying to implement. According to him, it is a software-based system that was specially designed to help the MoB to monitor and regulate the trade once it resumes, thus creating a level playing field for all.

Gaskin said the resumption of the trade

would give the MoB opportunity to test the system to ensure that it works, and also to help clear some of the accumulated scrap metal that has been legitimately acquired.

The scrap metal trade was suspended in June 15, 2015 due to a forensic audit of the Scrap Metal Unit (SMU) which monitors the trade.

In 2016, Ram and McRae produced a report on its findings from the

from page 12

probe, revealing a string of irregularities, including the mishandling of packing procedures for scrap, and the expenditure of millions of dollars in the Scrap Metal Unit within the Central Housing and Planning Authority.

Government has thus removed the responsibility of the trade from the Central Housing and Planning Authority to the Business Ministry.

18 news

SUnDAY, july 22, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

Law students take Caricom bodies to court … over non-acceptance into regional law schools

H

olders of non-University of West Indies (UWI) law degrees have taken legal action against several regional bodies under the Caribbean

Community (Caricom) over their non-acceptance into regional law schools, a decades-old problem.

The litigation was filed by President and Co-

founder of the Association of Caribbean Students for Equal Access to the Legal Profession (ACSEAL), Jason Jones, at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

against the Council for Legal Education (CLE); the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) and the Council for Trade and Economic

Hugh Wooding Law School

Development (COTED).

Jones is contending, in what was described as a “significant and historic move for justice”, that his right, as a national of Trinidad and Tobago, to access vocational training in the Region in order to become an Attorneyat-Law, eligible to practise within Caricom Member States was infringed upon with his non-acceptance to pursue legal studies at regional institutions such as the Hugh Wooding Law school (HWLS).

He pointed out that by agreement made among Caricom Member States, pursuant to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) and further, the Treaty establishing the Council for Legal Education, any Caricom national can become an Attorney-at-Law eligible to practise in any member state, after having first obtained a University of the West Indies or an equivalent undergraduate law degree and then completed vocational training at one of the regional law schools such as the HWLS. “However, since 1996, holders of non-UWI law degrees have consistently been denied equal access to the regional law schools on the basis of an entrance examination fraught with discriminatory practices that seemingly contradict Caricom’s integration principles such as the acceptance of evidence of qualifications and movement of skilled Community nationals. Furthermore, all holders of UWI law degrees are granted automatic exclusive entry to the regional law schools, regardless of their degree classification,” Jones outlined.

These actions, he posited, are contrary to the rights and/or benefits which are intended to be conferred upon Caricom nationals as provided for in the RTC, especially under Articles 35, 36, 37 and 46, effectively restricting participation in the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

This decision to litigate was not taken lightly. In fact, it was explained that ACSEAL was established

by Jones in March 2016 after he, along with hundreds

of other non-UWI law graduates, was denied entry to the HWLS in 2015.

Additionally, ACSEAL’s National Representatives endeavoured to engage with the Caricom Heads of Government and the Council for Legal Education through the Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque.

The matter is being ably pursued by Dr Emir Crowne and Matthew Gayle of New City Chambers, Port-ofSpain, Trinidad, Attorneysat-Law, on behalf of the applicant, Jones.

In April, ACSEAL released a report it complied highlighting the need for a law school in Guyana.

According to the b o d y , its support for the law school in Guyana c o m e s from a study, which was conducted to consider the “status and relevance of the current legal education system; the extent to which it meets the needs of the respective Commonwealth Caribbean societies; and concerns of discrimination in access to legal education and, by extension, the legal profession.”

ACSEAL also noted that the initiative of the law school, along with the other suggestions it made in its report, are intended solely to improve justice for the citizens in the Region.

Some of the noteworthy findings and recommendations of the report include: the establishment of the UTech Law School in Jamaica, as well as law schools in Guyana and Antigua; the abolition of the preference-based admission policy at the regional law schools, which presently grants automatic entry exclusively to UWI law graduates. “[This was in] recognition of students’ concerns of the lack of transparency and accountability in the Council of Legal Education (CLE) Annual Entrance Examination; [also recommended were] the abolition of the CLE Entrance Examination in its current form; and the reconstitution and reorganisation of the CLE,” the body had said.

sunDAY, july 22, 2018

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Fraser-Pryce produces sub-11 win in London

B

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

ritain’s Zharnel Hughes was edged out by American Ronnie Baker in a high-quality 100m finale to the first day of the Anniversary Games.

Hughes, 23, came home in 9.93 seconds at London Stadium, beating Commonwealth Games gold medallist Akani Simbine and former world champion Yohan Blake.

Shara Proctor beat British rival Lorraine Ugen by just 3cm in the long jump, leaping 6.91m.

Jamaican great Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce took victory in the 100m in 10.98.

The 31-year-old, a two-time Olympic gold medallist in the event, is returning to action after the birth of son Zyon 11 months ago. “ I t ’ s hard work racing after having a child but it’s not as though it’s anything I’m not used to,” she said.

“Being a mother is my first priority and to come back and be flexible with my training is wonderful and I’m so excited about next year now.”

Even after the withdrawal of American world silver medallist Christian Coleman following a hamstring tweak, the men’s race delivered a dramatic finish to the day.

Hughes was not fazed by a fast start from

Woods takes clubhouse lead at The Open 2018 T

iger Woods shot his lowest round at a major since 2011 as a five-under-par 66 put him among the leaders on the third day of The Open at Carnoustie.

Woods, making his first Open appearance since 2015, sunk six birdies to take a share of a six-way lead at one point.

The American, 42, dropped his only shot on the 16th to fall back, but remains in contention to challenge on Sunday.

He has been fighting form and fitness in recent years, but showed glimpses of the game which has won him 14 majors.

Now ranked 71st in the world after starting the year in 650th, Woods has not won a major since the 2008 US Open.

He was the clubhouse leader for a short time until Italy’s Francesco Molinari, who also started the day level, bettered his overall score of five under after shooting a 65.

Excitement mounted on the Scottish links as Woods started to climb the leaderboard, packed galleries following the former world number one around the course and whoops of support greeting virtually every shot.

The three-time Open champion was level par for the tournament at the start of his third round, but took full advantage of perfect scoring conditions on Saturday afternoon.

Birdies on the fourth and sixth provided a solid platform, before a run of three more on nine, 10 and 11 put him into contention.

Woods took another opportunity at the par-five 14th to top a major leader-

Simbine inside him, and drove through to within two hundredths of the personal best he set earlier this year.

Baker, the joint fastest man of 2018 alongside compatriot Noah Lyles, won in 9.90, with Simbine and Blake coming home in 9.94 and 9.95 respectively.

Six athletes finished under 10 seconds, two more than in the World Championship final last summer.

“I am really happy,” said Hughes.

“I ran against a world-class field and I have never ran against these guys before, so it was really good to see I was able to hold my own and to give those guys good competition towards the finish line.

“This season has been going really well. I am not going to get ahead of myself and say this is my year, but I am really grateful for all the work that is being done around me and I am glad all the hard work is paying off.”

Earlier in the day, Britain’s Tom Bosworth strengthened his credentials for 20km race walk gold at August’s European Championships by setting a new world record in the 3,000m.

The 28-year-old, who also broke the mile world record at this meeting last year, took more than three seconds off Giovanni de Benedictis’ 1990 mark to win in 10 minutes 43.84 seconds.

Karsten Warholm also rewrote the record books, setting a Norwegian record in victory on his return to the track where he won a surprise

400m hurdles gold at the World Championships last summer.

However, the 22-year-old is still more than half a second behind times set by Antiguan sensation Rai Benjamin and Qatari breakthrough star Abderrahman Samba this year.

American Sam Kendricks kept up his impressive record at London Stadium by winning the pole vault in 5.92m, after victories on the same stage at last weekend’s World Cup and last summer’s World Championships.

Qatar’s Abdalelah Haroun took 0.2 seconds off his personal best to win the 400m in 44.07 ahead of American Paul Dedewo and London 2012 champion Kirani James, who returned to action in June after more than a year out.

In the finish of the day, American Shamier Little edged out Jamaican rival Janieve Russell by one hundredth of a second, winning the 400m hurdles in 53.95.

Double Paralympic champion Libby Clegg took the T11 200m in a season’s best of 25.29 seconds, but fellow Briton Richard Whitehead was overhauled by South Africa’s Ntando Mahlangu in the T61 200m.

Sunday’s action features Laura Muir’s attempt to overhaul Zola Budd’s 1985 British mile record, while Dina Asher-Smith will carry her superb 2018 form into a high-class 200m field that includes Shericka Jackson, second-fastest in the world this year, and world champion Dafne Schippers. (BBC Sport)

Trump wants NFL players banned for season if they kneel during anthem

Several Miami Dolphin players kneel during the US national anthem

board for the first time since the Masters in 2013.

After a missed birdie putt on the 15th denied him the outright lead, he dropped from the leading pack after missing the green on the par-three 16th to record the only blemish on his card.

A stray drive was fortunate to avoid the Barry Burn on the last, but a safe second and neat approach allowed him to convert a par for his lowest round at a major since a 66 at the 2011 Masters. (BBC Sport)

U

S president Donald Trump has called for NFL players to be banned for a season with no pay if they kneel for the national anthem.

In May, the NFL introduced a new policy with teams fined if players fail to stand during the anthem.

Since 2016, some players have knelt to protest against police treatment of African Americans.

“Isn’t it in contract that players must stand at attention, hand on heart?” President Trump wrote on Twitter.

“First time kneeling, out for game. Second time kneeling, out for season/no pay!”

The NFL policy also asked that players

who would refuse to stand remain in the locker room while the anthem was played.

Speaking in May, President Trump said the NFL was “doing the right thing”.

He has now called upon NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to “make a stand”.

The issue surrounding the national anthem returned to headlines on Thursday when it was reported the Miami Dolphins would ban their players for up to four games if they protested on the field.

On Thursday night, the NFL and NFL Players’ Association (NFLPA) issued a joint statement saying they were working on a “mutual resolution” and have put the twomonth-old policy on hold. (BBC Sport)

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guyanatimesGY.com

SUnDAY, july 22, 2018

Guyana adopts FIFA’s Domestic Transfer Matching System training

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has become the first Member Association of the CONCACAF Region to adopt the Domestic Transfer Matching System (DTMS), according to FIFA’s DTMS Project Coordinator Semira Jawdat.

This announcement was made on Friday last at Olympic House during her opening remarks at a two-day training workshop, which sought to build capacity among GFF Secretariat staff, Member Associations and Clubs on the use of the DTMS. Jawdat said it was a memorable day for the GFF: “Today is not only training in using the system, or on exercising it, or giving you compliance advice. Today is also a new chapter for the Guyana Football Federation, its affiliated clubs and Regional Associations. It is a great moment because it’s the first member of CONCACAF to adopt DTMS.” According to FIFA, the DTMS is “the national version of the International Transfer Matching System (ITMS). With DTMS, the federation and its clubs have the ability to man-

Participants from day one of the DTMS training

age and monitor their domestic transfer activity, generate statistics and reports, speed up the transfer process and store required documents online, safely. As an extension of the ITMS, the system allows the federation to access international and domestic transfers in one place.”

While encouraging maximum participation, Jawdat, who works in FIFA’s Global Transfers and Compliance Department, said the DTMS was meant to be responsive to the unique needs of Member Associations. “We’ll see how to improve the system according to your needs, because the system is not static. It will and it tries to accommodate your needs,” she explained.

GFF President Wayne Forde said part of his Executive Committee’s mandate was to professionalise the sport, and expressed his satisfaction that capacity-building on player transfers was being done.

“We know that movement of players has been a very con-

tentious issue in Guyana’s football for many years. We now have an opportunity to have a platform, where we can do this in a very structured and transparent manner that will certainly serve the interest of our efforts to professionalise football in Guyana.”

FIFA’s Training and Support Coordinator, Maria Stracke, while indicating her pleasure to share her knowledge about the DTMS, in her remarks, reiterated that the transfer process was about transparency and equity.

“All transfers are being handled in the same way and it’s about fairness,” she said.

Also included in the team is Hector Navarro, Legal Counsel, TMS Compliance. The first day of the workshop catered for key GFF Secretariat staff and Regional Associations Representatives, who will interface with the system, while the second day targeted representatives from Clubs.

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LAND for sale One transported land for sale 100x50ft at Hope Town village West Coast Berbice Price 1.2M Contact # 680-1009

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sports

21

Elite refs to officiate Malteenoes Cricket Academy ready for rain at CAC Games – bowls off Monday

A

s Malteenoes get ready for possible rain and an unplayable ground, contingency plans are in place for the staging off the Malteenoes Cricket Academy which starts on Monday.

According to the club, if the rain continues and the ground can’t be used, the tarmac at the Transport Sports Club ground and the one in the National Park will be used for the outdoor sessions with taped balls being used until the ground dries.

Meanwhile, as support for the Academy continues to grow, 59 year-old MSC youth Coach Oswald Waldron made a timely contribution to the club he called home for 17 years before he migrated.

‘Ossie’ worked with the youth section in the 1990s when cricket in Demerara was still strong and said he was pleased to give back to a club he still loves and will never forget.

The Coach who also worked with the Scotia Bank Kiddies cricket program made his contribution in US dollars.

The Academy caters for both Girl and Boys from 6-18 years and registration fee is $3,000. Forms can be picked tomorrow from the Malteenoes’ caretaker.

Girls are encouraged to join while the ‘Babies’ of the National Girls team just back from Jamaica has registered for the Academy on the recommendation of their Coach Bharat Mangru who is also an International Scorer and will conduct scoring sessions to the 13-18 age group.

Essequibo Franchise Coach Ryan Hercules attended the very first Academy in 1999 and returned the next year. He went on to represent Essequibo at Senior Inter-County level.

Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sports Dr George Norton will deliver the feature address on Monday.

T

Kevin Stephens

Maurees Skeete

Gladwyn Johnson

hree Guyanese match officials will be among those officiating at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games being held in Barranquilla, Colombia from July 18 to 31.

Among the officials are Referees Gladwyn Johnson and Maurees Skeete and Assistant Referee Kevin Stephens.

According to the Head of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Refereeing Department, Stanley Lancaster, this is an achievement for the CONCACAF Tier Two Referees, whose participation signals an opportunity for further technical assessment and development.

“This is the second time, if my memory serves me correctly, that match officials from Guyana have been invited to participate in the CAC Games. This is certainly encouraging and shows the confidence bestowed on the match officials from Guyana to sustain the rigors of competition. This opportunity will also contribute to enhanced technical development considering the expected networking and level of competition,” he said.

Johnson is also part of the CONCACAF’s Targeted Advanced Referee Programme (TARP), which seeks to foster the technical growth and development of select referees.

The female leg of the CAC Games began on July 18 and will conclude on July 30, while the male competition runs July 1931.

This year’s CAC Games have 38 participating countries involved in 40 disciplines, including athletics, field hockey, football, cycling, swimming and beach volleyball.

22

guyanatimesgy.com

SUnDAY, july 22, 2018

Charlestown, Chase crowned inaugural ExxonMobil champions from the first whistle, playing along the wing the ball was soon in the possession of -- who managed to send the ball flying into the goal from a defender’s distance.

Minutes later another bout of marvelous plays saw Chase securing their second goal of the match. Soon after, North Ruimveldt Multilateral converted one of their few possession opportunities into their first goal.

However, Chase soon took the joy out of their

celebration with another goal to push the score to 3-1 at the end of the first quarter.

Although North Ruimveldt Multilateral played a much better game in the second half, it was no match for the Chase boys who continued to score easily despite a few near misses. At the sound of the last whistle, the score was left at 6-1 in favor of the inaugural male champions, Chase’s Academic Foundation.

Special Awards:

The victorious female team, Charlestown Secondary, receive their winning trophy from ExxonMobil Public Affairs Director Deedra Moe

A

fter seven weeks of intense competition at the under fourteen en level, ExxonMobil/Petra hosted the final round of their football league which was nothing short of exhilarating.

The day’s activities began with the third place playoffs in both the male and female category, which set the tempo for the rest of the competition.

In the female section, New Campbellville Secondary walked away with the third place trophy after receiving a walk over. The male third place game saw Buxton Youth Developers redeeming themselves in an easy win. The formidable team which was deprived of their final round spot by Chase’s Academic Foundation flattened St. John’s College.

But the matches to see were the final encounters which surely did not disappoint the sizable crowd.

In the female finals, a twist of fate resulted

in East Ruimveldt Secondary facing off with Charlestown Secondary. Charlestown Secondary started their campaign in high spirits, producing commendable passes and shots to secure their first goal within the first 2 minutes of the game.

East Ruimveldt soon had a celebration of their own with their first goal, but as fate would have it, it was their last of the tournament.

Charlestown came out blazing in the second half and thanks to several marvelous dribbles and passes by the young ladies, they were able to secure an additional two goals, which would see them being crowned as the inaugural ExxonMobil Under 14 female champions.

The action was not over yet, as both male teams huddled on the playing field to chant their respective mantras. Both teams enter red the competition fully confident that they would emerge victorious but there could only be one winner.

Chase’s academy showcased their intentions

Female MVP: Shania Houston (Charlestown Secondary) Male MVP: Kevin Mullen (Chase Academy) Most goals (Female): Donna Lowe (Charlestown Secondary) Most goals (Male): Tyrese Dennis (Buxton Youth Developers) Best Goalkeeper (Female): Amanza Tennant (East Ruimveldt Secondary) Best Goalkeeper (Male): Mark Cameron (Chase Academy) Most Disciplined Team: North Ruimveldt Secondary Best Coach: Vernon Mills (Chase’s Academy)

An ecstatic Chase’s Academy team pose for a photo op with ExxonMobil Public Affairs Director Deedra Moe and Co-Director of Petra Troy Mendonca

“Mid-Summer Derby” Horse Race invades Bush Lot United Turf Club T

oday, the Bush Lot United Turf Club will come alive as the country’s top locally-bred horses will be in action at the Rock and Come In Promotion’s “MidSummer Derby”, where they will do battle for over $2 million in cash and other prizes.

The meet will cater only for the ‘L Class’ of horses, where the winner of the feature event will pocket $400,000 while the horse coming in second is set to ride away with $200,000 and third place $100,000.

Prizes will also be given to the champion jockey, trainer and stable, with ANSA McAL under its Stag Beer Brand, Republic Bank, Giftland Mall, Pas Cargo, Park Square Fun City and Jumbo Jet listed as some of the sponsors of the event.

James Cheefoon, owner and trainer of “Isn’t She Charming”, one of the horses that would be at the starting gate in the feature event, stated that his animal would be ready to claim the top prize today, putting the competition on notice.

Meanwhile, Dr Steven Cheefoon, owner and trainer of “Flash Again”, which will be competing in the L Class Maiden Race, also believes that his horse will cross the finish line first at the Bush Lot United Turf Club.

“Isn’t She Charming” in action during a practice run in preparation for the “Mid-Summer Derby”

guyanatimesgy.com

SUnDAY, july 22, 2018

Mortaza says Bangladesh a force in limited-overs cricket

23

– skipper satisfied with team combination

By Clifton Ross

B

angladesh Captain Mashrafe Mortaza says his team’s reputation in limited-overs cricket is not to be taken lightly, as the visitors prepare for the first ODI against Windies on Sunday at the Providence National Stadium.

Bangladesh arrived in Guyana on Friday night, looking for a new start in a new format following a nightmare 2-0 loss in the Tests.

Mortaza, who has been one of the driving forces behind the Asians’ success in limited-overs cricket, said during the pre-match training session at Providence on Saturday, that the Tigers were tailor-made for this format and were banking on their track record.

“I think this format suits us a lot and we have a good combination. West Indies have two good batsmen at the top, but we have to be positive and do what we can do to win like bowling in the right areas and we can get their top order out, then we can have some fun,” said the Bangladesh Captain.

The all-rounder highlighted that the

Windies star-studded team, which include Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Evin Lewis and others, will be a force to reckon with, but is backing his vast bowling options to deliver.

As an experienced campaigner with 187 ODIs under his belt and 238 wickets to his credit, the 34-year-old said his past experience having played at Providence back in 2007, will be key for his team as they look to set a decent target, should they bat first. “I played a long time here, back in 2007, so I’m not sure what to expect, but I think around 250 or 260 can be a good score.”

The skipper pointed out that the experienced pair of batters in all-rounder Shakib AlHasan and wicket-keeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim has been doing their jobs for the team and he expected the rest of the team to lend support to the two senior players, along with explosive opener Tamim Iqbal.

Windies Captain Jason Holder said that he was fixed on maintaining the same form the team exhibited in the Test series. He noted that while the shift in format required some sort of transition, his team and the players

were more than ready to get their 2019 World Cup campaign underway with a win in the ODI series.

The two teams endured a few days of vigorous practice and net sessions as they sought to keenly transition from Test to 50Over mode. Gayle, Russell, and Guyanese Keemo Paul, Devendra Bishoo and Shimron Hetmyer all had good net sessions on Saturday under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Stuart Law, Toby Radford, Corey Collymore and oth- Bangladesh Captain Mashrafe Mortaza and West Indies Captain Jason Holder share a moment at Providence ahead of today’s ODI ers.

Russell returns Indies pacer turned Coach Courtney Walsh, to the ODI side since 2015, while Gayle has who ensured his players got an adequate feel had mixed results over the past few months, of Providence and its conditions with just but would still play a key role for his team hours left to the start of the ODI series. throughout the limited-overs series.

Today, the first of two ODIs at Providence Bangladesh conducted their session shortbowls off from 09:30h. ly after lunch under guidance of former West

Platinum Auto Expo on August 5 at GMR&SC

A

fter being absent from the entertainment arena for some time, Platinum Promotions will be hosting a massive Auto Expo on August 5, at the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC), Thomas Lands.

According to organiser Mahendra Boodhoo, the event is expected to attract some of the best vehicles in terms of glitz and glamour, while those with the fancy lights, shining rims, and cleanest sound systems will all have the opportunity to win prizes.

Boodhoo, a former racer and President of the GMR&SC, said the occasion was one for the family to enjoy, especially those with a deep appreciation for excellent-looking vehicles and those who just love to compete in such competitions.

Boodhoo added that the Expo was open to all and over $1 million in cash prizes and trophies would be up for grabs for winners in the respective categories.

Participants will compete in over 27 categories and word was that competitors were

Vettel on pole as Hamilton suffers hydraulic failure L ewis Hamilton will start the German Grand Prix from 14th on the grid while title rival Sebastian Vettel took a stunning pole position for Ferrari.

Hamilton’s Mercedes suffered hydraulic failure in the first part of the session, grinding to a halt on track.

Vettel set pole from Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas by 0.204 seconds and is now in position to extend his eight-point lead in the championship.

But Bottas’ second place gives him a chance to challenge Ferrari.

The Finn edged out Vettel’s team-mate Kimi Raikkonen by 0.131secs and has the inside line on the run to the first corner for Sunday’s race.

Bottas said: “The start is going to be crucial. Race pace-wise, it is going to be close.”

Hamilton is consigned to another fightback, but he did not sound optimistic of achieving what he did at Silverstone two weeks ago, when he was punted into a spin by Raikkonen on the first lap but fought back to challenge Vettel for victory in the closing stages.

“It definitely was a tough one. These things happen and all you can do is try to gather your thoughts and put whatever energy you have towards trying to do your best next day. Live to fight another day, another opportunity to rise,” Hamilton told BBC Radio 5 live.

“I’ll give everything to see how high I can get up but it’s not going to be like Silverstone.

I am sure I will be able to get through to some point, but to where I don’t know.”

Hamilton’s problem emerged shortly after he had run wide at the high-speed Turn One. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said the problem was “definitely not caused by Lewis’ driving”. He said that Hamilton suffered a hydraulic leak as he was going over the kerbs at

Turn One. This caused a power-steering failure, which caused the car to bounce over the rough ground as he rejoined the track.

He was unable to change gears and was ordered to stop out on the circuit because the problem risked damaging the engine.

It is the latest in a series of blows for Hamilton and Mercedes, after a double retirement in Austria, where they also made a strategic error, and his incident with Raikkonen at his home race.

Vettel, who grew up in Heppenheim, less than 30 miles from the track, soaked up the cheers of his home crowd and said he had always felt from his first run in first qualifying that he could take pole.

“Thanks to the fans. It was amazing to see so many Ferrari and German flags,” he said.

“It just kept getting better and I knew for the last lap I had a little bit more in more. I’m full of adrenaline but so happy.”

Raikkonen looked to have the pace to challenge for pole but, as happens so often to the veteran Finn, a mistake in final qualifying affected him.

He ran wide at the fast Turn 12 at the entry to Hockenheim’s Stadium section on his first run in the top-10 shootout, clipping the inside kerb and firing across to the outside, where he bounced over the kerbs.

He said the time he lost there, meant he had to apply more caution than was ideal to his final lap.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was fourth after setting the pace in both practice sessions on Friday. He was optimistic then that, on race pace, his team could challenge Mercedes and Ferrari.

Team-mate Daniel Ricciardo starts from the back as a result of grid penalties for using too many engine parts. (BBC Sport)

currently working feverishly to excite the fans with their thorough preparations.

Among the categories to be contested are: Best Antique Bike, Mini Extreme Face Out Cars, Best Rims, Best Graphic Bus and Car, Cleanest SUV, Best Technician, and Biggest Bike.

Additionally, Boodhoo disclosed that fans would be entertained throughout the day with displays set to commence at 14:00h, while the gates will be open from 12:00h.

Advance tickets cost just $1500 per person.

Also, a star-studded line-up of local entertainment talent is anticipated to grace the stage, including Granny Ivelaw, “Chiney Man” and “Chow Pow”.

Interested persons can contact the organisers on 617-2651 or 627-2369.

Some of the sponsors on board are: A Ali & Sons, GT Motorsports, Stag Beer, Caribbean Motor Spares and Ramchand Auto Spares.

The official launch of the event will be held on Tuesday, at the GMR&SC from 15:00h.

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

SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Mortaza says Bangladesh a force in limited-overs cricket

Pg 23

– skipper satisfied with team combination

Chris Gayle and Shimron Hetmyer get some work in before Windies’ ODI showdown with Bangladesh at the Providence National Stadium

Chris Gayle stepping into the nets

Digicel CPL Youth Programme yields top results

Guyana and West Indian spinner Devendra Bishoo imparts some knowledge of his trade during the one-day Digicel CPL Youth Programme which took place at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Ground on Saturday

The participants of the Digicel CPL Youth Programme take a photo op after the event

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.

JULY 22, 2018

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2 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 22 , 2018

Feature

By Lakhram Bhagirat

I

t was Martin Luther King Jr, who said, “The supreme task is to organise and unite people so that their anger becomes a transforming force.” While the emotion is not quite the same, newly-elected Toshao Beverly Clenkian is quite

keen on uniting and transforming the people of St Cuthbert’s Mission (Pakuri).

Clenkian was recently elected as Toshao of St Cuthbert’s Mission, replacing the outspoken Lennox Schuman.

She tells me that she has served a collective nine years in the Village

Council so being a Toshao is not strange. She intends to use the experience she gained from being in the Village Council to further develop the community as well as ensuring that there is transparency and accountability. chat, During our Clenkian told me that she has always been in a leadership role, explaining that her father died at an early age and she was forced to become the head of the household.

She had to go out to work and eventually ventured into the teaching profession. However, working at an early age took its toll on her, as she was not able to enjoy growing up.

“Being a single parent is not easy, you have to play the role as the leader of the family. My mother was unemployed, so I had to seek employment at an early age so I became a teacher there. I went to CPCE and then to the University of Guyana.

I always try to do my best for myself and my peo-

ple,” she said.

St Cuthbert’s Mission is located on the Mahaica River and has approximately 200 households.

The village was founded in the late 1800s. It is surrounded by savannah and shrub lands on its east side, and dense vegetation on its west side.

The village is the closest Amerindian settlement to the capital city.

Clenkian said she has been living in the village all her life and has raised her three children there as well. When I asked her what drives her desire to lead, Clenkian said the mere fact that her people were dealt the short hand and there were seeds of disharmony sown among them.

“I know how village runs and so and seeing some of the issues that bother my people makes me want to go into this position. I see the needs of my people and some of the things they were promised like transparency. I see division in my community and I want

to get them back as one.

We are one people and we should be working together, because we all want the same thing, which is a well-developed community,” Clenkian told me.

The issues the new Toshao speaks of relate mostly to the lack of a unified village as well as transparency. She said right now St Cuthbert’s Mission needed someone to talk to them and steer them in the right direction.

“I want to go out with the people and even though they are not with me, I try to go out there and talk with them and I tell them that we are one and we should not try to segregate. We have our difference, but we have to put it aside to develop our community.”

The 45-year-old remembers the village as one where the living standards were very low and poverty was rampant.

Clenkian and her family would have to walk for hours to get onto the Linden-Soesdyke

Highway to get transportation to take them to Georgetown, or in her case to school on the East Coast of Demerara.

Those days were tough and it is with those struggles in mind, she wishes to create a better village for her people. It is her aim to modernise the village so that they can access the same level of services like the rest of the world, but while staying true to their heritage.

“I took up the leadership so that we modernise and not forget our culture. We must still maintain it; our language is dying away, and we are getting the older people to teach it to the young people, because we want the future generation to know their history and traditions.”

This is just the beginning of what looks to be a promising three years for the people of St Cuthbert’s Mission and according to Clenkian, she would continue to serve as long as the people allow her to.

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 22 , 2018

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Feature

By Lakhram Bhagirat

M

any people would do whatever it takes to aid in the development of the communities they were born into and that is why 31-year-old Vanessa Richards decided to campaign to become the first female Toshao of Achiwib Village.

Achiwib Village is a small Wapichan (Wapishana) settlement some 130 miles from Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). The Village has about 561 residents who are all working towards the development of the community. The name Achiwib is from the Wapichan language and it means lily flower.

This year, the villagers collectively decided to elect Richards as their Toshao, breaking away from the tradition of having a male figure in the leadership position. I caught up with Richards at the opening of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference on Monday, and we had an intense discussion about her vision for the development of the community as well as what pushed her into the leadership chair.

First, I must say, at first glance, I underestimated Richards since she looked very shy and reserved, but as we got into conversation mode, I slowly realised why she was elected Toshao.

Richards is the mother of five and tells me that while she was growing up, life was as tough as it could get. She re-

members the struggles to get an education, but notes the love and camaraderie among the villagers far superseded the issues they had.

She remembers playing in the fields as well as going into the farms with her parents. Richards says as she was growing she noted that only men were in the positions of power while t h e wome n r e mained homem a k ers. The decision for women to be homemakers was not because that was expected of them, but because they were

not motivated to do more.

Therefore, the men continued to lead the Village. As Richards aged and started her own family, she felt the need for things to change and became actively involved in village governance at the age of 25. She joined the Village Council and actively helped to develop her small community.

However, she noticed that the level of leadership was still lacking within the community and the residents were not motivated.

“I have seen that there is a lot to do to develop the community.

For the past we were left out on so much, because the people didn’t have the leadership. I have seen that my village people, they want to work, but they didn’t have the leader to put them forward and I

am really happy to be the first female Toshao and I hope together we can change things,” Richards says.

She said now that she is in the leadership chair, it is her intention to ensure that all the residents work as a team to develop the community. She noted that the main source of income is farming and it is her hope that they can diversify the ways of earning money. It is her mission to ensure that the villagers are positioned to remove themselves from below the poverty line.

“I want the assistance of the villagers to help me to build up the capacity as leader in the village. It was hard work to get to this position and I want them to be proud of me. I was in the Council for six years and I have sacrificed a lot for the people and even my family time I sacrificed.”

When I asked Richards how it felt to be the first woman leader of her village, she looked at me and smiled.

Then, she slowly said, “No different from how it would feel if you were sitting here.”She went on to explain that she would like to see women taking up more leadership positions so as to bring a balance.

In the end, I asked her what would she say to a young girl looking at her as a role model, and she responded: “Follow your heart and dreams and don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do it.”

4

Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 22 , 2018

Feature

By Lakhram Bhagirat

S

anta Rosa is considered to be the largest Amerindian village in Guyana with a population of 7000 plus people. The village is inhabited predominantly by the Arawak people and located in Region One (Barima-Waini) on the Moruca River some 29 kilometres from the mouth.

However, despite being the largest and most populated Indigenous settlement, Santa Rosa has its issues, which can be fixed with the right type of leadership and according to the newly-elected Toshao, Whanita Phillips, that is her main mission.

Phillips is a mother of six, and the desire to create a better life for them led her to run for leadership of the village. She explained that her entire life has been about leading and that she intended to

work hard for the development of Santa Rosa.

“I am a woman, but I am not the first woman Toshao of Santa Rosa and so far I would say that we women have better leadership skills.

It is my hope to transform Santa Rosa, because there are a lot of things we need. We are the largest Amerindian village in the whole of Guyana so our needs are greater than some villages, but we all desire the same things which are proper services like education and health care," Phillips said.

Santa Rosa is a collection of 11 smaller settlements called "satellite villages", and is one of the earliest Catholic Missions in Guyana.

Phillips explained that the name Santa Rosa translates to “Saint Rose”. Santa Rosa contains the second of the region's two secondary schools, Santa Rosa

Secondary School, established in 1992.

When the elections were held earlier this year, the village decided to give Phillips a shot at leadership since she has been leading the Santa Rosa Secondary School’s PTA for over five years. During her tenure there, she had advocated for many things to better enhance the learning process for the students. Like every leader, Phillips has a vision for the development of her village and that vision, according to her, requires the community to band together for the common good.

“Our village is very beautiful and we are known for our white sand and lumber, so I want to make sure that we develop those and that our villagers are not exploited. My vision for Santa Rosa is to make sure that every home has running wa-

ter and a hospital with proper amenities,” she said.

When Phillips says she wants a hospital with proper amenities, she means a hospital with a functioning xray department, qualified technicians and a laboratory that offers all the testing services.

She notes that the hospital they have currently lacks these resulting in the residents having to spend large sums of money to access these services privately or travel to another community.

In addition to a properly outfitted and functioning hospital, Phillips have been advocating for the Santa Rosa Secondary to have a science laboratory so that the students can conduct proper experiments. She also sees herself campaigning for the village to be outfitted with an airstrip since they need other transportation options.

“I want our children to have no boundaries.

They must be able to learn in a school that could compete with the

Coast and a science lab is just one step. When they have the knowledge of experimenting and so on, then it might inspire one and two of them to become doctors or scientists and that will be good for the community and Guyana too.”

Phillips encourages everyone to follow their

dreams and says failure is just a stepping stone to success. For the young girls, she hopes that they can look at her as a role model and know that no matter what they are worthy of having a proper education and can take up any position, in any field they wish.

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 22 , 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Feature

By Lakhram Bhagirat

T

here are certain traits of our parents we emulate without even trying and according to Loretta Fiedtkou, it is the leadership skills of her father that landed her in the Toshao’s chair. Fiedtkou is the Toshao of Muritaro Village located some 25 miles from the mining town of Linden in Region 10.

She hails from a large family and explains that among her 12 siblings she always stood out as the one who would lead them into every task. It was a trait that her father took special notice of, and he would quite often take her on his campaigning trips and various meetings.

“We grew up in the Upper Demerara River and as a child my father always in leadership and I always admire him and I would follow him. I would be in farm and fishing and so, and when I was playing with other children, I always be the one leading the game. After that, when I started going to school I grew with my grandmother and I was

put in the leadership role. I always look out for my smaller siblings and so on,” she said.

Fiedtkou tells me that after she got married and gave birth to her four children, she later left and ventured to the city with her family so that her four children could receive a proper education. It was during that time she took several crash courses in floral craft, sewing and business management. After her children completed their education, she ventured back to her home and began leading her people.

Muritaro has a population of approximately 300 persons and is located along the banks of the Upper Demerara River.

While providing a brief history, Fiedtkou revealed that when she returned a Community Development Council (CDC) was running the village and they would have meetings and so, but it never produced any proper developmental plan.

“So I said okay and then they asked me to be the CDC Chair and after that we talked about getting the place into the Titled Community and after then I ventured out. I took the opportunity and I got let-

ters done and sent them to then President Jagdeo,” she said.

After indicating their interest to become a titled community, Fiedtkou then invited then Amerindian Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues to visit the village and began mobilising the villagers. She had the support of over 85 percent of the villagers when the Minister visited and they signed an agreement which saw the village becoming a titled community in 2002.

Impressed with her leadership skills, the people of Muritaro elected Fiedtkou to the office of Toshao and ever since she has remained in the post after various elections.

When I asked her to describe her village, she said it was a forgotten land, one that was untouched, the air is fresh and crisp with some of the best people of Guyana.

The main economic activity in Muritaro is logging, and before there was advocacy for sustainable harvesting and preservation of trees, the people of Muritaro have been practicing sustainable harvesting. But like every other community there are developmental issues the residents are forced to face and one such issue is the lack of a secondary school for the children of Muritaro.

The village has a primary school and used to have a primary top where children would attend school until Grade Nine (Form Three), but that was discontinued without any consultation or notice. Ever since, the children have to travel the 25 miles to Linden to attend secondary school, but Fiedtkou has been

in constant consultations with the authorities to restore the primary top.

“We have a primary school with like 60 children and the children have to come out to attend secondary school in Linden and we are faced with that challenge. Because of that, we have a lot of dropout children. I can’t see that so sometimes we have to use some of the community fund to help the children to attend

school and it is tough for the children. My burden is to take care of all the children. I look at ways and means to see how we can help the children.”

The children who receive community support are now excelling in their studies and making the village proud.

Additionally, Fiedtkou has been trying to get a doctor or nurse stationed in the village, but has been met with a lot of hurdles. She explained that

because of the lack of a health centre the community built a health post with the hope of it being converted into a health centre so that it would save them from travelling to Linden to access treatment, but to date, despite representation, that is yet to be done.

Fiedtkou plans to continue campaigning for the development of her people and advises everyone to follow their passion.

6 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 22 , 2018

Feature

By Lakhram Bhagirat

C

hildren’s rights activist Marian Wright Edelman famously said, “Education is for improving the lives of others and leaving your

community and world better than you found it,” and it is on this foundation that Baramita's first female Toshao intends to reshape the lives of villagers.

The small village of Baramita is located in the

Barima-Waini region some 20 miles west of Matthews Ridge, and it is one of the most populated Amerindian settlements in Guyana. The village is predominantly occupied by the Carib tribe and recently they broke away from traditional male leadership and elected their first female Toshao. The community is said to have some 23 settlements with approximately 3000 persons living there.

Thirty-two-year-old Sharmain Rambajie said she was elated at the chance to serve her people, but noted that that opportunity came with heavy responsibilities, since Baramita has its fair share of issues. The village is said to have one of the highest suicide rates in Guyana coupled with the highest teenage pregnancy and school dropout figures.

This is attributed to the effects of the mining industry, which saw coastlanders invading the community and wreaking havoc. According to a study titled "Impact of Mining: Survival Strategies for Interior Communities in Guyana" conducted by the Guyana Human Rights Association, Baramita has a lot of social ills with very little being done to address them. It identified that girls as young as 14 were being raped, forcing them to take measures to protect themselves.

In addition, because of those issues and the fact that girls are being impregnated at an early age, the school dropout rate is extremely high compared to other communities.

The need to combat these issues and to ensure that the people of Baramita are positioned to take advantage of every developmental opportunity is what inspired Rambajie to run for the office of Toshao.

“You always hearing people talking bad thing about Baramita, but it is not like that really. I have three girls and I want to be a role model for them. We never had a woman Toshao before nor did they compete for Toshao and this is the first time and we all would see like how men would lead, so the people want

to see how a woman would lead and they nominated me,” Rambajie told me.

When I asked Rambajie how she planned to address the issues plaguing her people and clear up the misconceptions about Baramita, she said that the dominant trait of the Carib people was their ability to persevere and battle their way through every situation.

It is with that Carib spirit that she intends to lead her people into the 21st Century.

Rambajie was born and raised in Baramita and remembers growing up being tough because they were not allowed to write Common Entrance (now the National Grade Six Assessment) which meant that their education was limited. The children never got scholarships, but now that has changed and they are allowed to sit the NGSA and would get scholarships to attend secondary school out of the village.

“It is now developing because nobody was paying any attention to Baramita because of how it is and now it is developing. I became Toshao because I wanted to help develop my community and the people of Baramita like in leading and so on and for the place to become a better place."

Rambajie said that she planned to introduce sports as well as advocate for a secondary school in the village so that children would be more motivated to attend school. She also plans to push for more scholarship opportunities to be made available so that they can have their own doctors, teachers and health workers.

“If we get a secondary school then the children would not be going to other places like Mabaruma and Port Kaituma and they would get a secondary education right in Baramita.

They would also get a chance to write CXC,” she said.

Rambajie urges all young girls to take up the mantle of leadership and make the world a better place for themselves and future generations.

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 22 , 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Literary Corner

"Spanglish" has continued to grow since, with 80 plus participants at our last two events,” Roberts explained.

“Although there are Spanglish-type events in other countries, Spanglish Guyana was an original idea influenced by the desire to help Guyanese and foreignlanguage immigrants socialise together and learn more about one-another's cultures. Our events centre around 15-minute periods, where the language changes from English to Spanish and back again each period.”

Besides the opportunities to network with per-

By Jarryl Bryan

U

nder the cool night breeze, the gathering crowd of laughing and chattering patrons at local bars could be mistaken for partygoers. But they have a more sober purpose. They are there at a "Spanglish Night" event, a fast-growing new initiative, to learn to speak a foreign language.

The organisers of the event are Guyanese education administrator Gordon Roberts; English anthropologist Charlie Tokeley and Chilean engineer Christian Vargas. These three may hail from different countries, but they are united in their desire to help Guyanese get more in tune with their South American side.

As such, they have been holding "Spanglish Nights” and "Language Lounges” at various entertainment venues on the first Wednesday of every month. Over drinks and 'cutters', curious Guyanese come together to network, practise and learn Spanish. It's a method of immersion learning that's as fun as it's effective. Tokeley, who speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese, in fact, revealed that this method helped his language learning.

"I found that learning Spanish, one of the greatest difficulties was confidence," he explained in an interview. "I felt like I sounded silly, and this in turn meant that I spoke slower and made more errors. After a few drinks, however, I was pretty fluent!" ""Spanglish" allows peo-

sons of different cultures, Roberts pointed out the fact that the ability to speak Spanish and Portuguese would bring significant opportunities for Guyanese to do business and make money with neighbouring countries.

“More importantly, perhaps, is that it will generate understanding towards people of different cultures, and it will help to integrate migrants from Cuba, Venezuela and Brazil – giving them the opportunity to better their English and assimilate at the same time,” Roberts posited.

From left: British anthropologist Charlie Tokeley, Chilean engineer Christian Vargas and Guyanese education administrator Gordon Roberts

ple to reach that point of confidence and, therefore, increase their second-language fluency, which in turn helps them improve further.

It also helps people break down the cultural barriers that make it hard to speak a second language," he added.

According to Tokeley, the more someone understands another culture, the easier it is to understand the language. Meanwhile, Vargas pointed out that contrary to the belief in a “grammar first” approach to language learning, the aim should be to talk to people first.

“Practising conversations – rather than learning from a book – makes a real difference,” Vargas explained.“Sometimes it's hard to learn English because people can be impatient with you when you try.

Finding people who are interested in your culture and willing to listen is a really important step in the process.”

Vargas, who speaks English and French as second languages, revealed that they have been partnering with other organisations like the Alliance Francaise and the Deaf Institute of Guyana (DAG).

He noted that for each "Spanglish" event, they would feature a different Spanish-speaking country.

For instance, on Wednesday, July 11, Argentina was featured, with traditional drinks, food and music from that country also showcased. Nor does it end with foreign languages, as they are interested in including Indigenous languages.

“The Language Lounge

will continue to incorporate more languages, and we would love to encourage a table for one of Guyana's Indigenous languages so that we can spread awareness and education there, too.”

Background

In explaining the background of their enterprise, Roberts said that they initially planned the event as a gathering of friends and acquaintances who wanted to practise English and Spanish. He noted that they have several Cuban and Venezuelan friends, as well as Guyanese who are studying Spanish. But their plan was easier said than done.

“For our first event in March, we expected 10 to 15 participants, but nearly 50 people turned up!

Earth is a building A crowded house covered with thorns donated by peacemakers A building Showered with endless tears washing sad feelings Tears that fill holes to shape the planet with goals It shelters those that shelter themselves Shame poor souls Pass them free suicide ropes This earth is a shack overcrowded with souls hungry for reality’s accuracy A construction that shield competitors for God’s recognition This earth is a round promised lie Circled to circulate exclusions A bunkhouse burning from the heat of human insults Group hugging insects Voice planning impacts It glows echoes of reality’s limping lips and confused vintage Glorifying gruesome goals The third house amplifying fear as a choice The next-door neighbour to your borrowed smiles A building A freak round building Earth is a tornado moving bricks from one mind to others My heart married the future with all its dimples Holes piled up with fables War of voices in ties and suitcases Killing the already dead in word visions Picture pictures painted in demonic paintbrushes Bunch of hands group-shaking greetings Earth is a building A crowded house covered with thorns Donated by peacemakers A building that let loose diseases for business Some letters I never sent

Persons gathered for Argentina night at the Grill Bar and Restaurant were given the opportunity to learn and practise salsa, a renowned Latin dance

Notice to Readers

By Raymond Ngomane

If you have a poem and/or short story you would like to publish on our Literary Corner page, please email to timessundaymag@gmail.com. Kindly include your correct name and a contact number in your email. If you have any questions, please call 223-7230 or 223-7231.

8 Sunday Times Magazine

JULY 22 , 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Travel & Tourism

The Kopinang Waterfalls

The Village of Kopinang

T

his week we transport you to Kopinang Village, which is located in the North Pakaraimas on both banks of the Kopinang River. The Village is described as one of the most beautiful villages in Guyana and is the home of the Patamona people.

The land around Kopinang Village bears witness to a long-term interaction between people and their surroundings. There are rock paintings close by and a cave with two entrances into which, according to local stories, enemies (Akawaio and Arekuna) were lured and killed. The older residents explain that their grandparents told them often about the time of tribal wars in the region and how they had to defend themselves against the neighbouring peoples.

The land also features several sacred caves that were used for hunting and fishing rituals and were said to lead to another world. Some shamans (piaman) used to lead groups down into one of the caves where they would enter a world where a single arrow would kill many hogs and haimara fish.

During the 20th century, there was an influx of coast landers seeking minerals in the area. Many of these people married local Patamona

women and Kopinang Village is today also the home of the descendants of these people. There is an estimated 762 persons living in with village with Kamana, Kaibarupai and Maikwak as its neighbours.

Residents survive on subsistence farming, hunting and fishing. Important hunting, fishing and gathering areas are Kuribrong, Potaro and KĂšwaĂš, all outside the title. A number of people also carry out artisanal mining close to the Village. Young people often go out to mining areas elsewhere in Guyana to make money that can sustain them for a while before coming back.

Miners are polluting Potaro River and the stretch of Kuribrong downstream from Amaila Falls and game is near depletion close to the Village due to over-hunting. Fish and forest products, such as mukru, hiari and resins are also scarce near the Village due to heavy use. Residents also report that their crops are affected by changes in the climate.

Despite that the struggles, Kopinang is a beautiful place with tallest Pakaraima peaks in the distance, mountain streams, waterfalls, vast savannah land and pristine rainforests. So pack your bags and take a trip to this beautiful village.

The mighty Pakaraima

Residents of Kopinang

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 22 , 2018

Sunday Times Magazine

9

10 Sunday Times Magazine

JULY 22 , 2018

Fashion

T

he sherwani is a traditional attire worn by men.

It is a handsome coat-like shirt worn with set of churidar (trouser) pants on formal occasions such as weddings, parties and birthdays. The sherwani was born during the Mughal Era. It was worn exclusively by men of the royal family and by the nobility.

Eventually it filtered into the aristocracy and then finally by common people. The sherwani remains a status symbol amongst Muslim families.

Today the sherwani has been adopted into contemporary women’s fashions.

Women’s sherwani features various designs inspired by nature such as leaves, creepers birds, trees, flowers and animals. There are no limits on the color palette but heavy use of gold and silver is common.

The women’s sherwani suits are created in many fabrics. The most popular are silk, tussar silk, georgette and chiffon. It is not uncommon to see these velvet, cotton silk or pure cotton.

The shape of the woman’s sherwani is its most recognizable feature. It is typically worn with a churidar and a dupatta. However, it may also be worn with salwar pants to add volume on the lower half.

One of the most popular ways to wear this stylish dress is to wear tight-fitting churidars that create creases at the ankles. It creates a tapered effect. Some sherwanis end just below the knee whereas some end at the ankle.

How to accessorize the woman’s sherwani?

The woman’s sherwani is a formal attire. It is best to wear at a wedding, religious occasion or during a festival. It can be styled in several ways to create a unique look of your own. High heeled shoes go perfectly well with a woman’s sherwani. You may also wear it with ethnic flat footwear such as v-shaped slippers.

A Kundan set, choker style necklace or just a pair of chandelier earrings are well suited with this type of outfit.

Complete your sherwani attire with an attractive, desiinspired clutch!

guyanatimesgy.com

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 22 , 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Home & Cooking

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Cakes/ Fritters: • 1 lb large raw shrimp peeled and deveined • 4 oz mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups shredded) • 1 large egg • 1/4 cup mayonnaise • 2 Tbsp parsley finely chopped, plus more to garnish • 1/2 tsp sea salt or to taste

• 1/8 tsp black pepper • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or gluten free flour • 2 Tbsp light olive oil or high heat cooking oil of choice For the Lemon Aioli Sauce: • 1/2 cup mayo • 1 tsp lemon zest • 2 Tbsp lemon juice • 1 garlic clove pressed or finely minced

Instructions

How to Make Shrimp Cakes: 1. Pat dry shrimp with paper towels then dice into pea-sized pieces.* 2. Transfer chopped shrimp to a large mixing bowl. Add 4 oz shredded mozzarella, 1 egg, 1/4 cup mayo, 2 Tbsp parsley, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Stir together then add 1/4 cup flour and mix until batter is creamy and well combined.

3. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp olive oil.

Add 1 heaping Tablespoon at a time (or a level ice cream scoop) and flatten out the tops of your fritters as you go so they are about 1/2" thick patties. Saute about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown on the edges and cooked through.

How to Make Lemon Aioli Sauce: In a small bowl, add mayo and stir to remove any lumps. Add 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 Tbsp lemon juice and pressed garlic clove and stir to combine.

Recipe Notes *You can use a food processor to chop the shrimp, but pulse carefully so you don't turn it into ground shrimp meat.

W

hether your style ancient or modern, we have designer tips and tricks to quickly elevate your bedroom without tearing down walls or racking up a high bill. These pieces and ideas cover everything you need to create your most comfortable, luxurious and personal bedroom ever.

Monochromatic Look

Sticking to one light color is an easy way to make a small bedroom feel less claustrophobic. This monochromatic master bedroom blends white and cool brown for a color scheme that makes the petite space feel more open and airy.

Ingredients

• 1 large potato • Canola oil to coat • Salt • Optional toppings such as butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar and scallions

Directions

Photographs... but not of family

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees and position racks in top and bottom thirds. Wash potato (or potatoes) thoroughly with a stiff brush and cold running water. Dry, then using a standard fork poke 8 to 12 deep holes all over the spud so that moisture can escape during cooking. Place in a bowl and coat lightly with oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and place potato directly on rack in middle of oven. Place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drippings.

2. Bake 1 hour or until skin feels crisp but flesh beneath feels soft. Serve by creating a dotted line from end to end with your fork, then crack the spud open by squeezing the ends towards one another. It will pop right open. But watch out, there will be some steam. Add toppings if using.

You should have as many family photos as you wish in other rooms in the house, but it's best to keep the bedroom's artwork less emotionally loaded.

Elegant photographs add some character to your space without reminding you of specific people while you're trying to fall asleep.

A variety of textures

Of course your bedding is plush as could be, but don't forget texture throughout the rest of your room. Play with texture by incorporating a black channel-quilted leather headboard and plush blanket.

Lighting Options

There's nothing more frustrating than a bedroom with just one overhead light. Give yourself options by adding a dimmer or opt for several fixtures throughout the room. Who are we to say no to a bedroom chandelier?

12 Sunday Times Magazine

JULY 22 , 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Puzzles

ACROSS

1 Boggy wasteland

5 Fleetwood Mac vocalist

10 Long, silky wool

16 Elbow room

21 Well-qualified

22 In the lead

23 More unctuous

24 Wassailers' tune

25 Thespian's quest

26 Destiny, in Delhi

27 Do a favor for

28 Not in a whisper 29 Bare

31 Geog. feature

33 Truck stop

35 Wear and tear

36 Front of an LP (2 wds.)

37 Historical periods

40 Merry's opposite

41 Wife of Osiris

42 U.K. lexicon

45 Look sleepy

46 "-- -Man Fever"

48 Electrical unit

50 Portion 52 Times 54 Merely

55 Cheesecake name 57 Collar

58 Pamplona runners

59 Pool lengths

60 Sour pickle 62 Enthusiasts

66 Tale of adventure 67 Tricking

69 Wielded a hoe

71 Whodunit name

72 Kind of difficulty

74 Vitamin amt.

76 Canonical hour

78 Perfume label word

79 Shakespeare villain

80 -- of hand

83 Dagwood's boss 85 Accumulate

88 Mind's-eye view

89 Dreaded mosquito

90 Citrus quencher 93 Bellowing

95 "Irish Rose" lover

97 Here, to Pierre

98 Petrarch's beloved

100 Soyuz destination

101 Shares troubles with

106 Joule fractions 108 Smashed 110 Hard-hat

112 Freighter hazard

113 Midnight opposites

115 Grown acorns

116 Floored it

117 Quantity of paper

118 Royal pronoun

120 "Physics" intro

122 Triangle tip

123 Cafe -- - 124 Hats like Bogart's

128 -- Moines

129 Mich. neighbor

130 Insurance gp.

131 -- Paulo

132 Doc Holliday's pal 133 Romaine

135 Baba au - 137 End-of-year temp

139 "Give -- -- rest!"

140 Cliffside abode

142 LAX hours

144 Arboreal croaker (2 wds.)

148 Coveted prize

150 Set up, in a way 153 Groves

155 Minstrel's guitar

156 Ball-gown fabric

157 Candle holder 158 Fjord

159 Sheik colleague 160 Elegance

161 Prepared to pounce

162 "Bopper" lead-in

163 Basilica area

DOWN

1 Clay deposit

2 Plaintive reed

3 Pueblo pot

4 Lagoon protectors

5 Substitutes (hyph.)

6 Went after

7 Vice - 8 "-- -- the Walrus"

9 Red-waxed cheese

10 For -- -- (cheap)

49

11 Worn-down pencil 51

12 Cowpoke's sweetie

53

13 Roman poet 54

14 "Final answer?" asker

56

15 Ice hockey locales

59

16 Painful reminder

61 17 Sidekick

63

18 Wake up

64

19 Uncle's kid

65

20 Heir, often

67

30 Sausage variety 68

32 Way with words 69

34 Jeannie portrayer

70

38 911 responder 73

39 Cast a shadow

75 41 Saturate

77

42 Four duos

81

43 Wed impulsively

82

44 Column order

84

46 Iris centers 85 47 Org.

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD -- CALYPSO

(CALYPSO: kuh-LIP-so: A type of music that originated in Trinidad.)

Average mark 23 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 29 or

more

words in CALYPSO?

capo clap clasp clay clop cloy coal cola copay copy

cosy also lacy palsy play ploy posy scalp scaly slap

slay slop soap soapy soya spacy spay splay opal

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of "s," such as "bats" or "dies," are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a "d" or an "s" may not be used. For example, if "bake" is used, "baked" or "bakes" are not allowed, but "bake" and "baking" are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

-- Express Chitchat Apache leader Tokyo's NASA Gucci of fashion Plumb crazy Grant a mortgage Turned loose Sunspot activity Grinch creator Brownish fruit Mischief-maker Droll Caesar's gods Twangy Watch faces Ramp alternative Embroider, maybe Coop denizen Attentive Non-earthling

86 Prefix for "wave" 123 Pardon

87 "--'s Guitar" (Kitty Wells song)

124 Fakes out 91 Smidgen

125 Not cook (2 wds.)

92 Type of dollar

126 In a lackluster way

93 Tied up the phone

127 Most ticked off

94 Swallowed quickly 130 Calcify

95 In the sack?

134 As of 96 However

136 Raised the stakes 99 Gallivant

137 Evening wrap

102 Taos loc.

138 Wouldn't hurt -- - 103 Inventor -- Howe

140 Helm position

104 Water wheel

141 007's alma mater

105 Deal with (2 wds.)

143 Tease 107 Busybody

145 Type of roast

109 Organic compound

146 He gave us a lift

111 NFL broadcaster 147 "Pretty Woman" lead

114 California's Big - 149 Annex

117 Repeat verbatim

151 ER staffers

119 10K or marathon

152 Detective -- Ventura

121 Bonfire remains

154 1300 hours

122 Draws a bead on See Solution on Pg 13

guyanatimesgy.com

JULY 22 , 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Tech

T

he European Commission slapped Google with a record fine of 4.34 billion euros ($5 billion) on Wednesday over antitrust violations related to the Android mobile operating system.

The European Union is concerned that Google's agreements with phone makers such as Huawei, Samsung and LG put those companies at a disadvantage because they're completely dependent on Android.

The agreements stipulate that certain Google apps and search tools, as well as the Google Play Store, must be preinstalled on Android devices, which allows Google to preserve and strengthen its dominance in search.

Most of all, the EU is worried that this harms you, the consumer, by restricting your choice and preventing innovation that could lead to better mobile experiences in the future.

L

uxury carmaker Aston Martin has unveiled plans for a personal aircraft dubbed a "sports car for the skies". The company has teamed up with jet engine maker Rolls-Royce and engineering boffins at Cranfield University on the futuristic project.

A concept aircraft was unveiled at the Farnborough Airshow, but the consortium hopes to have a flying version ready for the next show in two years. The three-seat hybrid-electric vehicle will be vertical take-off and landing.

Aston Martin, so associated with James Bond, dis-

"Google has used Android as a vehicle to cement the dominance of its search engine," Margrethe Vestager, the EU's competition commissioner, said Wednesday in a statement. "These practices have denied rivals the chance to innovate and compete on the merits. They have denied European consumers the benefits of effective competition in the important mobile sphere. This is illegal under EU antitrust rules."

Google will appeal the decision, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said in a blog post.

Pichai defended Android against the EU's antitrust charge.

"Rapid innovation, wide choice, and falling prices are classic hallmarks of robust competition and Android has enabled all of them," he said.

The EU's decision also ignores the competition from Apple's iOS mobile operating system and "misses just how much choice Android pro-

missed suggestions it was a gimmick more likely to appear in 007 films than be seen flying commercially.

"Personalised and electric air transport is a fastdeveloping area and we need to start getting into it," said James Stephens, the company's director of global government.

A number of aviation and technology firms are hoping to make electric-powered small aircraft and air-taxis a reality, including Airbus, ride-sharing firm Uber, and a Google-backed firm called Kitty Hawk. Earlier this week, Rolls-Royce announced plans to develop a

Crossword Solution

vides," he added.

"Today, because of Android," Pichai said, "there are more than 24,000 devices, at every price point, from more than 1,300 different brands."

This is the second such fine the EU has imposed on the tech giant in just over a year, and it could mean big changes to the world's most popular mobile platform. The punishment comes amid wider scrutiny over the power that tech giants like Google and Facebook wield over our lives.

Google argues that by providing Android software free of charge to device makers it's enabled the proliferation of cheap phones and, in doing so, has increased access to online services. The company also points out that if users want to download rival services they are free to do so.

The EU's investigation into Android dominance dates back to 2016. In June 2017, it fined Google $2.7 billion over abusing the way it prioritizes its own shopping results in search.

Wednesday's fine brings the total to $7.2 billion over 13 months. (CNET)

flying taxi engine, although the project with Aston Martin is separate.

Mr Stephens said Aston Martin wants to corner the market in next-generation luxury flying vehicles for the rich and famous. The aircraft would, he said, "be a sports car for the skies".

T

T

he EU’s decision to force Google to unbundle its Chrome and search apps from Android may have some implications for the future of Android’s free business model. In a blog post defending Google’s decision to bundle search and Chrome apps on Android, Google CEO Sundar Pichai outlines the company’s response to the EU’s $5 billion fine. Pichai highlights the fact a typical Android user will “install around 50 apps themselves” and can easily remove preinstalled apps. But if Google is prevented from bundling its own apps, that will upset the Android ecosystem.

“If phone makers and mobile network operators couldn’t include our apps on their wide range of devices, it would upset the balance of the Android ecosystem,” explains Pichai, carefully avoiding the fact that phone makers will

But it won't come cheap.

The working price guide for the vehicle is put at between £3-5m "We, in the UK, have the ability to develop this," Mr Stephens said. "The challenge is time, money and regulation. But the market will be there eventually."

he first images of Samsung’s Galaxy Note 9 have started to leak, and they suggest the phone might have a better fingerprint sensor placement this time around.

Evan Blass of VentureBeat tweeted an image yesterday of the rumored phone and its new S Pen. You’ll immediately notice that the fingerprint sensor is placed below the camera module, unlike last year’s device, which placed it directly next to it. That was bad.

The phone doesn’t look much different than last year’s model, apart from that fingerprint

no longer be forced to bundle these apps but can still choose to do so. Pichai then hints that the free Android business model has relied on this app bundling. “So far, the Android business model has meant that we haven’t had to charge phone makers for our technology, or depend on a tightly controlled distribution model,” says Pichai. “But we are concerned that today’s decision will upset the careful balance that we have struck with Android, and that it sends a troubling signal in favor of proprietary systems over open platforms.”

Pichai’s subtle talk of a “careful balance” of the Android business model will be seen as a warning shot to consumers, phone makers, and the European Commission.

The EU has made no suggestions on exactly how Google should solve its app bundling

violations. But it’s clear that if phone makers can bundle their own browsers instead of Chrome and point search queries toward rivals, then that could have implications for Google’s mobile ad revenue, which constitutes more than 50 percent of the company’s net digital ad revenue.

Google is warning that its Android business model could now change, and that may mean the company will need to consider licensing Android to phone makers. It’s an unlikely scenario that relies on consumers not seeking out Chrome or Google search on Android after Google’s unbundling. Given Google’s dominance in search and browsers and the popularity of its many web services, Pichai’s warning looks more like a bluff to court popular opinion than a genuine threat that Android will no longer be free. (The Verge)

Called the Volante Vision Concept, the aircraft will feature autonomous technology and be able to hit speeds of up to 200mph.

Carl Bourne, RollsRoyce's strategy and business development head, said the consortium rejected plans to build a flying car.

"You'd end up with a bad aircraft, and a bad car." He said the Volante would be pitched as an alternative way to escape urban congestion and quickly move between big towns and cities.

"Unlike a private plane, it will be vertical lift. Unlike a helicopter, it will cruise more efficiently," he said.

The consortium behind the Volante also includes aviation technology company Cranfield Aerospace Solutions. It chief executive, Paul Hutton, said: "The introduction of autonomous and electric propulsion technologies into new aircraft designs is both inevitable and challenging." But he said such projects put the UK consortium "at the vanguard of this revolution in aerospace". (BBC)

sensor and new camera housing. A FCC filing suggests that one of the big selling points will be the S Pen because it’ll be Bluetooth-enabled.

We’re not sure what that might allow the pen to do, but some people have suggested it could be used for music playback or as a tracker.

Samsung’s planning to unveil the phone on August 9th, so we’ll learn more then.

(The Verge)

14 Sunday Times Magazine

JULY 22 , 2018

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Bollywood/Hollywood

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mitabh Bachchan’s daughter Shweta Bachchan Nanda has finally made her acting debut. And no, it’s not for a film or a show, in case you were wondering.

The father-daughter duo have shared screen space in a Kalyan Jewellers commercial.

The one-and-a-half-minute ad features Amitabh as an old man who has come to return a pension that was not written in his name. He is accompanied by his daughter, played by Shweta. In the video, Shweta looks lovely in a simple, traditional attire with her hair behind her in a neat bun. The commercial showcases the sweet bond of a father and his daughter.

While Shweta has previously appeared on shows such as Rendezvous with Simi Garewal and Koffee with Karan, she had never in all these years donned the grease-

paint unlike her parents Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan, and her younger brother Abhishek Bachchan.

Both Amitabh and Shweta took to Twitter to share the video. While Shweta posted a tweet that said, “Here is our little labour of love xx @SrBachchan.” Amitabh posted the commercial on his Twitter handle with a post that read, “Emotional moment for me .. tears welling up every time I see it .. daughters are the BEST !!”

On the work front, Amitabh Bachchan has his plate full. The Shehanshah of Bollywood is currently filming the supernatural flick Brahmastra with Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor. The veteran actor will also be seen in Thugs of Hindostan, which stars Katrina Kaif and Aamir Khan in pivotal roles. (Indian Express)

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with Dhadak, we have set out to condemn it. That it’s a harsh reality. Dhadak is not a Bollywood saga that ends with either the parents agreeing or typical, magnificent ending.

It’s an ugly truth,” she said.

Janhvi says for some reason, monetary value is often brought into the dynamics of love and emotion. “We found that very strange,” she adds.

The actor remembers discussing the class divide with Khaitan and says going into the film, it was a “pressing issue” to deal with.

I remember Shashank and I talking about how classism is prevalent not only in the lesser-educated sections of the society but also in the well-educated strata,” she says. Janhvi says her character, Parthavi, is stronger than her real self.

“Archie’s character was so inspiring to a lot of young girls. She didn’t have to be saved. I’m fortunate to play Parthavi. She’s also assertive like Archie, but a lot of that comes with her sense of pride and responsibility that she belongs to an effluent royal family,” she says.

Her co-star Ishaan Khatter is relatively more experienced, having made his debut with Majid Majidi’s Beyond The Clouds early this year but he never tried to impose.

“I feel one film is worth a number of experiences, not only as an artiste but also as an individual that helps you channel a plethora of emotions. It’s only going to be good for me and the film. I know Ishaan has helped me react well on screen but he never tried to impose. I learnt a lot from him.”

Dhadak released on Friday.

(Indian Express)

he is set to make her debut with Dhadak, the Hindi adaptation of critically acclaimed Marathi film Sairat that explored the themes of caste divide and honour killing, and Janhvi Kapoor says the movie is a cut above mainstream Bollywood which has mostly “glorified” the conflict.

Janhvi, daughter of late actor Sridevi, says the Shashank Khaitan-directed film, in which she plays a girl belonging to the erstwhile royal family based in Udaipur, is set against the backdrop of class divide. Janhvi, 21, says Dhadak is not a typical Bollywood saga that whitewashes the “harsh reality” that is still relevant. “… I feel up until this point, a lot of films in mainstream Bollywood have glorified that divide. Because it creates a sort of conflict – that ‘I can’t live without the love of my life’. I feel they have glorified that divide a little bit.

“But I think, it should be condemned and

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aying tribute to actor Rita Bhaduri, who died of a kidney ailment on Tuesday, her friend and classmate from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), actor Zarina Wahab, referred to her as “one of the most spirited and kind people”.

“We were together in the 1973 batch of FTII and stayed in touch all these years.

An accomplished actor, Rita maintained a childlike enthusiasm for work after all these decades in the industry,” Wahab said.

A veteran actor known for her roles in films such as Julie, Ghar Ho Toh Aisa and Hero No 1, Bhaduri, 62, was in hospital for the last few days. Her funeral, held on Tuesday afternoon at a cremation ground in Andheri East, was at-

or more than a year, Rihanna and her label Roc Nation have been hunting for beats as they work to complete an album devoted to exploring the singer’s Caribbean roots, according to conversations with eight sources close to the project. In addition, two of those sources suggest that the singer is simultaneously at work on another pop-oriented album.

Rihanna first mentioned the possibility of releasing a reggae-centric album publicly during a Vogue profile for the June issue, but her and her potential collaborators have been quiet ever since. The magazine suggested that Supa Dups, the veteran dancehall producer behind recent hits like Drake’s “Controlla,” was “one influence” on the album, though other details were scarce.

(While Supa Dups did not respond to email requests for comment, two other sources with knowledge of Rihanna’s album confirmed the producer’s involvement.)

Along with Supa Dups, most of the biggest producers and singers connected to dancehall and reggae have submitted material for the album, including producer-writer duo R. City (Rihanna, Beyoncé), Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor (Vybz Kartel, Sean Paul), Linton “TJ Records” White (Serani,

Vybz Kartel), producer-singer Ricky Blaze (Gyptian), Tyshane “Beam” Thompson (Yo Gotti, Lecrae), dancehall singer Kranium and reggae singer Chronixx. (The manager of Kranium and Chronixx declined to comment on his artists’ involvement.) According to one producer with knowledge of the album’s process, the mainstream Top 40 machine has been represented at some Rihanna sessions by superstar electronic producer Skrillex and Boi-1da (Drake, Beyoncé and Jay-Z).

A dancehall- and reggae-inflected album is not entirely out of left field for Rihanna.

She has explored these sounds on 2010’s “Man Down” and 2011’s “You Da One,” while 2016’s Anti was boosted by the smash dancehall single “Work.” PARTYNEXTDOOR, a singer-songwriter of Jamaican descent who co-wrote “Work,” told Rolling Stone in 2016 that the song was not initially supposed to channel dancehall. “It was supposed to be a pop beat,” he said. “It turned into a reggae beat because I sang in patois.” But because Rihanna is from Barbados, “culturally, she got it right away,” he added.

If “Work” was a happy accident, this time around, Rihanna and her team are consciously trying to create a dancehall-influenced album. The singer has already corralled a large number of demos from top-tier Jamaican talent, often enlisting producers that have a track record of creating songs that can penetrate the American market – Blaze, for example, produced Gyptian’s 2010 hit “Hold Yuh,” while White crafted Vybz Kartel’s “Fever,” which enjoyed a crossover trajectory last summer. (Rolling Stone)

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hutting down the rumors! Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth are still going strong contrary to reports that the engaged duo recently broke up. Hemsworth, 28, posted a video of the twosome dancing in the car on Thursday, July 19, the day after reports surfaced that they called off their wedding over a disagreement about having kids.

In the clip, the 25-year-old wags her finger to the beat before her fiancé lets out a scream and pretends to get into an accident. While the “Younger Now” singer jokes that she is going to “beat the s—t” out of him for the prank, the couple are all smiles as they goof off.

Fans were first concerned that Cyrus and Hemsworth, who met on the set of The Last Song in 2009, had split after the Disney alum wiped her Instagram clean earlier this month.

Other fans, however, speculated that Cyrus was preparing to release new music. A source told Us Weekly on July 2 that she is indeed working on a new project.

While the pair maintain a relatively private relationship, an eyewitness exclusively told Us Weekly on July 3 that Cyrus and Hemsworth went bowling with Bachelorette couple Kaitlyn Bristowe and Shawn Booth at Pinewood Social in Nashville. Cyrus’ sister Brandi Cyrus was also in attendance.

“Liam was mainly hanging with Shawn the

tended by actors such as Neelu Kohli and Satish Shah.

After actor Shishir Sharma broke the news of her death on social media, several people from the industry posted their tributes to Bhaduri.

Actor Anil Kapoor tweeted, “Rita Bhaduri was one of the finest actresses that #FTII gave us.

I had the honour of working

whole night,” the eyewitness told Us at time.

“Liam and Shawn were joking around and bowling, and Miley and her group of girls talked the whole night and kept taking trips to the bathroom.”

The pop star’s pal and Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne told Us last month that Cyrus and Hemsworth are “such a great combination.”

“You can be around them and do absolutely normal, dorky things, trying to figure out where we’re going to eat tonight and what’s on Netflix,” he exclusively told Us at the time. “I know that sounds boring, but sometimes that’s the height of great living, relaxing with your friends.”

Hemsworth first proposed to Cyrus in May 2012 after two years of dating. They split in September 2013, but got back together in January 2016. (Us Weekly) with her in Ghar Ho to Aisa, Beta & Viraasat & I’m really saddened to hear about her passing…She will be dearly missed by her friends, family & fans.”

Anupam Kher tweeted, “Rita Bhaduri was affectionate, helpful, jovial, bright and full of life. It is sad and unfortunate that we sum up a person only when he or she is gone. I wish we met more often.”

Bhaduri also had an incredible body of work in television. She was part of ‘Chunauti’ on DD National apart from other popular teleseries such as ‘Kumkum’ and ‘Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai’.

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JULY 22 , 2018

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

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JULY 22 , 2018

Fun Times

Archie

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Look for a deal. Hunt for bargains, sell items you no longer use and look for ways to contribute to a cause you believe in. Socializing will lead to an interesting encounter.

Don't be too quick to jump TAURUS into something you know lit(April 20- tle about. Ask questions and May 20) consider how to best move forward. Keep in mind that charity begins at home. Put family first.

Take better care of your GEMINI health. Giving in to bad hab(MAY 28- its or getting involved with June 20) someone who isn't a good influence will be taxing and costly. Listen to reason.

Personal improvements are favored. Open your doors (June 21- to family and friends, and ofJuly 22) fer suggestions to those going through tough times. Your wisdom and support will be rewarded.

CANCER

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Peanuts

Keep a level head and an open mind. Listen to others, but don't fall prey to someone trying to coax you into spending money or getting involved in something risky.

Don't let a challenge get the better of you. Look at your choices and settle on the one that will help stabilize your life. Be straightforward regarding the decision you make.

Put the chores behind you and move on to activities that spark your interest and motivate you to participate. Get together with someone you love spending time with.

Uncertainty will set in if SCORPIO (Oct. 24- you take on too much. Choosing Nov. 22) reasonable goals will help you avoid tension and an unwanted tiff with someone you care about.

SAGITTARIUS Look for a mental chal(Nov. 23- lenge that will encourage perDec. 21) sonal growth and inner peace.

Attending a retreat or getting back to nature will be uplifting and will help you rethink your future.

Calvin and Hobbes

Don't lose sight of your CAPRICORN goals. Change is within reach (Dec. 22- and should be your prime conJan. 19) cern. Look at your objective and your options, and start the process.

Put your time and enerAQUARIUS gy into important partner(Jan. 20- ships, important endeavFeb. 19) ors and ways to bring in more cash doing something you enjoy. Don't feel overwhelmed by the actions of others.

An emotional situation PISCES (Feb. 20- should be put in perspecMar. 20) tive before you take action.

If you prematurely try to resolve an issue that is too fresh to conquer, you will lose ground.