Guyana times

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3190

Sunday, April 23, 2017

PRICE

SARA Bill

12-month "transition period" confirms witchhunting agenda – PPP

$120 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Region 9 P12 teen allegedly raped by regional official

Page 3

Jordan criticises local Private Sector's "guts" Page 9

Suspected bandit shot by Police

Education tax

P7

Stakeholders expect AFC to support PPP’s motion

Page 14

Too many P15 loopholes in Ministers’ Code of Conduct – TIGI …urges revision of document

Page 6 In this composite photo, these little ladies proudly displayed Easter themed outfits and intricately designed hats at the Guyana Association of Women Police Annual Tea Party and Hat Show on Saturday at the Police Officers’ Mess Annex, Eve Leary in Georgetown (Dexter Ceres photo)

Page 5

Berbice house Jagdeo urges goes up in expeditious, flames Assassination plot

Page 10

…faulty GPL transformer blamed

thorough probe

Internet P18 hubs taking shape in Region 10 Body of P7 Corentyne labourer fished out of canal

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NEWS

BRIDGE OPENINGS

SARA Bill

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

Sunday, April 23 – 02:30h and 14:30h-16:00h and Monday, April 24 – 03:00h and 14:30h-16:00h.

12-month transition period confirms witch-hunting agenda – PPP

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, April 23 –14:15h-15:45h and Monday, April 24 –15:05h-16:35h.

The PPP has posited that: “It is now obvious that members of the Government who spoke on the SARA Bill in the National Assembly (have) blatantly lied to the nation when they all assured in their speeches that politicians would not staff this agency; that professional investigators will; and that appointments will only be made via the parliamentary process outlined in the Bill.”

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions are expected throughout the day, interrupted by light rain showers in the early afternoon hours. Clear skies are expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 3.57 metres and 4.91 metres.

Intensified

High Tide: 14:32h reaching a maximum height of 2.55 metres.

Low Tide: 08:05h and 20:27h reaching minimum heights of 0.72 metre and 0.62 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, April 22, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS C

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

Dr Clive Thomas

T

he Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) is alarmed over the 12-month transitory period it may take to rehire new leaders of the controversial State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA).

According to the parliamentary Opposition, this long waiting time vindicates its position that the entity has very little to do with justice, but is driven by an agenda that is pregnant with political vengeance and discrimination.

Guyana Times reported on Saturday that the Director of SARU can remain at the helm of the entity for up to twelve months after President David Granger assents to the recently passed SARA Bill 2017 – which puts the legal framework in place for the organisation’s operation.

“This position of the Government has confirmed what we said from the inception: that SARA will be an agency staffed by politicians and imbued with a political mandate to witch-hunt, persecute, harass and intimidate identified segments of our population; that SARA has very little to do with justice, but is driven by an agenda overwhelmed with political vengeance and discrimination,” the party said in a statement on Saturday.

The PPP has said its opposition to SARA is now intensified. “Not only are we opposed to the Bill itself – which, as we have said, is unconstitutional and exposes private property to arbitrary interference and confiscation -- but we now express our vehement opposition to the persons who will now staff the agency,” the Party has emphasised.

The PPP maintains that the current personnel at SARA are political hacks

who are devoid of any law enforcement and investigative training and qualifications which required for the task of operating SARA. “They certainly do not qualify as “fit and proper” persons, as prescribed by both the SARA Bill and the President’s public pronouncement on the characteristics of a “fit and proper” person,” the PPP has said.

According to the PPP, it is well known that Clive Thomas and other senior officials are leading politicians within the coalition Administration, and that they have repeatedly made

public statements that are conclusive of the guilt of dozens of Guyanese without any investigation.

“In fact, Clive Thomas, who is identified to act as the Director, has already indicated that he has a list of private properties in respect of which he will seek court orders. It begs the questions: How was this list compiled?

On what basis were these properties identified? Since SARU (never had, and currently does not have) investigative powers, who did investigations which led to the conclusion that these properties are stolen state assets?” the PPP has questioned.

Support

The PPP has said it supports any initiative which is genuinely intended to recover stolen state assets and investigate corruption in public office. “However, we maintain resolutely that SARA has nothing to do with either of those objectives. We hope

(that) by the Bill itself, the lies peddled in the National Assembly, the shutting down of the debates on the Bill in the National Assembly, and now the indication that politicians who have clearly demonstrated vindictive proclivities will staff the agency, some Guyanese and some in the international community would have realized that they have been terribly misled on this matter,” the PPP has stated.

Transition

The SARA Bill stipulates that its director should be an impartial per-

Aubrey Heath-Retemeyer

son selected by a parliamentary bipartisan committee. However, Guyana Times understands that the incumbent director can remain with the entity for up to another 12 months, until the relevant authorities embark on the selection process for a new head.

This is according to the SARU Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Aubrey Heath-Retemeyer, who spoke to this publication on Friday.

Heath-Retemeyer said a transition period follows the presidential assent of the SARA Bill 2017, during which critical decisions will be made regarding the structure and operation of the entity.

“During that transition period, the present personnel in the unit will remain.

There will be an attempt to ensure recruitment is done, so that other elements of (the) unit will be put in place so we can get on with what is required of us,” he explained.

Heath-Retemeyer disclosed that the transition period can last from 6 moths to 12 months, during which the current top officials can remain in positions of authority at SARU, now renamed SARA.

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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, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Saving Mother Earth

Y

esterday was “Earth Day 2017”. It marked the 47th year the event has been commemorated since a huge oil spill in the US precipitated massive protests against their governmental complicity in environmental degradation. It was the birth of the “environmental movement”, which took as its mandate a commitment to prevent further damage to the planet which is the only home for sentient beings in the trillions of planets in the universe known at this time.

It was fitting that the event was launched in the West, which has inflicted, and continues to inflict, the most extensive environmental damage on the Earth. For millennia before their conquest of the world, other cultures had placed the need for co-existing with their environment at the centre of their cultural practices, but all of this was swept away with a world view that insisted “man has dominion over all he surveyed”.

When Columbus, or Pizarro, or Cortez, or Amerigo Vespucci encountered the continents in the “New World”, they found peoples who lived in harmony with nature.

They reasoned that because the forests had not been cleared, the peoples could not therefore be “civilised”, giving Europe the “right” to assume sovereignty over these lands and lay waste to them in their divine mission of “mission civilesatrice ”. The same assessment was made and the same process was attempted in Africa and Asia with varying levels of “success”. A book recently launched here has described the heritage of our European forbears; and while these have been myriad, they were not all positive -- such as their view of the relationship between man and the Earth.

In Guyana, as we commemorate “Earth Day”, the descendants of the Indigenous, African, Chinese and Indian peoples must be reminded of their ancient but now “modern” view of Mother Earth. The Hindus from India, for instance, worship the Earth as “Dharti Mata” or “Prithvi Mata” (literally “Mother Earth”) as a necessary and prefatory rite before each ceremony to worship God in whatever manifestation.

This remembrance of our own traditions will allow us to indigenise our commemoration and revalidate ourselves in the long process to emerge from the debilitating mental shackles placed over our minds during the colonial period and into the present. It is perhaps not coincidental that Guyana led the world in environmental concern through the sequestering of the Iwokrama Rainforests back in 1989, the Low Carbon Development Strategy in 2009, and the “Green State” this year. It would appear that the urge to save and revere Mother Earth survives in our collective cultural genes.

The theme for Earth Day 2017 is “Environmental and Climate Literacy”, but unfortunately, there appears to be a growing and studied effort to practise “environmental and climate illiteracy” in the United States, which became the most “developed” country in the world through practices that led to global environmental and climate degradation.

It is just over a year since 196 countries signed the Paris Agreement and agreed to cut their carbon emissions in an effort to keep the increase of average global temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

But while US President Obama agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the USA’s economy by 26% over the next decade - leaving it at 28% in 2025 when compared to 2005 levels, President Trump does not even accept that Climate Change is grounded in reality.

He is presently engaged with his advisors to declare his administration’s position on Obama’s agreement, but has signalled he would rather spend US funds on colonising the solar system. If the US were to abandon its Paris commitments, it would be the nail in the coffin to head off the tipping point on uncontrolled global warming that would asphyxiate Mother Earth.

But this does not mean we must give up on our efforts to save her. It is our moral duty to do what we can to reduce carbon emissions. Maybe the Government will now go ahead with the Amaila Falls Hydro Project.

Residents view the first iceberg of the season as it passes the South Shore, also known as "Iceberg Alley", near Ferryland Newfoundland, Canada (Reuters)

Not building an economy for people, businesses to thrive Dear Editor, If a government wants to support the most vulnerable in any society, then it must give people the opportunity to succeed. It must also deliver a stronger school system, deliver functional hospitals, deliver an economic growth rate of above 5 per cent, with a predictable growth path.

What I heard from Ministers Jordan, Patterson and Atkinson is nothing but public gaffe. When I see Page 29 of the APNU/AFC manifesto, about “the green of low carbon development,” I hold my head in sadness, because I cannot understand what manner of men will mislead the people this much just for power. Today, all I am seeing is that those “Grangerites” were only hustling for themselves and their family members in 2015, and the needs and interest of the poor and the working class were always the last thing on their minds.

It has been two years now, and all of those words

on those pages in the APNU/ AFC manifesto are turning out to be certified falsehoods and empty promises. Fool the people once, no sweat; fool them twice, shame on them!

How are they building this green economy that is fit for the future alongside a thriving traditional productive sector? Have they explained the key? Where is the action plan? Have they explained the key steps to the nation? Who is holding whom accountable for different deliverables? How are they measuring progress?

The performance on managing ‘the six sisters’ is even worse. Even the Minister of Finance, in his year-end report, confirmed that five of the six sisters are ailing, and one of them is definitely in a coma (sugar).

Why, to date, are the Grangerites unable to communicate to the people what they are doing in building an economy that has a predictable growth path backed by an economic framework that is embracing new tech-

nology that is transformative and export-oriented? It has been 2 years, but all this Granger Administration has proven itself to be is a rocking chair government rocking itself to nowhere.

There are some US$120 million at direct risk of being quarantined for a long time, and even lost forever, all because this Granger Administration cannot conclude their version of a Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

It is understandable that any new government would want to review policies from a past government; that is a given. But, come on man, it has been two years and yet you cannot roll out your version of the LCDS? It is nothing but anti-national and anti-patriotic for a government to not complete this important piece of work to unleash this US$120 million. Who is responsible for this mess?

I say again that the buck stops at the desk of President Granger. I want to humbly suggest that

Minister Raphael Trotman be given full responsibility for this entire portfolio, because whoever seems to be supervising Gary Best either cannot articulate the Government’s needs or is extremely badly advised.

Minister Trotman seems to be the most deliverable-focused person in the Granger cabinet. I may be wrong, but this is how it appears to me.

For me, this is not a PPP or a PNC issue, this is a Guyana issue; and I, like many Guyanese, would also do anything to help any government unleash these funds for green projects, because I believe Guyana’s saviour is not oil, but low cost and reliable green energy for the entire northern Amazonian basin.

This US$120 million will give this dream a good push start. But the answer to the question on why President Granger and his government are still in the rocking chair beats me.

Sincerely, Sase Singh

Gross disrespect to mothers, women Dear Editor, In light of recent comments made on April 17, 2017 in a local newspaper via the column “Dem Boys Seh”, there seems to be a hell bent intention to provoke a verbal face-off with the Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Bharrat Jagdeo.

It is a universally known fact that any negative comment about someone’s mother is taboo and is sure to invoke the wrath of that mother’s offspring, regardless of age, gender or status.

Not only is it taboo, but it is also disrespectful to make

disdainful comments about a mother, someone who has been held in high regard since creation.

The owner and editor of that local media house seem to have lost their way morally on issues relative to women. Women, throughout the ages, have always been the teachers of training, core values and genuine principles in and out of the home. Regardless of what is that woman’s status quo in society, be it good or bad, a mother would almost always seek to ensure that her offspring has a better life and

upbringing than she had.

This moral is evident worldwide. However, there are instances when some children, on becoming adults, veer away from some of those teachings; and this would reflect that there is a clear disconnect from childhood to adulthood.

Under the heading “All of them killing trace back to one man”, and the jargon of Dr Jagdeo’s mother being an encourager of assumed misconduct, there is no coherence in the article.

Thieving and killing plagued this Earth long before the ar-

rival of Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, and will be here long after he departs. So how can he be blamed for it?

This article comes just after Guyana and the rest of the world observe International Women’s Day, and just as we are preparing to celebrate another Mother’s Day. Henceforth, this article reeks of disrespect and ingratitude to mothers, and women in general; and also to a former Head-of-State and a sitting Opposition Leader and his late mother. continued on page 5

NEWS

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SunDAY, april 23, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Berbice house goes up in flames …faulty GPL transformer blamed

F

ive persons are now homeless after a fire completely gutted a two-storey, five-bedroom house at Port Mourant, Corentyne on Saturday morning.

Reports are that smoke was seen billowing from the upper flat of the building, located at Lot 41 Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant, Corentyne, at about 07:30h; and eyewitnesses claim that moments before the fire, sparks were seen coming from a transformer attached to a utility pole in close proximity to the house.

At the time of the blaze, three children were home; one was asleep and the others were playing nearby.

When the fire became evident, neighbours narrowly managed to save the threeyear-old, who was asleep in the house.

Sonata Ernest, who had oversight of the building, said a family of five had lived in the house, but at the time

The gutted Port Mourant house

of the fire, the woman had gone to the market and her husband had gone to work.

“When people start holla fuh fire, me son them run over; and the door was locked and dem break in, and they only get to save a TV, because all over was locked,” she detailed.

She explained that a faulty wire from the utility pole had been connected to the building. “Because very

often you have to call them to come for this post to the house connection, and now is over nine or ten times (GPL had been called) and nobody never come.

This is a problem we get for eight years. Sometimes you got to shake the wire for current to come, and sometimes it does spark out deh.”

She said one fire truck from the Rose Hall Fire Service had responded to the

call. “When they come, they could have saved the bottom but they didn’t have water.

They had to go and bring water and come back. When you tell dem to use the trench, they say that they don’t have facilities, they got to get a generator to get the water from t trench.”

Ernest pointed this publication to a canal which is about 30 feet from the building that was burnt.

According to her, the fire unit made several trips to bring water to fight the fire.

“They say that is the system. So I tell them that they need to improve the system… They make a lot of excuses. So what they come for?”

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, workers from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) were attending to the transformer, which had a huge black mark, indicating that it was burnt.

This publication was told that the occupants of

Gross disrespect to mothers...

Former President Jagdeo has done Guyana proud, and is respected internationally, given the fact that he has received many awards from many global organisations for his work and contributions. But as the old saying states: “A king has no honour in his own land.”

I wonder: if such an attack had been attributed to the current President, Mr David Granger, what would have been the outcome? But again, two old saying state “Monkey know which limb to jump on” and “Tom drunk but Tom ain’t stupid.”

A review of recent happenings will show that women in Guyana have seemingly become targets of disdainful and reprehensible attacks in this new political dispensation. Not only women, but any PPP/C activist or supporter, male or female, seems to be singled out for these attacks, which have now channelled their way to our parents. I wonder what does Minister Dawn Hastings have to say about this article, since in one of our debates in the National Assembly recently she stated that Dem Boys Seh was

her favourite column.

As a mother, a politician and a Commissioner on the Women and Gender Equality Commission, I denounce this recent onslaught on the Leader of the Opposition, and on ALL women in general, from a news agency that publishes articles on women in leadership and their contributions to our country’s development. Such utterances coming from an agency that heralds activities such as International Women’s Day, Stop Violence against women, and Mothers’ Day, is

from page 4

hypocritical of their work and support to core values of women.

There is a deafening silence coming from the many women’s rights advocates and their organisations. Are they suffering from the muzzle-me manoeuvre, or the fear frenzy factor, or a little bit of both? Let’s remember: today for me, tomorrow for you; and we all come from a mother.

Sincerely, Gillian BurtonPersaud Member of Parliament

A GPL worker attending to the faulty transformer

the burnt house had recently purchased a new refrigerator and gas stove. It was also revealed that the build was renovated one year ago, and extended to include one more bedroom. Moreover, it was recently repainted.

Ernest estimates losses to be in the vicinity of $20 million. According to her, the owner of the building is a 70-year-old United States citizen who migrated over 23 years ago.

The Guyana Police Force and the Fire Service are both investigating the cause of the fire.

Meanwhile, the affected family is expected to be temporally housed at a relative’s home.

(Andrew Carmichael)

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Foundation

EarthDay 2017!

“Oh Devi, who has the ocean as Her garments and mountains as Her bosom,Who is the Consort of Sri Vishnu, I bow to You; Please forgive me for touching You with my feet.”

Y

Anu Dev

esterday was Earth Day 2017! It’s always struck me how different cultures personify the Earth. As Hindus, we view the Earth as Dharti Mata, or Prithivi Mata -- Mother Earth -- nurturing, caring, like a mother. The Greeks used to view the Earth as Gaia, personifying the Earth as a giant connected ecosystem working to maintain balance and harmony within the environment.

But how do we Westernoriented folks view the Earth today? We certainly don’t treat the Earth as reverently as we once did, that’s for sure. We cut down trees, burn fossil fuels, and spray insecticides like there’s no tomorrow. We clear massive swathes of trees to build factories, to plant specific crops, or just to do landscaping to make the place ‘prettier’.

Thinking about these things, my mind always drifts to that speech Agent Smith gave in the Matrix, comparing humans to viruses because of the way we move to an area, use up all of its resources, and then just move on to another area. I think it’s always stuck with me because it is what we do: We dig up all of our gold, all of our bauxite, we drill up all of our

oil. We pump copious amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, never minding the consequences.

But we can’t just decide to shut down our factories, stop driving our cars, stop constructing buildings. Can we?

As a species, we’re continuously trying to move forward, trying to make discoveries; it’s not realistic to think that we could just shut down and go back to the Stone Age. But this drive does not have to translate itself as destroying the Earth.

At the individual level, we could try to do the little things, which in my estimation would result in a 'big thing' -- a shift in the paradigm of how we view the Earth. If we really see her as our Mother, we wouldn't dump on her. Would we? One of our biggest problems, for instance, is that many of us seem to have absolutely no problem with littering. Without compunction, most throw wrappers out of car windows -- like confetti, to celebrate their don't-givea-damn attitude and utter disregard for the appearance of

their surroundings.

Respect the Earth, respect your surroundings. Hold onto that soda can for just a few minutes, until you find a bin.

In the movie Tomorrowland, Hugh Laurie’s character had really great monologue: “Bees and butterflies start to

disappear, the g l a c i e r s melt, algae blooms. All around you the coal mine canaries are dropping dead and you won't take the hint! In every moment there's the possibility of a better future, but you people won't believe it. And because you won't believe it, you won't do what is necessary to make it a reality. So you dwell on this terrible future.

You resign yourselves to it for

one reason, because *that* future does not ask anything of you today.”

Let’s not resign ourselves to that future; let’s actually start making some changes today.

Like when you’re choosing a car to buy, do you really need that giant gas-guzzling Humvee? By buying more fuelefficient vehicles, you would be able to do your part in slowing the depletion of our fossil fuel reserves, and also you would be reducing the amount of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide produced by the combustion of fuel in your engine, since you would be burning less fuel overall.

And turn off your lights when you leave a room! The Earth and your electricity bill will be thankful for it. These are supposedly little things, but little things can add up; that’s probably the first thing we learnt in math.

The world around us is changing, and many of these changes aren’t for the better.

And these aren’t abstract, inconsequential changes. These are real, physical changes we can track and measure and see with our own eyes. Global sea levels have risen 8 inches within the last century, and the planet’s average surface temperature has risen about 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the late 19th century.

Countries like Guyana, which are below sea level, will

be greatly affected, especially since most of our population is concentrated on our coast.

As I look through my back window at the sea wall at high tide nowadays, I see the waves ominously lapping over.

So, this Earth Day, think about the Earth. Think about what small part you can play in helping to preserve the Earth.

The Earth won’t be ‘saved’ by some superhero swooping in

to fix all of our problems. It’ll be saved be normal people like me and you getting our act together and being more conscious about the way our actions can affect the world around us.

And we do need the Earth to be habitable for quite a while, seeing as we can’t just pack up shop and move to the Moon or Mars just yet -- as Mr Trump seems to believe.

Police Women Association hosts Annual Hat Show, Tea Party

Some of the ladies at the Association of Women Police Annual Tea Party and Hat Show on Saturday at the Police Officers’ Mess Annex, Eve Leary

A

bevy of women, elegantly clad in Easterthemed outfits and intricately designed hats, showed up in support of the Guyana Association of Women Police Annual Tea Party and Hat Show on Saturday at the Police Officers’ Mess Annex, Eve Leary in Georgetown.

Welcoming the gathering was Inspector J Bowen Moore, as a melodious Sergeant B Smith wowed the audience with a string of musical renditions, inclusive of Rihanna’s popular hit “Love on the Brain”, accompanied by the Police Steel Band. Ms Smith certainly did not disappoint.

The stunning ladies, ranging from little girls to middle-aged women, captured the audience’s rapt attention as they displayed their pieces in three categories – tropical, comical and elegant.

The Chairman of the

Headquarters subcommittee and event organiser related to Guyana Times that the affair was the third annual event hosted in aid of students who have sat the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) Examinations. The proceeds of the show, she stated, goes to award the sixth and seventh-place top performers at the Examinations.

She related that the event was being planned since February and tickets were sold at $1000. In addition, the competition was open to anyone who purchased a ticket and wished to display their piece, with prizes being awarded for the best hat in each of the mentioned categories.

Patrons were treated to delicious snacks and tea by courteous members of the Police Force as they sat back in comfort, absorbed in the programme.

news

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sunDAY, april 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Education tax

Stakeholders expect AFC to support PPP’s motion

T

he Alliance For Change (AFC) will be put to the test when the Parliamentary Opposition Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) tables a motion to repeal the 14 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on private education at the upcoming sitting of the National Assembly on May 8.

Expectations are high that the junior partner in the coalition APNU/AFC Administration would now support the motion, given its solidarity with stakeholders who have for weeks been calling on Government to remove the education tax.

Cabinet recently ruled that the VAT on private education will remain for the rest of the year, but will be reviewed for the 2018 National Budget.

AFC GS Marlon Williams

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, leader of Government’s business in the National Assembly, has also sympathised with parents and students by reflecting on his own struggles in pursuing an education.

However, Opposition forces have argued that the AFC, as part of the coalition administration, was part and parcel of the decision to initially impose the tax and subsequently vote for it to stay. In this regard, critics are questioning the AFC’s changed position.

Motion

The Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) Opposition has also taken note of the AFC’s amended position, and has therefore challenged the Party to support the motion to repeal the VAT on private education.

Several students have told the Guyana Times that

the AFC’s failure to support the motion will prove that the party does not genuinely care about their plight.

“Obviously, if they don’t support this motion, it means that they are just saying things as a publicity stunt,” one private school student told this publication.

“We will be closely following the developments on this front, especially in light of our meetings with the AFC and their pronouncements in the media,” the Movement Against VAT on Private Education has said in a statement. turn to page 12

Support

The AFC has signalled its intention to challenge Government’s collective decision and push for an earlier review.

AFC Leader and Cabinet member Raphael Trotman has said his party understands the struggles of parents and students, and has pledged his party’s commitment to address their concerns.

A delegation representing the hundreds of disgruntled stakeholders recently met with AFC General Secretary Marlon Williams.

is put the AFC to the test.

We now have to put pressure on individual ministers within the AFC, who can now bring pressure to bear on the Cabinet,” a student, Jonathan Yearwood, told Guyana Times.

Demonstrators at one of the many protest exercises held against the imposition of VAT on education

According to the delegation in a statement, Williams expressed his support for their struggle, and urged them not to become daunted or despondent in the face of the obstacles being placed in their way.

But even amidst these uncertainties, stakeholders welcome the political party’s support. However, they intend to hold its members accountable for their words.

“What we now have to do

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

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SunDAY, april 23, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Bona fides…

N …of SARA

ow that we have the legal basis for the institution charged with recovering state assets (the Bill was passed even though the Opposition was absent) and its “institutional placement” clarified (it’s an “agency”, and not a “unit”), let’s look at its bona fides for fulfilling its mission. Shall we?

Your Eyewitness won’t get immediately to concrete cases, like the $7M scholarships given to two sitting ministers for their private studies. If $1M law books for an AG are deemed crossing the line, why not these scholarships -- especially the one totally unrelated to the present responsibilities of the minister?

While the Government’s been trumpeting its inspiration by the “UN Convention Against Corruption”, the 30 mature democracies in the OECD have some good advice for them. One of the most critical requirements in such bodies is the “Appointment and removal of the Director”. Since this point’s been raised before by your humble Eyewitness, and some may believe he’s got a hatchet to grind, allow him to quote from the OECD document: “The symbolic role played by the head of an anti-corruption institution should not be underestimated.

In many ways, the Director represents a pillar of the national integrity system. The selection process for the head should be transparent, and should facilitate the appointment of a person of integrity on the basis of highlevel consensus among different power-holders (e.g. the President and the Parliament; appointment through a designated multidisciplinary selection committee on the proposal of the Government or the President, etc.). Appointments by a single political figure (e.g. a Minister or the President) are not considered good practice. The director’s tenure in office should also be protected by law against unfounded dismissals.”

So how does Clive Thomas stack up against these criteria?? Clive Thomas is the co-leader of the WPA - one of the parties in the governing coalition!! Can his bona fides be less credible for Director of SARA? He spent the last decade developing a theory of a “Criminalised State” the PPP was supposed to have created. Every study’s shown “selection bias” kicks in when a person reviews an issue he’s already taken a position on. He’s already declared the “guilt” of members of the PPP Administration.

He was appointed by a “single political figure” – namely, the President, and not on “the basis of highlevel consensus among different power-holders. He’s allowed his CEO, Retemeyer, and Advisor, Phillips, to hurl strident denunciations of the targets.

We now hear Thomas and crew won’t be vetted for another 12 months. If that’s so, SARA should close its doors for the duration.

Guyana needs to fight corruption, but not through corrupted means that’ll amount to lynching.

…of union leadership

The fallout from Patrick Yarde insisting on running once again for the presidency of the GPSU, after 30 years at the helm, continues to reveal that what is going on has very deep - but rotten - roots. First of all, for the same individual -- who’s gotta be at least 70 -to head an organisation wherein members must retire at 55, can’t be right. He HAS to be out of touch with ground reality.

After members had picketed for him to step aside in face of his hand-picked team supporting his evidently “president for life” status, they claim they were “intimidated” by Yarde’s acolytes. This Mafialike union’s tactic might’ve worked against recalcitrant businesses back in the 40s, or against the PPP in 1999, but not against civil servants. Please!!

However, a wrench has been thrown into Yarde’s juggernaut. The election, scheduled for tomorrow, has been postposed pending a mandatory audit of the Union’s books.

Since these have been cooked for so long, it looks like Yarde’s goose will at last also be cooked!!

…for “getting on” bad

Here it was, your Eyewitness thought the lady disrupting the Region 5 RDC meetings for months, while the land flooded and lepto loomed, was being obstreperous.

The lady obviously just hadn’t gotten her meds!!

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

NEWS

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SunDAY, april 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Jordan criticises local Private Sector’s “guts” chances.”

According to the Finance Minister, the private sector players are not making the necessary investments, internally and externally, that would help the economy to grow.

New breed

Contacted on Saturday to clarify the comments he had made in Washington on Friday evening, Minister Jordan explained that his

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

F

inance Minister Winston Jordan has indicated that the problems affecting growth in the economy can be attributed to the lack of risks being taken by local private sector players.

In responding to questions posed about the bleak economic situation in Guyana, during a diaspora meeting at the Guyana Embassy in Washington DC on Friday, Minister Jordan declared that the local private sector is not taking enough risks to stimulate the economy.

Jordan said: “I met the existing private sector and they are stuck in their ways.

We need to have an expanded breed of private sector players. We need a private sector who shall take more

“I met the existing private sector and they are stuck in their ways. We need to have an expanded breed of private sector players. We need a private sector who shall take more chances” – Minister “new breed” of private sector players are those who are willing and prepared to think outside of the box; be creative and innovative in using cutting edge technology to improve productivity, thereby increasing competitiveness.

“My new ‘breed’ of private sector players would be seizing the many opportunities that are available for expansion, especially with oil

on the horizon. They will try to form partnerships and alliances with the private sector in the Caribbean and further afield to overcome some of the barriers they face, such as financing and human resources,” Minister Jordan explained.

He told this publication that the local private sector faces many limitations, but a significant number of players are “stuck in their ways” and are restricted in their growth because of a refusal to adjust to a changing and more challenging environment.

“In spite of all the local content legislation we may put in place, few private sector firms will benefit if they do not re-orient the way they do business,” the minister stated.

Jordan has, nevertheless, said he recognises the efforts of those private sector entities which have made strides in this regard.

vest.

“No businessman is going to invest if he is not going to make returns,” Singh contends. “Who is going to make investments in Guyana when the risks are so high and the returns are so low?” he questioned as he highlighted that there are other countries with greater risks involved, but businesses opt to make investments there because of the attractive rates of return.

Investors’ confidence

Time and again, the private sector umbrella bodies in Guyana have raised con-

cerns over the robust tax regime and its impact on investors’ confidence in the economy.

Most recently, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) voiced to a visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission its concerns about increased taxation, the declining value of the Guyana dollar, and uncertainty about the direction in which the economy is headed.

“There has been a decline in the economy.

We don’t have a sustainable growth rate, and both the Government and the

Body of Corentyne labourer fished out of canal

T

Risks and rewards

Economist Sasenarine Singh, who attended the meeting in the USA, was perplexed about some of the minister’s statement. He contends that businesses will not pump money into an economy if the investment climate is not favourable.

Singh explained that it all comes back to the ‘risks and rewards’ balance, and if the risks outweigh the rewards, then businessmen will not be encouraged to in-

PSC must work to fix this.

I would like to see the Government offer businesses incentives and work to create a stable environment where businesses can operate,” PSC Chairman Eddie Boyer told a news entity in March 2017.

The PSC, in a separate statement this year, also noted that growth and improvement in Guyana cannot continue if investors’ confidence continues to be eroded. The PSC has noted that the trajectory in which the country is heading at the moment does not inspire such confidence.

Dead: Jhabal Lutchena

he body of Corentyne labourer Jhabal Lutchena of King Street, Williamsburg was fished out of a canal at Follow-Up Backdam, Port Mourant, East Berbice.

Based on reports received, the now dead 59-year-old had left home on Thursday morning to join his employer and another man in tending cattle in the farmlands.

Upon reaching their destination, Lutchena had reportedly stayed at the gate leading to the cattle ranch while his boss and the other man had travelled farther down. However, upon their return to the area where they had left him, the father of two was nowhere in sight.

The two men allegedly searched the entire area for Lutchena, and later found him lying face down in the nearby canal. The Police were contacted and an investigation has been launched.

A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of Lutchena’s death.

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sunDAY, april 23, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Assassination plot

Jagdeo urges expeditious, thorough probe

D

escribing as serious the alleged existence of a plot to kill President David Granger, former President and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, has urged that a thorough investigation be conducted into the matter.

“A threat to kill anyone, particularly the Head of State, must be treated seriously. I expect our security forces will ensure that this matter is investigated thoroughly, and that appropriate action (would) be taken against anyone implicated,” Jagdeo told Guyana Times on Saturday, when contacted for a comment on the matter.

Jagdeo said the probe must be expeditious, in order to erase any speculation of mischief. “This (investigation) must be done expeditiously to avoid allegations that this plot against the President was fabricated to distract the nation's attention from the deteriorating economy and to justify in-

President David Granger

creased security spending,” the Opposition Leader added.

Allegations

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud indicted to reporters on Friday that the Force’s legal advisor, in reviewing the case file, will have to determine whether there is substance to the allegation, or if the allegation is just a ploy to create mischief.

“The legal advisor is the best person to say wheth-

er there is evidence; evidence to show that the allegation has been proven or that there was mischief, or maybe somewhere in between (and) cannot be determined,” he explained.

Nevertheless, the Top Cop pointed out that, whatever the case may be, both scenarios are unlawful, and as such, legal actions will be taken.

“Well, the allegation is one of treason. Any plot to kill the President or overthrow Government is treason. And on the other hand, if someone tells a police officer something that is false and caused him to act in accordance with the call of duty, then there is a charge of giving false information,” he explained.

Plot

In the meantime, the investigation into the alleged plot to kill the Guyanese leader is on-going. After taking statements from the complainant -- the person who claimed that a businessman had promised to give him $7 million to assassinate the President -- and another individual who had reportedly witnessed the alleged transaction, investigators have handed the case file over to the Force’s legal mind for advice. The file has since been returned for further work to be done by investigators.

“We got advice (on Friday). Actually, there was a witness that the police contacted, whom the police’s legal advisor asked to be confronted with the person making the allegation (in order) to clear some issues and resend (the file)…

Hopefully, over the weekend that will happen, and we will get advice on that,” the Police Commissioner stated.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan on Friday also denied reports appearing in certain sections of the media to the effect that senior police officers are involved in the alleged plot to assassinate the Head of State.

The Minister has, moreover, charged media houses to be responsible in reporting highly sensitive stories, as in this instance. The Police Commissioner also concurred with this view, noting that the media are a powerful element and have to show some form of maturity and journalistic ethics in reportage.

News of the allegation became public on Thursday, when State Minister Joseph Harmon confirmed that the presidential security has been beefed up following allegations that a group of high-profile individuals have been planning to shoot the Head of State should he step out of his secure zone in one of his public outreaches.

Pre-nup violated

S

atiricus was down in the dumps. He felt like the fella in one of the oldies his dad used to listen to -- “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay”. He was a man with a broken heart. As he headed down to the Back Street Bar, he knew he wasn’t going to get much sympathy from the fellas. But then he figured he’d explore why everyone claimed “misery loves company”.

“Eh! Eh! How come yuh mout’ suh laang?” Bungi asked the moment Satiricus arrived at the table where he and Hari had already put away a few.

“Like the wife didn’t give you your frek, or what?” chimed in Hari with a sly grin, as he signalled the waitress for a beer for Satiricus.

“Nah…,”Satiricus said distractedly. “I just came back from party headquarters.”

“Suh wha’ goin’ aan wid dem KFC bais?” asked Bungi, as he clinked his bottle with Satiricus’s.

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out,” confessed Satiricus. “You remember the Accord we signed with the Pee-an-See to get our fair share??”

“The Pre-nuptial agreement signed on Valentine Day?” Hari grinned. “I thought that was soooo sweet!! Like a real wedding, not a coalition!!”

“Wha’ happen?” demanded Bungi impatiently.

“A’yuh get blow??”

“Well,” started out Satiricus, “I wouldn’t put it that way. But Nagga Man said he wanted a new agreement.”

“And what Rum Jhaat said?” asked Hari while he polished off his beer to hide his smile.

“We haven’t seen Rum Jhaat since he was seen drinking with some British spy at the Desert Lagoon,” answered Satiricus with a worried frown.

“I wonder if he was reconditioned.”

“Suh wha’ wraang if Nagga Man want wan new agreement if he and Rum Jhaat a get blow?” Bungi wanted to know.

“The man want us to picket the KFC office,” said Satiricus, shaking his head. “So he can tell GrainJa he’s getting pressure.”

“Me tell yuh ‘e lose ‘e balls afta he get larwah!” chuckled Bungi, slapping the table.

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SunDAY, april 23, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

The foreign currency fiasco: Is there really a shortage?

T

he issue of a foreign currency shortage, in particular the US currency -- and a seemingly looming foreign currency crisis -- has been one of the predominant topical issues appearing in the press recently. In this article, I will examine in a robust manner the real problem at hand regarding this matter.

We saw that a few concerns were raised in the press by some sections of the private sector: that the commercial banks are claiming a shortage of foreign currency, and as a consequence, customers are placed on a waiting list to effect payments to suppliers abroad; and likewise for incoming transfers from abroad.

Subsequently, the central bank governor and the minister of finance quickly refuted these claims, and attempted to provide evidence that such a shortage is non-existent by illustrating the level of foreign currency reserves held by the central bank and commercial banks, both locally and abroad; which the governor contended are sufficient and the dollar should not depreciate significantly.

The figures below were extracted from the Bank of Guyana’s Statistical Bulletin report for the years 2015 and 2016. I will examine in some detail the trends reflected in the movements of foreign currency holdings and reserves by the banking system, and its implications on the exchange rate.

Table 1 reveals net foreign assets held by commercial banks increased by US$4M, or 1.6 percent, in 2016, in comparison to a decrease in 2015 by US $22.7M; while a marginal increase was recorded in 2016, the composition of commercial banks’ net foreign holdings evidently changed quite significantly.

Commercial banks’ investment in foreign markets in 2015 was recorded at $204.3M, reflecting an increase in foreign investments of US$6.3M, or 3.1 percent. In 2016 however, commercial banks increased their level of foreign investments by a whopping US$43.6M, or 21.3 percent. This level of increase in foreign investments in effect reduced the availability of foreign currency held by commercial banks to accommodate international trade emanating in the domestic market.

Table 2 reveals that the net inflow of US dollars decreased by approximately US$1,669M in 2016. At the same time, total imports reduced by US $43.8M in 2016 to US$1,447.8M from US $1,491.6M in 2015. And total exports increased by US$286.5M to US$1,420.9M from US$1,134.4M in 2015. Additionally, balance of payments recorded a trade deficit of US$34.3M in 2016, representing a reduction of US$73.4M from US$107.7M recorded in 2015.

Hence, using an average model of calculation from the abovementioned statistics, we could deduce that the net reduction of available US dollars in the domestic foreign exchange market was set at 21.2 percent. One would recognise that this level of foreign currency depletion correlates with the exchange rate’s upward movement to an average of 9.1 percent.

Hence there is a real depreciation of the local currency against the US dollar.

There is evidence that the Guyanese dollar has depreciated against the US currency, and the simple demand-and-supply dynamics can explain this. Of key note, however, one of the main causes for this is the significant increase of foreign investments by the local commercial banks coming down to the latter part of 2016. Albeit, this move is quite logical, as the commercial banks found foreign investments more lucrative at a time when the domestic economy was experiencing a decline in economic activities amidst an unstable political environment.

In next week’s edition, a part two to this article will be featured, in which I will continue this discussion on the foreign currency exchange rate and its implications on the financial sector and the economy.

12 news

SunDAY, april 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Region 9 teen allegedly raped by regional official

A

15-year-old girl from Awarewanau Village in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/ Upper Essequibo) has allegedly been raped a regional official, but this was only recently discovered after the teen’s parents became aware that she was pregnant.

Police Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram, acting upon information received, has dispatched officers to the village to obtain greater details on the situation.

Minister within the Indigenous Peoples Affairs

Ministry, Valerie GarridoLowe, has also confirmed to Guyana Times that she has heard about the issue, but she said that, to date, no official report has been made. She said she has spoken to the community’s toshao, who has also acknowledged awareness of the issue but has disclosed that no official report has been made.

Guyana Times understands that the pregnant teen was among three young females who had been suspended from the Aishalton dormitory after they had escaped from the premises and had spent the night elsewhere --

reportedly with a top regional official sometime in November 2016.

Before the Aishalton school was recessed last term, it was discovered that one of the girls was pregnant. This newspaper was informed that the teenager allegedly told her parents that she had shared a relationship with the regional official.

Guyana Times understands that the teenager’s parents are hesitant to make an official report to the police, since they have been promised an attractive compensation package.

Stakeholders expect AFC...

The APNU/AFC coalition collectively holds a oneseat majority in the National Assembly.

Therefore, if at least the two AFC Parliamentarians, Trotman and Nagamootoo, stand by their words, the PPP’s motion will get the required support to be successful.

Protests

In the meantime, stakeholders intend to continue their peaceful picketing exercises outside of the relevant offices until Government revers-

es its decision.

Parents and students are arguing that a review for the fiscal year of 2018 is of no comfort to them.

“What will happen to the parents who can’t afford it currently? Would they have to take their children out of the private schools? And then when Cabinet reviews it for 2018 and drops the VAT, would the parents then have to take back their children to private schools? That doesn’t seem like a workable decision,” stated Chetram Ramdial.

A business student at a pri-

from page 7

vate institution said he may have to drop out of school and give up his aspirations until Government decides to review the tax. “If they say that they are not going to remove it until 2018, I may have to drop out of school by then. Children may have to drop out of school by then.

It does not help us for them to review for 2018. We need immediate action. We need action now. While they are waiting to review for 2018, people will be punishing,” the student stated. (Devina Samaroo)

news

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SunDAY, april 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mahaica farmers call for The “one urgent response from Govt people” agenda

By Ryhaan Shah

I

t’s a fascinating phobia – that of self-loathing. Indians here and in Trinidad and Tobago suffer from the pathology; and the society, instead of helping the self-loathers to achieve wellness, actually embraces them as the ideal Indian.

While self-loathing is a pathology that exists in communities everywhere, it is hardly ever promoted and encouraged as is done here by the state, the media, and by society at large in a conscious Ryhaan Shah and concerted effort to realise the extinction of one ethnic group.

It adds another dimension to the observation that Guyana is a very sick society. When Frantz Fanon wrote in his “Black Skin, White Masks” that those who adore Black people are as pathological as those who hate them, he was speaking to both the racists who are phobic about Blacks and to those who celebrate Blacks, no matter what they do.

Indian self-loathing has a decidedly political slant in Guyana, where the self-loather is often a willing tool in the arsenal that is used to diminish the perceived enemy. In this context, the self-contempt is often tied to justifications of everything African Guyanese; which, as Fanon observed, is part of the pathology.

The pathology is embraced and encouraged perhaps because it appears an easy way out of the dilemma of our racial divide for politicians who are lazy and cowardly, and who are comfortable playing to their partisan enclaves.

Instead of working to find concrete and constructive solutions to the serious issues that bedevil our state and society, our leaders rely instead on promoting the jingoism of social cohesion and oneness, and delight that there is enough self-contempt to go around to make their work of fashioning that “oneness” easier.

That a Christian evangelical was recently permitted by a number of head-teachers to proselytise in public schools highlights the universal acceptance of Euro-Christian beliefs and values as the status quo. That one of the head-teachers is a professed Hindu shows just how deeply rooted this notion is in the national psyche.

Had a pandit, swami or moulvi approached the very same head-teachers to preach their respective message, they would have been denied permission. No one would argue this point.

The head-teachers undoubtedly felt that they were carrying out state policy as embodied in the propagandist “one people, one nation, one destiny” agenda of the national motto. This motto is most often interpreted simplistically by politicians to mean that the assimilation, miscegenation, and cultural extinction required to accomplish this desired national goal can only be right and lawful.

The Christian conversion of the Indian community was first attempted by the colonial powers, perhaps because the policy had had such universal success with the African slaves, who, stripped even of cultural memories and beliefs, were easy converts.

It was not the same, however, with the Indian immigrants.

They travelled with their beliefs and their gods, and while most resisted the attempts at conversion then, the colonisation of the Indian mind continues. As with all such colonisation, it begins with instilling self-contempt, and in the “one people” equation, it is the Indian who loses.

Indians now adopt Christian names to gain social acceptance; and by converting to Christianity, Hindus in particular are most often succumbing to the portrayal of their beliefs as pagan and backward. No one wants to be viewed this way, so the pressure to surrender is tremendous. While Hindu leadership must accept some responsibility for the success of conversions, they do have to contend with slick evangelical messages and copious literature, and the considerable funding that drives the proselytising campaign.

Such conversion adds to the self-loathing pathology of Indian Guyanese. The colonisation to Christianity gives the converted a sense of superiority that is jealously guarded. To avoid recidivism, even Indian foods and garb are avoided.

It is unlikely that any society can progress healthily when a whole group of its citizens are being encouraged to dislike themselves, to deny themselves and their history, and to even be prejudiced against themselves.

The “one people” agenda can only ever accommodate one people. This statement might appear trite, but for most, it embodies the truth about Guyana’s goal as a society; and statements that are made about diversity and respect, about pluralism and tolerance, are only so much blather spoken to accommodate political correctness.

Denouncing Indian Guyanese who express pride in their culture will undoubtedly continue, and the Indians doing the denouncing will also continue to be rewarded.

To build a nation from our peoples’ diverse strengths is a challenge. It can never be built successfully, however, on a pathology of self-hate.

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

R

ice and cash crop farmers of Mahaica Creek, Region Five, are at a loss in regard to their next move, because Government’s repeated interventions to assist them have failed.

The farmers have, on a number of occasions, met with media operatives to highlight their plight with the hope that this would attract Government’s intervention.

Guyana Times recently visited the De Hoop Branch Road, Handsome Creek and Byaboo areas, where farmers have decried that one of their main sources of income, rice cultivation, has been hampered by taxation measures implemented by the Government in the 2017 budget.

Farmers have also complained that prices being

paid for paddy have decreased significantly, and this has left them like -many others countrywide -facing a dismal future.

One farmer explained: “If you take a truckload of paddy to the mill, a small truck would usually give you an average of 120 to 130 bags of paddy.

However, currently, with the paddy bug infestation, we barely make 80 bags from a small truck.”

The rice farmers are also decrying the unfair treatment they get from the mill-

ers in the area. Another farmer explained that millers have been given the upper hand in the process, and now farmers have to accept the situation in order to feed their families.

“Say we take 100 per cent to them, they somet i m e s c o m e b a c k and tell us that 60 per cent is damaged, and (they) only pay us for the remaining 40 per cent. We can’t say anything, because there is no one to say anything to,” he explained.

The Mahaica-MahaiconyAbary Agricultural

Development Authority (MMA/ADA) recently implemented higher rates and rental for the lands. Such works as cleaning of canals and building of dams have ceased, and the MMA/ADA has issued a statement to the effect that no funds are available to continue such works. As such, the farmers who now have to carry out those works out of their own pockets, have been calling for removal of the rates and rental fees.

“I feeling like giving up, because this ain’t make no sense. We not making profit, so what sense this makes,” another farmer told this publication.

Contacted about the issue, Region 5 Chairman Vickchand Ramphal confirmed that no intervention has to date been made by Government.

14 news

SunDAY, april 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Suspected bandit shot by Police Younge’s Take That assassination A

23-year-old suspected bandit of Laing Avenue, Charlestown, Georgetown was on Friday shot to his right foot by police moments after he and an accomplice were cornered after robbing a Bourda Market vendor of $400,000 in cash.

The suspect is presently under guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Reports are that a 56-year-old vendor had just arrived at his Pike Street, Kitty residence and was about to open his gate when the suspects confronted him. The men, one of whom was armed with a handgun,

held the vendor at gunpoint and relieved him of the bag containing the money before making good their escape.

The police were alerted, and responded promptly.

They cornered the men in Kitty, but the bandits opened fire on the police ranks. The police returned fire, hitting one of the bandits, who fell to the ground

while the other escaped. A portion of the loot has been recovered in his possession.

And acting on information, police conducted a search on a house at Duncan Street, Newtown, during which an unlicensed revolver and two live rounds of ammunition, along with one spent shell, were found.

Four males and two females who were at the house at the time of the police search have been arrested. One of the females is said to be the girlfriend of the wounded suspect.

The police are continuing their hunt for the second bandit as investigations continue.

T

plot

his month, official and unofficial information surfaced about an alleged plot to have Guyana’s President, David Granger, assassinated whilst he was scheduled to engage the public during several outreaches over the past month.

As expected, certain sections of the compliant media were first to inform the public, before officialdom, as they stormed the airways and other forms of the media with half-baked stories and conspiracy theories surrounding the plot.

Also, the citizenry was told that high-ranking officials of the Guyana Police Force were involved in the sinister plot to harm the Head of State, and there were attempts within its hierarchy to cover up the plot.

Soon after, the players fell into place, as a man appeared on Michael Younge a television newscast to give more credence to the alleged plot, claiming that he was asked to carry out the hit, but later refused.

In steps officialdom after the compliant and sensationalist media had done its job and laid the foundation for disquiet, instability and political uneasiness. State Minister Joseph Harmon and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan both confirmed the allegations as they underscored the importance of the security of the President, while assuring the public that a full probe is being done.

Guyana’s Top Cop, Seelall Persaud, also made one of his rare public appearances, which ended up being used to defend the integrity and image of the Force and became a call upon the media to act responsibly and professionally in the dispatch of its duties. Threats of prosecution were also made to the media should the sensationalist information about police involvement continue to be reported.

The nation now holds its breath as it awaits the outcome of the probe in the midst of more uncertainty. What is certain, however, is the fact that these allegations follow a certain pattern and form. They resemble, in some parts, how the official state public relations machinery usually leaks information to certain sections of the compliant media and press.

It first begins with the use of a certain journalist and a certain TV station, to lay the foundations for public disquiet over a sensational development. It then mushrooms into a national controversy, with the Government and security force weighing in; followed by an exclusive interview with the wouldbe criminal, confessed criminal, or knight in shining armour telling all of the juicy details. Arrests and detentions are made, after which questions are asked. Charges follow.

And, somehow, the ultimate catch is to end up implicating the PPP, its membership or its senior leaders. Wait for this development, because this exact pattern was followed in cases similar to this assassination plot. Take, for example, the CrumEwing execution, Colwyn Harding saga, Sean Hinds debacle, and the audit probes et al.

It must be stressed that this position by no means seeks to undermine or dismiss the fact that this plot, which was recently unearthed, could have been a legitimate one, which posed a threat to national security and President Granger’s person. Any individual who would plan to assassinate a duly elected public official should feel the full extent of the law, after evidence is brought and a trial held.

That aside, one cannot help but recognise that this plot emerged in the midst of high levels of disapproval ratings of the current APNU/AFC Government. It came at a time when public confidence in the President himself and his Finance Minister to turn the fortunes of the economy around are at rock bottom.

It also comes on the heels of the eminent collapse of the sugar industry as a result of Government’s confusionist policies, which would leave thousands jobless.

The plot also emerges at time when the PPP is in full control of the political cards, and is effective in rallying thousands to support its viewer points on a myriad of issues, regardless of the suspicions and reservations of some key political analysts. Also, the PNC and AFC, which are key components of the coalition Government, have been dogged by scandals, infighting and corruption allegations within their camps. It was only recently that a key individual who sealed the Cummingsburg Accord indicated the need for it to be amended and updated.

One is forced to ask who would profit from the death of a ‘popular’ Head of State, as his assassination would only send his ratings higher and guarantee his Government’s continued electoral success. Also, if one refused to carry out a plot to shoot the President, what is to be gained from coming forward in the public domain to further implicate one’s self and others in the diabolical plot? And how is it that the chief mouthpiece of the Government and its long time print ally appears to be ducking this story of enormous importance by publishing poorly written pieces which are buried somewhere in Dem Boys Say. I suppose the public will have to await the exceptional outcome of the thorough probes that the GPF is so infamous for. Guyanese must, and will, continue to pray for the safety and happiness of the President and all public officials who severe this glorious land.

NEWS

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sunDAY, april 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Too many loopholes in Ministers’ Code of Conduct – TIGI

…urges revision of document

T

ransparency Institute Guyana Incorporated (TIGI) has red-flagged a number of loopholes with the proposed amendments to the Integrity Commission Act and the Ministerial Code of Conduct, after being invited to review the documents.

TIGI was invited to review the proposals by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in February. The review, which was completed by April 3, strongly urged that the proposals be reconsidered and reformed along the lines of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

The fact that the anti-corruption organisation found a number of faults with the proposals comes against the backdrop of the already prolonged period of crafting the Code of Conduct.

Code of Conduct

A committee was appointed in 2015 to review and strengthen the draft Code of Conduct. Last year, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman had stated while handing over the document to the Prime Minister that the commission had reviewed similar documents from Africa, Europe and other parts of the Caribbean.

But TIGI was critical about the overall lack of specificity in the language used to craft the Code, leaving

TIGI Head, Dr Troy Thomas

loopholes open for Ministers and others governed by it to escape sanctions. It noted that “this lack of specificity appears as low commitment to integrity in public office and it can ultimately impede the effectiveness of the Code and erode public confidence”.

For one thing, TIGI blasted the fact that Article Eight of the Code only referenced sexual misconduct while performing official duties.

According to TIGI, “this is an unnecessary and undesirable restriction”.

The organisation made it clear that sexual misconduct, whether on or off duty, must disqualify anyone from continuing to hold the post of a public official.

TIGI also highlighted that while there was focus on breaches of the Code, the President, David Granger and the Minister of State,

Joseph Harmon were identified as the relevant authorities for administering disciplinary action.

However, the group said, the Code was silent on specific penalties for breaches.

This thereby left these two officials with the responsibility to determine the penalties. TIGI noted that instead of leaving this to the will of the very people the Code would govern, specific penalties for some breaches should be laid out in the Code.

“This will improve public confidence in the process.

The Code itself needs to be fleshed out in much greater detail and we strongly recommend taking guidance from model legislation such as the UNCAC.” According to TIGI, the administration of the Code of Conduct, as part of the Integrity Commission Act, requires a functional Commission. The transparency group urged that this link be solidified now.

The group also urged against identifying the Minister of State, which it noted was done in Article 12. Instead, TIGI urged that references to a “relevant authority” be maintained where appropriate, as Harmon’s stint as Minister of State was only temporary.

Other problems that TIGI identified were the lack of

President David Granger along with several members of his Cabinet

specific references to a time limit for resolving conflicts of interest involving Ministers and public officials in Article Four. It noted that phrases such as “as soon as practicable” could lead to abuse.

But that is not all. The Code allows the public official to take reasonable steps to avoid and resolve the conflict. TIGI noted the danger of this, especially in a case where a blood relative was involved.

The group also disagreed with the Code stating that

public officials shall not receive gifts on conditionality.

TIGI stated that this rule should be made absolute for the next 10 years, unless the gift was being received on behalf of the State.

Integrity Commission

TIGI observed in its review that whenever a report was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), “that individual must submit a report to the President and the Commission about actions

taken against the individual pursuant to the report from the Commission”.

It also observed that the disciplinary body to which the Commission would submit recommendations was not specified in the principal Act. In addition, TIGI noted that it observed that the nature of the disciplinary action to be taken would be determined by the relevant body responsible for disciplinary action. This, it said, happens even if the Commission makes recommendations.

TIGI then called for the complete removal of an entire section of the document, stating that it should be enough for the Commission to be able to reject frivolous complaints. It also criticised conferral of power on the Minister to make recommendations. Instead, TIGI called for the Commission to make recommendations for regulations.

In light of this, the group called for all references to regulations by the Minister in the principal act and the Code of Conduct to be removed.

16 news

SunDAY, april 23, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Missing drugs at Suddie Hospital

Situation handled in an “immature, bad" manner – Councillor

C

hairman of the Region Two Health and Sanitation Committee, PPP Councillor Arnold Adams, has said he is most peeved at the way the Public Health Ministry (MPH) handled the matter concerning the missing drugs at the Suddie Public Hospital.

Speaking at the statutory meeting held late last week in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) building, Adams said the MPH dealt with the matter in a manner that was “very immature and bad”.

He said that, as Chairman of the Health and Sanitation Committee and as a regional councillor, he was at no time informed about the ministerial task force’s visit to the hospital. And at no time was Regional Chairman Daveanand Ramdatt or Regional Health Officer Afarah Khan informed about the visit.

He said regional offi-

Councillor Arnold Adams

cials learnt through the media that drugs were missing from the hospital; and having launched an investigation into the matter, discovered that medications were never uplifted from the MPH drug bond at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

He said he is very peeved at the way staff members at the health facility were la-

belled.

Adams explained that no special arrangements are normally made from the regional level to secure the drugs. He said staff members are usually sent to uplift the drugs, and have to hurry to reach the return ferry on time; because if they miss the ferry or get caught in closures at the bridge, they would “be left on their own”, since no overtime or special allowances are given to those who transport the drugs or are in charge of the drugs in transit.

Since the incident involving missing drugs, Adams said, he has recommended that a special transport and staff be assigned to uplift the drugs.

He noted he was very disappointed in the way the Public Health Ministry’s press release was structured, because it has tarnished the reputation of the staff.

Region Two Chairman Daveanand Ramdatt has

Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt

also said he was not informed about the incident, and learnt of it via the media. He said the way staff members were labelled has

tarnished their careers, and the region’s personnel department should deal with the situation very carefully.

An ambulance driver and two pharmacists attached to the Suddie Public Hospital in Region Two have each been placed on $20,000 station bail for allegedly stealing pharmaceutical drugs.

The trio had earlier contended that the drugs were signed for, but the team did not record each item.

According to a police report, simple larceny involving tablets and injections to the total value of $237,400 has allegedly been committed on the Public Health Ministry at Suddie Hospital between March 21 and 22.

A press release issued by the Public Health Ministry

in March has stated that the Guyana Police Force is investigating an allegation of theft at the Suddie Public Hospital following a visit by the Ministerial Task Force.

During the Task Force’s one-day visit to Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) health institutions, several other irregularities were unearthed. In one instance, the report stated that a pharmacist at the hospital could not account for several ampules of pethidine, codine and morphine.

The team also found instances in which the stock of narcotic drugs either could not be accounted for, or the pharmacist had extra drugs that were still not recorded as prescribed under the law.

(Indrawattie Natram)

Over $7M in equipment handed over to Mabaruma residents

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esidents of Mabaruma District, Region One (Barima-Waini) received more than $7 million in capital equipment from the Communities Ministry on Saturday.

The equipment was handed over to the residents by Junior Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe.

The communities benefited from equipment such as boat engines, a chain saw, brush-cutters, sewing machines and cabinets, sport gear and fogging machines.

Speaking at the handing-over, Minister GarridoLowe told the residents that the equipment was provided to assist their ba-

Residents of Mabaruma standing alongside the equipment they received

sic needs.

She noted that “every dollar counts in business, and you have to start running your projects as businesses. This is yours: it is an investment; it’s your capital and you have to make sure that it works for

you over the years.”

The Permanent Secretary, Alfred King told residents that the Ministry would continue to partner with them to facilitate better delivery of services such as potable water, health services, and education.

NEWS

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SunDAY, april 23, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Anna's

Amerindians are the pioneers of land rights in Guyana

H

ead of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Toshao Joel Fredericks, delivered a powerful speech at the Regional Toshaos Conference convened two Thursdays ago in Region 9.

Minutes after being personally attacked by the Indigenous Peoples Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock, for refusing to cooperate in the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry seeking to “investigate” land claims pertaining to African Anna Correia land reparation and indigenous lands jointly, Fredericks mounted the podium and sent a strong message of resistance and determination of indigenous leaders in their century-old combat for Amerindian land rights.

In addition to the toshaos present at the conference, a delegation from the Indigenous Peoples Affairs Ministry, including Minister Allicock; as well as Lethem Mayor Carlton Beckles; a PPP Opposition delegation headed by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, and members of the civil society were also present. But while such a gathering might have impressed some, Joel Fredericks used the opportunity to remind those present of the historical context of Amerindian land rights in Guyana.

“We understand our rights, because the history of this country gives us our rights,” the NTC Chair expounded. Implicitly alluding to Eric Phillips’s claim that the Africans were in Guyana before Amerindians, Fredericks, who is a member of the Arawak nation, said: “When Christopher Columbus came here [Guyana], he met us [Amerindians]. I was on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean that day, when I saw this big monster come in from the sea. I was there, the Arawaks were there. No one can rewrite our history; and we should be proud of our history!”

Through his speech, Toshao Fredericks reaffirmed the stance of the NTC against the CoI which was launched without the free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) of Amerindian leaders and peoples. In so doing, he also gave a brilliant demonstration of the solidarity which unites Amerindians in defending their land rights, which are currently under threat by the Coalition Government.

Minister Allicock, in his failed attempt to reassure the Amerindian leaders present at the conference, declared that the CoI is vital in resolving overlapping Amerindian land issues, and urged them not to worry. However, this is a poor explanation coming from the Minister, who instead should have explained the relevance of the CoI when there is already a well-established multi-sectorial, multi-stakeholder, LCDS-funded (and not taxpayer-funded) Amerindian Land Titling project. The said project was designed after more than three (3) years of active consultation and revision in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and involves technical teams representing all stakeholder interests, including mining, forestry, protected areas, lease holders and civil sector; but, most importantly, Amerindian Village Councils. What, therefore, is the relevance of this CoI? Is it not clearly evident that the Coalition Government is trying to piggyback on Amerindian land rights to gain mileage for African land reparation, despite these being two distinct issues evolving in very different contexts?

How can Sydney Allicock, a man long thought of to be a defender and promoter of indigenous rights, have the face to now lobby for this CoI? What’s more, is that in attacking the NTC, Allicock seemed to have forgotten that this is a legally ordained body by the Amerindian Act N° 6 – 2006 (AA6-2006), mandated to not only represent Amerindian interests, but also to provide support to the Minister of “Amerindian” Affairs (AA6-2006). While the Minister is an ex-officio member of the Council, the authority of the NTC Executive cannot be overridden. So Allicock therefore demonstrates his disinterest for consensus in one of the most important organisations of indigenous rights in Guyana.

It must have slipped the Minister’s attention that the particularity of his position as an indigenous representative is to lobby FOR indigenous rights, compromise when necessary, but never to act against his own people by violating their rights for the profit of Government. Yet, he continues to swiftly drift from the path of dialogue, which became protocol since the Ministry was established under the PPP Administration. Subsequently, he joins with the rest of the Coalition Government in trespassing on the special rights of Guyana’s First Peoples, provisioned for by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP); by the Independence Act, Cap. 14 Section 17; by the Constitution of Guyana, and by the AA6-2006.

It would do well for those over at MoIPA to remember that Amerindians are the pioneers of land rights in Guyana, and as history (not the revisionist theory Allicock seemingly defends) can attest, their resolve cannot be broken.

Contact sundayarrow@gmail.com

Digicel makes donation to Region 2 REDO

D

igicel (Guyana) has handed over a quantity of back-toschool supplies to Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) Education Officer (REDO) Baramdai Seepersaud, to assist those vulnerable children in the outlying areas of Region Two. This contribution was made on Saturday during the company’s visit to the region for the second annual triple-treat Curried Duck and Softball Cricket competition.

“The new school term begins on Monday, and we thought it would be the best time to assist those who need it most. Giving back to those in need and

Digicel’s PR Manager, Vidya Sanicharra handing over the supplies to Regional Education Officer of Region Two, Baramdai Seepersaud

supporting community and family-oriented events is something that Digicel always finds time for; this

(occasion) is no different.

We know this will reach the children, thanks to the Department of Education,”

PR Manager Vidya Sanichara has said.

The REDO thanked the cell phone company for the ‘timely’ donation, and noted that it would go a long way in assisting those children and parents who are in need.

The Department of Education in Essequibo usually conducts school visits at the beginning of the new school term, and will be distributing the school packs during that time. Students to benefit from this Digicel donation are from Lima Sands, Pomeroon, Mainstay, Tapacuma, Kapoey, Dredge Creek, Mushabo and Bethany.

18 News

SunDAY, april 23, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Church, M&CC to team up to tackle vagrancy

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The night shelter at Arapaima Street, East La Penitence

he Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will be collaborating with the Anglican Diocese of Guyana to provide assistance to street dwellers and vagrants.

This has been revealed to the media by Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green during an interview with operatives late last week.

Vagrancy is a prevailing situation in Guyana. Besides the non-governmental organisations that lend their support to tackling vagrancy, there is a night shelter at Arapaima Street, East La Penitence, which takes in the homeless and is run by the Social Protection Ministry.

To gain admittance to that institution, a homeless person must provide proof that he/ she is homeless and must submit to a medical examination and, in some cases, provide a police clearance.

Administrator of the Shelter, Shelia Veersammy, made this policy known back in January 2017.

care for those persons,” she detailed as she added that she is happy that more persons are getting involved in efforts to assist homeless persons.

“If you leave here now and go into Cummings Street, you’ll see what I’m talking about. Homeless people just sleeping there, they just decide that they can put up a tarpaulin or tent and rest on our streets,” she said.

Chase-Green acknowledged that the Dharm Shala has been providing assistance to the homeless. This charita-

the lives of people.”

Among the possible shelters for vagrants is the Hugo Chavez Centre located in Region 5 (West Coast Berbice).

Vagrancy comes under the responsibility of the Ministry of Social Protection, though there is scope for collaboration with other agencies.

Back in 2015, then Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, had announced that this Ministry would be working with a welfare committee to evaluate and possibly reintegrate the

homeless into society.

The committee comprised persons from the Ministry of Social Protection, Public Health, Public Security, Agriculture, and the Mayor and City Council.

When speaking on the issue in 2015, Minister Lawrence had stated that there must be an evaluation, because you have various persons out there. You have the addicted, the mentally challenged, the homeless, and persons who see it as an economic means.

She had also acknowledged that there are those who use begging as a means to earn an income, even sending their children to beg.

Saying that a programme has to be put in place to educate these individuals, Lawrence had pledged the Government’s support in tackling vagrancy.

It is not clear what fruit this collaboration has borne, since begging and destitution, including among juveniles, remains fairly prevalent in the city.

Internet hubs taking shape in Region 10

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Vagrancy has for years been a prevalent issue in Guyana, particularly in the city

At the time of ChaseGreen’s announcement, she had just concluded a courtesy call with the Anglican Bishop of Guyana, Reverend Charles Davidson. She made it clear that besides the church, the M&CC is willing to work with anyone to make the streets vagrant-free.

“The Bishop explained the reason for his visit. With this new council that we have, we’re willing to work in collaboration with everyone. While it doesn’t come under our responsibility, we still have to

ble entity, which is located at 140 King Edward and Sussex Streets in Albouystown, also has a branch in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

“But some people don’t want to go there,” ChaseGreen revealed. “Maybe we’ll have an alternative facility.

We spoke about medication for (street dwellers), people seeing doctors and so. And so with this collaboration with the Anglican Church and Bishop, we see this as part of developing the city to improve

he setting-up of Internet hubs in communities across Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) under the E-Governance Project is moving apace, as more areas continue to be identified to benefit.

Deputy Director of Community Development Councils and Regional Councillor, Sandra Adams said the e-governance team recently conducted visits to several communities in the Region to ascertain connectivity. Already, numerous areas have benefited from the project, while for others, the possibilities are yet to be explored.

“Discussions are moving apace with the E-Governance Department and so, places have been identified. Works are afoot in terms of setting up the 15 hubs that we plan to do within three months,” Adams indicated.

She said visits were made to some of the communities

identified in the Region, which include Syberian/Old England and Coomacka. However, she explained that there was an issue which was not detected earlier, as it related to e-Governance connectivity in Linden.

“When the system was handed over in 2015, it was handed over that all e-governance connectivity was in place, just to realise that it wasn’t. So, what we’re doing is trying to find places where we can get the DSL hard line – the GTT hard line connectivity. In some cases, E-Governance will have to take over the payment of a DSL if it’s close to a residence that it can be connected, just for us to have the Internet hubs up and running,” Adams said. She noted that Wisroc, at Wismar, Linden has been identified as another area to benefit, but explained that a suitable location was yet to be highlighted.

“What we have to identify in Wisroc is where to put it,”

Adams said.

Areas in Linden such as Block 22 and Victory Valley at Wismar have so far benefited, as well as Bamia along the Linden-Soesdyke highway.

Meanwhile, Cinderella City, Amelia’s Ward will soon be connected. Adams also pointed out other areas which are scheduled to benefit from the project.

“Kwakwani is in – both the Park and Waterfront…We did look at 47 Miles, Riversview and at least two for the Berbice River. The ones that we can reach quickly with the line, for instance Old England and Coomacka, they’re talking already with GTT to deal with land lines to those locations.

We need to do at least three riverine communities,” she stated.

The Internet hubs are offices with computers, which are equipped with Internet connections to aid residents with research.

sunDAY, april 23, 2017

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GFF launches ground-breaking Dhoni downs Sunrisers national training camp schedule in last-ball thriller A

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The Under-15 Boys’ national squad with GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood, GFF Youth Development Officer Bryan Joseph and GFF Youth Development Coach Challus McKinnon

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is delivering an intensive range of national team training camps for youth and senior, male and female teams in April and May, as the Technical Department works to bring elite players up to speed with the new national playing philosophy in preparation for upcoming competitions.

One of the highlights of the schedule is the selection of Guyana’s first Under-13 Boys’ squad, which has been made possible thanks to the success of the new, nationwide GFF-Scotiabank Academy Training Centres, that have created a system for scouting and coaching talented youth players from all nine regional member associations this year.

Over the coming month, the GFF will host national training camps for Under-13 Boys, Under-15 Boys, and Under-17 Girls in line with age groups covered by the elite Academy Training Centre programme, as well as camps for the Lady Jaguars and locally-based Golden Jaguars.

“We believe this is the most complete and intensive training camp schedule the GFF has ever put together for its national teams,” said GFF

Technical Director Ian Greenwood.

“This is an example of the way the new administration wants to operate: bringing our national set-up into line with best international practice and ensuring that our national teams are fully engaged in a professional, methodical structure. The GFF is committed to giving our best players, both male and female in every age group, the training and guidance they need to reach their potential as individuals and to succeed as squads at international level.”

“Too often in the past, Guyana’s national teams have been starved of the training they need to compete with better-prepared regional rivals. We are making this kind of training a top priority so that Guyana can make a statement at every level on the field of play.”

The GFF has also selected former and current national team players to participate in the coaching of the national team squads, including Akilah Castello, Tricia Munroe, Charles Pollard, Anthony Benfield and Bryan Joseph.

“It’s crucial that we involve current and former stars of the game in all of our coaching programmes, whether as part of the Academy Training Centres

or within the national team structures,” said Greenwood.

“This system will help us to inspire the current generation with the wisdom of previous elite players, as well as creating a clear pathway for players to aim for as they look beyond their careers on the pitch.”

Golden Jaguars Vurlon Mills, Andrew Durant and Eon Alleyne are among some of the national team stars to get involved with coaching boys and girls at the Academy Training Centres in recent weeks.

The camps will prepare the Under-15 Boys’ team for a tournament in Saint Martin in June and a CONCACAF tournament in August, the Under-17 Girls’ team for a CFU tournament in August, and the Lady Jags for the CFU Caribbean Cup in May. Details of the training camps are as follows:

U-15 Boys 22nd – 24th April 2017 Lady Jags 24th – 29th April 2017 U-13 Boys 29th April – 1st May 2017 U-17 Girls 1st – 5th May 2017 U-15 Boys 5th – 7th – May 2017 Golden Jaguars 7th – 11th May 2017 Lady Jags 12th – 22nd May 2017

GCB Igloo Under-17

Demerara announce squad

G

uyana Cricket Board (GCB) will on Tuesday bowl off its Igloo Ice Cream Under-17 Inter County Tournament and Demerara has announced a 14 member squad along with four reserves to participate in the four team challenge.

The players selected for this squad earned their position due to their performance during the Demerara Inter-Association U-17 Tournament which featured four teams, namely-West Demerara, East Coast, East Bank and Georgetown teams. They would have had to execute skills beyond their peers to earn their places.

Included in this squad

Alphius Bookie are several familiar players who have already featured in junior national teams. They are expected to provide experience for a unit who are strong contenders to win the tourna-

Sachin Singh ment. Among these known talents are Ashmead Nedd, Sachin Singh, Alphius Bookie, Qumar Torrington among others.

Their fiercest rivals are expected to be Berbice

but if their batting hold its own then it would be difficult for the unit from the Ancient County.

Fixtures for the tournament will be released soon but two matches are scheduled for Tuesday in the county of Demerara.

The full squad reads: Sachin Singh, Rajendra Singh, Andrew Samaroo, Alphius Bookie, Kevin Christian, Anusuega Rodrigues, Adrian Hinds, Robin Williams, Qumar Torrington, Elion Whyte, Ashmead Nedd, Kester McAllister, Hemnauth Dindyal and Pradesh Balkishun.

The players in the reserves are; Dequan Bamfield, Jeremiah Scott, Dextroy Hymond and Yudister Persaud.

slow start did not deter MS Dhoni as he smashed a fifty to inspire Rising Pune Supergiant to a last-ball victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad.

An incredible display of hitting from MS Dhoni saw Rising Pune Supergiant to a remarkable six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad from the final ball.

The game looked lost for Pune as they required 47 from the final three overs, but Dhoni crashed a remarkable half-century including a boundary from the last delivery when two runs were needed.

Rahul Tripathi scored his maiden IPL fifty for the hosts as he collected six fours and three sixes before he was run out on 59, but no other batsman could make a similar impact as the required rate continued to climb.

That was until Dhoni sprung into top gear, moving from 25 off 22 balls to his fifty with just seven more deliveries as he finished unbeaten on 61 from 34.

Earlier, Moises Henriques struck six fours and two sixes in his 28-ball 55, while captain David Warner reclaimed the orange cap with a circumspect 43 from 40 as Sunrisers piled on 62 runs in the last five overs to reach 176-3.

SCOREBOARD Sunrisers Hyderabad innings (20 overs maximum) 43 D Warner* b Unadkat S Dhawan c Tripathi b Imran Tahir 30 K Williamson lbw b Christian 21 M Henriques not out 55 D Hooda not out 19 Extras: (lb 4, w 3, nb 1) 8 Total: (3 wickets; 20 overs) 176 Did not bat: NV Ojha†, Bipul Sharma, B Kumar, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, S Kaul Fall of wickets: 1-55 (Dhawan, 8.1 ov), 2-84 (Williamson, 12.3 ov), 3-129 (Warner, 16.3 ov) Bowling: Unadkat 4-0-41-1, Washington Sundar 3-0-19-0 (2w), Stokes 2-0-19-0, Thakur 4-0-50-0 (1w), Christian 4-0-20-1, Imran Tahir 3-0-23-1 (1nb)

Rising Pune Supergiant innings (target: 177 runs from 20 overs) A Rahane c Kaul b Bipul Sharma 2 R Tripathi run out (Rashid Khan) 59 S Smith* b Rashid Khan 27 MS Dhoni† not out 61 B Stokes c sub (V Shankar) b Kumar 10 M Tiwary not out 17 Extras: (lb 2, w 1) 3 Total:(4 wickets; 20 overs) 179 Did not bat: DT Christian, Washington Sundar, SN Thakur, JD Unadkat, Imran Tahir Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Rahane, 3.1 ov), 2-87 (Smith, 10.5 ov), 3-98 (Tripathi, 13.1 ov), 4-121 (Stokes, 16.1 ov) Bowling: B Kumar 4-0-39-1 (1w), Bipul Sharma 4-0-30-1, Mohammed Siraj 4-0-42-0, S Kaul 3-0-45-0 Rashid Khan 4-0-171, Henriques 1-0-4-0

Henriques brought his fifty up off 26 deliveries as he and Deepak Hooda (19) shared an unbeaten fourth-wicket partnership of 47 in just 21 balls.

In response, Pune lost Ajinkya Rahane early but rebuilt well through Tripathi and captain Steve Smith, before the latter played on off the bowling of Rashid Khan for 27 to leave the hosts needing 10 an over to lift themselves off the foot of the table.

Rashid then put the stranglehold on Pune, with his superb four-over spell of 1-17 coupled with the brilliant run out of Tripathi off his own bowling.

But Dhoni, ably supported

by Manoj Tiwary (17 not out), saw his side home with another masterclass in finishing as he struck five fours and three sixes, two of those boundaries coming in Siddarth Kaul’s final over to cap a stunning turnaround.

(Sportsmax)

MS Dhoni slashes through the off side

20

guyanatimesGY.com

sunDAY, april 23, 2017

UG scholarships

awarded to CARIFTA team

28 graduate from Sheltez Easter tennis camp

Homesafe Security Manager Maurisa Johnson (left) and Coach Shelly Daly Ramdyhan (right) with top performers of the Sheltez Easter Tennis Camp

I T

The CARIFTA team and their honorary medals presented by the National Sports Commission

he 12-member squad that represented Guyana at the 2017 Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Games in Curacao will be full scholarships to the University of Guyana (UG) compliments of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

This announcement was made by Director of Sports Christopher Jones on Friday evening while speaking at the NSC annual awards ceremony in which the team was a honorary guest and presented with special medals for their achievements.

The announcement comes on the heels of the Director advocating for more student/athletes scholarships to those remain a specific discipline, reaping both success in the class-

room and on the field.

In a recent interview with this publication Jones stated “Student athletes that remain in a sport programme and keep their grades up when he/she reaches age 17 or 18 is that scholarship must be provided by the government to that athlete”.

He went unto say, “once that policy is adopted and we are able to say this in sundry to all in Guyana, it encourages parents to make sure their children keep their grades up and stick to sports”.

The policy is an attempt to integrate various sport disciplines into the school

curriculum which could be done as early as September once the Education Ministry and the NSC can decide which disciplines are applicable.

Guyanese athletes were more than jubilant at the event as their medal haul end ed with eight medals (four Gold, one silver, three bronze) as compared to 2016 where they finished with a total of five medals (two bronze and three silver).

The highlight for the team was Linden’s Compton Caesar’s historic win in the Boys’ Under-20 100m dash.

It was the first time in the

history of the CARIFTA Games, which started in 1972, that a Guyanese has won the male 100m; Caesar also took the bronze in the 200m.

The other gold medallists were fellow Lindener Chantoba Bright, overseas-based athlete Natricia Hooper, and distance runner Claudrice McKoy. McKoy also has a bronze medal from the Girls’ Under-18 1500m while Anfernee Headecker won silver in the boy’s event.

The other members of the team included: Kenisha Phillips, Onasha Rogers, Tremaine Browne, Daniel Williams, Tarique Boyle, Matthew McKenzie and Samuel Lynch while swimmer Leon Seaton and Lian Winter attended their championships in Bahamas.

n its Fourth year the Sheltez Tennis Club, formerly known as Park Players Club, Easter vacation introductory development and enhancement programme was once again high on the agenda for youths willing to learn and enhance their skill in lawn tennis.

Yesterday 28 young players age 4 to 16 received certificate for completing the programme while the top performers received trophies and small tokens.

Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan, the programme facilitator said it was once again a successful

Kenard Spellen

R&G Mining Enterprise supports grass track championship

By: Indrawattie Natram

R

period where the main goal to develop skills was achieved.

Meanwhile, Maurisa Johnson Manager of Homesafe Security, the sponsor of the event, said she hope players would have enhanced some of their techniques at the end of the programme.

“Indeed it was a fun and learning activity for the children who express their sentiments about the camp”, Johnson said.

Viraj Sharma, Nandanee Ramdyhan, Michael Henry and Hayden Mentore were the top performers at the end of the two weeks of activities.

amanand Ganesh Mining enterprise located at Middlesex on the

Kenrick Spellen

Essequibo Coast has pledged it’s support towards grass track events in Region Two as such the owner has sponsored two of Essequibo popular riders for the upcoming races slated for Bath Settlement, West Berbice on April 30.

The mining entity has thus far purchased two Yamaha bikes and will be sponsoring the Spellen brothers.

Representing the company at the Round 2 Championships is Kennard Spellen who will be riding RM 125 Dirt bike in the Pro race and Kenrick Spellen riding a Yamaha, ynz 125 dirt bike in the nova races.

Coordinator for the races for the company, Ravindra Dallip, said that the company has full confidence in the bikers and know that they will represent Region Two with pride and dignity. Dallip added that for too long grass track has been gone unnoticed in the Region and as such his boss has pledged his support in boosting the game.

He also said soon Essequibo will be having its own grass track ground where young talented bikers can compete.

The bikers who spoke to this publication said they are confident and will represent Region Two to their the best.

The brothers who happen to be twins said that they will like to shower praises towards Team RG mining for supporting grass track.

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IMMIGRATION SERVICES PROFESSIONALLY PREPARED BY IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT. PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATIONS (PERMANENT/VISITOR) FOR USA, CANADA, UK, CHINA, INDIA, ETC. SABITA’S IMMIGRATION SERVICES. TEL: 225-6496/662-6045

CAR RENTALS

KEY CUTTing

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Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 6213249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks.

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Progressive Auto Rental: Cars from $4000 and up. Tel: 219-3900, 643-5122

dentistry Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte St, Lacytown.

Tel: 225-5034

Driving School Shalom Enterprise Driving School 2 Croal Street, Stabroek. You can obtain an International Drivers Permit Covering 131 Countries. Tel: 2273869, 644-7052, 659-3381

EDUCATION REGISTER - learn to play drums, guitar, keyboard and train your voice NOW OR in the Summer. Call 225-1151/ 657-8404 Learn to Play Music at Foundation7: Call NOW: 225-1151/6578404

FOR SALE 1 HONDA PC 50 KE 1 MODEL, 1 HONDA 125.5 GENTS MOTORCYCLE. PLEASE CALL 667-0887 FOR DETAILS. 1 SAMSUNG CAMCORDER WITH TRIPOD 58G. 667-0887 FOR DETAILS. CLAY ROOF TILES 2500 SQ FT. NO REASONABLE OFFER WILL BE REFUSED. TELEPHONE: 686-7120 MX 2000, 1500, 1000 AMP, 4 BASS, 4 MID, 4 HORNS, 4 TWEETERS, MIXER, JUGGLER CABLES AND 1 JACCUZZI; ALL FOR SALE. CONTACT: 253-3070 OR 654-2732 WATER PUMP TO PUMP WATER INTO RICE FIELDS WITH DRIVE SHAFT AND TWENTY FOOT CANVAS TO CONVEY WATER; CAGE WHEEL FOR JOHN DEERE TRACTOR 5090; STEERING RACK FOR TUNDRA 2000 SERIES; FUEL PUMP FOR TOYOTA HILUX 1 KD – FTV ENGINE; SET OF 6 INJECTORS FOR DAF 6-CYLINDER DIESEL ENGINE. CONTACT: 2201630, 638-1829.

Clean Garden Earth. Also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call 627-9977 Road to Belwasa and A Dip at the Sangam, Indentureship Novels at Austin’s Book Store and Lachmansingh Drug Store. Tel: 226-5053.

flowers Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

immigration Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and

optician Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 2750322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

health Healthworld Clinic – Providing professional psychological therapy for all mental and behavioral health problems. Call (592)-6901824 Mondays-Saturdays 9am3pm. Email; healthworldhc@ gmail.com FOR YOUR HEALTH AND BEAUTY: Natural Choice Chai (Tea) & Moringa Powder, keep yourself healthy and beautiful from the inside out! Add Natural Choice products to your health foods today! Ask for it at your local supermarket. Now available at Flambouyant Supermarkets in Diamond and Eccles, all DSL Cash & Carry branches, The Guyana Shop (GMC) at Robb & Alexander Sts, Bourda, Medi Care Pharmacy in South Ruimveldt, (Royal Castle Building), Ram’s Supermarket at Vreed-En-Hoop and Sangeeta Supermarket in Linden.

LAND for sale Eccles – 5.5 million, Providence – $5.5 million, Farm - $3.5 million, Serious contacts only: 697-6769.

1.5 Acre for housing development W.B.D. Tel: 658-0115 Plot of land used to cultivate RICE, Plantation Better Hope, Essequibo Coast. Size 33.14 Acres. Tel: 625-1514

property for sale Property for sale at Patentia Housing Scheme Wales, West Bank Demerara. A two flat building, well painted, upper flat 3 bedroom, 1 verandah, 1 inside step, 1 outside step, top flat greenheart, bottom flat concrete, 1 living room, dining room, kitchen, inside toilet and bathroom, inside sink with cupboard, place to sit, two tents outside, along with two black tanks. Price Negotiable.

Contact: 610-8963 6 bedrooms Parfait Harmonie, $17M negotiable – 656-7590, 663-3602 Two storey building. Four bedrooms upstairs, Three downstairs.

Transported property. 27 Austin St. Campbellville. Call: 624-4668

Subryanville Property for Sale.

44 Fifth Avenue, Subryanville, Georgetown. $45m or best offer.

Contact - Mortimer: 625-7669 or Richard: 624-1154 PROPERTY FOR SALE IN ENTERPRISE SCHEME. 1 LARGE FAMILY HOME, 4 BEDROOM, FULLY GRILLED, 2-CAR GARAGE, RESERVOIR, OVERHEAD TANKS AND WATER FILTRATION, ETC. CALL/WHATSAPP NAVIN: 1-347517-7432 Two buildings on lot at 180 Charlotte Street. L 20 x W 30.

Contact Tel: 624-7341, 227-6817, 226-5183. Price Neg. Eccles: $27M Neg. Enterprise Sec C: $20M Neg. Mon Repos: $30M Neg. South Ruimveldt Park: $20M Neg. Broad Street: $80M Neg. Charlotte Street between Camp & Alexander: $55M Neg. Providence (land): $6.5M Neg. Parfaite Harmonie (land): $4.5M Neg. Contact: 691-1521 GOOD HOPE AND OGLE. CONTACT: 673-5546, 222-3066, 682-7257, 679-0987

services TFA Video Production. Video recording of weddings, birthdays, conferences, advertisements, digital photography.

Call: 684-2999/624-4668 Technician – specializes in repairing and servicing to washing machines, pressure pumps, refridgerators, exercising machines, treadmills, stove/ranges, dryers, ovens, pressure washers, solar systems, water heaters. Tel: 673-9283 PRIVATE CUSTOMS BROKERAGE. CERTIFICATE TRAINING COURSE IN JANUARY 2017. REGISTER NOW AND GET 50% DISCOUNTFOR CHRISTMAS UP TO 31ST DECEMBER. CALL: 694-8322 OR 671-9603 Repairs and Spares, Air Conditioning, Car AC, Washers, Stoves. Call Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206

spirituality & ASTROLOGY TWO TIMES GOLD MEDALIST ASTROLOGER AND SPIRITUALIST FROM INDIA; IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS AND NOT GETTING SOLUTIONS FROM ANY ASTROLOGERS, ONCE MEET PANDIT GANESH TO GET ACCURATE REASONS, FOR ALL KINDS OF SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY PROBLEMS PANDIT SOLVES, ALSO PROBLEMS RELATED TO STRESS, LOVE OR FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY, FAMILY ARGUMENTS AND GETTING LOVED ONES BACK, HUSBAND AND WIFE PROBLEMS, HEALTH PROBLEMS, REMOVAL OF BLACK MAGIC, EVIL SPIRITS, VOODOO, WITCH CRAFT, BLOCKAGES, SPELLS ETC. LOCATION: LIGHT STREET BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD STREET, ALBERTTOWN OPPOSITE THE GTT TOWER 600-0926 1. STAR ASTROLOGY AND PSYCHIC READER FROM: INDIA. ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED MEETING ASTROLOGERS AND NOT GETTING SOLUTIONS? THEN ONCE MEET INDIAN MOST POWERFUL SPIRITUALIST. 2. MASTER GURU RAGHVENDRA. YOUR PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE IN CONNECTION WITH COURT CASE, LOVE, EDUCATION, SICKNESS, MONEY, EVIL PROBLEM, BLOCKAGES IN LIFE AND MUCH MORE. FOR ALL YOUR PROBLEMS HE HAS THE SOLUTIONS, HE SPECIALIZES IN REMOVING BLACK MAGIC, EVIL SPIRITS, VOODOO, OBEAH, WITCH CRAFT AND GIVES YOU LIFE LONG PROTECTION. 3. CONTACT: - 6305073, 600-4096, ADDRESS: LOT 62 MON REPOS (NEXT TO THE MALL) E.C.D 1. SHIVA PARAVATHI ASTROLOGER FROM: INDIA. ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED MEETING ASTROLOGERS AND NOT GETTING SOLUTIONS? THEN ONCE MEET INDIAN MOST POWERFUL

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ADDRESS: LOT 12 GT&T STREET ANNA REGINA ESSEQUIBO COAST (OPPOSITE GT&T OFFICE) WORLD FAMOUS INDIAN PALMIST AND SPIRITUALISTT ASTROLOGER, AT EAST BANK GROVE. MEET HIM ONCE FOR ACCURATE PREDICTIONS, FIXING PROBLEMS LIKE HEALTH AND STRESS, ENEMIES, JEALOUSY, RELATIONSHIPS, FININCIALS AND GET LOVED ONES BACK. HE CAN HANDLE AND REMOVE BLACK MAGIC, VOODOO, OBEAH, WITCHCRAFT. FOR BETTER RESULTS, CONTACT 664-2505 OR 609-4493. LOCATED AT 150 TIME SQUARE STREET, NORTHWEST GROVE, EAST BANK DEMERARA. THE MOST POWERFUL ASTROLOGER AND SPIRTUALIST FROM INDIA. If you are having problems, he has the solutions. He solves problems related to love, relationships, happiness, financial, family arguments, getting lover back, husband and wife problems, removal of black magic, evil spirits, voodoo, witchcraft, blockages. Location: Light Street, Alberttown, between 2nd and 3rd Streets, Opposite the GTT Tower. Telephone number: 6524444 / 600-0926 Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to business.

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Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc. Call 2236834/600-7719.

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed.

Phone: 602-8997

taxi services

WANTED

GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 2257878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

Applications are invited for One Evening Tutor for Grade 9 Student.

• Must be a CPCE Graduate or currently attending University of Guyana. • Experienced in Science Subjects. • Two recent references required. Interested persons are advised to send applications to: jobrecruiter7860@gmail.com

TO LET Three storey 75ft’ x 30 ft. building/bond, Open floors, 2 offices, 2 washrooms, driveways. 25 B Princess Street, Charlestown. Tel : 223-0654/225-0605 Three storey 75ft’ x 30 ft. building/bond, Open floors, 2 offices, 2 washrooms, driveways. 25 B Princess Street, Charlestown. Tel : 223-0654/225-0605 THREE STOREY 75 FT’X 30 FT BUILDING/BOND, OPEN FLOORS, 2 OFFICES, 2 WASHROOMS, DRIVEWAY. 25B PRINCESS ST, CHARLESTOWN. TEL: 223-0654, 225-0605 UNFURNISHED BOTTOM FLAT – 2 BEDROOMS, BATHROOM, KITCHENETTE, DINING/LIVING ROOM, PRE-PAID METER. QUIET NEIGHBOURHOOD – KITTY. NO CHILDREN. NO PETS. SUITABLE FOR STUDENTS OR SINGLE WORKING PERSONS. $55,000 PER MONTH. 2 MONTHS SECURITY DEPOSIT. RENT CONTRACT FOR 6 – 12 MONTHS. CONTACT 6930003 (DURING BUSINESS HOURS)

VACANCIES ONE ACCOUNTS CLERK, EMAIL CV TO info@digitaltechnology.gy or deliver to: Lot 20 Diamond Public Road, E.B.D addressed to ‘The Operations Manager’ - Able to prepare VAT returns, NIS and PAYE submissions (An Asset) - Proficient in the use of QuickBooks and Excel.

FAST GROWING FOOD DISTRIBUTION COMPANY SEEKING A BOOK KEEPER / INVENTORY CLERK, EXPERIENCE AND POLICE CLEARANCE NEEDED. CALL FOR INTERVIEW 231-8344, 223-1027 OR 223103 CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANT – 624- 0033 COOK – 624-0033 PUMP ATTENDANT – 624-0033 OR 680-3863

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For sale:- 1 Toyota Fielder wagon for sale $1.6 negotiable. 656-7590

Ifa Temple – Are you having serious problems and urgently need spiritual help? Call 6210552 now. Email: anew-life@ live.com

FOR SALE! 1 TOYOTA AVENSIS, PRR 825. $2.2M NEGOTIABLE. CALL TROY: 619-2975

SPIRITUAL HEALING: REMOVE BLOCKAGE , VOODOO, HEXCURSE, BLACK MAGIC, SPELL, BUSINESS, UPLIFTMENT, PREGNANCY, LOVE & MARRIAGE PROBLEMS, CLEARANCE ETC. Contact: 612-1975, 683-5228

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VEHICLES FOR SALE

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guyanatimesgy.com

sundAY, april 23, 2017

Brighto Paints presents West Indies vs Pakistan Q Mobile Test Series

CWI/PCL Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament 2016-17

Rain frustrates Hurricanes lead Pakistan’s progression – Amir claims 5-wicket haul amid the gloom

M

ohammad Amir claimed his first five-wicket haul since that fateful Lord’s Test in 2010 to leave West Indies at 278 for 9 before rain put an end to a wet, miserable day in which only 11.3 overs were possible. The morning session was wiped out after the covers had leaked moisture on to the pitch. That, along with an outfield so wet that it had to be dried by lighting a fire over it, meant that over four hours had passed from the scheduled start when the players finally took the field.

Jason Holder and Devendra Bishoo, carrying over a flamboyant partnership from the first day, were much more sedate now that Amir and Mohammad Abbas were in the attack.

However, despite the heavy cloud cover, the new ball wasn’t nearly as lively as Pakistan might have hoped, and the batsmen looked fairly comfortable for the first

Mohammad Amir performs the sajdah after taking a five-wicket haul © AFP

half hour. But, soon after, Bishoo perished reaching for a delivery from Amir that was well outside off stump, getting a faint edge that carried comfortably to Sarfraz Ahmed.

Holder, sensing he was running out of partners, took the attack to Abbas, walking down the track to launch him over mid-off for six, bringing up a brisk half-century. Next ball, he went from destructive to delicate, opening the face of his bat to guide the ball through

SCOREBOARD West Indies 1st innings K Brathwaite c Younis Khan b Mohammad Abbas 0 K Powell c Younis Khan b Mohammad Amir 33 S Hetmyer b Mohammad Amir 11 S Hope b Mohammad Amir 2 V Singh c Azhar Ali b Wahab Riaz 9 R Chase c Wahab Riaz b Yasir Shah 63 S Dowrich† b Yasir Shah 56 J Holder* not out 55 D Bishoo c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Mohammad Amir 28

by 68 against toothless Jaguars

A Joseph b Mohammad Amir 0 S Gabriel not out 4 Extras: (lb 17) 17 Total: (9 wickets; 92.3 overs) 278 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Brathwaite, 1.2 ov), 2-24 (Hetmyer, 8.2 ov), 3-32 (Hope, 12.6 ov), 4-53 (Singh, 19.4 ov), 5-71 (Powell, 26.2 ov), 6-189 (Chase, 69.3 ov), 7-189 (Dowrich, 69.4 ov), 8-264 (Bishoo, 88.5 ov), 9-274 (Joseph, 90.5 ov) Bowling: Mohammad Amir 24.311-41-5, Mohammad Abbas 224-63-1, Wahab Riaz 22-5-66-1, Yasir Shah 24-5-91-2

the slips and taking his side closer to 300.

Amir then had a whole over to bowl at Alzarri Joseph, and that was never going to end well for the No. 10 batsman. If Bishoo’s dismissal was scrappy, the one to dismiss Joseph and complete his five-wicket haul was all class. Class of 200910, to be precise. Not getting swing from over the wicket, Amir switched angles to Joseph, pitching the ball up at pace from around the wicket. It tailed in slightly, and crashed into Joseph’s off stump. Joseph could perhaps find some solace in the fact that the delivery would have done in many of his team-mates batting higher up the order.

There was just enough time left for No. 11 Shannon Gabriel to play the shot of the day, driving Amir sweetly down the ground for four to take the West Indies total to 278. Two balls later, the heavens opened once more, forcing the players off the field for good. It might have felt like a wasted day, but you try telling Amir that.

(Cricinfo)

Jaguars’ best bowler Raymon Reifer beats the bat of Jacques Taylor who fought hard for his unbeaten 60

T

he Leeward Islands Hurricanes batted all day on Saturday to take an important 68run lead over champions, Guyana Jaguars in their final round match in the Digicel Regional Four Day Tournament at Providence.

Hurricanes opening batsmen continued from day one on the batsman’s paradise at the national stadium and took their opening stand to 79 before Chesney Hughes gloved Clinton Pestano down the leg side where wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble took his first of four catches.

That was the only success for the hosts in the first session as the Hurricanes went to lunch on 110 without further loss with Montcin Hodge on 59 and the classy Keacy Carty on nine.

The Jaguars bowled tight in their 34 overs where only 48 runs were scored for the one wicket and were to enjoy their best session after lunch.

In the second over after lunch, Raymon Reifer’s first of the session, Carty offerd Bramble a regulation catch at 115/2 in the 61st over which triggered a mini collapse for the visitors.

Akeem Saunders soon came and went when he flicked to mid-wicket after hitting a boundary and he was followed by the stubborn Hodge who was well taken by Leon Johnson at first slip. His patient 70 came from 224 balls, 243 minutes of batting with 12 fours.

Steven Jacobs got among the wickets in the next over when he got the prize scalp of Rakheem Cornwall who was beaten by a straight

quicker one from the right arm off spinner at 129-5.

The Hurricanes had lost four wickets for 14 runs at that point.

Jacobs would strike again when Sherwin Peters tried to go over the top and found substitute fielder Gudakesh Motie at

mid-wicket at 140-6 and the Jaguars were sensing a dramatic fight back.

However, West Indies A team wicketkeeper, Jahmar Hamilton and Jacques Taylor would arrest the slide to put together a fighting 71-run partnership for the seventh wicket either side of the Tea interval.

At tea, the Hurricanes were 187/6 level with the Jaguars first innings score.

Hamilton was on 32 and Taylor 23 as 77 runs were scored in the 28 overs in the session for the loss of five wickets.

After the interval, Hamilton was dismissed at 211-7 giving Reifer his fourth wicket after labouring from both sides. It turned out to be the last bit of success for the Jaguars as Taylor found another good partner in Jeremiah Louis in putting together an unbeaten 44 when stumps were drawn.

The Jaguars took the second new ball after 112 overs with the score on 2427 and the lead 55 but Reifer nor Pestano could dislodge the dogged pair.

The Hurricane will begin day three today on 255-7 with Taylor on 60 (129balls; 165 minutes; 9x4; 1x6) and Louis 20 (70 balls; 78 minutes; 2x4; 1x6) with a lead of 68.

The Jaguars have already been declared champions.

SCOREBOARD Guyana Jaguars 1st Innings 187 Leeward Islands Hurricanes 1st Innings (Overnight 62/0) M Hodge c LR Johnson b RA Reifer 70 C Hughes c A Bramble b C Pestano 40 K Carty c A Bramble b RA Reifer 10 A Saunders c KM Paul b RA Reifer 4 J Hamilton+ c A Bramble b RA Reifer 37 R Cornwall* b SA Jacobs 0 SP Peters c (sub) Motie

b SA Jacobs 5 J Taylor not out 60 J Louis not out 20 Extras: 0b 3lb 1w 5nb 0pen 9 Total: 255 for 7 Did not bat: E Berridge, G Tonge FOW: 1-79, 2-115, 3-125, 4-126, 5-129, 6-140, 7-211 Bowling: Reifer 25-9-47-4 (w1), Pestano 19-4-51-1 (nb-1), Jacobs 18-2-52-2, Paul 153-53-0 (nb-4), Adams 12-613-0, Permaul 28-15-36-0 Position: Hurricanes lead by 68 runs with 3 wickets in hand

guyanatimesgy.com

sundAY, april 23, 2017

23

Doris, Johnson, Thompson cop top NSC awards – Ninvalle, Bright junior awardees

2

016 Olympian Triple jumper Troy Doris and Guyana Jaguars and West Indies batsman Leon Johnson jointly won the Senior Sportsman-ofthe year while National Record holder in the 100M and 200M Brenessa Thompson was voted Senior Sportswoman-of-the year when the National

bat, where he was the top run-scorer in the Regional four-day tournament, leading the Jaguars to a second successive title.

Thompson who also represented Guyana in RIO managed to set her records at Allian Pompey Invitational held at the National Track and Field Facility, Leonora; neither

Ministry within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry both congratulated all the

raise the standard of the awards and give more prominence to the athletes.

Kaysan Ninvalle poses with Minister Nicolette Henry

nominees and eventual winners for their exploits in the respective sports disciplines.

Jones in particular reminded the gathering that the goal of the NSC was to Leon Johnson collects his award from Minister Nicolette Henry

Sports Commission (NSC) held its 2016 award ceremony on Friday evening at the Savannah Suit, Pegasus Hotel.

Doris, would have represented Guyana at the 2016 RIO Olympics where he finished seventh in the finals while Johnson’s selection would come of the heels of a superb season with the

Doris nor Thompson were present to collect their awards due their overseas commitments.

The Junior sport awards went to CARIFTA Gold medallist and jumper Chantoba Bright and 11 year-old Table Tennis player Kaysan Ninvalle.

Director of Sports Christopher Jones and

Regal Sport Tournament resumes with 8 matches today

T

he exciting Regal Sport Softball Tournament is set to resume today after a break to facilitate international cricket in Guyana and the Mike’s Pharmacy Champion of Champions Inter-county championships.

There will be a total of eight matches spread across two venues with four matches in the Open and Masters categories.

A t G N I C ground, Woolford Ave n u e Regal

Masters take on Ariel Masters at 10:00h while Ariel Masters will bounce back into action from 13:30h when they challenge Success Masters.

Over at the Malteenoes Sports Club ground, Thomas Lands Amazone come up against Savage Masters at 10:00h followed by H.S. Masters and Mike’s Wellman at 13:30h on pitch number one.

On pitch number two will be the Open contests between Pigeon XI and Accomplishment at 09:00h followed

by Pigeon XI a n d J&J Hustlers d o i n g battle from 11:00h.

In the afternoon, Goed Hope take on Success at 13:00 followed by Unstoppable and Messiah going head to head at 15:00h.

Eric Thomas will let the bat do the talking for Regal Masters

He also highlighted the NSC’s plans to continuously improve sport facilities across the country and increase the number of trained sports officials.

The winners of the other categories are as follows: Most Improved Association of the year - Guyana Boxing Association Sports Association of the Year - Guyana Basketball Federation Female Sports Personality - Lavern Fraser-Thomas (Netball) Male Sports Personality - Kevon Bess (Bodybuilding) Male Coach of the Year - Sebert Blake (Boxing) Female coach of the year - Ann Gordon (Basketball) Male Sports Official - Nominees– Peter Green, Ryan McKinnon, Godfrey Munroe, Nigel Hinds, Gokarn Ramdhani. (No winner was announced) Female sports official - Leona Kyte (Basketball and Table Tennis ) Sports Team of the year - Male under-16 CBC Basketball team Corporate Sponsor (large category) - Digicel Corporate Sponsor (Small) - P& P insurance Sports Photographer - Esan Griffith Sports Journalist (Online) - Trieston Joseph (Newsrom) Sports Journalist (Print) - Tamecia Garnett (Guyana Chronicle) Sports Journalist (Non – Print) - Travis Seymour (NCN) Sportsman (Person with disability) - Kevin Douglas (Cricket) Sportswoman (Person with disability) – No Nominee

SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Doris, Johnson, Thompson cop top NSC awards – Ninvalle, Bright junior awardees

Pg 23

All smiles! The various awardees pose with their accolades along with Director of Sport Christopher Jones (left); Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Basil Williams (second from left) and Minister Nicolette Henry (right) at the NSC awards on Friday (Carl Croker photo)

Brighto Paints presents West Indies vs Pakistan Q Mobile Test Series

Rain frustrates Pakistan’s progression Pg 22

– Amir claims 5-wicket haul amid the gloom

Constant rain on day two kept the ground staff busy at the Sabina Park © AFP

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April 23, 2017

Star Times Hollywood:

Woman breaks into Drake’s home See story on page 12

FREE DISTRIBUTION

Page 8

The Origins of Curry Page 4

Sir Robert Hermann Schomburgk

Putting Guyana on the map

Page 7

Using art to tell stories

Page 16

2 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 23, 2017

Times Feature

Guyanese author pens book to celebrate the abolition of indentureship

“C

hampions of IndoGuyanese Welfare, 1838-1938” is a welldocumented study and Dr Basdeo Mangru, an overseas-

based Guyanese, latest book on Indian immigration into Guyana.

It was published to commemorate the centennial of

the abolition of indentureship in March 1917. This system, which lasted 87 years, was described as “a new system of slavery, slavery in another

guise, regulated serfdom” and was a stigma on India. It took a massive anti-indentureship campaign, solely confined to India, to bring an end to this

Dr Basdeo Mangru

iniquitous system.

“Champions of IndoGuyanese Welfare, 1838-1938” concentrates on individuals and groups who championed the welfare of Indian workers in the 100 years following their landing in Guyana in May1838. It captures their valiant efforts to expose the plight of those exploited workers from a system geared to dehumanise them and reduce them to a state bordering on slavery. The book highlights issues which have either been neglected or glossed over in existing literature.

Additionally, the book is geared to promote an awareness of our history and culture.

While the Afro-Guyanese community is somewhat familiar with their heroes, the Indian community is largely unaware of those who sacrificed their careers for championing the rights and welfare of Indians.

Moreover, many of us are unfamiliar with the roles played

by Indians themselves to resist the plantation system. Indian workers, both men and women, showed they had the capacity to resist efforts to subjugate them when working and living conditions became intolerable. They adopted such selfliberating activities as strikes, beating of estate personnel, torching cane fields and desertion. In the process, they were “knocked down” several times, but were never “knocked out.”

Indian resistance is a significant contribution to Caribbean historiography.

“Champions of IndoGuyanese Welfare” details the activities of five individuals and three groups that exposed the atrocities per-

petrated on indentured workers, the most exploited group in the Caribbean. It commenced with the crusade of James Crosby, the longest serving Immigration AgentGeneral who so championed the rights of Indians that the Immigration Department became known as the Crosby Office. Chief Justice Joseph Beaumont and Stipendiary William Des Voeux were humiliated and lost their jobs in the pursuit of justice for Indians.

In addition, the book discusses the various allegations of Bechu, the fearless Bengali, who criticised planter tyranny and neglect. Bechu had so condemned the indenture system that the planters cancelled his indenture contract and repatriated him. The book devotes considerable attention to the invaluable report of C.F. Andrews, an Emissary of Mohandas Gandhi, who condemned the education system, the blatant attempt to Christianise Indian children, poor housing conditions , the failure to recognise Indian marriages and the spread of alcoholism in the Indian community. It also describes the activities of the British Guiana East Indian Association in promoting the interest and welfare of Indians and emphasising their multilateral contributions.

This book has received favourable reviews from Drs Tyran Ramnarine, Gary Girdhari and Frank Birbalsingh.

For more information on this book, contact the author at bmangru@york.cuny.edu.

(Text from press release by Dr Mangru)

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 23, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Times Feature

The Pakaraima Mountain Safari

By Ashraf Dabie

M

any of us are unaware of the adventures that lie just beyond our backyards.

However, with the establishment of the Pakaraima Mountain Safari, both Guyanese and tourists from abroad are given the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Guyana.

The Safari is the ideal outdoors adventure where you can explore Guyana’s mountainous regions, while learning about the rich culture of indigenous communities.

The Pakaraima Mountains are said to have some of the most breathtaking views of the Guianas

and several trailers of passengers set off on a historic journey from Karasabai to Orinduik. The two-anda-half-day journey was led

by Harripersaud Nokta, the then Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, accompanied by a number of fellow Government officials, as well as the Commander of the Lethem and Karasabai Police Stations and 21 other persons. That historic journey is the birth of what is now known as the highly anticipated Pakaraima Mountain Safari.

This annual event takes explorers literally into the heart of Guyana as the route begins in Georgetown and ends at Orinduik Falls,

Rugged terrain

A few of the vehicles that were part of the Safari's delegation

(Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana).

Several years ago, roads linking the villages of Region Eight - from Maikwauk to Monkey Mountain all the way to Karasabai leading into Yurong Paru in Region Nine - never existed. As such, the villages of the Pakaraimas were land locked and only accessible by air. This posed tremendous difficulty for the indigenous people from the Patamona and Makushi nations to traverse in these areas. However, the construction of an access trail led to the villages of the Pakaraimas opening their doors to welcome the inaugural Pakaraima Mountain Safari in 2003.

On March 22, 2003, a Safari consisting of four Land Rovers, two tractors

which lies at the foot of the Pakaraima Mountain Range bordering Guyana and Brazil. The route allows adventurers to travel through the pristine forests of Guyana, over majestic mountains and hills inhabited by a diversity of wildlife and indigenous nations.

The off-road expedition offers an understanding and appreciation for the bond between man and nature, so much so that one may wish to continue on this venture forever. Stops along the route allow for adequate time to bask in the beauty of Guyana or even wash off the weight of the world under the many waterfalls scattered along the journey. Sleeping under a vast blanket of stars and being lulled by the sounds of the forest are some of the unforgettable experiences

on this trip. The “adventure of a lifetime”allows for indulging in indigenous cuisine, exchange of cultures and learning a new way of life.

After 15 years of embarking on this life-changing adventure, the Safari continues to grow with a promise of new experiences year after year.

Departed from Georgetown on April 8 and joining along the way 30 vehicles and 40 motorcycles, this year’s Safari had the largest delegation. The expedition, which lasted for nine days, concluded on April 16.

The highlights of the trip included visits to 14 indigenous communities, stops at several waterfalls and participating in the Rupununi Rodeo.

The Pakaraima

Exploring scenic landscape is one of the exciting features of the Safari

Mountain Safari is organised by its established club as well as the Rainforest

Tours in collaboration with Guyana Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Communities and the Administration of Regions Eight and Nine.

This annual event, generally occurring around Easter, encourages the promotion and growth of tourism in Guyana by creating an adventurous experience.

It attracts scores of foreign explorers and nature lovers.

It also encourages the devel-

opment of indigenous communities as participants are obligated to make donations and support the entrepreneurial ventures of the families in those communities. More importantly, the Safari presents the ideal opportunity for Guyanese to acquaint themselves and fall in love with the natural beauty and wonders that exist beyond the country’s coastlines.

Refreshing baths at cascading waterfalls are enjoyed on the journey

Bikers on the Safari

4

Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 23, 2017

Times Feature

The Origins of Curry

“A

rchaeology”, a publication of the Archaeological Institute of America, report-

ed that archaeologists at the University of Washington at Vancouver analysed human teeth and residue

found on pots from the site of Farmana - which dates back more than four thousand years ago and is locat-

ed roughly 100 miles northwest on New Delhi - and found the first evidence of use of turmeric and ginger in cooking.

Farmana was part of the Indus civilisation, which once ranged from eastern

When the Portuguese arrived in India, they adapted the word Kari to 'karil', and this word is still used in Goa. The ‘sauce’ has since been adopted and adapted by the British since the days of the empire.

book was written, Richard employed 200 cooks and they, plus others including philosophers, produced a work with 196 recipes in 1390 called “The Forme of Cury”.

‘Cury’ was the Old

'Curry Chicken' is a popular meal in Guyana

Iran to modern-day Delhi.

“Archaeology” contributing editor Andrew Lawler reports in “Slate” that the use of these spices at the site likely constitutes the first known instance of curry being part of a people’s diet - making it also, possibly, “the oldest continuously prepared cuisine on the planet”.

The traditional south Indian kari does not have a fixed set of ingredients, but a typical mixture consists of roasted and ground curry leaf, coriander, cumin, mustard seeds, black pepper, fenugreek, turmeric and sometimes cinnamon, cloves and cardamom.

The UK’s “Menu Magazine” notes that the

English word for cooking derived from the French ‘cuire’ - to cook, boil, grill.

In 1780 the first commercial curry powder appeared, and in 1846 its fame was assured when William Makepeace Thackeray wrote a “Poem to Curry” [see page 18] in his “Kitchen Melodies”.

While we mostly associ-

Different spices used in curry

According to an affiliate website of Kew Gardens, the origin of the word ‘curry’ has a much narrower culinary and regional focus than today's meaning.

While the origin of the word “curry” is still debated, it has been generally accepted that it came from the Tamil word kari, meaning ‘sauce’, and was a south Indian soup-like accompaniment to rice.

earliest known recipe for meat in spicy sauce with bread appeared on tablets found near Babylon in Mesopotamia, written in cuneiform text as discovered by the Sumerians, and dated around 1700 B.C., probably as an offering to the god Marduk.

It also notes that in British King Richard II’s reign (1377-1399) when the first real English cookery

ate curry with hot and spicy peppers, the original Indian curry did not have any peppers in it since chilli peppers or red peppers were not native to India. It wasn’t until Christopher Columbus brought chilli seeds back from the New World and they were traded to India did they make their way into Indian cooking to become part of the spicy curries we know today.

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 23, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Times Women

Enigma Dance Studio

Reneé (left) and one of her students

By Utamu Belle

E

nigma Dance Studio, a local dance company, is on a mission to empower as many lives as possible through dance.

Reneé Robinson - who was residing overseas, but came here last year for Guyana’s jubilee celebrations - has been teaching dance for over 30 years.

The professional dance instructor saw a need for youths to have an outlet for self-expression and self-development. This was when Reneé met fellow dance instructor Lynn-Ann Medford, who is now CEO and Artistic Director of Enigma, through a mutual friend. Lynn-Ann indicated that she was looking for instructors, a collaboration that gave birth to Enigma Dance Studio.

The Studio offers seven genres of dance, including ballet, hip hop and contemporary. Students, as young as threeyearsold, have been learning and developing under the tutelage of Reneé and Lynn-Ann. Recently, the local dance company extended its services outside of Georgetown to the Linden community, a move that has attracted sev-

eral young women and girls.

These students venture to the Lichas Hall on weekends for dance classes.

Sunday Times Magazine visited Reneé at the Studio where the instructor was finishing up on a session.

Several excited,little dancers were eagerly awaiting their animated stickers - a “reward” Robinson hands out after a fun and energetic hour on stage dancing.

“Which would you like to have?” Reneé asked. “The purple one!” one of the girls replied.

The dance classes, tailored for both children and adults, are conducted on Saturdays.

As for Reneé, she is living her true passion. She mentioned that Guyana has been very welcoming since coming back to her homeland.

“Dance has been rewarding for me. I danced a little bit when I was younger, but sort of transitioned into teaching it. I find that it has been great as many of my students have gone off to different parts of the country and the world to spread their love for dance.

Additionally, dancing has kept me fit,” she noted.

In the dance studio

Reneé stated she teaches contemporary dance, which she describes as “African fusion”, jazz, tap dancing or whatever students request. At Enigma, there are instructors who basically teach all forms of dance.

“Enigma has grown. The idea is to give students the opportunities to not only learn, but to branch out to become professional dancers. Lynn-Ann provides that opportunity through Enigma Dance Studio,” Reneé pointed out.

The dance instructor admitted that not everyone who comes to class might be looking to become a professional dancer. Some may dance just to keep fit or venture into something different, which she said is “perfectly fine”. For Reneé, it is not only about producing professional dancers, but empowering them.

“It's about discipline, self-control and confidence building. It’s about knowing that the world is your oyster and you can achieve your dreams. I think dance is a great avenue to allow young people to find their voice,” she declared.

Reneé added that she gets a sense of satisfaction

when beginners eventually master the art form.

“There are some students who come in that seem to have ‘two left feet’, but after working with them I see great changes. They blossom, their confidence and abilities improve. As a teacher, it's a great feeling. I feel accomplished when I see this,” she expressed.

Reneé considers herself as an “advocate for learning more than one style of dance and for true development of the art form”.

In an effort to address the future of dance in Guyana, Enigma is set to host a Dance Forum slated for April 29 and 30 at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen.

Enigma has put together a programme for Carifesta 2017, which is set to be hosted in Barbados in August.

Robinson related that herself and Lynn-Ann are putting together a “very historical, folkloric package for the event”. Plans are also underway for International Dance Day in Georgetown on April 29. A flash mob featuring approximately 60 dancers is set to light the stage.

Enigma will also hosts adult morning stretch and fitness classes at its Studio on

Reneé Robinson

Regent Street, Georgetown and at its venue at the Guyana Cricket Club, which now has an additional four studios.

Reneé also pointed out that she has developed an arts education programme overseas where she works as a booking agent for various artists and theatre dance companies.

“I’ve sort of transitioned

more into arts management and art education,” she explained.

Reneé plans on taking dance to a “higher level” and has already set the tone for a brighter future for youths using the art form. She also believes that dance is a very competitive industry which provides the opportunity for a successful career, and for travelling.

6 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 23, 2017

Times Book World The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

By Petamber Persaud

pleasure for me to have coordinated and chaired that first World Storytelling Day in Guyana. That event was held on March 16 in the conference room of the National Library.

Hashtag/Tagline – oral tradition/storytelling/the book/reading/storage and dissemination of information and entertainment/ dealing with life’s issues.

World Poetry Day (March 21) World Poetry Day was originally set for October 15.

However, in 1999, UNECSO declared March 21 World

T

hat we experience a whirl of literary events at the start of each new year is occasion to stop and smell the morning glory and frangipani and hibiscus and lotus and the night blooming lily. We cannot easily dismiss the confluence of these days as mere coincidence; there must be more to this confluence of literary events, perhaps sublime, even divine.

The events in reference are World Storytelling Day, World Poetry Day, World Book &Copyright Day,

issues.

World Book & Copyright Day (April 23) The main aim of World Book & Copyright Day is to focus on books in order to promote reading, to encourage publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright.

Copyright is to encourage more creativity, better crafted works andmore elucidation, learning and entertainment. Copyright breeds innovation.

When in 1995 UNESCO proclaimed April 23 as World Book and Copyright Day,

with the theme ‘Wake Up and Read!’ The event has its genesis in the ambitious goals of the National Book Committee of the early 50s, which were to encourage people “to read in their increasing leisure time” to “improving incomes and health” and “developing strong and happy family life”.

The on-going theme of National Book Week is ‘Libraries Transform’.

Hashtag/Tagline – the book/ reading/ the library/ storage and dissemination of knowledge and entertainment/transforming lives/ im-

National Library Guyana

World Intellectual Property Day, and National Library Week.

World Storytelling Day (March 20) World Storytelling Day is a manifestation of the new millennium, which has its roots in several initiatives started at the end of the previous millennium. For instance, in the early 1990s Sweden organised an event labelled ‘All Storytellers Day’ falling on March 20.

In the late 1990s, storytellers in Perth, Australia coordinated a five-week long

celebration of story, commemorating March 20 as the International Day of Oral Narrators. Nearer to home (Guyana), it was discovered Mexico and other South American countries were already celebrating March 20 as the National Day of Storytellers.

The first concerted and official effort by Guyana to celebrate World Storytelling Day occurred in 2011. That first commemoration was an initiative of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and it was an honour and a

Local artistes performing at a World Storytelling Day event at Umana Yana

Poetry Day. World Poetry Day has its genesis in one person, a woman, who not only knew of the power of poetry and tasted its pleasures, but also wanted others to be a part of this sacred art.

In 1936, Tessa Sweezy Webb started honouring poets of Ohio, U.S.A. This vision soon caught the imagination of poetry lovers worldwide. By 1951, forty-one countries were celebrating the works of their poets. Webb used the third Saturday in October for her magnanimous work, but by 1951, October 15 was accepted as the ideal day to mark the occasion.

UNESCO’s declaration of March 21 as World Poetry Day was to promote the reading, writing, publishing and teaching of poetry throughout the world and, as the UNESCO session declaring the day says, to “give fresh recognition and impetus to national, regional and international poetry movements”.

Hashtag/Tagline – oral tradition/the book/reading, writing/ publishing/ the book/ narrative poem as the first type of novel/ storage and dissemination of information and entertainment/ UNESCO/dealing with life’s

the organisation attached significance to the event as the birth anniversary or death anniversary of the following writers: Cervantes, Shakespeare, Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, Halldor K. Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, JosepPla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo.

Hashtag/Tagline – the book/ promote reading/ encourage publishing/the protection of intellectual property/Shakespeare/UNESCO/a better life for all.

World Intellectual Property Day (April 26) The main aim for World Intellectual Property Day is “to raise awareness in how patents, trademarks, copyright etc. affect daily life” and how it helps to promote creativity and innovation.

The event was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000 and the date was chosen to coincide with the date when the convention establishing WIPO came into force.

Hashtag/Tagline – the book/ copyright/ creativity/ the protection of intellectual property/ a better life for all/ WIPO. National Library Week (April 9-15) The first National Library Week was observed in 1958

proving incomes and health.

From the various taglines, it would appear that man made good use of the gift of speech by creating an oral tradition (poetry, storytelling, drama, song, ritual, custom, culture, etc.), which was empowered to capture all that was happening and package that knowledge in such a way to benefit succeeding generations. And succeeding generations did make proper use of the oral tradition blueprint by bringing into form the book and all its attendant manifestations, leading to copyright and the protection of intellectual property and more creativity and more transformation and the improvement of life.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@ yahoo.com What’s Happening: The new book, “Guyanese Writers of Indian Ancestry”, to commemorate the centennial end to indentureship and (Indian) Arrival Day is here! There will be a few soft launches (no plans for a ‘hard’ launch); please make contact at the above number/email to get additional information.

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 23, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Times Heritage

Sir Robert Hermann Schomburgk

T

he Royal Geographical Society of London entrusted Sir Robert Hermann Schomburgk with conducting an expedition of exploration of British Guiana in 1835; his work, it is claimed, led to the successful Venezuela and Brazil boundary arbitrations for Guyana, then British Guiana.

Schomburgk was born June 5, 1804 in the town of Freyburg on the River Unstrut, in Germany. The eldest of five siblings, he showed an early interest in nature, and in the 1820s, while living with his uncle, he learned botany from a professor.

Later, after several years of drifting through several Caribbean islands following his unsuccessful stint as a businessman, he voluntarily funded and took on the task of mapping the unexplored areas of the British Virgin Islands coast of Anegada.

Schomburgk’s work so caught the attention of the Royal Geographical Society (London) that the society proposed he should go to South America under its commission.

Arriving in British Guiana in 1835, he made three trips for the RGS, the first to the Rupununi, including the Kanukus in search of the plant used to make curare; the second up the Corentyne and Berbice River was made in 1837 where he discovered the Victoria regia water lily. On his last trip for the RGS, Schomburgk travelled to the source of the Essequibo River, the upper Orinoco, the Rio Branco basin and Mount Roraima where he came across slavers who regularly raided indigenous villages; it was here that he realized the need to define boundaries to help prevent such raids.

The demand for border definitions for the protection of the indigenous tribes stepped up pressure on the British government to establish the borders in the south-west and the west. The British government then commissioned Schomburgk in April 1841 to survey

Robert Schomburgk, c1840 (from ‘The Guiana Travels of Robert Schomburgk 1835-1844’)

and mark the boundaries of British Guiana.

Along with his brother Richard, Schomburgk set off west, along the Barima, Barama, Waini, Amakura and Cuyuni Rivers. The second expedition took him to the Brazilian frontier, including Pirara.

After Pirara, the team mapped the Takutu and Ireng Rivers then returned to the Kanuku Mountains. The region around Roraima followed, and Schomburgk's last journey was to the upper Corentyne and the Kutari River.

By this time, both the Brazilians and the Venezuelans had complained officially to the British government about Schomburgk's placement of boundary markers, which sub-

‘Purumama / The Great Cataract of the River Parima’. A magnificent view from Schomburgk's "Twelve Views in the Interior of Guiana" from a series of views of Guiana by Charles Bentley, executed as illustrations for Robert Schomburgk's work in the region.

sequently had to be removed.

The “Schomburgk line”, as it was called, came to form the basis of the British claim at the arbitral tribunal in Paris in 1899 that settled the boundary with Venezuela.

Guyana was awarded a large portion, but not the whole of that claim. The Brazil boundary was settled after arbitration by the King of Italy in 1904 where the Schomburgk line also played a role.

Schomburgk was to play a posthumous role in fixing the tri-junction point of the Suriname, Brazil and Guyana boundaries in 1936.

Throughout his travels, the explorer also collected numerous plant and animal specimens and accumulated many maps. Bird specimens were given to museums; fishes, animals and animal skulls preserved by the explorer were also donated, as were many dried plants, fruits, seeds and living orchids.

Schomburgk was knighted in 1844 and sent to Barbados as a diplomat in 1846. In 1857, he was sent to Santo Domingo as British Consul then to Bangkok, Thailand. He returned to

London in ill health and retired in 1864, dying March 11 of 1865 in Germany.

Road to Georgetown seawall, British Guiana n.d.

Vlissengen Road, Georgetown n.d.

‘The Comuti or Taqulare Rock, on the River Essequibo’. From Schomburgk's "Twelve Views in the Interior of Guiana"; a series of views of Guiana by Charles Bentley, executed as illustrations for Robert Schomburgk's magnificent work on the region.

8 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 23, 2017

Times Travel & Tourism

Arriving in a canoe at Carahaa Landing camp (Photo by Jay Seedy)

Boats moored on the river bank (Photo by Steve Humphreys)

T

he picturesque Burro-Burro river, Region Nine, lies minutes away from the popular rainforest resort Surama and Iwokrama International Centre for Conservation and Development.

At Burro-Burro, the surrounding community established Carahaa Landing Camp, a hammock camp on the river edge and also the starting point for many river trips. This

camp offers a base for night walks and day break canoe floats on the river, which allows the opportunity to observe giant river otters, tapir, spider monkeys and many more species.

A trip on the river reveals rich biodiversity and picturesque nature scenes. It is an adventure on remote Burro-Burro!

Emerald Tree Boa lurks in the trees on the river (Photo by Jay Seedy)

Serene Burro-Burro (Photo credit- iamfisheye on Flickr)

Trees hanging over the river

Sunset at Burro-Burro (Photo credit- iamfisheye on Flickr)

Journeying to Surama via Burro-Burro (Photo by Jay Seedy)

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 23 , 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 9

10 Sunday Times Magazine

APRIL 23, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Fashion

S

haunell Duesbury, founder of Shunz Royal, is a talented makeup artist and an aspiring designer and ophthalmologist.

She is a former student of North Georgetown Primary and St.Roses High School. Presently, Shaunell is pursuing studies in optometry at the University of Guyana.

“I am very passionate about the eyes because I feel it is the most outstanding feature of the body and must be taken care of,” Shaunell said in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

To compliment her other talents, the 20-year-old pursued makeup artistry and fashion designing. Her passion for creating with her hands led to the start of Shunz Royal.

Through her label, Shaunell showcases and

shares her “God-given” creative skills with the world.

“I enjoy the practice of transforming and beautifying individuals, helping them to experience a different effect/look. At a tender age I found myself engrossed with makeup and creating clothing designs – all on my own. Over the years I honed my skills and felt the desire to give back,” she expressed.

Thus far, Shaunell’s designs are inclusive of handmade bras, chokers, flower crowns and tutu skirts. Her future plan is to expand her current offerings.

For more information, contact the designer at Shunz Royal on Facebook or Instagram Shunz Royal.

Shaunell Duesbury

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 23, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 11

Star Times Hollywood

T

heodore Peter James Kinnaird Taptiklis, born December 16, 1984, better known as Theo James, is an English actor and singer known for his roles as Jed Harper in “Bedlam” (2011), Walter William Clark, Jr. in the crime drama “Golden Boy” (2013), Tobias "Four" Eaton in the film adaptations of “The Divergent Series”, and David in “Underworld: Awakening” (2012) and “Underworld: Blood Wars” (2016).Outside his acting career, James was the singer and guitarist of the London-based band, Shere Khan. However, in 2012, the band announced on their Facebook page that they were no longer actively playing as a band as members would be pursuing other musical endeavours.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 23, 2017

Times Hollywood

K

L

ooks like one of Drake's many female fans has been on her 'Worst Behaviour' this week after being arrested for breaking into the rapper's Southern California home, where she apparently did nothing but raid his fridge.

24-year-old Mesha Collins was caught inside the hitmaker's house where she had been helping herself to his selection of Fiji water and soft drinks.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Collins was found by a member of the 'One Dance' singers crew who came to check on the house while he was out of town. She was reportedly sitting in a locked room surrounded by empty water bottles and wearing one of Drake's hoodies when the friend walked in.

During Police questioning, Collins insisted that she was given permission to enter the property but did admit that she stole the drinks. As a consequence, she was charged with burglary and her bail was set at US$100,000. However, being the nice guy he is Drake has asked police to drop the case against Collins. The Canadian star report-

im Kardashian is being criticised after posting a message saying that getting the flu "can be an amazing diet".

The reality TV star said she'd lost 6lb after getting ill but that she was "so happy it came in time for the Met lol".

She's talking about her illness being good for losing weight before attending New York's Met Gala on 1 May. Many Twitter users said her comment was insensitive but others replied say-

edly feels the crime is too trivial for her to serve time in prison so it seems like all she'll be walking away with is a slightly bruised rep. (Glamour)

ing she was just being sarcastic.

She's now deleted the tweet.(BBC Newsbeat)

Victoria Beckham trademarks her daughter Harper's name

Man detained for ‘stalking’ Malia Obama

A

New York man has been detained by the Secret Service for stalking former first daughter, Malia

Obama.

On April 10 the man found his way into The Weinstein Company building in Tribeca where she is currently interning and begged her to marry him. 30-year-old Jair Nilton Cardoso is said to be "emotionally disturbed" and has previously tried to gain access to the White House.

On April 13, he followed Malia out of her office. The next day he was questioned by the Secret Service in his apartment, who believe he has psychiatric problems and took him to a Brooklyn hospital for evaluation.

Agents have now reported him to New York police, although it's unclear whether he will be charged.

Malia, 18, is currently on a gap year and is believed to be enrolling at Harvard later this year. She previously interned on the HBO series “Girls”, and the CBS series “Extant”. (Glamour)

parent and guardian.

It will mean the former Spice Girl is the only person who can legally use 'Harper Beckham' on products, also ranging from rag dolls to anti-wrinkle cream.

And it will prevent anyone else in the music, film or TV industries calling themselves by the name.

Harper is named after Harper Lee, the author of Victoria's favourite book, To Kill A Mockingbird.

The Beckham's family business is thought by experts to be worth hundreds of millions of pounds. (BBC)

M

T

aylor Swift has called Ed Sheeran a "tank" in a tribute for Time's 100 Most Influential People list.

The US pop singer wrote a piece to explain his cultural significance.

"Whether by choice or an unconscious evolution, when he decided on his musical ambitions, Ed became less of a boy and more of a tank," she wrote.

"He is protected by an impenetrable and ever-present armour of enthusiasm that has helped him endure any setback, letdown or underestimation."

The US pop singer wrote a piece to explain his cultural significance.

"Whether by choice or an unconscious evolution, when he decided on his musical ambitions, Ed became less of a boy and more of a tank," she wrote.

"He is protected by an impenetrable and ever-present armour of enthusiasm that has helped him endure any setback, letdown or

V

ictoria Beckham has trademarked her five-year-old daughter's name.

The fashion designer has registered "Harper Beckham" with intellectual property authorities in Britain and Europe.

It'll allow her to bring out branded products including toys and clothing, and also protects Harper's name in the entertainment industry.

The names of Victoria and David Beckham's three other children have also been registered.

The application, filed on 22 December, says Victoria is the holder of the rights as

underestimation."

She added: "His reaction to any idea that fails is to almost immediately come up with a new one. He's like a fighter who pops back up on his feet before you even noticed he'd been knocked down."

Taylor Swift has known Ed Sheeran since 2013, when they were first introduced by their respective managers.

They then went on tour with each other and have been best mates ever since. (BBC Newsbeat)

el B's former nanny, whom the singer accused of engaging in an affair with her estranged husband, Stephen Belafonte, is filing a lawsuit against her, claiming she made false accusations about her.

According to TMZ, Lorraine Gilles found the former Spice Girls' claims that she had a hand in the dissolving of their marriage, and that she also had an abortion, preposterous.

In addition to the cheating and pregnancy accusations, Mel B also reportedly claimed that Gilles and Belafonte stole money from her over the years and even had control over the sex tapes that Belafonte threatened to release without her permission.

Gilles reportedly believes

that her legal documents adequately outline, with the help of exhibits and pictures, that Mel B's accusations are all false.

The site further reports that a person usually cannot be sued for what he/she says in court documents.

However, in the state of

California, family law cases hold an exception when someone makes a claim against third parties who are not directly involved in the case. In the instance of Mel B and Belafonte's divorce, Lorraine Giles is a third party. (BET)

Sunday Times Magazine 13 APRIL 23, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Star Times Bollywood

C

atherine Tresa Alexandar, born September 10, 1989, is an Indian film actress and model, who appears mainly in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada films. She was born to Malayali Frank Mario Alexander and Tresa Alexander in Dubai. While studying, she pursued extra-curricular activities such as piano, singing, dancing, ice-skating and debating. In Dubai, Catherine was an Emirates Environment volunteer. She then migrated to India to pursue an acting career. She made her acting debut in 2010 Kannada film “Shankar IPS”. Catherine went on to act in the Malayalam films, “The Thriller” and “Uppukandam Brothers Back in Action”. Her role in Kannada film “Godfather” earned her very first nomination for an award in the Best Supporting Actress category at the 60th Filmfare Awards South.

14 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 23, 2017

Times Bollywood

Salman Khan to appear Abhishek, Aishwarya celebrate 10th anniversary in Rajasthan court A

S

alman Khan will have to appear in the District and Session Court on July 6 when the arguments begin on an appeal against his acquittal by a trial court in an Arms Act case, according to the Public Prosecutor.

His counsels appeared in

the court today, after which the judge Bhagwan Das Agarwal listed the matter for July 6 to start the arguments on the appeal filed by the State.

Public Prosecutor Pokar Ram Bishnoi said that before commencement of the arguments, Khan will have

to submit a bail bond in the court along with his appearance. “The court has ordered (Khan) to submit a bail bond of Rs. 20000 in the court on July 6 and has also directed Khan to appear in the court for the hearing of our appeal,” said Bishnoi.

The trial court had acquitted Khan of all the charges against him under the Arms Act on January 18 this year, citing technical grounds pertaining to framing of the charges and prosecution permission against him by the then district magistrate.

The Rajasthan government had challenged his acquittal in the District and Session court on March 7.

(PTI)

b h i s h e k Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan recently celebrated ten years of marital bliss.

Karan Joharon Thursday shared few photographs of Abhishek and Aishwarya and captioned it: “Congratulations Abhishek Bachchan on 10 beautiful years...how time flies! Still remember the sangeet perfor-

mances! Aishwarya Rai Bachchan”.

The couple got married on April 20, 2007. The wedding was a private ceremony at the Bachchan’s residence, Prateeksha, in Juhu, Mumbai.

They have a daughter,Aaradhya.

Aishwarya and Abhishek have collaborated with Karan in films like “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” and “Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna”. (IANS)

A

S

ushant Singh Rajput is more than happy to perform at the 18th edition of the International Indian Film Academy(IIFA) awards and says he started his career in showbiz as a background dancer for the event in 2006.

Sushantsaid on Twitter, “I’m so looking forward to performing IIFA 2017. I started off as a background dancer in 2006 IIFA.” On the acting front, Sushant will be seen in Dinesh Vijan’s“Raabta”, which will release on June 9. The film also stars KritiSanon and Jim Sarbh. The actor is also prepping for the upcoming Hindi space film “Chanda Mama Door Ke”, where the “Kai Po Che” star will play an astronaut. (IANS)

C

hinese professional boxer Zou Shiming and American basketball player Stephon Marbury promoted the Indian sports drama “Dangal” with its lead actor Aamir Khan on Wednesday.

Zou loved the trailer of the film so much that he came for a press conference of the film. He made Aamir recite a poem in Chinese. The Indian superstar made him learn a dialogue from “Dangal”, the film’s spokesperson said in a statement.

At a special promotional event for “Dangal”, Marbury gifted Aamir an autographed basketball and, in return, Aamir gifted him an autographed “Dangal” T-shirt.

Aamir, a popular Bollywood face in China, is there along with the film’s director Nitesh Tiwari to attend the China premiere of the blockbuster Hindi entertainer on April 16. After visiting Beijing, they will go to Shanghai and Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province.

It is an inspirational story of former Indian wrestler MahavirPhogat, who trained his daughters Geeta and Babita to become world-class wrestlers. (IANS)

ctor Ali Fazal was spotted in Los Angeles, U.S.A. with Paris Jackson, the 19-yearold daughter of legendary pop music icon Micheal Jackson. The two had apparently met to talk about a Hollywood production that they are reportedly collaborating on.

The film has been inspired by Bollywood musicals and supposedly revolves around the lives of two couples. While the details are still being hashed out, it has been reported that the movie will also have two Bollywood compositions in it.

Paris intends to fly to India towards the end of the year. A source reveals, “Paris has a special liking and keenness for Bollywood, owing to its musical nature. She now intends to come down to India later this year to expe-

rience and soak in the culture. While it’s believed she will be making the trip for business purposes, Ali will be hosting her for a couple of days in Mumbai.”

Talking about his meeting with Paris, Ali says, “I met Paris while I was in Los Angeles. Surprisingly, she’s

very interested in India and was very unaware about how big of an icon her father is in our country. So we spoke about that. She’s an extremely warm person, and is absolutely focused on her job. She is also tremendously curious about Bollywood and our music.” (Hindustan Times)

Irrfan Khan: ‘Actors are not encouraged to give opinions’

I

rrfan Khan has several releases this year including two big international projects.

Does he think that he is going through the best phase of his career? “I just know that this is the year when I chose the stories that I really wanted to associate myself with,” says Irrfan.

Ask him if he signs projects based on what appeals to him or what sells, and he says, “It is not that I like the role and the director, but the story is not what I would like to be part of, but still I used to do that because you’re an actor,” says Irrfan, adding, “It is based on everything. You also look at it from an angle whether the audience will enjoy it, because there is a lot of money involved. Also, if it is just not something that is fluffy, timepass. It should be something that has layers. You think about all the aspects. Every actor has to think about it.”

When asked about Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone, who have carved a niche for themselves in the West, Irrfan says, “They have got a good break and have done a great job. I wish them luck, and I wish that they play a long innings there.”

Irrfan has always been quite vocal about his views on relevant matters. Ask him if actors usually refrain from stating their opinions, especially on religious or political issues, owing to the nature of repercussions,

and he says, “Yes, actors are soft targets.

And they are not encouraged to give their opinions. Therefore, if you feel it might affect certain people, then you refrain from speaking up. But if it is helping a cause then maybe you would like to do it.”

The actor will next be seen in “Hindi Medium” and two other international projects. (Hindustan Times)

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 23, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 15

Times Trends

Trending NOW

M

ake-up lovers around the world have been taking over Instagram by sharing some truly out-of-thisworld lip designs using #lipart.

The trend has been going strong since last year with the introduction of marble patterned lips and impressive designs of

Star of the week

scenes from Disney movies.

From drippy lips, 3D cupcakes, artistic city paintings and jewel encrusted creations, make-up lovers can pretty much transform lips into any of their hearts’ desires. Just take a look at these featured today.

Cupcake lips with sprinkles Aqua lips taken to a whole new level

If you want to start off simple, try this glossy raspberry lip look first

Crystal sparkle lips for a statement look

B

Social media logos are definitely a favourite

The colours of these citrus lips are simply lovely

en Parag quickly became a household name when he wowed everyone with his melodious voice on the Indian hit reality singing television show, “Dil Hai Hindustani”.

Ben, who is fondly called Benny, is the son of Guyanese Kumar and Savi Parag. Ben’s parents are from Mibicuri Black Bush Polder in East Berbice Corentyne, but migrated to the U.S. several years ago. Although he was born in the U.S., Ben’s love for his parents’ homeland is unrelenting. He tries to visit Guyana as often as he can. Ben comes from a family of singers.

His inherent singing talent coupled with his passion for music since the age of six have aided in Ben’s mesmerising, jawdropping performances on the Indian reality show. Although the 19-year-old, who is also fluent in Hindi, did not win the competition, he returns home to the U.S. feeling honoured to have sung for some of Bollywood’s megastars and getting the opportunity to visit the country from which his ancestors migrated from, India.

16 Sunday Times Magazine

APRIL 23, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Times Art

A

rtist Darshani Kistama is “honoured” to be among veteran Guyanese artists exhibiting their artwork at Castellani House. This is Darshani’s inaugural exhibition at the art gallery.

Darshani has on display artistic paintings, drawings, saris and beautifully hand-painted bottles.

The on-going exhibition, themed “Ganga Ship 1917: The Long Journey”, is being held to commemorate the centenary of the abolition of the Indian indentureship.

Speaking to Sunday Times Magazine, Darshani said she is inspired by nature and her “commitment” to her religion, which is a central theme in most of her art.

“Nature is my number one inspiration. I am influenced and inspired by the magnificence and splendour of the natural environment. However, due to my commitment to my religion, I am often driven to produce works that are closely related to my culture, that is Hinduism,” the artist expressed.

Darshani is a graduate of E.R.Burrowes School of Art. Her minor at the institution was art and major was in textile designs.

She recollected that since childhood she “always loved looking at the different forms of artwork and the various techniques used in creating those masterpieces”.

“For as long as I can remember, I have always loved to

draw and paint. I cannot remember a time when I did not have a pencil or pen in my hand. I guess my love and appreciation for art also stems from my late grandfather who has always been a big fan of paintings,” Darshani recalled.

For the artist, music always sets a mood in helping her be creative. Whether it is soft slow songs or fast rhythmic tunes, Darshani gets inspired.

According to Darshani, art challenges her to better herself. For her, it is not just about paint and canvas, but a connection to her feelings and dreams. She would ask herself, “How do I bring those things to life on a canvas?”, and then challenge herself to be better every time she picks up a brush/pallet knife.

She also pointed out that she enjoys painting still life objects. Otherwise, she would often find herself painting landscapes or art inspired by her religion.

“I want to raise awareness that life is a beautiful, colourful dance of revealing and concealing what we think, feel, say and do in any given moment. While some artists prefer displaying works that are intellectual and mysterious, you would find that only a few in an audience would actually understand what they are looking at.

“What I try to do is to not only help my audience understand what they ‘see’, but to effectively communicate a story to them that would touch them in one way or the other. I

Henna hand-painted bottles are perfect as home decor

believe painting becomes just another way of telling a story or expressing your feelings, there is no need to read a book or caption, just walk into a gallery and phase through different feelings, different moods and different stories.

The beauty of painting is that it is immediate to an audience,” the artist explained.

Darshani displayed her works at Umana Yana in 2016 as a graduate of Burrowes; at Night Cap in September 2016, when it launched its first art exhibition; at the inaugural Guyana Coconut Festival, where she placed in the top ten for a painting she displayed at the event; and at the National Library, where the “Ganga Ship 1917: The Long Journey” exhibition was being housed from March 28 to April 1, 2017.

Currently, Darshani is working on making her small business, Touch of Art, sucHand-painted candle holders cessful. She also intends to further her studies by pursuing a degree in art at a foreign university.

“I think art should be encouraged in more primary and secondary schools, as well as setting up more art exhibitions and workshops to expose children to the different types of art there is. I think it is a good way for kids to show their true potential and a way for them to learn to be creative in their own way, as well as to look at something with a different perspective,” she declared.

Darshani encourages young and aspiring artists to “paint what you feel; everyone may have their own different techniques and skills, which makes them unique at what they do, but stay true to yours; donot give in to discouragement and always try to excel yourself in whatever form of art you wish to pursue”.

In addition to painting, the artist enjoys recycling wine and liquor bottles by hand-painting beautiful designs on them, transforming them into functional, artistic pieces for homes. She also does henna designs for weddings and other occasions.

“Ganga Ship 1917: The Long Journey” at Castellani House, Vlissengen Road, was opened on April 11 and will continue until May 9, 2017. Admission is free.

For more information on the artist, visit Touch of Art on Facebook or her website at darshanikistama.tk.

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 23, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 17

Times Tech

W

hile the trend of #nofilter is cool and all, sometimes you just want to make your pictures look the way they did in your mind when you actually took them.

Photo editing apps can add life to a flat image, breathe some color into a monochromatic landscape, take your Instagram skills to the next level, or turn a boring picture into abstract art. You should always have at least a few photo editing apps in your arsenal for different purposes.

Here are the best photo editing apps available for your iPhone: VSCO; A Color Story; Instagram; Lightroom; Instaflash Pro; Snapseed; and Meitu.

Tech news

H

VSCO Keep your photo editing simple (yet bold!), exquisitely modern, aesthetically relevant, and next-level eye-catching with the super modern and easy-to-use

S

fessional iPhone photographers / photographers in general, and if you're looking to edit the RAW photos you've captured with your iPhone, then Lightroom might be the perfect editor for you!

Instaflash Pro If you're looking for an easy-to-use iPhone photo editor that goes above and beyond the basic edits of most apps out there, then direct your attention to Instaflash Pro and your iPhoneography will never see another boring, over-edited moment ever again.

Snapseed Developed by Google and

constantly updated to deliver the most intuitive, creative photo editing experience possible, Snapseed aims to turn your iPhoneography pictures into iPhoneography masterpieces.

Meitu While the Meitu app has recently made waves for being the most sketchiest photo editing app out there, the reality is that the tracking code that had people so scared isn't really anything new or super threatening (that being said, if the app makes you uncomfortable, totally don't download it).

Bose sued for logging listening habits

eadphone maker Bose is being sued by a customer who claims the firm has gathered data about his listening habits without his permission.

Chicago resident Kyle Zak claims Bose's app scoops up data which is then sold to firms use it to target adverts.

Mr Zak wants the court to grant an injunction that stops Bose grabbing data about audio preferences and is seeking US$5m (£3.9m) in damages.

Bose has not yet responded to requests for comment about the legal action.

"People put headphones on their head because they think it's private, but they can be giving out information they don't want to share," Christopher Dore, a lawyer representing Mr Zak, told the Reuters news agency.

Mr Dore works for law firm Edelson PC which specialises in cases revolving around data privacy.

Legal papers filed by Edelson said Mr

Tech BYTE

VSCO, and you'll be sure to hit home runs with your iPhone photography!

A Color Story Keep your iPhone photographs bright and beautiful while still maintain-

ing creative control with the very appropriately named A Color Story.

Instagram Through Instagram, users don't only get to pick and add a filter to their photos (the old school version only allowed for people to slap a filter on their pics and be done with it), but they can also adjust brightness, contrast, alignment, structure, warmth, saturation, color, fade, highlights, shadows, vignette, tilt shift, and sharpen.

Lightroom If you're looking for a photo editing app that speaks a bit more to pro-

Zak downloaded the Bose Connect app soon after buying a pair of QuietComfort 35 headphones. He provided basic information to sign up for the app that lets users control what they listen to via their smartphone.

Soon after, alleges the lawsuit, he noticed that it was logging far more data about his audio choices than he expected.

The suit claims that similar data is taken from users of other Bose gadgets including the SoundSport Wireless, Sound Sport Pulse Wireless, QuietControl 30, SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II, and SoundLinkColor II. Mr Dore said the sign-up process for the app gave no hint about how much data Bose gathered nor what it planned to do with it.

What people listened to gave an "incredible amount of insight" into someone's personal life, religious and political views, he added. (BBC)

Snapchat's new 3D filters will blow your mind

napchat has launched new 3D lenses, allowing users to change the world around them in three dimen-

sions.

The new feature lets you interact with what you see on screen. You can write giant words that float about next to real objects - or plant a virtual rose in the ground.

The update is now live and it's expected Snapchat will release new "experiences" daily.

It's the latest in the battle for our attention from the social media giants.

Instagram and Facebook have recently added features similar to Snapchat Stories.

How to do it When you are snapping with the rear-

facing camera, just tap the camera screen to find the new lenses.

Swipe up and down the screen to move an object closer or further away.

Press and hold an object to pick it up and move it somewhere else.

Tap somewhere on screen (other than object) to place object in that new location in a real-world space.

On your first try, there are 3D hand animations that guide you on how to move an object, and how to load a new object.

To keep the experiences fresh, the 3D lenses will change over time, and offer different interactions. (BBC Newsbeat)

Tech news

F

Facebook team working on brain-powered technology

acebook says it is working on technology to allow us to control computers directly with our brains.

It is developing “silent speech” software to allow people to type at a rate of 100 words per minute, it says.

The project, in its early stages, will require new technology to detect brainwaves without needing invasive surgery.

"We are not talking about decoding your random thoughts,” assured Facebook's Regina Dugan.

"You have many thoughts, you choose to

five times faster than you can type on your phone today.

"Eventually, we want to turn it into a wearable technology that can be manufactured at scale. Even a simple yes/no 'brain click' would help make things like augmented reality feel much more natural.

"Technology is going to have to get a lot more advanced before we can share a pure thought or feeling, but this is a first step."

There are already external braincontrol technologies on the market, but these are simplistic in comparison.

share some of them.

"We’re talking about decoding those words. A silent speech interface - one with all the speed and flexibility of voice."

On his Facebook page, Mark Zuckerberg added: "Our brains produce enough data to stream four HD movies every second.

"The problem is that the best way we have to get information out into the world speech - can only transmit about the same amount of data as a 1980s modem.

"We're working on a system that will let you type straight from your brain about

Electroencephalogram tech - known as EEG - can monitor electric impulses in the brain, but only for very basic, structured output - such as moving a dot up or down a computer screen.

"We'll need new, non-invasive sensors that can measure brain activity hundreds of times per second," Facebook said in a statement.

"From locations precise to millimetres and without signal distortions. Today there is no non-invasive imaging method that can do this." (BBC)

18 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 23, 2017

Times Home & Cooking

Recipe of the Week Ingredients

E

levate your existing outdoor living space with a clever use of colour, pattern and versatile furnishings.

Add an extra layer of comfort with a largescale indoor-outdoor area rug. To prolong the longevity of indooroutdoor rugs, be sure to bring them inside or roll them into storage whenever you're not entertaining

Use a pile of colourful throw pillows to brighten your outdoor space. Also, when space is at a premium, the most efficient (and cost-effective) way to add a spot for every guest is with a pile of throw pillows. Stick with pillows sized 22 to 26 inches to ensure proper surface coverage to keep everyone seated comfortably

This covered patio is transformed into a fullfledged outdoor living room by mixing in cosy furnishings. For cohesiveness, the dusty tones of the brick are carried throughout the space as an accent colour of blush pink set against a dominant blue-grey hue

2/3 cup sliced blanched almonds (71 grams) 1 cup confectioners' sugar (117 grams) 2 large egg whites, room temperature 1/4 cup granulated sugar (53 grams) Jam or other filling

Method

P

reheat oven to 350 degrees with rack in lower third. Place almonds in a food processor; process until as fine as possible, about 1 minute.

Add confectioners' sugar; process until combined, about 1 minute.

Pass almond mixture through a finemesh sieve. Transfer solids in sieve to food processor; grind and sift again, pressing down on clumps. Repeat until less than 2 tablespoons of solids remains in sieve.

Whisk egg whites and granulated sugar by hand to combine. Beat on medium speed (4 on a KitchenAid) 2 minutes.

Increase speed to medium-high (6) and beat 2 minutes. Then beat on high (8) 2 minutes more.

The beaten egg whites will hold stiff, glossy peaks when you lift the whisk out of the bowl. Add flavouring and food colouring, if desired, and beat on highest speed 30 seconds.

I

Add dry ingredients all at once. Fold with a spatula from bottom of bowl upward, then press flat side of spatula firmly through middle of mixture. Repeat just until batter flows like lava, 35 to 40 complete strokes.

Rest a pastry bag fitted with a 3/8inch round tip (Ateco #804) inside a glass.

Transfer batter to bag; secure top. Dab some batter remaining in bowl onto corners of 2 heavy baking sheets; line with parchment.

With piping tip 1/2 inch above sheet, pipe batter into a 3/4-inch round, then swirl tip off to one side. Repeat, spacing rounds 1 inch apart. Tap sheets firmly against counter 2 or 3 times to release air bubbles.

Bake 1 sheet at a time, rotating halfway through, until risen and just set, 13 minutes.

Let cool. Pipe or spread filling on flat sides of half of cookies; top with remaining half.

Wrap in plastic and refrigerate.

Greatest Cooking Tips

t's important to let a roast – beef, pork, lamb or poultry – sit a little while before carving. That allows the juices to retreat into the meat. If you carve a roast too soon, much of its goodness will spill out onto the carving board.

Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips.

For fluffier, whiter rice, add one teaspoon of lemon juice per quart of water.

For a juicer hamburger, add cold water to the beef before grilling (1/2 cup to 1 pound of meat).

Lettuce keeps better if leaves are stored dry in the refrigerator. Wash the day you are going to use or dry thoroughly before you store it in the fridge.

Do not use metal bowls when mixing salads. Use wooden, glass or china.

The best way to store fresh celery is to wrap it in aluminium foil and put it in the refrigerator – it will keep for weeks.

No "curly" bacon for breakfast when you dip it into cold water before frying.

H

Home Help

aving houseplants helps reduce odours in the home.

Prevent cooking odours by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water) on the stove while cooking. To get such smells as fish and onion off utensils and cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar and wash in soapy water.

Rub a slice of lemon across a chopping block to disinfect the surface. For tougher stains, squeeze some of the lemon juice onto the spot and let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe.

Sprinkle baking soda on carpets several hours before vacuuming to deodorise.

For varnished wood, add a few drops of lemon oil into 1/2 cup warm water. Mix well and spray onto a soft cotton cloth. Cloth should only be slightly damp. Wipe furniture with the cloth, and finish by wiping once more using a dry soft cotton cloth.

Many ink spots, pencil, crayon or marker spots can be cleaned from painted surfaces using baking soda applied to a damp sponge. Rub gently, then wipe and rinse.

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 23, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine19

Family Times

PARENTING

How to be a ‘greener’ parent

w

H

T

JOKES

wo brothers have a ranch. They have just lost their bull. They need to buy another, but only have $500.

One brother tells the other "I will go to the market and see if I can find one for under that amount. If I can, I will send you a telegram."

He goes to the market and finds one for $499. Having only one dollar left, he goes to the telegraph office and finds out that it costs one dollar per word. He is stumped on how to tell the other brother to bring the truck and trailer.

Finally, he tells the telegraph operator to send the word "comfortable."

Sceptical, the operator asks, "How will he know to come with the trailer from just that word?"

The brother replies, "He reads slow: 'Come for ta bull."

A

child asked his mother, "How were people born?"

So his mother said, "Adam and Eve made babies, then their babies became adults and made babies, and so on."

The child then went to his father, asked him the same question and he told him, "We were monkeys then we evolved to become like we are now."

The child ran back to his mother and said, "You lied to me!"

His mother replied, "No, your dad was talking about his side of the family."

M F

y nine-year-old daughter walked in while I was getting ready for work. "What are you doing?" she asked. "Putting on my wrinkle cream," I answered. "Oh," she said, walking away. "I thought they were natural."

acebook and Formspring are two of the many socialnetworking sites that allow users to embarrass themselves in front of millions of friends and strangers, like these people did.

LARRY: Happy Valentine’s Day to All, especially Wendy, Heather, Lindsey, Ellen, Valerie, Isabel, and all the other wonderful women I adore.

JENNIFER: You forgot your wife.

I

bought a pint of Häagen-Dazs ice cream at the supermarket.

As the cashier rang it up, I asked, “How do you pronounce that?”

Speaking slowly and distinctly, he said, “Four dollars and seventy-nine cents.”

"W A

hat’s the difference between an optimist and a pessimist?" John asked.

Peter replied: “An optimist is the guy who created the airplane. A pessimist is the guy who created the parachute.” t age 70, Tim’s grandfather bought his first riding lawn mower.

"This thing is great," he bragged to Tim’s brother. "It took me only an hour and a half to mow the lawn. It used to take your grandmother two days to do it all!"

ere are some small changes you can make that will lighten your load and your carbon footprint, while helping your family to be a little bit ‘greener’ also.

Cut back on red meat, which is detrimental not only to your health (it can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer) but to the environment as well. According to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, cattle farming is responsible for 18 percent of the world's greenhouse gases and is a major source of deforestation. Consider swapping red meat for chicken or turkey meat instead.

Ditch the plastic bags.

Nearly 9 million tons of plastic waste fill the oceans every year, but it's easy to do your part to reduce that number if you keep a reusable bag with you at all times.

Pack silverware and

cloth napkins in your child’s lunch box instead of plastic and paper. Also, opt for reusable containers.

Keep your fridge between 35 and 38 degrees.

Anything lower than that temperature range is a waste of energy.

Talk to kids about conservation. Explain why you recycle and get them involved locally with planting

trees or community cleanup operations. Grow vegetables from home, encourage tree climbing, and engage the whole family in plenty of outdoor adventures. With these experiences, they're more likely to grow into good environmental stewards.

Pack snacks for family excursions so you're not tempted to buy packaged goods when out and about.

If possible, breastfeed your baby. The production of formula has a considerable negative impact on the environment, while breast milk is a natural, renewable resource with a wealth of health benefits for mother and child.

Unplug your computer and TV. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, a quarter of all residential energy consumption is used on devices like modems, computers and televisions that are in idle power mode. You'll save money on your electricity bill, too.

Skip straws. (Bonus: You may skip wrinkles around your mouth, too!)

Avoid buying brandnew books. Given that the paper industry accounts for 10 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., it's more eco-friendly to buy from a used bookshop or thrift store, or borrow from the library.

STORY TIME

The Tapir and the Tick

By Grace Albert

In the old days, our ancestors believed in marrying someone who possessed very specific knowledge and skills. Women had to have the essential skill of weaving hammock and, even more importantly, they had to have o’kaiipu pun (big and fat feet flesh).

This meant they had to be strong, in particular at their feet. Likewise, men had to be very hard-working. The following story reflects on these values. It is a story of a tapir who wanted to marry a young woman and had to prove to her parents that he was capable of taking care of her and the family.

O

nce upon a time, a tapir and his parents were getting ready to celebrate his birthday. It was a very special age for him as he was about to get himself a wife and become a man. He had planned to invite all the animals of the jungle to the party. The cooks were working hard to prepare plenty of food for the evening and the music was set to make everyone dance!

At about 17:00hrs, all the animals started gathering in the tapir’s yard, including plenty of beautifully dressed females. It was truly going to be a great party as everyone started to eat, drink and celebrate.

After the meal, the tapir began to

play music and the animals were invited to the dance floor. Soon, all the couples were dancing and rocking.

Meanwhile, the tapir was standing on the side trying to spota partner among the daughters of all the animals. He seemed very excited about the young female animals, but couldn’t put his mind on one.

As the party continued and all the adults were getting intoxicated with the local beverages, the tapir was still admiring the young female animals, not knowing which one to choose. At some point, his eyes stopped on a very short, fat female and wondered whether she could be married. He was attracted to one of the youngest females, the beautiful daughter of Mr Tick.

The tapir couldn’t wait to get close to the young lady tick, so he built up his bravery and approached her parents to verbally ask them for their daughter’s hand. The parents agreed on letting their daughter go with the tapir, but they first asked him to prove that he was willing and strong enough to take care of their daughter and family. Mr Tick insisted that he had a very large family and if the tapir could manage to take care of them, he would be allowed to marry his daughter. Mr Tick suggested that the tapir could take all the family members on his back for a ride into the forest instead of having

the family walk alongside him.

The tapir did as the father asked.

And as the whole tick family climbed on his back, the tapir asked them to hold on very tight because he would be running speedily into the forest.

He walked quietly towards the forest, but as soon as he got into the depth of the forest, he started to run, assuming that everyone was holding on.

Unfortunately they weren’t! The faster he ran, the more the ticks fell, from small to big, all over the forest floor.

As he continued, he realised his back felt very light and empty. He suspected that the ticks had fallen from his back. He decided to stop and check.

To his surprise, however, the young lady tick, who he really loved, had held on tight and didn’t fall. They both looked at each other and momentarily hesitated on what to do next as everyone else had disappeared. They finally decided from that moment they would continue to travel and live together.

Since that time, all tapirs carry ticks on their bodies, just like if they were married. It is also why ticks are so widespread in the forest!(www.pantaniblog.org)

W

ith fire alarms blaring at a woman’s apartment complex, she grabbed her favourite bathing suit and ran out.

"A bathing suit?" asked her son later. "Of all the priceless things in that apartment, that’s what you chose to save?"

"Material things come and go," she said. "But a onepiece suit that doesn’t make you look fat is impossible to replace."

A

man went to the cardiologist after experiencing symptoms of a heart attack.

"I had taken our cat to the vet," he told the nurse, "and while I was there, my chest got tight, and I had trouble breathing. Later, my left arm began aching."

The nurse was clearly concerned. "So," she asked, "how was the cat?"

‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder’

L

et’s look at the origin of the popular saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. Literal meaning - perception of beauty is subjective.

Origin This saying first appeared in the 3rd century BC in Greek. It didn't appear in its current form in print until the 19th century, but in the meantime there were various written forms that expressed much the same thought.

In 1588, the English dramatist John Lyly, in his Euphues and his England,

wrote: "...as neere is Fancie to Beautie, as the pricke to the Rose, as the stalke to the rynde, as the earth to the roote."

Shakespeare expressed a similar sentiment in Love's Labours Lost, 1588: “Good Lord Boyet, my beauty, though but mean, Needs not the painted flourish of your praise: Beauty is bought by judgement of the eye,

Not utter'd by base sale of chapmen's tongues” The person who is widely credited with coining the saying in its current form is Margaret Wolfe Hungerford (née Hamilton), who wrote many books, often under the pseudonym of 'The Duchess'. In Molly Bawn, 1878, there's the line, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder", which is the earliest citation that can be found in print.

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Times Sunday Puzzle

Each of these pairs of words is a rhyme for a familiar phrase. For example: car and ride = far and wide.

1. Toe and shell 2. Side and coup 3. Graze and greens 4. Frost and ground 5. Hutch and row 6. Fume and chord see ANSWERS on page 23

see solution on page 23

see solution on page 23

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Sunday Times Magazine

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Times Kids

Creature Corner

T

he black pacu is a large, nonaggressive, fruit-eating species of fish found in the upper Amazon River basin.

It is a tall, narrow fish shaped like a disk or plate. This body shape makes them well-adapted for movement between aquatic plants. They have small eyes and an arched back. The body is dark below and lighter above.

This is unusual in aquatic animals which usually exhibit the opposite as it helps with camouflage. Pacu have an adipose fin (a small, fleshy dorsal fin) located behind the dorsal fin. Despite

Please see solution on page 23

its large size, black pacu are a peaceful, non-aggressive species.

Pacu can reach 3 feet in length and weigh over 65 pounds.

The Red hook pacu live in the upper Amazon River basin in South America.

Pacu prefer to eat fruits, decaying plant matter, snails and grains as they would in the wild.

Black pacu are spawning fish, with the young living within floating vegetation in the black waters of the Amazon River basin.

They live to about 15 years.

The objective of the game is to fill all the blank squares in a game with the correct numbers. Every row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.

GEOZONE

N

amib Sand Sea is the only coastal desert in the world that includes extensive dune fields influenced by fog. It lies along the arid African coast of the South Atlantic lying wholly within Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft Park.

Covering an area of over three million hectares and a buffer zone of 899,500 hectares, the site is composed of two dune systems, an ancient semi-consolidated one overlain by a younger active one.

The desert dunes are formed by the transportation of materials thousands of kilometres from the hinterland, which are carried by river, ocean current and wind.

It features gravel plains, coastal flats, rocky hills, inselbergs within the sand sea, a coastal lagoon and ephemeral rivers, resulting in a landscape of exceptional beauty.

Fog is the primary source of water in the site, accounting for a unique environment in which endemic invertebrates, reptiles and mammals adapt to an everchanging variety of microhabitats and ecological niches.

Namib Sand Sea is a place of outstanding natural beauty where atmospheric conditions provide exceptional visibility of landscape features by day and the dazzling southern hemisphere sky at night.

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Times World

Haiti to rebuild quakeEight Egyptian damaged National Palace mummies discovered in tomb

H

aiti's President Jovenel Moise has launched a project to rebuild the presidential palace, destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 2010.

"For many, the post-earthquake reconstruction has not begun as long as the National Palace has not been rebuilt," he said.

The new complex would be on the same site as the ornate domed building in the capital Port-auPrince.

More than 250,000 people are estimated to have been killed in the quake.

About 300,000 were injured and more than 1.5 million left homeless after the magnitude 7.0 quake on 12 January 2010.

Speaking on Wednesday at the temporary presidential residence on the grounds of the collapsed palace, President Moise set up a committee of engineers and architects to oversee the project.

He said he wanted construction to begin before the end of 2017.

President Moise, who assumed office in February, also said the facade of the palace should look the same, but the interior would be adapted to the needs of a modern presidency.

The cost of the project is yet to be estimated.

Decades of poverty, environmental degradation, violence, instability and dictatorship have left Haiti as the poorest nation in the Americas.

E

ight mummies, colourful coffins and more than 1,000 funerary statues have been found at a tomb near the Valley of the Kings in Luxor in Egypt.

The statues were traditionally placed alongside the dead to help them in the afterlife.The artefacts are thought to be at least 3,000 years old.

The Valley of the Kings was the main place of burial for pharaohs and noblemen for nearly 500 years, until the 11th Century BC.The tomb was in the Draa Abul Nagaa necropolis nearby. It belonged to a nobleman who worked as a judge.

"It was a surprise how much was being displayed inside" the

tomb, Egypt's antiquities minister Khaled el-Enany told reporters.

Spokeswoman Nevine el-Aref said there was "evidence and traces that new mummies could be discovered in the future".

The coffins were well-preserved, painted in red, blue, black, green, and yellow.

A statement released by the ministry said the tomb was T-shaped, with "an open court leading into a rectangular hall, a corridor and an inner chamber".The statues were found inside a nine-metre (30ft) shaft.

Another room that was found has not been excavated yet. (BBC)

Zimbabwe schools accept goats for tuition fees

P

arents in Zimbabwe who cannot afford school fees can offer livestock such as goats or sheep as payment, a government minister has said.

The country's education minister Lazarus Dokora told the pro-government Sunday Mail newspaper that schools will have to show flexibility when it

Brain Teaser Answer 1. Show and tell 2. Tried and true 3. Ways and means

4. Lost and found 5. Touch and go 6. Room and board

SUDOKU

KID SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

comes to demanding tuition fees from parents, and that they should accept not onl also services and skills.

"If there is a builder in the community, he/she must be given that opportunity to work as a form of payment of tuition fees," the paper quoted him as saying.

Some schools are already accepting livestock as payments, the Sunday Mail reports.

A ministry official clarified Dr Dokora's comments: "Parents of the concerned children can pay the fees using livestock. That is mostly for rural areas, but parents in towns and cities can pay through other means; for instance, doing certain work for the school."It follows a move last week where Zimbabwe allowed people to use their livestock, such as goats, cows and sheep, to back bank loans. Under legislation introduced in parliament this week, borrowers would be allowed to register "movable" assets, including motor vehicles and machinery, as collateral, the BBC's World Business Report said.According to the Bulawayo24 news portal, Zimbabwe's worsening cash crisis means that people frequently spend hours queuing at banks to withdraw cash. The government says the shortage is due to people taking hard currency out of the country, but critics say it's due to lack of investment and rising unemployment, Bulawayo24 says.

Social media has met the

goats-for-fees idea with a mixture of scorn and gallows humour. Zimbabwean novelist Tsitsi Dangarembga tweeted "If we had been told

in 1970 'We are fighting to introduce cattle and goats as currency. Please help & die for this' what would we have said?"; while another

Twitter user - recognising the fact that not all farm animals are born equal asked "Can I get a job as a goat evaluator?"(BBC)

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Fun Times

Archie

Good planning is easier than facing complaints and (March 21- criticism. Organize your time April 19) and take care of your responsibilities early so you can enjoy the people and things that make you happy.

ARIES

Dig deep and you'll disTAURUS cover new skills and ways to (April 20- present what you have to ofMay 20) fer. Don't hold back when it comes to sharing your feelings. Communication and participation are favored.

Treat relationships careGEMINI fully. Communication is your (May 21- best source of information.

June 20) Gather facts before you take action. The change you need to make may involve yourself instead of someone else.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Learn more about the people you care about. Ask questions and find out what brings them joy. Sharing your likes and dislikes will help build better relationships with those who matter most.

Stick to what you know and do best. Taking on a strenuous challenge will result in a physical or emotional setback.

Protect your personal health and financial well-being.

Added responsibilities will wear you down. Don't jeopardize your health. Aim to do something relaxing to ease your stress and avoid minor health issues.

LIBRA Problems with a friend, (Sept. 23- relative or neighbor will surOct. 23) face if you try to make changes that infringe on someone else's space. Take care of any redtape issues first.

Peanuts

Engage in activities SCORPIO (Oct. 24- geared toward family fun or Nov. 22) romance. Enhancing your appearance will spark greater interest in what you have to offer.

SAGITTARIUS Home is where you should (Nov. 23- be putting your time and enerDec. 21) gy. Make changes to your sur-

roundings that will give you the space you need to pursue new endeavors.

Calvin and Hobbes

Don't hold back. If you CAPRICORN want something, go after it.

(Dec. 22- Revisit old dreams and bring Jan. 19) them back to life. Use your imagination and unique way of doing things to your advantage.

Find out what's expectAQUARIUS ed of you before you sign up (Jan. 20- for something that you are Feb. 19) being pressured into doing.

Don't let anyone use emotional tactics to take advantage of you.

Work hard to improve PISCES (Feb. 20- your life, relationship with Mar. 20) others or a cause you believe in. Your input will be appreciated and should also lead to some sort of reimbursement.