Guyana Times, 25 June 2017

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Issue No. 3252

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Uitvlugt Estate will not achieve 2020 target – workers Flood woes hit Guyana Page 2

…express dissatisfaction with affairs of industry

... livelihoods threatened, millions in losses recorded See stories on pages 9, 10 and 16

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WHAT'S INSIDE: Region 5 flooding

P16 REO withholds funds

…refuses to meet National Disaster Management Committee

Murder of 8-year-old

“Spiritualist” remains in custody P14

More auditors for AG’s office, regular audits needed P12 – Gaskin … to prevent misuse of finances in Govt

Inaugural Robotic P15 Exhibition wows patrons

A Region Five home can be seen inaudated as communities countrywide battle floodwaters (Andrew Carmichael photo)

Emerging oil industry

Govt has lost Do not neglect appetite to enact other sectors whistle-blower – Jagdeo cautions Govt legislation – TIGI Page 3

Page 12

Supervisory P11 authority should govern Attorneysat-law – AG

… to ensure compliance with AML/CFT Act

Lion’s Club of P17 Essequibo Coast installs new Board of Directors

2 NEWS Uitvlugt Estate will not achieve 2020 target – workers SUnDAY, june 25, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

…express dissatisfaction with affairs of industry 2020, and the most the entity is likely to achieve is 31,000 tonnes.

“According to the planting programme and what they achieved in 2017, (it) will tell you what they could achieve in 2018. What I understand from my representatives in the back dam (is) that rat infestation is hitting this cultivation, and cattle damaging certain parts in the back dam,” he explained.

By Samuel Sukhnandan

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here is general consensus among sugar workers attached to the Uitvlugt Estate on the West Coast of Demerara that the projected target of 40,000 tonnes of sugar will not be achieved by 2020, despite the publication of several vacancies in the local media by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

Workers of all categories claim there is word making the rounds that if this target is not achieved, the Government might move to close this estate as well, leaving hundreds of workers on the bread line.

Guyana Times visited the estate and spoke with several workers, who all expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which Government and GuySuCo are handling the affairs of the sugar industry, particularly how they are moving to downsize the in-

Incentives

Uitvlugt Estate factory worker Deochand Harripersaud

dustry.

Field Secretary of the Uitvlugt Estate, Ranveer Singh, has claimed that the estate is far from achieving the projected target of 19,000 tonnes of sugar this year.

According to him, it is highly impossible for the estate to reach 40,000 tonnes by

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) representative also raised concerns over GuySuCo’s disinclination to meet with the Union and discuss a way forward. He said the targets being set are not only unrealistic, but need workers input in order for to be achieved.

He explained that the vacancies advertised for more workers would not attract much people, unless

Field Secretary of the Uitvlugt Estate, Ranveer Singh

GuySuCo places more incentives in their employment packages.

“Set the targets suitable so that the workers could achieve a WPI. Motivate them, so they would come out and work. API is a must. You are not going to attract cane cutters, too, when you have

managers harassing workers and ill-treating them,” he explained.

A factory worker for 15 years, with a combined work stint of 35 years at the Uitvlugt Estate, Deochand Harripersaud claimed that the estate has never achieved a 40,000-tonne target.

“I am working 35 years in the sugar industry at that same estate, and Uitvlugt never made 40,000 tonnes sugar. The highest they ever made is 33,000 tonnes, and it is a big task to make that amount,” he asserted.

The estate worker also argued that even if the conditions were good to produce that much cane to meet the target set out by GuySuCo, the current configuration of the factory cannot handle that amount. It therefore means that the factory would require extensive expansion and repairs.

Under-capacity

In providing a breakdown of the production level of the factory, he said the estate is capable of grinding 90-95 tonnes cane, but at present

Uitvlugt Estate Manager Yudhisthira Mana

some 105 tonnes cane are being ground. It is not possible to increase this by another five tonnes, as it may put a strain on the equipment.

“When you do that, the sugar (is lost) at the boiler, (which) doesn’t have the ability to (produce) that (much sugar). The boiling house, on the other hand, cannot (facilitate that amount of cane juice), and there is where the problem is occurring. It will cost the estate more, because when the boiling house full out with the juice, you will have to use fuel, wood and bagasse, and that’s (fuel worth) millions of dollars,” He said.

Harripersaud also lamented that factory workers have been feeling the brunt of the estate’s limitations for many years now because of the deteriorating condition of the factory, especially since they are not acquiring any new parts to help sustain the equipment and facility for operations in future years to come.

“Bringing equipment from Wales is not the (answer to the) problem, those things are used. Right now we are fabricating our own thing, but we are fabricating mild steel.

(Approximately) three to four years from now, it will rotten out with the juice. We have cast iron for the sole plate

Cane harvester Loochand Sukram Khandhai

for the mill, and we are fabricating one there now. Next two three years that will be (worthless), and they are saying that GuySuCo ain’t got money.”

He continued: “We are not getting any new parts at Uitvlugt, it’s sheer old thing.

When we doing maintenance, we are using a lot of old parts, cutting thing and putting it back. As for bolts and nuts, we don’t have (those) right now. We have to (re-thread used ones). So, I don’t know what they are talking about (producing) 40,000 tonnes (of sugar),” he stated.

Based on the acreage under cane and the capacity of the factory, Harripersaud is of the opinion that the estate could achieve a production of between 30,000 tonnes of sugar minimum and 32,000 tonnes maximum.

Harripersaud told this newspaper that by downsizing the sugar industry, the Government is just creating more uncertainty in the country, and this could, to a large extent, lead to an increase in criminal activities. This, according to him, could get worse in communities along the sugar belt.

He also feels that GuySuCo is hiring too many managerial staff members, as opposed to people who work in the fields, and he has recommended that GuySuCo look into this with the aim of reducing the wage bill.

Financial security

Meanwhile, Loochand Sukram Khandhai, a harvester for over 25 years, told Guyana Times that not only does Uitvlugt Estate lack the capacity to produce the anticipated 40,000 tonnes of sugar, but if the variety of cane is not changed and if enough is not done to improve the yield, then the estate would not have enough canes to meet that target.

“Every crop you working you will get better canes (if the variety is improved). (But right now,) every crop you go, you getting shorter and shorter crops. For the last crop, they were proposing 8200 tonnes and they only make 7300 tonnes. If we will continue these things (with the way things are) and you don’t have the capacity to do these things (improve production at the estate), how in the name of God we will be able to produce 40,000 tonnes of sugar?” he questioned. turn to page 10

NEWS

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, June 25 – 05:30h-07:00h and Monday, June 26 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, June 25 – 05:00h-06:30h and Monday, June 26 – 05:30h-07:00h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Heavy showers can be expected throughout the day, with partly cloudy skies and light rain showers in the evening. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging from East North-easterly to Northeasterly between 0.89 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 05:09h and 17:41h reaching maximum heights of 2.84 metres and 2.67 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:13h and 23:29h reaching minimum heights of 0.37 metre and 0.57 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, June 24, 2017

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SunDAY, june 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt has lost appetite to enact whistle-blower legislation – TIGI

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ransparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI) is putting the Government on blast for its sloth in bringing forward legislation to protect whistle-blowers.

The anti-corruption advocate also criticised the Government’s actions against a particular whistle-blower – Nurse Sherilyn Marks – for revealing a People’s National Congress Councillor’s abuse of pain medication. Marks has been repaid by being transferred and subjected to a probe by the Public Service Commission (PSC).

“In a very corrupt society and one in which the will of the people has been side-lined as politicians pursue narrow interests, whistle-blowing is an important avenue through which corruption can be uncovered,” the group said in a statement.

“Unless whistle-blower legislation is ratified and supported by a will to implement, whistle-blowing will remain costly to whistle-blowers. It is not altogether surprising that the coalition Government appears to have lost its appetite for implementation though it had drafted an act and held consultations after taking office.”

TIGI noted that such law is yet to be enacted.

According to the group, a comparison with other laws the Government has pushed through within the two years of Government makes it easy to deduce the order of priorities.

“Without whistle-blower legislation, retaliation by the politically connected and the powerful can mean dire consequences for those who attempt to expose wrongdoing. Such retaliation can range from public labelling and ridiculing to loss of employment, other employment hardships and even worse.”

Consequences may also extend beyond the person directly drawing awareness, to family, friends and loved ones, the TIGI said, adding that awareness of the po-

President of TIGI Dr Trevor Thomas

tential for such retaliation can instil fear and serve as a warning to those who might contemplate exposing corruption.

TIGI referenced the case of Marks, who it noted was bludgeoned into oblivion or worse, “for exposing the abuse of power by [A Partnership for National Unity] APNU Councillor, Carol Joseph.”

“In this case, Marks who was a nurse at the Fort Wellington Hospital revealed that Joseph, while a sitting APNU Councillor in the Local Government Council of Region Five, abused her power to leverage prescription painkiller injections.”

This revelation by the nurse was made following two complaints to her superiors in Region Five and to the Public Health Minister.

“Marks was in a position where she considered herself exposed to eventually being held accountable for administering the prescription narcotic, Pethidine, more frequently and in a larger amount than usual to Joseph, but her cries for help went unanswered by her superiors at the level of the region and by the Minister of Health.”

TIGI noted that the failure of the Public Health Ministry and the officials in the region to act was amplified and encouraged by the absence of a functional Integrity Commission to which Marks could have complained.

“Exposing the situation was the correct thing to do

Councillor Carol Joseph

given that the system and the individuals in authority failed her. If all that the Ministry had done was ignore Marks, this would be better than that which has occurred and that which has been set in motion. Instead, it retaliated. Condoning retaliation against whistle-blowers is a backward step in the fight against corruption.”

The first bit of retaliation was the transferring of Marks to another facility without her having requested it, the TIGI pointed out.

It added that Marks’ move to address the matter publicly after two attempts to urge the responsible officers to act appears to have embarrassed people of power who

condoned Joseph’s actions.

Calling the transfer a pathetic response, TIGI noted that the transfer was done without consideration of any hardships or other changes in Marks’s circumstances. The group noted that the nurse was therefore treated like an expendable pawn for going public.

“The response is now being taken further to the stage of attempting to institute charges against Marks for breach of confidentiality.

A disproportionate and public response has a long history of setting the stage for control and the message to be gleaned is that vicious retaliation by those with connections and power towards those who dare to expose wrongdoing is alive and well in Guyana.”

The TIGI stated that it does not support breaking the law, however, when those who have abused their power and those who have ignored their responsibility as public officials do so with impunity while those who dare to expose wrongdoings are made to feel the consequence, it is mere lip service to the idea for those in authority to proclaim support for whistle-blowers.

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sunDAY, june 25, 2017

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Editorial

Indigenous lands

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ven as President David Granger attempted to defuse the outrage of the Indigenous Peoples to his arbitrary decision to link their land rights in Guyana to land titling issues faced by African Guyanese, the lawyer who was hired to play leading technical role in drafting the 2006 Amerindian Act has now thrown a monkey wrench into a possible consensus by declaring that “Indigenous Peoples” is a controversial and very divisive concept, and land claims made on that basis are somehow undermined.

She claims the UN has debated the use of the term for over two decades without coming to a single accepted definition. That might very well be in terms of dealing with grey areas, but in Guyana, whether they are called “Amerindian” or “First Peoples”, there can be no doubt that they fall under the preliminary definition of “Indigenous peoples” proposed in 1972 by Mr José R. Martínez-Cobo, Special Rapporteur on Discrimination against Indigenous Populations: “Indigenous communities, peoples, and nations are those that, having a historical continuity with preinvasion and pre-colonial societies that developed on their territories, consider themselves distinct from other sectors of the societies now prevailing in those territories, or parts of them. They form at present non-dominant sectors of society and are determined to preserve, develop, and transmit to future generations their ancestral territories and their ethnic identity as the basis of their continued existence as peoples, in accordance with their own cultural patterns, social institutions and legal systems.”

In Guyana, even President Granger, when he suggested the Joint Land Commission, acknowledged that Indigenous Peoples had occupied their lands from “time immemorial”, and held it as “sacred”.

Back in 1965, Amerindian MP Stephen Campbell attended the Independence Conference in London along with Burnham and the PNC, and ensured the official Agreement for the Independence of Guyana, (Annex C) required the independent government provide legal ownership or rights of occupancy for Amerindians over: “areas and reservations, or parts thereof, where any tribe or community of Amerindians is now ordinarily resident or settled; and other legal rights, such as the rights of passage in respect of any other lands they now by tradition or custom de facto enjoy freedoms and permissions corresponding to rights of that nature. In this context, it is intended that legal ownership shall comprise all rights normally attaching to such ownership.”

Most Guyanese would now baulk at the ridiculous claim of Columbus “discovering” the “New World”, and so entering the ranks of humanity upon contact with Europeans. But they do not follow through with the equally ridiculous corollary of Europeans going on to assume “sovereignty” over the lands occupied by the Indigenous Peoples living there. At the time of Columbus’s unfortunate voyage, the fledgling International Law postulated, on natural-law grounds, that its concept such as “sovereignty” was based on reason, and applied to all peoples, be they European or not. This was explicitly stated, for instance, in the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, which launched the modern state system.

But, during the period of empire-building, all sorts of “legal” reasons, doctrines and norms were conjured up to justify their violent land grab. We now have a distinction between “civilised” and “non-civilised” states in the shift to what was dubbed “positivist” International Law, wherein concepts such as “sovereignty” apply only to the “civilised family of nations”. Fine distinctions are now made in the manner in which territories are acquired, such as ‘conquest’ and ‘cession by treaty’.

But even under positivist-based International Law, the Dutch’s "full and free ownership" of land and their British successors ("possessors de facto of the soil" and of “usufructuary rights”) acknowledged the right of the Indigenous Peoples to their land. Ms Janki and others of like mind might be worried that new, rights-based modern norms of justice -- led by the judiciary in Australia and South Africa, for instance -- are evolving to amend the inequities imposed by the positivistic stance of European jurisprudence.

More land for Indigenous Peoples?

First Lady Sandra Granger was among the patrons that were wowed at the Robotic and Technology exhibition at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Saturday. The exhibition was hosted in an effort to educate and prepare Guyanese youth for the modern age of technology

Captain Gouveia was not a member of Privatisation Board

Dear Editor, Roraima Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, Capt Gerry Gouveia, and the company as a whole, note with interest two articles published in sections of the media. One, published on Tuesday, June 20, was headlined “Controversial sale of Duke Street annexe to Gouveia…No evidence that Board member Gouveia recused himself from transaction”; and the other, published on Wednesday, June 21, was headlined “Questionable transactions by privatisation unit….Gouveia gets two state properties during his first year as Director”.

Both articles contain profound inaccuracies and innuendos. With respect to the conflict of interest assertion contained in these articles, we firmly state the

following: 1.

Captain Gouveia was not a member of the Privatisation Board during the period covering the transactions associated with the purchase of the property located at 94 Duke Street, housing what is now the Roraima Duke Lodge.

2. It is also important to state that there were nine other bidders, and Roraima Airways’ bid was the highest.

3. The bids were opened in the presence of all of the other bidders and officials of the Accountant General’s Office.

4. Capt. Gouveia himself was never present, nor was he part of any discussion with the Board of the Privatisation Unit during any of the proceedings associated with the sale of the Lot 93 Duke Street,

Kingston property.

5. The processes associated with the sale of the aforementioned properties were certainly not handled expeditiously. In fact, it took approximately two years in the first instance, and one year in the second instance, to fully conclude the transactions.

6. Roraima Airways won the public bid/tender for the second building on the merit of its business plan proposal and the final price that was paid of G$50,000,000 plus VAT of G$8,000,000.

Approximately one decade after the properties were acquired, both buildings have been renovated, and today house hotel rooms, conference facilities, a restaurant and bar, and other facilities which contribute to enhancing Guyana’s tourism product.

Most importantly, the two buildings, which today make up Duke Lodge, account for some 100 direct jobs and hundreds more indirect jobs which have been created on the basis of fair hiring practices and without any regard to race, gender, religion or political affiliation.

Today, the integrated services of the Roraima Group of Companies account for almost 300 direct jobs.

The Roraima Group of Companies remains committed to contributing to the development of Guyana and to maintaining its track record of being among the best corporate citizens of Guyana.

Regards, Roraima Group of Companies

GRA should have published its annual report on website Dear Editor, I refer to Mr Geoffrey Statia, the Commissioner General (CG) of GRA, responding to my letter captioned ‘Why has the GRA’s Annual Report for 2015 not been laid in Parliament?’

While I welcome the steps he has outlined and his commitment to correct the inherent malfunction in meeting its fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers, we must recognize that the Revenue Statement is not the published Annual Report.

So the fact remains that the 2015 Annual

Report of the GRA is still incomplete. So what next, Mr Statia?

From Mr Statia’s discourse, it now begs the question: How can the public read the 2016 Annual Report of the Bank of Guyana (BoG) since April 2017, but cannot read the same for the GRA? Only the 2014 Annual Report of the GRA is complete? Isn’t GRA, according to Article 9 of the Revenue Authority Act, (1996), an independent body corporate similar to the BoG? And does it not have the power to trigger its own audit and its

own annual report?

Even if the GRA is dependent on the Audit Office to complete the laying of its report in Parliament, there is nothing stopping Mr Statia and the GRA from following the culture of public accountability that exists at the Central Bank.

The GRA is struggling to adhere to the basics when it comes to transparency and accountability. I am hoping the Minister of Finance -especially Minister Jaipaul Sharma, who is known to be a stickler for following the law -- would have a word

with the GRA, so that entity can get into financial shape.

This is an easy fix; like the Bank of Guyana, GRA should have the ability to publish its annual report on its website. The rule of law provides for it; the Guyanese taxpayers would welcome it; and therefore the only missing link is whether, at the very top of the GRA, there is a firm commitment to transparency, financial accountability and following the rule of law.

Regards, Sase Singh

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Cure for Guyana’s Govt approval in politics (Part 1) precipitous fall

Dear Editor, In Minette Bacchus’s letters to the editors dated June 15 and June 18, 2017 respectively, and with captions “This is a Dictatorial Party Whose Leaders Were Never Elected” and “Rodney was no Saint”, reference was made to Mr Ivan Van Sertima (19352009, aged 74) as someone worthier of recognition in Guyana than Dr. Walter Rodney (1942-1980, aged 38). Both great Guyanese have dominated on the world stage, and their works live on in various academic fields, such as history, anthropology, economics, politics and philosophy.

I will not dwell on the works of Mr Van Sertima in this article. Suffice to say that what Rodney has done for Guyana exceeds and triumphs any works done by other Guyanese.

My conviction is that, of the Guyanese icons, Dr Walter Rodney is the pre-eminent Guyanese.

While both deserve awards and the naming of institutions in their honour, as do several other Guyanese, having a Walter Rodney Day as a national holiday is quite deserving for this great son of Guyana’s soil.

Walter Rodney’s magnum opus and seminal book, on “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa”, was published in 1972, when Walter was thirty years of age. The book became required reading in several universities across different continents.

In the introduction to the book, which encompassed communalism, feudalism, capitalism, colonialism and imperialism; Vincent Hardy, Robert Hill and William Strickland referred to the book as “an unparalleled work of historical analysis”.

Walter was a revolutionary scholar akin to Jean-Paul Sartre’s description of Che Guevara,

thus “I believe this man was not only an intellectual, but the most perfect man of his time”.

Walter Rodney died as a martyr for the freedom of Guyanese, during his remarkable efforts to diminish the colossal oppression and subjugation of the masses. There is a visceral connection between the political, social, and working-class groups to the life and works of Rodney that transcends status and race.

Rodney’s death was as a result of his efforts on behalf of progressive people against human degradation of Africans, Indians, Europeans, Chinese, native Americans and other race admixtures.

Without prejudice, it is my view that a national holiday for Walter Rodney would be most fitting.

Vincent Harding, on first meeting Rodney, noted: “Like many persons at the conference, my first impression of this slightly built, soft spoken, dark skinned brother from Guyana was his capacity to speak without notes – and without rhetorical flourish – for more than an hour, and yet have his highly informative material so carefully and cogently organized that it would have been possible to take it directly from a transcript and publish it…”.

After the cancellation of his appointment at the University of Guyana in 1974, the following was noted in the Introduction of ‘How Europe Underdeveloped Africa’: “Walter Rodney, the revolutionary-scholar, began once more to dig deeply into the soil of his native land. In spite of invitations and appeals from many places, he steadfastly refused to leave Guyana on any permanent basis…

Father Bernard Drake, a priest who was a reporter for the Catholic Standard, was fatally stabbed in the

back as he stood observing a pro-WPA demonstration outside the court building… From that point on, a repressive situation deteriorated into police beatings and escalating threats of “extermination” by Burnham against Walter and other leaders of the opposition WPA.…

He had ominously told some of us in this country that we might not see him again… For Walter Rodney, the WPA was one element of the job, and his research and writing was another. He saw no contradiction between them.

All elements of the task were held firmly together by the righteous integrity of his life, the disciplined power of his visions, and his undying love for the people and their possibilities…But, as it was said of Malcolm X, so it could be said of Walter: “He become much more than there was time for him to be.”

Rodney was multilingual; fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Swahili.

Any serious student of African history will consider it necessary to read the seminal work of one of Guyana’s finest sons.

Sincerely, Nigel Hinds

Dear Editor, In office for a mere two years, the APNU/AFC coalition has seen its approval rating fall precipitously from when it was first installed in government in May 2015. The approval ratings (how well people feel they do their job) of President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo have also declined, while that of the Opposition Leader (as well as his political stock) has risen.

The coalition entered office with a large reservoir of goodwill and a large majority approval rating (that included traditional supporters from the opposition PPP). At the time, almost everyone said the coalition deserved a chance when it took over power, and they wanted the APNU/AFC Government to succeed, to bring better governance from what many complain was arrogance by the leadership of the predecessor administration.

Instead, with just over two years completed, voters now complain about one misstep after another, and corruption under this administration; saying there is similar hubris, arrogance, and lack of accountability as existed under the preceding government.

The opinion poll was

conducted early this month by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association. The findings were obtained from interviews with 430 voters, to reflect the general demographics of the population (41% Indians, 31% Africans, 17% Mixed, 10% Amerindians, 1% others).

There is a margin of error of 4%.

Asked if they are satisfied with the performance of the government, only 23% said yes, with 68% saying no.

This new opinion poll shows just 39% of Guyanese now approve of the job President Granger is doing, while 50% disapprove. The survey finds 34% approve of the job Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo is doing, with 53% disapproving. Fiftyfour percent approve of the job Bharrat Jagdeo is doing, with 36% disapproving. The dip in support for the President has to do with, among other things, his reluctance to rein in errant ministers and government officials and crack down on corruption; while the PM’s low approval rating stems largely from his unwillingness to demand APNU enforcement

of the conditions in the Cummingsburg Accord, and address sugar workers’ issues.

Voters express widespread dissatisfaction over the Government’s handling of a number of matters, including the economy, crime, race relations, appointment of Gecom Chair, corruption, GuySuCo, SOCU and SARU investigations, etc.

Voters also said they are not pleased with the functioning of Parliament.

A large majority say the Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland, has been biased (in favour of the ruling coalition) in his presiding over Parliament.

Asked if they think SOCU/SARU has been politically targeting PPP affiliates for fraud investigation, 56% said yes, with 36% saying no. Asked if SOCU/ SARU should also investigate PNC/AFC officials for corruption, 61% said yes, with 32% saying no.

The poll also queried respondents on how they would vote if an election were held. The findings will be released in a subsequent report.

Sincerely, Vishnu Bisram

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SunDAY, june 25, 2017

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Foundation Medicine and Social Justice

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Anu Dev

must confess that, during my pre-clinical years, I used to champ at the bit (a bit!) because of the several classes about "Medical Ethics". "When would we get to the 'real medicine'?", I fretted. But in our classes now, during my clinical years, the doctors are still touching on some of those same points. This time around, the classes are having more of a positive impact, since I’ve actually had some time to experience working in the healthcare system.

Today I'd like to share a few thoughts on "the principle of social justice". Now I know that some of you might be saying (with bitter memories of you or some close relative not being able to secure vitally needed medical care),"Say what?? Doctors and social justice in the same sentence?!"

But there it is. We're taught that the medical profession must promote justice in the healthcare system --

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“In my opinion, our health care system has failed when a doctor fails to treat an illness that is treatable.” – Kevin Alan Lee including the fair distribution of healthcare resources.

Physicians should work actively to eliminate discrimination in health care, whether based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religion, or any other social category.

The way I see this is that, as doctors, we'll be practising in healthcare systems at various levels of development.

In Guyana, while my dad tells me that things have improved tremendously since he returned in 1990, the healthcare system is still far below Trinidad’s. Let’s hope our oil revenues will reverse that sad fact. But in the meantime, with whatever resource set we have at our disposal, we must be fair in our treatment to one and all. It does seem to me that our people are conditioned to defer to the "big ones" in society -- and I suspect that doctors also do this.

One area we were cautioned about is the

physician’s professional responsibility for appropriate allocation of perpetually limited resources -- both the institutions’, especially governmental, and the patients' finances. Doctors, then, should practise a scrupulous avoidance of superfluous tests and procedures, shouldn't we?

After all, the provision of unnecessary services not only exposes one’s patients to avoidable harm and expense, but also diminishes the resources available for others.

But from what I already have seen -- both during my visits and readings about the U.S. Health system, and even in my native Guyana in a couple of private hospitals -- there is a lot of over-prescription of tests. In the States, doctors may be doing this because of an overabundance of caution, from fear of being sued; but what's the local excuse??

Making big bucks? While it may

Striking out: When parents hit Here’s a confession: I have hit my (Part Two) children

BY JOYCE MAYNARD

be a judgement call to assist in a better diagnosis, I do believe that a doctor should be aware of the social circumstances of the patient, and be prudent.

Overall, returning to a previous discussion I had about our more "socialised medicine" than that of the U.S., I am even more firmly committed to our system. And based on what we’ve always been taught at UWI, doctors also have a duty to work towards a medical system that is based on social justice.

While I happen to believe in a "free enterprise system", I believe that medical care falls into "public goods" that must be guaranteed by the state.

And I am happy that in Guyana we spend such a large portion of our Budget on health. But we must insist we get the best value for our money.

The private medical care should supplement and augment that provided by the public system.

T

he danger with spanking, I learned, may have less to do with the act of spanking itself than with the spirit in which it’s done. In my case, it worked when I was totally under control and delivered no more than a couple of quick, firm pats on the bottom. But if I was upset, instead of being about regaining control and order, the spanking became another out-of-control behaviour. He hit his brother; I hit him. Was that really the message I wanted to send? I decided it wasn’t.

But, of course, even when a parent makes the conscious choice not to spank her child, the kinds of situations that may bring it about don’t disappear.

Neither do the feelings a parent may experience that moved her to lash out at her child.

“I’d read many books on child-rearing and firmly believed it was wrong to hit a child,” says Shelly Whymer, a mother of three, in Pasadena, CA. “But the stress of hurrying children off to school and myself off to work on time, or my anger over the children’s inability to play peacefully together for three minutes, sometimes made me into a monster.” One time, she admits, “I was so angry from trying to drive in heavy traffic while the three of them fought in the backseat that I broke my front tooth from clenching my jaw.”

Where that mother bottled up her frustrations tightly enough to hurt her mouth, many women find the opposite happening.

“I used to hold everything in for a long time,” says Jennifer Catrell, a fulltime mother of five, ages two to eight, in Nashua, NH. “But it kept building up, like water against a dam. One of the children would start ripping wallpaper off the walls, and then the others did it too. All of a sudden, it was as if the pressure reached critical mass and I’d just explode.

That’s when I’d spank one of them.”

She always regretted it.

“Hitting only made me feel worse,” she says. “I hugged them and apologised afterward and spent extra time with whomever I lost my temper at.”

Dennis Fielder, of Baton Rouge, LA, says the one and only time he hit his son, now seven, came when he was putting his aging mother in a nursing home and selling her house. “Tim made this comment to me about how he didn’t really like being around his grandmother, because she was always complaining and telling the same stories over and over,” he says.

“I didn’t even think – I just smacked him. It only came to me after that Tim was actually saying, out loud, all the things I’d been feeling myself, things that I felt incredibly guilty about.”

Of all the parents I’ve spoken to about this, none have done any real, physical harm to their child. The damage lay in the feelings that surrounded the violence and in the potential terror to a young child of seeing his parent and primary protector turning on him.

We all know our children are going to exhibit inappropriate, frustrating and even crazy-making behaviour now and then. (In other words, they’re going to act like children.) So the questions parents need to ask themselves are: What do I do when that happens?

And which situations are most likely to precipitate an inappropriate response from me?

“Every time I’ve hit my son or daughter, they’ve been wired up and out of control, and I’ve been under unusual stress,” says Clara Rechnitz, a mother of two, in Cherry Hill, NJ. “Realistically, they’re going to be wired up and out of control now and then. And I’m frequently going to be under stress. So what’s to keep me from behaving the same way next time?” (parent-

ing.com)

news

7

sunDAY, june 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Economic, road woes

Opposition urges Govt to respond to truckers’ concerns

More auditors for AG’s office, regular audits needed – Gaskin … to prevent misuse of finances in Govt

Economist Ramon Gaskin

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Auditor General Deodat Sharma

he office of the Auditor General could benefit from additional staff, including more auditors to carry out more expanded audits and a change in policy that would see more regular audits being carried out. With this in place and a strengthened office, special forensic audits costing taxpayers millions would be a thing of the past.

This is according to economist and former Presidential

Advisor, Ramon Gaskin, who spoke of the shortcomings being highlighted by the AG’s office, after the fact. He said by the time auditors have uncovered breaches of the law and procedure related to expenditure, the trail has already gone cold.

“The Auditor General’s office needs many more auditors,” Gaskin said. “They are understaffed. They need many more auditors and to locate

them inside the agencies and inside the Ministries (as a preventative mechanism).”

“Not to come a year later and to say this happened.

They ought to be there to do (regular audits). They need more professionally trained accountants and auditors in the office. By the time they check the books the money (already gone).”

T

Hinterland truckers discussing some of the challenges they face with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

T

he Office of the Leader of the Opposition is urging Government to respond to the concerns of truckers traversing Guyana’s hinterland region, so as to bring some relief to them.

The Opposition has said that Government should respond to these concerns through its various agencies, and that the Public Infrastructure Ministry should try to fulfill its obligations by ensuring adequate access to all hinterland communities.

The group was assured

by Leader of the Opposition that he and his team are willing, ready, and able to champion the just causes of this and every group that requires representation.

Jagdeo met with the group of owners and operators of trucks which provide essential services to various communities, and a number of concerns were aired. The truckers told the Opposition Leader that they are looking for a fair opportunity to access jobs with the Government of Guyana.

They also raised a number of other concerns.

One was the length of time, approximately three months, to obtain a National Insurance Scheme (NIS) compliance; and when obtained, same expires in one month.

Also discussed was the impact the inability to work is having on families, more particularly women and children; the huge cost to have supplies reach hinterland communities when trucks are unable to provide this service.

The $150 per pound for airfreight, while its $12 per pound via trucks; and the discriminatory imposition of the toll at Linden.

Another concern was the willingness of truck owners to engage Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in areas where they reside, to engage in orderly parking when their trucks are out of the interior.

Truckers also raised concerns about the deplorable state of roads and bridges, which is depriving them of the opportunity to work and bringing hardships to miners and other hinterland communities.

Highlighted at the meet-

ing specifically was the road to Olive Creek, and more particularly its condition between Itaballi and Pappy Show in Region Seven.

turn to page 17

8 news

SUNDAY, june 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Miner killed by Africanised bees at Imbaimadai

D

onald McIntosh is now dead, and Raymond Oselmo and Tyrone Charles are being treated for stings they received after being attacked by a swarm of Africanised bees at Imbaimadai, Region Seven, on Tuesday last.

The three miners were reportedly driving an excavator along a trail in the Imbaimadai area when they encountered a tree that blocked their path.

They used the excavator to push down the tree, but were attacked by swarms of Africanised bees that were inhabiting a hive in the tree.

Panicking, McIntosh allegedly ran into the nest while his two companions ran in the opposite direction. His body was found sometime later.

It is believed that when McIntosh jumped off the excavator, his foot got stuck in “quicksand”, and

The body of the late Donald McIntosh being taken to the morgue as resdients looks on

this detained him long enough for the bees to

concentrate their attack on him.

After getting out of the quicksand, McIntosh reportedly ran a short distance before collapsing.

His companions recalled hearing him screaming for help for more than an hour before he finally went silent, but they claim they were afraid to go to his assistance.

This was reportedly the second time that McIntosh had had an encounter with Africanised bees. His body is at the Bartica Regional Hospital awaiting a post mortem.

Apiculturists from Kingdom Apiary have since been called in to capture the bees, and they have reportedly removed several hives, which will be harvested of honey.

Linden Stewart has said this attack underscores the need for miners to receive urgent training regarding how to operate when attacked by bees.

Changing…

A

…the Constitution

Constitution basically describes how the powers of the state’s gonna be distributed in the institutions of the country. So, dear reader, whenever folks talk about “changing Constitutions”, they’re talking about changing the power distribution, right? And if this is so, it doesn’t take too many grey cells to figure out there will always be two sides to these calls -- those who benefit from the present power distribution and want to keep the status quo, and those who want to change it.

So this talk about changing the Constitution -that’s once again rising -- has been going on forever.

But your Eyewitness isn’t surprised that the parties to this exercise don’t tell the folks out there it’s a never-ending process. If only for the simple reason that whenever anyone proposes a better way for governing ourselves by redistributing power, there will always be politicians who will bend those rules to further their own interests -- even those politicians who made the calls in the first place.

Take the British, who gave us our first Independence Constitution along with a new way of electing the government: through Proportional Representation, rather than “first past the post”. It was supposed to allow a proliferation of parties in our Land of Six Peoples, and so split up the votes to the extent that parties would need to coalesce to get into State House. At the time, however, Burnham said he didn’t care what Constitution he got, he knew how to ensure he kept power. He placed his bets on human nature, which really never changes.

He did coalesce his PNC with the UF…but immediately started manoeuvres to make the latter impotent. Buying out the UF MPs (and some of the PPP’s to boot!!) was only one of his moves. But it was based on his certainty that everyone has a price, and it’s just a matter of negotiating with the ones who can be bought for the least price. Negotiating is always about personal perks. So when we fast forward to the present, and agonise why the constitutional redistribution of power after the changes of 2000 failed, we don’t have to only look at the Constitution and its rules. The fault, dear reader, also lies in the greedy ones in the game.

The initial hope of PR forcing coalitions was based on the expectation that coalitions would force compromises to spread around the power so it doesn’t end up in one spot -- which was the problem to begin with, in the first place.

But when you have folks who can be bought with baubles and SUVs, the status quo will remain. And constitutional change will be demanded again!

…the guppies

After all the background stuff above, your Eyewitness figures he might as well connect the dots on what’s playing out in the power game right now.

And don’t forget it’s ALWAYS about power, OK? The politicians will keep up the sharp patter of those street hustlers with their three card monte, but keep your eyes on the prize!

So we had the guppy parties coalescing with the PNC to form APNU. But they were never bargaining to redistribute power, were they? Each of them simply hoped for a piece of the action. So when we hear the WPA wasn’t involved in Roopnaraine’s appointment as Education Minister, why is that surprising? It was always about the personal perks. Ditto about those who became “Presidential Advisors”. And even though the AFC “negotiated” the Cummingsburg Accord”, that became a useless piece of paper when Nagamootoo and Ramjattan didn’t pull out when no power was really redistributed.

Was it because they knew many of their erstwhile comrades had been bought out by then?

…the bean counters

Two years on, Finance Minister Jordan can’t explain why the Government hasn’t been able to find the “billions and billions” APNU/AFC had claimed the PPP “siphoned off”.

What to do? Blame the auditors!! Off with their heads!!

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

NEWS

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SunDAY, june 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Canal No 2 residents, farmers under water … blame the local NDC, RDC for ignoring complaints … counting millions in losses

By Shemuel Fanfair

R

esidents of several sections of Canal Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara, are calling on the relevant authorities to immediately address prolonged flooding which is threatening their livelihoods. Farmers and residents in South Section, Canal Number Two, and other villages told Guyana Times on Saturday that they are incurring millions of dollars in losses due to constant flooding which was spurred on by intense heavy rainfall over the last five days.

South Section farmer Dookie (only name) told this newspaper that some 200 of his pear crops which he planted 15 months ago are threatened. The crops are now starting to bear first fruit.

He also explained that it was only weeks ago that he invested around $1 million to excavate his drains in preparations for the heavy rainfall.

However, the water level is so high that his peppers and pak choi were all inundated.

Dookie explained that in the coming days, these crops will wither.

“Since Monday this water is at this height and only yesterday (Friday) after-

noon they start to pull de canal; if they only pull before, it coulda help the pear,” the farmer noted.

Similarly, farmer Mahendra Sugdeo observed that he incurred millions in losses as 15 acres of his crops were lost due to the flood waters. He told Guyana Times that farming is the only means of sustenance for him, his wife and their three children.

“We get this flood here because of the negligence of the trench not [being] cleaned. If the trench was cleaned, we wouldn’t get this flood here. The water wouldda pull off and wouldn’t be building up. I get over three million dollars in losses. I got pumpkin, cassava, sweet potato, banana, cucumber, bell yam; everything under water and everyday de water coming up higher and higher,” Sugdeo noted.

He further explained that he had to bury one of his calves which was born a few days ago. Another farmer told this newspaper that he looks after his elderly parents who are both in their 70s.

Cash crop famer, Imran Baksh explained that it has been especially trying for many farmers in the area,

who had planted sugar cane before operations ended at the nearby Wales Sugar Estate. He stated that he incurred over a million dollar in losses, noting that all his cabbage crops were dam-

ous complaints, suggesting that persons who are more knowledgeable about farming should be installed to Council positions in order to address their concerns.

Guyana Times however un-

Where to go next? The affected farmers at South Section, Canal Number Two

It was explained that these pepper plants will wither and die

aged.

“De conservancy overtopping now you got black water come into de lands; 10 years this thing happening, now you gon wait to see what you could do in this rainy weather,” Baksh pointed out.

Many of the farmers blamed the local Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for ignoring their numer-

derstands that the flooding could have been avoided if the Tender Board had facilitated the contract being awarded for drainage works in the area.

This publication was informed that previously, a former large-scale sugar cane farmer was granted monthly contracts for clearing clogged drains over the years. However, this newspaper understands that changes in the tendering

process awarded the contract to several contractors instead. It is this back-andforth that many believe is responsible for the flooding.

Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Regional Chairman Julius Faerber, who was on site when this newspaper was in the community, said the major canal falls under the purview of National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).

“It’s a seven mile stretch and if the canal is not properly cleaned, the water will not be drained. A lot of farmers have lost their crops and lives stock and it is not easy for them to get back into operations. At the RDC level, we have been maintaining the internal drains are clear but if the main drain is not

cleaned, we are still going to have that problem,” Faerber stressed.

When this newspaper arrived in the area, workmen attached to the ToevlugtPatenia Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) were hurrying to clear several sections of the canal using cutlasses and a tractor to transport the weed.

However several homes were already under water.

Some residents had even placed sandbags to fend off the rising water levels but this proved futile. The farmers are calling on the Agriculture Ministry and other authorities to visit the area and look into their plight. They reported that they have not seen such water levels since the 2005 floods.

10 news

sunDAY, June 25, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Flooding continues across Region 10

S

everal areas in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) continued to suffer from intense flooding at the weekend, with residents in affected areas such as Coomacka, Linden, and Speightland under water.

said the situation was caused by an over topping of the river about a week ago.

“Most of the latrines are under water with an unbearable stench. Persons are forced to use this same water to bathe and wash, as there

A house at Speightland, Linden inundated with water

dents or to address the issue.

Meanwhile, at Linden, residents at Water Lily Road (Poker Street), Wismar, are adversely affected, while

the Water Lily road’s main drain. He also urged support for the residents living in the “alleys”, noting that the Regional Democratic

A resident making his way to his flooded home in Linden

Numerous homes and yards remain inundated, as floodwaters continued to rise.

While the water had receded late on Friday in low-lying areas at Coomacka, those affected feared the worse as the weather pattern was expected to worsen on Saturday. As predicted, flooding continued well into Saturday, with residents complaining over the high level of floodwaters in their surroundings, including their kitchen gardens which many depend on as a meal of livelihood. Residents

is no other source,” affected resident Nick Hartman told Guyana Times on Saturday.

He said approximately 25 homes in the area are currently being affected and as the water continues to rise, more are expected to be affected. Speaking on behalf of those affected, the resident described the situation as “very uncomfortable”, explaining that residents are “scared to go in the water”.

He said there has been no official word from those in authority on how to assist resi-

A woman points to her house which has been flooded for days

at Speightland the situation is no different. With regards to the flooding situation at Wismar, Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland noted that it was as a result of high tide and other infrastructural “lack” mainly at

Council, Linden Mayor and Town Council, Community Development Council and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority are working to see what can be done to bring ease to the situation.

Uitvlugt Estate will not achieve...

The harvester also pointed out that hiring more people would not solve the problems at the estate. He said the estate caters for between four and a half and five tonnes of cane per harvesting, and if there are two gangs to deliver canes, the estate could get at least 16 hours of grinding and manual loading.

Khandhai emphasised that people are looking for financial security because they have bills to pay and families to take care of. He explained that the meagre salaries paid by GuySuCo are not enough. While recognizing that Guyana no longer benefits from preferential prices for sugar in Europe, the sugar workers noted that there is

still some room for GuySuCo to provide necessary incentives.

“Days gone by I used to mind (provide for) my children and saved to build my house.

I used to say I don’t know if I could ever leave cane-cutting.

But I can’t say that anymore, and there is no future for my children in sugar. Look how things are right now,” he added.

Realistic

However, while these workers are convinced that the target cannot be met, the Uitvlugt Estate Manager, Yudhisthira Mana, has a different take on the issue.

Mana told Guyana Times that the goal set by GuySuCo is realistic, even though there

are some challenges. Quickly debunking some of the things being peddled by some workers as not true, he said: “We are striving towards achieving it because we started crop nowhere to somewhere. It’s basically to say we have to invest. We have started the investment.”

Mana said the estate could achieve the 40,000 tonnes production only if enough cane is there to support the production, and that expansion has started.

It was recently announced that GuySuCo is investing $1.5B in the Uitvlugt Estate Improvement Programme (UEIP), and through a leasing process to private farmers, is privatising half of its planta-

from page 2

tion to produce sugarcane for the Uitvlugt factory.

The estate manager said the company has set a production target of 20,178 tonnes of sugar for 2017, and is hoping to multiply its current production to achieve a targeted 40,000 tonnes of sugar by 2020.

As part of GuySuCo’s divestment and diversification processes, Uitvlugt has been one of three estates selected to remain in sugar production, but a shortage of human resources is hampering production.

Vacancies exist for some 406 employees in the Agriculture Department, the company’s largest department.

Rain, Rain go away S

atiricus was a cricket fanatic. He made no bones about it. Even though, as a diehard WI fan, it didn’t exactly do much for his blood pressure, he persisted. He was disappointed about the early end and premature game against India on Friday, and ambled over to the Back Street Bar for the usual post-mortem -- which was half the fun of cricket, in any case.

“I figured we were doing quite well when the rains came down,” Satiricus ventured, as he started on his first beer.

“Budday! Dem Indian opena alone mek ovah wan hundred, and abee bin a do good?” asked Bungi with his eyebrows touching his hairline.

“Well, with only ten overs to go, they could only make 199,” pointed out Hari. “You don’t think we coulda chase 300?”

“Yeah, Bungi, wasn’t that good?” demanded Satiricus.

“Da de problem wid a-you dese,” said Bungi, shaking his head. “How abee guh do ‘good’ w’en half abee bes’ playah nah play?”

“That is a different story, Bungi,” said Hari.

“The players and the Boars has to work out that problem.”

“But da na wan differen’ story,” insisted Bungi.

“Wha’ mek even waan stand na full wid people?”

“The Trinis knew rain was coming?” suggested Satiricus.

“Nah…de forecyaas seh ‘good weather’,” said Bungi.

“So what was the reason?” asked Hari, a bit exasperatedly.

“De Trinis gat sense fuh baicut de game, fuh send wan message to de Board!” grinned Bungi.

“Even in de waan stan’ wha full, mos’ a de people bin fram outside!”

“Yes, I did see all those Indian fans,” conceded Satiricus.

“But t’ing nah all bad,” said Bungi when he looked at the doleful expressions on his pals’ faces.

“Yes?” asked Hari hopefully.

“Well, dis a de secan’ time India get wash out in Trinidad!” said Bungi with a wide grin. “Dem cyaan wash dem mout’ pan Guyana about cricket an’ rain na mo’!!”

news

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SunDAY, june 25, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Supervisory authority should govern Attorneys-at-law – AG … to ensure compliance with AML/CFT Act

A critical review of the State Paper on the future of the sugar industry (GuySuCo Part V)

C

ontinuing from last week, on page 4 of the document, the first paragraph under the heading “future of the sugar industry” stated that: “The Government of Guyana is cognizant of the invaluable contribution of the sugar industry over the years. It will not allow GUYSUCO to die from preventable causes. The Government, however, cannot let GUYSUCO continue to utilize a business model that is based on waste, inefficiency and hopelessness, ultimately leading to its undoing. Neither option is a formula for improving the income and wealth of sugar workers while seeking to provide the good life for current and future generations.”

In an attempt to examine and critically evaluate the abovementioned statement in a scholarly manner, I will do so by thoroughly focusing on, and interpreting, each of its parts. A university professor might ask these questions: “What is the basis for such a conclusion? Is this assertion provable?” This is just an unsupported assertion, lacking merit and substance. The paper should have expounded, or needed to expound, on this contention with supporting evidence.

In the first sentence, “The Government is cognizant of the invaluable contribution of the sugar industry over the years”, the key words here are ‘cognizant’ and ‘invaluable contribution’. If a government is aware of something that is invaluable, why would that same government dismantle and destroy such an instrument?

If we are destroying this invaluable system, what are we replacing it with? If a man has a gem that he knows is of priceless value, the world’s richest billionaire could offer him ¾ of his wealth, that man would never sell such a gem. This is basic logic. By downscaling the industry, there will be no certainty in transforming the livelihoods of the thousands of persons anticipated to be affected into predictable stable financial family units. It is stated that the sugar workers would be given access to land for other agricultural purposes, but this has to be carefully thought out, and form part of a wider transformative and economic development plan, for the reasons stated hereunder.

The process to convert cane lands into alternative agricultural lands would attract a financial cost which sugar workers and farmers would certainly not be able to bear. Consideration must be given to what other crops will be planted. There is excessive production of the common provisions and cash crops, and lack of export market for these produce is another concern. In addition, without valueadded mechanisms in place, excessive production would ultimately lead to wastage and depressed pricing.

Further, the agriculture sector contributes on average 18 – 19 percent to GDP, with sugar alone accounting for 3.5 percent on average. In 2016, real GDP growth was recorded at 3.5 percent, while nominal GDP was close to 10 percent. It can therefore be inferred that, should sugar be taken away or downsized, the economy would experience an overall reduction in GDP and a likely negative economic growth. Such an outcome has the potential to develop into a depression.

The paper went on to cite the recommendations put forward by the CoI, albeit in a very brief manner, suggesting a large part of all the recommendations were not emphasised and were thus ignored in the paper. In this regard, it stated that, “the COI recommended that the Corporation should be privatized within three years. The Commission recommended, also, that a serious evaluation of all diversification options be conducted to avoid total reliance on sugar for GUYSUCO’s revenues. The COI called for an evaluation of the options.”

Having referenced that, the paper, and effectively the Government of Guyana (GoG) did not conduct any such evaluation suggested above, from the recommendations of the CoI. A thorough evaluation of all the options, including most importantly a social impact study and an economic impact study, ought to have been conducted and addressed within the state paper on this subject matter. There is absolutely no evidence suggesting that these studies were done.

Moreover, in order for a comprehensive, thorough and effective social and economic study to be carried, wide consultations with the sugar workers and the people in the sugar producing communities ought to have been done. To my surprise, the Government and the Speaker of the National Assembly boldly announced such a consultation is not necessary. This is utterly the most nonsensical statement I have ever heard. Is there a new, contemporary way I am unaware of to conduct a social impact study without proper research and consultations with those who are going to be affected on an issue?

Hence, with all these limitations presented in this column, in summary, underpinning a state white paper, the essence -- or I should say the heart -- of the paper should have been an economic and social impact study, which sadly was not done; and a comprehensive and thorough cost benefit analysis evaluation of all the options and recommendations arising from the findings of the CoI need to be conducted. Clearly none of these was done as well.

It is clear the GoG had their own preconceived plan on this matter, which is economically & socially destructive for the economy and the nation at large. For these reasons, I reiterate that the paper is akin to a high school student’s essay – characterised in the highest degree possible as an unscholarly piece of work coming from the highest offices in the country’s bureaucratic and hierarchical political structure.

A

ttorney General Basil Williams has expressed the view that there is need for Attorneys-at-law to be supervised by a supervisory authority to ensure compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act. The Minister’s contention was expressed in a letter of congratulations to the newly elected President of the Guyana Bar Association, Kamal Ramkarran, executives and committee members of the Association.

In the letter the Minister has agreed to meet with the new members of the Bar Association, adding that he hopes to discuss with the executive, issues in relation as to whether the membership of the Bar Association should be extended to State attorneys and the continuing legal education for attorneys-at-law in Guyana.

Williams also thanked the Association for its willingness to assist and collaborate with him in the administration of justice.

The elections for the Association were held at

Attorney General Basil Williams

the Victoria Law Courts in Georgetown where the new executive was elected to serve in positions for a period of one year as prescribed by the rules of the Association.

Elected Committee members include Rajendra Poonai, Sanjeev Datadin, Jamela Ali, Mark Waldron, Rexford Jackson and Brenden Glasford.

The elections of the new GBA President and office bearers comes on the heels of a scathing public missive by former Association President (for the 2015 to 2016 yearly term) and outspoken social, political

and anti-corruption advocate Christopher Ram. Ram in his extensive missive observed that the past year has been “a year in which the Bar Association and the wider profession have witnessed oxymoronically, both much happening, and nothing happening.”

The former Bar Association President maintains lawyers are bound by a Code of Conduct under the Legal Practitioners Act “but many it seems pay little attention to its prescriptions, confident that they will get away with whatever.”

He observed too even when lawyers are found “guilty” the strongest punishment they face is being told to refund the fees or money paid to them by their hapless clients.

“In a civilised environment, such action would require publication… Here in Guyana, there is no more than whisper among lawyers while the offending lawyer is free to continue the offending practice.”

According to the former GBA President, his recommendations would be for the Legal Practitioners Committee to be headed by a retired Judge en-

New President of the Guyana Bar Association, Kamal Ramkarran

abled with capable full-time staff, and for all its findings to be publicised since “the public needs protection from unscrupulous practitioners.”

Since assuming office, Ramkarran has given his commitment to ensure that steps are taken to establish a committee which will provide recommendations to the Chief Justice for a new Civil Procedures Rules for the Supreme Court and has vowed to pay keen interest in improving public confidence in lawyers and the legal profession.

12 news

SunDAY, june 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Emerging oil industry

Do not neglect other sectors – Jagdeo cautions Govt A lthough Guyana is set to begin producing commercial quantities of oil in 2020, the Opposition believes Government is placing too much of its focus on that emerging sector and forgetting about the other productive sectors in the local economy that continue to provides hundreds of jobs to Guyanese.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is of the firm belief that if this trend continues, Guyana’s future will be squandered.

“I am always hopeful that

we would make a lot of money from the oil and gas industry. I said that in Parliament but I cannot think about a serious Government that will risk our entire future on the hope of an industry that is so volatile,” he remarked.

Jagdeo said that this is main reason why he has referred to Government as having a “banana republic” mentality, where heavy focus is placed on one single sector, neglecting all of the industries, similarly to what happened in Central America, where the term was coined.

“Trotman should be

ashamed of himself. He is only looking good because he has two sectors that were left by the People’s Progressive Party (the oil sector and the two new big gold mines). He got a gift more than most of the Ministers to look good and he is still screwing it up. So my point is that this is what they are doing,” he added.

According to Jagdeo, who is a trained economist, oil prices can move for various reasons and while major oil companies like ExxonMobil may have a better forecast about the future, nobody

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo thinks Government is placing too much focus on the emerging oil sector

knows for certain what the price would be like in 2020 and if Guyana will benefit abundantly.

The former Head of State explained that oil prices move in what he described as “short-term” and is not necessarily dependent on supply and demand. As a matter of fact, he said the market is fickle.

“If its US$300 we can move faster but at US$50 we still have to move forward, because if we neglect the reasons for moving forward at US$50 per barrel with the hope that we are going to spend at US$300 barrel, then we are misleading people. And that’s what I’m trying to get a sense of realism.”

The Opposition Leader pointed to other experiences in the world, stating that even the largest producers of oil are facing tough times, while making reference to neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago. That island country is currently experiencing a financial crisis due to the collapse of the global oil and gas market.

While he was not prepared to give an estimate of what the prices of oil could possibly be in 2020, Jagdeo said he would approach the issue twofold. He said that resources from the oil and gas sector should not be included in the performance of other sectors of the economy.

“Most countries don’t do

this.

They don’t separate national statistics and so when oil is ascending the other sectors tend to decline because of what I explained with the changes in relative prices.

You will have every time, a decline in the non-oil sector and it is reported in the accounts that come to the National Assembly, and people will question it,” he said.

The Opposition Leader also emphasised the need for focus to be placed on labour intensive sectors such as mining, rice and sugar so that they continue to operate and be buoyant.

“The oil investment will bring in a few hundred jobs and every year we graduate tens of thousands of students from university, but we have to take a dual approach. But the way they (Government) are talking about oil, everything is surrounding this.”

Guyana is all set to join the ranks of the world’s major oil-based economies, as ExxonMobil charges forward on a project to capitalise on the largest oil find in over a decade.

ExxonMobil had discovered a massive oil field measuring about 6.6 million acres earlier this year, with reserves estimated up to two billion barrels. When production begins in 2020, some 120,000 barrels of oil will be produce per day.

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SunDAY, june 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Canje murder

Suspect considered dangerous – Police

G

Under siege

I

n Guyana, from the beginning of modern politics in 1947, voting became increasingly influenced by ethnicity. With the Indian segment becoming a majority by the 1960s, it was not a coincidence that elections became ethnic censuses.

One of the dilemmas of democracy in Guyana under the Westminster majoritarian/ plurality rules is how do we control this now reflexive formation of ethnic “factions” to preclude real or perceived tyrannies of the majority? It does not matter the majority may be wise or just, the potential permanent exclusion of the minority from executive office vitiates claims of substantive “democracy”.

The minority African section had to deal with the possibility of being forever excluded from the Executive after 1961. This was the “African Ethnic Security Dilemma” in Guyana: if they played by the rules of Democracy, they would be excluded from the Executive.

As predicted by us in 1993, because of other Ravi Dev structural conditions, they resisted that exclusion by parliamentary (1992-1997) and extra-parliamentary means - including armed rebellion, between 1998 and 2008.

Democracy also presumes that the State will be managed for all the citizens of the country: the managers should be servants of the people. Hegel called them the “universal class”. If the staffing of the institutions of the state are in the control of any one “faction”, this presents another dilemma for democracy. Typically, the majority faction controls the Executive and the organs of state, and in fact this is what produces the “tyranny of the majority”. However, if there are circumstances in which a minority has control of the state institutions, especially if these include the Armed Forces and the Civil Service and the Judiciary, then the will of the majority can also be denied, since the minority would calculate that they have the wherewithal to challenge the majority without state sanctions.

This was - and remains - the situation in Guyana, where the minority African section is vastly overrepresented in the key state institutions mentioned, especially in the Armed Forces, and used this incumbency to challenge the numerical advantage of the Indians between 1992 and 2011. This creates an “Indian Ethnic Security Dilemma”; for since, even though they were the majority under the Westminster system, and could form the Executive after “free-and-fair” elections, that Executive could not guarantee stability, especially for its supporters. Before taking any policy decision, the Executive under the “Principle of Anticipated Reactions” - always has to take into consideration whether the opposition would initiate violence under cover of their control of State institutions.

At the same time, the Indian supporters of the Executive are under an omnipresent fear of being physically attacked whenever the question of national power is contested.

With sustained post-1980 migration of Indian Guyanese exceeding that of African Guyanese, the former’s numerical advantage was lost by 2012, when the census showed them dropping to 39.5% of the population. The results of the 2015 elections showed that, with most of the growing “Mixed” population continuing to cleave politically to African Guyanese, the African Security Dilemma has been resolved. It is expected that the minority Amerindian population would also be induced to support the incumbent government with the politics of patronage. For insurance, the present contretemps over the GECOM Chair have convinced many that a surgical rigging is being arranged as insurance. With oil revenues expected to start flowing by 2020 when the next elections will be held, it would appear that the odds of the party of the Indians - the PPP - (not an Indian party) returning to power in 2020 is very slim.

The Indian Ethnic Security Dilemma, therefore, has now been transformed into a straight-out possible oppression of a minority group by a Government that combines the “authority” of electoral office with the “power” of being supported by the key institutions of the state - the Police, Army and the Civil Service. Even though the PPP was in office for 23 years and a Disciplined Services Commission - following the armed uprising against the state - recommended in 2004 that recruitment for the Disciplined Forces be structured to ensure its composition more broadly reflect the composition of the country, this was never implemented.

Yet, even as the present PNC-led coalition government moved to increase the numbers in the Disciplined Forces, the new recruits remain overwhelmingly drawn from the African Guyanese community. (To be continued)

oldburn December, also called “Goldie”, a deportee from Suriname, is the prime suspect in Wednesday’s brutal slashing death of his ex-wife Mintie Karamchand, which occurred at Sheet Anchor, East Canje Berbice during an argument.

After allegedly committing the act, December jumped into the Canje River in a bid to escape apprehension, and has since not been seen. He remains on the run, but ‘B’ Division Police are making stringent efforts to arrest him.

They caution the public to

Murder suspect: Goldburn December

consider him dangerous.

‘B’ Division Commander Ian Amsterdam told media operatives that Police have not received any information that can lead to

December’s arrest. While there are reports that the man might have drowned, Police say they will give up the search only if the body is found. As it is, they are making every effort to apprehend the suspect.

Goldburn December reportedly used a chopper last Wednesday to slash the ankles and wrists of Mintie Karamchand, his ex-wife and mother of his five children. He then grabbed two pieces of wood and clobbered the woman to her head several times, to make sure she was dead.

Karamchand was rushed to the New Amsterdam

Dead: Mintie Karamchand

Hospital, but succumbed soon after.

The dead woman had been separated from the suspect for quite some time, after enduring a rocky relationship.

14 news

SunDAY, june 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Murder of 8-year-old

Take “Spiritualist” remains in custody Younge’s Roopnaraine,

F

ollowing a post mortem examination that proved that eightyear-old Isaiah Smartt of “E” Field Sophia was murdered, the Police arrested a “spir-

itualist” in connection with the murder. The body of the boy was found in a swampy area a few yards away from the back door of the woman’s house.

Based on reports, the woman was arrested on Friday afternoon and taken to the Alberttown Police Station, where a statement was taken.

Hinds and the WPA

T

Dead: Isaiah Smartt

Residents in the area have said that the woman would normally lock herself in the house belonging to her family and pray all the time.

She is assisting with the investigations, but the mother of the dead child has, from the inception, been holding out that her son was murdered.

According to reports, the child’s mother was under the impression that he had gone to his father’s home, and when he did not return home, she did not pay much heed – until his body was discovered and an alarm was raised.

Eyewitnesses state that the body was swollen, suggesting that it might have been there for at least two days.

The late Isaiah Smartt was last seen alive on Monday afternoon, playing around the area, and it was not until a relative had retired to bed that the child was discovered missing. Isaiah was described as a mannerly child and a great cricketer by those who had known him.

his week, co-leader of the Workings People’s Alliance Party (WPA) Dr David Hinds dropped two bomb shells on the Guyanese public. Dr Hinds firstly admitted that his party was a) never consulted on the appointment of Dr Rupert Roopnaraine as the substantive Minister of Education, b) the party never selected Roopnaraine as its representative in the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change Government and c) the party’s official Executive was never officially consulted on Dr Roopnaraine’s reassignment in Cabinet before President David Granger took his decision.

Secondly, Dr Hinds also admitted that the WPA had “serious” concerns about the manner in which decisions were being made in the coalition Michael Younge and the fact that it was being “sidelined”. He said too that the WPA had a number of concerns about the governance decisions being made by the David Granger Government with respect to specific issues while noting that the WPA has been unable to hold frequent or serious discussions with President David Granger or the other coalition partners.

In short Dr Hinds and Executive Member Mr Tacuma Ogunseye, who joined him at the hastily called press conference earlier in the week, have admitted that there are not only problems within the coalition and the structure of Government but the entire notion of shared governance as far as this country’s political culture is concerned.

The truth is, the WPA was forced to hold that press conference.

The party which has only existed on paper since the death of Dr Walter Rodney has no real membership or following. The party’s Executive which is made up of a group of Guyanese intellectuals and middle class elites chooses to offer a comment here and there about different issues when and only if it suits its agenda.

Over the past decade the party has only been kept alive because of the activism of some its most hostile and in other cases black conscious members like Mr Ogunseye, Andiaye and Dr Hinds. It has also managed to keep itself a bit relevant because of the writings of Dr Clive Thomas who over the past few years has earned a reputation at home and abroad for his creative analysis of the “underground economy” that allegedly existed and grew during the tenure of the Peoples Progressive Party in Government.

Dr Hinds and Mr Ogunseye should be ashamed to face the Guyanese press after all of these months have passed to complain about the treatment it is receiving at the hands of the APNU and AFC within the wider coalition. Dr Rodney would have never waited this long or allowed the status quo to further deteriorate before raising objections both internally and externally.

Also, as a party that lectured the Guyanese public about the need for inclusionary democracy, shared governance, national unity and ethnic harmony, the WPA should be a shamed to be in the state that it has found itself. While Dr Hinds and Mr Ogunseye would not admit it and may never do so because of the backlash it would cause and the ammunition it would give the PPP, President Granger and the PNC has outsmarted the WPA. He has shafted their politicians again and what is regrettable is that he has done with the help of the WPA’s co-leader Mr Roopnaraine.

It is hard to believe that Mr Roopnaraine played no role direct role in his appointment and subsequent reassignment. In 1992, when Mr Thomas was offered a post in Government by Dr Cheddi Jagan, he declined because of the protestations of Roopnaraine and others. They felt that the President should have only offered the portfolio to the WPA and they would select the office holder.

Now, it appears that the politics of principle which the WPA practiced then died with Dr Rondey because President Granger gave Roopnaraine the post without even caring to speak with the WPA. Mr Granger even made it clear that the WPA was not given a Ministry in his Government and therefore has no direct stake in his coalition apart from having its name on a list of paper partners.

This exposes the truth about the WPA. It did not negotiate its stake in Government before the elections. It allowed the PNC to use it to secure executive power. The WPA Executive trusted Mr Roopnaraine but he betrayed their trust. He should have sought clarity about his appointment and informed his party properly. But this is not surprising coming from Mr Roopnaraine and history is replete with examples of the confusing and almost ‘scampishness’ associated with the politics he has practiced.

Dr Hinds, Mr Ogunsey and the others in the WPA must demand answers from Mr Roopnaraine about his involvement in the coalition. Is he there as an independent member or is he representing the WPA? If he is, then he answerable to the WPA first about the decisions he makes as Minister representing the party and then the President who will have to double check his actions. The WPA must ask Dr Thomas took about his involvement in the coalition because it would appear too that he is there not as a WPA politician but an Independent.

The principles and legacy of Dr Walter Rodney died with him and none of these politicians in the so called modern WPA party have the testicular ability or integrity to defend or implement them. They all remain talking heads.

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sunDAY, june 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Inaugural Robotic Exhibition wows patrons D

eveloping countries are five steps behind technology and Guyana is no exception.

In an effort to close the ever-widening technology gap in Guyana, a Robotic and Technology Exhibition was on Saturday hosted at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in an effort to educate and prepare Guyanese youth for the modern age of technology.

First Lady Sandra Granger, who was among the patrons, highlighted the need for such a programme since it is predicted that 75 per cent of jobs will encompass the technology field in the near future.

“So if the children and young people do not adapt to that idea we are going to be in a society that is always catching up and not getting there,” she told the gathering.

The expo, which was sponsored by STEM Guyana, saw the participation of several senior secondary schools and was supported by the Education Ministry and the local business community, who had on display innovative and educational robotic creations.

sent the potential oil boom.

“The boat basically is soft powered because eventually we want to not be able to be people on an oil filled boat that can explode… the robot has a proximity sensor which moves it from oncoming obstacles and traffic.”

One of the Co-founders, Caleb Christian, displayed a booth specifically designed to teach children to master programming; by creating games and animations.

The team which will represent Guyana at the Robotic Olympics later this year

North Ruimveldt Church Robotic under 11 Club boasted a boat made from plastic bottles

The young man related that his mother (Event Coordinator, Karen Abrams) saw that many persons who entered the technology field

An employee of Starr Computer explaining the operations of a drone to students

A representative from the North Ruimveldt Church Robotic under 11 Club boasted a boat made from plastic bottles among other materials to repre-

to Guyana; STEM Guyana”.

Workshops were held over the past year to educate many of the participants who successfully built their own robots to display at the exhibition.

Event Coordinator and Co-Founder, Karen Abrams relayed that the expo seeks to unleash the technology potential of youths across Guyana through the implementation of various programmes, while proudly de-

were young and did not possess any “traditional education” so she put them on ‘STEM focus” and as they got older, they decided to bring a similar programme

claring that Guyana will be one of 160 countries competing in the Robotic Olympics.

“One of the things we did last year was a summer camp for robot building and programming. This year we’re taking a team to Washington, DC (in the United States), to compete against 160 countries in robotics”.

The affair was a fundraiser and an education event which was implemented to not only appease the curiosity of persons who were anxious to see the robots entering the competition, but also to engage and educate the public about technology and drones.

She further disclosed that the event was initially sponsored by the Guyanese Diaspora, but after sharing her idea with First Lady Sandra Granger, to enable Guyanese youth to compete like other Caribbean states

and western countries, the First Lady wholeheartedly agreed. Funds were initially raised with the Diaspora and tremendous assistance was received from both governmental and non-governmental organisations. She described the event as “a public-private Diaspora local initiative to help Guyanese young people learn more about technology”.

While some of exhibiting teams included students from President’s College, Bishop’s High School and St Roses, other teams comprised members of the Private Sector and business community, such as Starr

Computers and Gizmos and Gadgets. The Coordinator revealed her plans to establish clubs all across Guyana in schools and community centres.

Meanwhile, member of Team Guyana, Vivekenand Ramnarase, expressed his delight at being a part of the group that is set to represent Guyana at the Robotic Olympics later this year, and is optimistic that Guyana has what it takes to win. Guyana enters an H2O challenge to raise awareness against contaminating water across the thirsty planet. The team is required to build a robot that is able to harvest water and separate

same from contaminants; entailing safe storage.

First Global, the organisation behind the competition had provided a kit with parts for the participants, from which they are required to design and build a robot.

One particular booth stuck the interest of patrons, which sought to teach students to create apps for android phones and animations. “We have a very brilliant team, we’re very diverse and dedicated and we are going to go there and even if we don’t win… but I really think that we would.

We would come back as champions either way”.

16news

SUNDAY, june 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Region 5 flooding

REO withholds funds … refuses to meet with National Disaster Management Committee

T

he Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), Ovid Morrison, is yet to address the way forward in providing relief to residents hit by floodwaters in that region. The REO has reportedly refused to meet with the Regional Chairman, who on Saturday summoned a meeting of the National Disaster Management Committee following continuous rainfall over the past

two days which left several villages inundated.

Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal told Guyana Times that villages including Bushlot; Numbers 28, 29, and 30; Trafalgar; Bath Settlement; Kingerly; Rosignol and Tempie; Maichony; Abary; Hopetown; and Mahaica Creek are all flooded. He noted that in the Rosignol-Blairmont area the water has receded.

“Areas like Bushlot, the

water is still on the land and it is moving very slow.

This would have been caused by the many canals that are heavily clogged. In the Mahaicony area there are a number of canals and trenches that need to be cleaned and that would have compounded the situation. Farmers would have already suffered loses to their crops and livestock in some areas,” Ramphal said.

As a result of the accumulation of several inch-

es on water in some communities, at about 11:00h on Saturday, the Regional Chairman summoned a meeting of the National Disaster Management Committee of which the REO Ovid Morrison is a key member.

The meeting was called to decide on a way forward.

According to the Chairman, the REO refused to meet.

“His words to me were that until I apologise to him only then he will be meeting with me. I am saying that Region Number Five is under a crisis and people are suffering; many would have already lost millions of dollars and now the REO is asking for an apology and refusing to meet with me and the Regional Disaster Management Committee which is part of the Civil Defence Commission. This is the agency that deals with natural disasters across the country.”

The REO has also not allowed any of his officers to be part of any such meeting as he is awaiting an apology from a previous exchange between himself and the Regional Chairman.

“The REO needs to apologise to the many teachers across Region Five who he would have put in some dif-

One of the flooded residence in Region Five

ficult situations when he would have planned to withhold their salaries of those teachers and also he needs to apologise to the NDCs [Neighbourhood democratic Councils] and also all the residents of those NDCs across this region because it has been over seven months and the REO cannot get his signature on the banks accounts of those NDCs,” the Regional Chairman lamented.

The refusal of the REO to sign on the bank accounts has resulted in the 10 NDCs in the region not being able to spend money in areas that are critical and in need of emergency works when it comes to drainage and irrigation, along with the maintenance of roads and other in-

frastructures.

Meanwhile, rice farmers in the Mahaica/Mahaicony areas have also experienced flooding. According to Ramphal, the Hope Canal has played a great role in reducing flooding in those communities. He said in the past when the East Demerara Water Conservancy would have reached its maximum level, water would normally be channelled into the Mahaica Creek, resulting in flooding in that area.

However since the canal was dug and is fully operational, it helped tremendously with the farming community within the Mahaica/ Mahaicony area. (Andrew Carmichael)

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sunDAY, june 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Anna's

“Exploiting the dark underside of identity politics”

L

ast Thursday I presented a paper on the transition of Portuguese identity in Guyana, at the Ecotones-2 Conference hosted by the University of Poitiers (Migrinter-CNRS). It would have been difficult to situate this narrative under the thematic of migration and identities delivered to a room of European, North American and African academics, without making brief reference Anna Correia to Guyana’s political history, its demographic specificities and the underlying ethnic tensions of its heavily polarised society – the result of decades upon decades of ethnic politics.

Professor Emeritus Dr Johan Jacobs (Kwa-Zulu University) was, of all participants present, perhaps the most captivated by the Guyanese context, as it evoked similarities with the political landscape of his own native South Africa. I initially set out to avoid broaching the problematic of Guyanese politics, but soon enough realised that the question of identity, whether in colonial or independent Guyana, is intertwined with that of the country’s historical context of ethnic politics. Guyana: that country where race struggle takes precedence over nationbuilding, where politicians impede on development for reasons which defy the very principles of a socially cohesive and united Nation-State; did Professor Jacobs see this too?

The current debacle between Indigenous peoples and the Government of Guyana is highly demonstrative of the ethnic bias which permeates today’s policy-making. With the order to interrupt the UN partnered Amerindian Land Titling Project as of June 15, 2017, Indigenous land rights have been officially hijacked by the PNC-led coalition. There will be no Indigenous land rights if the African land reparation claims are not satisfied.

And this is a presidential order, which, as Labour Minister Keith Scott said with a straight face during the last parliamentary sitting, doesn’t need the majority consensus of Indigenous peoples, nor their Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).

President Granger’s word has become law.

With the latest revelation on Legal Affairs Minister Basil William’s leaked email in which he asserts that the Caribbean Court of Justice “is a black people thing”, Guyanese can now be certain that even the Judiciary is at the mercy of a Coalition Government which does little to hide a highly skewed agenda.

Williams’ use of national institutions to witch-hunt and persecute political opponents, is a product of this thinly veiled racism which pervades within the highest of Government ranks.

Racism. Sexism. This is what characterised the social media lynching I received from Minister Simona Broomes’ loyalists, after I called her out for mining on Indigenous proposedtitle lands. There is something sad in the predictability of the reaction I solicited, in its lack of constructive criticism and its heinous messages laden with threats of violence. Sad, because it sent me back to the 1997 riots instigated by Hoyte’s “slow fire moh fire” call to action, an incitement to racial hate. It sent me back to the PNC mob violence which systematically plagues general elections in Guyana. It sent me back to Burnham’s racist dictatorship. It sent me back to Wismar and the Son Chapman sinking. Sad, because the PNC today, is a mere extension of what it was yesterday. There is no PNC Reform.

In retrospect, there is little pride to be had in saying that this is what would inevitably happen should the heirs of Guyana’s late dictator return to power. A widespread sentiment of lassitude, of disempowerment, has gained citizens. When the President, former commander of Burnham’s army declared that the dictator was the author of “social cohesion and architect of national unity” in Guyana, you could be certain that the PNC is not inclined to change. When the Labour Minister accuses Guyana’s First Peoples of being greedy, you know that Burnham’s agenda has been resuscitated. When the military trained are hand-picked to serve in every strategic position possible, you know the old military men have once again come to curse Guyana’s history.

Identity formation can never be given the space it needs to grow, exist and coexist in Guyana, if race cannot be stripped from the formulation of sustainable policy-making. In the span of just two years, discriminatory policies have caused the fissures of ethnic tensions which constantly threaten the nation’s integrity, to attain a point of rupture, whereby the people, save party loyalists, no longer believe in the Coalition, or the State.

Never in recent years, has the veil of racism plunged Guyanese in as much darkness and incertitude for the future, as it does today.

Lion’s Club of Essequibo Coast installs new Board of Directors

T

he Lion’s Club of Essequibo Coast on Saturday installed a new Board of Directions at a simple ceremony held at Club’s Den in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). The club has been in existence and has served the people on the Essequibo Coast for the past 25 years.

The new board members include its President, Sarvena Rampersaud; Secretary, Paul Persaud; Treasurer, Toolsiram Benny;

The new Board of Director of the Lion’s Club of Essequibo Coast

From left: Sammy Rampersaud, Tamesh Jagmohan and Salim Barakat

1st Vice President, Verna Younge; 2nd Vice President, Carmelita Laulys; 3rd Vice President, Sammy Rampersaud; 1st Year Director, Treasure Austin; 2nd year Director, Desinee Pearson; Membership

Director, Reynold James; Tail Twister, Salim Barakat and Tamer, Mohamed Ally.

However, also at the ceremony, four members; three of whom were present, were awarded by the International Lion’s Club

More auditors for AG’s... from page 7

Gaskin also noted that with an Audit Office functioning at its best, there would be no need for forensic auditors. Since coming to office, the Government had ordered a number of forensic audits into State agencies. These audits were given to a number of private firms.

Over $130 million of taxpayers’ money were spent on these audits, which were launched into agencies such as Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

Other entities had included the Scrap Metal Unit, the Mahaica, Mahaicony, AbaryAgriculture Development Association (MMA-ADA), Guyana Power and Light and the Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil).

After all this expenditure, however, Finance Minister Winston Jordan revealed that some of the audits which started with specific Terms of References (ToR) fell far short of the Government’s expectations from a forensic audit.

He made this announcement at the 35th annual conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean (ICAC).

In light of this, Gaskin emphasised the need to strengthen the Auditor General’s office. He noted that the Auditor General, who is the constitutional office holder tasked to audit the books of Guyana, is ordinarily the person for the job.

“You don’t need oth-

er people to go in there. The Constitution gives him and his office the exclusive authority to audit the books of Guyana.

So this whole idea of having an Auditor General and have all these other people come in later doesn’t happen in other countries.”

The Govt slash

But strengthening the audit office is exactly what the agency had in mind when it put in its request for finances to be allocated in the 2017 Budget. The proposed estimate for the office was $771.2 million, but Government revised this sum to $754.9 million.

The proposed budget was slashed by Government representatives in the National Assembly during consideration of the 2017 Estimates of Expenditure, and the resultant consequences have since included the AOG grappling with not having adequate staff, or adequate funds to pay them.

In an interview earlier this year, Auditor General Deodat Sharma had revealed that the AOG had been affected by the cut, being forced to relinquish plans to hire additional staff.

“It (the budgetary cut) affected us because we were unable to bring on the rest of the staff that we needed, especially when carrying out our extended mandate,” the Auditor General related in the interview.

The People’s Progressive Party has been vocal in its opposition to the budgetary cut.

The party pointed out that the total budgetary allocation for constitutional agencies in 2016 was $8 billion, whereas it is only $6 billion in 2017.

for their 25 years of dedicated service on the Essequibo Coast. The chartered members who were awarded with certificates of recognition were Sammy Rampersaud, Tamesh Jagmohan and Salim Barakat. The fourth member, Bernard Younge was not present.

Meanwhile, the Club’s aim is to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Thus far, only 40 per cent of the Club’s health project is outstanding. Twelve projects were listed with four completed.

The group, under its health projects, is focused primarily on oral health and dentistry. The group also made several donations to the Suddie Public Hospital.

The club is also popular on the Essequibo Coast for its eye care project with the assistance of the Canadian Vision Care Team. Every two years, the team would visit the Essequibo Coast to offer free eye care services to the residents. It also distributes free spectacles to patients and also plays its role in the education sector.

Director of the Club, Shabir Singh called on members to remember their obligation to the community and to assist in the fostering of development.

"The only way to extend is to offer love and have team spirit, you need to understand that this club needs to co-exist with the community,” he stated.

18 news

SUNDAY, june 25, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

The Chenapau experience

By Lakhram Bhagirat

A

fter landing at the Kaieteur Airstrip in Region Eight and taking the approximate ten-minute

some 29 miles up the Potaro River, is accessible by an approximate three-hour boat ride, depending on how fast your boat moves. The village is divided into four zones, and

pond,” and the village would have gotten its name from the variety of frogs that inhibit the pond. One of the most popular frogs is what we refer to as the ‘mountain chicken’, and in this village it is called Chenau.

Chenapau is a model village; everyone looks out for everyone, and there is absolutely no crime here!

Hence the village has zero Police presence. Toshao Mc Garrell boasted about that, but

enjoys living there.

Walking about the village would allow you the experience of seeing the elders getting up at the crack of dawn and raking up the leaves, preparing cassiri and making breakfast -a community affair. They would sip on calabashes full of cassiri or porridge while conversing in their native Patamona language. The youngsters would sit around and observe the elders communicate while Canoeing along the Potaro River

The future of Chenapau

trek through the Kaieteur National Park to get a glimpse of the highest single-drop waterfall in the world, one would feel complete, wouldn’t you?

What if I told you that a trip to Kaieteur Falls is not complete without visiting a remote village up the Potaro River? What if I say that seeing 741 feet of sheer magnificence cannot compare to waking up to the sweet sounds of welcoming the Holy Spirit flowing through the village while inhaling the crisp fresh air?

Well, come and join me as we go on an adventure and live the Chenapau experience.

Chenapau Village, an Amerindian settlement located

according to Toshao Edward Mc Garrell, it is the best place to live, or escape from the everyday hassles of city life.

You see, in this remote village, there are no cellphone signals, television stations, radio access, internet access, potable water or electricity.

So this is the ideal place for a ‘millennial’ to detox and embrace the life that some of our parents would have lived.

The children of Chenapau Village lead normal lives. Books are their friends, and wading through frog pond in a canoe or just taking a plunge in the river are just some of their many pastimes. The name Chenapau is a Patamona word that translates into “frog

Warishi at the ready. This woman prepares to go into the farm to pull some cassava

revealed that there would be little tiffs among some villagers, none of which ever escalates into a fight. He says the community is closely knitted, and that is one reason why he

having their input once in a while.

Education Because of its remote location, the delivery of education in the village is hindered by the lack of updated information, this is according to Head Teacher of Chenapau Primary School.

There was a time when the prospect of educating Chenapau’s children was bleak, but the determination of Stanley Mc Garrell changed that. Stanley is now the oldest living resident of the village,

because without education you are in the background,” the 85-year-old advised.

The youths are building on that legacy by performing very well at their CSEC examinations, and going on to become productive citizens of the country. However, the road to success is not paved for the children of Chenapau; they would have to walk for two days to get to the Paramakatoi Secondary School every term, and it takes a toll on both the children and their parents.

Parents complain that the life of Mahdia and Paramakatoi would shape their children sometimes in the direction that is not in accordance with their morals and values. However, they are quite satisfied that their children are being able to gain a proper education and be able to develop themselves.

Economic struggles Access to goods, coastlanders take for granted may be a luxury in this remote village, since airfare and other transportation costs have to be factored in when determining the final price of a particular good. That having being established, the issue of accessibility must also be factored in.

Because of its location,

A still-flooded bridge that connects Zone 1 to Zone 2

and he recalls, quite happily, how he helped to assist in the delivery of education.

“I have been living here for over 30 years, and tried to do whatever I could about educating the people of the village. And now I am seeing the fruits of it… At that time, the church used to pay the teacher, and most teachers worked for the church. Those days, for months we would not get teachers, and I filled that gap and I tried and kept the school going,” the Bartica native fondly recalled.

“I would tell any youngster that education is the base of good living and existence.

Without a proper education you are nowhere, you are behind. I always tell the people to send their children to school,

employment opportunities in Chenapau Village are limited to only two sectors -- mining and farming. The womenfolk often take up farming as a means of providing a ‘back-up’ to the menfolk’s earnings. Most of the men work on mining dredges, and would usually ply their trade in the Blackwater - Korobrung area, since the earnings from mining are much more feasible for maintaining a family.

“There is no market for farming in this area, and we don’t get tourists here, so mining is the only way we can live,” one resident said.

About a month ago, following heavy rainfall, the village was inundated. Water rose approximately 20 feet in some areas, washed away houses, and flooded farms.

“Because of the water, the cassava (was flooded) out, and now they are starting to rotten. And you know how long cassava does take to grow,” one of the women folk lamented.

The community is yet to begin rehabilitation after

One of the many birds of Chenapau – the Cock-of-the-Rock

the flood, since the rain is continuously falling and the prospect of flooding remains.

After experiencing devastating floods, then came the issue of the militarization of the Kaieteur National Park.

President David Granger ordered a military operation to combat alleged illegal mining in the KNP. Twentyone residents from the village were rounded up and charged.

However, the authorities failed to say whether those arrested were caught illegally mining, since they all claim they were working on legal mining claims.

Those charges have since been dropped.

Many note on social media that the residents are the victims of corruption within the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), to which the authorities are not paying attention. Heavy military presence in the KNP and intimidation by soldiers brandishing AK-47s brought all activities in Chenapau to a standstill.

The Chenapau Spirit Despite the hardships, the people of Chenapau are resilient and would welcome anyone warmly and treat you as though you are family. That is the spirit of Chenapau -where you do not go hungry or uncared for.

Just for the crisp fresh air, or experiencing the frog pond, or even the boat ride up the Potaro, Chenapau is the ultimate culmination of a great visit to Kaieteur Falls.

On a lighter note, you will meet Donald Trump if you visit Chenapau. (Photos by Dexter Ceres)

sunDAY, june 25, 2017

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Don’t like the way I have been Sore Achilles treated ‒ Darren Bravo derails Powell’s B

atsman Darren Bravo has challenged Cricket West Indies to prove he was the one to post a controversial message on his Twitter account against the board president Dave Cameron, which resulted in his expulsion from the side’s Zimbabwe tour last year.

In November, Bravo was sent home days before the start of a tri-series, following a tweet on his account which called Cameron “Big Idiot”. Bravo’s reaction was a response to Cameron’s statement that the batsman had been offered a Grade C contract due to his slipping average.

Bravo’s contract was revoked immediately and both parties have since been locked in a bitter legal dispute. Bravo has also been sidelined from all cricket, outside the Caribbean Premier League, in the West Indies, including his own regional team Trinidad & Tobago.

Last week, speaking to the Caribbean television network Line & Length,

Cameron said that B r a v o would need to delete the tweet to be eligible to play for West Indies again. “What Darren Bravo has to do first and foremost is take down the tweet,” Cameron said. “Every day that tweet is an infraction. Secondly he needs to accept that he has done something wrong and then we can move forward from there.”

This week, speaking to the same channel, Bravo was non-committal when asked if he would delete the tweet.

“Even though you saw a tweet on my account, on my Twitter account, no one actually asked me if I did that,” Bravo said.

In his first interview since his exclusion from the side, Bravo recounted the events that followed the tweet.

He claimed that neither the West Indies coach nor the manager or media manager ever enquired if he had posted the tweet.

“No one asked me: ‘Darren Bravo, did you tweet that?’ No one asked me anything.

So I went to sleep.”

The next morning, Bravo recounted, he received two “sudden emails”. “One from Richard Pybus, former director of cricket stating my contract has been terminated and I am being sent home and the other from Roland Holder (cricket operations manager) with my flight details.

But no one actually asked me anything.

So I was left in a situation of what is really going on here. And it was also a situation where they gave me an ultimatum, after being sent home, to take down the tweet by 4 pm and apologise on Twitter.

But, at the end of the day, no one can prove that Darren Bravo actually went on his Twitter account and tweeted that.

There was no due process. No one asked me any, anything. Up to this day no one has called me and asked me anything. So it has been very disappointing.”

When asked if he had posted the tweet, Bravo said his legal team - comprising attorneys Leslie Haynes and Donna Symonds - was best placed to respond. “I wouldn’t answer that question right now. The best person to answer that question is my legal team. Symmonds told the television network her client

will not rush into taking any step until everything related to the issue was reviewed “in totality”. “As far as we are concerned his contractual rights have been breached. There has been a rush to judgement.”

Symmonds said that negotiations between the two parties broke

truth.”

Bravo said Test cricket has always been his “forte”, a format where he finds himself “happy”, to the extent that he gave up two IPL contracts previously and even stood down from the West Indies squad for the 2016 World T20, to focus on first-class cricket.

“I had two IPL contracts before Kolkata Knight Riders. I give up those two contracts.

I also had opportunity to go and play in the T20 World Cup that West Indies won in India.

I gave up that to stay home and play first-class cricket. I could have jumped on the plane, gone to the T20 World Cup in India. If I get selected all well and good. If I don’t get selected, no problem, but I would have got approximately US$ 7,000 for one T20 game. I decided to stay home to play first-class cricket (where) I get paid $1300 (per match). I have a very important part to play in the quest to revitalise West Indies cricket in the longer format of the game.

“I have given up so much for West Indies cricket and the way I have been treated is like, my efforts and my energy and my whatever went all down the drain. And I don’t like the way I have been treated. Yes, I want to play Test cricket, but “I have given up so much for West I have to make decisions, as I Indies cricket and the way I have said about my family and stuff been treated is like, my efforts and like that.” my energy and my whatever went Bravo virall down the drain.” © Getty Images tually ruled himself

d o w n seemingly at a position when they b e lieved Bravo could be “reintegrated” into the set-up. According to Symmonds, Johnny Grave, the Cricket West Indies CEO, “made an offer” to Bravo, which signaled some agreement could be reached.

“It had been agreed that certain statement would be made by the president (Cameron) and certain statements by Darren. And with regard to the tweet Darren had agreed to do certain things as well, but the sticking point was one other matter. We had made a suggestion as to how that could be resolved and we have never had a response,” Symmonds said.

Bravo’s legal team, however, alleged that Grave broke the “good faith” by making a public statement, telling ESPNcricinfo in April that he was frustrated by Bravo’s damages claim of $120,000.

Symmonds alleged Grave “scuttled” the negotiations completely. “I would have to say a breach of good faith and it caused the negotiations to breakdown, so we are no longer there,” she said.

Bravo said he was hungry to play for West Indies once again. “Yes, I want to play cricket for West Indies again, but at the end of the day when I step on to the field I want to be able to be happy, I want to be able to enjoy my cricket once more. That is something I have been lacking probably for the last year playing for West Indies. That is the total honest

out of selection for the England tour in August-September, saying he will be “fulfilling” his contract in the Caribbean Premier League where he represents Trinbago Knight Riders.(Cricinfo)

World Champs bid

F

ormer 100m world record holder Asafa Powell has revealed that pain in his Achilles tendon is what kept him out of the finals of the men’s 100m at the Jamaican National Championships on Friday night. Powell finished second in his semi-final heat behind Julian Forte but failed to show for the finals, won by Yohan Blake in 9.90s.

“Asafa felt severe pain his Achilles during his semi-finals run and went to the meet’s medical team thereafter to have it looked at,” a statement from Powell’s camp said.

“After speaking with the orthopaedic doctor and the doctor on duty he was advised not to run in the finals as it could cause further

Asafa Powell

injury.”

The statement said he was devastated AT not being able to compete for a spot on his country’s team to the IAAF World Championships in London from August 4-13.

For Powell, who turns 35 in November, it was perhaps his last chance to make another team to a global championships. The next World Championships are to be held in Doha, Qatar in 2019. Powell turns 37 that year.

“Asafa is completely disappointed as he received treatment for tendonitis and having sat out his last few meets he had hoped this nagging injury would have subsided enough for him to run all the way to the finals at the National trials,” the statement said. (Sportsmax)

Ronaldo helps Portugal into semi-final as hosts Russia out

C

ristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty as Portugal beat New Zealand 4-0 to seal their semi-final place at the Confederations Cup. Ronaldo’s 33rd-minute goal was followed by strikes from Manchester City-bound Bernardo Silva, Andre Silva and Nani.

Mexico also progressed to the semi-finals as they knocked hosts Russia out of the tournament with a 2-1 victory. Portugal ensured top spot in Group A as New

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 75 goals for Portugal

Zealand finished bottom after a third straight defeat.

However, defender Pepe will miss Portugal’s semi-final after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament.

And there will be fitness concerns over Bernardo Silva, who was substituted at half-time because of an ankle injury. In the other group, Chile and Germany will both progress to the last four if they avoid defeat on Sunday.

Chile face Australia and Germany play Cameroon on Sunday to determine the final standings in Group B. (BBC)

20

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sunDAY, june 25, 2017

Women’s 50-Over World Cup

India overwhelm England in opener E

ngland were stunned on the opening day of the Women’s World Cup, losing by 35 runs to India in Derby.

Openers Smriti Mandhana (90) and Punam Raut (86) took advantage of some poor England bowling, before Mithali Raj (71) lifted India to 281-3.

England stumbled to 67-3 in reply and though Fran Wilson made 81, she was run out brilliantly by Ekta Bisht and the hosts

were bowled out for 246.

England next play on Tuesday, against Pakistan in Leicester.

On this evidence, England will have to improve if they are to end a global trophy drought that dates back to 2009.

They came unstuck against an inspired India side who are two places below them in the world rankings, in fourth, but showed more intent with the bat, more discipline with the ball

Smriti Mandhana cracks another boundary over the leg-side

and some electricity in the field.

On an overcast morning, England looked to have gained an advantage by bowling first, but Mandhana and Raut, who was dropped three times, seized the initiative.

England struggled with the bat as India took pace off the ball, playing ineffective sweeps until the hitting of Wilson and Katherine Brunt provided belated hope.

Elegant left-hander

© Getty Images

Mandhana set the tone for India’s brilliant day, scoring freely off the back foot as Brunt bowled too short with the new ball.

Right-hander Raut favoured the front foot and survived what was a tough chance for Nat Sciver when on 20, a skier to Tammy Beaumont on 21 and a straightforward opportunity for Anya Shrubsole on 77.

The openers ran well in a stand of 144 that was only ended when Mandhana hit Heather Knight’s off-spin to mid-wicket.

Classy captain Raj arrived to share 78 for the second wicket with Raut, who eventually holed out on the leg-side boundary off Danielle Hazell.

It was the spinners who gave England more control, but when Harmanpreet Kaur arrived, both she and Raj used their feet to add 52 from the final seven overs.

Wilson, in only her seventh one-day international, may not have been playing but for Lauren Winfield being ruled out with a wrist injury.

She joined Knight to rebuild after the England top order failed - among them Sarah Taylor, returning to an international cricket after a year away with an anxiety-related issue, who made

22.

It was Knight who first raised the tempo, hitting two straight sixes before attempting a run to bowler Kaur and failing to beat the direct hit. When Wilson was joined by Brunt, they continued to show more willingness to hit the ball, building a stand of 62 in only seven

overs.

Sixty-eight runs were needed from the final nine overs, but Brunt was run out by Deepti Sharma’s direct hit from point, then Wilson fell to bowler Bisht’s incredible flick back on to the non-striker’s stumps and the game was up. (BBC)

SCOREBOARD India Women innings (50 overs maximum) P Raut c Wyatt b Hazell 86 S Mandhana c Hazell b Knight 90 M Raj* c Brunt b Knight 71 24 H Kaur not out Extras (w 9, nb 1) 10 Total (3 wickets; 50 overs) 281 Did not bat: DB Sharma, MR Meshram, S Pandey, J Goswami, E Bisht, S Verma†, Poonam Yadav Fall of wickets: 1-144 (Mandhana, 26.5 ov), 2-222 (Raut, 42.3 ov), 3-281 (Raj, 49.6 ov) Bowling: A Shrubsole 6-0-37-0 (2w), K Brunt 7-1-50-0 (1w), N Sciver 3-1-18-0, D Hazell 10-051-1 (2w), J Gunn 10-0-46-0 (1nb), A Hartley 7-0-38-0, H Knight 7-0-41-2 England Women innings (target: 282 runs from 50 overs) T Beaumont c Mandhana b Pandey 14

S Taylor† c Meshram b Pandey 22 H Knight* run out (Kaur) 46 N Sciver c †Verma b Sharma 18 F Wilson run out (Bisht) 81 D Wyatt c & b Sharma 9 K Brunt run out (Sharma) 24 J Gunn run out (Meshram/†Verma)9 A Shrubsole c sub (V Krishnamurthy) b Sharma 11 D Hazell b Poonam Yadav 4 A Hartley not out 1 7 Extras (lb 4, w 3) Total (all out; 47.3 overs) 246 Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Beaumont, 8.1 ov), 2-42 (Taylor, 10.5 ov), 3-67 (Sciver, 17.1 ov), 4-134 (Knight, 31.1 ov), 5-154 (Wyatt, 34.3 ov), 6-216 (Brunt, 41.3 ov), 7-229 (Wilson, 43.5 ov), 8-229 (Gunn, 44.2 ov), 9-236 (Hazell, 46.2 ov), 10246 (Shrubsole, 47.3 ov) Bowling: Goswami 7-0-39-0, E Bisht 9-0-43-0, Pandey 7-1-352 (1w), Poonam Yadav 10-0(1w), H Kaur 6-0-2751-1 0, D Sharma 8.3-0-47-3 (1w)

Hamilton takes on ‘pressure’ Alves’ representatives deny talk of Roma agreement for ‘beautiful lap’ A

L

ewis Hamilton said he thrives under “pressure” after salvaging a pole position he thought he had blown in Azerbaijan with a “beautiful lap”.

Hamilton made a mistake on his first lap in final qualifying and was worried he would not be able to make amends when a crash halted the session.

But a superb last lap beat team-mate Valtteri Bottas by 0.434 seconds.

Hamilton said: “I had two minutes to get my run.

The pressure of that was amazing. I love it.”

The Mercedes driver’s pole position in Baku was the 66th of his career - only two short of Michael Schumacher’s all-time record - but he said he was “even more excited than I have been for a long time”.

When the session was stopped following the crash by Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo, there were only three and a half minutes left, meaning drivers would have time for only one flying lap at the end of the session.

This has been a problem all weekend on the Baku street circuit because drivers have been struggling to get their tyres up to the

lves’ representatives deny talk of Roma agreement Speculation Roma could be close to sealing a deal for Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves is wide of the mark, the player’s agents say.

Diego Alves’ representatives have denied that the

ber of media reports.” read a statement released on Twitter.

“Neither the Brazilian goalkeeper nor us, as his representatives, have been in contact with the Italian team to make any kind of offer.“The denial can be extended to other types of

Lewis Hamilton in action in Baku

right operating temperature owing to the low-grip surface and hardness of the tyres.

“It was a great lap,” Hamilton said. “We didn’t think we could do a single lap time here. It is probably difficult for the public to understand why we are struggling but these tyres are really hard and we are trying all these things to get some temperature in the tyre, weaving like crazy.

“It has always been multiple laps to get the temperature in.

“I made a mistake on my [first] run, the red flag came out and I had two minutes to get my run. I don’t know why I like pressure so much.”

Hamilton’s error on

his first lap came at the final proper corner before the mile-long straight. He locked up a wheel and ran wide on the exit, costing himself half a second.

“Qualifying was going so well,” said Hamilton, who had been fastest in the first and second parts of qualifying.

“I was so on it - Q1, Q2, then Q3 I made that one little mistake and I was so frustrated I had made that mistake and the red flag came out when I was up again on my next lap and I was thinking ‘there is no way I was going to be able to do it on the first lap’.

“I was so disappointed because I know you need to be perfect to win this title.”

He added: “It’s always

really important to get that banker in on the first lap and I didn’t do it. Today was a good recovery and I thought I will not allow myself to do that again next qualifying but you learn from these things.”

Hamilton heads into the race 12 points behind title rival Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari, who qualified fourth behind team-mate Kimi Raikkonen, both more than a second slower than Hamilton.

Vettel said he was confident Ferrari could “match” Mercedes’ pace in the race.

Bottas said: “We seem to be quick here and with Ferrari’s starting positions like it is, nothing else is good other than a one-two for the team.” (BBC)

Diego Alves

Valencia goalkeeper has reached an agreement to join Roma.

Reports have suggested the Brazilian shot-stopper would make the switch to the Serie A side, but Alves’ agents, Promoesport, said he is close to leaving Valencia.

“Promoesport wants to deny the supposed agreement between Diego Alves with AS Roma, which has been referenced in a num-

agreement that have also been reported in relation to Alves with other clubs.”

Alves is a renowned penalty specialist, who saved four spot-kicks in LaLiga last season and has kept out more penalties than any other goalkeeper in the league’s history.

The reports came after Roma’s on-loan Wojciech Szczesny returned to parent club Arsenal. (Sportsmax)

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sports

“Expansion of GBTI Open imminent” ‒ Goodluck

By Delvon McEwan

T

he Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Tennis Open tournament is regarded as the nation’s premier tennis competition, where unceasing moments of intense rivalry precede inconceivable results in the form of close battles and upsets; or, on the other hand, complete dominance by seasonal performers.

Over the last two weeks, tennis enthusiasts were treated to some remarkable display on the court at the bank’s recreational facility during the eighth edition of the tourney.

In the backdrop of it all, Guyana Times Sport (GTS) interviewed Jamal Goodluck (JG), the President of the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA), who noted it was a good tournament, while pointing to its future among other factors. The interview follows.

GTS: How would you rate the 2017 GBTI Open as compared to the preceding tournaments?

JG: The overall level of competition, promotion and participation at this year’s GBTI Open was good. I would say that it has been one of the memorable editions of the tournament.

GTS: Why was it so striking?

JG: This year, we had 122 matches that spanned 12 categories. It has been a while since we had so many matches played. It shows the interest is

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game was visible. The GLTA has recognized that there is need for additional avenues for the seniors to sharpen their skills, and has slated participation in regional tournaments.

GTS: As the President of the GLTA, how do you plan to make this tournament bigger?

JG: We are already looking at the expansion of the tournament to include the college players, members of the diaspora, and regional

towards the common vision.

I reflected on the match between Brazilian Alexy Almedia and American Albert Razick, which lasted until midnight. However, there were persons that varied in age present for the last point. This tournament provided a safe space for persons to meet and have positive engagement.

GBTI has seen the impact sport can have, and this gives hope of making a difference in the

we also need to work on training of the players in the engagement of the sport.

GTS: Where do you see the GBTI Open in the next five years, since it is the country’s premier tennis tournament?

JG: The tournament should evolve into a regional tournament that caters for all levels of play and age.

The next major assignment for the GLTA is the hosting of the IGG Tennis Games in

players. This would attract more opportunities for players to network and aspire to betterment.

GTS: How soon will there be such implementation?

JG: We trust that next year we can implement some elements of the expansion.

GTS: What are the positives you would take from this year’s tournament?

JG: The tennis family is strong across clubs (and) nationalities, and (is) geared

fabric of Guyana.

GTS: What are some of the challenges that the GLTA encountered in the 2017 edition, and how do you plan to remedy those encounters?

JG: Discipline has been a key area we have been working on. We are not at the place we need to be, but disciplinary systems are in place to address the breakdown of the culture of better sportsmanship. The sport is a reflection of our society, and by that indication,

October, and according to the President, preparation will start in July.

“We have received the green light from GBTI to commence the training of the IGG team from the beginning of July. The Association has developed a High Performance Strategy in conjunction with the ITF Development Officer, and will be implemented it in hopes that it can be replicated by clubs and produce intense players.”

GLTA President Jamal Goodluck

still there to play competitively.

GTS: The GLTA pays a lot of emphasis on the GBTI Tournament. Are you pleased with the level it is currently at?

JG: I am pleased with the level. However, we must never be too comfortable with our current state, because we will get complacent.

There will always be room for improvement, and the GLTA and GBTI have started conversations on such.

GTS: There were several upsets in this tournament.

Would you say the understudies have improved, or would you say the seniors are not doing anything to better their game?

JG: Definitely. I would say the juniors and understudies have improved their game.

The quality of the matches this year has showed potential of growth. As noted in the closing ceremony by GBTI Marketing Manager Pamela Binda, the aggression and passion of the

GOA Olympic Day 10k Opening night produces close contests to run today O Guinness Greatest of the Streets Bartica Zone

lympic Day is celebrated around the world on June 23 every year. The first World Olympic Day was celebrated in 1948.

In 1978, the celebration o f Olympic Day was included in the Olympic

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Charter, encouraging all National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to organise activities which promote the Olympic Movement.

In 1987, the NOCs of 45 countries participated in the first Olympic Day 10k Run. This year, the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), in collaboration with the Athletics Association of Guyana, will host its annual 10k Team Run and Fun Walk-Jog-Run on Sunday, June 25, (today) starting at 06:00h. Prizes will be awarded for the

team event. Teams must comprise four male and two female runners.

This event starts at the Thomas Lands YMCA, proceeds north on Camp Street to Carifesta Avenue, east on Carifesta Avenue and the Rupert Craig Highway to Liliendaal (where marshals will i n dicate the turni n g point), west to Vlissengen R o a d , south on Vlissengen R o a d to Thomas Lands, a n d b a c k to the YMCA for the finish.

Organisations and members of the public are all invited to participate, the GOA said in a press release.

“Registration forms can be obtained at ‘Olympic House’, 76 High Street, Kingston, or just come on Sunday in your walking or running shoes. The first 400 persons to arrive on Sunday morning will receive an Olympic Day 2017 T-shirt,” the GOA has promised.

It was great tussle by all teams on the night of the Bartica Zone (file photo)

T

he Bartica Zone of the “Guinness Greatest of the Streets” Football Championships kicked off on Friday evening at the Community Centre tarmac with six closely contested matches.

In the first match, Almanac Kings won 2-1 on penalty kicks against Times Square after the game ended 2-2. Don Lam in the 3rd minute, followed by Richardo Perreira two minutes later, placed Almanac in the ascendency; but Cyprian Collison (12th) and Rondell Calender (23rd) helped Times Square draw level.

In similar fashion, the match between Campbellville and Street Kings produced an identical outcome, with the former winning on penal-

ty kicks. Kelvin Isaacs (20th) and Marvin Bamfield (26th) sealed the win for their team, while Elijah Fraser (5th) and Shameer Mentore (15th) placed Kings ahead.

Meanwhile, River View’s 3-1 victory over Lotto Arcade was the highest margin for the night. Romario Lake (7th), Steven Edwards (15th) and Andel Norton (30th) netted for the victors, while Mclean Pickett (25th) scored for the opposition.

Beacon One Love were edged by Police 2-1, with Roderick Hamilton (18th) and Mark Boyce (33rd) leading the response, after Randy Adams had given Beacon the lead in the 6th minute.

In addition, the eighth-minute goal by Plantain Slice’s Shawn Dash made the dif-

ference against Young Guns, while All Stars won 1-0 over Beacon Die Hard, with Ryan Scott (28th) being the scorer.

The semi-finals and finals are scheduled to be played tonight, along with the third place playoff and several exhibition matches.

Winners are set to receive $400,000 and the championship trophy; while second-, third- and fourth-placed finishers collect $150,000, $75,000 and $50,000 respectively.

The winners will advance to represent the mining community in the grand finals billed for next month, featuring the top zone teams from Georgetown, East Coast Demerara, Linden, Berbice West Demerara/East Bank Demerara.

22

guyanatimesgy.com

sundAY, June 25, 2017

GMR&SC National Race of Champions…

National schools Basketball Festival

Boodhram bringing the Super Stock heat

President’s College, Marian Academy book U-14 Finals spot

“M

y expectations next weekend will be to claim all three races,” were the words of Super stock rider Heemand Boodhram, as he bluntly contended that he would be the man to beat come July 2, when the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) hosts its second National Race of Champions for 2017 at the South Dakota Circuit.

At the last event, staged in April, Boodhram did not compete, and compatriot Kevin Persaud annihilated the field, sweeping all three races in empathic fashion.

Boodhram has said he is in no way wary of the perceived threat that Persaud poses.

“The only competition I should be getting is (from) Matthew Vieira, if he races.

I expect to perform to be my best, and trill the fans”, the Yamaha R6 rider stated.

Recounting his experience at the first leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC), held at the Jamwest Circuit in Jamaica on May 21, the speedster rated it as his best performance to date, given the adversities he had to endure.

“Jamaica was my biggest achievement, because after a major fall (that caused) me to start 19th on the grid, we were able to finish in 5th (place) in the first race. The second (race) we started in 5th and (were) able to fin-

Boodhram leading Matthew Vieira at the South Dakota Circuit last November (Mikey Spice photo)

ish 2nd, and it was (my) first time on the track,” he explained.

With close to three years’ racing experience under his belt, Boodhram has signalled an improvement in his fitness, and has said he is able to gather more corner speed.

Looking ahead, he feels that a CRMC title will be tough to achieve, given that Team Mohammed’s Bryce Prince is an extremely good and experienced rider. But he feels the competition will force him to perform at his optimum.

The July 2 meet, which will be used as a warm-up for the second round of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC), slated for July 30 at Frankie Boodram Wallerfield International Raceway in

Trinidad and Tobago, has seen a large registration of competitors to date.

GMR&SC President Ramez Mohamed is calling on the fans to come out in their numbers to support the meet. Mohamed acknowledged that numerous persons would attend the November meet and cheer for their Guyanese drivers, but he remains convinced that the same enthusiasm is need at the local meets, to encourage more drivers to compete.

Mohamed will be competing in Group Two at the meet.

He explained that when drivers participate at these local meets, it gives them a chance to become privy to any flaws their machines might have ahead of the favoured November CMRC final round. (Akeem Greene)

Williams favoured to defend National Road Race Title

A

t r i u m p h a n t game high 10 points, 4 steals s t o p p i n g President’s College for the Marian Academy side, M a r i a n U-14 boys’ side while teammates Jether Academy 38 points to 26 clinched a spot in the Harris and Meshal Allicock points to set up a highly anUnder-14 finals of the chipped in with 7 points and ticipated clash with PC in National Schools Basketball 6 points and 4 rebounds re- the finals.

Festival with an easy win spectively.

Anthony Yansen with 18 over St Joseph’s High.

Shamar Light’s 4 points, points, 6 steals and Kwesi They scored 32 points to St 7 rebounds and 4 steals, cou- Roberts with 10 points, 7 reJoseph’s 18 points in the GT/ pled with Keon Bacchus’s 4 bounds and 7 steals proved East Coast Regional semi-fi- points, were not enough for too much for the Marian denals playoffs as the competition continued at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Friday.

Gabriel Lin was the top-scorer with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals; while Joshua Butts, with 10 points and 6 rebounds, led PC to a comfortable win.

Shaqeem Wilson with 12 points, 9 rebounds, and Jaheim Jardine who added 4 points put up a feeble resistance for St. Joseph’s.

The President’s College girls emThe President’s College U-14 Girls (in purple) beat the Bishops’ High girls to ulated their male book a spot in the finals counterparts and will also head to the Regional finals in the wom- the Bishops’ side. fense. en’s division. They eliminatThe U-16 President’s Jether Harris scored 9 ed the Bishops’ High female College males needed extra points and 8 rebounds in unit 22 points to 14 points in time to outlast The Bishops’ a losing effort for Marian a low-scoring affair.

High 34 points to 32 in the Academy.

Analisa Barclay top scored under 16 semis, giving PC a The Regionals will conwith 11 points, while Saffiya perfect three from three for tinue today at the Cliff Green added 6 points before the night.

Anderson Sports Hall, with fouling out for President’s Lanon Friday scored 10 the second Girls’ semi-final College. points and grabbed 4 re- between Marian Academy Demelza Nicholas was the bounds, and Akinyele Darrell and St Rose’s beginning at lone ranger for Bishops, with added 10 points for the victo- 4pm. This will be followed by 10 points and 5 rebounds. rious PC side. four Under-19 quarter-finals.

In the second U-14 male Royden Gladsgow scored The Georgetown/ East semifinal, Marian Academy 10 points, while Nkose Coast Regional FINALS are breezed past the Bishops’ Branche contributed 6 points set for Friday, June 30th.

High by 32 points to 11 and 11 rebounds in reply for The tournament is sponpoints, to join President’s BHS. sored by Edward B Beharry College in the first final of the St Rose’s High proved Group of Companies Ltd 2017 Regionals. once again that they are and the National Sports Ethan Fernandes had a the best under-16 unit by Commission.

SA Senior Championships

George storms to 400M Gold

G

Raynauth Jeffrey is tipped to upset Williams in the GCF’s National Road Race championships today

G

uyana’s reigning National Cycling Champion Geron Williams will be looking to defend his crown today against a field of quality cyclists in the Guyana Cycling Federation’s (GCF) National Championship Road Race.

Williams will face stiff competition from Raynauth Jeffrey, who started off the GCF’s National Championships on a high by topping the field in the time trials on day one of the

Championships on June 17.

Jeffrey topped the field in a time of 14:20.25s, while Jamal John came in second in 14:35s, and Romello Crawford clocked 14:58s to close out the top three in the seniors’ category.

Warren McKay is another worthy challenger. He emerged winner of the road race on day two of the Guyana Cycling Federation’s (GCF’s) National Championships on June 18 when he crossed the finish line ahead of Leer Nunes, who came in second,

and Steve Ramsuchit, who came in third in the U-45 category. McKay finished that race in a time of 2hrs, 58m, 40s. Also challenging for top spot will be Paul DeNobrega, Curtis Dey and Jamal John, among others; however, Williams has been in fine form in the US, most recently placing second at the annual Historic Criterium Cycling Meet in New Jersey, and fourth in the 2017 Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic in New York last Sunday.

uyana’s National 400-metre record holder Winston George ran a season’s best of 45.42 seconds to claim gold in the Men’s 400-metre Finals of the South American Senior Championships in Paraguay.

He finished ahead of Columbians Jhon Alejandro Perlaza Zapata and Herrera Madera Yilmar Andres, who finished in second and third position in that order, with times of 45.77s and 46.02s respectively.

George had earlier this month clocked 45.49 seconds, qualifying for this year’s IAAF World Championships set for London in August.

Also representing Guyana was Owen Adonis, who on Friday finished fifth in the men’s 100m final. He was third in his 200 metre heat with a time of 21.47s, but did not qualify for the final.

Guyana’s other representative at the event, Jenea McCammon, came in fifth in her 400- metre hurdles final with a time of 59.38s, Woodruff Washington Wianna Wrsula won that event with a time of 56.04s.

Winston George won Gold in the Men’s 400M race in Paraguay at the SA Senior Championships

McCammon finished fourth in the 100m hurdles on Friday.

McCammon clocked 13.49 seconds in that race; however, the event was won by Brazil’s Moraes Dos Santos with a time of 12.86 seconds.

guyanatimesgy.com

sundAY, june 25, 2017

23

2nd ODI, Port of Spain…

West Indies, India brace for more rain

N

ine am starts in a bilateral series, after a world tournament has ended, with rain in the air, is asking a lot of a spectator. But for those die-hard fans who will still make the trip to the Queens Park Oval, be advised. Portof-Spain is expected to receive thundershowers on Sunday afternoon, so don’t be surprised if you hit your head on a big red sign in front of the ground that says, “nothing to see here”. The sensible lot would take the time to sleep in, but the players don’t really have that luxury.

India, for example, might not have anyone to grumble “five more minutes, coach,” to on this tour, but they do have a few rookies they’d want to get in shape.

Leftarm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav was handed a debut on Friday but he didn’t even step on to the field with the match being washed out. Uncapped wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was not in the XI, but considering the low stakes, it might be useful to give him as many starts as possible to see if he could fit in

the 2019 World Cup puzzle.

In any case, it is starting to seem like the only way India can check on a middle-order batsman is if they can promote him to open. Typically it is their top order that fetches the bulk of the runs in ODIs - on Friday, Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane contributed 149 out of 199 before the rain came down.

West Indies - from 39.2 overs of play - looked steady, and their bowlers were especially clever against Virat Kohli. Pitching it short of a length and outside off stump - on a surface that gave them a little extra lift - they forced the India captain to return with a strike rate of 68.

He couldn’t get on top of the ball to bring his powerful wrists into play and he was rarely offered the drive as a means of escape.

Take this attack lightly at your peril.

At 20, Alzarri Joseph generates pace effortlessly, not unlike Kagiso Rabada, who already leads South Africa’s attack in all formats. But that is only an asset when combined with discipline,

and some creativity in the form of variations. Joseph showed with his dismissal of Rahane - an offcutter the batsman simply did not see coming - that he is more than ready for modern cricket.

The merits in retaining Yuvraj

and KL Rahul (injured), though.

Before the first ODI, Jeffrey Dujon described the pitch at the Queens Park Oval as a “tie-dye t-shirt” by Jeffrey Dujon, implying that it was difficult to assess. The one thing he was certain of was

cap as well.

West Indies squad: Jason Holder (capt), Devendra Bishoo, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shai Hope (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammad, Ashley Nurse, Kieran

Devendra Bishoo’s spell of 1 for 39 from ten overs was one of the highlights of a gloomy opening ODI ©AFP

Singh, even though he is 35, become apparent when he is in form.

A career-best 150 against England and a 29-ball fifty against Pakistan showcased the best of his timing. In fact, since his comeback in January 2017, he has averaged 45 and struck at 102.24. He might have to keep up that level of performance to ward off competition from the likes of Pant, Manish Pandey (injured)

that it would spin in the first innings and flatten out later.

Considering the last match they played ended in a no-result, West Indies might want to persist with the same XI. India came to the Caribbean with two uncapped players. One of them - Kuldeep - has debuted already and the other - Pant - would be looking forward to a first ODI

Powell, Rovman Powell, Kesrick Williams India Squad: Virat Kohli (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Ajinkya Rahane, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wk), Yuvraj Singh, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Mohd. Shami, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav and Dinesh Karthik. (Cirinfo)

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

SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

GMR&SC National Race of Champions…

Pg 22

Pg 22

Boodhram

Williams favoured to defend National bringing the Road Race title Super Stock heat His confidence makes him one of the riders to beat come July 2 (DMM photography)

Geron Williams will come up against stiff competition today as he seeks to defend his National Road Race title (Orlando Charles photo)

2nd ODI, Port of Spain…

Pg 21

West Indies, India brace for more

rain

Pg 23

Given the results of the recent GBTI Open, it sends a message that local lawn tennis is improving

Rain forced the first ODI between India and the West Indies in Port of Spain to be abandoned

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June 25, 2017

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Salman Khan reveals Shah Rukh’s cameo role in ‘Tubelight’ See story on page 14

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JUNE 25, 2017

Feature

An HSS perspective

By Ravi Dev

I

t is not by chance that the proposal for June 21 to be declared by the United Nations as the International Day of Yoga was made by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. Modi faithfully engages in 20 minutes of yoga every morning and credits his ability to maintain his gruelling schedule throughout his life, to this practice.

June 2 (and occasionally June 20) is the “Summer Solstice” or “midsummer” in the northern hemisphere - when the sun reaches its highest point as seen from the North Pole.

The use of yoga towards controlling the body as a preliminary step towards controlling and focusing the mind inwards had evolved in India as far back as 2700 BC in the Indus-Saraswati civilisation, it is not surprising that Modi dubbed it “India’s gift to the world”. Yoga was systemised

by Patanjali (around 200 BC) into “eight limbs” (Astangas), of which the physical aspects is but the third - dubbed “asanas” or “postures” or hatha yoga - after one has committed towards an ethical and disciplined life.

While the west was later to focus on exploring the nature of the universe and “reality” through science and the scientific method, the

Global Vision 2000 (Aug 6-8, 1993), Washington Hilton. Far left - Narendra Modi. Far right - Ravi Dev

ancient people of India turned into the interior world of the mind and beyond (“Dhyana”), since it is here that even all the externally generated “knowledge” would have to be processed and given meaning.

There is nothing “religious” about yoga in the sense of how “religion” has been understood in the west: with “holy books”, God, prophets and “beliefs”. Just as science is based on a methodology, yoga is simply one step in another methodology for independently discovering the secrets of the inner landscape. The Indians who practiced yoga invented the present decimal based numeral system that is now universally used

- is that “religious”?

Modi has been a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh since he was a child, and since this organisation is dedicated towards the revalorisation of the culture of Indian civilisation after it was suppressed and distorted over 800 years of foreign conquest, yoga was always one of its central routine. When he became Prime Minister of India, Modi launched a Ministry of Yoga even before proposing International Day of Yoga to the UN. In Guyana, yoga is an integral part of the practices of the Hindus for Selfless Service (HSS) since it was officially launched in 1996.

By Devanand Bhagwan

T

he first time I heard about yoga I was about nine years old in the village I was born in - Felicity, Mahaicony (Branch Road). Everyone seemed to know about the prowess of Indira, a 12-year-old girl who was known for her yogic postures at the Ashram – about two kilometres from our home.

The Ashram was established

by Arya Samaj missionary, Pandit Usharbudh Arya, who came to British Guiana in 1956 and made a substantial contribution to the religious and cultural life in the country until 1962.

Around 1980, I was incensed with my Indian-origin friend from Malaysia, who informed me that she was attending yoga classes.

“How could she indulge in such sinful activity as a Christian?” I pondered. (I was schooled to think that virtually everything ‘Indian’ was bad: Indian music, clothing, language and culture in general, and that as a Christian I was supposed to stay away from such cultural associations. I now know better; one could be a Christian yet be essentially ethnic in one’s expression of one’s faith.)

I later learned, to my chagrin, that I was too quick to be judgemental – that yoga was primarily a physical discipline and that one could be a participant in yoga, ir-

Devanand Bhagwan (right) and Swami Veda Bharati Arya

respective of one’s religious affiliation.

My first yoga experience was at the Indian Cultural Centre

in Georgetown in the 1990s. I loved the quiet, disciplined atmosphere as the yoga instructor gave her instructions. I appreci-

But even though the practices of Indian civilisation were mocked as that of “snake charmers” and “fakirs”, yoga spread inexorably in the west after it was introduced by early exponents such as Swami Vivekananda and Paramhamsa Yogananda in the later 19th century. Unfortunately, some have attempted to disconnect yoga from its Indian roots and as an introduction to meditation, because this would link it to “Hindu religion”, which the west continues to deride.

The world “Hindu” and “Indian” are both derived from “Indus” the name of the river in ancient Eastern India, now Pakistan. Both

ated the breathing exercises and the stretches. The one experience I will always remember was when she instructed us to “forget about yourself and the world around you”. After she belted out those instructions, the Christian song “so let’s forget about yourself, concentrate on Him, and worship Him…” came to mind and I did exactly that. I released myself of thoughts of me and the world around me, and focused on the majesty and love of God. It was one of the highpoints in my spiritual life – one which I shall always remember.

I lived in India almost continuously for about 15 years. I looked forward to doing yoga with friends. The exercises were quite stretching, but it was worth it. I felt ready for the day – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Unfortunately, a new leader took over and he insisted that all participants recite the Sanskrit prayer (“shloka”) to the moon and sun gods. As a Christian, one has to draw the line at some point.

For me, I worship the Creator – not the created, so I decided that I would not continue with that particular class. (In 2010, I pursued a diploma in yoga at a respected university in India. The professor was emphatic that it was not important to pray or say a “shloka” to do yoga.)

In 2005, I had the privilege of visiting the Ashram established

words simply refer to people living east of the Indus River.

In the derogation of India’s achievements, “meditation” is now given other names such as “mindfulness” when stilling the mind, or “biofeedback” when used to control parts of the body that were thought to be only reached through the “involuntary nervous system”. But this is as foolish as trying to avoid crediting the invention of modern scientific methodology to Europe because the latter was Christian.

There is nothing wrong with practicing yoga as a purely physical practice - even though it would be like using a Maserati for fetching wood! There are yoga exercises for all the muscle groups of the body and there are specific routines that can stimulate internal organs of the body, such as the kidney or pancreas that may be not functioning at their optimum. In India, for instance, the programme “Yoga for Diabetes” was successfully unrolled and has shown to aid in lowering blood sugar when combined with diet and lifestyle changes.

The Hindus for Selfless Service (HSS) has proposed to the Government of Guyana that yoga should be introduced in the public schools of our country to help build healthy bodies, along with educated minds.

by Swami Usharbudh (who was renamed Swami Veda Bharati Arya), Rishikesh, North India. He was thrilled to know that I was from Mahaicony! I sojourned at his Ashram for a while and participated in the yoga class held each morning. I appreciated the high yogic standard that was adhered to at the Ashram; for instance, one’s back had to be straight. If the participant was unable to have his/her back straight, they were given blankets under their knees to help prop them up!

I informed the Swami that I was a “Yeshu Masih ke bhakt” (a follower of Jesus Christ). I thought he would be quite disappointed or angry seeing that he was perhaps the most prolific Arya Samaj practitioner in Guyana. However, he reacted by saying, “No problem!

It doesn’t matter what you call yourself – what is more important is how you live your life!” These words of wisdom still resonate with me today. The Swami passed away in 2015.

These days my health does not allow me to participate in yoga to a degree that I would like. I still do some of the breathing and stretching exercises; I shall continue with this until I am no longer able to.

I encourage all Guyanese to consider participating in yoga.

I’ve found it to be helpful in many ways!

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 25, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Feature

The Sathya Sai International Organisation of Guyana

O

Sathya Sai Baba

n June 1, 1975, Sathya Sai Baba said: “The main objective of the Sathya Sai Organisation... is to help humanity recognise and manifest its inherent divinity... So, your duty is to emphasize the One, to experience the One in

all you do and speak. Do not give any importance to differences of religion, sect, status, or colour. Have the feeling of Oneness permeate all your acts.”

Realise the “divine principle” innate in every being through love and selfless service, such a transformation of the human heart and its expression as love in action is the mission of more than 2,000 Sathya Sai Centres spread over 126 countries of the world.

The service activities include health care, disaster relief and community service, such as distribution of food, water, blankets, hygiene kits and many other materials to the needy. The spiritual activities include devotional and cultural activities organised for Bhagawan’s birthday, Mahasivarathri, Mahasamadhi day, Guru Poornima, Avatar Declaration Day, Chinese New Year, Eid, Ramadan, Buddha Purnima, Easter and Christmas, as well as multi-faith prayers and meetings and other important events. The reports include educational activities of all Institutes of Sathya Sai Education and Sathya Sai Schools, as well as Sathya

Sai Education in Human Values and Sai Spiritual Education programmes.

In his letter, dated March 2, 2017, published on www.sathyasai. org, Narendranath Reddy, M.D. (Chairman, Prasanthi Council), a Sathya Sai devotee, urged everyone to take up 40 days of spiritual practice (which dated from March 22 to April 30). This is an integral part of Sathya Sai devotees’ lives.

The spiritual practices (sadhanas) are represented in the three pathways to divinity reflected in the teachings of Sathya Sai Baba – the paths of Devotion (Bhakthi), Service (Karma) and Wisdom (Jnana).

In part, Reddy said: “This sadhana is intended to help us realize our innate divinity through the path of service (karma yoga), the path of devotion (bhakti yoga), and the path of knowledge (jnana yoga).

SAI is the consummation of all three yo-

gas, as S stands for Service (karma yoga), A stands for Adoration (bhakti yoga), and I stands for Illumination (jnana yoga). Hence, all Sathya Sai devotees are urged to practise naamasmarana, or repetition of His name, perform loving service, and contemplate and practise His teachings from the 40 quotes of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.”

Google the following to get websites that contain much more information about Sathya Sai Baba, His mission, His works, His message and His love: Sathya Sai Universe; www.sathyasai.org; Philippines Disaster Relief; and Haiti Disaster Relief.

The Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre for inter-religious activities and efforts, support for UN-related peace efforts, moral and spiritual service to hospital patients and prisoners, values education in schools, and rural community outreach projects.

The most important journey you can take is the journey within. Meditation enables you to embark on this inward journey. Raja Yoga meditation gives you a clear spiritual understanding of yourself, helps you re-discover and use the positive qualities already latent within you, enables you to develop your strengths of character and create new attitudes and responses to life.

You begin to remember things about yourself that you once knew, but had long forgotten. You start to enjoy moments of silence and to savour periods of introspection and reflection.

Meditation also helps you disconnect

A

ally empowering in a lasting way.

Meditation is taught as a method of raising self-awareness leading to self–realisation. Meditation stills the mind and empowers the intellect to achieve insight and understanding of the spiritual laws and principles which sustain harmony and can bring natural renewal at all levels of life on earth. “Meditation, accurately directed, makes God accessible to everyone,” Sr. Jayanti, God’s Healing Power (Michael Joseph, Penguin Group, 2002).

Raja Yoga meditation redefines the self as a soul and enables a direct connection and relationship with the “Supreme Source” of purest energy and highest consciousness. Raja Yoga can be translated as “supreme union”, or as “highest connection”. Every soul has a right to experience this ultimate relationship.

Members of the Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre Guyana teaching students about the importance of yoga

s a learning community, the Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre seeks to help students strengthen their ability to live by their own higher nature and to improve their contribution to society through spiritual education and reflective practices.

The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, established in Guyana as the Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre, is an international non-governmental organisation with spiritual headquarters in Mt. Abu, India. It is in general consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and in consultative status with UNICEF. The special competence of the Brahma Kumaris in the area of human and social values allows them to bring a particularly ethical and spiritual approach to world concerns.

Through its international network of centres, the organisation offers courses in Raja Yoga Meditation and a variety of lectures, short courses and programmes in personal development. All courses, activities, programmes and projects help sustain a life-long learning process. The study

is broad and inclusive, applicable in everyday life, and relevant within a broad cultural context.

Raja Yoga Meditation In Guyana, the Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre was established in1976. At the heart of its teachings is the foundation course in Raja Yoga Meditation. Classes are a practical study and facilitate an inward journey towards recognition of the deepest aspects of the self, a relationship with God, and the purpose of life. The practice of meditation is grounded in a core knowledge that connects the inner world of thoughts, feelings and ideas to the outer world of actions and relationships.

The result of this practice builds mental, intellectual and emotional capacity.

Like any skill, meditation requires practice. By doing a little every day, it soon becomes a natural, easy and fulfilling habit.

Brahma Kumaris has served and continue to serve the community by a variety of different methods including lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and short courses on meditation, positive thinking, anger management and stress-free living. Other community services have included support

Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre Guyana

from damaging habits of thought, feeling and reaction. This results in a conscious, positive release of energy which improves the quality of your attitude, actions, and interactions.

The process of going ‘within’ - disconnecting from harmful habits, connecting to your innate spiritual resources and reconnecting with your external life - is person-

Like any skill, meditation requires practice to achieve satisfying results. More and more, people are adding some kind of meditation to their daily routine either as an effective antidote to stress, or as a simple method of relaxation. By doing a little meditation every day, it soon becomes a natural and easy habit, which generously rewards you for the effort it involves.

4

Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 25, 2017

Feature

Health benefits of Surya Namaskara

T

he daily practice of Surya Namaskar contributes to a healthy, efficient and energetic day.

Surya Namaskar, also known as ‘Sun Salutation’ (“salute to the sun”), is a common sequence of 'asana' (yoga postures). It is a combination of 12 physical postures.

This sequence of yoga postures originated in India, where its large pop-

#1 Namaskarasana (Prayer Pose) Stand erect with feet together. Join the palms together in front of the chest. Concentrate on standing straight, steady and in a prayerful attitude.

This posture helps to induce a state of introversion, relaxation and calmness.

Exhale fully.

ulation has been showing respect to the sun by doing Surya Namaskar, and at the same time benefitting from its effects.

Surya Namaskar calms the mind and helps to improve concentration. It is a set of 12 postures, preferably to be done at the time of sunrise. Its regular practice improves circulation of the blood throughout the body, maintains health,

#2 Hasta uttanasana (Raised Arms pose) - Inhaling stretch both arms above the head, palms facing upward.

Arch the back and stretch the whole body. It expands the various lobes in the lungs and puts more oxygen which increases the oxygen level in the body.

#4 Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian pose) - On your next inhalation, extend the left leg back and drop the knee to the ground.

The right knee is bent and kept between the hands and the right foot placed flat on the ground. Lift the spine and open the chest.

Concentrate at the eyebrow centre. The right leg and left leg are interchanged in the next Surya Namaskar set. It opens groin and psoas muscles improving flexibility of the hips, strengthens knees, ankles, and waist. It is therapeutic for indigestion, constipation, and sciatica.

#7 Bhujangasana (Cobra pose) - On the inhalation, lower the hips while pushing the chest forward and upward with the hands, until the spine is fully arched and the head is facing up. The knees and lower abdomen remain above the floor. This pose gives dynamic expansion to the organs of the chest and abdomen, relieving many ailments such as asthma, indigestion, kidney and liver problems. It is very helpful in relieving tension in the back muscles and spinal nerves.

#10 Hasta Padasana (Same as asana #3) - Breathe out as you come to this posture

and helps one remain disease-free. From head to toe, every part of the body is greatly benefitted by Surya Namaskar, which is why it is highly recommended by all yoga experts.

When done at a fast pace, Surya Namaskar is an excellent cardiovascular workout and an ideal way to lose weight.

How to perform Surya Namaskar?

Every morning during sunrise or within one hour of sunrise is an ideal time to perform Surya Namaskar. On an empty stomach, drink 120ml of water before you do Surya Namaskar. One has to perform 12 Surya Namaskar with 12 physical postures.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, 20-year-old Akshaya Persaud talks about how

practising Surya Namaskar has significantly contributed to him being a wellrounded individual, especially as a cricketer.

“I was fortunate to be with the Guyana Amazon Warriors team for three years as an under-19 cricketer. I am very passionate about cricket and always want to be on top of my game. One of the things that help me accom-

plish this is yoga, especially Surya Namaskar. Yoga helps me to focus. Also, I was struggling with a back injury and by practising Surya Namaskar, my back is much better now. It has made my body flexible and helps me to concentrate better,” Akshaya explained.

Akshaya demonstrated how the 12 Surya Namaskar postures are done:

#3 Hasta Padasana (Hand to Foot pose) - Exhaling bend the body forward and down, keeping the spine straight. Avoid collapsing the chest or “over-rounding” the upper back. Keep the legs straight and perpendicular to the ground. This posture massages the abdominal organs, especially the liver, kidneys, pancreas, adrenals, uterus and ovaries. The power of digestion increases and female disorders such as prolapse and menstrual irregularities are relieved. A healthy flow of blood is sent to the spinal nerves as they are stretched and toned. The hamstring muscles at the back of the thigh and calf muscles are stretched and toned. Inversion increases blood flow to the brain.

#5 Chaturanga Dandasana (Stick pose) - On the exhalation bring the right leg back to join with the left leg and keep body in one plane like a straight stick. It builds upper and core body strength, lengthens the spine and strengthens the low back muscles.

#6 Sashtanga Namaskara (Salute With Eight Parts Or Points) - Exhaling gently drop both knees to the ground and slowly slide the body down at an angle as you bring the chest and chin to the ground. All eight limbs toes, knees, chest, hands and chin - touch the floor. The buttocks are kept up. Hold the breath. This posture develops the chest and strengthens arms. It sends additional blood to this area helping to rejuvenate the nerves.

#8 Parvatasana (Mountain pose) - Raise the buttocks and lower the head between the arms, so that the body forms a triangle with the floor while still keeping the arms and feet in the same place. Try to place the heels flat on the ground.

Focus awareness at the neck area. This posture strengthens the nerves and muscles in the arms and legs, stretches the calf muscles and Achilles’ tendons and makes the spine straight and taut. It relieves varicose veins and tones spinal nerves.

#9 Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Same as asana no. 4, but with the other leg forward) - Breathe in as you come in this posture.

#11 Hasta uttanasana (Same as asana no.

2) – Breathe in as you come in this posture.

#12 Namaskarasana (Same as asana #1) - Retain your breath for a few seconds.

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 25, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine

Times Women

A

Narpatty Persaud

s we age, muscles tend to stiffen, joints lose their range of motion and we become more susceptible to chronic problems such as osteoporosis, arthritis and heart disease. Yoga can help slow down the effects of the ageing process by maintaining muscle softness and flexibility, keeping the mind alert and awake, encouraging relaxation and strengthening muscles and joints. This is proven true by 53-year-old Narpatty Persaud.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Narpatty - a teacher and role model - said she attends the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) yoga classes and has benefitted tremendously from practising yoga.

She recalled being very active in her “younger

days”, so when she was introduced to HSS yoga classes, she willingly signed up.

Approximately one year practising yoga, Narpatty mentioned she “absolutely loves it”.

“Yoga makes me feel better. Practising the postures, breathing exercises and meditation makes you healthier in body, mind and spirit. Yoga lets you tune in, chill out, shape up -- all at the same time. Yoga is good for what ails you. I have done extensive research which shows that yoga helps manage or control anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, headaches, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, stress and other conditions and diseases.

Quite honestly, I am living proof of the work of yoga,” Narpatty noted.

She added that practising yoga has contributed significantly to her well-being.

However, when Narpatty initially joined the HSS yoga classes, she admitted that she was “very shy”. But she did not stop as she saw the benefits of practising yoga. Narpatty pointed out that yoga has “boosted” her self-esteem and self-confidence. Yoga has also helped her to be a more effective

teacher. She stated that her concentration and creativity in her classroom have improved.

“I find myself being more organised now. Most importantly, yoga has helped me to be a better individual in life. That is why as long as I can walk, I will always practise yoga. When I can’t make it to classes, I would still do my basic breathing exercises and postures. Every spare moment I get, I dedicate to yoga. I know yoga won’t stop me from ageing, but it definitely helps me to

embrace the process and be fit,” she declared.

Personally experiencing the benefits of yoga, Narpatty encourages both young and old to take up yoga. Describing it as a "fantastic workout for your body", she said yoga can be practised at your “own speed and level of comfort”.

“No matter which yoga exercises you choose, the practices will always be part of a great workout routine. There are some fantastic series of movements out there that are perfect for ev-

ery kind of day and for every kind of person, meaning there’s no reason not to start doing some yoga as soon as you can. It gets you in touch with your body.

“Yoga stretches and exercises are designed around the idea of moving your body to increase its strength and durability. Therefore, doing yoga on a regular basis will really get you to be much more in tune with your body and know when something is really working and when it isn’t,” Narpatty outlined.

Narpatty (centre front row) doing a yoga posture at the Hind Swayamsevak Sangh’s first International Day of Yoga event held at the Everest Cricket Ground

6 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 25, 2017

Literary Corner

‘Aspects of EuropeanGuyanese Heritage’

By Petamber Persaud

T

he Guyana Heritage Society has once again manifested its proclivity in executing its mandate with the publication of a new book, “Aspects of EuropeanGuyanese Heritage”, which was launched in Guyana on April 10, 2017.

The cause or the motto of the Guyana Heritage Society is: “To Protect and Preserve”. Its main objective is “to promote research on Guyanese heritage through lectures and publications and the preservation of indigenous skills related to the national heritage”.

The Society has so far reprinted the following rare and out-of-print books: “Story of Georgetown” by James Rodway; “Centenary History of British Guiana, 1831-1931” by ARF Webber; “The Twelve Views in the Interior of Guiana”

by Robert Schomburgk.

The Society has also published the following new works: “History of Victoria Village” by William N. Arno; “From Ashes to Ferro-Concrete: A History of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

‘Aspects of European-Guyanese Heritage’ published by the Guyana Heritage Society (Photo by Amanda Richards)

1914 – 2014” by Joanna Collins-Gonsalves; “Aspects of European-Guyanese Heritage” by Guyana Heritage Society.

“Aspects of EuropeanGuyanese Heritage” is a collaborative effort among the European Union, National Trust of Guyana and the Guyana Heritage Society, all of which are deeply involved in the safeguarding particular parts of and by extension the world’s heritage.

The mottos of the above three entities interlace to a common end. The motto of the National Trust of Guyana is: “Safeguarding and promoting our heritage”; the motto of the Guyana Heritage Society is: “To protect and preserve”; and the motto of the European Union is: “Unity in Diversity”.

According to the Ambassador/Head of the European Delegation in Guyana, Jernej Videtic,

writing the foreword of “Aspects of EuropeanGuyanese Heritage”, says that “promotion of culture is a vital element in the European Union’s external relations”.

That foreword sets the tone of the publication with some eye-openers. For instance, Guyana is known as the land of many waters and these waters have given the country its “technical and industrial heritage”. In another instance, the reader is given three terms to ponder namely “cultural diplomacy”, “cultural cooperation” and “cultural dialogue”. Cultural heritage is important in that it can attract tourism and boost economic growth as it helps in job creation. Cultural heritage encourages competitiveness in a way leading to better creation of products.

Culture drives creativity and innovation thereby releasing knowledge. And for these reasons, cultural heritage must be protected.

Other eye-openers in the book proper include the ‘secret sex life’ of the country’s national flower; the revelation that all ‘Dutch Bottles’ did not originate in the Netherlands; not all Dutch family names are originally from the Netherlands; and the ‘jenever’ indigenous to the Netherlands was ‘copied’ by the British and ‘rebranded’ as gin.

The book contains 43 aspects of European/ Guyanese heritage showcasing the influence on and contribution to the country via the Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, French and British. Although these aspects seem to be of a ‘loose sequence’, they come together to justify the publication of the book by painting a holistic picture of a common heritage with emphasis on signal heritage aspects. So included are

scholarships on architecture, language, religion, foods and beverages, discovery and exploration, flora and fauna, history of wars and colonisation, sugar and slavery and a cursory mention to indentureship.

With respect to architecture, there are references to the forts; City Hall; Stabroek Market; St. George’s Cathedral; and Hog Island Windmill.

There are also two articles that stand out on this aspect: “Cross-Cultural Architecture: Early 20th Century Mandirs” and “Green Architecture in 1857”. With respect to religion, there is a historical overview on the Roman Catholic Church in Guyana.

Of tasty interest is the article “Garlic Pork and other Culinary Contributions of the Portuguese of Guyana”.

There many other fascinating stories like the empoldering of the country by the Dutch, introduction of education by the British, the story of rice in Guyana and of early nation builders like Laurens Storm Vans Gravesande, Walter Roth, Robert Schomburgk, the D’Aguiar brothers, among others.

Guyana is a land of many waters and it is a reminder that waterways were responsible for the advent of adventurers and colonisers. On the waterways of the world, the history of the country unfold-

ed and was written as the book states: “European colonization of the Guianas in the seventeenth century is often characterized as turbulent and conflict prone.”

It was near waterways that the forts were built and towns established. Of interest, the French was responsible for the establishment of Georgetown as in contrast to the Dutch whose focus was on the construction of forts rather than towns.

We owe much to the French who wanted to have a “Capital which will become the business centre; where Religion will have a temple, Justice a palace, War its arsenals, Commerce its countinghouses, Industry its factories and where the inhabitants may enjoy the advantages of social intercourse”.

“Aspects of EuropeanGuyanese Heritage” was not intended to be ‘the history of Guyana’, but the bits-and-pieces offering should and would intrigue the reader.

Although the publication was a collaborative effort, the driving force behind the success of this project is the Society’s president, Mr. Ben ter Welle.

The Guyana Heritage Society can be contacted via email: guyanaheritage@ hotmail.com Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@ yahoo.com

Street Cricket Come all ye older lads and harkens unto thee, Remember street cricket and who you wanted to be.

Memories that still haunts your deep past, Either it was our batting, fielding or bowling fast.

I wanted to be Lawrence Rowe, that cool chap, Or Rohan Kanhai and Clive Lloyd finding the gap.

I tried bowling like Lance Gibbs of good length, And fast like Andy Roberts, of great strength.

I had such great fun and you will agree, Our love for all of the legends we wanted to be.

Sometimes we had a wonderful knock, But another time it was our wicket in shock.

Regardless of the years our memories never cease, The golden times when we were at the crease.

We loved hitting that cricket ball all about, And in our memories we will always be not out!

Dmitri Allicock

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 25, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 7

Times Feature

T

he first Hindu organisation to emerge in colonial Guyana was the Guyana Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha Ashram. It was founded in 1943 by Dr. Chung Bahadur Singh, who served as its president for several years.

In its formative years, the Maha Sabha membership was confined mainly to pandits, including Pandit Oudit Narine and Pandit Gowkarran Sharma, which changed gradually as Hindus began to enrol as members of the organisation.

This place of worship experienced rapid growth and development from the 1950s.

Thus, it became a registered organisation under ordinance No. 46 of 1954. It initiated the establishment of branches throughout the country and encouraged the building of temples and Hindu schools, especially in the sugar belt and other rural areas where descendants of immigrants inhabited.

The Maha Sabha served as the backbone behind the promotion and mention of Hinduism, where pandits were trained not only to conduct religious services at functions, but also to conduct marriage ceremonies. Additionally, it served the needs of the Hindu community based on their cultural traditions and religious values.

From its infancy, the Maha Sabha recognised the need for a central office (headquar-

Guyana Sanatan Dharma Mahasabha Ashram (Photo taken by johnstanlake.com in 2013)

ters) and a place of worship. Consequently, a small property was acquired in Cowan Street, Kingston, which was then sold and another acquired in Regent Street.

However, this was replaced by a building on Lamaha Street, which later became too small to cater for the increasing activities and growing attendance at prayer service.

During this time, the vibrant ‘South Arm’ was born.

By HG Parmatma Dasa

T

he International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), popularly known as the Hare Krishna Movement, actually began with Shri Caitanya Mahaprabhu (Lord Krishna’s appearing in 1486, in a mood of His devotee) and Srila Prabhuupada’s desires that the Maha Mantra be spread to every town and village of the world.

Srila Prabhupada, the empowered representative of Lord Krishna, struggled for 25 years in India. In 1965, at the age of 70, he came to the US with 40 Rupees and no contact, and struggled even more in a foreign land. But he had faith in the words of his spiritual master and in the teachings of Lord Krishna. Prabhupada preached the message of Gita uncompromisingly. In July 1966, in a storefront turned into a temple in New York, ISKCON was incorporated.

ISKCON Georgetown Temple Hall

Today, there are 700 Hare Krishna Centres in virtually every corner of the world. In Guyana, there are five temples across the country.

ISKCON is a worldwide community of devotees practicing Bhakti yoga - the eternal science of loving service to God. The following eight principles are the basis of the Krishna consciousness movement. We invite all our readers to consider them with an open mind and then visit one

ISKCON Georgetown

of the ISKCON centres to see how they are being applied in everyday life: 1. By sincerely cultivating a bona fide spiritual science, we can be free from anxiety and come to a state of pure, unending, blissful consciousness in this lifetime.

2. We are not our bodies, but eternal spirit souls, parts and parcels of God (Krishna).

As such, we are all brothers, and Krishna is ultimately our common father.

The Maha Sabha organisation is known for its tremendous achievements and affiliation with 128 temples country-wide in the 1960s. During that time, the Maha Sabha emerged as the “premier Hindu organisation” and held its first Annual Deepavali Fair.

Education was as an important aspect of the Maha Sabha, so in 1967 it opened its first secondary school as its Lamaha Ashram

3. Krishna is the eternal, all-knowing, omnipresent, all-powerful, and all-attractive Personality of Godhead.

He is the seed-giving father of all living beings, and He is the sustaining energy of the entire cosmic creation.

4. The Absolute Truth is contained in all the great scriptures of the world.

However, the oldest known revealed scriptures in existence are the Vedic literatures, most notably the Bhagavad-gita, which is the literal record of God's actual words.

5. We should learn the Vedic knowledge from a genuine spiritual master-one who has no selfish motives and whose mind is firmly fixed on Krishna.

6. Before we eat, we should offer to the Lord the food that sustains us. Then Krishna becomes the offering and purifies us.

7. We should perform all our actions as offerings to Krishna and do nothing for our own sense gratification.

8. The recommended means for achieving the mature stage of love of God in this age of Kali, or quarrel, is to chant the holy names of the Lord. The easiest method for most people is to chant the Hare Krishna mantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Räma, Hare Räma, Räma Räma, Hare Hare.

There are various kinds of yoga; such as Karma yoga, based on purifying our activities; Jnana-yoga, based on acquiring spiritual knowledge and insight; Raja yoga, the mystical yoga system; and Bhakti yoga, attaining union with God through love and

Headquarters. Just after, a Leonora branch was erected. Along with a plethora of developments, the organisation published its monthly newsletter, “Amar Jyoti”. This newsletter became the official organ giving widespread coverage to the religious, social and cultural activities of the Maha Sabha.

In the 1990s, the Guyana Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha continued to play a leading role in the propagation of the Hindu philosophy under the stewardship of the late Justice Ramraj Jagnandan, who served as its president. Hence, the temple cornerstone was laid on October 3, 1996.

Construction of the mandir was completed on May 8, 1997 and was officially opened on May 12, 1997.

Notably, the organisation pioneered the opening of its New Amsterdam Maha Sabha Temple, in which the cornerstone was laid on October 15, 1997. Intense construction began under committee chairman, Attorneyat-law Ramesh Rajkumar. The mandir was officially opened on July 20, 2000. This organisation continuously serves its Dharma with full cooperation from its dynamic team of executive members and supportive devotees who have pledged their lives in conquering all challenges along their way, only to have the glorious days of return once more.

Srila Prabhupada

devotion. From these yoga systems, additional systems have also developed. But these four basic forms of yoga are all discussed in the primary and essential Vedic text of the Bhagavad-gita. But out of all of them, Lord Krishna specifically directs us toward engaging in Bhakti yoga, love and devotion toward Him. So why is this so special?

Bhakti yoga is the devotional service performed for Lord Krishna, or one of His incarnations, such as Lord Vishnu, Lord Ramachandra, etc. Lord Krishna explains that, “Work done as a sacrifice for Vishnu has to be performed; otherwise work binds one to this material world.

Therefore, O son of Kunti [Arjuna], perform your prescribed duties for His satisfaction, and in that way you will always remain unattached and free from bondage.”

By the blessings of guru

and Lord Krishna and the sincerity of the Vaisnavas, Hare Krishna has truly become a household word in Guyana.

ISKCON has taken deep root here in Guyana and has very favourable disposition within the cross section of Guyanese society.

Our readers are encouraged to visit any of our centres listed below to find out more about Bhakti yoga and are invited for our Sunday Love Feast at 3pm every Sunday.

Sri Sri Gaura Nitai Ashirvad Mandir, Crane Old Road, W.C.D., Tel: 592254-0494; New Navadvipa Mandir, Mainstay, Essequibo, Tel: 592-7714894; Hare Krishna Study Centre, UG Road, Tel: 592222-3951; New Kulinagram, Williamsburg, Berbice, Tel: 592-322-5038; Sri Sri Jagannath Prasad Mandir, Crabwood Creek, Berbice.

8 Sunday Times Magazine

JUNE 25, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Travel & Tourism

Morning on the Kuyuwini near its confluence with the Essequibo (Photo from silurus.acnatsci.org)

Canoe moored on the Kuyuwini (Photo from marinetomyrmecologist.blogspot.com)

L

ocated in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) is the scenic Kuyuwini River, a tributary of the Essequibo River.

Along this flowing beauty lies the small indigenous village, Parabara.

The village’s landing is situated on a high bank of the river.

Manoeuvring along a section of the river (Photo from mykenlara-guyana.blogspot.com)

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 25, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 9

Healthy Living

Diabetes and Yoga A

n increasing number of people with diabetes mellitus are turning to yoga in an effort to keep their condition under control and improve overall quality of life.

It is well known that regular practice of yoga can help reduce levels of stress, enhance mobility, lower blood pressure and improve

overall wellbeing.

It is these benefits that many health experts believe can improve diabetes management and protect against other related medical conditions such as heart disease.

What is yoga?

Yoga is a series of mental, physical and spiritual disciplines that originated

in ancient India over 5,000 years ago.

The practice of yoga helps to co-ordinate the breath, mind and body to promote relaxation, develop breath awareness and provide a sense of inner peace.

It involves various body postures and movements (known as asanas), breathing techniques and meditation, which are all designed to promote physical comfort and mental composure.

Benefits of yoga Most, if not all, people who undergo regular yoga training experience improvements in their mental and physical health.

These benefits can include: Better sleep Reduced anxiety and depression Enhanced feelings of well-being

Relief from chronic illnesses Improved digestion, circulation, and immunity Improved posture, flexibility and strength Enhanced concentration and energy levels Enhanced function and efficiency of respiratory, neurological and endocrine organs Benefits for people with diabetes Yoga is considered to be a promising, cost-effective option in the treatment and prevention of diabetes, with data from several studies suggesting that yoga and other mind-body therapies can reduce stress-related hyperglycemia and have a positive effect on blood glucose control.

Controlling mental stress (stress management) is one of the keys of diabetes treatment. When we’re

stressed, our blood sugar levels increase and elevated blood sugar levels increase the chances of serious complications such as heart disease.

Using controlled breathing techniques, meditation and body postures, yoga and other mindfulnessbased programmes train participants to invoke a relaxation response.

This response helps regulate cortisol and other stress hormones, which increases blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Both play a big role in the development of type 2 diabetes and related complications.

Yoga can also treat diabetes, or in the case of type 2 diabetes, prevent the disease from developing by: Rejuvenating pancreatic cells - Yoga postures that aid relaxation (asanas) stretch the pancreas, which

can stimulate the production of insulin-producing beta cells.

Exercising the muscles - Like other forms of exercise, yoga increases glucose uptake by muscular cells, which in turn, helps to lower blood sugar levels, improve circulation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Promoting weight loss - Exercising through yoga can reduce weight and improve weight control, both of which are essential for protecting against conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease, as well as diabetes management.

Improving your mental attitude - Regular yoga practice can help to focus the mind and create the right mental approach to dealing with diabetes.

How to Avoid Getting ‘Red Eye’ Y

ou may have been receiving text messages from the Ministry of Public Health on how to prevent getting and spreading conjunctivitis, also known as ‘Pink Eye’ or ‘Red Eye’.

Recently, a number of persons sought treatment for the eye disease in Guyana; hence the importance of sensitising the public.

Below are tips on how to avoid conjunctivitis, or if you have it, how to prevent spreading it.

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or swelling of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye.

‘Red Eye’ may affect one or both eyes. Some forms of conjunctivitis are highly contagious and can easily spread in schools and at home. While conjunctivitis is usually a minor eye infection, sometimes it can develop into a more serious problem.

A viral or bacterial infection can cause conjunctivitis. It can also develop due to an allergic reaction to air irritants such as pollen and smoke, chlorine in swimming pools, ingredients in cosmetics, or other products that contact the eyes, such as contact lenses.

People with conjunctivi-

tis may experience the following symptoms: A gritty feeling in one or both eyes Itching or burning sensation in one or both eyes Excessive tearing Discharge from one or both eyes Swollen eyelids Pink discoloration to the whites of one or both eyes Increased sensitivity to light Myths about conjunctivitis 1. A single look can spread the infection - So far, medical professionals have not discovered a single disease spread through simple eye contact.

2. Anyone can give you Pink Eye - When you encounter someone with inflamed eyes, shying away is a natural instinct. Some kinds of conjunctivitis are in fact highly contagious. These forms of pink eye spread through sharing washcloths, borrowing eye makeup, and exposing the eyes to bacteria. However, many forms of pink eye aren’t contagious at all. Eye irritants, like certain chemicals, and seasonal allergens can cause the same pinkness.

4. Pink Eye could blind you - The idea that pink eye could blind or kill you doesn’t hold a lot of water. Most of the time pink eye is a minor infection. In some cases,

it even resolves itself within 7 to 10 days. It is important, however, to consult with a doctor because swelling, discolouration, and itching of the eyes may indicate a more serious condition (one that does actually endanger your eyesight). Sufferers should seek immediate medical attention if they develop a rash, fever, or severe eye pain.

5. There’s only one treatment - Because many people don’t know that there are many causes for pink eye, they assume the treatment for each case of pink eye is exactly the same. There are actually a range of treatment options, depending on the cause of the infection.

Common treatments for each type include: • Allergy-related: antihistamines, removal of allergens, steroid eye drops for inflammation • Bacterial: antibiotics regimens • Dry Eye Syndrome: moisturizing eye drops, lubricating ointments, punctual plugs • Viral: improved hygiene, antivirals 6. You have to stay home until it’s gone - Whether or not you need to limit your contact with others until your pink eye is gone depends on the type. People suffering from pink eye caused by allergies or a virus can attend

school or work normally after they confirm the cause with a doctor (though they may not want to).

However, people with bacterial pink eye must stay home for at least a full 24 hours after they begin taking antibiotics. Then they should be ready to resume their normal activities.

7. You must get rid of things that touched your eyes - If you contract an infectious version of pink eye, you will need to get rid of ‘some’ things. Consult your doctor for more information on this.

Prevention Practicing good hygiene is the best way to control the spread of conjunctivitis. Once an infection has been diagnosed, follow these steps: Don't touch your eyes with your hands.

Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.

Change your towel and washcloth daily, and don't share them with others.

Discard eye cosmetics, particularly mascara.

Don't use anyone else's eye cosmetics or personal eye-care items.

Follow your eye doctor's instructions on proper contact lens care.

You can soothe the discomfort of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis by applying warm compresses to your affected eye or eyes. To make a

compress, soak a clean cloth in warm water and wring it out before applying it gently to your closed eyelids.

For allergic conjunctivitis, avoid rubbing your eyes.

Instead of warm compresses, use cool compresses to soothe your eyes. Over-the-counter eye drops might also help.

Antihistamine eye drops can alleviate the symptoms, and lubricating eye drops can rinse the allergen off the surface of the eye.

See your doctor if you think you have conjunctivitis. He or she can diagnose the cause and prescribe the proper treatment.

10 Sunday Times Magazine

JUNE 25, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Fashion Trends

F

ashion designer Nelsion Andre Nurse plans to captivate his audience with his stylish clothing at the fourth instalment of his fashion show, ‘Reflections – The Journey’.

Known for his fash-

ionable, bespoke designs, Nelsion’s clothing will not be the only star attraction.

Collections by talented designers, both local and overseas-based, will also headline the fashion event.

“Reflections is more than

just a regular fashion show.

It is choreographed to tell a fashion story incorporating music, dance and drama,” the designer explained.

The headline fashion event is slated for July 15.

Designer Nelsion Andre Nurse (centre) with models

guyanatimesgy.com

Sunday Times Magazine 11

JUNE 25, 2017

Times Home & Cooking

Recipe of the Week

Ingredients 1½ lbs boneless chicken thighs cut into bite sized pieces 1 medium onion, chopped 1 red pepper, sliced 1 green pepper, sliced 1 orange pepper, sliced 2 tsp salt 2 tbsp chopped parsley 1 tsp oregano (or thyme) 1 tsp basil (or ‘married-man pork’) ½ tsp black pepper 1 tbsp crushed garlic

F

loral prints are everywhere, and pairing them with unexpected elements is the key to helping them feel thoroughly modern. Check out these flawless spaces and get inspired to try this look for yourself.

1 tsp oil 2 tbsp tomato paste 3 tbsp ketchup

¾ cup water 1 tbsp sugar 3 cups pasta

A completely wallpapered room is what floral-loving dreams are made of, especially in the case of this ultramodern living space.

Method

onion, peppers, and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Cook pasta making sure it’s just a Add tomato paste, ketchup, sugar bit undercooked; the pasta will cook and water and cook until the sauce until done in the sauce. While pasta reduces and thickens. Add strained cooks, mix chicken pieces with salt, pasta to the pot with the chicken and black pepper, oregano, basil and stir to combine. parsley.

Cook for an additional 3-5 Heat oil over medium heat in a minutes until the pasta soaks up the pot large enough to hold pasta. Add sauce. (Photo and recipe from www. seasoned chicken and cook until jehancancook.com) the pieces are brown. Next add

Greatest Cooking Tips Preserve the nutrients and colours in veggies. Cook them quickly by steaming or stir-frying.

Prepare muffins and quick breads with less saturated fat and fewer calories. Use three ripe, very well-mashed bananas, instead of 1/2 cup butter, lard, shortening or oil or substitute one cup of applesauce per one cup of these fats.

The best way to cook tough cuts of meat: cook them low and slow, usually for 3 or more hours, often in liquid, to make them melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Got a few vegetables or a little leftover meat? Maybe you have some fixings for a salad or a light soup, but it’s not quite dinner.

Pasta and rice are cheap, healthy pantry items that let you turn a few leftovers into a meal. Try quickly sautéing peppers and onions and toss them with noodles, herbs and a little cheese, or add rice into a vegetable soup to make it more satisfying.

Choose a chic fabric to outfit your windows. Bright floral curtains will add personality and playfulness that may have been missing before.

Home Help

Use your morning pick-me-up to eliminate odours in the fridge.

Simply place ground coffee, new or used, in a bowl on a shelf.

Replace them every two months for a fresh, slightly caffeinated smell.

Give chandeliers a quick cleaning with a blow-dryer (set on low) or a feather duster. For tougher jobs, fill a spray bottle with one part vodka to five parts water, spritz on fixtures and blow-dry.

To remove ring around the collar, draw over the stain with a piece of white chalk. Let it soak up the grease for a few minutes, then dust off excess chalk and launder as usual.

These design-forward chairs with bold floral upholstery add a modern flair to this dining room.

Whether you want to go all in with a complete set or just add an accent chair, this is a no-fail way to transform any dining space.

12 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 25, 2017

Fun Facts/Puzzles

Fun Facts

Find your way out the maze

Aglet - The plastic or metal coating on a shoelace

There are so many things out there that we deal with or see every day, but have no idea what they are called. Here are a few: 1. Desire Path - A path created by natural means, simply because it is the “shortest or most easily navigated” way.

2. Paresthesia - The pins and needles feeling you get when part of your body falls asleep.

3. Armscye [pronounced ahrm-sahy, -zahy] - The armhole in most clothing.

4. Wamble - Stomach rumble.

5. Mondegreen - Misheard lyrics.

6. Philtrum - The groove located just below the nose and above the middle of the lips.

7. Purlicue- The space between the thumb and the forefingers.

Spot the Difference

Creature Corner

There are six differences between these two happy gardeners - can you find them? Answers at the foot of the image.

King Cobra

A

Answers: 1. Flower on hat 2. Fringe 4. Wheel 5. Ear 6. Tray of plants

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD - ADULATION

(ADULATION: aa-juh-LAY-shun: Excessive flattery or admiration.)

Average mark 40 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 60 or more words in ADULATION? adit adult alit aloud alto anil anti atonal audio audit

aunt auto danio data daunt dial dint dolt donut dual

ulna undo unit unlaid unlit unload until unto untold laid

lain lanai land landau laud lint lion load loan loin

loud lout tail talon tidal toad toil told tonal tuna

idol into iota outlaid outland naiad nail natal nodal noil

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters.

2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of "s", such as "bats" or "dies," are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a "d" or an "s" may not be used. 4.

Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

full-grown king cobra is yellow, green, brown or black. They usually also have yellowish or white crossbars or chevrons. The belly may be uniform in colour or ornamented with bars. The throat is light yellow or cream-colored. The juveniles are jetblack, with yellow or white crossbars on the body and tail and four similar crossbars on the head. The king cobra is regarded as a fierce and aggressive snake and its length and size give it an awe inspiring appearance.

The king cobra's deadly fangs are almost 0.5 inches long. Because they are fixed to the upper jaw, they have to be short. If they were longer, they would penetrate the floor of its mouth. Angled back into the snake's mouth, the fangs help push the prey on its path to the stomach.

The king cobra's average size is 10 to 12 feet, but it can reach 18 feet.

King cobras live in northern India, east to southern China, including Hong Kong and Hainan; south throughout the Malay Peninsula and east to western Indonesia and the Philippines.

Its eyesight is better than most snakes’. It's good enough to see a moving person almost 330 feet away. The cobra's hiss is much lower than most snakes’, more like a dog's growl. It is produced by tiny holes in the trachea and is resonated by the lung. To impress a rival, male king cobras resort to wrestling. Male combat is a ritual con-

flict in which the first one to push the other's head to the ground wins.

Although the king cobra is undoubtedly a very dangerous snake, it prefers to escape unless it is provoked. Despite its aggressive reputation, the king cobra is actually much more cautious than many smaller snakes. The cobra only attacks people when it is cornered, in self-defence or to protect its eggs.

When in a threat display, these snakes can raise the anterior part of their body about three to four feet off the ground and are able to follow their enemy in this position over considerable distances. The king cobra will also hiss and flatten its neck ribs into a hood.

A bite delivers venom from glands attached to the fangs. The flexing of a small muscle forces the venom through the hollow fangs into the victim.

Within minutes, neurotoxins stun the prey's nervous system, especially the impulses for breathing. Other toxins start digesting the paralyzed victim. In the United States, the study of cobra venom has yielded pain relievers used to block nerve transmission and severe arthritis pain.

Sadly, cobras are being treated cruelly by snake charmers, who do not really hypnotise them with their flute music. It's often a sad con game in which an exhausted cobra is put on the defensive, yet trained (with pain) not to strike the flutist.

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 25, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 13

Tech

multiple calls to get your records -- all of your doctor visits, lab results and prescriptions available on your phone, so that you can share the data w i t h n e w physicians at a m o ment's notice?

Sound pretty handy?

H

ow would you like to have your entire medical and health history at your fingertips -- literally?

No more making

Tech BYTE

so.

Apple reportedly thinks

The tech titan is in talks with developers, hospitals and other industry groups about bringing data such as detailed lab results and allergy lists to the iPhone, CNBC reported recently.

Such an initiative, involving a centralized management system like what Apple has with iTunes, could help overcome technical barriers that often hamper effective sharing of patient information among health professionals.

Apple has had its sights set on the health indus-

ficer.

They then

A

device the size of an electronic tablet is being hailed by its creators in the U.S. as a tool in the fight against distracted driving. But critics call it a major invasion of privacy.

It’s called the “textalyzer”. Like a breathalyzer, the textalyzer would be used by police after a car accident.

But this device would instead allow officers to download information from the driver's phone and track ev-

F

medical information about its users. Apple has reportedly shifted its focus to turning the app bundle into a

full-fledged diagnostic tool that could interpret fitness and health data in order to offer medical advice.

‘Textalyzer’ device can tell if you were texting while driving ery tap and click made in

Tech news

try for some time. In 2014, Apple introduced HealthKit, a framework designed for developers to create apps that can gather and share

the minutes beforehand.

Police could use it following an accident to determine whether the driver was distracted by a phone.

In a blocked off parking lot, a reporter testing out the device sent a text on his phone. He sent a message on Whatsapp and scrolled through Facebook. He then took a phone call. When he was finished, he handed over his phone to a police of-

plugged the phone into the textalyzer, which began downloading information about what apps had just been used.

“I can see that you opened WhatsApp at 2:45.

There's several Facebook activity. You received an incoming call at 2:59 and you sent an SMS at 3 o’clock,” the police officer reported.

The textalyzer is still a prototype.

Facebook launches initiative to fight online hate speech

acebook is launching a UK initiative to train and fund local organisations to combat extremism and hate speech.

It comes a week after the social network announced steps of its own to remove

terrorist-related content from its site.

The UK Online Civil Courage Initiative's initial partners include Imams Online and the Jo Cox Foundation.

Facebook has faced criti-

cism for being slow to react to terrorist propaganda on its platforms.

"The recent terror attacks in London and Manchester like violence anywhere - are absolutely heartbreaking," said Facebook's chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg.

"No-one should have to live in fear of terrorism - and we all have a part to play in stopping violent extremism from spreading.

"We know we have more to do - but through our platform, our partners and our community we will continue to learn to keep violence and extremism off Facebook."

(BBC)

Tech BYTE

Apple invented a box that keeps pizza from getting soggy

T

he company that brought us the most addictive phone on the planet is taking a stab at reinventing the pizza box. Apple's head of food

Tech news

G

services helped patent the box.

Apple invented its own pizza box for its cafeteria and pictures of it are popping up on social media.

The container is more of a pizza circle than a pizza box, and it appears to be sized for personal pies. It is reported that the container is meant for letting employees take pizza from the cafeteria back to their desks.

There a series of holes in the lid of the container so that air can escape, helping avoid sogginess in the crust.

This isn’t the first storage and transportation mechanism Apple patented. It was recently awarded a patent on the design of a paper bag.

YouTube claims 1.5 billion monthly users

oogle's YouTube unit says it now reaches 1.5 billion viewers every month -and its users watch more than an hour of mobile videos per day -- as it expands its video program-

ming to sell more digital ads.

YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki shared the news in a blog post the same day she gave a keynote address at VidCon, a conference for online video creators in Anaheim, California.

Google CEO Sundar

Pichai tweeted about the milestone soon after Wojcicki's post.

Wojcicki also wrote that YouTube Red, the company's foray into orig-

VR180, that will make it easier for video creators to make VR content.

The company is working with camera makers to create products that can

inal videos, has launched 37 series that have generated "nearly a quarter billion views."

YouTube Red has 12 new projects in the works, she said. YouTube also unveiled a new virtual reality technology, called

feature the new technology, which shows only a view of what's in front of a VR camera, rather than a 360-degree view of a scene.

In April, rival Facebook unveiled a new VR camera that employs a 360-degree view. (CNBC)

14 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 25, 2017

Bollywood/Hollywood

Salman Khan reveals Shah Rukh’s cameo role in ‘Tubelight’

S

alman Khan has revealed details of Shah Rukh Khan’s cameo in “Tubelight”.

In an interview with UC News, Salman said, “This is a very important part, where Laxman starts getting his belief back and that is where Shah Rukh’s character comes in. He is a magician and gives Laxman all the power. This is what the whole character is, and then from there, his belief and his self-confidence reach another level.”

Salman also praised his new co-star, Matin Rey Tangu. “He is like one of the amazing kids I have ever met,” said Salman. “He is superb and on a different level. He calls me ‘Bibing Salman’, which means older brother. He’ll call everyone ‘uncle’ but he’ll call me ‘brother’.”

Asked if any other actor should have played Laxman, Salman replied, “Aamir hasn’t played the character like that, but Aamir is re-

ally good. Hrithik has done it, so Hrithik would be a good choice too. And Akki (Akshay Kumar). Anyone would have done this. I’m sure if they would have accepted the role, they would have done full justice to the role. It’s just that I am locked up with Kabir.”

Meanwhile, a video was

‘Transformers’ movie said to be ‘ground-breaking’

“T

ransformers: The Last Knight”, with Mark Wahlberg reprising the lead role, the fifth episode in the shape-shifting robot series showed up in cinemas this week. At the helm is Michael Bay, a director whose movies inspire awe.

Explosions, running, car chases, running away from fireballs... Bay doesn't short change on the action. The director's own brand of stylish destruction - "Bayhem" as it's called - started out with “Bad Boys” in 1995 and he hasn't taken slowed down since. “The Last Knight” features a deafening series of crunching robot fights as the Autobots (the good robots) yet again take on their old enemies the Decepticons.

Then there's an action sequence that frankly couldn't be bigger - spoiler alert... Earth is actually attacked by another planet. Yes, that happens.

“The Last Knight” ties in a backstory that includes King Arthur and the true meaning of Stonehenge.

leaked online showing Shah Rukh Khan’s cameo in the film.

“Tubelight” is set against the backdrop of the 1962 Indo-China War. It also features Sohail Khan, the Chinese actress Zhu Zhu, and the late Om Puri.

(Hindustan Times)

Sridevi clarifies comment D on daughter Jhanvi

B

ollywood diva Sridevi received some angry reactions for saying she would prefer her daughter Jhanvi Kapoor to get married rather than pursue an acting career. But now the actress has issued a clarification on her comment.

The 53-year-old actor took to Twitter and clarified her stance by saying that she does not believe that marriage is the ultimate

goal in a girl’s voice.

Taking it to Twitter, the “English Vinglish” star shared, “My comment was misunderstood and it really concerns me that it’s sounding like I believe girls are only meant to get married and settle down. That’s not what I want for my daughters, I want them to be able to stand on their own feet and have their own identity.

I’ve always told them nev-

er to be dependent on anyone in any capacity. It’s very important to me that young girls understand that the end goal of their life is not to get married and have babies, they have every right to make something of themselves if they wish to.

“What I meant to say initially was that I would prefer if my daughters didn’t lead the kind of hectic life that comes with this business and instead have a relatively stable and relaxed life. But they are ambitious and I have come to respect that like every parent should, and that respect overshadows my parental instincts now.”

On the professional front, Sridevi will be next seen in Ravi Udyawar’s “MOM” alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Akshaye Khanna.

The flick is slated for a July 7 release. (ANI)

Neerja family accuses producers of criminal conspiracy

A

ccusing the producers of Bollywood blockbuster and national award winning movie “Neerja” of “criminal conspiracy” and going back on their word of sharing 10 percent of the net profit, Neerja Bhanot’s family has moved to the court.

“The entire episode has trappings of a criminal conspiracy between respondent (Bling Unplugged) and Fox Star Studios India Pvt Ltd, who right from the inception of the agreement (between the family and the producers), in a planned manner had dishonestly induced the petitioners and family members of late Rama Bhanot with the intention of wrongful gains to themselves,” the petition moved by the family before the Punjab and Haryana High Court has stated.

The court was moved after both sides failed to resolve the money sharing issue and even failed to agree on the appointment of an arbitrator. The matter will be heard in July. The family has moved the petition for appointment of an arbitrator to resolve the dispute.

The family has contended that the producers had, in the agreement made on September 2, 2013, agreed to pay the family a fixed compensation and share 10 per cent of the net profit of the film.

Neerja Bhanot was killed, two days before she would have turned 23, while saving passengers during a terrorist-hijack of a Pan-Am flight at the Karachi airport in Pakistan on September 5, 1986. (Hindustan Times)

rake had a new single tailor-made for the Louis Vuitton show as part of the catwalk's soundtrack. As models strutted in Hawaiian shirts with wet-look hair, “Signs” played in the background.

Kim Jones, the menswear designer for Louis Vuitton had a line-up of style mavens enthusiastically waiting for his Spring 2018 collection on the front row. And yet, his invitees - which included Naomi Campbell, Edward Enninful, Tyga and Will Peltz were ‘not’ as awe-inspiring as the show's soundtrack.

While Kim Jones says he was inspired by the book “The Atlas of Remote Islands”, Drake's song is a chilled ‘summer’ gem. And the way the collab came about is pretty chilled, too. Kim Jones commented to Vogue: “I sent a few pictures [from the collection] to Drake because he’s a big fan... and then he wrote a song, which is going to be the music.

Which is kind of amazing! It’s really, really good - I think he’s probably releasing it as a single. Because he loved it too. It’s so nice that Drake wrote a song.”

J

ennifer Lopez is hitting back at “haters” who accused her of photoshopping the ab-filled bathroom selfie she posted on Thursday.

The singer, 47, responded in the comments of her photo — and made sure everyone could see it by taking a screenshot of the comment and posting to her Instagram Story.

“Omg…Just a smudge on the mirror…lol…not photoshop,” she wrote, and adding the epic hashtags, “#lordblessthehaters #gymrat #youshouldtryit #wishtherewasphotoshopforhaters” Lopez had snapped a photo of her sculpted abs and shared it on Instagram with the caption, “Ayyyyy…” and a laughing face emoji. (Glamour)

LV x Drake follows Kim Jones' Fall 2017 collaboration with streetwear brand, Supreme. (Glamour)

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 25, 2017

Sunday Times Magazine 15

16 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

JUNE 25, 2017

Fun Times

Archie

You'll face opposition if you are too trusting or open (March 21about what you are doing.

April 19) Keep your personal information, passwords and possessions in a safe, secure place.

ARIES

Personal gains are appar-

TAURUS ent. Make physical changes or (April 20- plan a romantic evening with a May 20) special someone or your family to bring joy to others as well as to yourself.

A change in an important GEMINI relationship will bring you (MAY 28- good fortune. Take an unusuJune 20) al approach to your responsibilities if you want to make a difference. Don't go over budget.

You'll tend to overreact and make bad choices if you (June 21don't think before you speak July 22) or act. Calm down and ease into whatever situation you face.

CANCER

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

Peanuts

Something you don't expect will catch you by surprise. Don't feel the need to react too quickly. Gather information, assess the situation and do what works best for you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Emotional spending is apparent. You cannot buy favors or love, so don't bother trying. Offer your attention and suggestions to avoid being used. Physical self-improvement is favored.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

An unexpected change will leave you feeling uncertain about your future. Don't feel down when you should be taking advantage of the upside to the situation. You do have a choice.

SCORPIO Return to your roots and (Oct. 24discover who you are and Nov. 22) where you came from. The positive impact it will have on your life will be enormous.

A personal change will SAGITTARIUS leave you questioning your (Nov. 23financial stability. Look for Dec. 21) ways to protect yourself from being taken advantage of by someone you thought you could trust.

Calvin and Hobbes

Keep a steady pace and CAPRICORN complete your chores. Avoid (Dec. 22- complaints by staying on Jan. 19) top of your promises. Taking care of an older or younger person will put your life in perspective.

Question both your and

AQUARIUS others' motives before getting (Jan. 20- involved in a group endeavor.

Feb. 19) You probably won't agree on much as time passes. Air your feelings and views before you commit.

Strive to achieve a better PISCES (Feb. 20- lifestyle. Do the legwork, and Mar. 20) build a stable and secure environment that will welcome positive feedback from loved ones. Romance is encouraged.