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Brassington sent on leave ISSUE NO. 275

WEEK ENDING December 27, 2015

See story on page 2

- he was a victim of APNU/AFC's ‘witch-hunt’ - Ramotar - KN lied about siphoned off funds - Goolsarran Last minute Christmas rush

Guyanese rush to get last minute deals at the newly-opened Giftland Mall on Tuesday. (Giftland facebook page)

New York Guyanese celebrate Christmas in the old style Page 4

2 NEWS

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Brassington sent on leave - he was a victim of APNU/AFC's ‘witch-hunt’ - Ramotar - KN lied about siphoned off funds - Goolsarran

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he Cabinet has instructed the Finance Minister to hand over the file containing the forensic audit into the operations of the state-owned National Industrial and Commercial Investments Ltd. (NICIL) to the Police Commissioner and the State Assets Recovery Unit for investigation.

The announcement was made by Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman at the postcabinet press briefing on Wednesday morning at the Ministry of the Presidency. Mr. Trotman also announced that the government has taken a decision to send both the Chief Executive Officer and the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of NICIL on leave, pending the investigation.

The CEO of NICIL is Winston Brassington, while Attorney, Marcia Nadir-Sharma serves as his Deputy.

Under the previous PPP government, NICIL played a lead role in sev-

eral government projects including the construction of the Marriott Hotel and the construction of the Berbice River Bridge among others.

Former Auditor General of Guyana, Anand Goolsarran was called in to lead a forensic audit into the operations and deals of NICIL following the May 11 elections.

Brassington, who is expected to proceed on leave immediately, attempted to distance himself from any wrongdoing by saying that he serves as a servant of the Government of Guyana and a “creature of the cabinet”. He said any activities done by NICIL under the previous government would have been approved by the previous government and instructions handed down to him.

At a press conference earlier this week, Brassington questioned “if someone is saying we did something wrong, are they saying that

Executive Director of NICIL Winston Brassington

the entire government who made the decision and the cabinet and the board members and the counter agencies with other parties, that they all acted illegally?”

He is adamant that he did nothing wrong and he broke no laws. However, the Government believes it will be best for the Police to make that determination.

KN lied about siphoned off funds Meanwhile, the conspiracy to defame Brassington has been further exposed through the forensic audit into the entity which was conducted by Goolsarran.

On Monday, Kaieteur News Reporter Kiana Wilberg claimed Goolsarran was ‘leaking’ information on the audit to the tabloid-

like publication. Asking questions specifically to an article published by the Kaieteur News on December 15, captioned “Construction of Marriott Hotel…

Brassington hid US$5M in secret account”, Wilberg blurted out “the auditor spoke with Kaieteur News.”

It is important to note that government is still to officially make public the findings of the audit report.

It was also reported that Goolsarran is being accused of colluding with Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall in an effort to “expose” Brassington, who has dragged Lall and his close friend Toney Yassin over an outstanding US$2 million payment on the sale of Guyana Stores Limited, according to a close associate of Lall.

Goolsarran’s action is described as “extremely unprofessional” and a breach of confidentiality.

However, when contacted by this newspaper Goolsarran denied

speaking with Kaieteur News about any matter relating to the audit and said the newspaper lied as there was never any such discussion about “secret account” with Wilberg or anyone from Kaieteur News.

“That is not true because I have never mentioned a secret bank account, I mention they received Gy$1 billion from GNCB, the money wasn’t used and it was still in the accounts of NICIL, and I raised the question why is it that after two years the money was still sitting in the accounts of NICIL. I have no control over that (newspaper report) and I don’t agree because that’s not what I said, I don’t agree it should have been written that way,” Goolsarran said.

Further, Goolsarran said while he has been speaking with reporters on a range of matters, he never had any discussion with journalists, including Wilberg on the forencontinued on page 21

NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

West Dem doctor Nude body of man dies in car crash found at Kitty Seawall

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r Clement Sukdeo died on Monday night after he lost control of his motor car while driving along the Leonora Public Road, West Coast Demerara and it ended up in a trench.

The accident occurred at about 23:35 hrs, and Dr Sukhdeo was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Traffic Chief, Superintendent Dion Moore, told the media that the doctor was at the wheel of motor car PRR 8096 at the time, and he was alone in the vehicle.

The Traffic Chief said Dr Sukdeo’s vehicle ran off the road and went into a trench, and he rather suspects that

the doctor died from drowning and not from injuries received. The matter is under investigation.

Relatives at Dr Sukhdeo’s Meten-MeerZorg, WCD residence refused to speak to the media yesterday, but this newspaper understands that the 69-yearold doctor was on his way home after he had gone to visit a friend in the city.

The Traffic Chief disclosed that, for this year, police have recorded 102 accidents, with 120 deaths; and for the corresponding period last year, the tally was 126 accidents with 136 deaths. He noted that 15 children were killed in road accidents for both 2014 and 2015.

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ccording to a report from a local online news agency, the nude and decomposing body of a man was found on Wednesday morning, fastened under a number of large rocks at the Kitty Seawall area close to the seaside.

The man’s identity is unknown and police investigators believe it may be difficult for someone to positively identify the body because of its state of decomposition and bloating.

The report says it took undertakers close to an hour to get the body from beneath the rocks. Pieces of wood had to be used to shove the rocks aside.

Investigators believe the man may have died a few days ago. They noticed no visible marks of violence on the body.

A family from Georgetown rushed to the scene in an effort to identify the body with the hope that it may have been the body of a relative who was a fisherman and fell off a fishing vessel out in the Atlantic Ocean a few days ago. However, they were unable to make a positive identification at the scene.

The body was discovered by an overseas based Guyanese who is

Undertakers retrieving the body from under the rocks

home for the Christmas holidays.

The man said he was walking along the seawall just before 8:00 am on Wednesday when he spotted the body.

He said he immediately called 911 emergency but was told by the Police officer that he was in fact onto the Kitty Police station and would need to call the Alberttown Police station to handle the report. He said he became furious and asked the police on the other side of the line, why she can’t call the Alberttown station since

he is unaware of the number for the station.

“To my shock and surprise, the woman said she is a Police but she does not know the number to the other police station and I would have to find it on my own”.

He said another man who was also walking along the seawall and spotted the body was able to stop two motorcycle riding traffic officers and they were the ones who summoned other police to the scene.

A probe into the death is ongoing.

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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EDITORIAL

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For goodwill in our country

his week, through pure serendipity, we will be observing the birthdays of the founders of two major world religions – Jesus Christ of Christianity and Prophet Muhammad of Islam. We have only recently commemorated Diwali, a festival that commemorates, among other events, the return of Sri Ram, to his native land after defeating the forces of darkness.

Whether we believe, as most Hindus do, that God incarnates repeatedly as he did as Sri Ram, or sent his son Jesus Christ or sent prophets, such as the last one Muhammad as Islam holds, all the major religions assure us there is a Divine Being behind the world we experience and that we are exhorted to live in harmony.

There are those who hold such a position is untenable and, in fact, recently their ranks have swollen with followers of “New Atheism”. Such individuals unfortunately demonstrate a dogmatism that is frequently mirrored in the attitude of others who vouch for the “universality” of their religion and would actually kill “non-believers” or even those who do not follow their “path” in the exact manner as they do. We witness this playing out in a large swathe of countries from the Middle East through East Asia and the horrifying results should give pause to any among our midst that would want to take such a stance.

Guyana is a multireligious, multicultural and multiracial society, created by European nations that began their existence as states that insisted after a prolonged period of war between Catholics and Protestants, “Cuius regio, eius religio, which meant “Whose realm, his religion”. In our early phase, this was also our reality as Africans were tortured to abandon their religions to accept Christianity of the Protestant variety. As late as the 1950s, Hindus and Muslims and Chinese had to convert to Christianity to become school teachers, the profession most accessible to move out of the sugar plantations. The Catholic Portuguese formed their own churches and schools. There were, also, the social pressures.

With the spread of the value of “equality” in everincreasing areas of life, we have reached a point where the notion of “forcing” someone to change their religion should be condemned. It has been pointed out, however, that the “stick” might have been replaced by the “carrot” by practitioners of some religions, leading to great resentment among those who are targeted to be “rescued”. This is a source of possible increased tension in our society that must be addressed sooner rather than later.

The Prophet Muhammad, whose birthday falls on December 24, preached that “there is no compulsion” in religion and whatever might be the practice elsewhere, in Guyana this has been observed scrupulously. Many have “converted” to Islam, but through observing the living practices of that religion and undergoing personal transformations in their lives. This is as it ought to be since it acknowledges the individual as an autonomous being who should make choices of their own, uncoerced volition.

Jesus Christ’s birthday falls on December 25 by the tradition of Christianity in the West due to a historical anomaly: the Eastern churches observe the event on January 6 because they are following the Julian Calendar, in force at the time Jesus was born, and not the Gregorian calendar, proposed by Pope Gregory of Rome in 1582, just when the state system was forming. The Eastern churches have a different focus in celebrating Jesus’ birthday, being less sentimental and focusing more on the divinity of Jesus Christ.

During this week, let us then reflect on the value – that autonomy as we celebrate Youman Nabi and Christmas. Let there be no resentment generated in “others” who may have a different take on matters secular or religious. Let goodwill reign among us so that we may become a beacon of hope to the world not only for a “low carbon economy” but for a “low tension society”.

Spreading Christmas cheer: Last Saturday, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo attended a Christmas Social for Senior Citizens of Better Hope and other neighbouring villages on the East Coast of Demerara

New York Guyanese celebrate Christmas in the old style

By Vishnu Bisram

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hristmas and the related end of year season is the most celebrated of all festivals. In New York, an aura of the seasonal celebration is in the air in Guyanese residential neighbourhoods (where there are ethnic enclaves) as well as in the main Guyanese business districts such as Liberty Avenue (Richmond Hill), Jamaica Avenue (Queens) and Flatbush Avenue (Brooklyn), etc.

On Liberty Avenue, Flatbush Avenue, and other shopping areas patronized by Guyanese and other Caribbean people, people flocked to the stores over the weekend rushing to shop for gifts, decorations, drinks and food items.

Guyanese business leaders complain that business has been down; in fact the same complaint is heard in other ethnic communities as well, and the city as a whole; people are not spending as much as last year.

But in spite of the slow economy, shops on the varied business avenues are well decorated (they have been so since Thanksgiving and some before Diwali) with lights and related paraphernalia comparable to other shopping districts in New York City during the season. Christmas music emanates from many of the stores and one can purchase virtually everything related to Christmas at any of hundreds of Guyanese and other Caribbean stores in the communities. Most people, from outside the city or upstate and even from Brooklyn and Queens

Village or Long Island, prefer to come to Liberty Avenue to shop where they meet and reminisce about a Guyanese Christmas holiday and enjoy a hearty meal at one of dozens of Guyanese restaurants; some even patronize the rum shops or clubs, as they are called in the city.

One can feel the Christmas spirit in the Guyanese communities.

Bright multi-coloured lights, trimmings, and other paraphernalia are on display in front of homes drawing onlookers, many of whom take photographs or video the spectacle.

Around the greater Richmond Hill neighbourhood, an abundance of flickering multicoloured lights with a variety of designs line the windows and entrances to the home and are displayed on trees outside on the lawn.

The season is usually one of expectancy among the large Guyanese population regardless of racial or religious affiliation.

Virtually everyone partakes in the Christmas spirit. The Christmas holiday festival transcends religions as trees are brightly lit next to fluttering Jhandis or the homes of Muslims. Halal shops do well this season as do roti shops. Hindus and Muslims may not attend church mass but like other Guyanese they prepare that special holiday meal and beverages and join in the Christmas spirit with other Guyanese and Americans. Cakes, pastries and bread have been baked from last weekend onward.

The end of the year season is also a time for par-

ties at businesses owned

by Guyanese or where large numbers of Guyanese are employed.

Several businesses hosted fetes.

However, bashes at five star hotels are conspicuous by their absence unlike previous years. Traditional Guyanese food, such as dhal puri and curried mutton, chicken, goat, duck, and alou, and fried rice, channa, and chowmein are served. Several Mandirs also held year-end holiday concerts over the last couple of weekends.

Last Saturday the IndoCaribbean Federation hosted a luncheon for seniors on Liberty Avenue. And this Sunday, community leaders hosted its annual Christmas luncheon at Rousseau catering restaurant where some 500 were presented with gifts after a delicious meal all done by volunteers.

Many Guyanese prefer to celebrate Christmas at home, making the yearly pilgrimage to Guyana to experience the good old Guyanese Christmas. But seats are unavailable as Caribbean Airlines and Dynamic have long been sold out.

Christian churches in Guyanese neighbourhoods have mounted nativity scenes on their lawns.

People are expected to flock to church for midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The Christmas holiday will be at fever pitch from Thursday when many businesses will close for the rest of the season. Schools go on break from Thursday and reopen the first Monday in the New Year not as long a holiday as in Guyana.

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Man slapped with falsifying rape allegation charge against Police Officer

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Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice resident was on Monday charged for falsely accusing a Police Officer of

rape.

Stephan Philips appeared before Magistrate Annet Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for making false allegations.

The 28-year-old man denied the charge, which stated that on October 22 at the Brickdam Police Station, he gave to Officer Marilyn Rodney false information alleging that he had been raped by Police Constable Shawn Beharry.

Police Prosecutor Adduni Innis told the court that the defendant was known to Police and was before the Providence Magistrate’s Court charged for breaking and entering when he made allegations that he was raped by a Police rank.

The Prosecutor said that an investigation was launched and it was revealed that the defendant fabricated the story. Prosecutor Innis said that advice was sought from the Director of Public Prosecutions as to the way forward and it was recommended that Philips be charged for the offence.

Meanwhile, the Officer against whom the accusation was made told the court that as a result of the false allegation, his name had been tarnished and he had been placed under close arrest for six days.

Prosecutor Innis objected to bail based on the seriousness and nature of the offence; however, her objections were overruled. The Magistrate granted bail in the sum of Gy$10,000 and adjourned the matter until January 4, 2016.

NEWS 5

Guyana ranked poorly for failing to reduce road accidents

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uyana has been ranked among the top 60 countries that have not been active in reducing road accidents. This was revealed at the 2nd Global High-Level Conference on Road Safety held in Brazil on 18 and 19 November 2015, under a resolution theme titled “Improving global road safety”.

The conference saw over 2000 delegates from countries around the world including Ministers of Health, Cities, Transport, and Interior; senior officials from United Nations agencies; representatives of civil society; and business leaders.

According to Chairman of the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC), Dennis Pompey, two representatives from the Council attended the conference, where they discussed measures to meet the United Nation’s Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020, of which Guyana is a signatory. The strategy seeks to have member countries reduce accident figures by 50 per cent by 2020.

Speaking at the Council’s yearend media conference, Pompey pointed out that while the country has recorded a decline in the number of road accidents and fatalities thus far for the year, the figures are still very high. He noted that at a Road Safety Conference last month, Guyana was ranked 53 on the list of countries that have not undertaken sufficient efforts to reduce accidents by 50 per cent in keeping with the UN strategy.

“At the Brazil summit, we were told that Guyana ranked 53 (of 218 countries around the world) that did not make any significant efforts to reduce accidents by 50 per cent. While

we are saying that the accident figures have decreased, we are not in any way in keeping with the UN convention and we are already five years into this,” the GNRSC Chairman stated.

He went on to say that in the remaining five years, Guyana has to do much more work in order to catch up with the other countries and be on track towards achieving the goal set out in the agreement.

On this note, the GNRSC head implored road users to use the roadways responsibly. He urged drivers to stop speeding and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol, especially with the Christmas season upon us.

Additionally, he called on pedestrians, who the Guyana Police Force Traffic Department say accounts for the majority of road fatalities, to be responsible road users.

Head of the Traffic Department Dion Moore reported there has been a decrease in the number of road accidents and road fatalities thus far in 2015. He noted that as of 18 December, there have been a total of 100 fatal accidents that resulted in 118 deaths, compared to 124 accidents and 133 deaths during the same period last year. These figures represent a 19.3 per cent reduction in accidents and 11.2 per cent decrease in deaths.

According to the Traffic Chief, pedestrians remain the highest number of persons killed on the roadways with 41 of them having lost their lives during this year. Passengers of private and hire vehicles followed in second with a total of 23 deaths, while 17 pillion riders were killed and 16 mo-

torcyclists.

Additionally, there were 11 pedal-cyclists who lost their lives. Moore noted his Department recognised that there are a lot of good drivers but at the same time, there are some drivers who, for vain reasons, chose to break the laws and do wrong things on the roadways.

The Traffic Chief outlined that thus far, some 2663 drivers were charged for speeding, 2452 for driving under the influence (DUI), 1086 for failing to adhere to sirens, 1347 for using cellular phones while driving, and some 3727 for music in public transportation.

Moore explained that these offences were targeted after it was recognised that accidents were becoming a regular feature on the country’s roads.

He noted that following the clamping down on these offences, there was a decline in the accident figures.

He further stated that in efforts to curb accidents, his Department is working along with the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Ministry of Education along with other stakeholders.

“We know people have to travel, but we want you to travel from point A to point B and get there safely. You have to practice road safety, you have to adhere to the principles and guidelines regarding road safety. If you see someone doing something wrong, call them out on it. You can make a difference, we all can make a difference to ensure our roads are safer,” the Traffic Chief stated. Moore went on to say his Department will be implementing various measures to ensure road users abide by the law.

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Depression leads to suicide Rethinking Christmas bonuses for public servants Dear Editor, Unlike the Annual Production Incentive (API) in the sugar industry which is a negotiated condition tied to a production target, a bonus is a nonnegotiated gratuitous payment based on management’s discretion unless it is stipulated as a condition in an employer’s manual, contract of employment or union agreement.

In the absence of either, there is no need to consult a union prior to which, by implication, will set a precedent for future negotiations thus eroding the rights of an employer to make a unilateral decision in favour of their employees, provided it is not contrary to any law, or dishonest and dangerous to the health of the employees. Giving a bonus obviously is a boost to employees’ morale, but it is difficult to understand the rationale for payment of a bonus to public servants given all the horror stories of poor service and other practices that citizens are faced with when trying to access essential services within most public institutions.

Rather than giving a bonus, the Government should have negotiated with the union as per collective agreement a salary package effective from January 1, 2016 which will provide a sustained monthly increase throughout the year.

Public Servants are already enjoying the following benefits:

(a) Security of tenure: cannot be dismissed at will, unilaterally (b) One month’s passage allowance at time of leave plus bonus – a double whammy (c) Non-contributory pension scheme, payable at age 55 unlike in the Private Sector (d) A 36 and ½ hours work week, less than in the Private Sector (e) Average of four working days per week when taking into consideration public holidays, Saturdays and Sundays, annual leave, casual leave, maternity leave, etc. (f) Guaranteed NIS pension at age 60 unlike many employees in the Private Sector (g) Immeasurable time loss due to lateness, absenteeism, malingering, bathroom usage and gossiping (Simona Broomes should do a sweep at some governmental office rather than harassing Private Sector employers) (h) Additional perks due to bribery In the meanwhile, sugar workers who toil under poor conditions are still fighting for a negotiated API of less than five days and other employees have to cope with a minimum wage of Gy$40,000 per month, while our new Government bask in the glory of their 50 per cent increase.

Yours sincerely, D Singh

Will Freddie apologise to Jagdeo?

Saying sorry is hard for Freddie too Dear Editor, Columnist Freddie Kissoon pens “Sorry seems to be the hardest word”.

He was calling out prominent PPP leaders to apologise for perceived errors during its tenure in office. Yes PPP leaders should apologise for all their blunders and unwillingness to take sound (common sense) advice from so many who had the party and its supporters at heart.

Unfortunately, several in the party had self-interest at heart causing the party to be removed from office.

But sorry is also the hardest word for Freddie, widely known as a data manufacturer and polling fraudster. Freddie unjustifiably attacked so many people without evidence. And he told so many fibs on others to destroy their reputation. He writes rubbish that can hardly be supported by evidence.

Freddie does not comprehend what he reads. In Thursday’s column, he slammed Jagdeo for something that the former President did not say.

Jagdeo cited the arrogance of the PPP leadership (news Dec 15) as one reason for the party’s defeat. Freddie twisted Jagdeo’s words around penning that Jagdeo blamed PPP supporters for its defeat. Freddie penned: “Jagdeo told his (Success Village) audience that PPP supporters lost touch with the party’s bases”. Jagdeo said the reverse, blaming the party not supporters. Since Freddie’s writing is not factual, will he apologise to Jagdeo? Or will he continue to peddle lies and misinformation?

In a recent column, Freddie apologised to Donald Ramotar, after he was called upon by several prominent

writers for ridiculing Donald Ramotar who penned a faux pas in his use of a word. Freddie said “sorry” three times to Donald (in a separate column). But at the end of his apology, Freddie lambasted Donald saying, “even a six year old would not have misused the word”.

There was no feeling of contrition and regret for the assault on Donald. An apology is an acknowledgement of doing something wrong and a show of remorse with the commitment not to repeat the rue.

So what was the point of Freddie’s apology when he still chastised Donald for a simple gaffe that anyone of us could have made? Freddie himself made so many indiscretions, gaffes, and blunders including penning incorrect information (as for example on me saying I do not teach anywhere in the world when he was proven wrong when he contacted my place of employment to verify my status). And he refused to say “sorry”. He also penned countless misinformation on Ravi Dev, Baytoram Ramharack, Devanand Bhagwan, and other Indian intellectuals. He is yet to apologise to any of us.

Freddie suffers from an inferiority complex; he feels all other Indians are brighter than him and has set to undermine their integrity with outright lies and/or half-truths.

To use his own characterisation, Freddie is afraid to admit to mistakes because in doing so it exposes him as an ordinary person whose claims cannot be trusted.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Dear Editor, Our country holds the highest suicide rates in the Caribbean, mainly young people are committing their selves to these kinds of actions, and many would ask the question why?

The government is trying to battle this and to find a solution that will help to stop this from continuing. Losing talented and educated youngsters are indeed a blow to our community and our country at large, the young people are leaders of tomorrow, public centres and workshops should be set up in the many villages across Guyana to offer assistance and counselling to persons who are having these thoughts of committing their selves.

I want to call on all religious leaders to play a vital role within their communities. Statistics in Guyana indicate that Indo-Guyanese account for 80 per cent of all suicide deaths in Guyana.

The figures for attempts at self-harm vary slightly. The figures also indicate that by religion, Hindus account for more deaths than any other religious group in Guyana, hence I am calling on all pandits to put a hand and let’s play our role that was prescribed to us by the Lord Shri Krishna, defending our culture and our people. “Action thy duty, rewards not thy concern.”

I think we need to look at the main cause and that is depression, some people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of im-

pending doom. However, some depressed people don’t feel sad at all— they may feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic, or men in particular may even feel angry, aggressive, and restless.

Once a gentleman came to a doctor complaining that there was something severely wrong with him. He was hurting all over and was very sad but all the tests came out normal. The doctor said, “There is nothing wrong with you. Go to the circus and watch the clown there. He will make you laugh.”

The gentleman said, “Doctor, I am that clown.”

Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. The deep despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the only way to escape the pain. If you have a loved one with depression, take any suicidal talk or behaviour seriously and learn to recognise the warning signs.

Remember, depression leads to suicide, this is not about the government or the politics of the day, but our young people, they need our help, the key word is love, they need to understand that life is very precious, many are fighting in the hospitals daily to survive, our young people need to understand that life is a gift from the almighty.

Pt Surendra Tiwari Patentia Mandir

Cuba is ready to do business Dear Editor, I recently returned from a weeklong visit to Cuba during which I held discussions with a number of Government agencies, the Chamber of Commerce and the United States Embassy there.

Arising out of my visit is the clear indication that Cuba is serious about its new development agenda, based largely on the easing of some restrictions occasioned by the normalisation of its relations with America and the anticipated lifting of the embargo, hopefully in the not too distant future.

This new business environment in Cuba offers, in my view, tremendous opportunities for business enterprises in Caribbean Community (Caricom) member states. These opportunities will come with some challenges which are not without solutions. The Cubans are most appreciative of the role played

by Caricom in helping to pave the way for normalisation and more so, that landmark decision 43 years ago by Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados to establish diplomatic relations when other nations were fearful of so doing.

The Cubans made it clear that while trade with, and investment in their country is based on a level playing field of polices and regulations, special consideration would be given to the Caricom Private Sector interested in doing business there. exporTT, Trinidad and Tobago’s export agency already has a trade facilitation office in Havana. I was informed that efforts are currently underway to source large supplies of urea from the twin-island republic and that a St Lucia based food company has begun exports to Cuba.

One of the constraints with supplying Cuba is that the country is looking for credit or payment arrangements that would not require upfront payments in full. In the case of Guyana, perhaps arrangements could be looked into to facilitate short-term credit for the supply of products and services. Cuba is a huge market and

getting a foothold early could bring tremendous long-term success to some Guyanese enterprises. The Private Sector Commission, the Ministries of Business and Foreign Affairs and the local banking community may want to explore an arrangement in this connection.

Among the areas open for trade and investment include agriculture, logistics, transportation, renewable energy, construction, electronic assembly, bio technology, mining and tourism.

The Cuban Chamber of Commerce has portfolios of 326 projects ready for investment.

Undoubtedly Cuba is a country in transition. Cognizant of the need to be fully integrated into the global financial system and to attract massive inflows of capital through investment, the Government of Cuba and the Communist Party have agreed on a series of adjustments or “reforms” to provide for private local and foreign participation in the economy. This, coupled with the enlightened Obama policy of normalising relations and movement toward the eventual lifting of the more than 50 year embargo, has sparked a new enthusiasm among Cubans, especially its youth. According to US embassy officials, some 27 per cent of the labor force of Cuba is now employed in the Private Sector while a significant percentage are employed in joint venture associations between the State and private entrepreneurs.

The eventual lifting of the US embargo on Cuba will have an impact on Caricom economies. That impact for most countries can be positive if they begin to work now on the opportunities that are available. The challenges should not be daunting. A market of more than 11 million people should not be taken lightly.

For Guyana, doing business with Cuba should be one of the priorities of our Private Sector.

Sincerely, Wesley Kirton

news 7

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Govt keeps supersized pay hikes – Jagdeo whips APNU/AFC over insensitivity

BY AKEEM GREENE

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overnment, with a majority in the National Assembly, voted down an Opposition motion to reverse the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) approved salary increase and save Guyana’s treasury millions of dollars in revenue, that will now stay in the pockets of a small group of elites.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said he detested the act of the current Administration, stating their increases are “shameful”. “To say that a Minister earning $Gy579,000 per month… and benefits would accumulate to more Gy$800,000, and that was not a livable wage and they would have to get a huge increase to make it a livable wage, it is shameful”.

The salary increases have been greeted with outrage by members of the Opposition and the

Former President and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

public. The initial contention vented was that the increase came too soon.

Jagdeo, however, contented that “all we have are people who have not done a single thing; all they produce is talks and gaffe at press conferences and trips abroad… but they got a 50 per cent increase”.

He maintained that the Government was greedy, insensitive and wicked when it placed

its needs above those of the ordinary citizenry. Jagdeo, a former President, bemoaned the lack of consultation done with regards to the increases.

He argued that in the past, there was a joint committee which sought consultations, along with the staff of the Parliament to seek wages of Members of Parliament, which showed a joint process was initiated, despite it being possibly abandoned.

Jagdeo vociferously declared “we did not ask for the increase so to say how that they gave a salary increase to all Members of Parliament and to use the justification that we all benefited from it is to pull wool over the eyes of the people of this country to make it look like all of us are in this thing together, and to make it seem that we were involved in the salary increases and we were not”.

Responding to a

Four linked to semi-sub arrested for cocaine trafficking

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The Self-Propelled Semi-Submersible (SPSS) that was found on a creek off the Waini River (CANU photo)

he discovery of a Self-Propelled Semi-Submersible vessel in north-western Guyana more than one year ago has led to the arrest and charge of several persons overseas, according to the Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh.

Singh said the four persons were arrested a few weeks after the discovery of the semi-submersible vessel in August, 2014. “The semi-submersible was built to carry cocaine across the Atlantic,” he said.

The anti-drugs chief declined to reveal the nationalities of those charged and in which country they were being prosecuted.

“People who had links were charged in another jurisdiction based on their

involvement in narcotics and possible links in Guyana,” he was quoted as saying to an online news agency.

Singh stressed that he could not divulge any more information because the investigations were continuing.

The semi-submersible was found near in the Waini area, where an abandoned fibre-glass go-fast boat was found last month covered with vegetation to conceal it.

The CANU Head credited the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) with locating this boat which he said had been modified for use in illegal activities such as the carrying of more cargo.

The Self-Propelled SemiSubmersible vessel has since been sent to the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) for analysis.

Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman

statement from the Government that it made “a courageous decision”, Jagdeo said the new Administration appeared to be living in a bubble. “They should have the same courage to give the public servants an increase… to give back Gy$1.7 billion they took away from the school grant,” Jagdeo said.

The argument is being postulated in Parliament that these Ministers were earning large amount of monies in the Private Sector before they came into the Public Sector, and could be disadvantaged by coming into

Government.

The Opposition Leader is challenging that argument, asking that the document be made public, stating “we have another motion in Parliament which will see the tax records of all these Ministers made public so we can judge if they deserved the increase, I hope they would support the motion” Jagdeo is also contending that there is a motive behind the early announcement and implementation of the increase of salary and believes there is a strong and special reason behind it, as there are many people who are insecure of their tenure.

Supporting his statements, former Finance Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill reminded the Government of its promise while on the campaign trail to increase public servants salaries to improve their livelihood. “But they have instead perpetrated a reckless and unethical act on the people of Guyana”.

The former Minister explained that “in the term of Office, the APNU/AFC salaries would amount to Gy$1

Former Minister Juan Edghill

billion… not including other benefits”.

However, Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman rejected the claim, stating that Gy$1 billion will not be paid in salary increases before the end of term for the Government.

“What we have before us is much ado about nothing… Government is not an easy thing”, he remarked. Trotman further stated that the Government will answer to the electorate if it fails to work hard and deliver.

The Governance Minister contended that salary increases are unpopular but necessary for good governance.

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Late President Desmond Hoyte Brazil president’s ‘is an example of selfless service’ survival odds improve, but ally -President Granger says at Remembrance service demands growth

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff

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Former Leader of the Opposition, Robert Corbin, President David Granger and Ministers at the Commemoration of the 13th Death Anniversary of Former President, Hugh Desmond Hoyte

resident David Granger has described Former President Hugh Desmond Hoyte, S.C. as an example of selfless service to the people of Guyana and a man who possessed an acute awareness of the need to change the course of direction of the country, which verged on the brink of bankruptcy.

“Guyana remembers Desmond Hoyte, its second executive president, a patriot, with affection and respect,” President Granger said, in his address at a simple ceremony held this morning at the Botanical Gardens to commemorate Mr. Hoyte’s 13th death anniversary.

At the time of the General Elections of December 1964, Guyana was stagnant after seven years of mal-administration, the Head of State said, noting that the country was finan-

cially bankrupt, economically backward and socially broken.

“Our first Prime Minister Forbes Burnham bore the brunt, repairing the damaged state. He led our country into Independence; built colleges, schools and the university; constructed a new airport, bridges, highways and rehabilitated our sea defences; initiated the vital Mahaica-MahaiconyAbary scheme; inaugurated huge housing settlements,” he said.

Mr. Hoyte served faithfully at President Burnham’s side, ascending to the Office of Prime Minister and later to the Presidency; making him a part of the continuum even as it prepared him to confront the challenge of change, President Granger said.

“His execution of the portfolios as Minister of Home Affairs, of

Finance; of Works and Communications; of economic development and of regional development was an education in national leadership and international statesmanship. Desmond Hoyte – during his presidential septennium from 1985 to 1992 – was able to employ this considerable experience, to deploy his personal expertise and to apply his abundant endowments and talents in the highest executive office. He continued to build on the foundation of the previous twentyone years,” he said.

Hoyte’s tenure as President of Guyana coincided with the eclipse of the world socialist system to which Guyana subscribed. To this end, he positioned Guyana to take advantage of the economic reforms that swept the western hemisphere in the last decade of the 20th century, the President said.

“He promoted sustainable development and the protection and preservation of the environment. He opened the door to the shared governance which facilitated coalition-based alliances. Desmond Hoyte, today, remains an exceptional example of selfless service to the people of Guyana. His courageous economic choices have now become part of economic orthodoxy. His legacy is unassailable,” President Granger said The event was attended by several members of Government including Minister of Governance, Mr. Raphael Trotman; Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Basil Williams; and former Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Mr. Robert Corbin.

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RASILIA – According to a recent Reuters report, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff’s key ally in Congress is certain it can head off an impeachment threat, but in return the party demands a radical change of policy course to pull the economy out of its deepest downturn in 25 years.

Senator Eunicio Oliveira, Senate leader of the fractious Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), told Reuters yesterday that Rousseff took a first step in that direction by replacing an austerity-minded Joaquim Levy with leftist economist Nelson Barbosa, who is expected to ease up the belt-tightening to spur growth.

Levy threw in the towel after Brazil lost its hard-won investment grade last week.

Oliveira said Rousseff’s position had improved with Supreme Court rulings on Wednesday that gave the upper chamber authority to reject impeachment even if the lower house votes to impeach her.

“A majority of PMDB senators are in favor of the president finishing her term,” Oliveira said. “What they want is for her to change her economic policies to get the country growing again.”

Oliveira said the opposition’s case against Rousseff has no legal basis and is unlikely to fly in the Senate where her governing coalition has a solid majority and will stand by her.

His comments are a clear sign that Rousseff’s allies from the moderate PMDB have lost patience with the austerity pol-

icies Levy advocated.

Together with her own left-leaning Workers’ Party, never a fan of Levy’s agenda, that points to stronger support for a bid to restore growth sooner through government spending even at the risk of accelerating inflation. In its economic agenda, the PMDB has rejected what it called fiscal austerity for the sake of austerity and advocated liberalizing labor laws and reforming of the pension system.

Brazil’s deep recession and a massive corruption scandal at state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA have turned Rousseff into the country’s most unpopular president in as many years, and her opponents are seeking to unseat her one year into her second term for allegedly breaking budget laws.

While the PMDB is often plagued by infighting and includes members who are staunch allies of Rousseff as well as some arch-enemies, Oliveira’s stance as a senate leader can be seen as indicative of its mainstream.

“She has done nothing dishonest. Only the economic crisis can bring her down, by fueling social discontent,” he said.

Impeachment proceedings against Rousseff were opened Dec. 2 in the lower house by her archenemy, the speaker Eduardo Cunha, a PMDB leader who has been charged with taking bribes.

But on Wednesday, the Supreme Court ruled a secret vote Cunha used to stack an impeachment committee with lawmakers who want Rousseff ousted was invalid and needed to be held again.

The court also gave more power to the Senate to decide whether to hold an impeachment trial during which the president would have to step down.

Rousseff is believed to have a margin of about 20 votes in her favor to be able to block impeachment in the lower house, where her opponents deplored the Supreme Court rulings. Yet even some of Rousseff’s harshest critics are now acknowledging that the legislative math works against them.

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Free all political prisoners…Argentina tells Venezuela

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t a summit marked by strong differences between Argentina and Venezuela, Mercosur signed a statement in defense of the “unrestricted support of human rights”.

Earlier in the day, there was a serious exchange between Argentine President Mauricio Macri, who demanded all political prisoners in Venezuela be set free, and President Nicolas Maduro’s foreign minister, who replied that Macri was ‘meddling’ in Venezuela’s affairs and was applying a ‘doublestandard’ on the issue.

“I want here, today, to specifically demand before the heads of state from Mercosur member countries, the soon liberation of all political prisoners in Venezuela, because members of Mercosur cannot abide political persecution for ideological reasons or for thinking differently”, stated Macri in his speech on Monday, which also broke away from the usual arid politeness among its members.

According to a report from the summit secretariat, Macri added that his administration was happy to see the Government of Venezuela accept all the results from the recent legislative elections

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Audrey Waddell, pay rapt attention during a plenary session at the Mercosur Summit

which the opposition won, and at the same time, he asked “for prudence from the political opposition following the election”.

However, Macri emphasised that his “vision of democracy is not only in the ballots. Democracy is a way of life, a pact to live together.”

The Argentine President’s statements were rebuked

by Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez, who attended the summit in representation of Maduro.

She accused Macri of meddling in Venezuelan home affairs.

“You are meddling with Venezuela’s domestic affairs”, said Rodríguez, who also accused Macri of defending and endorsing “this political violence”,

while showing pictures of armed people which, she said, were taken during the so-called “peaceful marches” of 2014.

Paraguay, which hosted the summit, was hopeful that in its six-month presidency, a date could have been announced for the exchange of tariff reduction proposals between Mercosur and EU, in advance of the trade agreement. “Mercosur is ready to begin the proposals’ exchange process”, said Cartes and his foreign minister Eladio Loizaga, but they also admitted that the task will now be the responsibility of Uruguay, which holds the rotating chair for the next six months and anticipates that this would be the main objective of its mandate.

Jamaicans spend big to get to the US J amaica - The United States (US) Embassy in Kingston has confirmed that Jamaicans spent US$25 million (approximately J$3 billion) this year in application fees for visas to enter that

that 159,000 visa applications were submitted to the entity, the most in 20 years.

But Schimmel downplayed the significance of the amount shelled out

by Jamaicans to apply for visas.

country.

That is almost twice the estimated J$1.5 billion secondary schools would pull in if every parent paid the controversial auxiliary fees.

Consul General at the US Embassy in Kingston Michael R. Schimmel last Friday disclosed

“You multiply 160 by the number and we got US$25 million, but the individual application is still US$160,” he stressed.

“It’s a 10-year visa. If you travel once every 10 years to the US, each application would cost only US$16,” said Schimmel

as he pointed out that the cost for the visa is computed by the General Accounting Office in the United States to cover the cost of the service.

“Everything collected goes back into border security. The consular fees goes straight back into border security to increase border protection,” added Schimmel.

He said the embassy in Kingston is yet to determine what caused the significant increase in visa applications.

“We sat down and tried to analyse that. You can come at it from two different perspectives,” said Schimmel.

In the first scenario, Schimmel said it could be that the economies in both countries are booming. (Jamaica Gleaner)

PPP lobbying for int’l support for electoral reforms

PPP executive and supporters during the protest on Tuesday

By Kristen Macklingam

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he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) along with a number of its supporters, took to the streets again on Tuesday to protest what it calls a ‘flawed’ electoral process being adopted and used by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

General Secretary of the PPP Clement Rohee told Guyana Times International that this recent peaceful picketing was part of an ongoing exercise with regards to the Party’s protest against GECOM. The process took place in front of GECOM’s Kingston Head Office.

Speaking with the media Tuesday, Rohee said the party has constantly pointed out that GECOM’s machinery is “biased against free and fair elections. This has to do because of the kind of recruitment which lacks transparency of the staff generally and particularly for polling day.”

He posited that many of the party’s members have over the past months reiterated the sentiments with respect to GECOM’s decision during the last General and Regional Elections of not allowing any recounting of votes to be

done.

“The fact that they did not allow a recount of such narrow amount of votes, that they did not even allow even one ballot box to be reopened and to be recounted, spells of a high degree of suspicion. So these protests that we are carrying out here is not only against GECOM but the administration and the supervision, the conduct of the elections under GECOM,” he stated.

Meanwhile, he assured that the PPP is a “Party for all seasons” and as such will continue such protests regardless of what the atmosphere in the country is like; holiday season or not.

Rohee told this publication that protests like the one held Tuesday will continue to be held until its demands are met: “These protests are a manifestation of how convinced we are about the elections results being tampered with… sooner rather than later we will start lobbying international organisations, personalities so that they can come on our side… so we can present a case to them about what our struggle is all about,” he added.

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

New direction on child placement in 2016 – CCPA Director

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he Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) plans to place less focus on institutional care as an option for children rescued from abusive situations.

Head of the agency Ann Greene in a recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) explained that CCPA in 2016 will pay particular attention, not only to supporting suitable alternatives when placement is necessary for children, but also working to support the deinstitutionalisation of those children already in the system.

The latter objective will see particular emphasis being placed on building the capacity of the parents of these children to better take care of, and provide for their children.

This is because most of the reported cases to the agency are that of neglect, Greene explained.

During this year, the agency has done much towards this goal of deinstitutionalising care.

In 2015, it provided assistance to over 7000 families and by doing so prevented approximately 2000 children from being separated from their families. This was done by providing the families with training, with respect to developing parental skills.

CCPA Head Ann Greene

The agency also provided assistance, such as those for basic living needs and purchasing school supplies. Parents were also supported in acquiring skills training, and in finding employment, Greene said: “That is tangible support for parents, so we can prevent this unnecessary separation of children.”

In terms of supporting placement for the children, institutionalisation has been the agency’s last resort, Greene pointed out.

Focus has always been on placing children in a family-like setting, with the first recourse being placement with a kinship.

“If we can find a relative, we will place a child with a relative, if a relative is not available we would look in our core list of foster parents to see if a foster parent is available and then we would place the child in that because that is a family-based care, and that is what we

would like for a child that must be placed in alternative care,” she explained.

Unfortunately a number of children had to be placed in institutions because of the nonavailability of foster parents.

Though not the best placement, residential institutions have been life savers for many children, Greene noted.

Meanwhile, the creation of more public awareness on the issue of child abuse and highlighting the need for communities to become part of the fight are also on the agency’s 2016 agenda.

“There is this notion of the Child Care and Protection Agency that we have the sole responsibility for children; we have to get rid of that. Every adult, it is your responsibility to protect a child,” she sated.

To this end, there will be a national campaign, as well as more community consultations, Greene said, for the population to understand child abuse and its effects. Greene said the agency is trying to adopt a changed approach, to get persons to regard children differently: “No child deserves to be abused and child abuse is not just the responsibility of child care agency. It is the responsibility of every adult.”

Enmore’s NY Association spreads Christmas cheer to hundreds in Guyana

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Enmore Association of New York member, Ayube Mohamed (right), looks on as the young boys and girls interact with Santa Claus

he sun was out in all its brilliance on Tuesday, and so too were over 100 children from the East Coast Demerara community of Enmore, decked out in colourful garments as they ushered in the season of goodwill.

Drawn from all corners of the village, the young boys and girls were treated to hot meals and gifts, compliments of the Enmore Association of New York (EANY), an organisation comprising individuals from Enmore residing in the Diaspora.

This initiative by the body started well over a decade ago, and it has grown enormously over the years, catering for more youths with every passing Christmas.

Santa Claus was also in attendance, and apart from meeting and greeting the children, he had the gathering on its feet

with some sassy dance moves to Slingshot’s “Spending me Christmas in Guyana.”

The activity, which later catered for older folks, was held in the yard of overseas-based Guyanese and a member of the EANY, Ayube Mohamed, popularly known as “Wise Man.” Mohamed and a large group of volunteers had spent the entire Tuesday morning preparing the venue and edibles, while carefully wrapping the gifts for distribution.

Journalist Avenash Ramzan, who read a statement by EANY, thanked the residents for partaking in the festivities, noting that the association was extremely happy to once again host the event.

“It is our hope that this small gift will bring you some joy at this time. This event was made possible through

the generosity of the donors and supporters of this organisation in New York and Canada,” the statement read.

The Enmore Association of New York also had a positive message for children, urging them to stay in school and obtain an education, thereby making significant strides in enhancing the status of the community in years to come.

Those who played a major role in this year’s activity were Wind Energy, Ayube Mohamed, Chandra Persaud, Harry Persaud, Rohan Harduwar, Patsy Harduwar, Akbar Khan, Fazal Haniff, Zabeeda Sue, Leon Mangru, Amar Prashad, Roupchan Harduwar, Rudy Persaud, Debbie Singh, Prakash Persaud, Naresh Persaud, Suresh Persaud and Sorace Mulchan.

NEWS 11

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Wildlife Conservation PPP slams President for decision and Management to release more prisoners Authority Bill for Parliament soon T

BY DEVINA SAMAROO

BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

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hroughout the years, the protection and preservation of Guyana’s biodiversity has been evident with much attention being placed on the way wildlife is managed and preserved locally.

As such, Government is seeking to bring to the National Assembly a Wildlife Conservation and Management Authority Bill which aims at having effective

conservation and management of the country’s wildlife.

Minister with responsibility for natural resources and the environment, Raphael Trotman, during his first appearance before the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources on Monday stated that this Bill is included in some of the legislation that is being proposed for 2016.

He stated that if this Bill is not brought to the House by next Thursday, then it will be laid in Parliament during the first sitting of 2016.

Guyana Times International understands that wildlife is a part of Guyana’s natural resources and patrimony and that there should be a new approach to how wildlife is being used by persons.

It is hoped that this Bill will also ensure that future safeguards are set up for those who involve themselves in conservation and trade to operate under strict rules and guidelines.

Additionally the Government will be submitting new regulations for zoos in Guyana, he said. “There is a proposal for a private zoo. So one has to ensure that if we are going to go that way, there must be regulations to govern the

keeping of animals, ensuring that is done in a humane way, breeding and so forth. Also, we have a Land Surveyors Act which has been passed but regulations have to be brought and those are already completed and will be coming in the first quarter of 2016,” Minister Trotman announced.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet has also approved a National Land Commission to be established.

“It is expected that

this Commission will go through the length and breadth of Guyana and take into concern the vex issue of course, of Amerindian lands, and extensions, and ancestral lands, so that Commission will be put in place in 2016. Also, we are reviewing our forestry regulations and a draft of those regulations is currently with the Attorney General’s Chambers. And those are some of the legislative initiatives we have for 2016,” he posited.

According to the Minister, in the area of environmental management, the “Three Parks Initiative” is still high on the agenda of his Government.

“This includes the National Park as we know it, the Botanical Gardens and the Joe Vieira park commonly referred to as the “Three Parks.” The initiative of course is to rehabilitate and to upgrade all three simultaneously but for now, emphasis is being placed on the national park and the botanical gardens and zoo… We are as well of course monitoring our activities in the protected areas system which includes Kaieteur National Park, Shell Beach and the Kanuku mountains range,” Minister Trotman further stated.

he constant pardoning of prisoners ultimately undermines the justice system and so, why not amend the legislation in accordance to the preached logics? This was the question asked

by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Clement Rohee on Monday.

During the Party’s weekly press conference, Rohee expressed complete bafflement over President David Granger’s decision to pardon dozens of prisoners every year.

“The pardoning of persons sentenced by the court having been proven guilty makes the court system look foolish and ineffective… If as the logic goes, young people “belong in college, school and university instead of being in prison” then the Government should first amend the law to exempt the potential students from being charged by the Police, never to pass through court and never to be incarcerated,” Rohee stated.

President Granger

President David Granger

announced that he will be pardoning prisoners, mothers and youths particularly, who were sentenced to jail for minor offences. He did not specify his determination of “minor offences” but he noted that persons charged for trafficking in persons and narcotics would not be eligible while persons who were charged for stealing cellphones would be qualified for pardoning.

Lawlessness

Rohee contended that this annual trait being introduced by the new Government would only encourage lawlessness in society, as criminals would look forward to being pardoned even if they commit a minor crime.

The Camp Street prison

“What if a young person having successfully left “college, school and university” joined the world of work for the first time, make sacrifices, saves money and bought a Samsung Galaxy for Gy$41,000 or a Samsung Galaxy for Gy$95,000 only to have it snatched or stolen from them by a thief who is eventually caught and sentenced to prison.

According to Granger’s logic and intention, that thief can look forward to being one of the beneficiaries who will be “pardoned”. What manner of justice is this?” the General Secretary posited, as he questioned the President’s logic.

He also made reference to the Sheema Mangar incident, where the young woman was killed in the process of having her BlackBerry cellphone stolen.

“Mr Granger should remember…,” Rohee noted.

He also raised the point that the criteria for granting pardons lack transparency.

“The public is unaware of the category of crimes for which pardons are being granted, larce-

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee

ny from the persons appears to be one but, what are the others?” he questioned.

On the question of repeat offenders, Rohee highlighted that a “first offender” could very well be a repeat offender who was only lucky enough to get caught once. On this basis, he contended that it would be outright unjust to pardon this criminal.

The marijuana debate

This complex situation brings into play the trending debate regarding amendments to the legislation concerning the possession of marijuana.

The question persists, if then, President Granger believes persons should be pardoned for petty crimes like being incarcerated for possession of small amounts of marijuana; then is he saying the laws regarding marijuana should be amended?

Presented with this situation, Rohee said the PPP is not ready to make a pronouncement in this regard.

However, he did recognise that the pardoning seems to be going becontinued on page 12

12 NEWS

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Russia mulls investing in hydropower in Guyana

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ussia is exploring the possibility of investing in the development of hydropower stations in Guyana. In restating its commitment to contribute to the economic growth of the Guyanese economy, Russia noted that another possible area of bilateral cooperation is that of renewable energy.

This proclamation comes at a time when Russia and Guyana have enjoyed 45 years of diplomatic relations. “Forty-five years is an age when everything just begins,” the Russian Embassy noted in a statement.

The Embassy disclosed that a Russian company, MNTO INSET has plans to build minihydropower stations in Guyana, which will contribute to the country’s

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov shaking hands after signing the bilateral visa waiver agreement in September

green energy development initiative. To discuss specific projects, both sides are preparing for the first meeting of the bilateral Working Group on cooperation in the field of geology, as was agreed between the Ministries of Natural

Resources of Russia and Guyana in 2014.

In addition to hydropower plants, Russia said it stood ready to exchange mining knowledge; explore new relations and market opportunities; teach and train more stu-

dents and policemen; host special courses for Guyanese diplomats at the Russian Diplomatic Academy; and to generally continue to contribute to the growth and development of the Guyanese economy.

It was explained that

countries have the ability to accomplish more when working together, and this was the direction Russia foresaw for the relationship between itself and Guyana.

“We are looking forward to signing agreements on promotion and reciprocal protection of investments, mutual recognition of diplomas and cooperation between law enforcement agencies including counter-drug investigation and cooperation,” the statement noted.

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) commonly called the Soviet Union was among the first States to recognise Guyana after it gained independence in 1966.

The political cooperation between the Soviet Union and the newly independent South

Region 2 businessmen call for Department of Business – Gaskin admits he has no solutions for Region’s economic stagnation

BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

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usinessmen residing in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) have requested the establishment of a Department of Business within the region to properly guide and advise them on new economic endeavours, as well as to assist in drafting project proposals.

This request was made by several businessmen on Monday when Business Minister Dominic Gaskin visited the region. During the visit, Gaskin met and interacted with members of the business community at two meetings – one at

called for the establishment of a department of business office. This sentiment was echoed by a number of other businessmen, who informed the Minister that businesses in the region are encountering difficulties in sourcing financing as a result of the lack of knowledge on the proper presentation of project proposal. As such, a recommendation was made for the setting up of a small business bureau office also.

“What we need is a business bureau, let officers be on the ground to guide and help businesses and persons who are in need, monies are often available, yes, but

Member of Parliament Hemraj Ramjkumar, REO Rupert Hopkinson, and Business Minister Dominic Gaskin at the meeting on Monday

Charity and the other at Anna Regina.

During the meeting at Anna Regina, members of the business community raised a number of issues affecting them.

Among the issues raised were subsidies for rice farmers, availability of finance, status for the Aurora Land Development, rescheduling of the ferry service, revamping of the Guyana Police Force in G Division (Essequibo coast-Islands), poor drainage and irrigation, establishment of a agro-processing facility, functioning Guyana School of Agriculture, National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NARIE) and finance for diversification.

Businessman Ramesh Ramotar during his presentation to the gathering

most persons don’t have a clue how to get it and even if they know, they can’t prepare the plan to source,” Ramotar said.

Many other businessmen were in support of the call and also recommended that a Go-Invest office be in the same building with the department of business, if such is established.

Meanwhile, farmers’ representative Naithram, called for micro-financing to be made available to rice farmers in Region Two. Naithram said many farmers are willing to diversify but do not have the necessary finances to venture out. “Rice is in a serious situation. If rice farmers are to diversify, then we need persons to ad-

vise us in which sector is feasible, farmers need money to assist them or else the entire Region Two economy will go,” the AFC representative admitted.

In his address to the region’s business community, Minister Gaskin admitted that he has no solutions for the region’s economic development, adding that regional leadership has to deal with such situations.

Gaskin said that the economic development of any region is based on its regional leadership and the representation that is being made from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) level for possible solutions.

“At the end of the day, I don’t have the answers and solutions for your region, as it relates to economic development, it has to do with the regional leadership, those solutions and recommendations have to come from the regional officials as investment priorities,” Gaskin explained.

He further stated that the local regional authorities through the Neighbourhood Democratic Council and the RDC have the responsibilities to advocate and represent the people by drafting an economic development plan.

Gaskin further reiterated that once the Business Ministry is made aware of the possible investments that are available within the region through a plan, then potential investors can be invited.

“I believe with the evolution of power from central government to local authorities, this is the vision of the new Government, we want to see more independence and more political and economic leadership coming out from communities,” Gaskin said.

Speaking on the micro-financing project, the Minister said that financing can be sourced through the small business bureau to spur economic development.

He said the project is funded under the Gy$10 million Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and has two phases.

Currently, it is in the first phase, where a total of Gy$300,000 can be made available to small entrepreneurs through the grant component.

American nation developed rapidly throughout the years. Guyana’s then Prime Minister Linden Forbes Burnham paid an official visit to Moscow in April 1978. Late President Dr Cheddi Jagan travelled to the Soviet Union more than once.

The Delegation of the Supreme Soviet visited Guyana in 1988.

Throughout the 1970-1980s a number of bilateral agreements were signed, covering cooperation in the fields of trade, economy, culture, science and fishing.

Under these agreements on trade and technical cooperation, the Soviet Union exported machinery to Guyana including three Mi-8 helicopters and four Tu154 jet planes for the national air carrier “Guyana Airways”.

from page 11

PPP slams President for decision to release ...

yond the proposed amendments

by Alliance For Change Chairman Nigel Hughes.

Notably, President Granger slightly objected to the idea of decriminalising marijuana, contending that it would be utmost contradictory to introduce laws to ban public smoking of tobacco yet on the other hand, amend the laws to encourage smoking of another drug.

Prison reforms

Meanwhile, instead of arbitrarily pardoning prisoners in an attempt to give them a second chance at life, Rohee suggested that the new Government continue the PPP policy to reform the prisons.

Initially, this idea was rejected by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC).

He explained that under the PPP/Civic Administration, a policy decision was implemented to transform the Lusignan Prison into a model prison for young offenders and “first time” offenders only, and to separate them from the hardened criminals at the Georgetown, Mazaruni and New Amsterdam prisons. The Timehri Prison had already begun moving in that direction. Further, the intention was to transform Mazaruni into an agricultural centre, New Amsterdam into a poultry centre, Timehri into an industrial centre, while Lusignan was to be the educational centre. The Georgetown prison would become the services centre within the prison system.

The whole idea of rebranding the Guyana Prison Service, the Guyana Correctional Services was part and parcel of the PPP/C’s plan for prison reform but was rejected in Parliament by the APNU/AFC one-seat majority,” Rohee reminded.

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Transparency body slams Govt’s ‘cavalier’ treatment of allegations against GPL boss

By Kristen Macklingam

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hief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Colin Welch has once again found himself under the microscope for his ‘implications in irregularities’ at the power company.

Transparency Institute Guyana Inc (TIGI) in a media statement on Tuesday denounced the ‘cavalier treatment’ by the APNU/AFC coalition on the most recent matter where Welch was fingered for his involvement of the procurement of prepaid meters worth US$4 million by the power company.

The government should have launched a thorough investigation in the face of allegations against the sitting CEO but instead the matter is being ‘quashed’ which appears to have the effect of averting in-depth investigation, TIGI posited.

As a result of the nonaction by the administration the CEO is being given the chance to “correct himself in future, if not completely absolve himself from any consequences of his actions.”

“TIGI feels that this matter has not been treated with the gravity that has been meted out to other government officials facing allegations of corruption… Under the new government, senior officials have been sent on leave, in many cases without conformance to due process, on which TIGI has voiced its disapproval in the past.

This is as good a case as any, for the individual to be sent on leave to facilitate an investigation but instead the public is being told that the future of Welch with the power company will be determined by the new Board,” the press release said.

Guyana Times International understands that TIGI had expected consistency from the APNU/AFC government and has now placed on record its grave concern at the lack of urgency being demonstrated.

Welch was reported to have communicated with members of a bidding party and more specifically, a supplier and manufacturer of the items subject to the procurement process.

However, the TIGI in its statement emphasised that with a view to ensuring the fundamental basic principles of impartiality, independence and integrity, the pub-

CEO Colin Welch

lic procurement framework sets out clear ethical requirements by the procuring entity which necessarily includes the conduct of the CEO. More egregiously, it is reported that the CEO sought to promote the submission of documents falsely claiming that the manufacturer had historically met the purchasing requirements and therefore possesses experience in the manufacture of the item, tipping the scale in this supplier’s favour, the Institute further stated.

“Troublingly, the Minister, in aborting this tender on the basis that it started under the PPP, fails to appreciate that an illegal act is still illegal regardless of when it is committed or its origin. TIGI is further dissatisfied that the Director of Public Information, in a press statement said that “Minister Patterson… instructed an independent review of the complaints. All of the main complaints were found to be invalid” since no information is given on who constituted the investigation team, nor any assurance of a transparent investigation having taken place.” the TIGI added.

This newspaper further understands that TIGI is of the view that GPL is a major public entity and Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson must understand that transparency is expected of and from him as proper conduct is expected from the CEO. In this regard, the TIGI is calling on the minister to disclose to the public the report on the investigations so that the public can decide whether or not an independent review is required.

The acting CEO of GPL was elevated from Deputy CEO – Technical, following the dismissal of former CEO Bharat Dindyal in August last.

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Fire ravages Lusignan home Sugar workers still to …eight homeless

upper flat.

Sebastian noted that his two chilhristmas has been ruined for a dren and his two nieces were in the family of eight after a midnight bedrooms in the upper flat at the time fire completely destroyed their of the incident. During the rescue of two-storey home at Lot 99 Lusignan the children, he sustained minor burns Pasture Road, East Coast Demerara. on his back, which were later treated Family members were thrown into at a city hospital. a state of shock and despair as they The Guyana Fire Service was immediately summoned, but, by the time it arrived, it was too late – nothing could have been salvaged.

Sebastian explained that the winds were too strong and the house just could not have been saved.

“I wouldn’t criticise them because they did their best. The period of time they took from Georgetown to here, it was comFire ravages home just days before Christmas mendable. And with the high winds and watched the ravaging flames reduce everything, it was so out-of-control,” the building to nothing but ashes. he related.

It was just minutes to 00:00h last He estimated that approximateSaturday when the frantic cries of sev- ly Gy$8 million went up in flames. eral children alerted family members Furthermore, he dismissed reports that there was a fire. When Guyana that the fire started as a result of the Times International visited the scene children playing with matches. “How late Sunday afternoon, family mem- can children be playing with matches bers gathered around the ruined struc- at 12:00h? They were dead asleep!” he ture, providing much-needed emotion- stated. However, he noted that he was al support for each other. at a loss as to how the fire would have The owner of the house, Patrick started.

Sebastian explained that everyone was He explained that he switched off sound asleep when the fire had start- all the fairy lights and electrical aped in one of the bedrooms in the up- pliances before the family went to bed. per flat. By the time they were fully The family would now have to split up awake and aware of what was happen- and stay with other family members ing, the family only had time to rescue until they are in a position to start rethe children who were trapped in the building their lives, he said.

By Devina Samaroo

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receive wage increases …despite industry surpassing target

F

or the first time in ers even a bonus, much over 25 years, sug- less a salary increase,” ar workers are be- Jagdeo related. ing denied their hardThe former Head of earned annual wage State pointed out also increases and will con- that the sugar workers, sequently be having a who worked diligently bleak Christmas. And all year long, were also with just 10 days left be- denied their Annual fore 2015 comes to an Production Incentive beend, the industrious sug- cause of the “unconscioar workers will also be nable act” by the new heading into the New Year with literally empty pockets.

Commenting on the situation, former President Bharrat Jagdeo, in an invited comment on Sunday, expressed complete remorse over The Skeldon Sugar Factory the way in which one of the country’s most significant Administration to inlabour forces is being crease the tonnes one treated. would need to meet to “We were told that qualify for a single day’s they did a wonderful work. job, at working hard “It must be realand surpassing tar- ly bleak and sad in the gets, and so one. [We] household as we apwould have had expect- proach Christmas day ed that they would have because they will have been rewarded for this nothing to look forward but the Government re- to,” Jagdeo stated. warded themselves and In an invited comthe Ministers and did ment to the Government not find any resources Information Agency reto give the sugar work- cently, Prime Minister

One dead, several injured in Sparendaam crash A

mid-afternoon accident on the East Coast Demerara has left one woman dead and several others injured after the Route 44 minibus she was travelling in crashed into a parked truck before toppling and landing on its side.

The dead woman has been identified as Leslyn Mitchell, 45, of Third Street Craig, East Bank Demerara.

The accident occurred just af-

Mahaica reportedly proceeding at a fast rate when control was lost and it slammed into one of the display trucks outside Buddy’s Auto Sale.

The “Pitbull bus” toppled once before flipping onto its right side with its 12 passengers, driver and conductor. This newspaper was told that when the bus was toppling, Mitchell was flung out.

Public spirited persons assisted with getting the bus back on

The wrecked mini-bus

ter 14:00h at Sparendaam, ECD, outside Buddy’s Auto Sale, a short distance from the Sparendaam Police Station.

According to information reaching Guyana Times International the minibus bearing registration BPP 6074, was travelling from

its wheels. Several passengers were severely injured and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where Mitchell, a security guard at Massy Security, died while receiving treatment.

After receiving word of the accident, senior staff from Massy

rushed to the hospital, and after waiting for some 30 minutes, their worst fears were confirmed.

Mitchell’s husband, Godfrey King, who is a security guard at the GPH but was off duty at the time, subsequently arrived at the hospital and positively identified the woman’s remains.

The man was too distraught to talk to reporters. This newspaper understands that the hospital used the woman’s phone to contact her daughter without knowing that the woman was King’s wife.

The driver of the minibus is claiming that a car, which was also involved in the accident, had jammed his wheel causing him to lose control. However, there were no marks on the front of the car to support his claims.

On the other hand, an eyewitness told this newspaper the minibus was speeding along the Plaisance turn. He pointed out that the two vehicles collided and swerved about 80 feet away before coming to a halt.

He noted that at least three persons were seriously injured and might have suffered broken limbs.

Up to late Tuesday afternoon, the other occupants were still receiving treatment at the GPH. The bus driver was also at the medical institution and is expected to be released into police custody to assist with investigations.

Moses Nagamootoo said that the nation is behind the sugar industry, adding that the Administration is determined to save it. “Over the last few years, the national treasury has funded the sugar industry perhaps with over Gy$50 billion. This year was over Gy$12 billion,

and next year they will also have a bail out from the national purse,” he stated.

The Prime Minister further remarked that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is indebted some Gy$82 billion, therefore it has to be more viable over the medium- and long-term, otherwise it will become a millstone around the neck of the sugar induscontinued on page 22

Brassington ...

from page 2

sic audit, which has been in the hands of the government since October 26, when it was copied to Chairman of NICIL Dr Morris Odle.

He said to leak information on the audit or another report he is contracted to do will bring into question his integrity and professionalism.

The former auditor general, while confirming he indeed has a relationship with Lall, denied being a part of any “vendetta” against NICIL or Brassington There has been public outcry after the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/ AFC) hand-picked two of the forensic auditors, Goolsarran and Christopher Ram, staunch supporters of the coalition.

Both Goolsarran and Ram have openly accused the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration of condoning widespread corruption, even without providing any evidence.

Malicious attacks Former President Donald Ramotar says the “attacks” against Brassington are unwarranted and malicious.

The former President in a statement on December 22 said that he has “seen the sustained attacks on Winston Brassington in certain sections of the media and from the supporters / operators of the APNU + AFC regime for his work as head of NICIL.” He stated that from the inception, the APNU+AFC administration began a witch-hunt against several persons who were perceived to be supporters of the former PPP/C administration and those who worked dedicatedly during its tenure.

“The ‘forensic’ audits were designed as a tool to harass and denigrate persons who worked with the PPP/C government to build our country. Winston Brassington has been attacked and demonized, and has not even been given the chance to defend himself,” Ramotar said.

He opined that the audit conducted on the operations of the Marriott Hotel by Goolsarran was most unprofessional and should engage the attention of the professional bodies of accountants in Guyana.

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Jagdeo emphasises need for national Sugar workers... unity in moving Guyana forward

from page 21

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eader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo last Saturday attended a Christmas party for elderly citizens of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, where he emphasised the importance of unity in building the country and fostering development.

According to Jagdeo, the Christmas season is representative of the country’s ability to unite for a common reason.

“It is a good thing to bring our people together and especially at this time of the year when our country celebrates what should have been a good year but also the festive season,” Jagdeo stated, as he posited that the Christmas season plays an important part in showing how the entire nation can unite in celebrating one holiday, despite religious differences.

This, he said, represents one of the principles of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). “It is so good that we live in a country where although we may be of different races and different religions, we can come together and celebrate events that may not belong to our religion or our history, but have become national”.

“Normally, Christmas is a Christian event but from childhood every Guyanese child has grown up celebrating this… and this is how it should be in a country like ours that has people of all races and religions. Our Party, the PPP, has always sought from its inception when Cheddi Jagan started it to bring people together, not to divide them because if our country comes together we can make progress,” Jagdeo stated.

He related that Guyana’s culture is one of diversity, positing that we must cherish and maintain our cul-

Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo interacting with the elderly residents of Better Hope, ECD, after the Christmas party

ture. “If our country comes together, we can make progress,” Jagdeo explained, adding “What I’m very worried about now is I’ve seen some worrying things, that once again after we have emerged from that period from when division was the order of the day and our Party sought to bring people together and to work on their behalf right across Guyana so all of our people can make progress, once again, we have seen the ugly signs of division.”

He posited that this division is being stirred up by the Government’s intervention into areas beyond their jurisdiction. Jagdeo was at the time citing the recent conflict over a decision taken by Government to alter the date which a Hindu festival was to be celebrated. He stated that Government should focus on uniting the country and bringing people together.

“We need a Government to encourage that, not to judge people on

the basis of their race, or their religion and gender,” he stated. Jagdeo declared that his Party has a desire to see Guyana united, and amalgamate for the development of the country. “This is the kind of country that we want… this is the kind of country that we will struggle for. We will never give up hope on that kind of country,” he reiterated.

In closing the address, he encouraged each person present at the event to work towards achieving that unity, as it is the duty of every citizen. The event which saw one hundred elderly citizens in attendance catered for over 500. Each of the elderly was treated to lunch and a gift hamper. The event was a joint initiative between local donors and the Better Hope Diaspora.

The organisers expressed hope that the initiative would be improved and continued throughout the years through the cooperation of all the stakeholders involved.

try.

However, to date, while the Government has praised the sugar industry for its success in 2015, the sugar workers are yet to be rewarded or given what they are entitled to.

Over the past few weeks, the sugar workers were told that because of the financial position GuySuCo is in, they will not be paid their annual bonus which usually amounts to five per cent of their wages and they will have to wait until March next year to collect their Annual Production Incentive (API) for 2015.

Guyana Times International understands that this will be the first year in decades that the workers would not be paid their annual wage increase despite the total annual production of 230,000 tonnes being surpassed.

To add to the sugar workers’ pain, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration recently announced that all public servants earning less than Gy$500,000 per month will be given a Christmas bonus of Gy$50,000 this month.

Reports are that the processing of this bonus has already begun and public servants are be-

ginning to receive their extra bonuses, adding to the five per cent retroactive to January that they were already given and the five per cent salary increase that was announced in the 2015 Budget.

Meanwhile, sugar workers were left with nothing in their pockets despite pleas from their Union – the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) – for them to be included in the lot to receive the Gy$50,000 since all sugar workers are considered to be workers of the Administration.

It must be reminded that during the campaign trail leading up to the 2015 General and Regional Elections, during which the APNU/ AFC was voted into office, the coalition had gone into communities where sugar workers predominantly lived and make tall promises of a better life for sugar workers.

In spite of all the difficulties and hardships the workers face, they were once again slapped in the face when Prime Minister Nagamootoo sought to empty-handedly commend sugar workers for their diligent work in helping to realise this year’s production target.

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Berbice Bridge Tolls to be reduced from January 1 By: Devina Samaroo

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onths of intense negotiations finally came to an end; the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) and the Guyana Government brokered an agreement that paves the way to the fulfilment of an outstanding campaign promise — to significantly reduce the exorbitant bridge tolls.

The agreement will be formally signed next week and the Bridge Company will receive its first advanced Gy$40 million in subsidy to facilitate the reductions. The reduction takes effect 1 January.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson told Guyana Times International the reduction in tolls will reflect the initial proposal put forward by Government; the tolls of passenger cars and minibuses will be reduced from Gy$2200 to Gy$1900 while there will be a 10 per

cent reduction for the other classes of vehicles.

Junior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson confirmed the Bridge Company, despite its initial objections, accepted the Gy$40 million subsidy offered by Government to cushion the blow of the reformed toll structure.

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition had strongly advocated for the reduction of the Berbice Bridge tolls, claiming that the fees were too burdensome on the already financially strained households in Berbice.

This belief propelled the administration to work tirelessly to reduce the tolls.

Deadlines were set and not met, but the new administration did not succeed in persuading the Company to reduce the tolls because of some major concerns relative to the

cover the loss in tolls, arguing that it could plunge into bankruptcy since the reduction was insufficient to offset its debts.

Consequently, it requested that Government extend the concession period from 21 to 50 years or increase the tolls by 55 per cent before it implemented the new fare structure. But Government refused, claiming the requests were wholly unacceptable.

This back-and-forth continued until finally BBCI announced it will accept Government’s offer.

Major losses

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

financial stability of the BBCI and the positions of the various shareholders and investors.

Back in August, the BBCI had rejected Government’s offer of financial subsidies to

Prior to reaching this agreement, bondholders of BBCI were asked to accept the lowering of interest rates and the significant extension of the repayment period on their investment in order to facilitate the reduction of tolls. This would have resulted in bondholders suffering major losses on their multimillion dollar investment in the Company.

This newspaper was unable to confirm if the bondholders have agreed to the terms as requested by the BBCI. The bondholders had invested millions of dollars in Corporate Bonds Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 instruments.

The BBCI asked that the bondholders approve the interest rates applicable to the bonds being reduced from nine per cent (Tranche 1) and 10 per cent (Tranche 2) per annum respectively, to a fixed 7.5 per cent per year.

Additionally, the BBCI has asked that bondholders approve the extension of the repayment periods and schedule of repayments of Bond Tranche 1 and 2 to an additional three and four years respectively, in equal semiannual payments.

The bondholders are the New Building Society; National Insurance Scheme; Republic Bank Limited; continued on page 28

New recruits to boost capacity Govt mulls specialised of Operation Dragnet licence plates for vehicles – as 52 new ranks added to Police Force

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he Guyana Police Force has welcomed 52 new officers in the system following intense training for six months and according to Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, these new recruits will boost the capacity of Operation Dragnet.

The new officers graduated from two batches of recruit courses on Friday at Eve Leary, Kingston, Georgetown. The recruits had to undergo intense training exercises, with the first being basic training in the areas of physical training, Police procedure and practices, self-help application, procedures to follow when responding to domestic violence reports, respect for human rights, and the use of minimum force.

They then moved onto probationary training where they were assessed on how they applied the principles taught to them. After completing this stage, the recruits underwent advanced training exercises.

These exercises are the foundation for young Policemen and women to build upon as they head into the world of policing.

Graduating at the top of his class was Constable 22904 Osbert Cain, 18, of Number 32 Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB).

Cain told reporters that he followed his mother’s footstep to join the Force because he wanted to help make a

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud addressing the gathering at the passing out ceremony on Friday

difference in Guyana.

The well spoken young officer said he wants to be a mentor to other Guyanese, especially youths so that they can do better with their lives as he is doing with his.

He added too that prosecuting offenders is also top of his list.

Meanwhile, speaking at the passing out ceremony, Police Commissioner Persaud underscored the importance of building a strong and trustworthy relationship in society. The Commissioner spoke of the many initiatives undertaken by the Police Force to strengthen its relationship with members of the community, especially under the Social Crime Prevention Programme.

He detailed that among the projects initiated by the Police is a Workforce Development Programme aimed at assisting persons who cannot secure jobs and those who are school dropouts.

“We enquire from

them what they want to become and we shepherded them into vocational skills training and then into jobs. So these are things that provide for a new aspect of policing,” Persaud stated.

According to the Top Cop, Police Officers must be reminded that members of the public are humans as well and need to be treated that way, while at the same time, recognising that they are the ones that often need policing.

Persaud went on to say that these two courses are the final ones passing out this year.

He disclosed that during 2015, a total of 21 graduations with 745 recruits passing out were held.

On this note, Commissioner Persaud lauded the efforts of the Force’s training officer along with the three commandants of the three colleges and their staff. He donated a total of Gy$150,000 to them to show his appreciation of their work.

A

German company has proposed to the Government of Guyana, special licence plates for vehicles that will assist in tracking traffic offenders as well as vehicles used for criminal activities.

The proposal was made to Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan in partnership with the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC). The proposal is being reviewed by government.

According to Chairman of the GNRSC, Dennis Pompey, the German company conducted a demonstration exercise last month, showing how the features on the plate can be used to track vehicles.

Following the exercise, the proposal was sent to government.

Pompey explained the proposed plates cannot be tampered with, be removed or duplicated. He noted that plates will have the vehicles’ registration number but will contain special features and a device that will allow the vehicle to be tracked.

“The (registration) numbers will remain but the plates would have additional features, so for Guyana you might see the country’s flag, you might see some water colours and so on… it will depend on what specific features government would want… but there are some features that if persons try to duplicate or make counterfeit plates, they cannot get those features,

Traffic Chief Dion Moore

so persons who might want to duplicate number plates would find it difficult,” he stated.

According to the chairman, because of the advancement with the proposed plates, persons may be required to pay additional costs for them since they will most likely cost more. However, Pompey pointed out that these plates will work holistically, in that they will not only be used for tracking vehicles involved in traffic offences such hit and run accidents, but also tracing those vehicles and drivers involved in criminal activities.

This, he noted, will help crime fighting in a big way by making it difficult for persons to commit crime since the number plates cannot be tampered with or changed.

With this in mind, Head of the Police Traffic Department Dion Moore opined that this will be a useful tool for law enforcers since it will not only assist in reducing traffic offences but criminal activities as well: “Our current

GNRSC Chairman Dennis Pompey

system is an open system that is uncontrolled and with the new proposal, we will see a more improved system where there are more security features on those identification marks and can be traced easily from varied areas. As soon as a vehicle passes an area, certain signals will be given and the respective devices will send out an alarm.”

He pointed out that with such a system, law enforcement officers will be able to track tax evaders, persons with vehicular fines, and even those who are wanted since the vehicles are registered to a particular person.

Moreover, the traffic chief stated that if approved by government, the new plates would see several persons on the road corners that make registration plates out of business.

Moore noted that the new plates would be issued from centralised locations in all regions: “Once government buys into it, that street-corner arrangement would not be there anymore.”

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President promises salary Lawrence says senior increases for public citizens are priority for Govt servants in 2016

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resident David Granger said public servants can look forward to the announcement of salary increases and better working conditions in 2016.

He was at the time being interviewed on Public Interest, a weekly programme aired on State media.

The President disclosed that the National Budget 2016 will be presented before January 31, 2016 whereas the National Budget 2017 will be presented before January 1, 2017.

“So if we do not catch it in the first budget, we can catch it in the second budget,” President Granger said.

The Head of State explained that Government would like to give workers a bigger take-home pay and that this is something the Administration is working towards achieving.

“We would like to give workers a bigger take-home pay and I cannot say at this point in time whether there are any fiscal measures in the 2016 budgets…

Generally, there has been a sort of sympa-

thetic view towards raising the threshold so that working people can take home more pay… That is likely to happen in 2016,” he related.

The President alluded to the Lutchman Commission, being headed by Dr Harold Lutchman, which is currently dealing with reviewing the working conditions and salaries of Government workers.

According to the Head of State, the Commission will submit a report of recommendations and Government will then act accordingly.

He did not say when this report will be presented.

Nonetheless, Granger said public service workers can expect an improvement on what prevailed in the past.

“Good things are in store for the workers,” he said.

Meanwhile, the President disclosed that the top priority area in the Budget 2016 is education. Already, some Gy$32 million was allocated towards this sector, Granger stated.

The second ranked

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President David Granger

area of interest is national security and the third area of focus is infrastructure.

“The country has got to be safe if you are to attract investors… (and) unless we build infrastructure in this country we will not be able to get to the resources, particularly in the hinterland and we will not be able to police the areas properly and we will not be able to reduce the cost of extracting gold and other minerals,” he stated.

The only two hallmark projects included in Budget 2016 are the Demerara Harbour Bridge Project and the Linden-Lethem Highway, President Granger revealed. These projects, he noted, should come to fruition before 2020.

inister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence at the Annual Hamper Distribution programme hosted by the Salvation Army on Wednesday announced that senior citizens are the priority of her ministry.

She added that her Ministry is committed to improving the lives of senior citizens, and cherish and value their contributions to society. She assured: “our Ministry will not go back on our promise of a better life for all senior citizens.

I wish to reiterate that this Ministry will continue to work hard with you, our senior boys and girls, so that you can enjoy improved living conditions.”

She noted things are going slower than was intended by her ministry because their present resources cannot provide greater increases in pensions and other benefit.

“But be assured that

Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence

you are our top priority and we are working to ensure that substantial increases are provided,” she promised.

Minister Lawrence explained that government recognises that the needs of senior citizens need urgently to be addressed and so to this end is making provisions for better housing, pension and healthcare.

“I would like to leave

this message with you, you have been the cornerstone of love, guidance and protection for generations, your unstinting efforts have helped to mould the moral fabric of our society and create strong families. Our families today are severely challenged and need to be given as much support and guidance as various influences seek to condition our minds to value material things and place less emphasis on love and family values. As senior boys and girls of this beloved land you possess qualities that are capable of transforming lives, you are enriched in spirit, culture, love, experience and a wealth of lessons from which the youths of today can learn. So I want to encourage each of you to use every opportunity to help restore the family unit through your daily conversations and interaction with the youths”.

URP drops out of LGE – says Elections will not be fair

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he United Republican Party (URP) has taken a decision not to participate in the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE), since it said nothing has changed since the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) refused to honour its requests in the May 11 General Elections, raising its fears that the process would not be fair.

The lightweight political party had recently accused the Commission of cheating the electoral process in May, stating that there were fake Statements of Polls and the stuffing of ballot boxes. The group noted also that several voters had sworn they had voted for URP, yet results showed that the group received none of the votes.

“Last May, prior to the General Elections, we made a list of requests to GECOM that promised to honour them. But the election body broke its commitment, failing to deliver on most of the simple requests, including to grant accreditation to our polling agents to be present at the polling stations to guarantee a free and fair election.

What followed was a very controversial election that cannot be deemed to be free and fair and/or accurate rep-

Vishnu Bandhu

resentation of the will of the people,” URP stated in a recent release.

Following the Elections, the Party had requested to view the SoPs, but was denied.

URP President Vishnu Bandhu last Friday alleged that his Party was asked to bear witness to the opening of ballot boxes at a particular time in Vreeden-Hoop, West Bank Demerara, a few days after the Elections, but when his agents showed up at the GECOM substation where ballot boxes were stored, they were informed that the boxes had already been opened, so they left.

Incredulously, the URP President noted that a day later, a statement (on GECOM’s letterhead) was presented to his party agents to sign that they witnessed

the opening of the ballot boxes.

“We refused to sign!

That is evidence of something amiss about the conduct of the election and no investigation till this date was undertaken,” he stated.

Bandhu further stated that URP did not wish to be party to fraud, noting that if the Elections Commission could not honour its simple requests in the General Elections, “what confidence is there that this local election will be free and fair? Nothing has changed since May to bolster confidence in GECOM presiding over a clean election. Thus, URP will not contest the election as a party.”

However, the Party encouraged independent candidates and community groups to contest the elections, adding that it would support candidates who it believed genuinely had at heart the interests of their communities.

The Party also called on the three parties represented in Parliament to pass legislation to empower the local communities to control their own destinies – running their own local affairs including the power to tax, legislate, establish policing units, schooling, and develop their neighbourhoods.

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Region 2 women receive empowerment training

Scrap Metal Unit head challenges Ram on audit report

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Women at the classes learning to make floral design

By Indrawattie Natram

M

ore than 40 women from the Essequibo Coast are being trained in the fields of catering, embroidery works and floral arrangements at the Marias Lodge Learning Centre.

These women were drawn from communities throughout Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) with the main aim of empowering them with skills to become marketable and more self-reliant.

Head of the Suddie Women’s Group, vendor Shondell James said that some women were confined to their homes as housewives and had to depend on their husbands for financial assistance. She said with that in mind, the women’s group was formed with the goal to change that mental bond and engage women in a skill so that they could be

more economically independent.

“We want women to feel independent; they can earn and buy the things they need. Having them involved in a skill is the way out,” said James.

Facilitating the classes is Hilon Khan, who told this newspaper that the participants were eager to learn. She said classes commenced in June 2015 and so far, the women were taught catering, embroidery works and floral arrangements. Khan said each month she focused on different skill areas.

At the end of the classes, there is a special “market day” where participants market their work to the public at Suddie Market. That way they are reimbursed financially for their investment. She said already participants were taking Christmas cake orders for the holiday season.

ead of the Scrap Metal Trade Unit Taslim Baksh is challenging the forensic audit report into the operations of the entity, noting that it is riddled with falsities, heavily based on speculation and many of the conclusions lack the relevant documents to support its notion.

The scrap metal trade was suspended back in July to facilitate a forensic audit probe into the operations of the Unit. The report was compiled by Ram and McRae Chartered Accountants and highlights several areas of alleged illegality and malpractices within the Unit’s operations.

Guyana Times International was able to ascertain a copy of the report which pointed to several concerns in relation to the financial operations and functioning of the entity.

An excerpt noted that “contrary to laid down procedures, we noted instances where containers were packed in yards not legally approved. We also noted that there is no inspection by any Engineer attached to the Unit.”

The report stated that the requirement that the movement of scrap metal from collection yards to licensed yards be observed is not being complied with. It concluded that inspectors and enforcers would visit the unlicensed yards but would not observe the transfer of metals to the licensed yard.

Secondly, the report highlighted that Cabinet on January 31, 2012, approved the purchase of one vehicle for the operation of the Unit; and without requesting fur-

ther approval from Cabinet, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) – the body under which the Unit falls, approved the purchase of an additional vehicle which cost Gy$6.5 million.

Further, the report stated that it was unable to physically verify a motor vehicle listed on the asset register as PPP 12. Subsequently, the document said management indicated that the vehicle is now

this activity was strange because the Unit did not participate in the Mashramani celebrations and speculated that the expenditure may have been for the Housing Ministry. Against that backdrop, the report noted that this was in violation of the Appropriation Act. Several other citations of misconduct included the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) not collecting export duty on scrap met-

at the Office of the President.

Additionally, the document stated that no audit of the Unit was properly authorised by the Auditor General as required by the Audit Act nor was a proper audit executed.

Another inconsistency as highlighted in the document is the fact that the Unit paid Gy$2.6 million for Mashramani items in March, 2015. The report stated that no Tender Board approval was seen for this activity. The report said

al exported during the period under review and that the Unit made monthly payments to inspectors, enforcement officers, administrators and drivers, totalling Gy$43.1 million without any deduction of PAYE and NIS contributions.

Meanwhile, Baksh, who is also the Central Housing and Planning Authority’s (CH&PA) Finance Director, in response to the report, contested many of the conclusions and provided clarity to several of the allegations.

28 news

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyanese share mixed views about spending power, holidays

Alicia Primo BY: Kristen Macklingam

T

his year the festive season of Christmas appears to be dampened as many persons throughout the country appear not to be in the ‘Christmas Spirit’ since they are unable to shop for gifts, decorations and even household items, as would have been expected.

While there are a number of reasons preventing families from celebrating the upcoming Holidays as they would have done in previous years, most of them simply do not have the spending power as before.

However, when

Guyana Times International took to the streets in the Capital City on Friday afternoon, a number of stores and shopping outlets were filled with people doing comparative shopping, browsing for cheap items, or deals on gifts, and window-shopping.

One vendor, Alicia Primo, told this publication she operates a stall on Regent Street and while ‘business is slow’ even though Christmas is six days away, she is hoping sales ‘pick up’.

“Right now the road is a little slow, right, but it going to pick up by next week time. The place is still busy though with people coming and some buying… I sell curtain rods, socks, vests and a whole lot of things and a little of everything is selling,” she said.

Meanwhile, a high school student, Xavier Fraser, whose Christmas this year is unlike that of earlier years, thought of buying himself a toy car with hopes of reminding himself of what joy this season used to bring in his younger days: “Christmas shopping is like a natural thing in Guyana because everybody wants their house to look nice and want nice things. Everybody want look good for Christmas,

Xavier Fraser

painting, decorating, fairy lights and everything. Christmas is very nice for me, and to bring back my childhood memories I bought myself a toy car… Tomorrow I have a party to attend, too.”

According to Gwyneth Certimor, the holiday season thus far is enjoyable for her and her loved ones, yet many are lacking that ‘Christmas Spirit’ which they should usually have: “You just have to sit down and pray and ask God that the sales pick up… and then everything will be okay. You can’t just take on anything and you just got to wait on the Lord.”

A mother, who had

just come out of a store with her son, told this newspaper she commenced her “Christmas shopping” on Friday, ensuring that her little boy received his gift first from her: “For me Christmas is fun, it is a lot of work but at the same time I am enjoying it. All is good for me, I have my family and they are well so I’m good. I started shopping very early, actually, and today (Friday) I brought my son for his presents, so everything is on track,” she assured.

As for her son, the young lad was very enthusiastic about what the upcoming holidays

M

BCIC President Rajnauth Ramroop

a Christmas bonus this year would pose great difficulty.

“A lot of businesses actually were just breaking even or some were suffering losses so to match the Gy$50,000 bonus that the Government gave, that would be something hard for them to do personally to every worker. I want to feel that if they are giving bonuses, workers may be graded, in some cases depending on the positions that they hold, may be getting or could be getting maybe Gy$50,000.

But the small workers cannot get Gy$50,000,” Ramroop explained.

According to the BCIC President, the economy in Region Six depends heavily on the agriculture sector and this too has been facing tumultuous times throughout this year.

He further explained that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) was unable to pay sugar workers increases in their salaries and even the Annual Production Incentives (API) for 2015, therefore cutting the spending power of many in Berbice.

Ramroop further stated that when one takes into consideration the $50,000 bonus that the Government has awarded to workers earning less than $500,000 on a monthly basis, it is evident that many persons qualify for their bonus.

“I know a lot of people have qualified for the Government’s Gy$50,000 bonus but it is going to pose a problem for the Private Sector to pay

Gwyneth Certimor

celebrate in style as they are accustomed to doing each year.

Shoppers on Regent Street

Private Sector cannot match $50k bonus for workers any Private Sector employees will be disheartened to learn that they will definitely not benefit from a bonus this year equivalent to what public servants have been awarded by the Government, given the state of the economy.

This is according to Berbice Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) President Rajnauth Ramroop who told Guyana Times International last Friday that 2015 has been a “very bad year for business.”

He emphasised that while it is a good move that public servants will receive Gy$50,000 this month, a number of Private Sector employees in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) will not be enjoying such from their employers.

Due to the fact that 2015 did not see the business sector in his region yielding large profits, and in some cases none at all, to give an employee Gy$50,000 as

had in store for him.

While he could not explain exactly what this season meant for him he was overjoyed to have already received a roller skate, remote controlled car and other toys from his mother who sought to ensure her son enjoyed this special holiday.

Other persons traversing the streets of Georgetown had mixed comments about this year’s Christmas celebrations. Some were excited about the events that would usher in the holidays and especially the New Near but others lamented the fact they could not afford to

such an amount, given the current and past situation in the economy for this year. This is so especially in our region because we solely depend on the agriculture sector and that has been a problem…” he added.

M e a n w h i l e , Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Retired Major General Norman McLean told this publication on Friday evening that he was unaware that public servants would get a bonus at the end of a year.

“The Private Sector is a different kettle of fish, always targeted based on performance, based on a merit system.

So if you met your target then you can expect that there would be a bonus.

I heard from Gafoors, the Chairman of Gafoors Sattaur Gafoor reported at his Christmas dinner that people were being given their bonuses for the year… we are very pleased to hear that too,” McLean added. (kristenm@guyanatimesgyu. com)

Berbice Bridge Tolls to be reduced from ... from page 23

Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry; Scotiabank; Citizens Bank; NEW GPC INC; Trust Company Guyana Limited; Hand-in-Hand Trust; Guyana Sugar Corporation Pension; Guyana Power and Light Pension; Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union Pension; Guyana Geology and Mines Pension; Demerara Bank Limited; Demerara Distillers Limited Pension; Massy Pension and Geddes Granger Pension.

Passing on benefits

Minister Ferguson, who is overseeing the entire project, had told this newspaper government did not consider how the benefits will pass on to the ordinary citizen.

Government had promised that reduction of the tolls would be of significant benefit to the ordinary schoolchild and the majority of

the Berbice population, who utilise public transportation to traverse the Bridge instead of private vehicles.

Notably, the bridge toll reductions will benefit owners of the vehicles and not the ordinary passenger who will have to pay the fare imposed by minibus operators.

Several minibus operators had told this newspaper that a Gy$300 reduction is too insignificant for them to reduce their fares. They contended that the impact of the reduction will not be as momentous as many had hoped.

When presented with this scenario, the Minister conceded that she did not take this into consideration. However, she noted that discussions would soon commence to develop measures that can be put in place to ensure that benefits are passed on to all.

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

T

he Ramapo College Art Galleries, US, recently presented an ambitious mid-career survey exhibition by USbased Guyanese artist Victor Davson.

The exhibition, Victor Davson, Full Circle, spanned 30 years and five bodies of work that move back and forth between abstraction and figuration.

“This compelling exhibition offers visitors a first-time opportunity to experience the scope of the artist’s oeuvre. A cavalcade of imagery is offered -- from the earlier accomplishments in formal abstraction, to pieces informed with literary and political references, to the layered imagery from popular culture seen in the Dub Factor: Heroes album covers series. Loose narratives touching upon his youth in Guyana are peppered throughout. There is a sort of sense of kismet about having Victor Davson’s exhibition here at Ramapo at this moment. The Ramapo College Art Galleries present varied contem-

US-based Guyanese artist Victor Davson

porary exhibitions, but we have been striving for new ways to link our renowned Caribbean collection with other artists and communities.

Joining the contemporary art world that Davson champions to his Caribbean heritage in an exciting project like this one helps us meet that goal. It has truly been a privilege to curate Victor Davson: Full Circle and pay tribute to such a magnificent artist,” says Sydney O. Jenkins, Director of the Ramapo College Art Galleries and Exhibition Curator.

Davson is a practicing artist and found-

'Winter Never Comes'

ing director since 1983 of Aljira, a Centre for Contemporary Art in Newark, New Jersey. He was born in Georgetown and, since immigrating to the United States in 1973, has received a BFA degree from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York; co-founded Aljira, a Centre for Contemporary Art and established himself in his practice as an artist.

Notable solo exhibitions include Dub Factor Redux, Maplewood Art Center, Maplewood, NJ; Bad Cow Comin’: Recollections and Transformation, Rush Arts Gallery, New York, NY; Hero and Monster, The Tomasulo Gallery, Cranford, NJ; Bad Cow Comin’ and Limbo/Anansi, DHR Gallery One, Newark, NJ; Bad Cow Comin’: Recollections, Tompkins College Center Gallery at Cedar Crest College, Allentown, PA; and The Chain Link Series, Jersey City Museum, Jersey City, NJ. Notable group exhibitions in-

clude African-American Artists and Abstraction, Cuban National Museum, Havana, Cuba; Timehri Transitions: Expanding Concepts in Guyana Art, The Wilmer Jennings Gallery at Kenkeleba House, NYC; Contemporary Expressions: Art from the Guyana Diaspora, Five Myles Gallery, Brooklyn, NY; Drawn to New York, The Bertha V.B. Lederer Gallery, State University of New York, Geneseo; This Twittering World, Francis Kyle Gallery, London, England; African American Artists from the Permanent Collection, The New Jersey State Museum, Trenton, NJ; Present Continuous, Nathan Cummings Foundation, New York, NY; La Línea: Dibujos Contemporáneous, Museo de Art Moderno de la Republica Dominicana, Santo Domingo; Diverse Representations II, Morris Museum, Morristown, NJ; The Act of Drawing: Medium/ Method/Meaning, Tompkins College Center Gallery at Cedar Crest College, Allentown, PA; and Jonction Internacional, Nice, France.

Davson has received a Pollock-Krasner Foundation grant; a Rutgers Center for Innovative Print and Paper fellowship and three fellowships from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. His work is in the permanent collections of the Newark Museum, The Montclair Art Museum, the New Jersey State Museum, and the National Collection of Fine Arts,

art & culture 29

A visitor reading an outline on Davson's art

Guyana.

As executive director of Aljira, a Center for Contemporary Art, Davson leads a vital hub for creative excellence in Newark New Jersey’s downtown arts district.

Notable highlights in the organization’s history include: the founding of Emerge, a professional development program for visual artists; the founding of Aljira Design, a graphic design studio that for eighteen years earned revenue to support the organization’s exhibitions and public programs; an invitation to organize the United States representation at the IV Biennale International de Pintura in Ecuador; a major award from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts—becoming one of only eight institutions nationwide selected to participate in the foundation’s second year stabilization initiative for small to midsize organizations; and designation as a Major Arts Institution by The New Jersey State Council on the Arts every year since 2003.

He is a past trustee of Art Pride New Jersey and a current member of the Advisory Council of

the Brodsky Center for Innovative Editions.

Davson has been honoured by the Newark Arts Council as well as the Brodsky Center for Innovative Editions for both his work as a visual artist and his leadership in the arts. He received a leadership award from Prudential Foundation for his contribution to the Newark community.

He was one of fifteen non-profit leaders in the arts, nationwide, selected to participate in Leadership 2000, a program of arts and economic development training for outstanding community leaders, sponsored by the Lila WallaceReader’s Digest Fund and Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, and run by faculty from the Harvard Business School.

He has served on panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. He is a graduate of The Getty Museum Management Institute and has done graduate work in museum management at New York University Gallatin.

For

more

information,

visit

www.victordavson.com

'Dub Factor' Acrylic and black rice on treated LP vinyl record album cover

30 feature

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Funding biggest snag

F

ootball is by far the most popular sport in the Rupununi, and the ladies are getting in on the sport.

“Football to the women of the Rupununi is of much importance because it is a very active game, it helps women with their self-esteem, teaches them to be good team players and develop a positive perspective,” Abigail Allicock, part of the Surama Recky Sport Club, revealed in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

She added that “in order to be on a team, one has to be very disciplined.

Football keeps the wom-

en in unity and love.”

Age range of the players in Abigail’s club is 11 to 36 years old. It is made up of 20 players, including the team manager and coach from Surama village.

According to Abigail, the club was started by the Allicock brothers, Theophilus and Fredrick Allicock, and other families.

Explaining how beneficial football is to her personally, Abigail said the sport keeps her fit, relaxes her and helps her “learn how to deal with different situations on the ground.”

Abigail has been play-

Showing off prizes from a game

Pre-match greetings

ing football for more than 15 years and she was once a national player for the under 18 women’s team.

Over the years, Surama Recky Sport Club has won numerous tournaments and best club titles. The club has guest players from different communities, including Marissa and Wowetta.

According to the North Rupununi Football Sub Association (NRFSA),

football plays an integral role in integration and cohesion of communities across the North Rupununi, as well as provides a positive social impact on the general population, more so the younger generation.

NRFSA contributes to the development of football, and is widely recognised as the most organised and efficient football association in the

Rupununi.

At present, full members of the NRFSA are Annai United, Three Hills, Basin F.C., Kwatamang, Wowetta Premier Conquerors, Surama F.C., Net Rockers, Splashing Stars, Shooting Stars, Crashwater F.C., Rewa F.C. and Bina Hill. It is hoped that in the future, more clubs would join the NRFSA. NRFSA disclosed too that a major deterrent for interested clubs is the lack of finance for gear and infrastructure. One such club is the Surama Recky Sport Club. Its needs include gear and financial support to help in the development of its players.

If you would like to donate to the Surama Recky Sport Club, call 657-1221 or 653-7160. Visit North Rupununi Football Sub Association on Facebook for more info on football in the Rupununi.

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Eiripan

In furtherance of its ideals, Eiripan currently sponsors four annual projects: The Annual Book Drive and Classroom Enhancement Project, because Eiripan believes that books encourage imagination, creativity, and personal

C

Eiripan volunteers spread Christmas cheer

haritable organisation Eiripan believes that access to education and a sense of personal worth are necessary factors in the process that transforms a child into a competent adult, and that growing up without money need not mean growing up without hope.

That is why the organisation has several projects focused on providing a brighter future for children, especially in the North Rupununi region.

Eiripan was established by philanthropist Melanie McTurk and a group of friends in 2005 under the Friendly Society Act of Guyana.

The organisation believes that literacy is a necessary tool for development and that personal participation in the development process is essential to stronger and

better communities.

Eiripan is the Makushi word meaning “to share”, and the organisation’s goal is to increase literacy levels of children in the Northern Rupununi savannah region.

The organisation is convinced that books, toys and rewards inspire children born and/ or living in the Northern Rupununi region to dream, that is why it regularly donates to the region and encourages others to do so.

This year, Eiripan would be heading to the villages of Yakarinta, in the North Rupununi, and Shulinab in the South Rupununi. The organisation plans on rewarding the children for going to school by giving them each a Christmas present. The Eiripan team plans to depart Georgetown December

Not letting go! Children with their gifts from Eiripan

27 to the villages.

“Eiripan is motivated because we believe that books and toys and a sense of self-worth should be a part of the process of changing a child to an adult. And in the Rupununi, where it's difficult for children to access these things, there is a need for projects like ours. We just believe that if you can help someone you should do so, and caring is in fact sharing,” Neketa Forde, a member of the organisation, expressed in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

Forde added that the public can assist by donating used clothing, school back packs, toilet paper, eating utensils (children would eat after their parents because they lack the utensils, so having enough of this would mean everyone can eat at the same time), and fuel and vehicles (to go into the region).

feature 31

growth; Christmas for Makanaima's Angels, (a gift project) because the organisation believes that toys are a wonderful mechanism through which children grow and learn, and that the joy that can be had from play should be part of ev-

ery individual’s journey through childhood; ‘Good Job Awards’ to encourage and reward students who have achieved academic success through hard work and perseverance (which the public can support through the CONTINUED ON PAGE 47

32 FEATURE

‘I am proud to be Guyanese’ “A

lthough I have not been back in years, I am proud to be Guyanese,” says Sasha Pilgrim a U.S.-based author and entrepreneur.

Born in Linden in 1987, Sasha spent a few years of her childhood in Berbice before relocating to US. She currently resides in New Jersey where she stud-

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

ied and obtained degrees in General Sociology from Bloomfield College and BA in Business Administration & Management from Pillar College.

Her paternal grandparents came from Suriname. Her greatgreat grandfather came from India, while her maternal grandfather is mixed with Portuguese.

Sasha's book

Sasha said she loves how diverse her family is, because it is a reflection of her homeland Guyana.

A devoted Christian, Sasha attends New Beginnings Christian Outreach Ministries, located in Paterson, New Jersey. She serves as an adjutant, a member of Judah Performing Arts Ministries, assistant director on one of the many outreach projects of New Beginnings, a Sunday school teacher, and member of New Beginnings Media Ministry and currently in the New Beginnings Minister in Training programme. She also serves as a member of Greater Life Inc, an outreach organisation for young people within the city of Newark New Jersey.

Sasha is a motivational speaker and offers mentoring services. She also finds time for her photography business, and her online boutique.

“Understanding & Embracing Your Season of Singleness: Single, Saved & Young” is a book that was written at a time when Sasha started to get serious about her Christian faith.

“It took a total of 2 to 3 years before it was completed. I wanted to share

US-based Guyanese author Sasha Pilgrim (Tinnetta Bell photo)

with others how important it is to have a strong relationship with God. What it means to really think about the direction of one’s life and tap into the greatness that has been placed within.

Each one of us was created with a divine purpose and with a great destiny. We just have to be the one to realize that we are of importance.

However, in order to do that we have to be in relationship with the one that created us. If not, we will continue to walk aimlessly searching for what makes us happy,” she expressed.

The author added

that the book is a motivational and inspirational read for those that aspire to be more than just someone who is “ordinary”.

Her advice for future writers is simple - begin to write. Keep a journal always and write down thoughts throughout the day. Make an outline of what it is you want to write on. Stick to the plan. Know that deadlines can be extended; just make sure that you set them. Remain focused and don’t get discouraged.

“There will be times where you will not feel like writing and you will

want to give up. Just remember why you started and how far you’ve gotten. Make it your business to find time to be in your own space and write. Creativity flows at all hours, be open to great ideas. Have just a few people you trust (I had only two), that can read your work and give you feed back. This will help to get you to really think about the clarity of your work and how you can make improvements. Stay motivated and stay encouraged.

And remember, you can do it,” she encouraged. (www.guyanesegirlsrock.com)

feature 33

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

S

preading Christmas cheer is one of Give Another Chance Foundation’s main objectives this year. Through its activities, the Foundation is putting smiles on faces countrywide.

Already for the year, the Foundation made a donation to Diana Seymoore, who is Miss Wakenaam 2015, and offered GYD $100,000 in cash from the GACF education fund towards continued studies.

Additionally, GACF in collaboration with The Bank of Nova Scotia, commissioned libraries to Arthurville nursery and primary schools valued GYD$ 300,000. GACF also donated furniture and books, along with the libraries.

More than 20 students preparing for the National Grade Six Assessment are currently benefiting from free extra lessons. All study materials are being provided by GACF. This Christmas, a 20ft, strikingly beautiful Christmas tree was the remarkable initiative of the Foundation’s founder Miranda Thakur-Deen and her family, as she wanted residents of Wakenaam to have a cheerful Christmas.

Give Another Chance Foundation (GACF) is a nonprofit, non-governmental organisation registered in Guyana, with more than seven years of giving back to the society.

Its staff spans a range of disciplines from the social sciences, public policy, technolo-

The many children who received Christmas goodies from the Foundation

gy, and the creative arts. This interdisciplinary team collaborates to bring cross-disciplinary insights to a future that combine complex challenges and require unconventional perspectives.

The Board of Directors is committed to the financial, operational, and intellectual vitality of the organisation. From the earliest days, the Board has collaborated with management to evolve the organisation’s mission, resources, and administrative practices to meet the demands of a changing world.

Give Another Chance Foundation works in rural and outskirt urban communities of Guyana. These areas are known for high levels of poverty and low levels of educational

achievement.

The Foundation works on self-reliant projects where its education programmes focus not just on access, but on attainment – ensuring vulnerable children have the right infrastructure, resources, teaching and parental support in order to have a quality education, and go on to lead productive, happy lives.

This is complemented by the Foundation’s livelihood programmes that work to create secure incomes. The organisation also helps to improve agricultural practices and market awareness for farming communities.

GACF’s goals are to improve children’s lives by creating a social movement that

delivers effective health, education, nutritional programmes; to give children an opportunity to realise their own personal achievement whether academically, artistically or within the realms of sports; and to promote peace, justice, understanding and friendly relations between the people of Guyana and people of the nations.

The organisation is committed to providing basic education from pre-school to university, and healthcare to underprivileged children in rural and urban communities. It believes that whether you are addressing healthcare, poverty, population control, unemployment or human rights, there is no better place to start than in the corridors of educa-

tion.

Give Another Chance Foundation works with girls and boys in rural communities of Guyana to ensure they are able to learn the skills and gain the knowledge that will help them break out of poverty and secure their future with an After School Teaching programme.

Laying the foundations for learning, the organisation focuses on delivering quality early learning programmes. It ensures children get the best education at primary level, focusing on math, literacy, sciences, health, agriculture, critical thinking and more.

Notably, the Foundation works with men and women in rural communities to ensure they are able to earn a living, support their children’s education and have enough food to feed their families.

The Foundation helps communities find long-term solutions to poverty through innovative education and livelihood projects, which empower an individual to earn a livelihood.

Its goal is to increase awareness on a range of issues – from healthcare to appropriate social behaviour to understanding one's rights, and in the process help persons become better citizens.

The Foundation plans many more activities in its efforts to spread Christmas joy to all. For more information, visit Give Another Chance Foundation on Facebook.

The health benefits of Christmas ingredients

A

lthough there is some uncertainty about where the tradition of eating foods with cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg at Christmas came about, the health benefits of these spices are well documented.

It would seem the reason so many of these spices appear in the foods we eat at Christmas is due to the fact they are all associated with treating colds and flu.

We all tend to take these spices for granted but hundreds of years ago, they were the third most expensive commodity in the world after gold and silver.

Cinnamon Cinnamon has been used for centuries in India and helps warm you up and stimulate appetite. It also has an effect on metabolism; controls blood glucose levels and can help with diabetes. In 2000 the nutrition lab at US Agricultural Research Service found that it can help increase your cells’ responsiveness to insulin. Nowadays, herbalists use the oil for helping with Irritable bowel syndrome, colds and flu. You might want to attach a few twigs onto your holiday garland.

Cloves Clove oil was used in Ancient China where it

was rubbed onto gums to freshen the breath. Even today dentists rub the main constituent of cloves (eugenol) onto patients’ gums as it has an anaesthetic and antibacterial effect. Recent research has found it to be effective

gas and indigestion are all ailments that have been treated by eating ginger.

Ginger has been also shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger root is full of a compound called gingerol, which research has shown has anti-

everything from embalming Ancient Egyptians; a treatment for piles in the Middle Ages to being a well-known alternative to marijuana. Natives of the Banda Islands, Indonesia rub nutmeg oil on the stomach as a treatment

against superbug staphylococcus when combined with eucalyptus, lemon, thyme, tea tree and alcohol. Due to its antiseptic properties it can also help with flu, colds, and bronchial congestion.

Ginger Ginger can be enjoyed in so many ways; you can use it in Indian and Chinese cooking, put it into cakes, make it into a preserve and eat it crystallized with sugar. Nausea,

inflammatory properties.

Gingerol has also shown some efficacy as an analgesic, particularly for arthritis patients.

There has even been research showing ginger kills ovarian cancer cells.

In addition, ovarian cancer cells do not appear to develop a resistance as they do with some cancer drugs.

Nutmeg Nutmeg may not look the most interesting of spices but it has been used for

to flu and also rub it onto the forehead to treat headaches.

Christmas drinks

Recent advances in medicine and a greater understanding of human nutrition have led researchers to recognize the existence of a number of substances normally occurring in plants, known as nutraceuticals, which can enhance human health. There is now an acceptance of the link be-

tween diet and health and this has evolved into the concept of nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Nutraceuticals have been associated with the prevention and or treatment of at least four lifethreatening diseases – cancer, diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.

Examples of nutraceuticals are food supplements that contain substances called phytochemicals.

These include vitamins, antioxidants, dietary fibre and free fatty acids.

Sorrel A nutritious drink that is part of local Christmas tradition, sorrel drink is consumed by many who may be unaware of its health benefits.

Sorrel contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, calcium, niacin, riboflavin and a group of compounds called flavonoids which not only give its deep red colour but are now being recognized as a powerful antioxidant which scavenges the body of free radicals that can cause deadly diseases if they are not removed from the body.

Mauby Mauby will be the choice of many at the dinner table or informal gatherings this Christmas,

and particularly for those suffering from high blood pressure, it might be a healthy choice. A new study appears to give support to an earlier one that mauby might be useful in lowering blood pressure.

Trinidad-born Kwame Amin, a student at The City University of New York’s Borough of Manhattan Community College, conducted the study whose findings were consistent with another that examined hypertensive patients. A distinct lowering of the pulse rate was observed in patients using mauby. Mr Amin’s work won first prize for Biomedical Research for Minority Students in the U.S. Other claims about this drink (that it is good for arthritis, reduces cholesterol, treats diarrhoea, and may help fight diabetes) are currently under study.

Ginger beer Throughout history, ginger has been used as a remedy for all sorts of maladies and illnesses. Many assume ginger ale and ginger beer, because they are made with ginger, carry the same benefits. But this depends on the method used to produce the ginger beer. continued on page 42

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The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

Nothing new for Christmas?

W Santa Claus…

By Petamber Persaud

hat’s new for Christmas on the literature-scape of Guyanese Literature? Not much, save and except, two events (of which I am aware) focusing on the season.

These two events were “Expressions 3” - an evening of poetry, storytelling and song, and the release of a new Kross Kolor album “Christmas with us” Vol. 2.

Below find two extracts of new writings on Christmas performed at “Expressions 3”: Silent Night by Tamara Rodney

We drink eat and are merry Laying like the fatted calf on a platter of new things Helpless to the wrath Of January’s bill collector Despite the dearth of writings on Christmas, there were bundles and bundles of writings surfacing for the Christmas season, including the 71 entries submitted to the Guyana Prize for Literature, the 40 scripts submitted to the National Drama Festival and scores of scripts submitted to the Secondary School Drama Festival.

What’s new on

cent and jill, they ain't care bout the bruiseup and kick-up and push-down they does get during the scrambling. Some time fight does break¬out, but is all in the fun once Big Manager Missie and them other manager missie throwing sweetie and cent and jill.

Here is part of a poem by S. E. Wills, titled“Christmas in the Tropics” written in 1907 especially for the season.

With sweet anticipations of the cheer the season brings…

O, Queen of the Seasons, happy childhood is thy other name;

Trinidad. It’s the season when poor man is a rich man and vice versa, when kindness, gentility and brotherhood level out, like the water in yesteryear’s vat…

Fortuitously, its celebration over an extended period at year-end was the perfect celebration that fused the nation, and heralded each New Year with the hope that prosperity will continue to bless…

Beryl Gilroy issued similar sentiments in “Sunlight on Sweet Water”: All children were consciously co-operative, running minor and ma-

A Guyanese Christmas masquerade group

A celebration cannot be pure unless it is equal. ….This Christmas, Set aside your wish list just for a while and make a compassion list For those you can help Give gifts of hope and assurance This Christmas, let prayers go up in silent night Let our thoughts remember children deserving of hope And a people who long for the joy of Christmas, No more silent nights of hunger and pain and selfishness ‘Tis the Season’ written and performed by Lloyda Nicholas-Garrett Tis the season of a litany of things Even Jesus is on hire purchase Reason flows like a river of green notes Out of weary ATMs Worth is wrapped up in bows and ribbons And doled out as props to our status

Christmas in the literature-scape of Guyanese Literature? Not much, so we would have to turn back to the ‘old’ pieces.

This first piece takes us back to the sugar plantation days. It is titled “Cent and Jill” written by Rooplal Monar and taken from “Backdam People”.

Every time Christmas season approaching me does always remember one particular Friday gone back when me one small boy going to estate two-storey white, red and colour pay-office.

Well, the week befo' the Friday reach, thempicknie inside light-light, as though they could fly like bird, specially when them mind flash on them fancy sweetie and cent and jill which they does scramble-up in Big Manager yard on that last Friday afternoon befo' school close, just like when dog does fight among theyselffo food which been thrown to them from verandahtop, while the Missie giggling.

And once them picknie getting sweetie and

Thy spirit dwells, in the sunny lands and milder climes the same, Within heart of youth; also in those advanced in years…

In these realms within the bounds of Cancer and of Capricorn, We have caught the ruling spirit of the day the Christ was born....

We may not have Yule log or the hanging mistletoe, But then we have the sunshine and the hearts that with it go…

And in these warmer regions of this fair old world of ours We can brave the thorns at Christmas times and boldly pluck the flowers, We can smooth down petty diff’rences and give the rein to peace, We can but bid our wrongs be silent and our jealousies to cease …

Godfrey Chin writing in “Nostalgias – Golden Memories of Guyana 1940- 1980” Our Christmas spirit is Guyana’s pressure relief valve as carnival is to neighbouring

jor errands without complaint. Politeness was carried almost to the point of mockery.

And lest we forget the ‘old’ songs written

by Guyanese: “A Little Wind of Christmas”, adapted from a poem

by A. J. Seymour, music by Teiron Jones; “A Christmas Song”

by Joan and Michael Gilkes; “Christmas Crazy” by Deryck Bernard; “A Very Merry Guyanese Christmas” by John ‘Slingshot’ Drepaul, and three popular calypsos: “Happy Holidays” by the Four Lords, “Christmas is with You Again” by the Mighty Canary and “Christmas Morning” by Captain McKenzie.

For next Christmas, I hope to put plans into motion to encourage more writings on such a season in which we all participate. Another competition perhaps!

Responses to this author telephone (592) 2260065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

…for Public Servants o there’s been a Commission of Enquiry into the public service that’s been sitting since September. It shows no signs of winding down. They were given “three to five” months to finish their tasks with “extensions” promised, if necessary. They WILL be necessary, trust your Eyewitness.

Now you’d think with all the fuss the Government made about saving money and denying the Rodney CoI a two-week extension on that ground, they’d be concerned, no? Especially when they already seemed to’ve concluded MONEY’s the root of all that ails the lower ranks of the largest bloc of employees in the country.

What’s with giving them a retroactive 13 per cent salary increase that hit the treasury for more than a billion dollars and another Gy$50,000 “Bonus” that’ll set us back another Gy$1.5 billion, you’re beginning to talk about real money here. But why worry… Government can print our monopoly money, can’t they?

So transforming into “Govt Claus” also this Christmas, the Government’s going around doling around money to Government workers like it’s going out of style. The one month’s bonus for the Disciplined Forces is coming up anytime now. With good reason, those in the receiving line have joined the Govt Claus with loud “Ho! Ho! Ho’s!”

Not so for everyone – especially those working in the Private Sector. There, one business owner and representative said they just aren’t generating that kind of profits to make such payouts. Another asked the question that evidently hasn’t crossed the mind of anyone in the Government: “Since money will have to be printed on account of falling tax collections with the collapse of the economy, won’t the resulting inflation hit the public servants with their fixed salaries and pensions the hardest?”

But why worry? Let’s eat, drink and be merry… only spoilsports worry about tomorrow – or the reason why there’s a public service to begin with.

One old timer from back in the day, former Chief Probation Officer Cecil Murray gave testimony and had a few words about this in his testimony to the CoI. What he said amounted to this: the Public Service was not, and shouldn’t be, a holding pen to reward impecunious supporters.

The old timer called the present level of service “pathetic” and questioned the criteria of selection for the workers. No one followed the civil service’s rules, for the simple reason that no one – even at senior levels – knows what those rules are. A bureaucracy, as Weber pointed out so long ago, works on the routinisation of all tasks.

And this takes discipline. Which free money can’t buy. …for buying support Nagamootoo handed out a million bucks to the villagers of Liliendaal. No one bothered to mention Nagamootoo lives in Liliendaal. The money was probably to quell the murmurs of discontent occasioned by his crass highhandedness to have the street to his home asphalted at the cost of $29 million! His neighbour’s and others not on his path got wood!

Pressie’s being doing the Santa bit also – but that’s expected, no? But the business community?

Solely for altruistic reasons and expecting no reward – they’re tripping over themselves offering goodies in his name. Especially some stalwarts that gorged themselves at the PPP’s trough.

There was “that” contractor early in the day, cleaning Georgetown even better than Cinderella under the watchful eyes of the wicked stepmother!

He then launched a boat “David Granger II” for schoolchildren in the Pomeroon. But most altruistic of all, was one Ernie Ross – who donated $30,000 pairs of shoes to hinterland children. …at sugar retreat?

So the Sugar CoI, which was to be presented in September but postponed for a RETREAT in November and then postponed for a retreat in December because Pressie and Greenidge were out, took place without them.

So another retreat is necessary. And no Santa for sugar workers this Christmas.

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feature 35

St. Peter’s Church in Leguan

S

t. Peter’s Church was originally constructed December 9, 1827. However, it was replaced by the present structure on St. Peter’s Day June 29, 1855. Prior to the erection of the first church, services were held under a clump of bamboo trees.

On November 25, 1826 as recorded by the pencil minute of foolscap in the vestry book of the parish, a meeting was held in the house of Captain Thierens of Plantation Vissilvalligheid. At this meeting it was decided that a church and parsonage should be built.

A site was chosen on the frontlands of Plantation Enterprise, Leguan where the church is still functioning today.

The first church was built at a cost of £400 over a period of six weeks, and was located at the centre of the island. On December 9,1827 this church was opened for service.

The land for the parsonage and the church was acquired in a rather peculiar manner; through a warrant issued by the Governor: Sir Benjamin D'urban on June 12, 1827, ‘authorizing and requiring in His Majesty's name, John Theirens and Edward G. Boughton, members of the Vestry for

St Peter's Church, Leguan Island, Essequibo (1855)

the parish of St. Peters, forthwith to enter upon and take possession of the said piece of land and to give notice thereof to the proprietor of the said property and to offer him a fair compensation,’ to be decided by ‘two appraisers and an umpire of the chosen lot’.

In September of 1827, Mr John Campbell, proprietor of John Campbell & Co. agreed to sell the six acres of land required for the church. There was one small problem: the removal of a house constructed

by Mr Alexander McRae 'for the reception of per-

sons with the most offensive disease, yaws.'

Nine years later, onAugust 8, 1836, the transport for the land of St. Peter’s was at last passed. The sum of 300 guilders per acre was paid by the governor, together with 4,000 guilders for repairs and 350 guilders for the sexton.

The church saw bleak times in the 1840s as many residents of the island migrated to urban areas. The cost of maintenance for the first church was enormous and there were calls for the erection of a permanent building.

It was under the guardianship of Reverend F. J. Wyatt (who would later be appointed as Rector of St. Paul in October 1853) that the desire for a permanent church gained support.

Lieutenant Governor Walker laid the foundation stone for the present church on August1, 1853.

St. Peter's was constructed at a cost of £2,500, of which £1,000 was contributed by the Colonial Legislature, £100 by the Society For The Promotion of Christian Knowledge, and the remaining sum of £1,400 by

private individuals resident on the island. The church was designed by the colonial civil engineer Mr. J. F. Bourne, with contributions by Rev. F. Wyatt and Dr. Boughton.

The church, which is built of brick, was originally covered by a roof of wallaba shingles; this was later replaced by metal roofing. At the left of the north western entrance stands a detached bell tower, surmounted by an octagonal brick spire.

The length of the church is 70 feet, exclusive of the apse. The windows are pointed and are filled with handsome stained glass. The seven in the apse depicts the life of St. Peter, and those in the nave contain flowered quarrels and roses with rich borders. These were imported from England at a cost of £950.

On St. Peter's Day, June 29, 1855, His Lordship Bishop William Piercy Austin consecrated the building in the presence of the Governor, Mr. P. E. Wodehouse, the Governor's Secretary, Chief Justice, Mr. William Walker, members of the Court of Policy and other prominent individuals.

With its artistic design and leaning tower, St. Peter’s Church, located on the 10,843 acre

island of Leguan is regarded as one of the finest brick structures constructed in Guyana.

This church, with its tiled sanctuary, massive brick work, asphalted floor, architectural rafters, and windows portraying events in the life of the patron saint, testifies to the artistry and craftsmanship of Guyanese builders.

Today, while it stands as an important part of Guyana’s built heritage, representative of an integral chapter of our social and cultural development, sadly, it has fallen into a state of dilapidation, with a roof that is in dire need of repair among other areas.

While the National Trust is charged to promote and safeguard the nation’s heritage, we wish to remind citizens that preservation is a task which requires the cooperation of all and urge Guyanese to take an active role in ensuring the long term survival of Guyana’s patrimony by assisting in one way or another in preserving this brick heritage building. Contact can be made with the Anglican Diocese under whose purview it falls. (National Trust.

Reprinted from a 2010 article)

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This week's Crossword

This week's Puzzle

see solution on page 47

Politically Correct

By Lomarsh Roopnarine

T

hat we should be politically correct (PC) more often than not is overkill. In a nutshell, the definition of politically correct or political correctness is that one has to be careful what to say to avoid offending, insulting or discriminating against anyone at any time, particularly to those who are considered to be from marginalised backgrounds. Put simply, one has to watch his or her P’s and Q’s when speaking. Of course, some political correctness is fine but is it too much? Is it too taxing?

Political correctness has certainly penetrated the public space –work place, markets and institutions – as well as the private space – family and home – at unexpected speed. Most employers have policies and guidelines outlining what their employees should say to protect political correctness and avoid a tense working environment. Discussing someone’s sexual orientation, for example, is a big no, no. Parents too are careful about what they say in the presence of their children fearing that their children may repeat what they say at home or at their school.

Political correctness is intended to right historical wrongs and to promote equality. PC surfaced in the US in the 1980s and 1990s but has since picked up momentum almost everywhere in the world. PC shows how society has evolved with regard to sensitive issues like race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, political affiliation, etc. Thus, when someone uses an inappropriate label, he or she is politically incorrect or has crossed the line or has violated a basic norm, which in many cases, can be excused with an apology.

But under some other circumstances, one can be fired from the job or even face civil action in court.

In Guyana, political correctness is not as intense as in the United States. One unique characteristic about Guyana is that everyone is given a “right” name or birth name but rarely is everyone recognised by that name, unless that individual is at school or a public figure. Instead, most Guyanese are given “call” names and they are known by that name for the rest of their life. It is not uncommon to hear names like Tall Boy, Red Boy, Fat Girl, Star Log, Mice, Sweet Wine, Spot-theBall, Duck Sauce, etc. These names are given according to appearance and actions. One young man in a village in Berbice is called Combine Shaker because he moves his waist like a Rice Combine Harvester when he dances. Of course, some of these names are offensive, inflicting enormous emotional pain, especially when they are used as a source of amusement.

During the 2015 political campaign, political correctness was fanned to a different level when the former Health Minister said that one female social activist should be slapped and stripped. Bharat Jagdeo found himself on the other side of law for allegedly using inappropriate language. The heightened sense of political correctness occurred because of social activism as well as of political motivation and manipulation to gain votes. The aim was to remove the PPP/C from power.

Since the May 2015 general election political correctness has become meaningless as evidenced by the “Coolie” remark by Moses Nagamootoo, the hauled off stage remark by MP Charandass Persaud to former MP Vindhya Persaud and the “Coke in Poke” headline in the Kaieteur News. Had these jaw-dropping remarks occurred during the political campaign, would they have received enormous attention? The mere fact that Ministers have refused to apologise for uncalled and unnecessary reckless comments and have shown little or no remorse demonstrate that offensive remarks, political correctness, have been reduced to personal matters rather than a problem that affects all. This view is complemented by the fact that no one in the current government has uttered a single word on the use of offensive language by Members of Parliament.

Whatever happened to the language in the 100-day manifesto that speaks to the protection of women?

The silence is simply shocking especially at this time when women from all walks of life continue to experience violence. Public officials must realise that they are role models and must act in the expectation of that role. To do otherwise will raise questions like: What sort of message are they sending to the younger ones about how women are treated? Is there a double standard with regard to the treatment of women since the regime assumed power in May 2015? It certainly feels like it. (lomarsh.roopnarine@jsums.edu)

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Fiddling…

W

…while Guyana burns ell, actually rather than fiddling on a harp like Nero (there were actually no “fiddles” back then) as Rome burnt into ashes, our rulers are harping on their audits, and CoIs while the Guyanese economy crashes and burns.

While the audits and CoIs started as part of the Government’s witch-hunt against persons it labelled as “PPP supporters”, they soon became part of the “misdirection” campaign to distract the people from their livelihood crashing over their ears.

The sugar workers can’t get their API…which they worked their guts out for during the crop and is part and parcel of their labour agreement? “We’re on it!” assures the Govt! “But we have to wait for the CoI to be reviewed by the Cabinet.” So what if the sugar workers are broke and can’t even have a decent meal in this Christmas season? They’re used to bearing strain with all those tonnes of cane they fetch, don’t they?

The rice farmers are eating “bhoosie” because of rice prices sinking into the drainage canals? “We’re on it,” assures the Govt in the form of Nagamootoo.

“But we have to sort out that NICIL on the Marriott and other transactions first.” Never mind the chief driver in this witch-hunt has been Glenn MOOK Lall and his Muckraker because of their personal vendetta against Brassington, the CEO of NICIL. And what did Brassington do to them? Well, Dear Reader, have you forgotten it was Brassington – doing his job for NICIL – who demanded Glenn Lall and his BEST friend Tony Yassin cough up the $400 million they owed NICIL for Guyana Stores? That’s right. So while Goolsarran ripped into every company NICIL privatised for the Government – don’t you think it’s more than passing strange he didn’t utter a squeak on Guyana Stores, OR the Mook?

They want misdirection for the Guyanese people – but not towards Guyana Stores. These are sacred cows. The Government has recruited Clive Thomas as its main shill for its misdirection strategy…and he’s fiddling with that harp something fierce. Why didn’t the Government give its supporters that “substantial” salary increase they were promised?

Well, says the octogenarian Thomas, it’s those billions and billions those dastardly PPP siphoned off from the economy into their pockets! Never mind the largest chunk of the so-called “illicit” transferred funds is actually under-invoicing by exporters and over-invoicing by importers! They’ve never managed to explain as to how the PPP was the beneficiary of those private companies gaming the system.

And not a word as to how the GRA allowed such massive amounts to slip in and out under their radar.

But the point is just to keep the Guyanese people distracted, no? …while Climate funds go begging For some reason, Guyanese just don’t seem to understand a basic principle of business: the value of something depends on how badly people want it.

And the more they want that thing, the more they’ll pay for it. And those who have that “thing” insist on demanding the most money for it.

When former President Jagdeo told the country he could get money for just letting our forests remain… ummmm…well, forests – everybody and their uncle had a good laugh. Until Norway coughed up US$250 million smackeroos! Or so we thought. Yes, Virginia… it wasn’t Santa Claus, but our forests sequestering carbon. The developed countries wanted forests like anything to offset all the carbon they wanted to spew out to maintain their lifestyle of the rich and filthy.

But here we are again, with COP21 declaring our forests are desired even more desperately and the Government says “money’s not their focus on climate change”!

Where do these wankers get off? …while crime spirals This Eyewitness wonders why the Minister of Security’s mum on his promise to bring down crime.

Having diagnosed the cause of crime the moment he took office – GREED – shouldn’t we see a dent by now?

But then, how would the 2am curfew reduce greed?

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

travel & tourism 39

M

anari Ranch, a flourishing cattle ranch, is located seven miles from Lethem. It provides excellent accommodation for tourists who want to explore the picturesque Rupununi Savannah.

To get to the ranch, tourists would have to drive over dry savannah and roads – a chance to soak in the fresh air and the scenic landscape.

Exciting days at the ranch include unhurried travel and open-country bird watching, with many herons, storks and raptors. The evening may afford an enjoyable hour or so among tall palms and mango trees near the ranch, or out in the grasslands where, after sunset, several species of nighthawks can be seen.

The ranch, set up in the early 1900s, is described as a “home away from home”. (Photos

by Patricia and Jean-Claude)

Scenic trail to get to the ranch

The rustic Manari Ranch near Lethem

Hammock at the ranch for a restful nap

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Star of the week

S

aadiqah Aaminah Ramdass, born January 11, 1999, is a Guyanese actress who enjoys giving back to society.

Soon Saadiqah will be seen in the local drama series “WHO?� which is scheduled to air in April 2016. She will part of the main cast, playing the role of Mia Zyphrah. The actress graduated from St. Stanislaus College and is currently furthering her studies at the University of Guyana. Saadiqah enjoys meeting new people, hanging out with friends, following current affairs and volunteering. For more information on the series, visit WHO? on Facebook.

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The health benefits of Christmas...

Modern ginger beer or ale typically does not contain the amount of ginger necessary to provide much benefit.

In fact, most store-bought ginger beers and ales contain no actual ginger, just ginger flavouring. Some brands are made with real ginger however (as much as 25 grams per bottle). Those can typically be found in health food stores.

Making your own ginger beer may be the better option.

Christmas cake

Prunes, currants and raisins are essential for any black cake. Dried as they are, they are also healthy ingredients within a local Christmas staple.

Prunes often get overlooked as a source of vitamin A, even though they provide more than ten per cent of recommended levels. Potassium is another unexpected benefit you get from eating prunes, which is beneficial for blood pressure and regulating your heartbeat.

Prunes contain the same phenols that plums have, protecting the fats in our system from damage. They also have significant amounts of beta-carotene, whose antiox-

idant function helps prevent cataracts, cancer, and heart disease.

When grapes are dried, either using the heat of the sun or by oven drying, the natural fruit sugar, called fructose, is so concentrated that the end result --raisins--are more than 70 per cent pure fructose and chock full of important nutrients such as iron, calcium, protein and vitamin C. Not only that, but raisins also contain a phytonutrient known as oleanolic acid, which helps promote good oral health by destroying the bacteria that causes cavities.

Additionally, one cup of raisins provides about 6 mg of iron--17 per cent of your daily requirement, and, like all dried fruits, are an excellent source of fibre. Also raisins are one of the best dietary sources of boron, a mineral that doesn't get a lot of attention, but it is essential for bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis.

Two powerful compounds found in concentrated amounts in blackcurrants , also known simply as cur-

from page 33

rants (there are red and black currants) may help protect our brains against diseases of aging. Preliminary research from the Horticulture and Food Research Institute in New Zealand found that the anthocyanins and polyphenolics found in blackcurrants may help protect against Alzheimer's disease.

An exciting new study shows great promise in the value of the predominate antioxidant in blackcurrants, anthocyanin, to prevent liver cancer one of the most common cancers in the world.

In the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, European physicians intuitively recognized the benefits of blackcurrants’ high vitamin C content in preventing scurvy and as a useful tonic. During this period, blackcurrant was also indicated for various infections, including urinary tract infections, inflammation and intestinal ailments. Research surrounding the high anthocyanin content and specific polysaccharide composition of blackcurrant is now turning up evidence that may support some of these traditional uses.

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It’s the most wonderful time…

Anu Dev

ast Thursday I returned home after the absolutely most gruelling semesters of Med School that I’ve had to slog through yet. But then they did say that third-year was going to be the highest hoop of all the hoops they make you jump through to become a “professional”.

I must say that there were times when I was convinced that the volume of work they insisted we cover was another variant of the water boarding they condemned at Guantanamo! In one they pour water over your nose to convince you you’re drowning; the other they make YOU pour a waterfall of information over your burning brain. It makes you think that madness is just a finger snap away!

While it’s over – for three weeks at least, when I start it all over again – the reality that I don’t have to spend all of my time furiously trying to absorb as much of my textbooks as possible hasn’t fully sunk in. To say I’m “euphoric” to be back home with my family would probably be the understatement of the century. Even though I’m vegetating right now…I am

“I find that it’s the simple things that remind you of family around the holidays” – Amy Adams looking forward with the old “bated breath” for the new Star Wars flick, as I wrote last week. While it takes will power to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks, rewards at the end do help!

And now it’s almost the end of 2015. Another year has flown by! For some reason I’ve felt like no time has passed since 2013. So it’s really quite strange to think that we’re hurtling fast towards 2016.

And it’s even weirder to think that by the time the next Avengers movie comes out, I’ll be graduating.

Soon people will start thinking about what the past year has been like and what they expect from the new year. And some people have probably already started thinking about those things.

I know during exams, most students already resolved that next year will be different, next year they won’t leave things quite so last minute. We somehow conveniently forget that when the new semester begins, but oh well, it’s the thought that counts?

But before we all start with the self-introspection and all of that serious stuff, the holidays

are right up in front of us waiting to be enjoyed.

The excitement for the holidays is palpable. The stores are already thronged with people doing shopping for the holidays, stocking up their pantries for the feasts they’re about to prepare. Houses are already festooned with lights and tinsel. It’s all very festive!

As the old song goes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year With the kids jingle belling And everyone telling you “Be of good cheer” It’s the most wonderful time of the year It’s the hap-happiest season of all With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings When friends come to call It’s the hap- happiest season of all” It’s been only three days since I’ve been back and it already looks like it’s shaping up to be a wonderful holiday!

I’ll be making the most of the three weeks I have before I’m sent off back to the coal mines in January. New York, here I come!!

Happy Holidays!

What’s the plan?

By Ryhaan Shah

E

ight months into the new Administration, everyone is still waiting to hear what plans the Granger Government has for our country’s development. There is a void where there should be energy, activity and enthusiasm.

There appears to be no one at the helm with the firm hand needed to guide us towards the promised good life.

In fact, campaign rhetoric and jingoism still prevail, and the continued daily hysteria over the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration’s alleged ills creates the distinct impression that it is the PPP that is still in Government and facing a vociferous coalition Opposition.

The continued assaults by sycophants willing to overlook Government’s own transgressions and corruptions do fill the vacuum of nothingness with much distracting noise but after all the railing against the PPP Government’s projects – Amaila Falls, the Specialty Hospital, the airport expansion – the Administration has had no option but to fall back on them, albeit with some face saving gestures of making adjustments.

This backpedalling more than anything else exposes their vacancy of ideas. The Granger Government has nothing to offer.

All their years on the Opposition bench, they opposed for opposition sake and not because they were bristling with better ideas or with any ideas for that matter.

There is a distinct void where there should be, at least, some programmes, projects and ideas especially in a country with so many developmental needs.

What’s the plan for export earners like sugar, rice, timber, gold, and bauxite? Where are the promised investments that will create jobs and drive our economic expansion?

Where is the promised employment for our youths? And where is the strategy for fighting the serious rise of serious crime to create the stability and security needed for social and economic development?

There are no announcements about incentives that will attract investors, or any announced subventions or tax breaks to encourage local businesses to expand.

There is only the gravest danger that Guyana will careen out of control in the absence of policies that are needed to provide national direction.

The runaway crime might be a symptom that the country is already out of control, and that Government continues with its initial arrogance is an added worrying factor.

This past week, they rammed the antimoney laundering and anti-terrorism bills through Parliament despite widespread

criticism about the lack of consultation on these critical issues.

Even its $50,000 bonuses for lowerpaid civil servants have drawn fire from the Guyana Public Service Union and the Guyana Trade Unions Congress for the lack of consultation. GuySuCo’s criticism is driven by Government’s continued denial of any bonuses for sugar workers.

The bonuses are all a lot of added expenditure and someone should be worrying about the revenue earning side of the national ledger. Perhaps, oil was expected to gush and money was expected to flow. However, with oil prices continuing to fall and with a renewed global momentum to cap green house gas emissions, these expectations will have to be adjusted downward and Guyana’s own policy on climate change made clear.

With our coastline under threat, it was a travesty that Guyana was a no-show at the recent conference in Paris on climate change. Minister Raphael Trotman did attend but given his non-participation, he might as well have stayed at home and saved us all those first class travel expenses.

It appears that being overshadowed by former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s high profile makes Government less than confident in these circles. But to ignore this critical issue would be to the country’s detriment so the Administration should be magnanimous and enlist Jagdeo’s help for the country’s sake.

The only energy and enthusiasm being displayed anywhere is on the much needed clean-up around the city. But this is also expenditure. It brings nothing to the national coffers.

Nor will the grand “sport” being planned for next May’s jubilee independence celebrations, the only other project that is underway. Again, this has little revenue earning potential. The “tourists” who come will stay mostly with family and whatever spending occurs will be at the commercial street level.

But Government’s jubilee hype is spurring a mania over the number “50”. So, 50 streets might well be renamed.

And the country is to be saddled with the expense of having a 50-dollar note introduced into circulation. This is totally unnecessary but it probably satisfies Government’s rather childlike glee over applying the number “50” to every possible sector. These then are their ideas for the good life.

No doubt, President David Granger might well release 50 more criminals onto the streets to commemorate our independence, our continued independence from law, order, and any real hope for progress.

feature 47

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Better to give than to receive

S

atiricus was proud of his friend Cappo, the cane cutter. They were in the back street bar bending their elbows. Cappo’s sugar estate had finished “grinding” three weeks ago and he was at loose ends. Meaning he hung around the back street even during weekdays. During the “crop” he’d be too bushed to even get out of the hammock he’d drop into when he trudged back from the backdam.

“So Christmas coming up sharp, boy,” said Satiricus as he took a chug of his beer.

“So you gon buy a drink for the boys or what?”

“Wha de rass yuh talking about Sato,” snarled Cappo heatedly. “Yuh know dem na pay abee a black cent fuh API. Ah brucks, bai. Ah brucks.”

“Man, is what you telling me?” Satiricus asked with a smile. “Naga Man said you guys making big bucks.”

“Budday, whatevah “bucks” me mek, is me head feel de pressha,” Cappo replied grimly. “But he na tell yuh dat is only half de year abee does get wuk?”

“So that’s why you look out for API!” exclaimed Satiricus. “So you could have a nice Christmas”.

“Nice Christmas me ass. Ah talking ‘bout food pan de table, bai!” said Cappo softly.

“An abee meet all dem target. Why abee cyaan get API and everybady else ah get bonus?”

“Cappo my friend, it’s not fair to compare,” said Satiricus virtuously.

“Somebody will always do better than other people.”

“Sato, man whay uh deh pan? Yuh smoking something or wha” said Cappo in a surlily, as he slapped the table with his open palm. “Me head mash down wid all dem cane me fetch…Ah wha dem do fuh get all dem bonus? Ah me money sugar bring in ah pay dem!”

“Cappo, ole buddy, you never hear it’s better to give than to receive?!” smiled Satiricus.

“Suh how come dem nevah gie me nutten?” challenged Cappo. “Ah yuh gon gat fuh buy drinks fuh me till next crap. Dat mek me feel bettah!”

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

T

he National Art Gallery, Castellani House, is currently showcasing thought-provoking, beautiful pieces by some of the country’s most talented artists.

In collaboration with Republic Bank Limited, Castellani House recently hosted an award ceremony for the winners of the 10th National Biennial Drawing competition.

A number of veteran and fresh artists submitted pieces done with chalk, coloured pencils and chalk pastels – including other materials.

At the 10th National Biennial Drawing exhibition and prize giving event, first place was awarded to Walter Gobin for his piece “Selfie on the Beach”, second place to Kwesi Archer for his piece “The Yellow Girl”, and third place to Josefa Tamayo for her piece entitled “Cannon Ball Flowers”.

Honourable mention was given to Anna Correia for “Pottery and Carpets” and Courtney Douglas for “Reminiscence”.

The exhibition continues until January 23, 2016. Most of the pieces

Walter Gobin was awarded first prize for his painting, "Selfie on the Beach"

are for sale. All purchases must be made through the National Gallery’s of-

fice between 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

Second prize was awarded to Kwesi Archer for "The Yellow Girl" "Pottery and Carpets" by Anna Correia received Honourable Mention

The impressive display of art emphasizes the fact that Guyana is blessed with artistic talent. Aiming to develop the local art industry, Republic Bank Limited donated $1M to the National Art Gallery. This donation is expected to foster the development and skill of drawing and for wider country participation. It also aims to substantially reward the victors of a structured and transparent competition.

"Spirit of Guyana Beasts" by Carlos Savory is a thought-provoking piece

Helping to make a... provision of prizes and sponsorship), and ‘Our Special Project’, a developmental "toys tool kit" for nursery schools worth $30,000 per school ($150US).

The public can also contribute new or used (in sound condition) teaching and reading materials such as textbooks, storybooks and magazines, along with classroom essentials and teaching aids such as toys, charts, and stationary.

Persons can also donate towards the purchase of text and reference materials, teaching aids, plyboard and paint for blackboards; reading books and other

from page 31

materials.

Items for the party such as food, drinks, snacks and games, sweets, balloons, or financial contributions, which can be used to purchase these items, are also welcome.

The cost of transportation is possibly one of the highest expenses associated with any Eiripan project, due to the vast distances and difficult conditions associated with accessing these communities.

The public can help by contributing fuel for the journey or making a financial contribution towards the purchase of fuel. Also,

support can be given in this aspect through the donation of a fuelled vehicle and driver for the transport of Eiripan items and members in and out of the region.

“We are eternally grateful to all the companies and individuals who have helped to make our projects a success in past years, and look forward to your continued support in the future,” Forde declared.

For more information on the organisation, visit Eiripan on Facebook or call 643-4110.

48 Bollywood

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Karan Johar’s ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ I am not endorsing to release on October 28, 2016 the idea of being thin, F says Parineeti Chopra P

arineeti Chopra’s brand new gym toned body has found her a new fan following. While on one hand she has earned praises for her new look, there were haters who criticised her for shedding her earlier cute plump image.

Calling her criticism bizzare, Parineeti Chopra told The IndianExpress.com, “That is bizzare. Being fit is not bad. Everybody needs to be fit. Thin is a different conversation.

You need to be your fittest self. I was unfit. I wanted better stamina and better control of my energy which I have today. I am not endorsing the idea of being thin. I am endorsing the idea of

ilmmaker Karan Johar’s directorial venture ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma has wrapped up its final London schedule.

The cast and crew of the film had been shooting for the film in beautiful locations of London, Paris and Vienna.

Karan Johar took to Twitter to share the news and also shared the release date of his upcoming film.

being fit.”

Talking about her newly minted body, Parineeti said, “It’s good.

Ever since I became an actress, my weight used to be discussed and I wanted time to work out on my body. When I got these eight months to

work on myself, I did so and I am glad the results are showing.”

Parineeti Chopra flaunted her perfect bod at the Stardust Awards held on Monday (December 21). (Indian Express)

‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ marks Karan Johar’s return to direction after 2012 hit ‘Student of the Year’ and it will

Priyanka Chopra on Miss Universe goof up: I wouldn’t have known how to react

Delhi gang-rape too heinous a crime to be forgiven: Priyanka Chopra

T

he release of the juvenile offender in the December 16 Delhi gang-rape case has sparked off a massive debate in the country with many voices calling for him to be tried as an adult. Joining the debate, Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra said it was ‘too heinous a crime to be forgiven’.

When asked what she

felt about the release of the juvenile offender, Priyanka told The Indian Express.com, “I have always said that I don’t agree with it. It’s a heinous crime. It is unforgivable. I am a law abiding citizen that’s why I will go with whatever the law decides but it was too heinous a crime to be forgiven.”

Joining the discus-

sion, director Prakash Jha said, “The law considers him to be juvenile. It is so unfortunate that it has become a case of child v/s women. We know and we do understand the issue of reform and juvenile justice and at the same time the degree of this heinous crime is what wavers. The solution is not child v/s women. This is a much bigger debate and it is major education which is needed.”

The Supreme Court on Monday had refused to stay the release of the juvenile convicted, noting that his further detention needs a “legislative sanction” while the court has to “go by the law as it stands today”.

(Indian Express)

Shah Rukh Khan’s eldest son Aryan parties with friends

S

hah Rukh Khan’s eldest son Aryan Khan has often made news with the pictures that he posts on various social media sites. The star kid is back in the news with the latest pictures of him partying with friends that have been doing the rounds now.

After giving a glimpse of his six pack abs a few months back, Aryan now shared pictures of him with his friends. In the picture we can see him posing in a grey tee and black bottom.

Aryan has caught public attention several times this year. He was spotted at the airport

with his father while returning from a family trip to London. He also attended the prayer meet of his father’s close aide Subhash K Jain aka Subhash Dada along with his mother Gauri Khan. Later his pictures of him flaunting his six pack abs did the rounds

and now we have these pictures to tell us more about him.

Meanwhile, father Shah Rukh Khan is garnering all the attention from all across the globe with his recent release ‘Dilwale’ featuring him along side Kajol. (Indian Express)

be the first time that Aishwarya, Ranbir and Anushka will be sharing space together. (Indian Express)

O

nly an international beauty contest winner can understand the pain and embarrassment that Miss Colombia experienced at the unbelievable goof-up that unfolded at Miss Universe 2015 after she was dethroned as the winner and the title passed on to Miss Philippines all due to the error of host of the show.

Actress Priyanka Chopra, a former Miss World herself, expressed her deep disappointment

at the unfortunate episode. “I felt really really bad for Miss Colombia,” Priyanka Chopra told The Indian Express. com at the launch of ‘Jai Gangaajal’ trailer in Mumbai on Tuesday (December 22).

Priyanka Chopra also appeared speechless and said she wouldn’t have known how to react had it happened to her.

Taking a moment to compose herself, Priyanka said, “It was so embarrassing when I

saw it.”

The Miss Universe contestant from the Philippines is this year’s winner but for one brief moment Sunday (December 20) evening, it appeared as if it might be a repeat win for Colombia.

Colombia contestant Ariadna Gutierrez Arevalo was already wearing the crown as this year’s Miss Universe winner when host Steve Harvey returned to apologize.

Harvey says it was his mistake and that he would take responsibility for not reading the card correctly that named contestant Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach this year’s winner and Colombia the first runner-up. (With AP Inputs) (Indian Express)

Response to my look in ‘Sarbjit’ encouraging: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

A

ctress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is elated at the positive response for her deglam look in her upcoming film “Sarbjit” has received.

The biopic on Indian

Bachchan is playing Sarabjit’s sister Dalbir Kaur, while Randeep Hooda will be seen in the titular role. The shooting began this week in Mumbai. A picture from the set showed

am very thankful for the response… It has been very encouraging, even for the choice of subject.

Work has begun and it is (the film) intense,” the 41-year-old actress told reporters at Stardust

convict Sarabjit Singh, who was beaten to death in a Pakistani jail, is being helmed by “Mary Kom” director Omung Kumar.

Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya dressed as an aged woman, wearing spectacles.

“We have started filming and would like to first say that, the picture is already out and I

Awards.

‘Sarbjit’ is produced by Sandeep Singh, Kumar and Vashu Bhagnani.

The film is slated to release on May 20, 2016.

(Indian Express)

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘Star Wars’ debut hands Disney another hit franchise

“S

tar Wars: The Force Awakens” shattered box office records with an estimated $517 million in worldwide ticket sales through Sunday, a staggering debut that re-established the celebrated space saga as a global phenomenon under Walt Disney Co. The first “Star Wars” film in a decade recorded the biggest domestic opening in Hollywood’s history, collecting $238 million over the weekend in the United States and Canada. It also set records in Britain, Australia, Russia and elsewhere as fans embraced a new chapter in the galactic battle between good and evil.

Thousands joined a mock lightsaber battle in Los Angeles, where an Australian couple married in line for the film. President Obama ended a news conference on Friday saying he needed to head to a White House screening of the movie, and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton closed Saturday’s Democratic debate saying, “May the Force be with you.”

“I don’t think ever in the history of movies has there been more hype leading up to release of a film,” said Jeff Bock, senior box office analyst at Exhibitor Relations Co. “This is a huge, huge win.”

The film’s financial and critical success mark a victory for Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger’s strategy of acquiring proven brands, including Pixar Animation and comic book powerhouse Marvel, to fuel Disney’s entertainment empire.

Disney purchased “Star Wars” pro-

ducer Lucasfilm for $4 billion in 2012 as part of his bet on big-budget films.

Movie theater attendance in the United States and Canada, the world’s largest film market, has barely changed in a decade as online and mobile platforms exploded. Subscribers to Disney’s sports powerhouse, ESPN, have shrunk, a much-noted sign of pressure on traditional media. The turnout for “Star Wars” is an encouraging result for Disney, rival media companies and movie theaters.

Global sales for “Force Awakens” finished second only to the dinosaur film “Jurassic World,” which in its June opening garnered $525 million worldwide, including China, where the “Star Wars” film will not open for weeks.

“Jurassic World” took $208.8 million at domestic theaters in its first weekend.

“Force Awakens” is the seventh installment in the epic science-fiction franchise created by George Lucas in 1977.

“Force Awakens” could become the highest-grossing movie of all time, box office analysts said. “Avatar” holds that title with $2.8 billion in global sales.

The wild card is China, the world’s second-largest movie market, where “Force Awakens” opens Jan. 9. The last “Star Wars” movie in 2005 collected just $9 million there.

Disney made an effort to build buzz, placing 500 miniature Stormtroopers at the Great Wall and striking a deal to stream the six earlier “Star Wars” films through video service Tencent.

(Indian Express)

My 'Batman' different from Christopher Nolan’s: Ben Affleck

A

ctor Ben Affleck has revealed that his portrayal of Batman will differ from that of Christian Bale’s in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” movies.

The 43-year-old actor

told French magazine Studio Cine Live that his version of the Dark Knight will be much more frustrated, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“Christopher Nolan used his Batman to tell a finite story. My version is different, but remains faithful to the Batman mythology and all the themes associated with it,” Affleck said.

“Nolan’s Batman isn’t

part of a universe where other superheroes exist as well. Here – because we’re working towards the Justice League – there’s Superman, and it’s a world populated

with super beings. This situation generates an altogether new reality.”

Affleck suggested that Batman will embrace his billionaire lifestyle more wholeheartedly, saying that he “plays a bit more” the playboy side of the character.

“He lives that life at full tilt. He courts many women, owns many cars, and parties a lot. He does that as a way to fill the void in his soul.

“Moreover, past incarnations dealt with a straightforward search for justice. This time, Batman’s reasoning is clouded by frustration, bitterness and anger.”

“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” will release in cinemas March 25.

(Indian Express)

Hollywood 49

Bradley Cooper’s secret for success is sobriety

A

ctor Bradley Cooper credits his decision to stay away from alcohol for his success.

The 40-year-old “Hangover” star, who gave up drinking at the age of 20 thinks he had not been as successful as he is if he had not “changed his life” by ditching Alcohol, reported Female First.

“I would never be sitting here with you, no way, no chance, (if I hadn’t quit). I wouldn’t have been able to have access to myself or other people, or even been able to take in other people, if I hadn’t changed my life.

“I never would have

been able to have the relationships that I do. I never would have been able to take care of my father the way I did when he was sick. So many things,” Cooper said.

The “American Sniper” star says he de-

cided to get into acting after his father made him watch 1980 movie “The Elephant Man”.

“It floored me. First of all, I was devastated by it. I couldn’t stop crying.”

(Indian Express)

Nicole Kidman not starring in ‘Wonder Woman’

A

ctress Nicole Kidman, who was considered to play a high-ranking Amazonian warrior in “Wonder Woman” will not join the cast of the film.

The 48-year-old actress is passing on the role due to a scheduling conflict, reported Aceshowbiz.

According to new reports Robin Wright may be roped in to play the

role.

“Wonder Woman” stars Gal Gadot in the lead role of the Amazonian princess.

Chris Pine takes on double roles. He will play Wonder Woman’s longtime love interest Steve Trevor in the present day and Trevor’s grandfather in the 1920s-set scenes.

The project is currently filming with Patty Jenkins serving as the director.

The DC superhero movie is slated for June 23, 2017 release. (Indian Express)

‘The Danish Girl’ to release in India on January 15, 2016

“T

he Danish Girl”, which features Oscar winning actor Eddie Redmayne in the role of transgender artist Lili Elbe, will hit Indian screens on January 15 next year.

The actor says the Tom Hooper directorial “The Danish Girl”

Based on the book of the same name by David Ebershoff, “The Danish Girl” is a love story inspired by the lives of Lili and Gerda Wegener.

Alicia Vikander essays the role of Gerda Wegener.

In 1926 in Copenhagen, artist Einar Wegener is mar-

depicts a story of “authenticity, identity and courage”.

“This is a story of authenticity, identity, and courage, but at its heart it is a love story. About the courage that it takes to find yourself — to be yourself,” Redmayne said in a statement.

ried to Gerda and is revered for landscape paintings. Gerda is also an artist, less renowned but steadily working as a portraitist of prominent citizens.

Theirs is a strong and loving marriage, yet personal and professional epiphanies have eluded

them both.

That all begins to change one day when, on deadline for a portrait, Gerda asks her husband to fill in for a model by putting on a dress so that she can finish the painting. The experience is transformative, as Einar soon realises that being Lili is an expression of her truest self, and she begins living her life as a woman.

Gerda unexpectedly finds that she has a new muse, and renewed creative ferment. But the couple soon brush up against society’s disapproval. They leave their homeland for the more open-minded world of Paris. There, it is Gerda’s career that continues to flourish. The couple’s marriage evolves — and not without strain.

Gerda supports Lili during her journey as a transgender woman.

Through the other, each of them finds the courage to be who they are at heart. (Indian Express)

50 sport

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sports Commission honours CPL gave US$20 million former outstanding athletes boost to St. Kitts economy

Jennet Lovell along with her daughter receives a hamper from the Director

By Akeem Greene

I

n keeping with the spirit of the festive season, Director of Sport Christopher Jones handed over hampers to former athletes who represented Guyana with great distinction.

The athletes receiving hampers compliments of the National Sports Commission were Jennet Lovell, former netball player and coach, Pamela London; a former World Champion Boxer and Mosses Dwarka; a former powerlifter.

Lovell was grateful for the donation, “I was never expecting anything, so I’m grateful for the donation, the sport

has done well for me, and it has been the reason why I got my current job, I’m just glad to be recognized”, Lovell said.

London who received the surprise visit was also extremely appreciative of the kind gesture,” I’m very glad the Director of Sport, came and give me the donation; I’m a former world champion and I deserve this”, London said.

The Director along with other members of the commission visited these former athletes at their homes and it is expected that this activity will be a continuous one.

The major aim of the outreach was to pay tribute to those who performed well for the country, as a sign of showing appreciation of their talents. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

Pamela London receives her hamper form the Director of Sport

B

Fans enjoying themselves during last year’s CPL games

ASSETERRE, St. Kitts Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches played at Warner Park this year created an economic impact of over US20 million dollars for St. Kitts and Nevis, the government reported on Tuesday.

The government in Basseterre is also reporting that the CPL organization also increased its direct operational spending in the local economy by 2.4 percent to US 1.36 million this year generating 243 jobs.

A government statement says the figures have been independently verified and are contained in an independent study carried out by SMA Insight.

“Undoubtedly, the hosting of CPL games in St. Kitts and Nevis continues to yield positive gains for our beautiful twin island federation. These gains extend to our economy, the development of our local cricketing talent, our sporting facilities and the development of our human resource capital,” said Sports Minister Shawn Richards.

“We are indeed happy with the partnership with CPL and even more so elated with the fact that our own franchise, the SKN Patriots, though

the newest team, performed creditably well. As such, we look forward to the upcoming CPL games with greater expectations from the SKN Patriots and the benefits to St. Kitts and Nevis.”

The Government says the report showed a total incremental expenditure by spectators and tourists of almost US 4 million dollars this year.

This, it says, has resulted in occupancy of 4,461 hotel room nights on the twin islands, an increase of 39 percent on the previous year’s figure.

“The Government and franchise owners in St. Kitts and Nevis have shown fantastic commitment to CPL and we are delighted to see such a positive economic impact being delivered to both St. Kitts and Nevis. 2015 was a watershed year; with the launch of the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots team,” said Pete Russell, CEO of CPL. “We have already seen some exciting future plans for both Warner Park and the Patriots team and we have no doubt that we will see a packed Warner Park Stadium when the 2016 Tournament gets underway in June next year”. (CMC)

Bravo: Lack of confidence by batsmen hurting Windies

M

ELBOURNE, Australia Middle order batsman Darren Bravo says the series of defeats suffered by West Indies in recent times are as a result of a lack of confidence by batsmen.

Bravo scored a century in West Indies innings and 212 run loss to the Aussies in the first Test on the heels of a crushing defeat at the hands of a Rookie Cricket Australia Eleven.

In October, the Caribbean cricketers were beaten two nil by Sri Lanka in a test series where Bravo was one of only two batsmen to score fifties.

“It’s just a matter of confidence,” Bravo said.

“Coming in to this series most of our batsmen didn’t really have that confidence. We lost the series in Sri Lanka, we lost the practice game as well in Brisbane. It’s a matter of confidence”.

West Indies were bowled out for 223 and 148 in the first Test against Australia in Hobart with the second innings highlight being Kraigg Brathwaite’s 94.

Bravo is confident West Indies can accumulate runs against Australia.

In their drawn warm-up match against Victoria X1, Brathwaite followed-up his Test performance with a score of 78, Jermaine Blackwood rebounded from failing to get off the mark twice with a score of 69 while Marlon Samuels and Denesh Ramdin scored 45 and 38 respectively.

Bravo is confident West Indies can accumulate runs against Australia once their batsmen occupy the crease.

“It’s important that whenever we go to bat we spend some time out in the middle. If we spend time we’re definitely going to score runs,” said Bravo.

“Naturally we play

aggressive cricket where batting is concerned. It’s just a matter of us spending time out in the middle and putting up a very good fight”.

West Indies kicked off their training at the MCG with a session yesterday ahead of the second test which begins on Boxing Day. The Aussies are due to start their training today.

Meantime, Australia have added fast bowler Scott Boland to the Australia squad as a replacement for the injured Nathan Coulter-Nile.

“The Australian bowlers, they have a plan exactly how they want to get us out,” he said.

“You respect the good balls and put away the bad balls. Yes they are a very good team but at the end of the day they are still humans,” said Bravo.

“I believe the guys have that sort of resilience in them. Most of us have scored international hundreds. We have proven that we are definitely capable of playing at this level. It is just a matter of going out there and spending some time.”

(CMC)

sport 51

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

GFA/Banks Beer KO Cup

Santos hammer Black Pearl 5-1 – Riddim Squad ease past Houston Stars

S

antos FC displayed some brilliant football skills to easily defeat Black Pearl when the Georgetown Football Association (GFA)/ Banks Beer Cup continued on Sunday evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground.

While the game started a bit tentatively, all nerves were erased for Santos when Dwayne Mclennon scored in the 15th minute and despite Glendon Gilkes’ equaliser in the 26th minute for Black Pearl, the confidence and play of Santos continually grew as Mclennon struck again for a double in the 38th minute to end a competitive first half.

It was all Santos in the second half as the squad scored three goals, from three different players.

Josh Parvantan scored the opening goal of the second half with a shot in the 60th minute, while Orin Yarde notched his first goal in the 74th minute. Ryan Hackett added insult to injury with a goal in the 77th minute.

Game two of the

Amos Ramsey

night saw Riddim Squad notching a comfortable 3-1 victory over Houston Stars.

Seon Hope wasted little time in scoring the game’s first goal which came in the 17th minute of the match ,while Teon Jones strengthened the lead for Riddim Squad with a goal in the 44th minute to make the score 2-0.

Kevin Richards pulled back a goal for Houston with a shot in the 76th minute only to see Amos Ramsey seal the deal for Riddim Squad in the 83rd minute to end the night’s action.

Narine banned from Super50 series - report

P

O R T - O F S P A I N , Trinidad Embattled West Indies spinner Sunil Narine has been banned from participating in the NAGICO Super50 series to be played in Trinidad and Tobago and St. Kitts from January, cricket sources in the twin island republic have reported.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has reportedly rejected a request from the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (T&TCB) to allow the off spinner to take part in the tournament.

The Guardian newspaper has quoted a source within the T&TCB as saying that the request was turned down because the WICB did not want to go against the findings of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Narine has been banned from bowling by the ICC who says his action is illegal after he was reported during the second ODI between West Indies and Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka last month.

He recently failed a test on his bowling action

Trinidadian Sunil Narine will miss the Super50 series, reports suggest

at the Loughborough University testing centre in England.

Narine’s bowling woes began last year in India during the Champions League where he was banned from bowling in the finals of the tournament by the Kolkata Knight Riders.

He rebounded from the setback and was allowed to make his international return in the Sri Lanka series after missing the World Cup in Australia/New Zealand because he was working on his action.

Narine bowled T&T to the Nagico title last season with figures of six wickets for nine runs.

(CMC)

Action during the night’s play

52 sport

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

GBA recognises top players of Woodpecker tournament T he Guyana B a d m i n t o n Association (GBA) last weekend recognised the efforts of the top players of the annual Woodpecker Products Christmas Singles tournament, which was held last week at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The prize-giving ceremony was held at the Guyana Olympic Association headquarters on High Street last Saturday where officials of the GBA and representatives of the Woodpecker Products were on hand to interact with the various category champions.

Organised by the GBA, the competition attracted players at the Under-11, Under-13 and Under-15 levels, competing in both the Boys’ and Girls’ categories.

In the Under-11

The young players pose with their trophies

Boys’ final, Omar Samad defeated George Ramlall 21-18, 21-8, while in the Under-11 Girls’ final, Gabriella Pertab got the better of Emily Choo-AFat 21-3, 21-11.

Gianni Carpenter outplayed Jadon Oudit 21-10, 21-2 in the Boys’ Under-13 final, while on the distaff side, Siya Persaud beat Sudarshani Sooknarine

NAGICO Super 50 Cricket competition

Crandon highlights keys to success at upcoming Super 50

Christopher Barnwell takes a catch during practice at the GCC Ground (Marceano Narine Photos)

By Akeem Greene

T

he Guyana Jaguars cricket team have started training for the upcoming Super50 competition in Trinidad and Tobago and St Kitts and Nevis.

The team have been conducting various training drills at the Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda.

When Guyana Times International Sport spoke to Coach Esaun Crandon after a day at practice, he highlighted the much needed areas of improvement, “we have to stick to basics, better rotation of strike, picking off boundaries at appropriate times; taking calculated risks; improving our fielding, it was bit scrappy last year and improving on the

depth bowling”.

Quizzed if any of these areas were seeing improvements since the start of the training sessions, the coach said, “We only had two days of work but the guys have been putting some quality work in and they understand it’s a more high paced game, I’m happy with the attitude so far”.

Crandon had high praise of the team’s success in the four day format, and hopes it can be carried into the shorter version. The coach is adamant that the high confidence of the team will be the driving force behind the projected success. “When the team is winning, the confidence is high and we just got to continue that, our ultimate goal is to bring the

championship home but it will take hard work” the former all rounder said.

Guyana have won seven regional 50 over titles thus far and will play their first game on January 7 against the Windward Islands at the Conaree Sports Club ground, Basseterre St Kitts and Nevis. They are grouped alongside Windward Islands, Leeward Islands and Jamaica.

Despite their red ball success, in recent times, they have struggled with the white ball having last won a 50-over tourney during the 2005-06 season when the defeated Barbados by seven runs on Duckworth/ Lewis method. (akeemg@ guyanatimesgy.com)

21-6, 21-4.

The Under-15 Boys’ final was won by Akili Haynes, who fought hard against Tyrese Jeffrey, winning 21-18, 21-19, while seasoned

campaigner Priyanna Ramdhani made light work of Priyanka Shivnauth 21-5, 21-7 in the Under-15 Girls’ championship game.

Below are the sum-

marised scores from the other games played.

Under-11 Boys’ semifinals: Omar Samad defeated John Wang 25-23, 16-21, 21-16; and George Ramlall defeated Ethan Biachini 21-15, 21-11.

Under-11 Girls’ semi-finals: Emily Choo-A-Fat defeated Amelia Balram: 21-9, 21-10. Under-13 Girls’ quarter-finals: Angelie Balram defeated Reanna Persaud 21-10, 21-14; and Sudarshani Sooknarine defeated Jayde DaSilva 21-8, 219. Under-13 Girls’ semifinals: Siya Persaud defeated Angelie Balram 21-4, 21-5; and Sudarshani Sooknarine defeated Sarah Samad 21-15, 21-12. Under-15 Boys semi-finals: Tyrese Jeffrey defeated Isaac Mallampati 21-10, 21-5; and Akili Haynes defeated Ransell Ramsaroop 21-7, 21-12.

Gaskin, Sanmoogan, Fowler tipped to be Guyana’s wildcards at Rio Olympics

By Akeem Greene

D

espite the Olympics being some eight months away in Rio in neighbouring Brazil, three of Guyana’s top swimmers are positioned to be wild card entries at the games.

When Guyana Times International Sport spoke to swim Coach Sean Baksh about Guyana’s possible wild card entries for swimming, he revealed that “we have two wild cards – one male and female”.

In order to get these wild cards, athletes would have had to compete in the World Swimming Championships which were held in Kazan, Russia in July of this year.

“We had three athletes there: Andrew Flower, Hannibal Gaskin and Jamila Sanmoogan; one of the boys will be selected, but the girl is a foregone conclusion,” Baksh said.

Sanmoogan is currently in Colombia at the National School of Sport on a scholarship and is dubbed an exceptional swimmer by members of the swimming fraternity.

Coach Baksh said in describing her improvement, “She is currently training in Colombia; she did a 1:02s in 100 metres freestyle and her previous best timing was a 1:06s.”

As for Gaskin who seemingly might get the nod ahead of Fowler,

he is set to leave in January for the United States of America (USA) on a training stint through the Guyana Olympic Association and the International Olympic Committee, which provided a grant for that purpose.

In August of this year, at the Goodwill Swim Meet held in Trinidad and Tobago, Gaskin broke the 200 metres freestyle record in the boys’ 15-17 age group when he swam a

the early half of the race.

Guyana Olympic Association President KA Juman-Yassin explained to Guyana Times International Sport that the various disciplines which received wild card entries would submit the names to the Association who would then approve or disapprove the athletes.

Guyana’s one previous swimmer at the Olympics was Britany Van Lange who compet-

Hannibal Gaskin

time of 1:58.66s, bettering the previous time of 1:59.29s.

Fowler, who is currently training under Coach Isabel Maria Couso Fals, is also a serious contender for the Rio trip. At the recentlyheld Guyana Amateur Swimming Association championship at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, Fowler matched up against former World Championship Swimmer Orlando McRae in the men’s open 50 metres freestyle and won in style after being behind for

ed at the 2012 London Summer Olympics.

She competed in the women’s 100 metres freestyle, finishing in 42nd place overall in the heats, coming close to qualifying for the semi-finals.

The advent of the Olympic size 50-metre pool at Liliendaal seems to be of tremendous benefit to the local swimmers who have been able to better train under an international regime with the hope of producing stellar performances at international meets. (akeemg@ guyanatimesgy.com)

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 27, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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