Guyana Times International

Murdered Guyanese NY cop to be buried in Guyana - relatives say he

According to reports in the New York Daily News, the Guyanese born NYPD officer who was gunned down during a chase in Harlem, will be laid to rest in his native Guyana following funeral services in New York. Relatives in Guyana who were shocked when they heard the news of his death say he died pursuing his passion and they are proud of him.

An outraged Mayor de Blasio and NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton blasted the court program that freed a one-time PCP addict with a 16-year rap sheet — leaving him free to kill Officer Randolph Holder.

Not only did murder

suspect Tyrone (Peanut) Howard dodge a sixyear prison term after selling a sob story to a Manhattan judge, he repeatedly eluded arrest for seven weeks after a Sept. 1 shooting, police said.

“The perpetrator involved here was obviously a hardened and violent criminal,” de Blasio said Wednesday at a news conference at police headquarters. “He should not have been on the streets.”

According to NY Daily News, an irate Bratton blasted the May decision to spare the recidivist drug dealer with at least 23 arrests — including one for the 2009 shooting of an 11-year-

died pursuing his dream

old boy — from jail time.

Howard, 30, was instead steered to a drug diversion program despite the Manhattan district attorney’s demand

for the six-year sentence.

The accused cop killer was charged Wednesday night with murder and robbery for his brief oneman crime spree through

East Harlem.

Howard, flanked by six cops, walked silently with his head hanging down when he limped from the 25th Precinct stationhouse. The slain cop’s partner managed to wound the suspect in the leg, police said.

Cops said Howard pulled a .40-caliber handgun with a 30-shot clip and fired a single bullet into Holder’s forehead Tuesday night.

The decorated cop died two hours later at Harlem Hospital, the fourth NYPD line of duty killing in the last 11 months.

Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Edward McLaughlin, while calling the Tuesday night

killing of Holder “an absolute tragedy,” defended his decision to spare Howard from jail.

“I don’t get a crystal ball when I get the robe,” McLaughlin told the Daily News. “I know I made the right decision. … I’m confident it’s accurate and appropriate.”

The murdered Officer Holder left behind a 16-year-old daughter, according to his dad.

Howard was rejected from the diversion program in 2011 after his arrest for smoking PCP while carrying 22 bags of crack and cocaine, court records show. He instead pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to 18 months.

(Excerpts from NY Daily News)

murder suspect: Tyrone Howard

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EDITORIAL

The wages of Salarygate

The salary scandal precipitated by the Cabinet of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Government’s enormous salary hike for themselves reveals a strong streak of moral cynicism by the members of that Cabinet, who, if the Minister of Governance is to be believed, all participated in the decision to enrich themselves from the public treasury. And this action was done in direct contravention of their policy on salaries as stated in their Manifesto: Under the heading, “Industrial Relations and Labour Welfare”, the coalition criticised the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) for “the enormous widening of the gap between the haves and the have nots”, and committed to “Establish an Independent Constitutional Salaries Review Commission to be responsible for the periodic review of salaries, pensions and other conditions for persons appointed to Constitutional Offices, including the President, Prime Minister, Judges, MPs and other special offices.”

The question arises as to why did the Government not appreciate that the 50 per cent increase on an already generous average Gy$579,000 salary for Ministers, contraposed to their five per cent increase to public servants, which was a far cry from the promised 10-20 per cent, would stir outrage? Who was going to complain if the “differentiation” in pay scales, as first offered by the President as the rationale for the decision, was left to a Committee? While in Opposition, the present Executive had criticised the PPP for “extravagant” salaries and benefits.

In the United States, which is a model that many look towards in modern times since their economic system, including its incentive structure, has been adopted here and in most countries, such a Committee is appointed by the President with the caveat that the Senate must vet and approve the appointees. The salaries of the President and all officers are fixed and graduated in five bands. A President in the US cannot raise his salary while in office; this means that only his successors can benefit from such an increase.

Back in 2013, in solidarity with federal workers suffering from Budget cuts, Obama returned five per cent or US$20,000 of his salary.

Compared to the salaries of most top private enterprise Executives in the US, the salaries of their President and Cabinet Secretaries (as they call their Ministers) are far smaller. From the comments of the Guyanese President and his Minister of the Presidency, it is clear that their premise is that the salaries scales of the two groups must be comparable. However, this undermines the ideal of “public service” which undergirds the civic culture of even the most unabashed capitalistic Government in the US.

This is not an incidental point. Individuals seeking “office” who are simultaneously seeking “money” have an inbuilt contradiction in motives. As in the US, it should be expected that the “office holder” be facilitated to live comfortably, but beyond that, to show by their example they are willing to serve their country. This betrayal of the “self-sacrifice” ideal has been the major factor in the disillusionment of even the supporters in the Government.

It has been speculated that the Cabinet rushed into the decision because they felt that their incessant accusations of “corruption” by the previous regime, magnified by their gutter press allies, would have made the populace inured to their self-enrichment. But it is now clear that they miscalculated.

In fact, studies show that while in countries with high levels of corruption, ordinary citizens might all engage in the practice, they do so because corruption is a “frequency” phenomenon: people do it because they believe everybody else is doing it. But this does not mean they internalise it into their belief system: they know it is damaging to their communities and can be encouraged to protest.

The Government has been trapped by its own artifice; by convincing their supporters the PPP’s position on Ministers living well, was “corrupt”, their unseemly rush to double their salaries in the midst of austerities, has cost them a trust that will never be recovered.

Students and teacher of the St Mary’s High School with their display at the 7th annual Home Economics Competition at the Education Ministry’s Sports Complex on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown

Child labour high in Guyana – Social Protection Ministry

Aunit to focus specifically on the issue of child labour is expected to be established by the Social Protection Ministry after a recent survey has revealed an alarming high number of Guyanese children are involved in the worst forms of child labour.

The findings of the 2011 National Child Labour Rapid Assessment Survey were released by the Social Protection Ministry on Tuesday. The survey found, among other things, that children and young workers in Guyana are involved in the worst forms of child labour, including prostitution.

According to the Ministry, the study was conducted in Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Linden, Corriverton, Black Bush Polder, Number 58 Village, Charity, Kwakwani, and Ituni. It was done among three categories of children: 15 years and younger; 15 to 16, and 16 to 18. A total of 532 children and young workers were involved in the survey, which was done during the period April 4 to 15, 2011.

During the survey, the enumerator spent one week focusing on child labourers who were involved in daytime and night activities. The night visits were done at hotels, nightspots and places where child labour activities were deemed prevalent.

The findings released by the Ministry detailed that many of the youths who participated in the research in all three categories, were involved in selling and agricultural activities. It was also highlighted that hidden evidence of prostitution activities were found in all of the age ranges.

Additionally, another troubling fact was that a small per-

centage of the children and working youths sustained illness and injuries while working. “These occurred while the children and young workers were involved mainly weeding, begging or carrying out sexual activities. Also found was many children and young workers involved in carrying heavy loads and operating machinery. Some were also exposed to all-weather conditions, chemicals, pesticides, glues, dust, fumes and gases at their places of work,” the Ministry stated.

Furthermore, it was noted that most of the households that the children and working youths were from were headed by single females who had more than one dependant and most times more than one working child.

The release added that guardians/parents reported the main reason for the children and young individuals working was to help support their families.

According to the study, 67 per cent of the children in the 15 years and younger category were males, with 40 per cent of this age group not in school and 36 per cent of them employed on a full-time basis. One primary level child in this group had never attended school, the report stated.

In the second category, 15 to 16 years, 77 per cent of the child labourers were males, with 49 per cent of them not in school. While a significant per cent of the children in both categories (19 per cent and 23 per cent respectively) were involved in rice farming, eight per cent of them in both groups were involved in prostitution and stripping.

Interestingly, among the older working individuals (16

to 18 years), one per cent was involved in sex work with the majority (40 per cent) being involved in retailing. During the 12 months prior to the survey, 12 per cent of the working children and young workers suffered illnesses and 42 per cent said the injuries were work related. Of that number, 49 per cent had to stop school to recuperate.

The younger children, the survey outlined, were paid Gy$6000 per week and worked mostly for less than 32 hours per week, while the older children (16 to 18) worked for Gy$8000 weekly but for longer hours. Moreover, it should be noted that not all of the children in the younger age group were paid.

In light of these troubling findings, the Social Protection Ministry has detailed some actions to be taken to tackle the issue. “While the findings of the survey are troubling to say the least, the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Social Protection, will take urgent steps to address this problem since were aware of the debilitating effects of child labour. Our nation’s children and youths are our future and they should be provided with the best possible opportunities to ensure they achieve their full potential,” the release stated.

In addition to the establishment of the Unit, which will be expected to create strategies to address this phenomenon, including the poverty factor, other planned measures include: enforcement of the requisite laws that cover child labour; removing working children off the streets and ensuring they are in school; and providing more funding to facilitate labour inspections.

PM Nagamootoo attempts to justify mega salary increases

Amid immense public outcry, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo attempted to justify the astronomical salary increases Government has given itself; declaring that it was utterly unfair that the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams was being paid more than the Prime Minister.

Nagamootoo appeared to be taking the fall and the blame for a scandal that has done massive damage to the image and integrity ratings of the Government.

He admitted that it was for this reason that he requested the super increases in order to develop a “proper” pay scale which would differentiate between the various levels of Government personnel. He also took responsibility for the lack of information initially disseminated to the public regarding the increases.

“The anomaly that started quite a lot of this was the salary for the Attorney General. The Attorney General was getting a salary that was higher than the Prime Minister…

so as I told you before, I had asked for more per month… as a matter of principle to correct the abnormality that existed,” he justified.

Nagamootoo explained that Government attempted to correct certain “abnormalities” in the pay scale of the “ministerial bureaucracy”, however, even this eventually proved futile to some extent. According to Nagamootoo, junior Ministers are still being paid less than the Permanent Secretaries, an “abnormality which Government intended to correct) and that the Prime Minister is still being paid less than the Attorney General”.

“The Attorney General’s salary is tax free, so it comes back to a situation where his salary remains higher than the Prime Minister,” Nagamootoo stated, noting that his salary is subjected to tax.

Nagamootoo also admitted to backpedaling on his promise to his constituencies. In responding to the upsurge of criticisms in the public domain regarding the salary in-

creases, he explained that his supporters were indeed holding the Government to a “higher standard”, therefore adding that he “understood” their frustration.

The Prime Minister continuously insisted that the salary increases are not about greed. He also insisted that Government could not have afforded to increase the salaries of public servants at this time, therefore decided to increase the pay for

Ministers and Members of Parliament.

“This was not done because Ministers feel we are entitled to super salaries, it was an adjustment for a handful of persons that the State could have afforded at this point in time rather than engaging the larger issue of public service that would have involved another type of calculations and affordability in terms of the quantum,” he said.

Moreover,

Nagamootoo promised that the public servants will be attended to in a matter of time. In fact, he said Government is currently waiting until the Commissions of Inquiries are completed before they make a decision regarding an increase for the Public Sector workers.

“We intend shortly to engage trade unions to deal with wages with the public servants,” he said. As it relates to the super salaries, Nagmaootoo affirmed that even amid the public uproar, Government will not be revisiting the remuneration packages.

“This is not about greed,” he continued his mantra. Nagamootoo revealed that he still travels with an economy ticket, that he still lives in his personal abode, that he uses his own money for upgrades to his house… I am trying not to drink anymore”.

Increases

Meanwhile, Nagamootoo confirmed that President David Granger received a five per cent increase while he received a 10 per cent increase.

The new payment

packages will see the Prime Minister earning a whopping Gy$20,580,000 per annum, while the other Vice Presidents will each receive Gy$11,135,064.

A Cabinet Minister will be given a huge package of Gy$10,439,124 –annually – more than Gy$300,000 over previous Ministers and a junior Minister or a Minister within a Ministry will be paid Gy$8,346,492 per annum.

Harmon’s justification Nagamootoo’s justification for the salary increases differs considerably from that given by State Minister Joseph Harmon.

While Nagamootoo tried to exemplify that the increases were done as a matter of principle, Harmon’s justification was that the Ministers needed to be paid better to avoid corruption.

“It is justifiable, we cannot have a situation like the [People’s Progressive Party] PPP where they were prepared to accept low salaries because they were thieving money all over the place… we cannot have that,” he said.

Prime minister moses Nagamootoo

Didn’t the President say the treasury was empty?

Dear Editor,

On October 17, 2015 Guyana Times published an article under the caption, “Govt to spend double $B to boost GDF’s strength and capabilities.” The article stated that President Granger intends to increase allocations to the GDF by Gy$20 billion.

President Granger’s motive, according to the article is that: “The force must have the capacity to maintain adequate combat-ready units with the correct mix of personnel and equipment.” As part of his plan, he wants to reinstate the People’s Militia.

OK, I am confused. Didn’t the President say that the “treasury is empty”? Where will he

get the money to invest in the GDF? Are they using Enron style accounting? But, let’s assume that they do find the money to finance this initiative. What are they getting ready for? Will we be putting boots on the border to defend against Venezuelan aggression? With all due respect to the men and women in uniform, I doubt that Guyana has the capability now or will in the future, even with another Gy$20B investment, to repel military aggression from Venezuela. It kind of begs the question. What is the purpose of increasing funding for the military and reinstating the People’s Militia, (which was used as a paramil-

Why is there controversy surrounding the date Diwali should be celebrated?

Dear Editor,

I fully support the views of Vidyaratha Kissoon that consensus can be achieved when there are different views (‘Diwali date difference has consensus opportunities’ – SN 17/10/2015).

However, I cannot help feeling that neither consensus nor unity might have been on the agenda given the haste, it appears, with which the Ministry of Public Security rushed to have the notice published over the weekend dated 14 October 2015 naming Tuesday 10 November 2015 as the National holiday in observance of the Hindu Festival, Diwali. (Should this function still reside with the Ministry of Public Security?).

Editor, While I do accept and agree that a shift in date from the one indicated in calendars would mean a shift in arrangements all around in order to accommodate plans for celebrations/observances to the new date, in my humble opinion I feel there was still time to hold proper discussions/discourses with all Hindu organisations and scholars in order to arrive at a consensus date.

For years the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) has been the authoritative voice on matters pertaining to the Hindu religion (CIOG for Islamic matters) and the dates they have given over the years for the observances of both Phagwah and Diwali have always held and accepted and have always been so indicated in calendars without any furore.

Now, very recently, voices have made claims (perhaps with good reason) of wrong dates, bringing a note of discord and contention to the national fore.

Further, it must be questioned why wasn’t this ‘error’ picked up by the Hindu organisations/scholars long before now?

It begs the question: is the GHDS being replaced as the official, authoritative voice on matters pertaining and relating to the Hindu religion?

This is certainly no way to build consensus and national unity. If we cannot find unity on the religious front, how can we hope to achieve this in the other spheres of National life?

Regards, “JLu”

itary-arm of the PNC). Are the preparations really to address exterior threats? Or is the intention to use the GDF and the People’s Militia against the people of Guyana, as was done in the past when the GDF was used to rig the elections?

The arrogance of APNU is self-evident. They have essentially discarded the Cummingsburg Accord that they used to get into power. They have packed Boards and State entities with party hacks. The CEO of GUYWA, Burnham’s son-in-law Van West Charles, was hired without the position being advertised or interviews conducted. After three months

in office, they have doubled their salaries, giving Moses Gy$20 million per year to keep quiet. The uproar from civil society does not appear to bother them.

It is very significant that the military hosted a big birthday bash for President Granger. He has superimposed on the Government a layer of ex-GDF officers, dubbed advisors. It starts with Col Harmon who wields more power than the Prime Minister, even when the latter is acting as President. When President Granger went to address the UN it was not the Acting President who issued the press release addressing the Venezuelan aggression.

The country needs

to know how many exmilitary advisors are attached to the Office of the President. What is their role and how do they interface with line ministers. When the US Ambassador said that Roger Khan’s testimony could be available to the Government, Minister of Security Ramjattan said he was not particularly interested, while Granger expressed a deep desire to obtain the testimony.

Who speaks for the Government, Ramjattan or Granger? Or is this the beginning of the sidelining of the AFC? Does it signal a realisation that the AFC has outlasted its usefulness? Does it mean that a fully-entrenched military signals a return

to the rigging of elections in Guyana?

Now that we have discovered oil in Guyana, will the PNC be willing to give up the booty in fair and free elections? Why, when they can hold power through the power of the gun than the ballot? Does it thus make sense to run the Government with ex-GDF advisors, boost military spending, and reinstitute the “People’s Militia”?

It is food for thought, particularly for the AFC who foisted the PNC on the people of Guyana. They may call themselves APNU but they are PNC steeped in the old ways of rigging elections.

Sincerely, Sandra Biswas

When you put self-interest before country – the rice economy

Dear Editor,

When the coalition Government openly told rice farmers that they would have to find their own markets, it was the single most reprehensible statement to have been ever made by a government. It was the most callous, cold-hearted thing to date and which clearly shows that they are not interested in country.

For an economy that is growing at a rapid rate as ours and about to pass the one million tonne mark this year, this takes the cake. Guyana is doomed. What is even more distressing is the fact that when you look at the rice sector it marks an area that accounts for some 30% of our GNP, and to deliberately cause its demise is the worse possible thing to hit Guyana since May 11.

So let us take a closer look at what this Government actually said to its rice farmers and the morbid consequences of such words. They have said to rice farmers: go find your own markets, we are not going to do that for you. This is

outright sabotage from a Government which promised these very same farmers to lift them to higher heights because the previous Administration stifled their growth and development. Then, it should have been the beginning of the glory days of the “good life”, but is it?

What we see played out on the streets of Guyana are hordes of disgruntled farmers clamouring for those campaign promises, as a horrible future looms on the horizon. In essence the Government is saying from now onwards you will have to paddle your own canoe with no help from central government whatsoever. They have thrown those farmers under the bus and sabotaged the rice industry.

Disaster is ahead for those farmers who invested heavily in the industry in machinery and other infrastructure such as tractors, combines and the like. Their trip to the bank is written in red. The implications in real terms means that those farmers are either go-

ing to give up the collaterals like their house and land to the bank while hurriedly opt out of the industry.

Is this the change we were looking forward to? This is what Guyanese are faced with! Right now we are bracing for a further decline as the growth index shows a decline of 2.5% so we are in real trouble.

Our troubles are compounded when you view the fact that this Government can arbitrarily raise their salaries by 50%. While all the indications point to a failed state, Government can think it best to bask in a wage hike for itself. This is adding salt to the wound; this is most outrageous.

I must close by saying, you kill a promising foreign income earner like the ice industry and the entire country will go under. I wonder where are all the PPP/C critics now. Where are those who told those imaginary stories of the PPP/C destroying the economy? Where are they, have they lost their voices?

Neil Adams

City Hall bullying should not be tolerated

Dear Editor,

The latest example of high-handedness by Georgetown City Hall, as reported in Stabroek News (17/10/15), is the announcement by City Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis that “persons caught littering are arrested by the officers and taken to City Hall where they are given a lecture by Lewis and charged.”

As reported, their pictures will then be taken and circulated to the media as part of a ‘name and shame’ campaign. The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) is calling on the Government to stop this sort of campaign and to the media to stop supporting it.

In addition to ‘name and shame’ the other two parts of the new campaign are “the M&CC will also be placing more bins around the city” and “later in the year, the Council will organise community talks to raise awareness about littering.” The sequence of the three parts of the campaign speaks volumes about the incompetence we have come to expect from City Hall over the years. Indeed “the Council hopes that

the first step will bring enough attention to the issue” so that the education campaign won’t be needed, reflects approaches to governance which have no place in a modern society.

It would seem, however, that the districts where those who cause most garbage disruption reside (owners of some business places and some vendors) have nothing to fear, since the ‘seven roaming’ members of the City Constabulary “will particularly target inhabitants of Bourda and Lacytown”, for no other reason presumably than that the City Constabulary can’t be bothered to ‘roam’ any further afield.

Moreover, from where does a Public Relations Officer derive powers to order the City Constabulary to do anything, much more promote this level of harassment on citizens? For years the sight of City officials indulging in slanging matches, confrontations and ‘busings’ as the routine way of doing Council business has become a standard feature of the evening news.

The self-righteous tone of the campaign should be tempered by the City

Council’s recalling its own major contribution to bringing the City to the dreadful state which required the unprecedented efforts now underway to restore it.

The first people charged by the City Constabulary some time ago for littering had tossed cigarette butts onto the streets, following the introduction of the Environment Act.

Magistrates, to their shame, fined them rather than upbraid the City Constabulary for making a mockery of the Act.

Similarly, the GHRA calls on the relevant political authority, the Magistrates and the media to discourage what appears to be another discriminatory and ill-judged campaign from City Hall.

Furthermore, we believe the media should desist from supporting this type of campaign and apologise for having already published lists of names provided by the Council.

Guyana Human Rights Association

DDL opts to sell its BBCI shares to Govt

In attempting to gain majority control of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) to fulfil its campaign promise of implementing toll reductions, Government will buy the 10 per cent shares of common shareholder Demerara Contractors Limited, a subsidiary of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo announced during a postCabinet press briefing on Wednesday that DDL offered to sell its shares to the Government for some Gy$45 million and Finance Minister Winston Jordan was given permission to make the purchase.

He noted that moves

were afoot to open discussions with the other shareholders regarding a buyout of their shares.

These shareholders are Secure International Limited, NEW GPC INC, Queens Atlantic

Investment Inc, and Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire. Opposition Leader

Bharrat Jagdeo had suggested that the Government buy out the Bridge if it was truly committed to fulfilling its promise of reducing the bridge tolls. The BBCI and Government had reached an impasse concerning the reduction of the tolls which the Administration had announced would take effect from September 1. However, to date, the bridge tolls remain the same because the Bridge Company insisted that its current financial position was impeding the implementation of the reduction. The Company said it continuously pointed out to the Administration that the

subsidy being offered by Government to facilitate 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 bridge tolls by 55 per cent before it implemented the new fare structure. Government, however, refused to do so.

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Administration had proposed a toll structure which saw cars crossing the Bridge for Gy$1900 instead of Gy$2000, while the tolls for all other types of vehicles would be reduced by 10 per cent.

Five remanded for trafficking in narcotics

Five persons were on Monday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with trafficking in narcotics.

The five accused pleaded not guilty to the charge, which read that on October 17 at Perseverance, Essequibo Coast, they were found in possession of 3.841 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Additionally, Williams and Marlyn Scott were charged separately for possession of 30.5 grams of cannabis sativa for the purpose of trafficking. Both denied the charge. Marlon Scott was charged separately for possession of 30 grams of cannabis sativa. He too denied the charge.

Police Prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones told the Court that ranks from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Narcotics Branch, travelled to Essequibo Coast where they launched an operation on the premises, where the drugs were found.

The Prosecutor said that on October 17, the ranks went to the house to conduct a search, and when they entered they saw the five accused sitting around a coffee table, with the cocaine on the centre of the table.

The head of the alleged drug cartel, Gordon Williams, 52, of 12 Perseverance and 25 Section C Street, Barima, Essequibo Coast; Marlyn Scott, 49, a well known businesswoman of 25 Section C Street, Barima; Marlon Scott, 28, a miner of 503 Respect Street, Onderneeming, Essequibo, Damien George, 32, of Second Phase Sandhill, Onderneeming, and Dennis Mohabir, 50, of Lot 68 Shell Road, Kitty appeared before Magistrate McLennan charged with trafficking of cocaine and marijuana.

The ranks also seized US$4010 and $258,800. A further search of the house, the Prosecutor said, resulted in 23 grams of cannabis being found under a pillow in a room that was being occupied by Williams and Marlyn Scott, and another 30 grams of cannabis discovered on the person of Marlon Scott. Williams was represented by Attorney Glen Hanoman and Marlyn Scott was by Attorney Mark Waldron, while the others were unrepresented.

Attorney Hanoman in

a bail application told the Court that his client was in bed on the day in question since he was suffering from Tuberculosis and also has a broken arm. He further revealed that five persons are being charged for narcotics which were allegedly found in a house, which is occupied by several other persons as well as the accused.

Meanwhile, Attorney Waldron in his bail application told the Court that his client is a mother of two and is a wellknown businesswoman on the Essequibo Coast. He said that on October 17, his client had gone to the building where the drugs were discovered since that is where her mechanic is located. He said his client also washes her vehicle at the same building as there is also a wash bay there.

Waldron told the Court that on the day of the incident, his client took her vehicle to undergo some repairs, and sometime later she was approached and searched by the Police. The Attorney further related that nothing was found on his client and she was told that she was free to leave, however 40 minutes later she was taken into custody and escorted to the Anna Regina Police Station.

Both Attorneys posited that their clients are not flight risks and requested reasonable bail.

Prosecutor Jones objected to bail, citing that there were no special reasons given. Bail was refused and the five were all remanded to prison.

The matter was transferred to the Suddie Magistrate’s Court and will continue on October 29.

Alleged drug trafficker, Marlyn Scott

Alleged drug trafficker, Gordon Williams

Alleged drug trafficker, Damien George

Alleged drug trafficker, Marlon Scott

Alleged drug trafficker, Dennis Mohabir

The Berbice River Bridge

Dynamic Int’l Airways to boost Guyana’s agri sector

Although Dynamic International Airways faced some turbulences as it commenced operations in Guyana, the airline will soon expand its services which will see Guyanese in the Diaspora benefiting from fresh fruits and vegetables produced in Guyana.

At a press conference held at Duke Lodge, Kingston, Georgetown, local representative of Dynamic International Airways, Captain Gerry Gouveia disclosed that the visiting team would

have had successful meetings with several government officials and was extremely pleased with the outcomes.

Gouveia stated that one of the most important discussions was held on how Dynamic International Airways

can boost the agricultural sector. He stated that the airline can carry a maximum of 10 tonnes of cargo but this would

mean that the products will have to go through tight scrutiny even if it means physically examining the goods.

He nevertheless stated that during the discussions, the Government committed to having continued on page 12

Ramjattan holding firm to Diwali date decision …Dharmic Sabha insists on celebrating

Public Security

Minister Khemraj Ramjattan is holding firm to his decision that Diwali will be observed on November 10 despite the uproar from a majority of the Hindu community, who are claiming that the official date should be November 11.

In another section of the media, Ramjattan stated that he had received a letter of complaint from the Veerat Sabha as it relates to the November 10 date for the festival of Diwali. He had reportedly sent the letter to the President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS), Dr Vindhya Persaud who claimed that the date was November 11, the

Diwali on Nov 11

darkest night of the year.

It was also mentioned that Ramjattan contacted pandits and a leader from Trinidad and Tobago, who all support the November 10 date.

The Public Security Minister also shared that in support of November 10, he has received some 89 signatures from pandits nationwide.

He clearly stated that under the law he is the one who holds the authority to make the announcement as to when holidays should be celebrated and had done nothing else than stated, another media entity noted.

However, thousands of Hindus living along Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) have signed on to a petition, supporting the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha on celebrating Diwali “the festival of lights” on November 11.

The Executive Members of the Essequibo Praant of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha have also noted their dissatisfaction at the recent announcement made by the

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan to change the date from November 11 to November 10. This recent declaration has caused serious controversy among pandits and Hindus.

According to President of the Essequibo Praant, Pandit Kydar Persaud, he is encouraging Hindus throughout Guyana and the Essequibo Coast to light their diyas on November 11. The prominent pandit gave an explanation that Diwali occurs annually on Amawasya (new moon) of the Hindu month of Kartik. It is the 15th day in the dark half of Kartik and it is the darkest night of the year. According to the pandit, that would fall on November 11 in Guyana.

According to another praant member who is also the Vice President of the Golden Fleece Vishwa Jhotir Mandir, Reema Natram also noted her disappointed over the move. Natram urged Hindus to be united and not to be sidelined by the November 10 date, as according to beliefs and date, Diwali is November 11.

The Vice President said that over 200 members from her mandir have supported the Dharmic Sabha’s call for the date to change to November 11 as it is correct according to Guyana zone timing.

On Monday, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha said that it believes that their religion is being trampled on, in a high handed, dictatorial manner by the Government of Guyana.

Dr Vindhya Persaud

From left: Chief Operations Officer John Mullings; local representative, Captain Gerry Gouveia and James Swollen

Police probing alleged rape of detainee at Timehri Police Station

Guyana’s Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud on Thursday announced that a full-scale probe has been launched into an allegation that a detective forced a detainee to have unprotected sex in exchange for a case against him to be dropped.

“The Commissioner of Police Mr. Seelall Persaud, DSM, has instructed that an investigation be conducted into the allegations stated by the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID),” police said in a brief statement.

A section of the media reported that the 36-year old man claimed that the incident was committed at the Timehri Police Station where Colwyn Harding claimed he was baton-raped in November 2014.

This latest incident allegedly occurred on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at about 7:30 PM in the ablution area of the Timehri Police Station.

The victim said he was going home from a barbecue Saturday evening when he was accosted by a neighbour who accused him of breaking into his house.

The man said before he could have arrived at the Police Station to make a report, he was arrested at Kuru Kuru, Soesdyke-Linden Highway and taken to the Timehri Police Station. There, he said the detective told them he was suspected to have committed a break-andenter and larceny of a television.

After spending three days in the lock-up, he said Tuesday at about 7PM, the detective overseeing his case went to him and eventually requested oral and anal sex with him in exchange for dropping the case.

Instead, the man said he was charged and appeared before the Providence Magistrates Court. He was granted Gy$75,000 bail.

“He took me out of the lock up and tell me to give him a deep throat, let me (perform fellatio).

I did that and he told me that he wouldn’t carry the matter to court; (that) he will arrest the man that did the crime.”

He said that the detective also sodomized him in the ablution area of the station. He alleged that the detective, when he had finished with the act, told him he had not ejaculated in him.

After listening to his allegation against the police, he said the Magistrate ordered that he be escorted to Brickdam Police Station and then taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital at about 4PM.

The man claimed he was a witness to the baton-raping of Colwyn Harding incident but never came forward because he was afraid.

T&T nurse murdered after leaving baby’s wake

Trinidad and Tobago: In a twisted series of events that unfolded in the Sangre Grande area last weekend, a 62-yearold retired nurse was killed after returning home from the wake of an 11-month old baby, who died from blunt force trauma to the abdomen.

An autopsy on Monday revealed that Savitri Juteram died from acute asphyxiation after a towel was stuffed in her mouth by someone who broke into her Jacob Coat, Ojoe Road, Sangre Grande home, on Sunday.

An attorney-at-law, who practises at Sangre

Grande Magistrates’ Court, said he was shocked upon learning of news of Juteram’s murder. He said the woman had reported that she had a case pending against a man, charged with harassing and stalking her. The case was scheduled to come up for hearing on Monday.

Police investigators said Juteram was attacked by someone she knew as she had no marks of violence. Police believe the woman fought with her attacker in a bid to escape but was eventually subdued.

Police, responding to a report of robbery, found Juteram, who

Guyana, Mexico cooperating on preservation of historical archive

In the framework of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of Guyana, Mexico and Guyana have promoted bilateral cooperation that includes a project for the preservation of the nation’s documental heritage and development of its archives.

In a statement issued on Monday by the local Mexican Embassy, it was stated that two Mexican experts from the General National Archives advised on the digitisation of historical documents to make them available to the public through an online portal. Also, the experts carried out a diagnosis of the collections and taught an introductory course in the field of conservation and possible actions for implementation.

Participants in the training activities had the opportunity to learn about conservation strategies and the experience of the National Archives. The workshop focused on designing a management strategy to meet the needs of preservation and dissemination of the documental collections with materials dating from the 18th Century.

The release also noted that the two experts met with Minister within the

lived alone, unconscious and her house ransacked at around 12.15 am.

The mother of five was described as a hard working, kind and respectable woman who cared for her children.

Her son, Nishen Juteram, said his mother graduated in England as a nurse and returned to work in Trinidad. At her retirement and commitment to duties, she received contract employment at EWMSC, Mt Hope, as a nurse.

He said he had spoken to her a few hours before her death.

Other relatives of Juteram said she returned to the workforce after retiring to keep active. They believe her attacker struck after she left the North Oropouche home of Ramesh Ramnath, a police officer, whose son, Mikyle, died at a daycare on Friday.

At the Forensic Science Centre, St James on Monday, Nishen said his mother’s killers will be brought to justice. He said his mother knew the Ramnath family and went to lend support to them. (Trinidad Guardian)

Education Ministry, Nicolette Henry. During the meeting, the specialists reported on the details of the activities carried out during their visit to the archives.

It was noted that this project was an effort to support Guyana in the conservation of its historical documental heritage, which was vital to ensure the right to access information and which supports the sense of national identity through documents that record the history of the country. This project is part of the bilateral efforts and the joint work of the General National Archives, the National Archives of Guyana and the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation which aims to strengthen human resources in Guyana through the transfer of knowledge, experiences and capacities of Mexican specialists.

With this contribution, the Government of Mexico reiterates its commitment in the field of cooperation with Guyana. This project is part of a series of commemorative activities being carried out by Mexico and Guyana in the following months to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Independence.

The National archives of Guyana

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud.

Savitri Juteram

NCN’s boss decries breach of privacy

… says pay package no different from ex-CEOs

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Communications Network, Molly Hassan has responded to reports carried in the Wednesday, October 21 edition of the Guyana Chronicle, where it was alleged that she was receiving a higher salary than Government Ministers.

The newspaper article gives figures showing what is alleged to be a breakdown of Hassan’s salary and benefits, putting the total close to $1 million.

In response to this, Hassan said she was the executing officer of all policies of the Board of Directors of NCN and has always acted in accordance with this directive.

“I was asked to manage a badly wounded company; but nevertheless I was able to transfer my exemplary Private Sector record to the Public Sector. And in a matter of months despite the political challenges that were brought to bear on my ability to manage the company professionally, I was able to implement strategies which optimised employees output and improve the management and overall functioning of NCN,” Hassan said in a statement to this publication.

She said it has gone unnoticed. “And I do understand why it has gone unnoticed.”

According to Hassan, NCN has, over the years, been the subject of much “conjecture and ridicule”.

“That conjecture and ridicule appears to have now been transferred to me personally. I have within the past six months encountered several unwarranted and malicious attacks on my character and reputation. And most recently, the unethical exposure of my private information which sought to cause harm to my professional repu-

tation. My right to employee-employer privacy has been breached in a most filthy way,” she lamented

She said all of it would appear slanted towards making her a scapegoat for ills affecting the company.

As an ex-officio member of the NCN Board, she said she could confirm that the newly-installed Board of Directors under the Chairmanship of Bishwa Panday has never convened a statutory meeting.

She claims that the Board of Directors has never conducted a performance appraisal with her nor have they ever discussed any dissatisfaction with her performance as CEO of NCN.

“My monthly emolument is no different from what was enjoyed by any of the CEOs of NCN, including my predecessor who acted in the capacity for CEO for two years after the substantive CEO resigned.”

A cursory glance through any of the audit reports tabled in Parliament will reveal this, she claimed, adding that after taxes and other deductions from her salary she made nowhere near Gy$1 million as “is maliciously published by the Guyana Chronicle”.

This seemingly orchestrated public attack on her character, she said, can only be interpreted as an attempt to undermine her authority as CEO of NCN and consequently, continue to infringe on staff morale. “As a professional, I should not be subject to this unfair level of scrutiny and misguided conjecture,” she said in her statement.

Most importantly, she said her right to privacy has been snatched from herself and family. “The security of my young children and husband is now officially compromised.”

“And this has far-reaching social implications and consequences; this wanton attack and careless handling of confidential financial information by despicable individuals who have a clearly set agenda should concern similar professionals within the industry and Government and in fact any employee of a public organisation. Despite this unfair attack, I stand resolute in my functions as CEO of NCN and remain committed to the overall welfare of the staff of NCN.”

The Guyana Chronicle in its Wednesday’s edition published that Hassan receives a basic salary of Gy$707,347; duty allowance of Gy$25,000; entertainment allowance of Gy$25,000, security allowance of Gy$30,000; housing allowance of Gy$50,000; telephone allowance of Gy$30,000; DSL internet allowance of Gy$9980 and gratuity every six months of 22.5 per cent of her salary.

Higher pay, more benefits for Regional Executive Officers

On the heels of the massive hue and cry regarding super salary increases for Government officials, it was announced that the newlyappointed Regional Executive Officers (REOs) across Guyana will also be benefiting from a significant hike in their salaries in addition to a boost in their benefits.

Originally, REOs were paid some Gy$292,000 plus Gy$15000 as station allowance, Gy$5000 as entertainment allowance and $10,000 in cellular allowance.

In contrast, they will now be paid Gy$300,000 as their basic monthly salary, Gy$70,000 as duty allowance, plus additional benefits which will amount to some Gy$300,000. These allowances cover vacation expenses, telephone bills, electricity bills, security expenses and transportation expenses. Their contractual period was also adjusted to three years.

The REOs are Region One (Barima-Waini) Lesley Wilbert; Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Rupert Hopkinson; Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Dennis Jaikarran (Sr); Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Pauline Lucas; Region Five (Mahaica- Berbice) Roderick Burrowe; Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) Veerasammy Ramayya; Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) Peter Ramotar; Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) Raphael Dounces; Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) Carl Parker and Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) Gavin Clarke.

Regions 7, 9 residents expected licences when they handed in guns …“no guns, no living” – say leaders

Insufficient educational campaign about the Gun Amnesty programme has left Amerindian leaders up in arms about the livelihood of hinterland residents now that they have handed in their weapons.

Amerindian Leaders are now saying indigenous residents, particularly of Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Nine (Upper TakatuUpper Essequibo) expected to receive gun licences when they handed in their illegal firearms during the Amnesty period.

As a result, hinterland residents are now left without a proper means of sustaining their families since they have no weapons to hunt or ward off predators.

Guyana Times International received several reports that Amerindians are now frustrated following the Gun Amnesty programme, since they turned in their weapons but are now left defenceless against the wild.

This newspaper contacted several Amerindian leaders who attested to the situation, though noting that not much statistical data is available to determine exactly how many families are affected.

Former Toshao of Paruima, Region Seven Damian Chambers said in his village, he became aware of the situation during conversations with some residents.

“Since the guns have been surrendered, I learned that these families have been suffering, because it has been a little while now. They are not certain, I was told,

that they are going to get back their firearm with licence,” he said. Chambers said he is mainly highlighting this issue because the guns which the Amerindians handed in were not used for any criminal acts but rather to sustain their livelihood.

“Many of the weapons that are bought in the interior were bought for that sole purpose to provide for the family,” he said.

Reports also indicate that similar issues are facing residents of Kamarang and other communities in Upper Mazaruni.

This newspaper also spoke to People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) of Region Nine Alesiter Charlie, who related that residents of Lethem are also experiencing this problem.

“There was no education-drive pertaining to the Amnesty programme,” he stated, noting that Toshaos continued on page 11

Public Security minister Khemraj Ramjattan

Chief Executive Officer of the National Communications Network, Molly Hassan

No evidence of illegality, fraud or corruption – NICIL

Although the preliminary audit report into the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) remains unreleased, the organisation was forced to disclose the contents of the documents following a Kaieteur News article which stated that criminal charges were recommended against NICIL Chairman Winston Brassington.

In its October 18 edition, the Kaieteur News alleged that Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma said that the preliminary report, which was not yet shared with the Government, recommended criminal charges against NICIL’s Chairman.

In response, NICIL released the contents of the draft document, asserting that the facts contained in the document clearly showed that there was no evidence of illegality, fraud or corruption at the hands of the organisation.

In fact, it was firstly pointed out that NICIL received a draft preliminary audit report from Auditor Anand Goolsarran on the company’s operations over 13 years. This document is yet to be responded to, NICIL stated. According to the organisation, Goolsarran is awaiting its response which will then enable him to finalise his draft. Then, this formal draft will be

submitted to Finance Minister Winston Jordan. Subsequent to being reviewed by the Minister, NICIL will once again be afforded the opportunity to respond to the final version of the report. Then the final audit report will be completed – with all the recommendations.

Even so, NICIL clarifies that the preliminary report did not allege any personal enrichment of any of the officers or directors of NICIL, therefore contending that the Kaieteur News article was wholly spurious and misleading.

With respect to wrongdoings, Goolsarran’s main contention in the report is that the organisation is subject to Articles 216 and 217 of the Constitution and by extension, the Financial Management and Accountability Act (FMAA) where he is claiming that the organ-

Regions 7, 9 residents expected licences...

were told about the programme during the National Toshaos Council but not much information was given to the leaders or residents.

He highlighted that residents typically use their guns to hunt wildlife or to protect their crops from wild animals but fearing the huge fines attached to carrying illegal firearms, residents decided to turn them in. He also stated that residents believed they would receive licences subsequently to handing in their guns.

According to reports however, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan pointed out that no names should have been recorded during this programme, therefore it would be impossible to return the weapons to the respective owners with a licence.

The Gun Amnesty programme was meant to get rid of illegal weapons with the hope of reducing criminal activ-

from page 10

ities, particularly the increasing numbers of gun-related crimes all over the country.

However, the programme did not succeed in doing so. In fact, during the Amnesty programme, the Police recorded a whopping 10 per cent increase in serious crimes including armed robberies.

Of the 186 weapons surrendered at the end of the programme, none of them were found to have been used during serious crimes.

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud had explained that ballistic tests were conducted on a majority of the weapons which proved that none were linked to serious crime. He had previously expressed belief that criminals with illegal firearms would not turn in their weapons.

The Police Chief also admitted that a majority of the weapons collected were shotguns used mostly by persons hunting more specifically by Amerindians.

isation was in breach.

This section in the report reads “Institute disciplinary action against all those who were com-

plicit in the violation of Article 216 and 217 of the Constitution, including the Board of Directors of NICIL, the former Minister of Finance and the previous Cabinet, as provided for under the following sections of the FMAA Act: (a) Section 48 – Misuse of public monies; (b) Section 49 – Liability for Loss of public monies; and (c) Section 85 – Liability of Official.”

Article 216 of the Constitution reads, “All revenues or other moneys raised or received by Guyana (not being revenues or other moneys that are payable,

by or under an Act of Parliament, into some other fund established for any specific purpose or that may, by or under such an Act, be retained by the authority that received them for the purpose of defraying the expenses of that authority) shall be paid into and form one Consolidated Fund.”

Against this backdrop, NICIL makes the point that Goolsarran recognised in the report that from 1991 to 2001, it transferred Gy$3.415 billion to the Consolidated Fund. Between 2002 and 2012, over Gy$12 billion was paid as dividends from NICIL to the Consolidated Fund. NICIL also stated that Goolsarran stated in the report that the accounts of NICIL prior to 2002, were qualified “audit opinions but for every year since, NICIL has received “unqualified” or “clean bill of health” audit opinions.

“Goolsarran’s broad positions in his Preliminary Report about actions prior to 2002 when he was the Auditor of NICIL is repeated numerous times. Similarly, his publicly expressed objection to NICIL’s operations from

2002 is also reiterated in the Preliminary Report,” the organisation said.

It went on to add that “notwithstanding these facts recognised in the Preliminary Report, Goolsarran states that NICIL violated Articles 216 and 217 of the Constitution when it retained all funds and invested these funds. This argument, which contradicts the facts as stated by Goolsarran, is the basis of the above recommendation by Goolsarran.”

In adding to its argument, NICIL said it has substantial legal advice indicating that Articles 216 and 217 were not applicable to NICIL. Further, it stated that the application of Article 216 and Article 217, would cause NICIL to be in violation of the Companies Act and NICIL’s own Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

“Specifically, ‘NICIL does not fall within the definition of ‘Guyana’ as set out in Article 232(1) of the Constitution and Section 5 of the Interpretation and General Clauses Act, Cap. 2:01. As a consequence, Article 216 of the Constitution is NOT ap-

plicable to NICIL.’”

The organisation further contended that its “clean” audit opinions for 2002 to 2013 is one form of evidence that the current Auditor, who audits all of Government, does not consider NICIL to be in violation of Articles 216 and 217.

Thirdly, NICIL said its advice in 2001 from private accounting firm Ram and McRae that clearly showed that NICIL prior to 2002, violated the Companies Act and its financial statements were not prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Ram and McRae assisted NICIL is preparing its accounts in proper accounting form, after which it received a clean audit opinion. At no time, did NICIL receive advice that it had to deposit all of its revenue into the Consolidated Fund.

Fourthly, NICIL said it operated like any other State-owned entity, incorporated under the Companies Act. If it operates in violation of Article 216 and 217 of the Constitution, then all State-owned entities would be similarly guilty. Further, this would defeat the very purpose of having Government conduct commercial business via companies.

And lastly, it emphasised that there was no legal precedent or court ruling that suggested that NICIL was obliged to deposit its revenues into the Consolidated Fund or that Articles 216 and 217 were applicable to NICIL.

The organisation noted that it was extremely unfortunate that the protocols for addressing the forensic audit were not being followed.

Winston Brassington anand Goolsarran

Junior Finance minister Jaipaul Sharma

Nagamootoo wants new flag carrier

– Govt to introduce aeronautical surveillance

With the aim of further enhancing the local aviation sector, Government is still mulling reestablishing a national airline carrier.

Additionally, it is on the threshold of introducing for the first time-ever, an aeronautical surveillance service to aid in the management of the country’s national airspace. This technology will be used to track aircraft that fly over Guyana’s territory and will aid in searchand-rescue missions as it will provide a more precise location on the lastknown location of the aircraft.

These disclosures were made by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during the first Aviation Conference

at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre which was hosted by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority on Monday.

“Aviation has become part of our everyday lives. While air transportation connects us to the rest of the world, it also provides the vital link and support to our vast hinterland communities. It is pivotal for the development of our mining industry and, of course, our tourism sector. Aviation provides opportunities for job creation and improvement to our economic and social structures. While we can identify the benefits of this critical sector, we must also recognise that it requires much resources for its further development,” the Prime Minister stated.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson had recently disclosed that Government was mulling the idea of reestablishing its national airline carrier and was already in receipt of proposals. The reestablishment of this carrier would see Guyana one step closer to achieving its objective of attaining International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Category One status, the Minister had stated.

Given the challenges facing air travellers, including poor service and high airfares, persons have been calling for the reestablishment of a national airline.

However, Minister Patterson indicated that any such development would be a long-term

goal, given the high costs attached to the operation and management of an airline.

Airline security

Meanwhile, during the Conference, Nagamootoo used the opportunity to recognise the efforts of the Private

Sector towards developing the aviation sector and urged it to continue to do so.

“I know our business partners, namely the private aircraft owners of Guyana, have been investing abundantly in aviation. The recent acquisition of a Raytheon Beechcraft 1900D aircraft to add to our domestic fleet and expand our regional operations, the impressive transformation of Ogle International Airport (designated during a presidential announcement as the Eugene F Correia International Airport), the increased number of aircraft on our national register, are all indicators that this industry has literally taken to the sky in a progressive flight,” he said, noting, however, that the industry needed more than aircraft.

“It needs aviation security in the broader sense, which includes safety, technology, and synergies,” he stated.

Nagamootoo admitted that Guyana’s International Civil Aviation Organisation’s level of compliance was not on par with the rest of the Region and needed to be urgently addressed. He underscored the need for the legislative and

regulatory reviews to be addressed immediately and with urgency in order to work towards attaining world standard aviation security. On that note, he disclosed also that Guyana was seeking international assistance to work diligently towards this goal.

Ogle Airport

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s public gestures towards the Private Sector for PublicPrivate Partnerships (PPP) in the future, are contradictory to recent actions taken by the David Granger-led Administration.

Ogle International Airport is owned by the Government of Guyana, but is run by a private company, Ogle Airport Inc, which exerts total monopoly control over the facility greater than that of the private partner in a Public-Private Partnership.

Guyana Times International was told that the facility is a public utility which is managed and controlled by the Private Sector. However, recently some questions regarding this partnership were raised and it was reported that the Assets Recovery Unit was investigating the situation.

Dynamic Int’l Airways to boost...

the necessary scanning equipment in place by the time the initiative actually kicks off.

Gouveia stated that this initiative will auger well for the local farmers who have had tremendous challenges in exporting their products. This he added will give farmers a sense hope. However, he could not say when the operations will commence.

Chief Operations Officer of the Airline, John Mullings added that he was happy at the way discussions went and is optimistic about the agricultural initiative. He stated that the aircraft is a Boeing 767 and has a lot of space, explaining when the initiative materialises, it means that Guyanese in New York will benefit from fresh fish, vegetables, fruits and other produce.

In the same way, he

added that Guyanese at home will also benefit since the business community can take advantage of the cargo service. With respect to the permission to transport cargo, James Swollen, another member of the dynamic team explained that the Airlines had secured permission from the relevant authorities in the US since 2011 but that document had to be amended.

Meanwhile, Mullings admitted the there were some turbulences when the airline started its operations in Guyana but was happy to announce that the Guyanese market has flourished which is testimony to the fact that Guyanese have been loyal to the airline. As a result, he stated that they are ready to invest further in Guyana since they recognise the potential, viability and loyalty of the Guyanese market.

Prime minister moses Nagamootoo

Guyana can tap into Caribbean, Europe rice markets – RPA Chairman

By Kristen MacKlingaM

In light of Venezuela teaming up with Suriname to exchange fuel for rice via a PetroCaribe deal and Guyana being knocked out from such a deal with Venezuela in 2016, this can still have a positive impact on the local rice industry.

This is according to Chairman of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (RPA) Dharamkumar Seeraj, who told this

newspaper that while the Dutch speaking country will now be supplying rice to Venezuela, this does not necessarily mean that Guyana’s industry will suffer more. As a matter of fact, he added Guyana should tap into the markets which Suriname had in the Caribbean and Europe.

“Suriname’s rice production is not that big so it depends on how much they supply to Venezuela and so depending on how much they supply to Venezuela

Chairman of the Guyana Rice Producers association

Dharamkumar Seeraj

then that corresponding amount will be available for us (Guyana) to supply the Caribbean and Europe,” Seeraj said.

Guyana Times International was also told that even if Guyana had to reduce the price at which it sells rice to Venezuela, it will still make a ‘reasonable’ profit based on the world market price for rice.

“I have always made the point that while Venezuela represents 38 per cent of exports in terms of volume, in terms of the value, it is about 75 or 76 per cent of the total value of export. That is why it is an important market,” Seeraj told this newspaper.

On Friday last,

Venezuela officially ousted Guyana from inking another PetroCaribe deal to see the exchange for fuel and rice at “favourable prices”, as the Spanishspeaking nation joined with Suriname to pursue such an agreement. According to media reports coming out of Suriname, the Presidents of the two countries reached this agreement.

Guyana Times International understands that this agreement signed between Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his Surinamese counterpart Desi Bouterse, will allow Suriname to continue to receive favourable rates on oil in exchange for an agreement on rice exports.

Prior to this new development, Venezuela for a number of years under the leadership of the late President Hugo Chávez had inked “a rice for oil deal” with the Guyana Government. This deal was secured under the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration in Guyana. Recently, the border controversy between the two countries had been resurrected after Venezuela sought to once again lay claim to part of Guyana’s territory.

92 Cuba trained Guyanese doctors jobless

…Govt

B y A lexis R odney

Two months after they graduated from the Guyana-Cuba Medical Scholarship programme, some 92 doctors are unsure of how soon they would be given the go ahead to begin practising in Guyana.

In fact, while they have already passed through orientation and underwent the required three-day Advances in Labour and Risk Management (ALARM) programme, they are yet to receive any information from their employer – the Government of Guyana (GoG) on the way forward.

On Tuesday, a number of the newly-trained doctors complained bitterly to Guyana Times International about the unclear future they were now facing. “We are being given the royal run-around by the authorities,” one doctor who wished not to be named told Guyana Times International on Tuesday.

The doctors, who are all scattered across the country, graduated at the Arthur Chung

unaware of situation – Dr Norton

Convention Centre in August. After taking the Hippocratic Oath, they were assured by Government, which was represented by Health Minister, Dr George Norton and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, that the Government was “committed and resolved to providing opportunities, facilities and services equally,

to our citizens on the coastlands as well as in the hinterland”.

Some two months after, however, according to the students neither the Health Ministry nor the Public Service Ministry (PSM) can give them any assurances.

After completing their six years in Cuba, upon their return to

Guyana, the students were required to complete a one-year stint at hospitals across the country. During that time, they were being paid a stipend. However, according to them, the last time they were paid was in August of this year. At that time the PSM, which was responsible for them during the

one-year period, related that they were being placed into the hands of the Health Ministry.

“Many of us have families. Some have children, some have spouses. It is not fair that some of us still have to depend on our parents…grown people depending on our parents, after they supported us for six long

years,” another doctor said.

Astonishing

According to the doctors, the issue before them is their signing of a contract, which will in essence seal their commitment to the Government and the people of Guyana.

The doctors explained that if they did not sign a contract, they cannot just simply show up at any medical institution to work. “It would be illegal,” they say.

The situation has reportedly caused a number of doctors to seek alternate sources of income.

“We don’t have money, what’s there left to do?” another questioned

Speaking to Guyana Times International, Dr Norton said he was taken aback by the revelation, since it was the first time he was hearing about the issue. He said more than likely, that issue would fall under the purview of the PSM.

Efforts to contact the PSM and new Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Morris Edwards have all proven futile.

Some of the Doctors during the graduation ceremony in august of this year

Guyana on cusp of national crisis – PPP

Realising that the local economy is slowly grinding to a halt, among other problems affecting the country, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Opposition has developed and proposed a 26-point demand to the Government that may see some semblance of survival for the country’s economic stability.

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee asserted that Guyana is on a cusp of national crisis and on that note disclosed the 26-point demand its members crafted.

At the party’s weekly media conference on Monday, Rohee said the party proposes that the Government should end the political and racial discrimination and the arbitrary dismissals of public servants and young professionals; resuscitate the Gy$30,000 per month Amerindian CSO programme; re-reinstate the “Because We Care Gy$10,000 per Child” programme and re-

“Guyana

instate electricity and water subsidies for pensioners.

In addition, the Party is also calling for the end of the controversy over Berbice River Bridge; the need to revoke the astronomical salary increases and benefits to

top Government officials and Members of Parliament and provide satisfactory wage and salary increases to public servants.

According to Rohee, the PPP/C has also proposed that there be an immediate relief to rice farmers, in particular, and the farming community in general by providing subsidy for fuel, spare parts and necessary tools for the sustenance of the industry. Continue investments and all-round support to the sugar industry and provide liveable wages for sugar workers were also called on the demand of the party.

The party is also calling for the restoration of the Petro-Caribe Agreement with Venezuela; the need to push for greater access to Caribbean rice markets and the reduction of the royalties for medium and small scale miners.

Rohee also reiterated the call for the reduction of pas-

open for investment in agribusiness”

– Minister Holder

Agriculture

Minister Noel Holder last Friday announced that Guyana is now open to agribusiness as the country has proven that agriculture needs to be taken seriously and others should follow suit.

Holder explained that the Santa Fe Farm in the Rupununi and NF Agriculture Inc at Ebini are classic examples of the investment opportunities in agriculture that the ministry has been promoting in partnership with Caribbean investors.

In a statement released by the Agriculture Minister in observance of World Food Day 2015, celebrated under the theme: “Social Protection and Agriculture: Breaking the Cycle of Rural Poverty”, the minister explained that Government is committed to redoubling efforts to address the challenges within the rice and sugar industries by not only securing new markets but by also addressing some of the challenges in the sugar industry, thereby ensuring it remains viable.

He urged regional governments to go beyond the usual rhetoric and take the appropriate action that will see high levels of investments in the agriculture sector, aimed at modernising, transforming and making it more competitive.

Minister Holder noted that agriculture and agriculture-related is-

sues continue to dominate the international trade agenda as feeding the world is one of the most important challenges confronting the world today, which governments, policymakers, international development partners and citizens as a whole must work to address.

He reiterated that Climate Change is another threat facing countries at large with Guyana being no exception and added that the impacts of Climate Change with the quest to source water to supply agricultural production as the country is presently faced with an ‘El Niño’ situation.

“It is crucial at this time that food security is kept on the front burner, considering the fact that the region’s food import bill is rapidly increasing. This is indeed an opportune time to showcase what we are doing in Guyana and the Caribbean and how we are using agriculture

senger fares for travel on Government ferries throughout the country; the need to address the steep fall in income and employment in towns and municipalities throughout the country and the necessity to restore the plans and programmes to address rising crime and the security sector reform as was proposed under the PPP/C Administration.

The Party is also calling for the need to address immediately the rapid decline of production, in the forestry, fishing, farming and quarry sectors and for immediate steps to be taken to revive the national economy and restore its vibrancy and robustness to the pre-May 2015 levels.

Among the other demands the PPP/C is seeking are that steps be taken to revitalise the construction sector; that there is a guarantee to ensure that the livelihood of the Amerindians and Hinterland communities are not further

impaired; and the resumption of the critical Amaila Falls Hydro-power project.

The Party is also calling for the need to respect and uphold parliamentary democracy: that consultations commence with all stakeholders, with a view to carrying out reforms of the electoral system, laws and at GECOM.

“The PPP/C will mobilise around these demands and work assiduously to win the broadest possible support around them,” Rohee stated.

Rohee also highlighted that the current Administration appears to be “oblivious to the social and economic repercussions in the daily lives of the Guyanese working people including their own supporters who are feeling the pinch and seeing the much vaunted “good Life” evaporate before their very eyes.”

It is on this basis that the 26-point demand was proposed, he noted.

as a vehicle to attain a food-secured status and to address other needs,” Holder explained, and noted that such interventions are necessary if they are to successfully address El Niño- to ensure that the livelihood of farmers are not lost.

Holder mentioned that Guyana is a food secured country but admitted that there are pockets of food insecurity which needs to be addressed: “Our Government has made a commitment to provide a good life to all our citizens and I believe agriculture has a major role to play in this regard”.

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

agriculture minister Noel Holder

Govt “buying time” to regain trust for LGE – Ramsammy

BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

As both the international community and ciitizens of Guyana await the APNU/AFC Government’s final announcement as to when the much anticipated and long-awaited Local Government Elections (LGE) will be held, the Administration continues to ‘dodge’ questions surrounding this issue.

As it is, the preliminary time period for LGE is March 2016 as announced by Governance Minister Raphael Trotman.

However, Former Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy on Monday, told Guyana Times International the coalition has once again misled the populace with regards to fulfilling another of its promises made on the campaign trail prior to the APNU/ AFC taking office this year.

“Do not hold your breath. There is no Local Government Elections this year. Amidst the general malaise, loss of confidence and dismay surrounding the downward trajectory of development in Guyana, and the arrogance that

change of Government has brought, we may have missed the certain dodging of Local Government Elections which were promised before the end of 2015,” Ramsammy said.

He added that APNU/ AFC had stated in their elections campaign that the LGE date will be announced within their first 100 days in office and that elections would be held before the end of 2015. Both these promises have since not materialised, Ramsammy stated.

“Have people noticed that APNU/AFC has gone loudly silent on Local Government Elections? Minister with responsibility for Local Government Bulkan now is not talking to the media about Local Government Elections,” Dr Ramsammy posited.

According to the former Agriculture Minister, APNU/AFC has definitely placed Local Government Elections on the backburner.

It underlines the reality, he said, that after only five months in office APNU/AFC has been exposed, and people have discovered that “the change they had wanted is not really working out

in the people’s favour, and people have lost confidence in APNU/AFC.”

This newspaper was further told that the retail industry is “barely crawling”, construction has grounded to almost a halt, taxi services have slowed down considerably, and all the major industries like rice, sugar, bauxite, and mining are experiencing low prices.

“Everyone is playing a wait and see game, hoping to see improvement, but having little confidence that a positive change is imminent. Adding to the loss of confidence is the security situation and even though APNU/AFC has tried to downplay the serious rise in crime across the country, ordinary

citizens are fearful, and have curtailed their social activities, choosing to stay locked in their homes,” the former minister elaborated.

In the meanwhile, people are angry that the many promises of a “good life” for all has been abandoned by APNU/ AFC because they feel as if the Administration ‘lied’ to them when the Government had declared that the Treasury was ‘totally bankrupt’, Ramsammy said.

“While ignoring the people’s concern, now they also try to convince people that the Treasury was not bankrupt after all and can sustain a massive pay increase for the President, Prime Minister and Ministers. To add salt to the wound, they have adjusted the benefit package of the Cabinet astronomically. Even their own sympathisers find the increase in salaries and benefits disgusting and unacceptable,” he added.

Dr Ramsammy pointed out that trust “is a two-way street but APNU/AFC has chosen to transform a wellknown two-way street into a one-way restricted street” to be utilised by a select few. (kristenm@ guyanatimesgy.com)

Sex worker’s murder: PI to commence month-end

The Preliminary Inquiry into the murder of male sex worker Nephi Luthers is set to begin on October 29.

On Monday, this newspaper was told that the investigation has been completed and the Prosecution was ready to present its case against Ron Andel Forde, who is accused of killing the sex worker.

Forty-two-yearold Forde, also called “Andel”, of Lot 19 Meadow Bank, Georgetown was slapped with the murder charge which alleged that on July 22 at Quamina Street, Georgetown, he murdered Luthers.

Luthers, 20, of ZZ Durban Street, Wortmanville, was shot once to his chest during an alleged confrontation with Forde and another suspect, Kanand Ojha of Lot 2 First Street, Meadow Bank. A wanted bulletin has been issued for Ojha; however, Police are yet to find him.

It is alleged that on the night of the shooting, Ojha paid the sex worker in the vicinity of St George’s Cathedral, Gy$5000 to perform a

sex act.

During the act, he was reportedly relieved of his personal belongings. After the act was completed, he left in his motor car, but subsequently realised that his phone and cash were missing.

Ojha reportedly collected Forde and went back to the location where they confronted Luthers, but he denied doing business with Ojha, which resulted in an argument.

During the argument, Ojha reportedly told Luthers, “You have to give back the thing”, but in response, the commercial sex worker said: “Me ain’t been with you”. Forde allegedly then pulled out the gun and pulled the trigger, shooting Luthers to his chest.

The sex worker fell to the roadway and the two men fled the scene. Luthers’ colleagues picked him up and rushed him to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Forde was remanded to prison as investigations were not yet complete.

Former agriculture minister, Dr leslie Ramsammy

Guyana, Suriname Parliaments discuss need to reduce piracy

Guyana and Suriname have expressed concerns about the issue of piracy at sea with avenues being discussed among Members of Parliament on how to tackle this issue. Piracy was high on the agenda during a four-day visit by members of Guyana’s National Assembly to the National Assembly of the neighbouring country.

It was noted that the issue of piracy was common to both countries with reference made to the prevalence of piracy in the Corentyne River. After discussing the severity of piracy with particular emphasis on the effects on fishermen, the meeting proffered that there be collaboration between the law enforcement agencies of both countries with emphasis on patrolling targeted areas. It was put

sidered to deal with this scourge was to allow fishermen to carry arms while out at sea. However, many of the fishermen were not too keen on the idea and requested the implementation of stronger patrol systems instead.

Meanwhile, during the visit, a number of meetings were held between the two Speakers and their delegations where views were exchanged for the improvement of the workings of the National Assemblies of the two countries.

Visits were also made to several areas of interest, including the coastal preservation initiative at Wegnaar Zee and the refinery operations of the State Oil Company, Staatsolie at Tout Lie Fout.

Climate change and rise in sea levels

The delegations not-

tries, being more prevalent in the interior of both.

The delegations outlined initiatives undertaken by the respective countries to curb this problem, including the establishment of a Trafficking in Persons (TIP) unit and the work of the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) in Guyana.

The meeting suggested that both countries look to create more jobs and opportunities for individuals who may end up in these situations, and ensure the continuous exchange of information between both countries regarding this problem so that efforts were known internationally.

Finalisation of the draft contact plan

The meeting agreed that the draft contact plan should be finalised which will see both Assemblies entering into continu-

forward that the countries should engage in dialogue at the national level.

Piracy has been a sore issue for fishermen, especially in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). At the beginning of the year, the Marine Wing of the Guyana Police Force was presented with five boats, costing some Gy$78 million, , by the former Administration, in an effort to boost the department’s capacity to effectively police coastal areas in the fight against piracy and drug smuggling activities.

When the new Administration came into office, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had begun looking at ways to address the growing piracy situation. Among the proposals that were being con-

ed that Suriname and Guyana faced the same problems with regard to climate change and the rise in sea levels. The Guyanese delegation presented an overview of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) –Guyana’s vision to promoting economic development while combating climate change. The delegations, noting the similarity of geography, agreed that the LCDS would be a useful initiative for Suriname to implement. It was agreed that both countries should continue dialogue and collaborate to address these issues at the international level.

Trafficking in Persons

It was also noted that Trafficking in Persons (TIP) was another problem that greatly affected the neighbouring coun-

Uncertainty over rice industry continues

…as Guyana officially loses Venezuelan market

By Kristen MacKlingaM

Venezuela has officially ousted Guyana from inking another PetroCaribe deal to see the exchange for fuel and rice at “favourable prices”, as the Spanish-speaking nation has now teamed up with Suriname to pursue such an agreement.

According to me-

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder said that such a move taken by Venezuela is “more feasible for that country due to the plummeting fuel prices globally”.

“Through the PetroCaribe with Guyana and Venezuela, we used to get fuel at reasonable prices in exchange for our rice shipments to Venezuela. This

Guyana’s rice, the amount of rice it purchased annually was almost the same percentage that Portugal would import from Guyana as well.

Export prices

“So you see, it was not really the amount that they bought but at the prices they bought it at from us. With the price of fuel down so low,

dia reports coming out of Suriname, on Friday last, the Presidents of the two countries reached an agreement for the Spanish-speaking country to provide oil to the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country in exchange for rice.

Guyana Times International understands that this agreement signed between Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his Surinamese counterpart Desi Bouterse, will allow Suriname to continue to receive favourable rates on oil in exchange for an agreement on rice exports.

Speaking with this newspaper on Sunday,

ous consultations to address the various issues and challenges faced, and the opportunities that their cooperation can provide. The meeting further agreed that the Guyana delegation would submit the document to the appropriate Committee of the National Assembly for examination and amendment, and amended if necessary, before being returned to the Surinamese delegation. Suriname’s delegation will then peruse the plan and arrange for it to be translated. The final document, having the agreement of both National Assemblies, will be signed by the Speaker of the National Assembly of Suriname and the Speaker of the National Assembly of Guyana. (jpinder@guyanatimesgy. com)

ensured that Guyana received very high prices for its rice being exported, while we got reasonable prices for fuel from Venezuela. Now with the low prices for fuel across the globe with this PetroCaribe deal that Venezuela is having with Suriname, Venezuela will be getting rice way cheaper than what Guyana is selling for. In fact, Suriname is selling its rice for 50 per cent less than Guyana sells its rice for and since the price for fuel is so low, it is more feasible for Venezuela at this point in time,” Minister Holder explained.

Holder noted that while Venezuela paid the highest prices for

they would still need to pay less for rice even if it were from Guyana. That would mean our rice would have to be sold way cheaper than it is right now and that wouldn’t be feasible since the rice millers and farmers would be suffering heavy, tremendous losses to have to sell their rice half the prices they are selling for right now,” Minister Holder further stated.

The Agriculture Minister posited that in spite of this, Guyana would still continue to export rice to other countries like it has always done, but did not say whether Guyana has been seeking new markets for rice.

Members of the delegation during a field visit to Wegnaar Zee where they observed one of Suriname’s efforts to combat rising sea levels

Members of the delegation during a visit to Suriname's Foreign affairs minister Niermala Badrising

Presidential Grant to resume next year

– over 200 hinterland communities to benefit

The Presidential Grant project will not be available for 2015; however, it is catered for in the 2016 National Budget, and will benefit approximately 204 Amerindian communities according to Jude DaSilva, Project Coordinator, Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.

DaSilva told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that 87

Amerindian communities are still to uplift their Presidential Grant for 2013 and 2014 to fund community projects, such as the construction of village shops, acquisition of passenger, cargo and fishing boats, and the purchase of minibuses, tractors and AllTerrain Vehicles (ATV).

She said these communities allowed their funds to back up for the past two years. She explained that if a community wanted to purchase an ATV, which costs about Gy$4 million, and the grant is only Gy$2 million, the community will allow the sum to reach that amount, and then collect the funds.

DaSilva told GINA that the Ministry was no longer allowed to keep such monies, and urged that communities collect their funds and place them in their respective bank accounts.

Granger pledges support for President’s College

The education sector in every country is of vital importance for the future of each nation and the education system is of high interest to the entire populace inclusive of the Governments, which run these countries and the Opposition parties.

In Guyana, it is no different, and as such Head of State, David Granger on Monday visited President’s College, where he pledged his support in ensuring that nothing was done to lower the standard of this prestigious school.

Guyana’s President, in his address to the students, teachers and other members of staff at the school’s special assembly, stated that it was his vision that the President’s College emerged as one of the leaders in a “new push” towards science, mathematics and technology.

According to a press statement from the Ministry of the Presidency, the Head of State emphasised that as Guyana continued to move forward, its citizens would have to “embrace the new chapter, on science and technology in order to change the

Guyanese economy”.

“I would like to see President’s College take the lead as a college of science and technology…we have to open this country, we have to build highways and bridges, we have to build stellings and factories and to develop this country, we need engineers, architects, mathematicians, scientists…so that we can make use of these abundant resources which God has given us,” President Granger told the students and teachers.

During the President’s tour of the school, concerns were raised by both students and staff members of the College.

According to the Government’s press release, these concerns will be discussed with officials at the Education Ministry and other relevant bodies.

Guyana Times International understands that it is after this discussion, President Granger will return to the school sometime next month to inform them of the interventions that Government will be making.

The media release also stated that President Granger said while this school was ‘special to him’, as he was a patron of the school, there were about 75,000 secondary school students

across the country and the Government has to ensure equitable distribution of the State’s resources to all of them. He divulged that the Administration was fully cognisant of the fact that the education system was plagued with serious problems that must be corrected.

President’s College was established in 1985 by late President Forbes Burnham as an education institution of quality, producing top quality students on the basis of their academic performance. This year, the school is celebrating its 30th anniversary. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy. com)

President Granger takes a moment to look through one of the students' exercise book

Jude DaSilva

ExxonMobil to recommence drilling early next year

US oil giant

ExxonMobil is expected to commence its second round of drilling for oil in the Stabroek Block as soon as the first quarter of 2016.

Jeff Simons, Country Manager of the oil company was quoted in a section of the media as saying that they are presently reexamining the contracts for the supply of material to set up the exploration well.

However, he could not give a specific date for the commencement of the second round of drilling but iterated that it will be early next year.

ExxonMobil has removed its oil drilling ship, the Deepwater Champion, from offshore Essequibo in June leaving the public to believe that the aggression from Venezuela might have influenced the decision.

Nevertheless, Government had failed to inform the Guyanese public of this development. It would have been following the departure of ExxonMobil’s rig that, for instance, Venezuela confirmed the cancellation of the PetroCaribe rice deal with Guyana.

It is believed that the arrival of ExxonMobil Deepwater Champion

oil drilling rig/ship precipitated Venezuela’s latest revival of its controversy over Guyana’s western border.

Simons had told Guyana Times International that the Deepwater Champion had completed its course of operation and the ongoing border controversy between Venezuela and Guyana regarding ownership of the Essequibo and the waters off its shore did not pressure the company into removing the vessel. In May, ExxonMobil announced its findings of more than 295 feet of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs. Recent reports predict that this find could see Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) escalating to 12 times

24-year-old Lindener accuses Ramjattan of firing him without benefits

its current figure, which is transformational for any developing country.

Venezuela has repeatedly laid claim to the area being explored, ignoring an 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award, which was declared as the full and final settlement of the boundary between the two South American nations. Following the discovery of oil-bearing rocks in the area, Venezuela’s aggression grew stronger.

However, ExxonMobil assured that it will not be intimidated by the country’s claims and will continue its work in Guyana’s offshore waters. The multibillion-dollar oil exploration project, which is expected to be executed over 10 years, got underway in early March.

Guyana to ban Styrofoam from January 1, 2016

The Government of Guyana, in its thrust to promote a green economy and environment is moving ahead with plans to ban the importation and use of closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam, popularly known as styrofoam, as of January 1,

ban is legally enforced.

Cabinet has already granted approval for the immediate development of a legal framework to implement the ban on the importation and use of polystyrene foam products, as well as a public awareness programme to educate on

2016. The Department of Natural Resources and the Environment has begun implementing a series of measures to address waste management and to promote the use of biodegradable materials. The proposed Expanded Polystyrene Ban Regulation is being finalised before the effective date to ensure the

the consequences of its usage and the benefits of alternatives.

This decision follows a series of consultations held previously with industry operators, importers and other key stakeholders. However, more consultative sessions are planned for the duration of the year, before the ban takes full effect in January.

It is hoped this initiative will see a significant reduction in the effects of polystyrene foam products on solid waste management in Guyana and its negative impact on the environment, while leading to the further development of new enterprises in alternatives. With the ban, Guyana will become one of few countries in the world to ban the product.

In Guyana styrofoam makes up about 2 to 5 per cent of the waste stream and is most popularly used in the food industry. The improper disposal of the single-use item has been and remains a threat to health and the wider environment, incurring clean-up and disposal costs in the sum of millions of dollars, a cost borne by the tax-paying public.

The Department of Natural Resources and the Environment will be collaborating with the Ministries of Business, Legal Affairs, and Finance via the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), to implement the ban.

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE

“Imean no disrespect to our Ministers and persons with the title “Honourable” attached to their names, but so far, from what have happened…I don’t think Mr Ramjattan should have the title “Honourable”. At this point, I think it was given loosely because there was no honour in what Mr Ramjattan did. His actions towards me, they were no actions depicting honour, integrity, transparency, accountability and these sorts of things. He’s there to serve and he didn’t act the way a person who has the Nation’s interest at heart, who has youths at heart and all these things”.

Those were the words of 24-year-old Alex Hilkin who hails from the mining town of Linden and says that Vice President and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan is “anything but honourable” as he told a horrifying story of how he was treated, embarrassed and chased by the public official after he stood up for his rights following a decision to dismiss him from his job.

Hilkin, speaking with Guyana Times International on Friday during an exclusive interview, almost broke down in tears as he called on Ramjattan to pay him what he owes him as part of a severance package that he is allegedly entitled to, having worked for Ramjattan’s law firm for over three years.

The young man says that following the May 11 Elections, Ramjattan changed and had the employees attached to his private law firm hanging in hyperspace as uncertainty loomed about their continued employment, given his appointment to the Executive branch of Government as a Vice President and Minister of National Security. In his new position he would be earn-

were terminated as the Chambers could not afford to pay all the staff, particularly him.

He said he spoke with the Attorney and asked if this is how things were done and whether Ramjattan was informed about the situation.

ing Gy$11,135,164 annually.

He said that for over three months, the staff at the Chambers made several attempts to speak with Ramjattan about the operation of the law firm which was being neglected but were only told that their salaries would be paid up to a certain point as attempts are being made to have another lawyer assume responsibility for the office.

Hilkin said that another Attorney, Shonella Glenn was pinpointed to take over and had agreed to look after the affairs of the Chambers

“And she said ‘No Alex, I admit that I went about things the wrong way.’ But then she further went on to say that she spoke with Mr Ramjattan that morning of August 3rd as well as the day before, August 2nd, the Sunday. I asked her the question several times, ‘You spoke to Mr Ramjattan? He knows about this termination?’ Her words were, ‘He knows you are going to be terminated, but…. Mr Ramjattan instructed me that you are to call him. He has two vacancies at his Ministry, the Ministry of Public Security, he has two vacancies there and you’re to call him regarding being placed somewhere there.’ I said, ‘okay then’, I left her office, stepped outside and the call was made to Mr Ramjattan.” Hilkin, who now is unemployed since

following a meeting with Ramjattan but soon after experienced severe difficulty in meeting the overhead and other operating expenses of the Chambers.

He alleged that given the conundrum that the staff encountered, they met with that Attorney and agreed on a formula for paying staff and dealing with other matters in the absence of Ramjattan’s and daily directorship of the affairs of his legal chambers.

The young man, who worked as Ramjattan’s Legal Clerk and Driver over a three-year period and throughout the elections campaign, said he turned up the Monday after that discussion to find a letter on his desk informing him that as of August 3, his services

August and resides at Kitty, said he got the shock of his life when he placed the call to Mr Ramjattan upon the instruction of the Attorney.

“I said, ‘Good Morning Mr Ramjattan’. He said ‘Good Mornign’, and I said ‘I was asked to call you’. He said ‘About what?’ This is his exact posture and everything. I said, ‘I came in this morning, and I noticed a termination letter.’ He said, ‘Oh, yes… yes… the gyul she she cyan afford to pay both ayo.’ I said ‘okay, so what now?’ He said, ‘Well, yuh got to go look for a job.’ I said ‘okay’ and he said, “okay. Now take care, bye.” And that was it. No mention of him having any vacancy there at his Ministry, no encouraging words as to say, I’m continued on page 24

alex Hilkin

minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan

Exxonmobil’s oil drilling ship, Deepwater Champion

Guyana now buying oil from T&T

– ends PetroCaribe deal prematurely

For a number of years Guyana has depended heavily on the supply of fuel from Venezuela for reasonable prices through the PetroCaribe deal; however, Trinidad and

“This isn’t a barter arrangement or PetroCaribe deal with Trinidad. We (Guyana) would obtain our fuel from Trinidad and they would supply us at reasonable prices.

an initiative would always be welcome should the Spanish-speaking country wish to pursue this.

Guyana had recently entered into a “standby” arrangement with

Tobago is now supplying most of Guyana’s oil.

On Sunday, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder confirmed during an interview with Guyana Times that Guyana was now sourcing most of its fuel from Trinidad, adding that the arrangement “was for Guyana to purchase its fuel from the twin-island nation only”.

There is no supply of rice to Trinidad in exchange for fuel as was the case with Venezuela and Guyana through the PetroCaribe deal,” he told Guyana Times International.

Asked whether or not Guyana would still be open to supplying Venezuela with rice through another PetroCaribe deal, the Minister said that such

Trinidad and Tobago for that country to provide fuel in the event that there was a delay in shipment(s) from Venezuela.

The Government had pointed out that the oil and gas arrangement with the twin-island nation would in no way replace the PetroCaribe deal Guyana had with neighbouring

continued on page 25

24-year-old Lindener accuses

going to try and find a solution to this. Because he knows, these things just don’t…I mean, they obviously happen, but it’s very strange that he was done”, Hilkin related.

He didn’t give up there. He was encouraged by his co-workers to go and meet Ramjattan face to face to have the matter clarified as everyone was in disbelief.

Chased, embarrassed

The young man related: “We got into his private room and we spoke. I handed him the letter and he just glanced at it and said, ‘Okay, yeah… this is wuh happening.’

So I said, ‘what now?’ Mr Ramjattan’s words to me were; ‘Well yuh gotta go look for a job.’

I said, ‘But Mr Ramjattan… what about severance? Is this the way things are done?’

Mr Ramjattan’s words were: ‘You have nothing to get.’ I said, ‘But Mr Ramjattan, before, you said to us directly that you don’t want to fire us because you know if you

do, you’re going to have to pay us severance and you don’t want so we’re going to keep working. We’re going to see what happens and we’re going to keep working. Didn’t you say this?’ He said, ‘No, no, no…yuh ain’t entitled to no severance. Yuh gotta work fuh over five years’.”

Alex said that he decided to stand up to the new Vice President and again the situation took a turn for the worse.

“Throughout the campaign, it was me driving Mr Ramjattan, his son or whoever may have driven him a few times but majority of the time it was me. You could have seen this black face… I said, “But Mr Ramjattan, I was there with you throughout the elections. You stood on the platform and you spoke of job creations, helping, and employment of youths, transparency, accountability, and all these things. How is then that all of these things are happen-

136 new ranks to boost Guyana Police Force

With the Guyana Police Force said to be under strength by some 1500, it was given a relative boost in its compliment after four batches of new ranks completed an intense six-months training.

Initially, there were 139 recruits enrolled for the training programme however three did not make it to the end – one left on his own accord while two were dismissed on separate grounds. During the six months, the recruits underwent various training exercises.

They first completed basic training before moving onto probationary training, where they were assessed on how they apply the principles taught to them. After completing this stage, they then underwent advanced training.

Speaking at the passing-out parade last Saturday at the Tactical Services Unit, Eve Leary, the Force’s Training Officer Senior Superintendent Paul Williams, outlined some of the areas that the basic training was focused on. These include: exposure to 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.

“This basic training is the foundation for these young men and women to

Ramjattan

ing in your office? Your own office?’

And I looked him directly in the eyes, with my posture quite calm, not disrespectful in anyway but direct, and said, “Mr Ramjattan, these are the things you spoke of. How is then that all of these things are happening in your office?’. At this point, I guess I had no right to remind him of what he said or what he stood for , or I should say the things he said he stood for… apparently, I had no right to remind him.

Mr Ramjattan said, ‘Okay, this conversation come to an end now… leave my office.’ He proceeded to open his door… i said, “Mr Ramjattan… this… ”. He said, ‘No, no, no. Leave Alex, Leave my office!’ …about three or four times. He opened the door and said leave, and I calmly said okay and I said, ‘have a good day’ and I walked out. You could have seen his staff, as well as persons waiting there to

see him… they were all shocked.”

The young man is claiming that he is owed over Gy$200,000 in severance after visiting the Labour Ministry and speaking to someone there but he is scared that they will duck the matter and is unwilling to return.

He has retained a lawyer because he feels he was treated unjustly by Ramjattan and wants nothing but his entitlement.

“….without a doubt I made lots of sacrifices for him as my employer. I won’t base this in terms of working in the office as a legal clerk but on the weekends when he would have to go to places such as Orealla. We spent many days and nights in Berbice… Mr Ramjattan and I ate from the same plate… ate from the same pot. At his mother’s home in #47 Village I slept in the same home, on the chair, in the bed at his mother’s residence.… while

build upon now going into the world of policing. No one of us at the senior level, including the Police Commissioner, would have escaped from this basic initial training but because of our discipline, respect for our seniors and peers and a commitment to serve the public professionally and unselfishly, we are still here,” he stated.

Williams went on to challenge the new ranks to always conduct themselves in a professional manner when dealing with the public. Moreover he pointed out that they must be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of social media.

“Remember… the thing you love the most can become your nightmare,” the Training Officer warned.

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud in his feature address told the new officers that they are now at the launch of their career, one that can take them onto retirement. On this note, Persaud urged the ranks not to throw away the opportunity to serve and protect their country.

“Don’t throw it away by forgetting or not applying the laws, regulations, rules, procedures and tactics that you all would have learnt. Most importantly, don’t forget your Oath of Office – it is the lynchpin of your career as a Police officer,” the Commissioner urged.

of firing

Mr Ramjattan is asleep or nodding, I am up ensuring that he reaches home safely. At the end of it I didn’t ask him for anything cause I would have felt that I did my part. I felt that I was part of a movement that was going to make a difference… and I told him that. And a day like today, it is clear that all these things were unappreciated and forgotten,” he said.

Ramjattan denies

When contacted on Saturday, Vice President Ramjattan sought to refute the story told by the young man. He denied owing Hilkin any severance and told this publication that his private Chambers were handed over to a junior Attorney who became the proprietor.

“When I handed over my Chambers, he was still fully employed”, Ramjattan explained, and made it clear that he could not be responsible for the young man’s dis-

him...

missal as it was the act of the new Attorney.

“I cannot say if he did something and was summarily dismissed. I do not know”, Minister Ramjattan offered.

He said that it was quite unfortunate that Hilkin was going around making accusations against him as the young man knows full well that he was not the one to terminate his services.

Asked if he chased or asked the Lindener to leave his office when Hilkin attempted to find out what was happening with his employment, Ramjattan replied, “No. I never chased him. That is not true. He wanted me to find a job for him and I told him that I do not run an employment agency”.

The Vice President said he was previously contacted by another Attorney on the matter and he was upset that it was still brewing.

He would offer no other comments on the matter. from page 23

Top Cop Seelall Persaud inspecting the new ranks during the passing-out parade on Saturday

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the wealthiest and most developed nations in the Caribbean and is also the leading Caribbean producer of oil and gas

from page 24

Guyana now buying oil ...

Venezuela. This move, it said, was to cushion the effects of untimely deliveries from Venezuela in light of the ongoing border controversy.

As such, the PetroCaribe deal between the Spanishspeaking country and Guyana has come to a premature end and at this point in time, there is no sign that this deal will be resurrected or renewed.

In fact, last week, Venezuela and Suriname inked agreements to commence their own PetroCaribe deal which does not bode well for Guyana in terms of the supply of fuel from the Spanishspeaking country.

State Minister Joseph Harmon had earlier confirmed that fuel was being purchased from the twinisland republic since Guyana needed to have an alternative in place to ensure that there was never a shortage of petrol in the country.

Guyana Times International was told that a few weeks prior to Guyana and Trinidad coming to such an ar-

rangement, the vessel sent to Venezuela for fuel encountered some difficulties in getting the fuel on time.

No less favourable

Minister Harmon had said that the arrangement with Trinidad was feasible and the financial arrangement in the deal was no less favourable than that with Venezuela.

The Guyana Government, in July this year, had begun pursuing a commitment made by the then Prime Minister of Trinidad, Kamla Persad-Bissessar to assist this country in the oil and gas sector.

Governance Minister Raphael Trotman had divulged that the offer would be explored at two levels – one was the supply of oil and lubricants to Guyana to see if there could be favourable terms and concessions from the twinisland republic for the supply; and the other was for the actual assistance in development of the oil sector itself, in terms of exploration, agreements and being able to interface with investors.

Hike in Ministers’ salaries ‘a blatant case of conflict of interest’, says Ramkarran

Regardless of the ever growing number of “explanations” the APNU/AFC Government is offering for its self-serving super salary increases for its ministers, the decision continues to provoke public outcry, with persons voicing disappointment and condemnation of the Administration.

Former Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran is the latest to join a wide cross-section of society –including noted supporters of the APNU/AFC coalition – in voicing his disgust over the move by Government.

In his blog “The Conversation Tree” Ramkarran, a fierce critic of the PPP of which he was once an Executive Member, on Saturday stated that the eruption over the Executive salary increases could not be contained by the justifications rendered by various Government officials.

He explained that the efforts by State Minister Joseph Harmon, Finance Minister Winston Jordan, Attorney General Basil Williams and Governance Minister Raphael Trotman have failed to ease the ‘political controversy’ which

has persisted with unabated ferocity over the past two weeks.

It was noted that numerous editorials and other such publications in the media have underlined public dismay at the substantial salary increases.

The former Speaker of the National Assembly, who once vied to be the presidential candidate of the PPP/C, added that while indeed some rectification was needed with respect to salaries, it was unbelievable that the regime can give itself a substantial increase when public servants received less than promised, on the account of shortage of resources, and the senior citizens no longer receiving electricity and

water subsidies.

Ramkarran, who had been touted as a possible presidential candidate of the APNU/AFC coalition, further stated that this new Administration had a ‘golden opportunity’ to do things differently.

“How could the Government not know that fixing your own salaries from the public purse, which is taxpayers’ monies held in trust, is an abuse of that trust and of the electorate’s trust?” he questioned.

Ramkarran said such a move is a blatant case of a conflict of interest.

“The short-sighted manner, the deceptive process and the defiant tones which accompanied the decision, will colour the outlook by which the administration is viewed, including by its friends and wellwishers,” Ramkarran emphasised.

There have been huge public outrage and continued criticisms of Government’s decision to increase the salaries of its Ministers by more than 50 per cent since Guyana Times broke the story in late September.

Even the President whose Gy$2M per month is tax free received an increase of $100,000 per month.

On Friday, President David Granger obdurately endorsed and defended the move by Cabinet, adding that he fully endorsed the massive salary hikes. He argued that the decision to increase the pay was not arrived at easily and citizens should accept it while viewing it as an investment in what he referred to as “good governance”.

Last Thursday, several Non-Governmental Organisations, activists and persons associated with the current Administration took to the streets to express their dissatisfaction over the decision to increase the Ministers salary by 50 per cent, while public servants were handed a meagre five per cent increase.

Former Speaker of the National assembly Ralph Ramkarran

President David Granger

Gunman robs, terrorises Providence family

Amother and her teenage daughter are now traumatised after they were terrorised by a lone gunman in the wee hours of Tuesday morning at their Providence, East Bank Demerara, home.

According to reports, Elisabeth Thomas was at her Lot 856 New Housing Scheme, Providence home with her 15-yearold daughter when the lone gunman removed

three louvers from a window to gain entry into her home.

Thomas told this newspaper at about 02:00h, her husband, who is a sand truck operator, left home to go to the sandpit. She said that she heard an unusual sound and was awoken just to see a man jumping over her bedroom wall.

“I ask who is it and the man said “don’t get up or I gon shoot you”

and he come down from the wall,” she stated.

The woman added that at the time she was on the bottom of a double bunk bed, while her daughter was fast asleep on the top bunk.

According to the traumatised woman, the gunman ordered the teenager out of her bed to join her mother on the bottom bunk.

“He said he want all the money and gold, and

that he has two persons waiting outside. So he hold my daughter, wrap her hair around his hand and pulling and dragging her. He was cuffing and choking her too, asking for money,” the woman said.

Thomas told Guyana Times International that she handed over the valuables she had in the house in fear for her daughter’s life. These included two cellular phones, a laptop, jewellery and a quantity of cash.

The woman further stated that she got on her knees and begged the bandit not harm her daughter. “He put us to lie on the floor and lock the room door then run out through the back door,” she told this news-

paper.

According to Thomas, the entire incident lasted for about 30 minutes. However, she could not say whether the man indeed had accomplices waiting outside since she and her daughter remained in the room for about 20 minutes before they came out and alerted neighbours of the robbery.

The incident has left the woman and her teenage daughter traumatised and scared for their safety. Moreover, Thomas claimed that this is not the first time a robbery has occurred in the area. She noted that there are no safety measures for residents there, pointing out that street lights are not even installed in the area.

One of the rooms that the gunman ransacked

Children of slain Police Officers to benefit from Fund

Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud has announced that children of those Policemen and women who were killed in the line of duty will be benefitting from a Fund that is to be established in the near future.

Delivering his feature address to a Passing-Out Parade of 136 new ranks on Saturday, Persaud disclosed that he is collaborating with a local businessman to raise money for the Fund, while adding that the faith-based committee will have supervisory oversight.

“I’m currently working with members of the Cops and Faith Community Network and a local businessman to establish a nonprofit organisation that will be dedicated to fund the education and general welfare of the children of those Police officers killed in the line of duty,” he revealed.

According to the Top Cop, this initiative is set to commence by the end of October. He noted that by this time, they will begin to distribute resources to those children whose situation are worse off than others.

Back in July, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan disclosed that records in the history of the Guyana Police Force shows a total of 62 officers were killed in the line of duty as of that date. He pointed out that the increase of drug trafficking activities, possession of illegal guns and organised crimes have all contributed to these officers losing their lives, adding that the number is too high.

However, Ramjattan went on to say that this reality indicates that the number will grow as a matter of course. “The constantly changing nature of crime and the increasingly violent intent, methods and postures of perpetrators, make being a member of the Police Force an extremely dangerous profession. Therefore, due respect must be given to the many men and women who put themselves in danger in the line of duty; and more so, to those who have paid the ultimate price for the safety and security of our citizens,” the Security Minister remarked.

Ramjattan’s descripton came through some two months later. In September, Constable Antonio Dawson, 28, was fatally stabbed during an attempt to arrest a man outside of Gafoors Houston Complex, Georgetown.

The man, later identified as Samuel James of Buxton, East Coast Demerara, took his own life by slitting his throat moments after stabbing Dawson. Police found varying quantities of cocaine, marijuana and ecstasy in James’ pants pockets.

Back in July, Constable Edison

Williams, 19, of 32 Public Road, Number 53 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was killed in a freak accident at Providence, East Bank Demerara. According to reports, the young officer was at the Providence Access Road offloading and setting up barricades for a Hits and Jam event when a sand truck passed. The barricade hooked onto the external rear-view mirror on the right side of the vehicle, dragging Williams to the ground and under the truck, and was run over by the back wheels.

Meanwhile going back a few years to April 2013, Police Corporal Romein Cleto was fatally shot after he and two other officers on patrol came under fire by an armed man, who they were tracing. Cleto of 42 Bent Street, Werk-enRust, Georgetown, was shot in his face while his colleagues were injured.

A few months later in November, a miner and licensed firearm holder, Derrick Kanhai, went berserk, killing five persons, two of whom were Police officers: Lance Corporal Sherwin Pantlitz and Lance Corporal Michael Forde, who were first responders to reports of Kanhai fatally shooting three persons.

GTUC ups pressure on Govt to review salary increases for Ministers, VPs

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) has said that a nation’s human resources must be at the centre of development and has renewed its calls for workers to be paid a “living wage.”

The call come in light of Government’s decision to hike the salaries of Ministers, at a time when the economy has seen a 2.5 per cent decline and public servants continue to struggle to meet day-to-day needs.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the GTUC also called for a prudent approach in handling the public outcry on the salary increases for Ministers.

“The citizens’ response to the increase of remuneration for ministers and parliamentarians calls for commitment from the government that would result in a decision that society can accept and respect,” the GTUC said.

The umbrella Trade Union added that the continuous, sustained and heightened voices, inclusive of that from varied and unexpected sources, are enough to warrant the government’s judicious atten-

tion with respect to the salary increases.

The Government, the Union added, has a responsibility to look out for the interest of the state and its people and this “seems not to be the case in this regard.”

According to the Union, politicians in power need to understand that the authority they use are vested in them by the citizens.

“Ultimately politicians are accountable to the citizens and must never lose sight of this principle. As this salary outcry is increasing and being sustained beyond the proverbial ‘nine days’ it requires good sense prevailing on the

part of the government,” the Union added.

GTUC’s position is that: “If you start wrong, you will end wrong. The product from the application of a wrong process will be questionable and this in part is driving the outcries today.”

According to GTUC the Nation must therefore see the reinstatement of collective bargaining and respect for fundamental rights and freedom as a matter of priority:

On Friday last, President David Granger defended the move by Cabinet saying he endorses the salary hikes. He said the decision to hike salaries was not arrived at easily and citizens should see it as an investment in what he referred to as “good governance”.

Last Thursday, several NGOs, activists and persons associated with the Administration took to the streets to express dissatisfaction over the decision to increase the Ministers’ salaries by a whopping 50 per cent, while public servants were handed a measly five per cent increase.

antonio Dawson Romein Cleto

GTuC General Secretary lincoln lewis

Govt raking in huge profits from lower world oil prices

…but not passing on benefits to consumers

The Mid-Year economic report just released by the Government confirmed that it has been raking in mega revenues from lower world oil prices by not passing the savings on to consumers and businesses as has been the norm in other countries.

The Government has rather chosen to increase the duties collected by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on the commodity as well as allow the State-owned Guyoil Company to make windfall profits.

The Mid-Year report stated that while overall “Customs and trade tax collections remained stable at Gy$5.9 billion, in the first half of 2015… Excise tax collections totalled Gy$15.2 billion, an increase of Gy$2.9 billion. This resulted from a Gy$3.2 billion increase from petroleum products.”

The report continued, “Increases in petroleum products were due to increase in excise tax rates applicable on imports of gasoline and diesel oil in 2015 when compared to the rates applicable in 2014. During the period January to June 2014, the excise tax rates applicable on gasoline and diesel oil were 20 per cent and 15 per cent respectively as compared to 50 per cent and 45 per cent, respectively, from January 20 to June 31, 2015.”

What this means in essence is that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration had more than doubled the

taxes on gasoline (20 per cent to 50 per cent) and increased by almost than 100 per cent the taxes on diesel (25 per cent to 45 per cent). The new A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Administration has since continued that policy although since the change in government the economy has flattened out and badly needs stimuli from all quarters to get it moving upwards.

Cheaper fuel would allow businesses, especially manufacturing concerns, to improve their cash flow positively and be in a position to ride out the incipient recession. The rice industry also uses large quantities of fuel and the lower prices would have meant the difference between the losses presently being felt greater than profits.

Many businesses bypass the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and

generate their own electricity, and lower fuel prices would have had a direct buoyant effect. GPL bought most of its fuel from Suriname at the world market cheap prices, and it also was allowed to make huge profits, since its rates were approved by the Public Utilities Commission two years ago when fuel was more than two-and a half times costlier.

All of these pressures have helped to dampen business activity in comparison to our competing economies even in the region.

To add salt to the fuel ‘wound’, the Mid-Year report also revealed that Guyoil, which was formed specifically to induce competition in the consumer petroleum market by selling gasoline at the cheapest possible prices also refused to pass on savings at the gas pump and raked in record amounts.

The report stated, “Public enterprises re-

corded a surplus of Gy$4 billion, in the first half of 2015, compared to a deficit of Gy$2.5 billion recorded for the same period in 2014. This is mainly on account of improved performance by Guyana Oil Company Ltd. (Guyoil) which realised an overall surplus of Gy$1.7 billion for the period under review compared to a deficit of Gy$0.9 million reported in first half 2014. The main contributory factor to the improved performance by Guyoil was the reduced cost of fuel. While there was a 16.7 per cent decrease in the sale of fuel products, this was compensated by a Gy$5.3 billion reduction in the payment to creditors as a result of a significant decrease in the acquisition costs of fuel in the first half of 2015.”

What this means is although less fuel was imported, Guyoil made a profit of Gy$1.7billion as opposed to a loss of Gy$0.9billion in the comparable half year of 2014. This means that Guyoil took in Gy$2.6 billion that could have ended up in the pockets of Guyanese car and bus owners. This would have been pumped into the economy in consumer spending, creating a virtuous cycle as a stimulus for other business activities.

The present Government, as did the PPP/C Government, has made a perfunctory gesture to reduce gasoline prices but nowhere near what is justified to get the economy going, according to economists.

Local Govt Elections likely for March 2016

After months of anticipation, speculation, and botched promises, Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman has disclosed that Local Government Elections is likely to be held in March next year, a date which the Chairman of Guyana Elections Commission (Gecom) said is “not unreasonable”.

Following the General Elections of May this year, the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government had insisted that they would be able to keep their campaign promise to have Local Government Elections held by the end of this year.

Following the post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday last, Minister Trotman was asked whether a definite date for Local Government Elections has been set. In response, he said “what I can tell you is it is going to be in March”.

However, Trotman could not give a specific date in March, noting that that decision lies with Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan. “It is for the Minister of Communities to give an actually date in March,” he told media operatives at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Attempts by Guyana Times International to contact Minister of Communities to ascertain whether a date has been decided upon, proved futile.

Nevertheless, when asked if this information was relayed to the Commission, Chairman of Gecom Dr Steve Surujbally would only say that March was one of the months that came up for con -

sideration during deliberations with the Communities Minister. He noted, though, that Local Government Elections can be held in March. “At this point in time… March would be not an unreasonable time,” he indicated to

this newspaper.

However, Dr Surujbally pointed out that in order for Local Government Polls to be held in March, all the prerequisites need to be fulfilled such as the ‘Order’ as to whether Government will issue any new constituencies, township and municipalities or use the same criteria that were prepared back in 2009, when Local Government Elections were slated to be held. The Order at that time was made by then Minister of Local Government, Kellewan Lall.

“We could go with that or the Government might want to make other areas into townships like Lethem (Region Nine), Mabaruma (Region One), Bartica (Region Seven), Mahdia (Region Eight) and so on. If they so do, then we have to wait until that pronouncement is made, that Order is made, and then we take off from there,” he noted.

minister of Governance Raphael Trotman

minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan

Chairman of Gecom, Dr Steve Surujbally

Finance minister Winston Jordan

Michael Griffith has been drawing mostly portraits of people ever since he was a little boy. He has taken his art to a revolutionary level, one that is not very wellknown in Guyana.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Michael revealed he grew

September 2009, I joined the Burrowes’ School of Art’s evening one-year certificate programme. This was significant in polishing my drawing skills. After that my life changed and I took art as a profession more seriously.”

Michael worked as a self-taught freelance artist

Those early drawings were about my surroundings and stick people. I would say that my style is very detailed, hyper realistic. My inspiration is life. I like to capture things as I see them, expressions, emotions and beauty especially the unusual. Almost all my work is

up in a humble home in South Georgetown. He had to drop out of school at 16 to contribute to his family – still holding on to his passion for drawing.

“In order to accommodate my desire to draw I had to find a flexible job without supervision so I sold watches on the pave. I practiced my art, improving my skills with experience alone. In

for years before attending the Burrowes’ School of Art where he majored in painting and drawing. He excelled in his classes and has renewed his efforts in his specialty, portraiture: the art or practice of making portraits. He is now a professional portrait artist but also does other artwork.

“I was drawing ever since I could hold a pencil.

From

watch vendor

to notable artist who focuses on portrait drawings

the countless examples of strong women within our society. Displaying strength in regards to the hardships women face on a daily basis, from heartbreak and labour to rape and abandonment.

Growing up seeing my mother deal with the different obstacles caused me to be a bit more considerate to the conflicts that go handin-hand with being a female in our society. This sentiment sometimes tends to spill over in my work consciously as well as unconsciously,” explained the artist.

For portraits and other works of art, contact the artist on (5902) 691-5356 or visit Portraits and More by Michael Griffith on Facebook.

portraits of people. What I use the most is pencil, charcoal, pencil crayons and I have used pastel and mix media.”

For his outstanding portraits, Michael received first prize in the Guyana Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition 2012 and first prize in the Guyana Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition 2014. He also recently exhibited his work in Haiti at the 2015 CARIFESTA celebrations.

“My recent works show

The artist with his paintings at CaRIFESTa held in Haiti recently

In process of drawing a portrait of a baby

The artist's portrait of uN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The intricacies are amazing

None of which are actually tigers

Part IV

By Matt Hallett

Guyana is home to six species of wild cat – each with unique natural histories, beautiful physical attributes, and interesting behaviours. Each of the six species plays an important role in the vast forests and savannas of Guyana, a niche that evolved over millions of years.

Continuing from last Sunday and concluding today, let me introduce you to the remaining ‘tigers’ of Guyana – none of which are actually tigers at all.

The jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi), also known as tiger cat, black puma, tigrillo, leoncillo, onza, and gatocolorado, is a small wild cat that is closely related to the larger puma. Jaguarundis can be highly variable in colour, with black, grey, and brown (to red or chestnut) colour phases in a base coat that lacks identifiable markings other than a few faints spots on

their faces. Jaguarundis are most easily identified for their plain coats and small size – with short legs, elongated body, and short tail. Jaguarundis are relatively common, inhabit a variety of habitat types (from savanna, to dry forest, lowland and upland forests), and are wide-ranging, found from southern Texas to Northern Argentina.

Jaguarundis are unique among Guyana’s cats because they are mostly diurnal. Although largely solitary, jaguarundis are also unique in that they are more tolerant of individuals of the same species in close proximity. Jaguarundis are shy and elusive, but often inhabit open habitats close proximity to human populations. This close association can bring them in conflict with people if they begin to prey on chickens. Jaguarundis are good climbers, but they prefer to hunt on the ground during the day in search of rodents, small reptiles, and

ground feeding birds. While other wild cats in Guyana may inhabit savanna edges, cross savannas between forest patches, or periodically pursue prey in savanna, jaguarundis most likely are the most common and furthest ranging cat species when it comes to savanna habitat. Despite being relatively common and a species of ‘Least Concern’ when it comes to prioritizing conservation efforts, jaguarundis are an important small animal predator, a role is critical for maintaining balance savanna ecosystems.

The oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus), also known as tiger cat, tigrillo or little spotted cat, is the smallest species of wild cat found in Guyana – longer but lighter than most domestic cats. Oncillas closely resemble ocelots and margays, with a light brown to dark ochre coat that is covered dark rosettes across its back and flanks, but are typically smaller, with a more

slender build and narrow muzzle. Perhaps the most identifiable characteristic that separates oncillas from Guyana’s other small cats is its tail length – approximately half the length of its body. Oncillas range from Costa Rica to Northern Argentina, where they can be found from high montane forests to savanna and scrubland environments. Although oncillas are not considered to be common anywhere, they can be found at higher eleva-

py. Oncillas are considered ‘Vulnerable’ with their populations generally decreasing due to habitat loss and overhunting. Oncilla pelts were once prized for clothing and they were heavily hunted in the 1970s and 1980s as a result. Following a decline in oncilla populations, trade in pelts and products made from the coat of this species was banned internationally. Unlike the ocelot, the slow reproducing oncilla has had difficulty

Guyana are each beautiful and unique in their own right and should serve as a source of national pride for all Guyanese. Misconceptions and misidentifications of the past have allowed myths and untruths about these species to persist, frequently bringing us into unnecessary conflict. While co-existing with wild cats isn’t always easy, perhaps understanding their role in the greater ecosystems can provide us each with

tions (as high as 4500m) than any of the other small cats and this lack of competition may make them more common in montane habitats.

Little is actually known about this naturally rare and extremely elusive species. Mainly nocturnal, oncillas stalk small mammals, lizards, ground birds, and invertebrates before pouncing on their prey. Oncillas are also adept climbers and may also feed on birds, eggs, and frogs found in the cano-

bouncing back from the impacts of heavy trading in their furs. While this ban may eventually help, conversion of lowland habitat for agriculture, mining and other uses and upland habitat for coffee plantations continues to threaten this unique species. Oncillas play an important role as a predator of small mammals, reptiles, and birds in montane forests, thus helping to keep these systems in balance.

The wild cats of

a broader perspective of the importance of each of these species in their own right. Ecosystems are like working machines with lots of parts, and in many ways wild cats are critical parts that regulate the function of the whole. It is only by understanding and respecting these creatures that they can continue to serve this role and maintain the function of our native ecosystems into the future.

Jaguarundi captured on camera traps near Karanambu Ranch, Region Nine

Oncilla captured on camera traps near Karanambu Ranch, Region Nine (Photo courtesy of Panthera)

Miss World Caribbean

2014 Rafieya Husain returns from the U.S.A to host her second annual charity gala in aid of Rafieya International Vision and Hope (RIVAH).

RIVAH Charity Gala is scheduled for Oct. 23 in the Kokomo room upstairs of popular night spot, Palm Court. It is a charity dinner to raise funds to support RIVAH’s outreach centre and victims of domestic abuse.

In a press release, Husain stated that last year was a great success and she hopes that this year will be bigger and better.

The gala is an evening filled with food, entertainment and music. It will be a mesmerizing evening of dance by the Isharah Dance Troupe.

Joel Ghansham, dance and cultural promoter, and TV show host, will be emceeing. Also present as RIVAH’s guest of honour is reigning Miss World Guyana 2015 Lisa Punch, there to perform her theme song “Stay Alive” and speak about her Beauty with

a Purpose platform: suicide.

Husain has also planned a walk in Essequibo on Oct 25, as the world commemorates Domestic Abuse Awareness Month (October). The walk begins at 9am from the Anna Regina car park to the Shafeek Khan Outreach Centre in Land of Plenty. Husain will be joined by officials of Region Two, students and residents as they walk for RIVAH Walk for Hope.

RIVAH was founded last year by Husain during her reign as

Miss World Guyana 2014. Some of her accomplishments include the new outreach centre in Region Two, several donations to other NGOs such as Guyana Red Cross, Help & Shelter, and others. Recently, the philanthropist collaborated with Blossoms Inc. and made numerous visits to schools around Guyana to talk about the early signs of domestic violence.

“My passion for improving lives and making a difference started from an early aged as I was inspired by my late

grandfather, Shaffeek Khan. His philanthrop ic work for the commu nity, building schools for children, is one of the reasons I was inspired to build an outreach centre in Essequibo for domestic abuse victims.

tim myself, my main reason for the charity and building the outreach centre is to spread

LEGAL CornEr

chose to build my awareness campaign around dating violence and to educate teens and children in schools so that we can reduce the percentage of victims over time. By focusing on the root cause of domestic violence, we will educate our youths, the next generation, to be able to identify and mitigate abuse at an early stage,” Husain pointed out.

RIVAH, in collaboration with UNICEF and Miss World Guyana organisation, has planned several events to visit schools in Regions Five and Ten, along with visits to NGO Women Across Differences, and the nursing school in Georgetown where Husain will speak about

Rear-end motor-vehicle accidents

Driving in New York City is risky, if not dangerous. Too many drivers do not obey traffic or road rules. Many drivers are in a hurry on the road; some follow other vehicles too closely and cause “rear end” motor-vehicle accidents. Here are a few basic rules associated with rearend accidents that are worth remembering.

One: No tail gating. That is, a driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.

Two: Generally, a rear-end collision implies that a driver of a vehicle that rear ends another vehicle in front, is negligent, and has a duty to explain how the accident occurred.

Three: as long as a driver is able to put on his flashers to warn other drivers following behind, he has a duty to do so as he is not allowed to stop suddenly without giving proper signals.

Four: a sudden stop of a lead car is one of the explanations that a court will entertain when deciding if a lead vehicle stopped without a justification or providing any warnings to the vehicles following, thereby causing an accident.

Five: although a vehicle was rear ended, he or she may still be found to be partially or fully liable for an accident. This is because in New York fault can be divided amongst two or more drivers involved in an accident.

Unfortunately, sometimes a driver does everything correct and yet someone rear ends his or her vehicle, causing severe damage to one’s vehicle as well as their person. Soon one finds oneself in an ambulance heading for a hospital. Later, one has to go to therapy. Then MRIs are done and one is told one has disc bulges and herniated discs in one’s back. One may get torn ligaments or a tear in one’s shoulder, requiring surgery.

Other tests are done, and one is told one has some dead nerves. Additionally, an injured person’s daily life is affected: for example, one may now have to get help to carry the grocery because of an injury. Clearly, rear-end accidents can be very troubling.

Here are some useful tips if one’s vehicle is rear ended. First, never assume your injuries are too minor to get medical help. Travel in an ambulance if one is available, to a hospital. Second, call the police and make a statement. If you are in too much pain and are rushed to a hospital, the police will come there for a statement. Having a police accident report is extremely important. Three, if you go home after an accident, visit a doctor or hospital the next day. Four, consult an attorney early and learn about your rights and how to preserve key aspects of a potential civil case. Finally, this article is for informational uses only. It is not legal advice. To get legal advice, please contact an attorney. I would be glad to answer your questions, and may be reached via (917) 943-1336 or rrampert@yahoo. com.

The newly built outreach centre in Essequibo

Rafieya Husain

By Rakesh RampeRtaB, esq

In their book “The Voyages of Adriaan van Berkel to Guiana: Amerindian-Dutch Relationships in 17thCentury Guyana” edited by Martijn van den Bel et al state that they write Berbice’s history is “intimately associated with the van Pere family from Zeeland (the Netherlands).”

Abraham van Pere was one of the directors of the Zeeland Chamber of the WIC [(Dutch) West India Company] who, “The Voyage…” states, attempted to encourage colonisation of the region “by granting patronages to private entrepreneurs”.

In 1627, the company drew up a contract with Van Pere, who was also a Zeeland merchant that grated him a patronage for the Berbice River. The contract stipulated

that while the WIC controlled all trade, Van Pere would send 40 persons to colonise the area but they were forbidden from infringing on the Essequibo territory.

The contract also stipulated that the colonists were exempt from taxes for the first 10 years and were bound to reside there for seven years. They were also advised to spread the Christian faith, and prohibited from harassing the indigenous females while in Berbice.

According to the authors of “The Voyages…” the other regulations in the contract basically implied that Van Pere owned the colony as a “hereditary fief” and “gained the rights of possession of the colony he was to establish in Berbice”, though he did have to abide by company and States General rules,

and seek permission for certain activities.

He had to obtain permits from the WIC for each ship he wanted to send to the colony, for ex-

ample.

In 1627, van Pere is said to have instructed that four 4-lb swivel guns be made to put at a fort he intended to set up in

ship of Berbice following the virtual bankruptcy of the WIC after losing north eastern Brazil. The company in 1657 had transferred their Essequibo col-

on Berbice to the Sociëteit van Berbice”, formed in 1720.

It was the privateering demands of French corsairs that also helped

Berbice. It is said too that van Pere sent 60 whites and six blacks to establish the colony.

In 1629, Abraham Sr’s eldest son Cornelis van Pere, was residing as governor/commander on the colony at its main post which was located “near the confluence of the Berbice and Wiruni Rivers.”

When Abraham Sr

ony to another company called the Nova Zeelandia conglomerate.

Van Pere continued to hold on to patronage of Berbice when they were reconfirmed in 1678, despite the closure of the WIC in 1674 – though it was later re-established, albeit downsized.

In 1683, Abraham Jr. died and his eldest son, (also named) Cornelis

put an end to the van Pere landlordism in Berbice.

In 1712 some 180,000 guilders were promised as remaining ransom to be paid by the van Peres as owners of the colony.

However, the family, now in Holland, refused to pay on the grounds that the colonists had no authority to make such promises on their behalf, and instead threatened

died in 1639, his other son Abraham Jr. took over, and, with his friend and associate Pieter van Rhee, in 1640 signed “a renewed charter as incoming patrons of Berbice”, paying 20 guilders for the heergewaad, “the recognition of his feudal authority”.

The book states that the two would sign a new charter in 1660 for patron-

van Pere automatically became patron. The family moved in the upper echelons of Dutch society to become established as Lords of the Estate of West Souburg in 18th century Holland.

Over the years, the now absentee family came into “juridical” conflict with colonists and eventually “abandoned its rights

to let the French have the settlement instead.

After two years of negotiating, four Dutch merchants (who would soon after convert ownership and governance into the “share-funded” Society of Berbice) paid the ransom, which was then agreed upon at 108,000 guilders, and the van Pere family relinquished the region.

Section of Georgetown, British Guiana

High Street, Georgetown looking north n.d.

map of the Berbice River (c1625) by Jean mousnier de la montagne

map of the Berbice colony; inset shows name of plantations and owners (18th century)

up the Berbice River with Crab Island at the river mouth (c1730) ( Detail from an engraving by H. de Leth, approx. 1730, 56.7×84.5 cm. Zeeland Archives, Zelandia Illustrata I, inv.nr 829.)

PPP/C members being sued for Gy$2.5B

…lawsuit “frivolous” – Ramotar

Former President Donald Ramotar and other members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) have been slapped with a lawsuit worth Gy$2.5 billion for slander and libel by International Attorney Dr Phillip Mozart Thomas.

Dr Thomas, who is the Chairman of the Guyana National Council on Public Policy (GNCPP) and the Guyana National Civil Society Council (GNCSC), moved to the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature recently to sue the individuals for damages and pecuniary compensation.

On Wednesday, Guyana Times International viewed a copy of the court documents, which state that Dr Thomas is suing for defamation of character, inducing breach of contract, intimidation, interference with economic relations, nuisance, false light invasion of privacy and more.

This newspaper was

told that Dr Thomas had organised a Guyana National Civil Society Summit for September 17-19 last year at the then Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. However, he claimed that he was “forced” to postpone the event to December 2014.

The other PPP/C members named in the court documents are General Secretary of the PPP/C, Clement Rohee;

former Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali and the Permanent Secretaries of the former Office of the President and the former Ministry of Trade, Industry and Commerce.

Dr Thomas is seeking a declaration and enforcement order compelling those accused to immediately publish a complete, unqualified retraction and apology to him for “malicious inter-

ference and violation of chartered constitutional, civil and human rights; slander; libel; conspiracy to publish defamatory information” and more.

Former President Ramotar told this newspaper on Wednesday that the claims made by Dr Thomas were ‘frivolous’ and it was a clear case of him seeking publicity by this act.

According to the past Head of State, the GNCPP and GNCSC Chairman is “seeking attention”.

Former Minister Ali also told this publication on Wednesday evening that he was “shocked” that he was being sued by a man whom he did not know or had even met before.

“I don’t know anything about the lawsuit; I don’t even know who is Mr Thomas. All I can recall is when they had the Civil Society event, that is when I heard about him. I have never seen him; I have never spoken to him, so I don’t know, I don’t even know this individual,” Ali stated. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

from page 32

Raising awareness to fight domestic...

the work being done by her charity.

Husain is urging all of Guyana to support these events, as all proceeds will benefit RIVAH. She disclosed that the most difficult struggle is getting the support from businesses in Guyana. She pleads for the support to continue her journey and to effect change in society.

“Join me in this campaign to stop domestic violence and create a better future for our families by donating and supporting this cause,” the humanitarian adjure.

Husain is grateful to her sponsors of the walk: True Value Pharmacy & Gift Store in Charity, Essequibo, and Twins Manufacturing.

For more information on the outreach centre visit RIVAHRafieya International Vision and Hope on Facebook.

Hope and a prayer…

…on educational standards

Young Cecil Cox and three of his cohorts have done Guyana proud. For the first time since CXC introduced competitive awards at the CAPE level… Guyana has not only topped the Region in the overall results (Cox) but evidently in three of the other seven categories. Cox, of course, had already topped the Caribbean at CSEC but now has copped the double in bagging the CAPE top prize.

Apart from the individual achievements, your Eyewitness hopes that these prizes signal a qualitative improvement in our pedagogical approach. Let’s face it… the territories that have the better universities system place their emphasis at the secondary school level on CAPE. While they’re constantly amazed at the number of subjects our students were able to sit and excel in, they did wonder as to the point.

One point was that, like basketball in the US City ghettoes, a concentrated focus by the whole cohort on ANYTHING will deliver results. The question then is for policy makers to ask “what were these incentives?” Apart from bragging rights that kids just love, there was the competition for the scholarship from CXC and recently from GOG. As shown by the basketball players from inner cities in the US, the law of the jungle still holds sway in times or circumstances of extreme scarcity.

Anyhow, the second point is that Cox was the first Guyanese to move on from success at CSEC to CAPE. Why wasn’t this achieved before? For one, maybe the other winners, having won their prizes, eased their feet from the throttle? Or maybe CSEC isn’t such a good predictor of academic potential. There is no question there’s a whole quantum level difference between CAPE and CSEC, in terms of the level of difficulty of subject material.

So there’s the trepidation in students they’ll have to do much more of the work on their own. Many CAPE students are shocked when the spoon feeding’s removed after the 5th Form. For students to enter into any competitive university worth their salt, however, unless the applicant had completed CAPE in their area of specialisation, they’re going to flounder.

That we accept students with only CSEC for our Medical and Law programmes is a good indicia of the level of performance expected. If our CSEC students go to say, India or Trinidad or Jamaica, to study medicine they have to complete courses equivalent to CAPE. Your Eyewitness hopes that the Ministry of Education wakes up and returns to the days of the instant Minister when only “A level” (equivalent to CAPE) performances delivered scholarships.

And not so incidentally, whatever happened to the CAPE school promised by his predecessor?

…on the economy

While Cox and his batch-mates at least give us hope, our prayers might be answered in education the same cannot be said for Minister of Finance Winston Jordan being “sanguine” about picking our economy off the floor and achieving 3.4% growth by year end. There’s nary a sector that wasn’t tanking by June. And we know in the 4 months since, nothing’s changed in the price of gold, the markets for rice, bauxite, forestry, the cost of production for sugar – and certainly not in the psychology of the business community.

So what exactly is Jordan hoping will change? Is he going to parachute in banknotes from the sky? Because even though ExxonMobil (coincidentally?) assured us they’ll be drilling come next year, at the VERY best it’ll take three years to get up a head of steam to make a difference for us.

So what so we do in the meantime? Sanguinely, suck salt?

…that Salarygate will blow over

Now that Jordan’s confirmed that the economy is fast reverting to its “donkey-cart” pre-1992 state, you think maybe – just maybe – there might be a rethink on Salarygate?

Or are they hoping and praying it’ll blow over?

Former President Donald Ramotar International attorney, Dr Phillip mozart Thomas

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature Story of the Heroes

Egbert ‘Leo’ Martin

Part VI

By PetamBer Persaud

So far in this series, we have concentrated on the contribution of women, and with good reasons, promising to return to the contribution of men in due course.

So here we go, turning back the pages to part 1 of P. H. Daly’s series of three books, “Story of the Heroes”, published in the early 1940s, highlighting some forty men who contributed in one way or the other to the shape of a Guyana in which we now live.

Daly was a historian who “made historical biography literally his one, true, and only love.”

Of those forty men, there was one born in Guyana to become a significant writer, bearing the distinction of being Guyana’s first major poet. His name is Egbert Martin aka “Leo”.

Egbert Martin died young but in his short life, and still shorter writing career, he was able to produce a body of writing so significant to cause a stir more than a century later. In fact, his “Themes of

Song” is frequently performed today.

That apart, and despite efforts by N. E. Cameron and A. J. Seymour to keep the name current, Martin is a forgotten poet from another era. Martin was writing in the late nineteen century, a Victorian poet who was a master at employing the metrical forms of the time, and, oh, what songs he composed.

But he was also ahead of his time, for much of his writing is post-modern in concept as he explored various aspects of spirituality.

Martin knew what was expected of a poet and he delivered:

The poet is a magician

The philosopher’s stone is his

He takes into his hands the clay

All shapeless, black, and dull

A mass of baseless mould

Transformed to purest gold.

Martin also knew the role of the poet in relation to the society. His first published collection of poems was criticized on the ground of being universal, containing too much “goody-goodiness”, and the poet acknowledged “that

Star of the week

Yam Chan Chu

the opinions were not without foundation.”

In response, he produced his second volume, “Leo’s Local Lyrics” which was published in 1886. He said that he hoped this collection was “more in accordance …with public taste”, producing such locally flavoured pieces like “The Sorrel-Tree”, “The Creek”, “The Locust Tree” and “The Swallow”. In

Yam Chan Chu, born May 4, 1997, is a first generation Guyanese who grew up in the heart of Georgetown. Chu, who graduated from St. John’s High School and lives with her mother who migrated from Guangdong, China to Guyana in the early 90s. Chu has been exposed to the world of business at a tender age, since her mother owns and manages a restaurant.

Growing up in a single parent family was not always easy, but her older brother, also Guyanese, proved to be an inspiration since childhood. Chu has taught herself to be humble, selfless and to always strive to become a better person as each day passes. Notably, she will be part of the cast for Guyana’s upcoming TV drama show, “WHO?” This is her debut performance on television. Her character is Élise Chin.

She does not want to give too much away about her character as the show is a work in progress at present. Apart from being engaged in her acting career, Chu is also competitive and athletic, and dreams of “acquiring that perfect physique”. In so doing, she encourages all young women to keep fit and engage in an active lifestyle since their health and well-being must be a top priority.

As Chu enters a different stage in her life (acting), she wishes to “not only follow the steps of independency, but to be wise and learn from past mistakes and to get back up when it [a mistake] knocks you down.”

book of poems worked in his favour; it spoke of a fan club, an audience anticipating further offerings. The criticism also spoke of an output affecting a wide range of people. And there is evidence of his influence on the society, especially from the local press.

The Daily Chronicle published in Demerara described Martin as “the ablest of the poetical writers of whom British Guiana can boast”, while the Berbice Gazette reported Martin to be “one whose works plainly bespeak talent and ability of the highest order.”

Further afield, Martin’s poetry was admired by Lord Tennyson.

born around 1861; supposedly in Georgetown. What is known about Martin was that while he lived in East Street, he was confined to an invalid’s bed. At 19, his poetry was first published in a local journal, The Colonist. He was a frequent contributor to The Argosy and Echo.

He died June 23, 1890. In June 2007, the Caribbean Press released Martin’s “Selected Poems”. In closing, it would be good to listen to the wisdom on his poem, “Looking Back”.

It is good on gaining every station

In life…

the poem, “Patria Mea Te Amo”, he went to great lengths in responding to patriotic impulses: Demerara! dearest country

Thou art dearest to me Tales of hills and streams of beauty

Cannot steal my love from thee …Conscious of thy native charms.

The criticism of his first

Additionally, he had at least two patrons, men of great influence in the colony: James Thompson, editor of The Argosy newspaper, and George Anderson Forshaw, mayor of Georgetown.

Another source of support could be found in the preface to “Leo’s Local Lyrics”, where Martin mentioned “a poet friend of mine whose opinion I value very highly.”

Not much more is known about Egbert Martin, and there is no photograph of him. Martin is reported to have been

To pause a little while in contemplation… Tis looking back that gives the future colour Because, in life, we find The past analogizes all the future

Upon the plastic mind…

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

What’s happening: The 2016 Commonwealth Short Story Prize is now open for entry; please go to the website for more information.

martin was a frequent contributor to The argosy and Echo newspapers of the time

This week's Crossword

Who calls the shots…

…on salaries?

With “salarygate” refusing to fade quietly into the night – as the APNU/AFC’re feverishly praying it would, what’s the end game? The mid-year report on the state of the economy hasn’t helped their case. The numbers confirm things aren’t just “not regulah” for most folks… but are actually quite dread.

Your Eyewitness doesn’t have to review the litany of woes in the report, does he? Suffice it to say, there are so many dark clouds in its 19 pages, one wonders how Minister Jordan claimed to see a silver lining. Maybe it’s that sweet chariot “coming for to carry them ‘home’ ”, he’s seen – because as this economy implodes, folks are going to get quite ornery.

The report’s up-to-date to the end of June, and the 50% salary increases for Ministers kicked in the very next day – July 01. Now what’s thrown most people for a loop is the APNU/AFC fellas were barely in office for a month-and-a-half when they decided to give themselves such a bump in salaries. Some folks figured they must’ve done something pretty spectacular — behind the scenes — because nothing was visible publicly…

Now it’s revealed what they did behind the scenes – mucked everything up so royally, all the Kings horses and all the king’s men ain’t going to put this egg-shell-fragile economy together again. Or not for a very looooong while. So where’s the silver lining that Jordan saw?

This week's Puzzle

Forget sugar, rice, bauxite, timber, gold or even rum – they’re all headed south. A good indicator would be to look at housing and car sales. These are investments made by individuals who’re pretty certain they’ll have an income flow to keep up with payments. Well, no silver linings here. While the Government did spend money on house lots and infrastructure, the private housing developers have absolutely dug their heels in on plunking any money into the sector. They know that most folks aren’t going to tie themselves down to a 15-year mortgage when they’ve absolutely no confidence in the economy.

And as for cars, have you noticed how long it’s taking for the “PTT series” to end? Even though cars are nowhere in the ballpark with houses when it comes to cost, it’s still a big investment for the ordinary Joe and Josephine out there.

And that’s why, when they’re reminded about Nagamootoo spending Gy$73 million of THEIR money to fix up his new digs or spending Gy$22M on an new SUV on which Gy$63M wasn’t paid in taxes to the government, they’ll be pissed for a mighty long time.

Till 2016 at least! That’s the end game!

…on Diwali?

Well it seems that at long last the Hindu Community has caught up with their Muslim Brethren and sisteren. Muslim festivals are based on the lunar calendar – and frequently more precisely when a “new moon” is sighted. It’s not surprising there’s always been disputes on an event that’s literally perspectival! Even though there’s been proposals to use science to calculate when the moon’s ACTUALLY in a position to be seen, that’s never been universally accepted. And the dispute rages on.

So now the Hindus, whose calendar’s also lunar based – but with all kinds of additional levels of complexities with lunar precessions and suchlike, have joined the lunar based disputations. And we have a face off between the old behemoth body, the Dharmic Sabha and the new Viraat Sabha on when exactly is Diwali. Which up to now has been a quite peaceful festival, thank you.

The Government’s rushed in where angels have quaked to tread. Leading to accusations that it’s taking “sides”.

Is it?

…on oil?

OK… exactly when did we stop taking oil from Venezuela? We know we weren’t placing all our eggs in the Spanish basket. But if Trinidad’s not matching the PetroCaribe deal, why put all our eggs in THAT basket?

Reflections, one of Guyana’s most prestigious fashion shows, slated for November 21, promises to be the most exciting this year. According to Guyanese fashion designer Nelsion Nurse, Reflections is more than a fashion show because it is choreographed to tell a fashion story –incorporating music, dance and drama.

Shan Anthony Seecharan

Part 1

Collections by some of Guyana’s leading designers such as Sonia Noel and Mwanza Glenn, along with visiting regional designers Rosamund Davis from Barbados and Keshon Hawthorne from Jamaica, would be some of the highlights of the show.

Guyana Times Sunday Magazine will feature every week until the fashion event, the different designers presenting at the show.

This week we feature Shan Anthony Seecharan, a 20-year-old from Mabaruma, Region One.

Seecharan was born and raised in Mabaruma

where he attended the Mabaruma Secondary School. After completing his secondary education,

Seecharan moved to Georgetown to pursue his passion for designing.

“Growing up was

sometimes difficult, but this motivated me to strive harder to achieve my goals and make a name for myself in the fashion industry. I had a creative mind from an early age. It all began when I started experimenting with the sewing machine, cutting and making clothes for my cousins. I was far from perfect in the beginning, but through trial and error, I honed my skills and I am now actively doing what I love the most,” the young designer told Sunday Magazine.

Although young and fairly new to the local fashion industry, Seecharan, whose brand is SAS Designs, said his aim is to “produce designs that

are comfortable, unique and boost confidence in whoever wears them.”

“As I think ahead, I see myself having my own boutique, hosting fashion shows throughout Guyana, the Caribbean and taking my brand to the international stage,” Seecharan revealed.

The designer pointed out that his greatest inspiration and role models are US-based Guyanese designers Roger Gary and Michelle Cole. He is also inspired by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad.

“Starting in a small community in a somewhat remote part of Guyana to

becoming a designer is a major success for me all by itself. I am also the official designer for Tazmein Coats, hostess of the TLC Television show. The feeling I get from seeing a client looking sexy, feeling happy and satisfied when wearing one of my designs, is all that keeps me doing what I love,” he declared.

For more information on the designer, check out SAS Designs GY on Facebook.

Designer Shan anthony Seecharan

Into the big open savannah of Lethem, about a two-hour drive along dirt tracks, through rivers and remote lands, lies Saddle Mountain.

Saddle Mountain is the backdrop to a Guyanese-owned working cattle ranch.

Days are spent at Saddle Mountain Ranch riding horses, rounding up cattle and relaxing while taking in the fresh, sweet air of the savannah. There is also a small creek nearby for a cool dip.

Though there isn’t any electricity, phone or mobile coverage, and things are quite basic at the ranch, a small solar-charged battery provides lights in the evening, and a water pump in a well provides running water to the house.

Visitors of the ranch can also climb Saddle Mountain; a tough, but short climb. The view from the top really puts it in perspective how in the middle of nowhere the ranch really is.

For birdwatchers, a trek to the mountain might provide an opportunity to see the four-inch Red Siskin bird.

Scenic view of the mountain

Breathtaking landscape of Saddle mountain

Home of the Red Siskin near Saddle mountain Ranch (Photo by Jon Hornbuckle)

Saddle mountain Ranch

US pledges continued support for Caricom

– as Ambassador hands over credentials to SG

The United States has pledged its continuous support to the Caribbean Community (Caricom) as its new Ambassador

Perry Holloway presented his Letter of Credence to the Secretary General

of the Community, Irwin LaRocque, on Tuesday. Ambassador Holloway will serve as the Plenipotentiary Representative of the United States of America to Caricom. The Ambassador pledged to strengthen relations with the Caribbean in the areas of economic integration; combating organised crime and various environmental challenges, including climate change and energy.

In brief remarks at the accreditation ceremony, Ambassador Holloway expressed the US’s commitment to working closely with the Region to advance the shared goal of combating organised crime. He said the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), which was launched in 2010, has brought benefits both in terms of reducing narcotics flows through the Caribbean and enhancing the personal security of Caribbean citizens.

The US Ambassador

made reference to the Caribbean Security Summit held in The Bahamas earlier this year, pointing out that “we should redouble our efforts in order to ensure that together we can build greater security throughout the Western Hemisphere”.

In his remarks, Secretary General LaRocque stated that Ambassador Holloway’s accreditation was “one that is greatly welcomed as it is certain to facilitate the enhancement of the deep, strong and friendly relationship which exists between the Caribbean Community and the United States”.

He went on to highlight the importance of collaboration between the Region and the US on the troubling issue of security, especially since the Caribbean is said to be serving as a transit point for the drug trade between the producing and consuming countries. The drug trade, he stressed,

has resulted in the proliferation and use of small arms and light weapons by criminal elements across the Community.

Further, Ambassador LaRocque recognised the US support in health, including the fight against HIV/AIDS through the Global Fund and the US President’s Emergency Fund for Aids Relief (PEPFAR). He also welcomed backing for the energy sector, including the proposal to establish the Caribbean and Central American Energy Security Task Force and the US$20 million fund for energy related projects, announced by President Barack Obama at the Caricom-US Summit in Jamaica in April.

He said the Region’s strong push for a binding agreement on climate change at the global COP21 climate conference in Paris this December needed strong voices of support, and he welcomed the US President’s advocacy on this matter.

Generally, persons diagnosed with a life threatening illness require much love and support from family and friends; sometimes they even require professional help for the emotional and psychological strain bought on by their condition. That’s where Donna’s Room at the Periwinkle Club comes in.

Donna’s Room is a place of solace for cancer patients and survivors. It is a place where persons can receive counselling, comfort and relaxation.

A collaborative effort between Periwinkle Club and the Association of Guyanese Nurses and Allied Professional (AGNAP), Donna’s Room was established at the behest of the late Donna Sage to provide counselling and complementary therapy to cancer patients, their caretakers and family.

While living in London, Donna received treatment for breast cancer and was impressed by the support and medical attention

offered;as a result she wanted similar treatment provided in Guyana.

Donna’s mother, Norma Sage, upon losing her daughter to cancer, fulfilled Donna’s wish by approaching AGNAP to build Donna’s Room in 2009, in a vacant office at the Periwinkle Club.

After benefitting from the support and counselling services in the UK, Donna’s mother also approached AGNAP to help establish a similar service in Guyana.

Donna willed money to the club to transform the vacant office into a counselling room and to make it as comfortable as possible.

Donna’s Room is a cosy room room found on the second floor of the Periwinkle Club. It is furnished with a sofa set, a Berbice chair, a television, a carpet and coffee table.

The Periwinkle Club continues to receive support from AGNAP on an annual basis, which enables them to do more, such as training for nurses, counselling and

Periwinkle Club

Periwinkle Club, located at 148C Alberttown, Georgetown, is a cancer support group focused on raising awareness on the disease among cancer survivors and members of the public, and offering advice on coping with it.

The club collaborates with several local and international organisations to provide cancer survivors with support for diagnosis and treatment as well as for nutritional and emotional wellbeing. It also provides counselling services in Donna’s Room and facilitates breast self-examination and cervical cancer screening for interested groups of persons.

The Periwinkle Club was first introduced October 17, 2006 as a women’s forum for breast and cervical cancer survivors and

ious types of cancer, in breast and

Members of the club are willing to facilitate talks on cancer to organisations to help to share information on the disease and provide prevention and other rele-

persons with an interest in supporting cancer patients, to meet and freely discuss their health and related experiences. After about five months of meeting and interacting quietly, it was decided to present the club to the wider community.

Educational material is available at the Periwinkle Club headquarters in the form of pamphlets on var-

From time to time, various professional persons make presentations at the Periwinkle Cancer Club. Also, there are reference library facilities at the Periwinkle Club headquarters for researchers and persons who wish to enhance their knowledge of cancer. These books, periodicals and magazines, have been primarily kindly donated by AGNAP.

The club also collaborates with the Health Ministry in outreach sessions to assist persons who wish advice and testing.

It recently held its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Outreach, and a church service at the Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Feel free to contact Periwinkle Club on (592) 226-7152 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10am and 2pm for assistance. Check out www. periwinklecancerclub.org or Periwinkle Cancer Club on Facebook for more info. The club welcomes, as members, all persons interested in working to get rid of the stigma of cancer and create equality of treatment for cancer patients in Guyana.

a member of Periwinkle demonstrating how to do breast examinations as part of their outreach in lethem

Plaque in memory of Donna Sage on the room's door

Donna Sage will always be remembered for her infectious smile

Ram and McRae to recruit new GO-Invest CEO

Chartered Accounting firm Ram and McRae has been hired by the Board of Directors of the Guyana Office for Investment (GOInvest) to handle the process of recruiting that entity’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Business Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement said the Chartered Accounting firm, part owned by Christopher Ram, one of the current forensic auditors combing state books, is tasked with preparing suitable terms of reference and a job description; advise on and prepare the advertisement and select appropriate placements; receive and acknowledge applications; interview applicants; shortlist applicants for interviews by the Board and

facilitate final interviews.

The company said that it is still in the process of developing the Terms of Reference and the position will be advertised shortly, with the aim of completing the process by year end, following the appointment of a new Board of Directors of GO-Invest.

The Go-Invest Board, which is headed by Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, has expressed discontent in the performance of GO-Invest, which was being headed by economist Keith Burrowes.

Following the appointment of the new Board of Directors, a decision was made to not continue with Burrowes as CEO. “The replacement, identification of a new CEO for GO-Invest, has

to come out of a process that is open, transparent and fair. So it is not simply a question of replacing Mr Burrowes by picking somebody whom we like,” Gaskin had said.

He noted that Go-Invest would have to be more aggressive, strategic, and fair in promoting investments in Guyana and abroad.

“You cannot have one investment agency and then have most of your investments being handled outside of that agency. GO-Invest needs to do what it was designed to do; and to that extent, it must be given the authority to do so, and it must be allowed to act without political interference,” Minister Gaskin said.

Meanwhile, People’s Progressive

Party (PPP) General Secretary Clement Rohee, concerning this development, said this was the first time in the history of Guyana that an external company/firm has been appointed to make such an important decision. However, even in such a case, the General Secretary said that the best thing for government to do was to have it advertised. This was not done.

“Why Ram and McRae?” Rohee questioned, positing that it was obvious that Government was fulfilling its usual political agenda by selecting a firm that was closely associated with it. He said no one knew the criteria that were sought for this position, noting that there would be some doubt with such an undertaking.

Some 5,000 years ago there was a transition in human life. Pre-historic indigenous people in Guyana went from being a mobile, foraging people to living a settled village life, and turning to plant domestication.

Today, their descendants have retained their traditional hunting and fishing skills and knowledge in gathering wild foods from the forest. Over the years they developed culinary techniques to preserve meats and vegetables, and to cook foods that have evolved into gourmet dishes - some now accepted nationally and internationally.

In Guyana, nine indigenous groups live in different parts of the country;some in the rich alluvial swamplands of the coastal plain, and others in the terra firma of the hinterland. These two environments provide inhabitants with adequate food resources, which are used in a sustainable manner.

In the wild coast of Guyana, the north/west region of the country has some 30 shell mounds. These mounds attest to the magnitude of subsistence resources available to the first inhabitants in the region, such as the Carib, Warrau and Arawak, who still live there.

Archaeologists have excavated some of these mounds and marvelled at the remains found in them, as they revealed that the inhabitants consumed a variety of animals, birds and seafood, which included a variety of fish, shellfish, crab, oyster, lobster, shrimp, and snails. Vegetables, fruits and nuts gathered from the forest and reefs supplemented their diet.

The Upper Mazaruni is home to the Arecuna and Akawaio, the Pakaraima Mountains to the Patamona, and the Upper Essequibo to the Wai Wai. These four tribes live in almost the same environmental situation and get their supply of food from the rivers and forest where there is an abundance of animals, fish and birds. The most popular game animals are the deer, wild cow, wild hogs, labba,

The Arawaks, Caribs and Warraus live on the north/west and east coast swampy region of the country, the Arecuna, Akawaio and Wai Wai in the forested and riverine region; the Patamona on the part forest/ part savannah Pakaraima Mountains, and the Makushi and Wapishana on the flat Rupununi savannahs. Each tribe is a master of his environment.

acuri (agouti), sloth, manatee, capybara, alligator and all types of monkeys. They also hunt birds like the powis, marudi, maam, and pigeons. Frogs, maggots and insects, both land and river turtles and turtle eggs, vegetables and fruits are collected from the forest, and a variety of fishes and eels from rivers are all part of their diet.

For the Makushi people, who live in the north, and the Wapishana, to the south Rupununi savannah, their food supply originates from the savannahs, the Rupununi River and streams that drain

the vast savannah. The Rupununi savannah and the Pakaraima Mountain region have an abundance of ants, armadillo, swamp birds, and savannah deer that add to their diet.

The most important domesticated plant in Amazonia is the manioc (cassava). It is a staple crop absolutely essential to survival. It is a woody shrub and grows readily from cuttings. The tubers can be processed and stored until needed. It is protein-deficient, but rich in carbohydrates. It is highly productive even on poor soil and is an ideal complement to

fish and game. It can also be fermented to produce a nutritious, mildly alcoholic drink.

All manioc tubers contain toxic substances. In the “sweet” varieties, they can be eliminated by merely peeling and simple cooking, whereas the “bitter” varieties require more elaborate processing and are especially suitable for flour.

The Wai Wai has developed at least 14 types of bread and 13 beverages based on bitter manioc and its byproducts.

In various villages, special plants are grown in larger farms, which are

some distance away from the village. These would include bitter cassava, plantain – a variety of bananas: ite banana, alikunama (purple) banana andalaso banana; a variety of pineapples, with names like kaburichi nana (‘nana’ meaning pineapple), kama shi nana (wild cow head), baremo shi nana, wariru nana, ekili nana, arwa shi nana, alibero anana; purple and sweet potatoes; kunali; yow ro cuna; mawantin, and cassava mama.

Some of their meals include tree frogs, and small frogs are boiled; grass frogs, medium sized, are boiled or smoked; tacuma worms, a maggot cultivated in the Ite palm, are roasted in leaf on coals, fried, stewed or eaten fresh; tacuma beetle, boiled or smoked; caterpillars that feed on cassava leaves are slow dried over fire, boiled or smoked; Mora tree caterpillars are slow dried over fire; Maho tree and sand bee caterpillars are also boiled; acushi ants (Queen) are either served raw or parched.

Indigenous gastronomy is a delightful celebration of what makes Guyana unique, and a call to everyone who loves Guyanese food to rediscover its full flavours and develop a national taste.(Text from Lokono Arawak archaeologist George Simon)

Descendants of Pre-historic amerindians have retained traditional skills to preserve meats and vegetables and to cook foods that have evolved into gourmet dishes

Why not Agri as a career?

Anu Dev

Whenever I hear the word ‘agriculture’, I usually start thinking about ‘Agricultural Science’ classes at high school. I think I learnt a tad more about poultry and cattle during those past five years than I had ever really cared to know. But as much as I whinged and whined back then about having to learn all of these supposedly ‘unnecessary’ things, in the back of my mind I still know that they were important.

It was agriculture that brought us all to this part of the world – even though the circumstances of that arrival turned a lot of us away from the

“The discovery of agriculture was the first big step toward a civilized life.” – Arthur Keith

thought of “returning to the land”; and although I never really considered a career in agriculture, it was for totally unrelated reasons. My dad tells me that my ancestors were agriculturally based and he would wax nostalgically ever so often about his exploits on the family farm – now long gone.

But agriculture does play an enormous role in my life, and in everyone’s: we’d all be starving without food! And interestingly, even today to my surprise, some useful tidbit of information from those Agri classes randomly pops into my mind. But why hadn’t I ever considered a career in agriculture? Maybe it’s because throughout our schooling at Queens – even though almost everyone took the subject at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examination (CSEC), it’s never really been presented as an option. At our career days/

fairs, we’ve never had someone from the agricultural sector come in to talk to us, to get us all hyped up about a career in agriculture. We’ve had doctors, lawyers, medical transcriptionists, but no horticulturalists, no biological engineers. So many of us left school not quite shaking off the faint odour of our history of exploitation in the agricultural fields.

Think of it: every year, thousands of 16-year-olds write Agricultural Science at CSEC – but with all that knowledge in their heads, how many of them actually put it into use in the fields?

And in everyday life, we go to the doctors to get a check-up, we go to the bank to deposit money, we pass Policemen on the road on our way to work or school. We have a good idea of what exactly these jobs entail; we get inspired to choose one of these careers. I’ve

never met a genetic engineer, but I’m sure that the things they do have to be pretty exciting –I mean, experimenting with plants at the genetic level, creating totally new varieties of plants? GMO’s anyone?

There needs to be some system in place in our educational system to get children more aware about the possible careers agriculture has to offer. Yes, there’s that little section in the syllabus that deals with that, but those careers are basically just words in a textbook. We need to have people in these agricultural careers come in and talk to us about what they do, about what their jobs entail, so that we can see that they’re real people and these are real careers that we can think about pursuing. We need regular field trips – not just to the poultry farm at President’s College.

Because we can have all the doctors, lawyers and economists in the world, but they won’t be of any use if we’re not producing food: we’ll just all starve to death.

My analogy is a bit drastic, I know, but we do have a bit of a disjunct. For a country with a comparative advantage of agriculture, not enough children are thinking about agriculture as careers.

Ask what your country can do for you…

Satiricus couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about on the salary increase the Government gave itself. The answer was clear as day, as to why it was done and Satiricus felt that if a dummy like himself could figure out why it was done – and why it was absolutely necessary – then everyone else should have seen it too by now.

“What was goin on? Well duh!” snickered Satiricus to himself. He just loved it when all the brain boxes couldn’t see the noses in their faces. Fact of the matter is that Naga Man and Rum Jhaat were finally exerting their power in the coalition. Everyone was looking at GrainJa…but the two wise men from the East were now calling the shots.

And when it came to political philosophy, it all boiled down to their mantra: “Ask not what you can do for your country; ask what your country can do for you!!”

So first of all, as soon as they delivered their 11per cent to the Pee-an-See they demanded the Pee-An-See bring back Vice Presidents. Why should they become regular Ministers? And the big time top-up on the salaries didn’t hurt! Mo’ money! Mo money! Mo Money! To buy Mo Bush rum!

But Naga Man and the Jhaat didn’t stop there: they had only began to work their mantra. While the Constitution forced them to also take “Minister” title, that didn’t mean they had to do “Minister wuk”. Naga Man cleverly manoeuvred TrotMan into taking over most of the wuk and kept only running the Kronic. But he was so smart on that one that Satiricus had to shake his head once again. He arranged to buse out a reporter in public knowing that the President would force him not to “interfere” with the paper!! Easy street, budday!!

Rum Jhaat had done the same with HIS Minister wuk and spent his time “policing” clubs to close at 4am. Of course he couldn’t just sit around the clubs till then!! It was a dirty job…but somebody had to do it. And why not the Jhaat himself? The Jhaat never backed down from a challenge involving rum drinking!

And it was Naga Man who’d insisted that his salary be raised above the AG!! How dare the Moustachioed One get (not earn!) more than him?

Satiricus gasped when he saw the move Naga Man had made on GrainJa when he said the salary jump would “look bad”. As soon as GrainJa landed back from his foreign trip, Naga Man flounced out of the country, without even a word exchanged!

Hell hath no fury like a Naga Man denied his raise!!

First Lady urges further development of agri sector

North West Secondary School copped first prize at the Education Ministry and Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) 7th Annual Secondary Schools Home Economics Competition at the Education Ministry’s Sports Complex on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown.

The competition was held in commemoration of World Food Day, which was observed on October 16, under the theme ‘Social Protection

and Agriculture: Breaking the Cycle of Rural Poverty’.

The participants were asked to create dishes using root vegetables and were judged on taste, texture and presentation. It must be noted that though some 43 schools were invited to participate in the competition, only 18 took part.

Chief Judge, Principle of Carnegie School, Penelope Harris, shared that she was very disappointed with the turn out; however, she

Cabinet approves Desrey Fox scholarship for hinterland youths

Cabinet has approved Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine’s request for the establishment of the Desrey Fox Scholarship Award for the most outstanding hinterland student.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, updating the media at a post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday, pointed out that youths from the hinterland regions would be eligible for this scholarship.

He added that the scholarship which would be awarded to the top performer from a government secondary school would allow that student the opportunity to

study at the University of Guyana. All expenses relating to this scholarship would be fully covered by the Government.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that this scholarship would serve as a motivational factor for hinterland students to further their studies, as well as an incentive for community development.

He added that the late Dr Desrey Fox, a former Education Minister was an outstanding daughter of the indigenous community and served the nation with great pride. The Minister passed away in 2009.

congratulated all participants on a job well done. Harris said the standards of food preparation and presentations were high.

Third place as awarded to the Betervawating Secondary which created their take of a pizza, using root vegetables, calling it “Sweet Picazza”. Second place went to New Amsterdam Secondary, which made a zesty Sweet Potato Custard Pudding, while the winning dish from North West Secondary was white pudding made with cassava instead of rice.

The winning students – Nadine Joseph, and Daniela Gibbs – shares that they were very proud of this accomplishment and gave credit to their Home Economics teacher for her continued support and advice along the way.

In her feature address, First Lady Sandra Granger commended the efforts of the competitors and the teachers who have guided and assisted them, not only in their creativity, but their interest and capability in providing and promoting tasty quality

food prepared from local produce.

The First Lady shared that given the extraordinary dependence of a small country such as Guyana on food imports, the extreme poverty of local citizens, Guyana’s vast potential for agricultural devel-

opment and the pressing need for food security in a world buffeted by crisis caused by climate change, economic, social and political challenges, exhibitions and competitions as such shows that as a people, Guyanese can be proud of what we can produce.

The winning students Nadine Joseph and Daniela Gibbs with their Home Economics teacher receiving their trophies from First lady Sandra Granger

Dr Desrey Fox

Bollywood’s one and only horror queen, Bipasha Basu is all set to take her debut on the small screen with a brand new series named ‘Darr Sabko Lagta Hai’. Call it an antithesis, in real life it is not ghost but love that she is afraid of. In a candid interview with Indian Express, Bipasha Basu opened up about love, marriage and Karan Singh Grover.

Ques: Why television

ter and better with time. You also get to know what you really are. Women become smart and know how to control.

Ques: The name of your show Darr Sabko Lagta Hai reminds me of a famous Hindi film dialogue, Thappad se darr nahi lagta, lekin pyaar se darr lagta hai. Have you been ever afraid of love?

Bipasha: Thappad se darr lagta hai aur pyaar se bhi. But no one will slap me.(smiles)

Bipasha?

Bipasha: I had definitely been wanting to do TV since the last five years. Offers had been coming and going. But I could never pinpoint what I wanted. It is important to do something which is not regular. I love watching reality shows but every other actress is hosting and judging them. I may eventually do that at some point but not right now. Initially, I and my team decided to do a fitness based show on TV but then we realised it would be a niche show. When the channel guys came with this idea, I was kicked up because for starters it is not a regular TV serial. It is a step forward. It is an assortment of short films which are very contemporary and talented directors are directing it. The content and visuals are great and there is nothing tacky about it. I am linked with all the films but I am not like a narrator or sutradhar who reads off the teleprompter. They have integrated me as Bipasha Basu in all the films.

Ques: Are you happy being called the ‘Horror Queen’ of Bollywood?

Bipasha: Yes. From the time Hindi cinema started no one has had this title. I own it. People are desperate to make it big and here I am who has always got one tag or another all my life. You get a tag only when you are doing something good. Emraan Hashmi is called a serial kisser which means he has done something nice.

Ques: There was one more tag associated to your name in your early days that of a sex symbol. Do you think that tag has vanished with age?

Bipasha: Age has nothing to do with being and looking sexy. I know very elderly people who are damn hot. I don’t think age matters. Clint Eastwood is so sexy at 80 that even a 20 year old guy won’t be able to match him. Also, women are like wine. They get bet-

Alia Bhatt is ‘the most superior technology’ - Shahid Kapoor

Actor Shahid Kapoor says his “Shaandaar” co-star Alia Bhatt is the “most superior technology” as she is well-informed. Alia is often mocked for her IQ on the internet, but Shahid believes that she has information about everything.

“The most superior technology that I’ve met in my life is Alia Bhatt because she has information about everything. If there was any name that the internet should have, it should be Alia because of her vast information. So, Alia Bhatt is the technology I enjoy the most,” said Shahid.

Ques: Why are you afraid of love?

Bipasha (Thinks): Actually love it is not like some masala. There is both good and bad, fun and not so fun involved in it.(Pauses) You have experienced it I am sure and you do know what I am talking about.

Ques: Are you in love with anyone currently?

Bipasha: I am always in love with my brand called love yourself. I love myself the most in a good way. I accept my needs and I am living for it. People ask me why I am not working, where I have vanished, why I am holidaying, why I am not being seen. Well it is my life and I can do what I like with my own money. I am enjoying and I cannot be directed with only one thing in life. It cannot be just fun or just work. It has to be a blend of all things.

Ques: Define your relationship with Karan Singh Grover?

Bipasha: Your definition is good friends and I define him as a friend.

Ques: When do we get to see you and him together in a film next?

Bipasha: Right now I am doing one film and there is no Karan in it. Let’s see. If there is a right script, we both will do a movie together

Ques: You have everything that a successful woman needs – name, fame and money. When will marriage happen?

Bipasha: Really…all successful women want to get married? I have grown up believing in institution of marriage. My parents are the most beautiful couple in love ever and they have a great marriage. But the marriages that I see around me of people from all walks of life and not just from my business are not inspirational at all. Yes, there are some who are successful but for every two successful marriages there are 10 disturbing ones. So jitne din bach sakti hoon, bachti rahoongi. When it has to happen, it will happen.

Ques: Finally tell us who is the hottest guy in Bollywood right now?

Bipasha: (Thinks hard) No one. Wish we had someone like Brad Pitt here. (Indian Express)

Alia also said that her “source of technology is Shahid Kapoor and his music”.

As far as technology is con-

cerned, the selfie culture is one of the outcomes of it. And Alia and Shahid have been regularly posting selfies on their social networking profiles as a countdown to their film’s release on Thursday.

Katrina Kaif isn’t worried

Shahid said: “But in terms of selfie angle, Alia is very selfish. She requires the correct angle, light is very important for her. She wants an approval for the light.” (Indian Express)

about Ranbir, Deepika’s chemistry in ‘Tamasha’

Actress Katrina Kaif has not asked filmmaker Anurag Basu to fire up her chemistry with rumoured boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor in their upcoming comedy-drama film “Jagga Jasoos”, says her spokesperson.

There were reports that Katrina is said to be worried about Ranbir and his former girlfriend Deepika Padukone’s sizzling chemistry in the forthcoming film “Tamasha”.

“These rumours are clear-

ly someone’s imagination running wild. Though this makes fodder for gossip, it is categorically and entirely untrue. These stories are misleading to the audience and fans in general. Such idle gossip is really avoidable and childish,” Katrina’s spokesperson said in a statement.

Deepika and Ranbir are returning on the silver screen together after a gap of two years with filmmaker Imtiaz Ali’s romantic drama film “Tamasha”, which is slated to release on November 27.

Meanwhile, “Jagga Jasoos”, which is slated to release in June next year, will feature the couple after 2010’s “Raajneeti”. (Indian Express)

Bollywood opening up to married actresses: Lara Dutta

Actress Lara Dutta feels Bollywood filmmakers are now scripting a variety of roles for married heroines including those who have become mothers.

Lara, 37, married Mahesh Bhupathi and has a threeyear-old daughter, Saira.

“Today there is so much work for actresses who are married or have become mothers. Filmmakers have role for everyone today. There are no stereotypical roles,” Lara told PTI.

She would be seen next in Abhishek Kapoor’s “Fitoor”that stars Katrina Kaif and Aditya Roy Kapoor.

The former Miss Universe shares a good equation with the director and hence, she

agreed to be part of the film.

“Gattu (Abhishek) is a good friend. My role is not in the book. It’s a special role. Most

of my scenes are with Aditya and its great working with younger generation.

Lara, who made a comeback of sorts to films with actor friend Akshay Kumar starrer “Singh is Bling”, is elated with the response. “I am glad the film is getting overwhelming response,” she added.

Besides, Lara will also be seen in Ekta Kapoor’s home production film “Azhar”, a biopic based on former Indian cricket player Mohammed Azharuddin.

“I am playing a lawyer in the film and it is too early to talk about my role… my film,” she said. (Indian Express)

John Abraham recuperating from knee injury, to resume shoot in November

Actor John Abraham, who recently suffered a knee injury, would resume shooting next month.

John injured his knee while shooting for “Force 2” in Budapest and is on his way to recovery. The “Madras Cafe” actor, despite being advised a month of bed rest, is working under the

guidance of a physiotherapist, according to a release.

The 42-year-old actor would resume shooting for his next film “Dishoom”, an action drama, in the second week of November in Mumbai. Reportedly, he does not want the “Dishoom” team to reschedule their dates.

“Force 2” is an upcoming thriller film directed by Abhinay Deo of “Delhi Belly” fame and also stars Sonakshi Sinha. The Vipul Shah production is the sequel to the 2011 film “Force”.

“Dishoom” is directed by Rohit Dhawan and stars John and actor Varun Dhawan in lead roles. (Indian Express)

Judy Greer to return for next ‘Planet of Apes’ film

Actress Judy Greer is set to reprise her ape role for “War of the Planet of the Apes”, upcoming eighth instalment of the franchise.

The 40-year-old actress played Cornelia in the previous instalment “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”.

Cornelia is the chimpanzee wife of apes leader Caesar, said The Hollywood Reporter.

Andy Serkis was previously confirmed to return as the chimp leader. Karin Konoval also returns as Maurice, the orangutan with a gentle soul, while Woody Harrelson will play a human villain known as the Colonel.

Filming for the movie began last week with

Matt Reeves returning as director. The helmer marked the beginning of the production by sharing the first photo from the set.

Written by Mark Bomback, the movie is slated to arrive in the US on July 14, 2017. Plot details are still kept under

tight wraps.

“War for the Planet of the Apes” is the third film in the reboot franchise, which started with “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” in 2011.

The first movie in the original franchise was “Planet of the Apes” in 1968. (Indian Express)

Ireland Baldwin gets tattoo in father Alec’s honour

Model Ireland Baldwin has got the French word “Écureuil”, mean -

ing squirrel, inked on her wrist as a tribute to her famous father Alec Baldwin.

The 19-year-old model has nicknamed Alec, 57, “squirrel” and, as a tribute to him, had the French version of the word on her wrist at West 4 Tattoo in New York City over the weekend, according to the New York Post.

This is not the first time Ireland has got a tattoo as she and her cousin Hailey, 18, got matching inkings earlier this year when they had “Baldwin” etched on their middle fingers. (Indian Express)

Eddie Murphy receives top US humor prize at Kennedy Center

Astar-studded lineup of comedians including Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, George Lopez, Kathy Griffin and Arsenio Hall honored Eddie Murphy on Sunday as an “American icon.” The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts presented the comedian with the Mark Twain Prize, the nation’s top prize for humor. The evening’s most emotional tribute came from “Saturday Night Live” alum Tracy Morgan, who received a standing ovation from the audience. He called Murphy his “comedic hero.”

I don’t want a politician’s life: George Clooney

Hollywood superstar George Clooney has ruled out a run for public office insisting he wouldn’t want a politician’s life.

The Oscar-winning actor has been involved in politics for years and currently fronts a Sudan action campaign. Many fans believe his marriage to top human rights lawyer, Amal Alamuddin, will prompt Clooney to take a more serious interest in global and national affairs, but the movie star has no interest in becoming a

state senator, reported People magazine.

“I’ve been asked about that for almost 20 years now. The answer is just no. I mean who would ever wanna live like that? “I’m friends with a lot of those guys and I just think it’s hell.

I commend people who go into public service, because it’s just such a horrible way to get elected. It’s such a horrible time while you’re in office. No, I wouldn’t want to be in politics; I have no interest in it.”

(Indian Express)

Kate Winslet bans computers at home

Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet feels computers distract children at home and has banned them from her house.

The “Steve Jobs” actress has imposed strict rules about the use of electronics in the family home and does not let her children, Mia, 14, Joe, 11, and 22-monthold Bear anywhere near laptops, desktop computers or smart tablet devices, reported Female First.

“They (the children) don’t have computers because we don’t really do that in my house. You have to be a bit careful with that stuff with children because then they can become addicted to it like we all are.

“I want them to be kids but it’s a hard fight when they say ‘But so and so’s got one, why can’t I have one?’. I say ‘well, because you can go and climb that tree instead.’ So it is quite a difficult fight for a parent to fight, but we’re winning,” said Winslet, 40. (Indian Express)

Brad Pitt sports grey hair for ‘War Machine’

HMorgan survived a serious car crash last year that left him in a coma. Morgan said Murphy was the first person to call him on the phone and make him

“He’s the reason I’m in comedy. He’s the reason I have a job. He’s the reason I have a career,” Morgan said. Among the

laugh after the tragic accident that killed a passenger in the limo and seriously injured two others.

other SNL alumni who paid tribute to Murphy were Jay Pharoah, Kevin Nealon and Joe Piscopo. (Indian Express)

ollywood star Brad Pitt was seen sporting grey hair on the sets of his new film, “War Machine”. Pitt, 51, was seen in a rugged soldier look, wearing grey army camos and combat boots to add to his new hair, reported E! online.

Netflix’s satirical comedy is inspired by Michael Hastings’ memoir “The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan”.

The “Fury” actor will reportedly play the character based on Stanley McChrystal, the contro-

versial general who commanded US armed forces in Afghanistan. (Indian Express)

Gemma Arterton has been set to star in actress Catherine Shepherd’s directorial debut “Like A Virgin”. Kate Ogborn produces the feature project, reported Deadline.

The story follows the character of Mary, who is visited by the Angel Gabriel while off her head following a night out. Gabriel tells her that she has been chosen by

God to give birth to the next Messiah. The film looks at what happens when a girl who is not

ready to grow up is chosen to save the world. Shepherd is known to be a multi-talented actress and writer. In addition to acting in the likes of “Paddington”, she has also previously worked on cult Brit comedy faves such as “Peep Show”, “The IT Crowd” and also collaborated with Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse. (Indian Express)

Inter-county softball on this weekend at Everest

By Akeem Greene

The much-anticipated Softball Inter-County Championship will return this weekend and is set to create a hive of activities at the Everest Cricket Club.

The event, which has as title sponsors Parsun Outboard, has many of the large commercial enterprises on board such as Crown Mining, Digicel and Stag Beer. It will allow inter-county softball cricket to return after some 14 years of dormancy.

Tournament organiser Parmanand Persaud said “many sponsors are coming on board and we are much grateful for the support that is being given”. Regal Stationery was the latest business enterprise to pledge its support.

Persaud went on to say that the event was a family-oriented one, which is the reason behind it being primarily held during the day. In addition, the organiser confirmed that several Crown Mining jerseys will be given away.

Regal Stationery & Computer Centre manager Telesha Ousman handing over the sponsorship cheque

The winner will receive Gy$500,000 and a trophy, compliments of the Trophy Stall at Bourda Market. The runner-up will take home a trophy and Gy$300,000 and the losing semi-finalists Gy$100,000 each. The other participating teams will re-

ceive Gy$25,000. The teams will play each other twice with the top four going through to the semi-finals. Games will be played on October 24 and 25. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

CFU Women’s olympiC QUaliFier

Lady Jags to face Puerto Rico on November 18

Guyana will battle Puerto Rico on November 18 in the final round of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Women’s Olympic Qualifier at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago.

According to a press release, the CFU wrote the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), indicating that they were having major challenges in securing a host for the Women’s Olympic qualifiers.

Nevertheless, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation has now agreed to host the Women’s Qualifiers Final Round.

Guyana, Jamaica

and Puerto Rico qualified for the four team playoff by coming out on top of their respective groups.

The Lady Jags, as they are often called, are expected to arrive in Trinidad and Tobago on November 16; a win for Guyana will reward the Lady Jags with a date in the finals on November 20.

In the final round, the four teams will play a single elimination tournament, while the two finalists and the third-place finisher will qualify for the 2016 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship as CFU representatives.

If the Lady Jags finish within the top three, they will face the likes of USA, Canada, Mexico and two representatives from the Central American region.

The Lady Jags clinched their berth into the final round by conquering Group Four that comprised Cuba and St Kitts and Nevis, while Puerto Rico played undefeated against Haiti, Grenada and Aruba in Group One.

Jamaica dominated Group Three which included the Dominican Republic and Dominica. Group Two winners have not yet been decided, since the group is yet to be played.

Debutant stars as West Indies dismiss Sri Lanka for 200

COLOMBO - West Indies left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican celebrated his test debut by capturing four wickets on the opening day of the second test against Sri Lanka at the P Sara Oval today.

Warrican mopped up the Sri Lankan tail to dismiss the home team for 200 after tea after the West Indian pace attack had wreaked havoc on the home team’s top order in the first two sessions.

When play was halted early because of fading light and the threat of rain, West Indies were 17-1 in reply.

Jerome Taylor, who came through a late fitness test after concerns about a groin problem, and skipper Jason Holder each took two wickets as the tourists’ pace and bounce hurt Sri Lanka from the start of play.

Only Milinda Siriwardana, playing in only his second test, made a significant contribution with the bat, top-scoring with a pa-

tient 68 off 111 deliveries.

Taylor inflicted the first wound, striking with the fourth ball of the morning to dismiss Kaushal Silva, caught behind for a duck, after the tourists successfully reviewed the not-out decision of the umpires.

Opener Dimuth Karunaratne (13) was next to go in the 10th over after Holder trapped him leg before with an angled delivery from around the wicket, which the Sri Lankan failed to overturn after asking for a review.

Debutant Kusal Mendis followed three balls later after another successful review by the West Indies, leaving the hosts teetering on 34-3. The 20-year-old batsman, starting ahead of out-of-form Lahiru Thirimanne, wafted at a delivery from Kemar Roach to go for 13. Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews (14) then fell just before the lunch break when he edged a Holder delivery to Kraigg Brathwaite at second slip, which again required television replays before the decision was ratified.

The 23-year-old Warrican picked up his first test wicket before tea when he caught and bowled Kusal Perera for 16 then returned after the break to dismiss Siriwardana, Dhammika Prasad and finally Nuwan Pradeep.

West Indies lost opener Shai Hope in the first over, trapped lbw by Prasad for four, but survived to stumps without any additional casualties.

The lady Jags will aim to make the 2016 CONCaCaF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship as CFu representatives

Jomel Warrican

Garnett hoping for greater exposure in Stag Elite League

By Akeem Greene

Twenty-one-year-old Kwadjo Garnett of Buxton United Football Club is hoping for an excellent showing in the ongoing Stag Elite League as he seeks to press for a place in the Guyana Under-23 football team.

Garnett was in high praise of the tournament, saying “the tournament is a great initiative not only for my personal development as a footballer, but football as a whole in Guyana.” The footballer believes that the League will give the exposure needed for persons to recognise his talent.

However, he explained that, “I don’t believe me scoring a few goals will make everyone remember my name; what is more important is that I play a complete game, and help lead my team to victory; produce performances that will be memorable.”

Garnett further posited that keeping high fitness levels is vital since, for the first time, he is exposed to a prolonged period of football.

When quizzed about the possibility of a contractual signing sometime in the near future by some local club, the young man responded, “it would be great to receive remuneration for playing a game that I love, as it is another incentive to succeed, but I have to put

in the work to make persons want me at their team; I have to show I am team player.”

Garnett is no stranger to the big stage as he has been playing National League football since 2012 and was a part of the Buxton United team that won the Kashif and Shanghai tournament in 2013. That was an outstanding year for the young man as he also became one of Giftland’s Ambassadors.

In his appearances so far in the ongoing competition, he looked a bright prospect for Guyana’s football. Playing mainly as a centre forward, Garnett has already scored in one match and made an assist in another, which helped his side come out victorious on both occasions.

Garnett has been playing football for 11 years now at the Buxton United and has appearances for the East Coast Under-15, Under-19 and Under–21 sides.

The former Mae’s and Bishops’ High School student, who played many of the school tournaments, and would usually be a step ahead of his peers with his nimbleness with the ball, revealed that during the selection of the National Under-15 team, he had to put football on the backburner due to commitments at school.

Now a final year University of Guyana student in Business Management, Garnett believes that discipline is key when it comes to balancing sport and academics.

On the footballer he admires the most; Garnett said he is a Wayne Rooney fan.

“…because he is a team player, he looks to get on the ball a lot and plays both forward and defensively; that is how I like play to my game,” he explained.

The son of Dexter “Bushman” Garnett, the young footballer expressed his gratitude for the support given by his family and friends as he continues to build his promising football career.

For such a young player, his demeanour and composure on the football field certainly indicates that he has the pedigree to become a national star. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

Brilliant Taylor hands Windies crushing win

GROS ISLET, St

Lucia – Captain

Stafanie Taylor completed a brilliant allround performance by picking up three wickets, as West Indies Women crushed Pakistan Women by 109 runs in the third One-Day International to take a 2-1 lead in the fourthmatch series here yesterday. Chasing an imposing 282 for victory at the Beausejour Cricket Stadium, Pakistan Women were reduced to 172 for nine off their 50 overs, with off-spinner Taylor claiming three for 26.

Seamer Shamilia Connell (2-28) and off-spinner Hayley Matthews (2-32) both finished with two wickets apiece to help cripple the Pakistani innings.

Only Javeria Khan, with an unbeaten 73 off

127 balls, managed to make it past 20 and was one of only four batsmen in double figures.

Pakistan Women had a terrible start, losing both openers with just 19 runs on the board in the fifth over and never really recovered.

Javeria Khan put on 32 for the third wick-

Local, foreign teams to face off on November 20-22

Top local and foreign club teams will trade skills on November 20-22 when the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) stages the fifth annual Tradewind Tankers International volleyball tournament at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

The invitational club tournament will take on an international flavour for the third year in succession, with three overseas teams so far confirmed to participate over the three days.

President of the GVF, John Flores, on Wednesday revealed that male and female club teams from Suriname, French Guiana and Trinidad and Tobago have confirmed their participation, while a team from Brazil should also be coming.

As the host nation, Guyana has the luxury of entering two teams in the male category, and according to Flores, a Berbice all-star team and

one from Demerara will represent the country. A Guyana all-star team will compete in the female category.

Flores said the GVF will use the tournament as much as possible to expose the local talents, especially those who did not make the cut for the male team that recently competed in the South American Championship in Macieo, Brazil. He noted that the two male teams will be selected after inter-club tournaments in the respective county in the coming weeks.

At the official launch on Wednesday, Flores and his team of executives also received the sponsorship cheque from representatives of Tradewind Tankers, the shipping company for the Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil).

Operations Manager of Guyoil and former national player, Reggie Bhagwandin, said the company was pleased to once again support the tournament.

Banks DIH RugBy 7s

GDF exact revenge, dethrone UG Wolves

et with Nain Abidi (18) and a further 42 for the fourth wicket with Aliya Riaz (17), as Pakistan reached 93 for three at the half-way stage before losing their way.

Earlier, Taylor agonisingly missed out on her sixth One-Day International hundred as West Indies Women piled up 281 for five after they were sent in.

The right-handed Taylor finished on 98 not out, facing 117 deliveries and striking six fours.

She was given great support by former captain, Merissa Aguilleira, who stroked 68 from 90 balls, to record her second half-century in three innings.

Kyshona Knight chipped in with a brisk 45 off 40 deliveries while opener Matthews struck a breezy 35 from 34 balls. (CMC)

By TreisTon Joseph

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rugby squad held off the University of Guyana (UG) Wolves 17-14 to win the Banks DIH Sevens rugby tournament on Sunday at the UG’s rugby field.

It was a reversal of fortunes as well as sweet revenge for the GDF men after they were unseated as champions last Sunday in the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) sevens tournament.

With UG being the defending champions of the Banks DIH sevens, the GDF men celebrated the spoils of war behind an MVP performance by Avery Corbin.

Corbin scored two tries in the final for GDF for a total of six in the tournament. Dwayne Schroeder scored the lone conversion for the GDF squad in the final.

A Lance Adonis try and two conversions along with an Owen Adonis try was not enough to fend off the attack of the military men.

Captain of the GDF squad Patrick King, who is also a national quarter-miler, highlighted the importance of the victory.

“It was a great victory knowing that we lost last week… this was a big victory for us, because this is a bigger tournament than the one last week. We went back to the drawing board and everyone wanted it. It was sweet revenge,” King noted. Rugby action continues next week with the hosting of a School’s Tournament.

The GDF men celebrate their victory in the presence of Director of Sport Christopher Jones as well as GRFU and Banks DIH officials. (Treiston Joseph photo)

Kwadjo Garnett

GVF Treasurer leota langford (third right) receives the cheque from managing Director (ag) of Guyoil, Lesly Benjamin, in the presence of GVF and Guyoil officials

Captain Stafanie Taylor

What will the Guyana selectors come up with …Asks Rajiv Bisnauth

With the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) cut-off time for the submission of each franchise team for the second edition of the Professional Cricket League (PCL) just days away, the national senior selectors will soon sit to name Guyana’s squad, at least for the first three games.

The PCL commences on November 6, and Guyana Jaguars, the defending champions, will play their first three games at home. They will play the Windward Islands Volcanoes in their opening round, before taking on Leeward Islands Hurricanes from November 13 to 16 and Barbados Pride from November 20 to 23.

The Jaguars will then play hosts Trinidad and Tobago Red Force from December 4 to 7, and Jamaica Scorpions from December 11 to 14 in the other two rounds before the tournament break to facilitate the Nagico Super50 Tournament.

The selectors have a pool of 30 players from which a final 13-man squad will be chosen. They have the 15 contracted players: Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Paul Wintz, Raymon Reifer, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shimron Hetymer, Ronsford Beaton, Keon Joseph, Assad Fudadin, Rajendra Chandrika, Vishual Singh, Javon Searles and Kandasammy Surujnarine, but those players are not au-

tomatic choices.

They also have at their disposal the players who have earned Academy Contracts from Cricket Guy Inc.

Those players are: Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Adams, Raun Johnson, Kemo Paul, Raj Nannan, Steven Sankar, Robin Bacchus, Kemol Savory, Kevon Boodie, Dexter Solomon, Steven Jacobs, Tevin Imlach and Akshaya Persaud, while veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Leon Johnson complete the pool of 30 players.

There was no inter-county tournament, but the players were involved in intense training for the past four months as well as a four-day practice game last week.

National Selectors Chairman and former Guyana fast bowler Rayon Griffith had told Guyana Times International Sport recently that “players’ commitment” would be the key criterion for selection.

Griffith also disclosed that the selectors will also look at attitude, fitness and, of course, performance. The biggest headache for the selectors could be the bowling lineup and the keeper, since the batting line-up looks relatively straight forward.

Rajendra Chandrika, who will return from Sri Lanka in time for the opening round, and West Indies reject Assad Fudadin are sure picks to open, but the problem could be finding a position for the talented Shimron Hetymer, who stroked consecutive half-cen-

turies in the practice game.

With another West Indies reject Leon Johnson, who will captain the side, the availability of Shiv Chanderpaul and the in-form Vishual Singh, the number 4, 5 and 6 spots are secure.

Christopher Barnwell has plenty of talent, but his inabil-

UG Inter-FacUlty BasketBall…

ity to dominate at the regional level could see his career being put on hold. Barbadian Raymon Reifer is expected to fill Barnwell’s position as the all-rounder.

Anthony Bramble still remains the best of the keepers in contention, but his position is somewhat at midpoint with

the emerging talent of Kevon Boodie, who seems to have become a compact batsman without sacrificing his natural aggressive style.

The biggest headache for the selectors could be the pacers and spinners. With the absent of leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul could be the only specialist spinner picked in Guyana’s starting XI.

However, due to the placid spin-friendly pitches in Guyana, it will be interesting to see if the selectors include another spinner. They have at their disposal, left-arm spinners Motie, Adams and Persaud, leg-spinner Sankar and off-spinner Jacobs.

The fast bowling department could be another area of concern. With Barbadian Searles being an automatic choice in the starting XI, the other fast bowling spot could be occupied by the genuinely quick Ronsford Beaton, Raun Johnson and Keon Joseph.

It will be interesting to see what the selectors come up with as Guyana hope to defend the title they won earlier this year.

Probable Guyana 13man squad: Leon Johnson (Captain); Rajendra Chandrika; Shimron Hetymer; Assad Fudadin; Shivnarine Chanderpaul; Vishual Singh; Anthony Bramble; Raymon Reifer; Veerasammy Permaul; Javon Searles; Raun Johnson; Ronsford Beaton and Keon Joseph. (rajiv@guyanatimesgy.com)

Technology repeat as champions

B y T reis T on J oseph

The Faculty of Technology outplayed Social Sciences for a comfortable 77-64 win in the final of the University of Guyana InterFaculty Basketball Championship on

Sunday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. While the scoreline may suggest an easy game, Social Sciences played a very physical brand of basketball giving Technology a run for their money early in the game.

However, a 7-0 run late in the third quarter would allow Technology to open up an 11-point lead. Nevertheless, Social Sciences kept fighting with a 6-0 run to bring the game down to a five-point equation before run -

ning out of steam and giving up the fight with unnecessary turnovers.

National star

Akeem “The Dream” Kanhai led the way for Technology with a team-high 18 points while Yoel Meusa had 17 points. Colwick Benjamin also had 16 points, while Kitfai had dropped 15 points in the all-round effort by Technology. Sheldon Howell was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points, while Geoffrey LaRose had 12 points for the losing side. Meanwhile, The School of Agriculture won the third place spot via walkover against UG’s Staff team. (josepht@guyanatimesgy.com)

The winning Technology team pose after the final on Sunday (Treiston Joseph photos)

Akeem “The Dream” Kanhai goes for a lay-up

Veerasammy Permaul