Guyana Times International

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You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com ISSUE NO. 278

WEEK ENDING January 17, 2016

PPP officials questioned in controversial NICIL probe See story on page 8

…express fear of being under police surveillance Guyana could tap into project funding from Kuwait

Page 38

Celebrated U.S.based author proud of Guyanese heritage See feature on page 30

President David Granger on Wednesday received Letters of Credence from the State of Kuwait’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Guyana, H. E. Ayadah M. Alsaidi, at the Ministry of the Presidency in Georgetown.

Abiola Abrams

Guyana’s suicide rate reaches alarming levels

Page 14

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NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Wireless link between Harbour Bridge and GPF will help boost crime fight A

significant step in the fight against crime was taken today, January 14, 2016, when the Demerara Harbour Bridge Company, under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, commissioned its wireless link with the Criminal Investigation Department of the Guyana Police Force.

The commissioning took place at the CID Lab, Eve Leary during a simple ceremony which saw the attendance of Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson; Minister within the Ministry, Annette Ferguson; and General Manager of DHBC, Rawlston Adams. Also present were senior representatives of the GPF, including Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud, and Crime Chief, Wendell

A police officer demonstrates the police’s live feed of Georgetown

Blanhum.

According to Mr. Adams, the establishment of a wireless link with the Police Force was one that had been in the works for more than a year. He said that he

had been approached by Superintendent Phillip Azore in 2014 to extend the Demerara Harbour Bridge’s feed. In 2015, Azore’s idea was initiated and work began on the project in 2015. By early

December 2015, the project was completed.

The project saw the erection of a 100ft tower at Eve Leary which links the bodies. This tower, Mr. Adams added, was installed in November 2015.

According to Minister Patterson, the partnership between DHBC and GPF was a laudable one. He shared that about $3M was invested by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure towards the wireless link. He stressed that the partnership was one which aimed to make Guyana safer and also to provide a better and safer traffic experience for all road users.

Minister Patterson further said that the Ministry is willing to do whatever it takes to better the lives of Guyanese and will be looking to better its partnership with the Police Force in other ways.

Meanwhile, Crime Chief Blanhum deemed the commissioning a “small yet significant” move. He said that the wireless link would allow live access to camer-

as strategically placed on both ends of the Demerara Harbour Bridge. He explained that, thus far, the police would have recorded successes thanks to the use of DHBC’s footage.

Mr. Blanhum further expressed hope that the Police Force’s partnership with DHBC would be a continued one and he thanked Mr. Adams for the support given over the years.

Additionally, Commissioner Persaud said that the wireless link went beyond the monitoring of crime; the feed, he said, would also aid the police in its traffic monitoring and traffic control.

“This all might appear simple but this is significant for us. We’re very grateful for the assistance provided here,” Persaud stressed.

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International

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EDITORIAL

The SOCU Saga Going after Dr Ashni Singh W is a political vendetta

ith calls for an official inquiry into the tragic denouement to the high-speed chase on behalf of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) that ended in the death of three persons showing no signs of a let-up, the administration cannot continue with their stonewalling. The Guyana Police Force, of which SOCU is a unit, cannot bear the sole responsibility of investigating itself.

There is firstly the matter of the remit of SOCU, and why was it deployed on a NICIL investigation. In mid-November 2013 at the announcement of Cabinet’s formation of SOCU, Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon stated this succinctly, “SOCU is intended to be Guyana’s response to its treaty obligations to investigate suspicious financial transactions that are suggestive of money laundering. SOCU’s creation is in response to non-parliamentary recommendations from Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).”

Luncheon stated that the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) – the body statutorily charged with monitoring the financial sector, would compile information on suspicious financial transactions and make it available to the SOCU. “SOCU, armed with the information, will then conduct investigations to establish whether these transactions are indeed money laundering transactions or financing terrorism transactions”, concluded Dr Luncheon.

From the scanty scraps of information released by officialdom in the security forces and not refuted by anyone in government, a GDF intelligence officer Robert Pyle was seconded to SOCU and was keeping tabs on what he thought was the home of Winston Brassington. The latter was the Chief Executive Officer of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) who had been extensively in the news during the past months on account of a “forensic audit” on his corporation that was conducted by Anand Goolsarran, on behalf of the government.

The audit was selectively leaked to the press even before it was presented to Brassington or the NICIL board, but at no time was it even hinted that there was any “money laundering or the financing of terrorism” of Brassington. The Kaieteur News however began a campaign for the head of the NICIL PRO. On 18 October 2015 it reported ‘Forensic audit recommends criminal charges against Brassington – Minister Sharma’. At that time the draft audit had only been presented to Brassington two weeks before for his response.

On 12 December KN trumpeted, “Brassington engaged criminal companies for Marriott construction – Goolsarran”.

On 19 December, quoting commentator Ramon Gaskin, it claimed, “Despite damning revelations on Winston Brassington’s corrupt acts…

Coalition Govt pussyfooting on prosecution”. On the same day, it quoted Orrin Gordon, Region 10’s IMC Chairman: “Brassington must be jailed for his treachery.”

On 21 December the KN went all the way: “Cabinet top brass wants Brassington prosecuted… But says “Minister Jordan should have instituted sanctions by now.” And elaborated, “They indicated that his “acts of corruption against the nation just can’t be pardoned. Cabinet reportedly added “we support Government taking the relevant steps towards ensuring that he does the time for the crime committed.”

The following day, 22 December, Brassington responded by pointing out his detailed line by line riposte to Goolsarran’s report had not been included in the final report and maintained he would be willing to stand before the courts since he had done nothing “illegal”.

And on the same day, 22 December, the KN ran: “Corruption in Public Office… Brassington and others should be charged without delay – Robert Badal”.

The very next day, Minister of the Presidency Joseph Harmon announced that another “deeper” audit – by Auditor General office was to be conducted on NICIL and Brassington was sent “on administrative leave”. He also said that Goolsarran’s report was “being forwarded to the Commissioner of Police and the SOCU”.

“In cabinet’s view there is sufficient information provided in the report to the agencies for them to explore further and basically for them to dig deeper,” he warned.

On 30 December, the presumably “deeper digging” by Pyle ended in tragedy. Guyanese need to know why SOCU was sic’d on Brassington.

Catching fish in Guyana: Photo by Girendra Persaud.

Dear Editor, Minister Khemraj Ramjattan is reported to have stated he is going after former Finance Minister Ashni Singh over the release of some Gy$4.5 billion that was used for various Government projects.

The Minister transferred the State funds for public use in his capacity as a Minister without parliamentary approval. In New York, my AFC friends told me that their party’s leadership promised them that criminal charges will be filed against Dr Singh for spending money without parliamentary approval.

In fact, right after the APNU/AFC was sworn in last May, AFC spokespersons in NY stated they intended to criminally prosecute Dr Singh for spending money not approved

by Parliament. That is a political vendetta.

Minister Ramjattan, as a lawyer, and AFC (as well as APNU) political activists ought to know that a Minister carrying out his role in an official capacity (even without approval) cannot be held criminally culpable for what are considered “political acts” especially when such actions were approved by the Court and when they were also directed by the Minister’s boss, the President, and the Cabinet to which the Minister officially reports.

Minister Ramjattan and activists of the ruling coalition appear not to understand parliamentary rules of governance as they are confusing criminal behaviour and parliamentary procedural actions.

Violating parliamentary protocols is not necessarily a criminal act.

As a post-graduate student of (comparative and international) politics, I can confidently state without fear of contradiction that a government or a minister cannot and should not spend money not approved by Parliament unless under extreme (life and death) emergency conditions (called doctrine of necessity in political science) and even so, there is a limited period of time of unapproved

budgeting.

Parliamentary convention calls for sanctions (with rare exception) of a government or minister that violates such a rule. A parliamentary apology or act of contrition can result in the body not applying sanction which can take the form of a no-confidence motion (dismissal of the Minister or the Government) or a temporary suspension (for a period of up to the rest of the sitting).

Egregious violations can lead to expulsion from the House.

Dr Singh’s action falls under “unappropriated expenditure” of funds and is a violation of parliamentary ethics or rules. But the High Court, under Justice Ian Chang’s ruling, forbade punishment, authorising the expenditure. Dr Singh claimed he acted (transferring the funds) based on his interpretation of Justice Chang’s ruling: Chang authorised the expenditure. There is no doubt that Dr Singh violated parliamentary rules. However, the Minister cannot be brought on criminal charges for violating the parliamentary rule because he claims the Court instructed him to do so. To not do so would have been in contempt of court.

My AFC friends feel if nothing else, Dr Singh should be charged for arrogantly spending State money. Arrogance is not a criminal act. If it were so, then more than half of Guyana, indeed almost all the politicians, including almost all AFC, APNU and PPP politicians, would be in jail. I never experienced arrogance from Dr Singh in my several encounters with him in Guyana and in the Diaspora. He displayed utmost respect for me, my polling and my public-spirited work on behalf of Guyana and the Diaspora.

As best as I understand parliamentary rules and conventions, Dr Singh was not in contravention of parliamentary rules as per the court ruling (I disagree with the court ruling). Former Speaker Ralph Ramkarran may wish to give his views on the matter. If a minister misuses public funds

for private gain, then criminal charges can be filed against him and such acts have occurred in the Commonwealth.

On this point, I wish to note that the indefatigable anti-corruption crusader Ramesh Maharaj, the former Attorney General of Trinidad, is of the view that a public official can be criminally prosecuted if he misspends public money. But in Dr Singh’s case, he did not misuse State’s funds. Dr Singh transferred money from one account into another without parliamentary approval, but with authorisation from the Court, the President and the Cabinet.

Thus, Dr Singh feels (and I agree) he did not violate parliamentary rules. He could not be sanctioned by Parliament and in fact, the Parliament tried to sanction him, but subsequently backed down. At any rate, the Singh matter has passed its political shelf life: sanctioning takes place within the life of the sitting of the body (not after its term has expired).

If Dr Singh or any other politician violated criminal statues, then they should be prosecuted and several of them have done so since June, including spying on Indian political activists and those not supportive of the Government.

AFC and APNU activists must not mix up political and criminal acts. Dr Singh’s action was political, not criminal. Seeking political revenge, as AFC-APNU politicians have signalled by their actions, under the guise of criminal violations, is unacceptable. It is an abuse of process, setting a bad precedent that could turn back to hurt APNU-AFC politicians.

Ramjattan needs to differentiate his roles of a lawyer and a politician (Minister) and he ought to know that the court will not support his planned action or advocacy of criminal action against a Minister who acted as per the instruction of the Court and his President, as well as the Cabinet. Going after Dr Singh is a political vendetta.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 5

Venezuela Opposition seeks to unblock congressional deadlock 80 reported cases confirmed – Dr Karen Cummings Gastro outbreak in Region One

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ARACAS – According to a Reuters report, three Venezuelan opposition lawmakers gave up their seats yesterday to try to defuse an acrimonious power dispute between President Nicolas Maduro’s government and the newly opposition-led National Assembly.

V e n e z u e l a ’ s Supreme Court had barred the three – plus a government legislator – from office pending a probe into alleged vote cheating in their jungle state Amazonas.

But the opposition, which won control of the legislature in December’s elections for the first time in 17 years of socialist rule, defiantly swore the three in anyway.

However, in a reluctant U-turn cheered by government lawmakers as a “victory for the people,” the opposition majority approved yesterday a letter from the three asking to leave the legislature pending resolution of the election dispute.

The Supreme Court, which almost always rules in favour of the government, had said congressional decisions would be null until the

swearing-in of the three was overturned.

“We completely reject that ruling,” the letter said. However, by leaving, “we help free parliament from the institutional ambush they (the government) want to lead it into.”

The opposition’s victory in the December vote gave them a longsought power-base to take aim at Maduro, who succeeded late president Hugo Chavez, and try to undermine his grip on the OPEC nation of 29 million people Days before the opposition took over the legislature last week, the outgoing governmentcontrolled congress named 13 new magistrates to the 32-judge Supreme Court.

Critics saw that as a cynical ploy to ensure the government would win any constitutional clashes.

Earlier yesterday, the three opposition legislators and dozens of supporters protested outside the Supreme Court.

Illustrating the tensions, tomatoes and a firework were hurled at people walking into congress by a group of redshirted bystanders who

appeared to be government supporters, witnesses and some local media said.

The opposition argues that even without its barred legislators, it still has a two-thirds super majority that will enable it to, for example, fire ministers.

Without the four barred legislators, the opposition has 109 seats to the government’s 54.

So the opposition would have two thirds of an effective sitting total of 163 seats.

The government, though, is likely to argue that based on the chamber’s total capacity of 167 seats, the opposition will have less than a two-thirds majority.

In addition to the move to defuse the dispute over the legislators, there was a rare sign of rapprochement in news that National Assembly president Henry Ramos twice talked by phone with Maduro’s new vice president, Aristobulo Isturiz, this week.

Many Venezuelans want dialogue so leaders on both sides can focus on the country’s economic crisis: a deep recession, runaway inflation and shortages of basics. (Excerpts from Reuters)

By Shemuel Fanfair

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he numbers in the gastroenteritis outbreak situation are continuing to climb. Junior Public Health Minister Dr Karen Cummings confirmed that the number of reported cases has risen to 80.

Dr Cummings, through Government Information Agency (GINA), said: “There is a technical team on the ground, assessing the situation and working to keep it under control.”

This team, it has been said, “comprises one doctor, one Medex and one Environmental Health Officer.”

This newspaper was told that the outbreak is not necessarily from one community but from over “20 satellite communities” connected to the Baramita area in the North West District.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Wednesday evening, Public Health Minister Dr George Norton said health officials are having difficulty encouraging residents to take the ‘hydration solution.’ This is due to the fact that many have said they were not feeling dehydrated.

Dr Norton explained

Junior Public Health Minister Dr Karen Cummings

that though there was swift mobilisation, “healthcare givers” in the area seemed to believe they could manage the situation. “One of our first efforts was to send down a team immediately but the medics and the doctors on the ground [were] saying there’s no need for that, they have it under control,” Dr Norton said.

Though the number of cases has increased, Dr Norton feels that everything is being done to combat the issue. He stated, “I personally would think so… any death is one too many. I still think that it is not a situation that we had in the years gone by… five hundred and something were infected where a large number of children died.

Efforts were made to keep the media out. No, we own up to the fact that the outbreak was there but we have it under control.

We are sending up the Regional Health Officer tomorrow… not necessarily Baramita alone but in other areas,” the Public Health Minister stated.

Former health minister and Opposition MP Dr Bheri Ramsarran called for two resident doctors to be stationed in Baramita.

“There are many doctors who are trained, some should be deployed out of Georgetown to go urgently to deal with that problem,” he related on Wednesday.

Some symptoms of gastroenteritis include fever, vomiting and diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

This year’s outbreak has already taken the life of one child.

Dr Norton had earlier revealed to Guyana Times that he was aware of five new cases and that they are being monitored and are “coping well.”

“We are in communication with our health officers there on the ground including the doctor, the medic, the environmental officer,” Dr Norton had stressed.

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Who is going to bury Community Policing Group the “hatchet” first? is everyone’s business Dear Editor, I speak for most Guyanese when I appeal for unity in our beloved country. But if most of us want unity, why is the line on unity not yet mended?

At least we need a starting point and I would like to suggest we start from the promises made by APNU/AFC and PPP/C during the last elections.

On the campaign trail the current government promised a new start, to turn a new page and move forward. A very progressive and promising message that implied one important and game changing act; and that is for this government to leave the past behind and bury the hatchet. Not in words but in action and as the captain of the ship, they are also responsible for making the first move towards unity.

The PPP/C campaigned on their successes and accomplishments that came to Guyana under their rule and felt that they were the best choice to take Guyana forward. However, they failed to see and acknowledge the resentment being built up against the party because of the behaviour of a few over the many. Now the PPP/C is the opposition and they too have to find a way to mend that line for unity.

The Government is faced with the challenge to prove their leadership prowess and ability to balance the past with the future and make the right decisions for us. If PM Nagamootoo is representing

the government on unity talks, he must understand that unity very rarely comes through just talks, but it requires a genuine and persuasive approach that ironically, have very little to do with politics.

As an example, I am constantly attacked for being an activist in politics; however I do get mostly positive support for my views and fresh perspectives. But to those who sling their abuse at me, I am not angry or hate them for it, because they are my brothers and sisters too and it is important for me to embrace the hate as much as I embrace the love. This is the role of leaders; our job is to find balance and achieve successes from conflict or peace.

My suggestion to both leaders of government and opposition is that they first work on reducing the level of hatred and contempt in their own camps first. You cannot get unity if you are feeding off of the hate of your followers.

Secondly the PM has to ensure his government no longer justifies their bad decisions and practices by claiming the PPP/C “was worse”. This is the opposite of unity and it is a non-starter.

I would be the first willing to support any genuine initiative that is truly aimed towards unity and progress for Guyana, such as LGE. Sincerely, Malcolm Watkins

We need to do much more to prevent suicides in Guyana Dear Editor, With suicide becoming more prevalent in our society, it must be clear that we need to do much more towards its prevention. I now think that, because teenagers form the largest group of victims of this terrible scourge, it is time for all our young people to ask themselves what they can do to stop their fellow teens from even considering it as a solution to any problem they may encounter.

It is a fact that every problem, no matter how unsolvable it may appear on the surface, has a solution that will not only improve the condition of the person involved, but will actually make him stronger to deal with even greater problems in the future.. I believe that if every person contemplating ending his life is convinced of this one fact, then they will stop and search for a real way out of their troubles, either by themselves or by seeking help from those who are qualified to offer such.

I am, therefore, suggesting that we

should start a movement among the senior students of our schools to come together and form groups that can meet and discuss how they can spread the word of this to as many of their colleagues as possible. Along with this, students can be advised on what to look for in those with whom they come into contact who may be contemplating suicide, and also what help they can offer to these unfortunates to get the necessary counselling to prevent them from proceeding further in their self-destructive thinking.

Such a movement, to my mind, can be formed either in every school or within a group of schools in a community.

I hope that those in authority, either in the schools, communities, or in the Ministry of Education, can see the wisdom of this strategy and move to get it implemented soon.

Yours sincerely, Roy Paul

New writers left in the shadows Dear Editor, The winners of the Guyana Prize for Literature have been awarded and applauded but writers who did not win have not been mentioned; they have been left in the shadows in the background. Should that be?

As an avid reader, I’m sure their work is also good for reading. A suggestion, if I may, to publish the names of the writers who submitted their works in the different categories and the title of their submissions New talents have been emerging, breaking new grounds, opening a whole new world of impressive writing, the modernity, living issues, socially and culturally, yet there are still old writers on the scene, scholars and intellectuals, long established, who have won many prizes, entering the Guyana Prize and suffocating new writers.

Opportunities are not abound in Guyana for writers and certainly not the money but the pens of our local writers have been opening doors in the literary world, so they deserve to be appreciated for their work Winning the Guyana Prize is a great achievement but is not the biggest prize.

The biggest prize a writer can win, is the fans whose interest have been captured, who are awed and mesmerized by the different genres of stories that flow from the writer’s pen, an endless flow.

A writer whose work is deeply appreciated, who is so adored by fans, he/she has gained a celebrity status, is a winner.

But the judges continue to find favour with the established intellectuals.

Yours Sincerely, Madhu Singh

Dear Editor, The security and first line of defence of a family are the very members of that family, buffered by the culture and individual and collective consciousness of that unit. In fact, history tells us that as far back as 3000 BC, the head of a family was also the head of the security arrangement in that family and all able-bodied members of the family were its defenders.

The same holds good for any organisation: club, business, church, etc.

In some countries “Neighbourhood Watch”, comprising residents within laid-out wards, are in place and serve as the “eyes and ears” of that ward as it relates to criminal and/or other activities which threaten the wellbeing of the ward and, by extension, the wider community.

This thinking was the premise on which late Commissioner of Police Henry Fraser introduced the formal Community Policing movement in Guyana in 1976. Community Policing in Guyana had relevance in 1976, it has relevance today and it will have relevance 20 years from now.

Sadly, whether because of malaise on the part of residents in communities, resistance from certain formal law enforcement agencies, incompetence by support agencies/personnel, or all of these, the community policing movement in our Nation is struggling.

Perhaps the foremost impediment is

the community itself.

Did it have to take the recent gruesome murders at Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice, for some residents to suggest the “re-formation of the Policing Group” in the community? Isn’t this locking the gate after the horse has left the stable? I am reminded of an adage coined by a Life Insurance salesman: Not many wives like life insurance, but all widows do. Community policing is a kind of indirect life insurance.

With all the resources being made available to community policing by the past and current administrations, why has the movement not evidenced greater traction in communities? My own experience advises that it is easier to find residents willing to break the law than to find leaders willing to lead a good cause. And when the rarity occurs, those willing to give it a shot are quickly stigmatised by the very communities they are trying to protect.

This is Guyana’s reality, a reality where the many lack the fortitude to deter the few from terrorising the many – in our neighbourhoods, in our communities and in our country. We want somebody else to do it for us.

My appeal to fellow Guyanese: Form Community Policing Groups in your areas and get involved.

You are the first person to defend yourself!

T Jadunauth

It is important to recognise and appreciate the ethnic mosaic in Guyana Dear Editor, I appreciate sentiments expressed in EB John’s letter, “Kanhai was a great Guyanese – not Indo-Guyanese ? cricketer”, (SN 07-01-15). Mr John was responding to Prof Clem Seecharran’s SN news item, “Rohan Kanhai: IndoGuyanese Hero Turns 80” (25-12-15).

Mr John was correct in stating that when Guyanese like Kanhai and Lloyd played cricket for the country or the WI team, we did not see their ethnicity – we saw them as Guyanese cricketers.

Mr John, however, fails to garner that one’s ethnic background is an important frame of reference in many spheres, including sports.

I remember the time when Arthur Ashe was playing for the Wimbledon Cup in the finals in 1975. That was an elated moment for me. For my black office colleague who hardly had any interest in tennis before, she was literally jumping for joy – because Ashe was black! Google any major article on Arthur Ashe and one of the first notables is the reference of being the “first black man” or “first African-American” to win a Grand Slam. Ashe did not play tennis as a Black person, but his race was a significant factor in the back of the minds of many.

After reading Prof Seecharran’s article, I feel that the reference to Kanhai’s ethnicity is appropriate and important in the context of the rhetoric. Seecharran rightly observed, “For Indo-Guyanese, the mastery and international recognition of Rohan Kanhai became central to their identity, fortifying their self-esteem even as their political fortunes slumped from the mid-60s.

His perceived genius would be refracted through the political, necessarily an ethnic Guyanese prism.”

I shall never forget an incident in 1968. My classmate at Annandale High School, Laquat Ali, proudly brought Kanhai’s book, Blasting For Runs, to

our class. He related that he was the first person to borrow that prized book from the Lusignan Community Centre.

Laquat (who tragically became a fatal road statistic about a year later) was the most popular student as fellow students virtually swarmed him to get a peek at the book.

For us, Rohan Kanhai was more than a hero; he was an inspiration, a symbol of hope of ordinary Indian boys in the country. Like my Black office colleague who was ecstatic for Ashe because he was black, young Indo-Guyanese boys were euphoric not only for what Kanhai did and how he did it, but also for who he was.

Even more than Kanhai, Alvin Kallicharran’s achievements were monumental for the Indian people of Guyana.

The latter was playing for the West Indies team at a time when Indians in Guyana were blatantly discriminated against by the government – led by the authoritarian Forbes Burnham.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul, arguably a more accomplished cricketer than both Kansai and Kallicharran, does not have the same aura and significance for Indian Guyanese as Kanhai and Kallicharran did.

It is vogue to celebrate and highlight “African-ness” but when Indo-Guyanese entities are honoured, they are seen as “un-Guyanese”. Indians in Guyana are castigated when they express appreciation for their music, sports and other spheres of accomplishment.

Instead of retreating, Guyanese should be resolved to affirm the varied aspects of the mosaic; instead of castigation, there should be appreciation and celebration with the other!

It is important to recognise and appreciate the ethnic mosaic that is Guyana, and not smother attempts to highlight aspects of this montage.

Yours truly, Devanand Bhagwan

news 7

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

GDF Sergeant Pyle, wife Teenagers charged for brutal given ceremonial send-off Bush Lot double murders

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A section of the large gathering at the funeral service of Sergeant Robert Pyle and his wife Stacy Pyle

he Golden Grove Seventh Day Adventist Church was packed to capacity with family members, friends and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) that turned out to pay their last respects to the late Sergeant Robert Pyle and his wife Stacy Pyle, the couple who died during the botched Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) operation.

Sergeant Pyle and his wife Stacy were laid to rest at the Golden Grove Cemetery, East Coast Demerara on Wednesday, but while their souls may be resting at peace, much controversy still exists over

and their sympathies.

Church member Whitney Peterkin said it is beyond unbelievable that the young couple is no longer with them.

“I can’t overcome it.

It was about 1:30 in the morning and someone called me, crying, to ask me if it’s true and that’s how I know. Their lives have touched not only me, my entire family but the entire church family,” he expressed.

The Pyles, both husband and wife, were deeply devoted to the church, especially Stacy, he said.

“She was like the livewire of the Church.

She believed in prayers.

the parents of both husband and wife because I can imagine how they’d feel,” she expressed.

“He was a young man full of life, and she was a woman full of life too, and their lives were cut short,” she added.

Robert and Stacy were parents to two young children who are completely devastated and confused that their parents are no longer with them.

GDF sergeant Pyle and his wife died tragically following a twovehicle collision on Carifesta Avenue on the evening of December 30.

The incident had gained much media at-

Family members and members of the GDF including GDF Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips

the manner in which they died.

At the house of worship, the church choir sung lustily in an effort to liven up the environment and while others joined in, the pain and sorrow on the faces of close family were all too heartbreaking.

GDF Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips, who attended the sombre funeral service, embraced grieving family as he expressed his deepest condolences.

Speaking to Guyana Times International, several close colleagues of the young couple expressed sorrowfulness

Whenever there was time for a testimony, she would always be the first one. She would also always have a word of encouragement to offer,” Peterkin reflected.

Stacy Pyle was a nurse at Davis Memorial Hospital.

Another colleague Paulette Stephen, said she knew sergeant Pyle since he was a little boy going to school and that the news of his death definitely threw her into a state of shock.

“I am very, very saddened because I have a son who drives and he is in the army too and my parent is crying out for

tention after it was revealed that Sergeant Pyle was at the time involved in a covert operation into National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

Controversy still shrouds the entire process, including inconsistencies as to why the army officer was called out whilst on vacation and why his wife was with him at the time.

Meanwhile, the accident also claimed the life of a third person, Canter driver Linden Eastman.

He was laid to rest on Saturday last.

he two teenagers, who confessed to the murder of a Berbice businessman and his wife, were remanded to prison on Wednesday when they appeared before Magistrate Rhondell Weaver at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court.

Neeman Rafeek, 19, also called ‘Shazam’ of Lot 5 Bush Lot New Housing Scheme and Kokum Madanpaul, 18, also called ‘Clown’ of Lot 175 Block D Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice were not required to plea to the indictable charge.

The police stated that between January 8 and 9, 2016 along with others, they murdered Arthur Rajkumar, 81, and Diane Chamanlall, 44, at Lot 93 A Bush Lot and in the course of a furtherance of a burglary.

The two suspects were unrepresented and did not show any remorse when the charge was read to them by the Magistrate. The two accused will have to return to court on February 3, when the case comes up again for police to present a progress report.

On January 9, police ranks acting on reports went to the home at Bush Lot, and as they ap-

Kokum Madanpaul

proached three men were seen scaling the fence and managed to evade police ranks who gave chase.

Upon checking the house which was ransacked, the ranks found the businessman and his wife with multiple chop wounds about their bodies.

They were taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital where Rajkumar was pronounced dead and Chamanlall succumbed while receiving attention.

It was reported that later in the day, the police arrested Rafeek who was in the process of washing blood off of his clothing. Madanpaul was later arrested. They both claimed they are drug addicts and that they committed the murders.

Initially, they claimed

that they had gone to rob the couple but after getting only $13,000 they became furious and demanded more. It was during this time that the men brutally chopped the couple. They had also confessed to another murder but investigations are ongoing.

However, Rooplall Abrahim, 24, who was arrested on Tuesday evening has also confessed to murder of the businessman and his wife.

According to reports, Abrahim who was acquitted of murdering a 13-year-old school girl when he was 16 years old, also admitted to murdering Anita Baichan, 49, who was bound and burned to death in her Plantation Hope, West Coast Berbice home two Saturdays ago.

Abrahim also called ‘Vijay’ was captured on the No 4 Village, West Berbice foreshore. He was taken to the Fort Wellington Cottage Hospital for a medical checkup before being placed in a cell at the Police lockups.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times Wednesday evening that Abrahim’s file will be sent to Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.v

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Former PM, Govt Ministers, More focus on youths in housing sector – officials questioned in Sharpe-Patterson controversial NICIL probe …express fear of being under police surveillance

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ormer government officials and other new Members of Parliament of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition have become targets of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) as the controversial investigation into the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) continues.

Former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and parliamentarians Gail Teixeira, Irfaan Ali and Nigel Dharamlall are all reportedly under police surveillance and were recently called in to be interrogated on matters related to the NICIL

Former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali

Charles Ramson Jr and his family were the targets of a covert operation into NICIL, which eventually resulted in the death of three persons, including two civilians.

During the highspeed chase that ensued in the operation, Ramson’s wife Alana Seebarran said she was terrified and scared for her life.

Therefore, when the PPP members were summoned to be interrogated, it was cause for much concern.

Interrogations

PPP/C MP Nigel Dharamlall

forensic audit report that was prepared by former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran.

Only recently, PPP Member of Parliament

This newspaper understands that during the interrogations questions posed were all about procedural matters.

Some of the questions included matters about the attendance at NICIL’s Annual General Meetings (AGMs), whether the minutes were written, issues arising from the meeting,

among other bureaucratic matters.

Hinds was questioned on January 12 and was accompanied by Attorney Anil Nandlall.

Nandlall during an interview with Guyana Times International explained that this entire process seems to be a “fishing exercise” to unearth evidence to support the conclusions of corruption mentioned in the NICIL Audit Report.

Teixeira and Dharamlall were interrogated on January 11 and were accompanied by Attorney Bibi Shaddick and Glen Hanoman respectively.

During a news conference on Wednesday, Teixeira related that SOCU ranks had showed up at her home and started to ask a series of questions in relation to NICIL. She said they then informed her that she will be called in for further questioning. Teixeira too described the operation as a “fishing expedition” that is being used capriciously to target and embarrass PPP-aligned officials.

Teixeira also raised concerns about the usage of SOCU to investigate matters in relation to NICIL, given the fact that the body’s remit is governed by the AML/ CFT Act 2015 to deal with money laundering and related issues.

She also expressed concerns that

Y Former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds

the parliamentarians were interrogated by Criminal Investigations Department (CID) ranks and not SOCU’s.

Dharamlall, when contacted by this newspaper for a comment, expressed concerns that the forensic auditor Anand Goolsarran was sitting in one of the office’s at SOCU’s Headquarters at the time he was being interrogated. He noted that Goolsarran’s presence there was “unbecoming”.

He too related that he was informed that he will be called in for further questioning on various aspects of the forensic audit report as the probe deepens.

Ali, former acting Tourism Minister and Housing Minister, was interrogated on January 6. Contacted for a comment on the matter, Ali said he was concerned and to some excontinued on page 26

A section of a housing scheme, East Bank Demerara, Guyana

oung people will be better positioned to plan their lives as the new Minister with responsibility for housing, Valerie Sharpe-Patterson has announced a change in criteria for homeownership.

The new measure will ensure young people have a better opportunity to own a home. Under the previous system, as part of dealing with the national housing backlog, preference was on delivering houses, lots and titles to married couples or single parents.

“I would like to see some of our young people owning their own home.

We have a lot of young working people, who can afford to own their own homes, and they are told all kinds of things: you have to be married, you have to have children.

Why would I say to a young woman ‘before you own a home, you must have two children’, what am I encouraging? That is nonsense and I would like to see that removed,” Minister SharpePatterson said in a recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA.) The new Minister is also keen on having the input of housing developers and banks, as part of this focus of provid-

ing affordable housing to young people.

“We have a lot of home developers across the country, and I would like to see in every region (where it is possible) for us to have that kind of facilities, where these developers can make the homes available to young people at an affordable price. We have the banks and building societies coming on board and offering [mortgages].

These banks are very liquid; they have monies available and (are) offering to our young people affordable mortgages, within their reach, that they can own their own home,” she explained.

The Minister added that it would be a big plus for youths if at the end of this year, in every region, there were a number young people who could turn their keys in their own doors.

Youths in the national development process are critical to a country’s long-term survival.

Cognisant of this, the coalition Government has been looking for avenues to assist their growth. To this end, it has reviewed its various development programmes with a view of enhancing and promoting new initiatives for youths’ social and economic advancement.

GAWU slams Guyana Chronicle for ‘misleading’ article

By Kristen Macklingam

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he Guyana Chronicle has come under fire from the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) for publishing an article captioned “GAWU pocketing millions to train sugar workers” in its January 6, 2016 edition.

According to the union the article is ‘misleading’ and attempts to hoodwink and misguide its readership as well as the general public.

GAWU contends that the assertion that it had received some Gy$18 million from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) for training of sugar workers at the Union’s Labour College between 2011 and August, 2015 is “completely and utterly fallacious.”

“The sum referred to, if correct; represent wages paid to employees who were granted paid-release to attend continued on page 21

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T&T citizens to pay more for food

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rinidad and Tobago - While an estimated 1,300 businesses will no longer have to pay Value Added Tax (VAT) from next month, thousands of citizens will have to dig deeper in their pockets to buy several items, such as rice (except parboiled and boiled), flour (except all purpose and wheat), coffee, orange and grapefruit juices, mauby, tea and tomato ketchup.

This, as these items are among those that will no longer be VAT zero-rated when the new 12.5 per cent rate of VAT is effected on February 1.

This is according to Finance Minister Colm Imbert who presented the Finance Bill 2016 for debate in the House of Representatives on Monday. While the measure also seeks to reduce the 15 per cent VAT to 12.5 per cent, Imbert said that would not result in lower gas prices.

“Even though we are reducing the rate of VAT from 15 per cent to 12.5 per cent, this will not result in the price of petroleum products.

“Instead we will adjust the duty on petroleum products so that the prices at the pump will remain the same as announced in the national budget,” he said.

Imbert said the country expected to suffer a shortfall in oil revenue of TT$2.4 billion this year if oil prices remained depressed at about US$40 a barrel. Imbert said the price of West Texas Intermediate yesterday was US$31.05 a barrel.

“This dramatic energy price shock, combined with a steady reduction in domestic production, is having a debilitating impact on our fiscal and external accounts and there will be spillover effects on level of economic activity and employment,” Imbert said.

The minister said tax collections from the energy sector averaged TT$26 billion or 16 per cent of GDP over the period 2010 to 2014 but fell to TT$19 billion in 2015 or 11 per cent of GDP. He said current projections were that it would fall further to TT$12 billion or seven per cent of GDP. He said those figures were for the entire energy sector, including natural gas.

Imbert said the bill sought to reform the Value Added Tax regime, increase in personal allowance for lower income wage earners, increase in the Business Levy and the Green Fund, increase personal allowance from TT$60,000 to TT$72,000 and remove the need for citizens 60 years or over to pay for passports and drivers’ permits.

Imbert said there was no provision in the bill for the reintroduction of the Property Tax “This debate is not about Property Tax,” he insisted.

Imbert told legislators: “We are also proposing an increase in the threshold for VAT registration from TT$360,000 to TT$500, 000.

This increase will reduce the population of VAT taxpayers by 1,300 easing the compliance burden on the smallest enterprise and improving VAT administration.”

But Imbert said: “This increase in the threshold to TT$500,000 should not affect revenue significantly, since based on data the largest ten per cent of VAT taxpayers account for 95 per cent of total sales.”

Imbert said the Business Levy was being increased from 0.2 to 0.6 per cent on gross sales to spread the burden of adjustment in the country. (Trinidad Guardian)

Berbice economy at its lowest point – Region 6 Chairman – business community on ‘standby’ for 2016 budget

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or many months to date the private sector in Guyana has faced devastating ‘blows’ and hardships due to a stagnant economy where there is little or limited spending power by citizens.

Businessmen in Regions Five and Six, Berbice, are some of those who have been affected the worst where the economy at present is at its lowest point. This is according to Chairman of Region Six David Armogan who stated that since mid 2015 many persons have been “crying out” as they continue to suffer major losses.

Some have been operating at losses while others have been forced to ‘let go’ of staff due to the inability to secure profits and pay their workers as well as continue the operation of their businesses.

Armogan pointed out over the last six months business operations (sales and profits included) in Berbice has been reduced to 50 per cent and is expected to plummet even further unless there is a ‘drastic change’.

“It is as bad as that and some businesses once they are not getting sales they have to send off people and still doing that. A lot of businesses now are on standby waiting for the budget. The thing is government spending has always been a major part of propelling the economy and as long as government is not spending money the whole economy is stifled,” he posited.

To further compound the plight of

the affected businessmen in Regions Five and Six is the fact that the work force in the county of Berbice is that of sugar workers and they do not have the spending power to push the economy at this point in time, he said.

“You know every year the sugar workers would have had an increase and they get their API and so on. For 2015 they got zero and that would have impacted a lot of businesses too because if they have no money and they can’t spend any money …then the rice farmers took a licking with prices,” the Region Six Chairman further stated.

According to Armogan, many rice farmers in his region have reduced the amount that they would usually plant during this crop and thus far it is about 5000 acres or rice lands that have not been used.

This is a direct result of the low prices for produce last year, the unavailability of high paying markets for paddy and the economic crisis which the country has been enduring to date, he explained.

“We are hoping that the government will make some intervention and representation to the banks to reschedule some of these people’s loans and so on you know. The government has not made any intervention into the rice industry until now. Farmers are pleading for assistance in the form of fuel, fertilizers and chemicals or even government to ask the bank to look at their loans and so,” Armogan added.

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Time stands still for Stabroek Market clock: so does City Hall

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s the time stands still at the Stabroek Market clock, residents of the Georgetown locality are still awaiting a response from City Hall as to when the restoration of the historical Stabroek Market clock will commence.

According to an official at the National Trust of Guyana, who spoke with Guyana Times Wednesday, the Mayor and City Council has been organising to have the clock repaired for some time now. However, she was unable to provide a precise period when those repairs would commence.

Attempts to contact Mayor Hamilton Green and Town Clerk Royston King to attain information on the issue, were unavailing since both individuals were at the time occupied.

The question on what was the cause for lagging behind by City Council in repairing the landmark was raised in a letter to the editor on January 11, 2016

by Debra Gibson.

Gibson evinced disappointment at City Council’s incompetence in maintaining the antique clock. She made mention also of other countries which are able to upkeep their tower clocks in a functional condition.

“In Georgetown, in the heart of downtown, in our capital, our Stabroek clock ground to a halt ages ago and was left like that, possibly to remind us that time stands still at City Hall with hardly anything moving forward.

Why is this so? Are we cultural barbarians? Do we have to learn history to appreciate heritage? All over the world, there are prominent clock towers such as the Big Ben in London; the Philadelphia City Hall tower clocks; the Saviour Tower clocks located in the famous Red Square, close to Saint

The nonfunctional Stabroek Market tower clock

Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, Russia (the Tower is part of the Kremlin’s walls); the Peace Tower Clocks in Ottawa, Canada and the list goes on and on with many, many more.”

She added that Guyana is at a central point in its history as it approaches observance of the 50th Golden Jubilee Independence anniversary and as such interest should be placed in ensuring the matter is rectified before the period of celebrations.

Stabroek Market clock serves as a significant landmark which was constructed in the 1800s but has evolved into the current structure.

Over the years it has become a famous tourist attraction.

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Caribbean Airlines offers Guyana Govt to reduce excise ‘deals’ for Guyana’s 50th tax on new vehicles –source Anniversary celebrations G

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during the period leading up to the celebration.

“There are other gestures which the airline will be providing.

This includes the airlifting of items which are needed for the celebration but needs to

Henry expressed her gratitude to the Caribbean Airlines for taking the first step in proposing the idea of collaboration to the government and including a “package deal” which will offset the expenses of the Government of Guyana. . This, she says, was a “welcomed gesture”.

More organisations and companies were urged to get “on board” in planning and executing the celebrations.

“We definitely need other companies and organisations to come on board with us; it doesn’t have to be an airline.

Depending on the nature of the business, we’re happy for you to be a part of the planning to move this forward,”

be purchased overseas, so we’ll have the airline shipping these for free.

They’ve also agreed to take representatives from the ministry to related functions overseas at a reduced price or at no cost. This will reduce the expense of the government,” Minister Nicolette Henry who was also present at the briefing informed.

Henry encouraged.”

She further emphasised on how little time the coalition government has had in planning the anniversary since they had only been elected seven months ago. As such, she encouraged all Guyanese to be in full support and contribute in whatever they can towards the advancement of the celebrations.

Sales Executive Dion Innis and Minister Nicolette Henry during media briefing

s Guyana continues preparations for its 50th Golden jubilee celebrations, Caribbean Airlines has launched a package deal, which will see special travel rates being offered to persons who are travelling home to observe the celebrations.

This was according to Sales Executive of Caribbean Airlines, Dion Innis, who told the media on Tuesday that the airline has already given thought to reducing the airfares for persons travelling during that period.

“The discussion for reducing the cost has already been made since September. We have been trying to keep fares at an affordable rate.

I urge persons to start making arrangements early,” Innis disclosed.

In addition to the branding of the aircrafts and the reduction of fares for travellers, the Caribbean Airline’s package deal” comprises of other components which will be enforced

overnment will soon move to significantly reduce the excise taxes on the importation of new vehicles in an attempt to encourage more people to purchase brand-new vehicles as opposed to used.

A Govt source reliably informed this publication that there was already a draft proposal on the new rates and more information would soon be announced publicly.

T h e source was una b l e to confirm whether Government will be moving to increase the excise taxes on imports of used vehicles.

President David Granger had previously stated that used vehicles had created many problems in society and had contributed tremendously to the road carnage in the country.

“Many of those vehicles being imported are being discarded by states that have proper safety regulations, many of the tyres that we use on our vehicles are being discarded by people who know they are unsafe, but we are

so happy to get cheap handed downs that we don’t realise that we are jeopardising the safety of our citizens,” Granger had reasoned.

He maintained that second-hand vehicles had a whole host of problems and should not be allowed to enter

Guyanese markets.

“People must be discouraged from buying junk,” Granger insisted.

There were several arguments proffered within the public domain that this decision would not benefit lowincome and middle-income earners.

Guyana Times International had interviewed several persons within the auto dealership industry who were not too pleased with this idea, claiming it would be bad for business.

A representative from A&S Auto pointed out that new vehicles already carried heavy

prices; therefore, a reduction of taxes on them would be insignificant in comparison to the cost attached to the importation of a used vehicle with the current tax rate.

“If you reduce the tax, the price will still be expensive,” the representative posited, noting that most Guyanese could not afford to spend exorbitant sums on new motor vehicles.

Another auto deale r s h i p company, Auto Mart, shared similar views.

The company’s representative told this publication that this new policy made “absolutely no sense”.

“We’re a Third World country and we have to import what people can afford. If you drop the tax on the new vehicles, that’s fine, but for most people, it will still be too expensive,” he contended. The representative did, however, emphasise the need for a better tax system, but noted that Granger’s proposal should not be the way to go.

“If you want to keep the vehicles on the road continued on page 11

Australian High Commissioner lauds investment potential in Guyana

President David Granger greets Australian High Commissioner to Guyana and Caricom, resident in Trinidad and Tobago, Ross Tysoe, AO, at the Ministry of the Presidency

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ustralian High Commissioner to Guyana and Caricom, Ross Tysoe, paid a courtesy call on President David Granger on Monday where discussions centred on potential areas of investment and both countries’ consensus on the need to lessen the adverse effects of climate change.

In an invited comment, the diplomat said this is his first meeting with President Granger and Australia believes Guyana has great investment potential and a shared interest in minimising the effects of climate change.

“Australia has been experiencing very devastating bush fires in levels that have never been experienced before and so we discussed areas of collaboration and the building of insti-

tution-to-institution links on climate change, among other issues,” High Commissioner Tysoe is quoted as saying by the Government Information Agency (GINA).

He also noted that with the election of Baroness Patricia Scotland, who has Caribbean roots, as the new SecretaryGeneral of the Commonwealth of Nations, it is expected that bilateral relations between Guyana and his country will be improved in the coming days.

“In terms of investment, we believe that there are good opportunities in Guyana for Australian investors, particularly in minerals and [possibly] in agriculture, in years to come. So we will keep the relationship bubbling along,” he said.

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

NA Hospital running out of medical supplies – Armogan

Guyana among 12 Destinations to visit in 2016

By Kristen Macklingam

T

he shortage of medical supplies at the New Amsterdam Hospital, Berbice, is climbing to a crisis level as Doctors are lacking essential necessities to properly and efficiently diagnose patients.

This is according to Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) Chairman David Armogan, who told Guyana Times International that despite being notified of the situation at the New Amsterdam Hospital, the Public Health Ministry was yet to respond or provide the much-needed assistance to the medical facility.

Armogan told this newspaper, in a telephone interview on Tuesday, that the situation at the NA Hospital was a serious and pressing issue that has been ongoing for almost a month.

“They don’t have any reagents to test cholesterol, to test liver functioning, kidney functions, and so Doctors find it very difficult to make proper diagnosis, because they don’t have the backup services. We used to get the reagents, but over the last month or so, I don’t know what has been happening. So if you can’t get the reagents, you can’t do the proper testing,” he stated.

Armogan said he wrote the Public Health Ministry on January 6 on the matter after officials at the Hospital notified him of the situation, which posed a threat to

Chairman of Region Six David Armogan

public health care in the Region.

However, he is yet to receive a reply confirming that the letter has been received and action will be taken to address the issue at hand.

“The Health Ministry would normally supply all the drugs, the reagents, and films for the x-rays and so on …

The New Amsterdam Hospital is also short of x-ray films too so we can’t even do proper xrays. We have a big hospital and we can’t get basic treatments,” the Region Six Chairman pointed out.

He explained that at present the only options of patients and others seeking medical attention were spending large sums of money at private health facilities or waiting until the Hospital could treat them.

He further noted that some of the Doctors stationed at the New Amsterdam Hospital were also complaining, because they were unable to perform their duties as they should owing to the lack of testing and diagnosis procedures. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

Guyana Govt to reduce...

from page 10

up to date, then draw a cut-off time. Let’s say 2005, you can import used vehicles from 2005.

Drop the taxes on that and also drop the taxes on new vehicles. Let the taxes be based on the value for those vehicles imported. What he is proposing, dropping taxes on new vehicles and raising tax on old still won’t make it affordable for regular Guyanese,” he explained.

H o w e v e r , Transpacific Motor Spares and Auto Sales noted that the system being proposed should be introduced gradually.

“For the first couple of years, it is going

to take a while to digest because we still have a lot of cars that are used that we will need to sell out and also not a lot of people can still afford to buy the new cars even though the taxes are lowered,” the company’s representative noted.

Meanwhile, this newspaper has learnt that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition will support this decision nonetheless, given the fact that its members have said publicly that the Party would reinforce any decision taken by Government that would bring benefit to people.

O

Guyana’s unspoiled beauty, unique cultural heritage and natural attractions make it an ideal destination for tourists.

n the cusp of the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations Guyana has been accorded yet another distinction, having been featured in the Business Insider UK’s ‘12 Emerging destinations you have to visit in 2016’.

In this most recent feature, Broadcast journalist and photojournalist, Anisha Shah explains that 2016 is all about emerging destinations.

“Wilderness, wildlife and culture; these themes will illuminate the year’s travel itineraries. Escapism and authenticity are key and nowhere offers them quite like fledgling and farflung nations,” she said.

In sharing her perception of the destination, Shah, who is now a freelance journalist for CNN, BBC Travel and Huffington Post wrote, “Dripping in rainforests, Guyana’s untouched pristine interior is sparsely populated, home only to few Amerindian villages. Wildlife far outnumbers the people, with jaguars, pumas and sloths

Guyana’s National Animal – the Jaguar at peace in a beautiful forest

the real locals. The majority of people inhabit the Northeastern narrow Atlantic Ocean coastline of blonde castaway beaches backed by dense forest, home to endangered sea turtles. Kaieteur Falls, one of the grandest falls you’ve never heard of, is the world’s widest single-drop waterfall, peaking at 76m and encased in virgin ancient jungle.

Seeing it by tiny charter flight is unforgettable.”

“Why Now? You’ve heard of Iguazu and Angel Falls, read about Galapagos wildlife and Brazil’s rainforest but Guyana is a small nation with all of the above, where you won’t come

across another tourist… just yet.”

Also making the list of the 12 Emerging Travel Destinations to visit in 2016 were, Glacier Bay National Park: Alaska, Japan, Gabon, Uganda, Iran, Taiwan, Madagascar, the Arctic: Iceland, Greenland, and Norway, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea and Kyrgyzstan.

These recent accolade augurs well for Guyana, as the destination prepares to celebrate its Golden Jubilee with great fanfare and welcomes any opportunity to promote the vibrancy, raw authentic adventure, stunning scen-

ery and rich culture that is unique to this South American country.

According to the Tourism Minister, Catherine Hughes, Guyana’s unique blend of tourism products is as rich and as attractive as those found in any part of the world.

She noted too that the Destination has the potential to attract a wide cross section of travelers with varying interests , and the ability to lure those looking for unique adventures in ‘off the beaten path’ destinations .

Over the years, Guyana has cemented its position as a leading Sustainable Tourism Destination, and has gained international recognition as ‘National Geographic Traveler 2014’s must-see places on planet earth.

Guyana earned a coveted spot on this exclusive, very short list for the very first time in 2014’ and BBC Travel’s ‘Five destinations you should know more about’, among many others. (GINA excerpt)

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Guyana’s suicide rate reaches alarming levels

By: Tusika Martin, Edward Layne, Alexis Rodney, and Indrawattie Natram

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uyana’s suicide rate continues to escalate out of control and many are of the view that Government in spite of its promises to tackle the scourge head-on has so far done very little in this regard.

The sudden upsurge in suicide on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) within the past 30 days, coupled with the recent tragic incident in Berbice where a 14-year-old girl and her 20-year-old male paramour hung themselves, has become cause for concern.

Additionally, on Sunday alone, four other persons attempted to take their own lives in Region Two, prompting many to intensify the call for greater action at the national level to comprehensively and holistically address this social bane, particularly for the Government to act swiftly.

Gatekeepers Programme

Many social activists are calling for the Government to revert to the widely-regarded Gatekeepers Programme initiated by

Akel Shurland

Kaimwattie Persaud

former Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, which during its existence was able to put a dent in the scourge.

The Gatekeepers Programme broadened the suicide prevention approach beyond the counselling centres, which were established on the premise that the potential victim would reach out and seek help.

It entailed training of Gatekeepers who were taught to recognise the signs and signals in a person’s life that they were at risk of taking their own lives.

However, although the Programme was launched, it was not followed through by the former Administration.

Since 2011, under the stewardship of former Minister Dr

Bheri Ramsarran, the Programme was not fully developed although there was much discussion about tackling the societal scourge by boosting its mental health capacity to deal effectively with patients and victims.

Dr Ramsarran had committed to bringing professionals to conduct training sessions so that there was a diffusion of the best mental health practices offered to the public.

Only recently, The Caribbean Voice (TCV), a Non-Governmental Organisation renewed its calls for Government to bring back the Gatekeepers Programme and use it as a mechanism to train first responders in every community.

Ahead of World

Suicide Prevention Day, in September 2015, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings had promised that strong attention would be placed on helping families, caregivers, schools, colleges, universities and faithbased institutions to develop strategies to tackle suicide.

Guyana has made this scourge a public health threat, and has been treating it as such.

“Whilst it is a public health problem, it cannot be resolved and cannot be solved simply by public health personnel; it must be an effort that we all make, a multi-sectoral approach,” the Minister declared.

President David Granger recently convened an emergency meeting with the aim of charting a course to address the prevailing epidemic and to develop an action plan to get all stakeholders involved in a centralised approach to suicide prevention.

Regional Chairmen cry out Meanwhile, Regional Chairmen across the country have urged Government, through the Social Protection Ministry, to restructure its programme and

most of all, work towards reaching the youths, particularly those who are inclined to suicidal tendencies.

While Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is said to be the “suicide capital” of the country, other regions are seeing stark increases in its incidence.

Regional Chairmen across the country had much to say, as each year the numbers seem to climb higher. Region One (Barima-Waini)

thing that is thought through,” he told Guyana Times International on Tuesday, “it does not just happen haphazardly, because it is something that persons would be contemplating given the circumstance they face, especially young people. I would like to see the Social Protection Ministry try its utmost to add officers who are competent in working with the residents of the various communities.”

He listed three im-

Deeraj Persaud

Sherry Ann Alley

Chairman Brentnol Ashley said Government could do more at the grassroots level through detection and even offering services to persons who have these suicidal tendencies.

“Suicide is some-

portant elements as being critical to helping to curb this issue, including homes with parents present, the community, and Government. He said unless these three factors work together coherentcontinued on page 27

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Guyanese pensioners facing tough times – 76-year-old gets Gy$16,000 water bill

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he Gy$17,000 which the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Administration has awarded to pensioners on a monthly basis can neither cater for their needs nor ensure the survival of these aged individuals.

Coupled with the nixing of Government subsidies to the electricity, water and telephone utilities for pensioners, the elderly who live alone and depend on their pension payments to provide for their basic needs are faced with even more hardships.

This is the case for 76-year-old Ramrattie, a pensioner living in De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara (WCD), who

had the shock of her life when she was recently slapped with a staggering Gy$16,000 water bill.

The elderly woman, who lives by herself, could not afford to make the payment in time and as such, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) cut off the water supply to her house.

Ramrattie told Guyana Times International that she was forced to pay a Gy$6000 reconnection fee in addition to signing a contract with the water company. This contract, she said, is to ensure that all outstanding payments to the water company are paid.

She lamented that the current Old Age Pension was not suffi-

cient to meet her needs.

“If at this age me only depend pun pension and if me got to pay water company, me an know how me gan make out… the pension can’t pay de money,” the 76-year-old stressed.

Several attempts were made to contact the Social Protection

Ministry for a comment on the situation as well as the plight which other pensioners were facing.

A man who identified himself as “Mr Banwarie” in the office of the Director of Social Services finally took the call, but declined to offer any comment when

probing questions were asked.

Back in October of 2015, this newspaper reported on the dire state in which some pensioners had found themselves after the removal of the much-needed subsidies. At that time, a 70-year-old pensioner, Tessa McKenzie had expressed a myriad of frustrations over the eliminations.

“I never had to worry about the light bills and the water bills.

When the month come, it was just a Gy$2000 for the light bill and like a Gy$4000 for the water bill. Cause it’s me alone and how much one old lady gonna use up? So the pension I used to get was good ‘cause at least I had leftover to buy my

lil’ groceries. Now, it’s like all my pension going behind the bills,” stated McKenzie in October of last year.

In the 2015 Budget, the Old Age Pension was increased to Gy$17,000 per month. However, the subsidies to utilities were eliminated.

While some would have welcomed the increase, many others complained of not being able to pay bills which can make basic survival difficult.

The Social Protection Ministry had trumpeted that the Old Age Pension would be a monthly payment which is available to Guyanese aged 65 or older; however, before anyone can receive this benefit, he/she must meet the eligibility requirements.

President, Nandlall clash over executive interference in GDF, GPF investigations

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resident David Granger and former Attorney General Anil Nandlall have found themselves locked in a battle, with both sides expressing completely different views over executive interference with investigations conducted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

The Ministry of the Presidency issued a statement on Monday condemning comments attributed to the former Attorney General, who, in several media reports, insinuated that the President was interfering in GPF and GDF matters, particularly as it related to the recent bungled operation into the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

Amid growing concerns and mounting controversy over the incident, the President was asked by media operatives to express the State’s concern on the matter.

In response, the President had said that there was no need for drastic measures to be taken to launch a “full probe” into the accident, as the routine Police investigations would be sufficient.

“I don’t think it requires a full probe, because Sergeant Pyle was on an official mission at the time, and it was quite an unfortunate accident in which three persons died, so we certainly regret the loss of life, but I don’t see there is need

ments attributed to the President, Excellency, has violated this very prohibition.”

Nandlall pointed out that regardless of the course of action decided upon by the Chief-

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

for a probe at the present time,” the President stated.

Nandlall then accused the Head of State of being unlawful by interfering in Police matters.

Specifically, he said in a statement, “No member of the Executive, including the President, has the authority to determine in what instances the Police Force should or should not investigate.”

But, the Ministry of the Presidency (MOTP) has wholly rejected the politician’s statements as a deliberate attempt to misconstrue the President’s pronouncement on the matter.

“At no point has the Head of State interfered in either the conduct of the operation, which was led by Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), nor the investigations following the regretful loss of three lives.

President Granger, in response to questions

from reporters, who were at MOTP for the swearing-in of Minister Valerie Adams-Patterson, indicated that while he is aware that there is an internal probe that will be conducted by the GDF, because of the death of Sergeant Robert Pyle, a determination for the need for a wider investigation would be advised on by the Chief-of-Staff of the GDF,” the statement explained.

Meanwhile, in a snap response to the statement issued from the President’s Office, the former Attorney General unyieldingly defended his claims and maintained that the President acted in violation of the law.

Nandlall posited that “the Guyana Police Force, under the Police Act, Chapter 16:01, has the exclusive responsibility to investigate any matter to determine whether a criminal offence is committed or not” and “the state-

of-Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips, the Police have a duty to carry out their mandatory obligations under the Police Act to launch an investigation.

The incident being referred to is the trag-

ic death of the GDF Sergeant, his wife Stacy, and another civilian, Linden Eastman who were killed in a two-vehicle collision on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown.

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PPP/C sounds warning on emerging “police state” I n light of the recent re-establishments of several military and paramilitary organisations, People’s Progressive Party General Secretary Clement Rohee has sounded an alarm bell of the possible return of a “police controlled state” like what existed during the Burnham era.

Rohee during the party’s weekly media conference Monday, declared that with the reintroduction of the Guyana National Service and the People’s Militia, it is clear Guyana is going back to the past.

“You have to have experience and live through those days to be able to speak with authority on what is perceived to be emerging now… the use of the coercive apparatus of the state to monitor, carry out rickety exercises to do reconnaissance or persons who are suspected to be political op-

ponents whether individually or within an organisation,” he stated.

Rohee reminded that the military institutions had played a paramount role in keeping the People’s National Congress (PNC) dictatorship alive and that it appears to be the same approach being taken by the new government.

On that note, he indicated that all should be concerned.

Rohee also made reference to the recent botched operation which resulted in the death of three people as evidence of this preconception that a military controlled state is returning.

“The recent operation with the usage of the Guyana Defence Force instead of the Guyana Police Force to carry out surveillance and highspeed chase… in my view this is unprecedented!,” he stated, noting that the only excepting is

GAWU slams Guyana Chronicle for ... from page 8

union-sponsored courses. This practice has been in existence for many decades and is enshrined in the Collective Labour Agreement between the union and the Corporation. The article also asserts that the College’s curriculum has no bearing on the sugar industry,” GAWU posited.

In the short duration of a standard course, the union in support of the sugar industry, has allotted GuySuCo six sessions during each course in which the Corporation’s personnel have the opportunity to interface with participants to discuss the challenges and problems which face and confront the sugar industry.

GAWU went on to say that the paid-release of workers to attend the courses, or other courses, is not peculiar to the sugar industry but indeed an activity embraced by “all trade unions and entities” whether publicly or privately owned.

Thus far it has been an invaluable practice that sustains healthy industrial relations in society, it said.

“The Chronicle story is not only a clear distortion of what is conveyed in the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Report but represents the latest attack on the right of sugar workers to benefit from trade union education and training. The story cannot be delinked from the other misinformation and other assaults

which have been perpetuated in recent times against the workers and their primary organisations. Of course, the CoI’s recommendation to discontinue payment for employees’ participation in courses run by the GAWU Labour College is not only difficult to fathom but provides a glimpse of what might be further assaults on workers’ gains and benefits,” GAWU posited.

In a media release Monday, the union lamented that the main value on the workingclass by the owners of the means of production is for them to work and to produce profits for those owners.

As such, it is in this context that trade unions have a role to play in easing the burden of their exploitation, the release said.

“We also contend that trade unions generally and especially those with a strong progressive orientation have a duty to lift the class consciousness and class awareness of their membership. This we believe can only help in their being a more disciplined and responsible workforce, but also, importantly, will help them to recognise that their sustained wellbeing will come about in conditions of industrial democracy, economic justice, and social progress; in conditions where emphases are placed on people not profits,” it added. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

perhaps in the case of Dr Walter Rodney who was allegedly killed by the then PNC government with the involvement of GDF rank Gregory Smith.

“It shows a completely different approach about what is happening now,” Rohee pointed out.

The PPP GS reminded that in the past, the People’s Militia was used as an initiative for government supporters to undergo military training and to be armed to parade the streets and instil fear within others.

He expressed concerns that this appears to be repeating.

Rohee also contended that the return of these programmes would only add unnecessary burden to the treasury.

It was pointed out however that President David Granger ex-

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

plained that the major expense of the initiative would be the small stipends offered to the persons in the militia but Rohee contended that Guyanese should not be fooled.

He explained that in order for these programmes to be smoothly executed, lots of monies will have to be expended.

Meanwhile, President

Granger recently assured that the return of the militia is not an attempt by government to militarise society.

He added that once the programme gets going, Guyanese will begin to understand the great potential of the programme towards development of the country.

Back in 1976, the GPM was launched amid

fear the country was under threat by forces opposed to its socialist thrust.

The latter would have included continued relations with Cuba and nationalisation of the bauxite and sugar industries as well as all banking institutions.

After initially offering support in a show of “anti-imperialist” unity, the People’s Progressive Party and its ally in the sugar industry, GAWU, soon condemned the GPM as another “PNC front”, especially when GPM’s members acted as “scabs” in GAWU’s 135day strike for recognition.

In view of experiences with the GPM, such concerns and fearfulness have lived on in the memories of many who are now opposed to the resuscitation GPM.

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‘Tell us what happened’ …

Robert Pyle’s brother appeals for 63 workers paid severance packages details on fatal Carifesta crash Linden call centre controversy

By Kizzy Coleman

G

uyana Times International understands that Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Sergeant Robert Pyle was actually on vacation when he was called out to duty to participate in the special covert operation that went totally wrong and ended with him and his wife dying tragically in an accident on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown.

According to a report carried in the Guyana Times newspaper, the GDF Sergeant was approximately five days into his two-week holiday break when he was unexpectedly called out by his superiors.

The Guyana Times report quoted Pyle’s brother, Roger, as saying how extremely unfortunate it was that the happily married couple and the civilian Canter truck driver lost their lives in such a tragic manner.

On December 30, Roger said his brother was at home enjoying some quality time with his family when he received a call telling him to report to base. Roger said when his brother was about halfway to his destination, he received another call informing him that the operation had been cancelled. Roger said he was uncertain of what transpired next.

Roger said family members were still confused about what exactly happened on the night in question and has since called for the authorities to come forward and provide the details of what exactly happened.

O

Robert Pyle

Stacy Pyle

This newspaper had reported earlier that Sergeant Pyle was assisting the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) on a surveillance operation on National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Head Winston Brassington, who was recently sent on leave.

Reports indicate that directives were given for the GDF Sergeant to keep watch on Brassington’s teenage children and at no point was an order given to get involved in a high-speed chase.

On the night in question, the special team reportedly staked out and eventually hunted down the wife and brother-in-law of People’s Progressive Party/ Civic parliamentarian Attorney Charles Ramson Jr. Reports suggest that the special team thought the pair to be Brassington’s chil-

dren.

In a case of mistaken identity, the special team approached the pair, but failed to properly identify themselves in the process.

Their approach triggered fear within the two civilians who attempted to flee the scene. This led to a high-speed chase which took a turn for the worse on Carifesta Avenue, resulting in the death of GDF Sergeant Pyle; his wife, Stacy and a Canter driver, Linden Eastman who unfortunately was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Sergeant Pyle and his wife were parents to two young children, one of whom recently celebrated his sixth birthday.

His mother-in-law is completely devastated and still cannot come to grips with the stark reality that her only daughter is gone.

f the 82 workers who were dismissed without prior notification from Toucan Connections Incorporated (Linden call centre) when the company closed its doors abruptly, 63 have been paid their severance packages. This is according to Public Relations Officer of the Labour Ministry Terrence Esseboom, who explained that the ministry contacted 67 workers in total but only 63 had received their severance pay.

Further, Esseboom explained that 15 other employees are yet to be contacted, but this will be done shortly. A total of Gy$3,513,916 was paid to the 63 workers.

Esseboom explained to this newspaper that the Labour Ministry is still investigating the matter, but that this is proving difficult since Toucan Connections Inc officials are not in Guyana.

He explained that the Social Protection Ministry will be exploring the diplomatic route to determine whether the Foreign Affairs Ministry can intervene to resolve the issue.

In August last year the

Terrence Esseboom

St Kitts-based company, which opened in Guyana in 2007, closed its doors abruptly, leaving 82 employees, mostly women, unemployed.

The company also left without any severance and other benefits being given to the workers.

Following the closure and nonpayment of severance, former Labour Minister Simona Broomes intervened, stating that it is the responsibility of the company to ensure employees are given their severance package and respective benefits.

The minister also underscored the injustice of the company denying employees their right to receive their benefits.

The ministry has announced it will be taking strict action against the company.

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Japan to assist Georgetown Widespread concerns over with drainage problems return of People’s Militia

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mproved relations between Guyana and Japan will see added resources being made available to improve the drainage of the capital city, Georgetown.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, in a recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), indicated that the aid from Japan would contribute to the reduction of flooding in Georgetown.

“It now brings in additional resources and skills from Japan…as part of that mechanism we will put together the existing programmes to which other bilaterals

may have been contributing,” Minister Greenidge explained.

The execution of this project will see the Agriculture Ministry, its National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), the Municipality and Central Georgetown being brought together within a singular framework in order to have a coherent plan to treat the problem of the city’s constant flooding.

“The physical work is perhaps the last stage because they now have to devise this plan, draw up plans, then integrate them …before construction commences…that dimension is already on

the way…in the case of the next 18 months or so, the results of a number of these can be seen,” Greenidge said.

Throughout the years, Japan has made consistent contributions that assisted with Guyana’s development. These include, but are not limited to US$9.5 million for the establishment of a new water treatment plant at Queenstown, Corriverton, Berbice in 2009; and a US$2.9 million grant aid project, which was utilised to import civil engineering equipment and electric power machinery in 2014.

Region 10 development consultations complete – residents’ feedback outlined

By Utamu Belle

T

he Plan of Action for Regional Development (PARD), an initiative piloted by Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) has wrapped up its consultation stage with residents.

As such, Regional Coordinator of the programme, Alfred Julien has outlined future areas of focus which will craft the Region’s development over the next five years, based on feedback from residents. Julien said that the goal of the Action Plan is for the Region to develop, with specific emphasis being placed on communities. A final draft has already been submitted to the Communities Ministry and the RDC. “The purpose of PARD is so that the people can have power, because it’s asking people what they want to see and trying to incorporate that into an action plan. And so we want to actually decentralise the whole system of things as they exist right now,” the Regional Coordinator explained.

The areas of focus include agriculture, health, education, public infrastructure, investment and tourism.

Julien said, under PARD, Private/ Public Partnerships, cooperation, and accountability are also encouraged.

He added that the Region 10 Land Selection Committee was an important area of focus with the idea of one stop shops. According to Julien, a proposal was made for a 10-acre observation farm to be owned by the RDC. The aim, he said, would be for outsiders to observe farming best practices.

In the midst of brainstorming and holding consultations, Julien said, it was discovered that 85 per cent of fresh food consumed by people in the Region was sourced outside the Region.

“As a matter of fact, on our visit to Kwakwani, we passed a truck going to Kwakwani with vegetables to sell, and it didn’t come from Linden…The Plan is saying, this farm can produce 10 per cent of the needs for food in Region 10.”

In the area of education, the Regional Coordinator said it was proposed that a dormitory be constructed at the Linden Technical Institute (LTI), to facilitate students from outside the Region.

In the area of health, a proposal was made to upgrade the Linden Hospital

…President Granger justifies decision

A

mid widespread fears and concerns of Guyana becoming a military state and in light of the recent relaunch of the People’s Militia by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) government, President David Granger has sought to justify the return of this paramilitary organisation which existed during the People’s National Congress (PNC) regime.

President Granger during an interview on the Public Interest, assured that the return of the militia is not an attempt by government to militarise society.

He added that once the programme gets going, Guyanese will begin to understand the great potential of the programme towards development of the country.

“We are not trying to militarise society but it’s a very useful organisation.

In the time of flood for example, militia people can turn out and mobilise and help in flood relief,” the President said.

another “PNC front”, especially when GPM’s members acted as “scabs” in GAWU’s 135-day strike for recognition.

In view of experiences with the GPM, such concerns and fearfulness have lived on in the memories of many who are now opposed to the resuscitation GPM. Former President and Chairman of the Defence Board Donald Ramotar strongly believes that the relaunch of GPM is an attempt to militarise supporters of the PNC-led government to instil apprehension within the country.

“I think it’s an attempt at militarising and arming mainly supporters of the PNC/APNU… The last time, it was used to give military training to the supporters of the PNC and I am fearful that this will happen again,” Ramotar said.

He explained that during the Burnham era, the government introduced the GPM under the pretext of a “reserve” of military personnel in the event

Notably, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is already adequately staffed and supported by hundreds of volunteers who come together to assist in executing relief initiatives in times of flood and other disasters.

Back in 1976, the GPM was launched amid fear that the country was under threat by forces opposed to its socialist thrust.

The latter would have included continued relations with Cuba and nationalisation of the bauxite and sugar industries as well as all banking institutions in the country.

After initially offering support in a show of “anti-imperialist” unity, the People’s Progressive Party and its ally in the sugar industry, GAWU, soon condemned the GPM as

of a national emergency.

However, the military training was offered discriminatorily, Ramotar stated.

“And so from the experience of the past about the People’s Militia programme, I don’t see anything new that will give me confidence that this new programme will be different,” the former President posited, noting that since the new coalition administration took office, it has engaged in an abundance of discriminatory activities; particularly through the firing and hiring of staff.

Additionally, the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) in a statement expressed concern about the return of the GPM. “We are not impressed by the President just dis-

Former President Donald Ramotar

missing the recent army action that resulted in three deaths, we need an explanation why ordinary citizens were treated in this manner, especially given what we experienced in the seventies and eighties coupled with a recent announcement of the resuscitation of the People’s Militia,” part of the statement read.

The fear of being once again governed by a militarised government has its origins in the odious days of the PNC tenure. PNC Leader Forbes Burnham had made the officer corps of the Disciplined Forces swear loyalty to him while his successor Desmond Hoyte had once spoken of his party’s “kith and kin”

Regional Coordinator Alfred Julien

Complex (LHC) from a Level 4 to Level 5 hospital.

“We want to know that the ambulance makes less trips out of Linden with patients, so we can look after them right here. We plan to get that done over a five-year period,” he said.

In the area of public infrastructure, Julien stated that the aim was to have a 24-hour supply of potable water for Linden and Kwakwani, while for the rest of the Region, the target will be 12 hours.

Quality roads also form part of the infrastructural plan outlined by residents.

“Hopefully within the next five years, if someone wants to find you in Linden, they should be able to plug in their GPS (Global Positioning System),” the Regional Coordinator outlined.

There are also possibilities for a green economy, Julien said. “We’re hoping that we can have hydro at Tiger Falls over the next five years,” he added.

The PARD, a five-year development plan, is owned by the RDC, with support from Central Government.

IDEA International was contracted

by Government to assist with the programme. It has also seen the involvement of a local consultant charged with developing the programme, which will eventually move to other areas across the country.

in the Disciplined Forces.

During that period also, serving members of the Disciplined Forces actively engaged in politics such as seizing ballot boxes and sequestering them at Camp Ayanganna.

These concerns were repeatedly raised by PPP/C Executive Member Dr Roger Luncheon who, on many occasions in the lead-up to the recently concluded elections, sounded alarm bells about the dangers of being governed by the military.

In fact, Dr Luncheon had reminded that those same military personnel who had violated their oaths as officers and the Constitution of Guyana to politically serve their President of the day are the same personas who were contesting to be leaders of Guyana.

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Revocation of Broadcast licences: “Vieira talking nonsense” - Jagdeo

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ormer President Bharrat Jagdeo has described as “nonsense”, the claims

by Chairman of the Subcommittee of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) Anthony Vieira that the 11 broadcasting licences issued to radio and television owners back in 2011 were through illegal means.

Vieira earlier this week told Guyana Times International that the GNBA found the licence issued by the former Head of State were flawed and that the Authority would soon be moving, after consultation with the licence holders, to make a revocation.

Vieira maintained this stance in the face of word from GNBA Chairman Leonard Craig, who told this newspaper the body had

GNBA Sub-committee Chairman Anthony Vieira

made no such decision.

Speaking to this publication Friday, Jagdeo said, “What he is saying is nonsense. The radio licences are part of people’s property rights”.

He said it would be illegal for any attempt to revoke the licence, calling on Vieira to come out of his “bubble”.

Craig told this publication no official decision has been taken to revoke the licences and that the matter was under discussion.

In October last year, Craig had said the reviewing of radio licences issued by the former government did not mean they would be revoked.

“All licences will be reviewed, but review is not necessarily synonymous with revocation.

Whatever is done here, during the review process, will be fair, transparent and aboveboard.

I am not in a position to

Former President Bharat Jagdeo

say what form or shape it would look like, that is a decision the entire board would have to make,” the GNBA head had stated.

He said he thought the move by the previous government to issue the licences in that manner was wrong; however, there was no confirmation that those who benefited would lose their licences.

Among the persons issued licences by the previous government were Robert Persaud, the Little Rock Television Station (Berbice), Hits and Jams, Maxwell Thom, Dr Bobby Ramroop, Alfro Alphonso, Haslyn Graham and Anand Persaud.

Meanwhile, speaking to Guyana Times International, owner of Hits and Jams and 94.1 FM Kerwin Bollers said he could not make any move in this regard since he was awaiting word from the Authority.

“I’m not too familiar about what is going on with that. I have heard talks of it before, but we have not heard anything that would confirm their action. We are awaiting official word from them.

They have not indicated anything to us” he said.

If there is an indication that his licence would be revoked then he would have to talk to his attorneys first.

Haslyn Parris of Linden told this newspaper he would not be bothered by any decision the authority makes in this regard. “I would let the law take its course.

Whatever decision the broadcasting authority makes I guess they have been able to do their own research in order to make a decision.” He said the research carried out will determine who were granted illegal licences.

Region 5 farmers suffering

…as El Niño drought-like conditions continue

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hairman of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) Vickchand Ramphal is calling on Agriculture Minister Noel Holder to deploy two excavators to the region in order to save 17,000 acres of rice under threat of being destroyed as El Niño drought-like conditions persist.

Ramphal says if the minister does not act now, there will be total destruction of cultivated rice specifically situated in the Mahaicony/ Mahaica area.

Ramphal speaking with Guyana Times International said the situation is very serious and came about as a result of the current weather conditions.

“Fresh water is becoming scarce in the area and the only alternative to access fresh water is

Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal

through the Kaliserabo canal which was dug during the previous El Niño weather condition.

However, the canal is clogged with weeds.”

The chairman noted that an excavator was deployed however at its pace it will likely take several months to complete the cleaning. “By then all the crop will be lost. At present approximately 4000 acres of cultivated rice is been

affected,” Ramphal lamented.

“Two more excavators need to be deployed to the area so the cleaning can be completed in a matter of days. I am calling on the Ministry of Agriculture, and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority [NDIA] to make an early intervention so farmers in the area can save their crop,” he appealed.

In Region Five rice cultivation is the main economic activity and in the Mahaicony/Mahaica area, it is almost the only economic activity. Farmers would have already expended millions to bring their crop to the present stage. Of the17,000 acres under threat, more that 8000 would already have a second application of fertilizer, and a great portion of that would have

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

already received a third application.

Ramphal said taking into consideration the present price for paddy, if government does not make the necessary interventions, rice farmers in that community will incur tremendous financial losses and many of them might not be able to return to their lands if subsidies [fuel, fertilizers and seed paddy] are not provided.

Fisherman slapped with 40-year sentence

A

fisherman was last Friday jailed for 40 years by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on two carnal knowledge charges at the High Court, almost two years after the offences.

Murphy Noorhan, 27, was found guilty on December 11, 2015 on two counts for having sexual activity with a young family member.

It was alleged that he had carnal knowledge of the child on January 4 and 5, 2013. At the time of the incidents, the girl was only 10 years old.

According to testimony presented in the High Court, on January 4, 2013, Noorhan inserted his fingers into the child repeatedly and on January 5, 2013, he asked the

victim whether or not his member could fit into her genitalia. The victim allegedly responded in the negative and as such, Noorhan forced her to engage in oral sex with him.

After deliberating for about three hours, the jury found Noorhan guilty of both counts of sexual activity with a child family member.

The prosecution team of Attorneys Stacy Goodings and Siand Dhurjon had asked that a probation report be prepared before sentencing. Among many other things, the report considered that Noorhan worked all kinds of odd jobs to provide for his family and he was in a strong position of trust with the child.

Defence Counsel James Bond in a plea of mitigation requested that the court reduce the severity of the sentence. Bond maintained that his client was innocent and could not be rehabilitated in jail, coming out a worse man. He noted that his client had an alibi and although the prosecution’s case was that the accused had penetrated the victim twice, the medical certificate did not reflect any vaginal bruising.

After considering the seriousness of the offence, its prevalence, the defendant’s position of trust and all the other relevant factors, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry sentenced Noorhan to 20 years on each charge.

Sex workers charged for assaulting, robbing US citizen

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wo female sex workers were on Friday charged before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’’ Courts for aggravated robbery against an American citizen.

Jenelle Trotman, a mother of five who hails from 128 Friendship Street, East Coast Demerara and Yvonne Watts, a 22-year-old mother of three, of Pike Street, Kitty, both denied the allegation which was put to them in Court One by the Magistrate.

The charge read that on the evening of Tuesday, January 5 at Hadfield Street, Georgetown, they robbed the Virtual Complainant (VC), Harold Stiffle of a Samsung Galaxy S5

The two sex workers, Jenell Trotman and Yvonne Watts who were charged for assaulting and robbing an American citizen after he allegedly refused their service

valued Gy$80,000 and a wristwatch valued Gy$15,000, a total value of Gy$95,000.

According to Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones, the VC is an

American citizen who works as the Manager of Aqua Incorporated at Kingston, Georgetown.

It was related that on the evening in question, the VC was on Hadfield

Street when he was approached by the women who offered their services to him. He reportedly refused and in response the women assaulted him, relieved him of the articles and made good their escape.

A report was made and they were arrested shortly after. The Prosecutor disclosed that under caution, the women claimed that the man used their services, but refused to pay, and as such, they took the articles to cover their fees. The items have not been recovered, according to the prosecution.

The defendants were placed on Gy$15,000 bail each as well as a bond of good behaviour

by Chief Magistrate McLennan.

They are expected to return to Court on January 22.

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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Over Gy$740M owed to British envoy says assets recovery unit needs legal power to be effective Region 2 rice farmers

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ritish High Commissioner Greg Quinn has stated that the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) needed “proper” legislative backing as it carried out the mandate given by the Government of Guyana.

Speaking with reporters last Friday, High Commissioner Quinn disclosed that his office has been lending assistance to SARU in various areas, including legislation-wise. He noted that the aim was to ensure that the Unit got the appropriate and relevant legislation so that it operated within the confines of the law.

“So one of the things SARU needs to do is to get a legislative base, I think, for themselves which is what Clive (Thomas who is heading SARU) has said,” the diplomat noted, adding that a United Kingdom official has been helping the Unit in this regard.

According to the British High Commissioner, the idea of an asset recovery unit is not particularly unique, pointing out that the UK also has a unit which is designated to seize assets from people who have been convicted

British High Commissioner Greg Quinn

of criminal activity.

“If somebody is convicted of something, then the State, in the UK and elsewhere, has got a right to seize their assets, if those assets have been illegally procured… but it needs to be set on a proper legislative basis,” he stated.

Asked by Guyana Times International whether Government was justified in conducting the widespread forensic audits, the diplomat posited that Governments were allowed to do audits especially if they have come into office after several years in Opposition as in the case of the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC)

Administration.

“It makes sense to me for a government which is new after 23 years to want to look into what has happened … I think it’s perfectly legitimate for a government that has been out of office for 23 years to want to sort of look at the books, especially given the accusations and claims.

There were lots of stuff which was flagged up before, so it would be odd to me if the (current) Government was not actually doing audits,” the High Commissioner opined.

However, he outlined that while there was no problem in doing the audits, it was imperative that whenever, if at all, the probes led to prosecutions, they be done on the assigned legal basis.

Moreover, Quinn underscored the importance of conducting “proper” audits, pointing out that Government would not be able to get a conviction if there was not sufficient evidence.

“One of the ways in which to get evidence is by doing the audits… because if you haven’t got the physical evidence, you can’t convict someone or if you do convict someone, you have to do

it fairly,” the diplomat stated.

He went on to say that it was evident persons were frustrated with the process of the forensic audits because of the time they were taking. “You know if a forensic audit is being done on an agency, you just can’t do it overnight,” he said.

Quinn further explained that the work did not end with the audits. He noted that after the audits were completed, the findings would have to be examined and Government would have to analyse how to proceed in terms of who to prosecute and under which law.

Upon its assumption to office back in May last year, the David Granger Administration commenced a series of forensic audits at various State agencies to determine how State assets were sold, disposed of or transferred by the previous Administration with the intention of unearthing corrupt practices.

Some Gy$133 million in taxpayers’ dollars were expended on the audits.

Subsequently, Government established SARU to hunt for assets that initially belonged to the Government.

– Vice Chairman

O

ver Gy$740 million is currently owed as outstanding payments to rice farmers in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) by millers and despite the new crop being in its preparatory stage, nothing is being done by the relevant rice stakeholders to source the monies on farmers’ behalf.

According to Regional Vice Chairperson Juliet Nandranie Coonjah, rice farmers are facing serious challenges, including lack of water in their fields, coupled with delayed payments. Coonjah said that according to a report she received from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) Anna Regina Branch, rice farmers are owed Gy$600 million for the last crop and Gy$140 million for the crop before that by millers.

Coonjah said it was unacceptable and millers should make prompt payments to farmers.

She explained that many rice farmers were incurring additional expenses to pump water into their fields. Many of them also have bank loans to repay and families to maintain.

Farmers have complained that whenever they approached mill-

Regional Vice Chairperson Juliet Nandranie Coonjah

ers, they were often told the millers still had “old stock”.

According to one farmer, he owes the bank and has his mortgage to pay.

He said he was very much frustrated, as millers were taking a lengthy time to pay farmers and farmers needed to start the crop, as it was their livelihood.

Farmers are, therefore, calling on the Government and Agriculture Minister Noel Holder to immediately intervene as they are financially strapped.

Only recently, several rice farmers’ assets were seized by IPED as they could not afford to pay on time. Farmers also suggested that the Agriculture Minister hold a meeting with the commercial banks in an effort to reschedule loan payments, hence easing the burden they faced.

Former PM,Govt Ministers, officials questioned in controversial... from page 8

tent shocked that SOCU would base questions on AGMs that were held more than 10 years ago.

Tarnishing images

Contacted for a comment on this development, a senior PPP official said the entire exercise seems to be done with the sole intent of tarnishing images in an effort to win support for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE).

The official explained that, “Because we are approaching LGE, the government can’t now go to their base like they did before and make allegations against PPP about them being corrupt because people would say, ‘well if they are corrupt, why aren’t you doing something about it’.”

Therefore the official posited, this campaign by the government to destroy the reputations of the PPP-aligned officials is all a part of an elections gimmick.

“So they might lay a few spurious charges, not with the hope that they will secure prosecutions but to satisfy their

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

base and use it as a tool in the upcoming campaign season,” the official added.

Concerns

Several organisations have expressed concerns about SOCU’s mandate and legality to engage in such operations where civilians’ privacy are being invaded by military personnel and other Joint Forces officers through random surveillance and stakeouts.

The Guyana Bar Association (GBA) in a statement had questioned the entire na-

ture of the operation and investigation into NICIL including its legality to work in collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on a civilian operation and had called on the government and other relevant authorities to break their silence on the matter and address the nation on the situation which has sparked much public disquiet.

Other organisations including the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), Red Thread, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC), among others, weighed in on the situation, noting that the haphazard stakeouts on civilians are worrying.

The GPF recently received the NICIL Audit Report from government and has since begun investigations to determine if any criminality was involved in the management and operations of the controversial state holding company.

NEWS 27

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana’s suicide rate ... ly, there would always be a recurrence of these incidents.

Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said the current rate of suicide within his Region was quite worrying and the RDC needed to do more to address the issue.

The Chairman, during his address to Councillors at the first statutory meeting for the year on Tuesday, said that he recently visited the Suddie Public Hospital and was shocked to find out that four persons attempted suicide. He said during his visit, he discovered that most of the persons who were currently at the Hospital were very young individuals.

Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Chairman Julius Faerber said the Social Protection Ministry needed to have unified programmes to target the youth.

“I think since Government came on board, there have not been any programmes to deal with these issues.

These need to come into play. The Government can, at the regional level, have programmes put together to assist the youth in various areas.” he said.

Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) Chairman Vickchand Ramphal said

the Social Protection Ministry needed to play an important role in curbing this issue.

“They need to be more proactive and have an “ever- presence” in the communities to educate the youth. Whenever they are in a situation they cannot handle, they must have somewhere where they can access help and the Ministry needs to play a major role in that.”

He said it was proven that whenever there was an economic depression, coupled with high rates in criminal activities, it was found that the rate of suicide would also go up. Much more can still be done by the Ministry, he opined.

Meanwhile, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) Chairman David Armogan told this newspaper that for the year 2015, 49 persons in the Region attempted suicide while 24 actually died. He said apart from Government and the Social Protection Ministry working on the ground to address the issue, they must consider banning gramoxone, which is proven to be the number one poison used by persons.

Records at the New Amsterdam Hospital show that there has been a 10.25 per cent increase in suicide attempts. For

from page 14

2016, there have already been four attempted suicides recorded at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

However in Region Six, three deaths have been recorded so far for the year.

Armogan said: “It is becoming a very serious problem for us in the Region. Noting that Region Six reportedly has the highest suicide rate, the Chairman said it was not a record to boast about. “This is something to be ashamed of.”

He said the Administration would have to do something to ensure that more was done to address the issue which he said was both a social and public health issue. He said suicide has become a public health issue because of the high number of persons who die as a result.

Also, Region Nine (Upper Essequibo-Upper Takutu) Chairman Bryan Allicock said: “We need programmes to be reintroduced to communities to deal with the issues.” He said the RDC has always been lobbying for more trained counsellors to be spread out in the wide expanse of the Region. According to him, while suicide was not quite prevalent there, there is high consumption of alcohol by especially the youth.

UAE State Minister cites renewable energy sector opportunities in Guyana

M

President David Granger in discussions with Minister of State of the UAE, Reem Al Hashimy, during a courtesy call on Monday

inister of State of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Reem Al Hashimy on Monday paid a courtesy call on President David Granger at the Ministry of the Presidency, where discussions ensued on the vast opportunities within the renewable energy sector and strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

Al Hashimy was accompanied by a delegation from the UAE. In an invited comment, Al Hashimy described the meeting as “exceptional”, saying that though it was the first meeting between the two countries, her country was looking forward to forging a strong relationship with Guyana.

“We discussed elements of how we can strengthen our bilateral relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Guyana. There are some opportunities that exist that we could work together on. This is our first vis-

it here and … we are very excited to be able to work together. I think it can be incredibly positive and we are both new to each other. We are now getting to know the opportunities that exist,” Minister Al Hashimy is quoted by the Government Information Agency (GINA) as saying.

Of particular note, the Minister said, was the discussion on renewable energies development has highlighted its potential to become a key area of collaboration between the two countries.

“There are several opportunities that exist primarily in the renewable energy sector which we found very interesting, development in general but also on economic and trade fronts. I think your people are incredibly friendly, very warm and very welcoming. We have been well received, everybody has been very hospitable to us and we are very thankful and we look forward to working together,” she said.

28 news

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Privatising sugar industry needs to be justified − former GuySuCo Chair

By Kristen Macklingam

T

he move to privatise the sugar industry, one of the recommendations listed in the sugar Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report would have to be carefully thought out and justified since such a decision would affect the livelihood of thousands of people.

This is according to former Chairman of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Vic Oditt who told Guyana Times International Friday that so far the issue of privatisation has not been justified in the “much talked” about sugar CoI report.

He explained that those who were tasked with compiling this report to provide a way forward for Guyana’s crippling sugar industry did not “deliver” what they were required to; instead they arrived at an answer (privatisation)

without stating what “workings” were used to reach that conclusion.

“I think it is a very competent report on the state of the industry but what it lacks is enough information or enough analysis of the way forward,” Oditt posited.

Impact on sugar workers The former GuySuCo

boss explained that with privatisation it is obvious there will be a notable reduction in the work force and will also result in many communities in Guyana being directly affected.

He referred to the situation in the bauxite industry when it had been privatised, recalling that government at that

No sign of H1N1 virus in health workers – Dr Norton

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fter the death of a Guyanese who contracted the deadly H1N1 virus, immediate attention was given to the healthcare professionals who dealt with the patient as well as their relatives but to date, there is no sign of the virus in those persons.

Public Health Minister Dr George Norton made the announcement in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) on Saturday stating that “thus far no one has come down with the signs or symptoms of that particular viral infection”.

The minister stated that preparations are still being made to combat the virus: “there is a tablet that we use and we have it available. There’s also a vaccine.”

Trinidad and Tobago which is currently suffering an outbreak of the virus is suffering a shortage of medical supplies and as such is seeking assistance from Guyana.

Having sufficient supplies, the Public Health Ministry has made arrangements to assist with tablets.

“This influenza-like vaccine is done occasionally in times of crises, and we have not reached that stage where we would go and give the vaccination to everyone. However, not so long ago, Guyana

Public Health Minister Dr George Norton

has on record vaccinated 120,000 Guyanese, using that same vaccine; so if it becomes necessary we will do so, but so far we don’t have to as there’s no need for that,” he assured.

The GINA report states that port health officers in Guyana are also capable and ready with preventive treatment to fully deal with any unpleasant situation.

“They are there present at the Timehri International Airport and the Ogle International Airport, along with the Moleson Creek crossing, the Lethem Bridge as well as Charity. But of course… we’ve got the porous border. The water is low in the Takatu River in the Ireng River and people are literally

walking across those rivers. In all the different parts of the Rupununi like for instance, Achiwib and places like that, also in Region 8, in the Kanapang, Itaback areas, you have persons who cross that river just walking across,” minister Norton explained.

The H1N1 is transmitted in the same way as the seasonal flu which is mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing.

Symptoms include coughing, fever, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, headaches, chills and fatigue.

Persons who appear to have the symptoms are urged to use a swab and get a sample of their body fluid to the National Reference Laboratory, located at Thomas and New Market Streets, which is already on high alert.

The minister had explained that the National Reference Laboratory will run preliminary tests to determine whether or not persons are infected with the H1N1 virus. If it is suspected this is the case, then the sample will be sent to the advanced Caribbean Laboratory for confirmation.

Citizens are urged to abstain from travelling to countries where the H1N1 virus is present unless it’s very necessary.

time still had to support the bauxite communities which were Linden and Kwakwani, Region Ten (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

“So privatisation is a process that has to be carefully thought out…

I personally am disappointed with the CoI report. They came up with an answer without giv-

ing the necessary background information on how they arrived at that answer,” Oditt stated.

He alluded to the fact that if the sugar industry is losing money then the only reason someone would try to buy it would be most likely be to use the assets for other purposes and not produce sugar.

According to Oditt, if one wishes to sell something they should ensure it is first profitable so there can be a “command for money”.

However, should the sale be done when losses are being encountered then that would mean it has to “literally be given away”, he posited.

“If the industry is losing money why would a person pay for it? A person will not pay for something that is losing money unless they are looking to strip the assets and sell out the lands… my approach was to fix the industry

first, make it profitable and then you can consider privatisation,” the former GuySuCo Chairman said.

Sugar CoI report 2015 With regards to the sugar CoI report, Oditt acknowledged that while he is disappointed with some aspects of the detailed document(s) there are certain sections which were “very, very well done”.

However, the major flaw in the report is in outlining a way forward.

“The mandate on which the commission was set up was to return the industry to a state of profitability… They haven’t done that; people will want to buy (the sugar industry) just to sell off the lands, to get their hands on the lands… so the workers will be displaced obviously because there is no sense in making sugar and making a loss.” Oditt added. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy. com)

Baby-selling controversy: Suspected trafficking involved, says head of Child Protection Agency

T

he Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) probe into the “baby-selling” allegations is exploring all angles to unearth the truth behind the controversy and determine whether trafficking was indeed involved in the three-way squabble for the newborn child.

CCPA Head Ann Greene told Guyana Times International that the investigation was ongoing and the officers were making sufficient progress. She stated that the investigation should be completed by Monday and more detailed information would be released in due course.

For now, Greene said officers were trying to discover what exactly transpired, as there were many conflicting reports regarding how the baby ended up in the custody of a woman unknown to her mother.

According to reports, Roberta Browne, the mother of the baby, gave the child to her friend. Some hours later, she telephoned the woman, requesting that she return the baby. This request was not met. The friend reportedly handed the baby over to another person who is now claiming custody of the child. But, Browne denied claims that she gave away her baby, saying that she just left the infant in the care of her friend for a short while.

The CCPA Head confirmed, however, that the mother admitted to giving up the child after growing frustrated.

“The mother did admit that she gave away the baby to her best friend.

The family did not know that she gave away the baby, because there’s an aunt that said if she had known, then she would have taken the baby. She did admit that she was frustrated, saying that she doesn’t want the baby. The grandmother also said that she would have taken the baby had she known her daughter had plans to do that. She has some personal difficulties; we have to look at her capacity, her mental

CPA Head Ann Greene

health and so on…,” she related.

Commenting on the situation, Greene firmly stated that children could not simply be stolen or given away. “There’s a process if a mother feels that she doesn’t want, or she doesn’t have the capacity to care of her child. A procedure that she has to go through that could legalise things and so on, so we can’t have babies being given away,” she said.

Greene said the situation was rather worrying and the Agency would continue to work with the family even after the investigation was completed.

“We have to work with her after an investigation has been concluded, because there’s two more children involved. She has two more children at home, so we would be working with her to help her even to build her capacity to look at even the two other children,” she said.

Meanwhile, Greene said another major part of the investigation was to locate the father of the child. “We’re trying to find the father as part of the investigation, because there has to be a father. We have to find out what’s the position of the other side of the relatives, as there’s the maternal and a child also has paternal relatives.”

feature 29

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Providing support and spreading awareness on suicide prevention, The Caribbean Voice (TCV) works tirelessly to reduce suicide statistics

T

CV is a New York-based NGO that has been involved in social activism since its launch in 1987. Currently, it is focusing on suicide prevention and related issues in Guyana and the diaspora, and is working in collaboration with partners such as NGOs, businesses, socially conscious individuals, the media and various ministries in Guyana to further its work in suicide prevention.

TCV is a community based organisation that provides a range of services, including networking, information, technological, coping, self-expression, assimilation, cultural, social, celebratory, promotional, collaborative, developmental, creative, activist, advocacy and production.

The underlying objective of TCV is to allow a forum and an avenue for people of Caribbean descent in the diaspora to maintain connections with their roots while they manifest self-identity wherever they live as well as to connect with and work to empower the people of the Caribbean.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, the organisation’s local contact Bibi Ahamad said TCV’s

The Caribbean Voice team at a past Suicide Prevention Walk in Guyana

Program), and planning and implementation of specific activities.

An outreach was done in Black Bush Polder, Berbice in collaboration with a number of other NGOs. In August, TCV held its first ever National Stakeholders’ Conference on Suicide and Related Issues (domestic and child abuse, rape and incest, drugs use and alcoholism), which was attended by over 60 NGOs and community-based organisations. TCV also launched the annual El Dorado

also include a “walks and rallies” campaign in collaboration with the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex and the Sadr Islamic Anjuman as well as other organisations; a national high schools essay contest on suicide prevention in collaboration with Save Abee Foundation and Image Nation Foundation (TCV is also hoping to collaborate with the Guyana Teachers Union and the Ministry of Education); collaborating with Save Abee Foundation and Millennium Sistas to in-

Students in Essequibo join in TCV's 'Walk Against Suicide'

main activities include suicide prevention via multiple strategies: advocacy and information dissemination (traditional and social media especially); lobbying for implementation of programmes by the government (such as suicide hotline, counsellors in schools, implementation of strategies, especially the Sri Lankan Model, to reduce suicide by pesticide; training, such as the Gatekeepers

Awards to honour affirmation agents.

Ahamad mentioned that plans for 2016 include launching of a billboard campaign in collaboration with local charity group, Save Abee Foundation, and other entities. Supplementing billboards are currently being erected by the Miss World Guyana organisation,which is partneringin this endeavour.

Activities for 2016

clude a mental health component to their medical outreaches scheduled for July and September 2016; exploring the possibility of collaborating with Blue Caps and other entities to launch a ‘Train the Trainers’ campaign throughout Guyana, as well to engage in direct training with a number of other NGOs. “As you can see we’re pushing collaboration as the platform that can

achieve the greatest possible impact. In addition to those named above, we also partner and/or have partnered with Monique’s Helping Hands, Golden Dharmic Youth, the American University of Research, CADVA, Rights of the Child Commission, while we have explored possibilities and reached out to other groups as well, such as Mibicuri Community Developers, the Peace Corp, the Dharmic Sabha, the Indian Action Committee, Inspire Inc.

includes Ahamad, who is the coordinator, managing director and vice president; Pandit Deodat Persaud itsdeputy coordinator; Gail Thomas,assistant coordinator for Berbice; Keshni (Chandanie) Rooplall, youth coordinator; Devina Samaroo is its media liaison and Chandra Balkaran Watson,executive secretary.

Divina Singh, Carol Ann Lovell and Rayon Mantoos are assistant youth coordinators; Lisa Edwards, Priya Dookie,

getting the media to focus consistently not only on suicide, but mental health in general.

The result is increasing awareness and a greater dissemination of information. We have also done over 100 pro bono interventions - the vast majority in Guyana.

“We also believe that we played a part in the realisation of the suicide hotline, which we consistently lobbied for since the launch of our campaign in June 2014.

We also note announcements by various cabinet members with respect to placing counsellors in schools and bringing back the Gatekeepers’ Program as well as implementation of a programme to reduce pesticide suicide, for which we have been consistently lobbying. And our media campaigns have generated passionate discussions and conversations on suicide and related issues,” Ahamad noted.

For those who may be contemplating suicide, Ahamad said suicide is never the answer. She added that “it does not end the problem; instead it ends a life and prevents that person from knowing what could have been possible.

It also leaves many unanswered questions and a lifetime of agony and pain for loved ones left

Berbice High School students spread awareness on suicide prevention

and SASOD. “Additionally, we have been strongly supported and/or continue to be supported by a number of private sector entities, including Cara Lodge Hotel, Guyenterprise, Seuria Manufacturing, Galaxy 21 Communications, Gafoors Group of Company, Metro Computer & Office Supplies and Andrew Arts,” Ahamad outlined.

TCV Guyana team

Antoinetta Phoenix, Pastor Quaicy Henry and Dhanwantri Persaud are also members.

Its Board of Directors are Dr. Dawn Stewart, Nazim S. Hussain, Dr. Frank Anthony and Sixtus Edwards.

Spokesperson for TCV Guyana is media and entertainment personality WR Reaz.

“We’re all playing a significant role in putting suicide prevention on the front burner and

behind.”

Her encouragement to those who are suicidal is to talk to someone you trust and seek help by calling the suicide help lines, touching base with any of the NGOs that focus on suicide prevention or with The Caribbean Voice.

In Guyana, TCV can be contacted on 621-6111 or 223-2637. Visit www. caribvoice.org for more information on the organisation’s activities.

30 feature

A

biola Abrams is a first generation GuyaneseAmerican author, columnist, speaker, filmmaker and multimedia personality who was raised in New York City. Also a certified wellness coach, Abiola gives heartfelt, no-

The author at a book signing event

nonsense, stigma-free advice on self-esteem and self-worth, body image issues, healthy relationships, mental health, sexual health, and how to live with verve.

The first person in her Guyanese family born in the U.S., Abrams was

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

bullied in her African American neighbourhood for being "the wrong kind of black" while attending a prestigious all-girls prep school as a child and teenager. Today, she accords her unique perspective on culture, community, empowerment and identity to

this rich, albeit conflicted, background.

On her Facebook page she describes herself as a “New Yorker daughter of Guyanese parents, and professional big mouthed goddess! I came to this planet to share the secrets of living with more passion and zest than you ever thought possible. For the past 10 years my work has been about women getting to be who we really are.

Let’s do it. Life is not a passive experience. It’s a passionate experience!”

Abrams writes books, blogs and columns, and broadcasts TV and web shows about love, lifestyle and pop culture. Current projects include: BBC Radio Entertainment correspondent reporting on celebrity news and relationships, MTV teen dating empowerment coach on the reality series “Made,” blogger and editor on her lifestyle site “Abiola’s Passionista Playbook,” and host/producer of her own award-winning web series and advice blogs.

Abiola's book, “The Passionista Playbook for Rockstar Living”, is part humorous memoir, part fun handbook, about living with passion. “Dare” (Simon & Schuster), a hip hop love story; Abiola's popular debut novel was taught at Amherst College, and her essays have been published in anthologies such as ‘Behind the Bedroom Door’, ‘Dirty Words: A Literary Encyclopaedia of Sex, and ‘A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer’.

In the past, Abiola has hosted TV shows like BET's “The Best Shorts,”

Abiola at the 2007 BET Awards

HBO's “The Buzz” and NBC's “Source: All Access,” starred as “Miss Picky” on VH1 reality series “Tough Love” and appears as a pop culture talking head on networks like FOX. Recent press includes being interviewed for a feature in Essence Magazine, being quoted in The New York Times about Fashion Week and talking about the Person of the Year on The Judith Regan Show on Sirius XM Radio. Abiola has written for and been written about in publications from Gawker and Jezebel to Paper Magazine and Self.

She is a lead lifestyle and entertainment content contributor (articles, videos, celebrity inter-

views) in the areas of love, lifestyle and pop culture, including advertorial and branded entertainment.

She has interviewed celebrities such as Patti Labelle, Quincy Jones, Chris Rock, Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J and Henry Louis Gates, Junior.

Clients and sites include and have included: Pepsi We Inspire, American Airlines' Black Atlas, HP, Yahoo, Glam, Hello Beautiful, Examiner and Luv Em or Leave Em. Abiola has given keynote addresses on empowerment at many schools such as NYUandThe New School for Social Research and Howard University. continued on page 42

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

feature 31

Symbols of nationhood

The Mace of Guyana’s Parliament

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Parliament Building, Georgetown

Mace is a ceremonial symbol of authority, used in Commonwealth Parliamentsincluding Canada, Australia and The Bahamas. In Medieval times, a Mace was a club-like weapon of defence.

According to the Parliament of Guyana website, a Mace was used in Guyana’s Parliament on Sept. 10, 1957for the first time.

It was made of silver gilt.

When, on Feb. 23, 1970, Guyana became a Republic, the head of the Mace, which depict-

bearing the Mace on his right shoulder.

When the National Assembly is in session, the Mace is placed on the Clerk's table, with its head pointing towards the government side of the Chamber.

When the Assembly meets as a Committee of the Whole Assembly, the Mace is placed below the Clerk's table.

When the Mace lies upon the table, the House is in session; when under, it is a Committee. When out of the House, no business can be done; when from the table and upon

reported stolen. The Speaker pointed out to the press that it was removed “without [his] permission, knowledge or consent…”

The Mace however, was soon discovered with the Clerk of the National Assembly who explained that he had taken it “for safekeeping and cleaning”.

The Mace is always kept in the Speaker’s Office, only being removed by the Sergeantat-Arms for use during parliamentary sittings or for temporary viewing by guests on tours of the National Assembly.

The Mace is placed upon its silver stand on the table in front of the Speaker who sits in the Speaker’s Chair

ed British Royal Arms, was replaced with Guyana's Coat of Arms.

The head of the present mace was designed by the Ministry of Information and Culture.

The original stem, which is 145.5 cm in length, depicts a Victoria Regia Lily, one of the largest water lilies in the world, first discovered in British Guiana during the reign of Queen Victoria.

The stem also includes representations of a rice plant in full bearing and a sugar cane in blossom, representing two of Guyana's principal products.

The website states that on entering and leaving the Parliament Chamber, the Speaker is preceded by the Sergeant-at-Arms

the Sergeant's shoulder, the Speaker alone manages.

It was reported that in a speech delivered during the 31st Sitting of the Tenth Parliament it was mentioned that in Jan 1991, an opposition MP had removed the mace from its place on the table.

In March 1991,at the 45th Sitting of the National Assembly of the Second Session (1990-1991) of the Fifth Parliament, a proposal to expel the MP was made.

While it is unclear from the speech whether the MP was indeed expelled, protocol involving the ceremonial object is strictly enforced and any acts of disrespect considered heinous.

Then, in October 2014, the Mace was

32 art & culture

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Perseverance and hard work essential he says

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verseas-based Guyanese artist Walter Gobin, who recently earned gold at the 2015 National Drawing Competition, believes that talent plays a major role in being an artist. However, an artist still needs to work diligently and practice constantly in order to hone his/her talent.

Gobin hails from Grove on the East Bank of Demerara and lived in Mahaica, East Coast of Demerara, for a number of years.

He taught art in Guyana at Bartica, Buxton, Mahaicony, Mahaica, and then in the Bahamas,where he moved, for the past 20 years. His career as an art teacher took him to Bahamas, where he lived and painted for two decades before finally settling in Canada.

Although now retired from teaching, Gobin di-

vides his time with photography, drawing, painting sceneries and portraits. He also actively participates in exhibitions in Canada, Guyana and The Bahamas.

“The spark was lit for art at Central High School in Sixth Form by Mr. John Criswick, who also nurtured some well-known Guyanese artists such as Angold Thompson. Art was my main area of study at Teachers’ Training College. I then continued with practicing art on my own and reading every art book I could find,” he recalled in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

After refining his artistic talent, Gobin took part in several national exhibitions,and self-produced a series of colouring books on Guyana, which are also printed and sold locally.

Some of the artist’s exhibitions include a one-man "Parika by the River"

Artist Walter Gobin

show in Freeport, Bahamas (2011);he has participated in annual group shows in Freeport for the past 15 years. Also, the Bahamas National Exhibition; in Canada at Guyana Day sponsored by Guyana Consulate, Brampton's Beaux Arts; Newcomers Award in Guyana while in college, andat several national exhibitions in Guyana, even while in high school.

Notably, Gobin has won several awards, including gold medals for entries in the National Drawing Competition 2008 and 2015.

Now he hopes that his retirement will give him the chance to pursue several art projects. He would like to “reboot” his colouring books; paint and draw using a variety of media (oil paints, oil pastels, chalk pastels, pencils, pen and ink, charcoal, scratchboard); invest more in his photography; work on doing an exhibition at Castellani House (Guyana); cartooning; continue with volleyball, table tennis and tai chi; and continue to build/add on his resource materials.

“I love to paint people with fascinating range of colours on their faces and people in everyday walks of life. Also, I like to capture the beauty of various sceneries (where I can add or delete) places and nature. I get my inspiration from everything: people in their daily goings-on, sceneries, nature, shapes, continued on page 44

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Author and advocate Sukree Boodram is known as a fighter: she fought to free herself from an abusive marriage and is a fighter for abused women. Now Sukree is fighting something even more personal – cancer

U

Sukree during one of her chemo sessions

S - b a s e d G u y a n e s e S u k r e e Boodram was born Oct. 7, 1966 into a strong and loving middle class Hindu family in Guyana. She resided in Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, until she was 16. While in Guyana, she attended Joanna Primary School and Multilateral High School in New Amsterdam. She graduated in 1982 from Winifred Gaskin Memorial High, formerly known as Manchester High School, Manchester

Village, Corentyne.

She migrated to the U.S. in 1983 and resided in Corona, Queens until 1989. She was married on October 3, 1987 then relocated to Florida, along with her husband. While in Florida, she attended University of Central Florida and graduated in 1999 with a degree (BA) in accounting.

She continued on towards a post graduate degree and obtained her MBA from Webster University, St Louis, Missouri in 2002. She obtained her license as a certified public

accountant (CPA) in 2003.

Sukree returned to the classrooms seeking another degree in psychology, with a primary focus on the behavioural and cross cultural concentration to continue her advocacy on the platform of domestic violence.

She graduated with a Psychology degree in May 2015.

A Global Domestic Violence Advocate with the Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness organisation, popularly known as CADVA, Sukree enjoys working towards ending abuse and helping women break free from abusive relationships, something she experienced personally.

She penned her memoir “BreakOUT”, detailing how she broke free from an abusive marriage, with the aim of offering hope to anyone who feels they have no options and shows how difficult choices can lead to new, richer lives filled with promise, peace and happiness.

Living with cancer

Sukree before being diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, stage 4 of a rare bone cancer

Now Sukree has another battle - cancer.

She was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, stage 4 of a rare bone cancer attributed to children and not generally adults.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine she said that Ewing Sarcomais not a hereditary cancer, rather a cancer prone to only children up to ages 19. It is rare for adults. It is a DNA mapping switch that

happens in the body and has no relationship to family or genetics.

There are only a few cases of adult Ewing Sarcoma, so scientists do not have much to go on. Sukree is currently being treated with the same chemo as the children, but in larger doses.

“My perspective on life did not alter much after my diagnosis. I am the same person now as I was before. However, making [the] change from being healthy, active and working caused me some sadness as I do miss my former active life. My sadness had turned into depression.

This type of depression is known as situational depression and it does improve with proper help and medication.

“Seeing a psychiatrist when I was hospitalized was the best thing for me to deal with the depression. I was able to talk openly about by feelings and thoughts. I will continue to take the meds I was assigned to ensure that I do not slip back into depression while I am undergoing this treatment. I feel very happy, humorous and alive again and extremely positive,” she affirmed.

Among the many effects of chemo is Sukree losing her hair. She said she never panicked or got angry, but “simply did what had to be done to get the loose hair out”.

“I thought about what I would look like with no hair. I pondered whether to wear wigs or not and what kind. I wondered how my family would react seeing me bald like this. In the end I accepted that losing one’s hair in the process is expected and it is something I simply cannot change and if I cannot change something I just accept it as faith and destiny and move on to the things that I can change, such as my attitude towards it. I love my bald head and everyone says I have a beautiful head. That makes me feel good. I go without anything covering my head when I am in the Florida hot weather. One thing to note is that my head gets cold a lot with no hair as insulation. This is the

A port on her upper right chest where chemo meds are administered

main reason of wearing head covering. We lose a lot of heat from our head!” she quipped.

Sukree noted that a good support system is the key to fighting the disease coupled with a positive attitude and healthy diet. She added that she has the best support system within her family and also the best oncology team at the Weill Cornell/ New York Presbyterian Hospital (Dr. Elizabeta Popa and team).

“This support system allows me to focus

us. I am human, I have feeling, I hurt, I feel and I share. This is how I cope,” she expressed.

Appreciating all the “simple things overlooked each day”, Sukree pointed out that she cherishes even more the love of her family.

She receives support from her brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews and even her ex in-laws.

“It is crucial that family is around us with love and support.

This is one reason we should try to made

A relentless fighter, Sukree Boodram

on my meditation and exercise. I am also not ashamed to share my story and talk about my feelings and treatment. This is all very therapeutic and promotes positive healing.

Writing and sharing on my blog site at www. sukreespeaks.com is extremely healing and freeing.

Family support

“The love and support from others helps tremendously. We are all humans with feeling and emotions, we simply can’t expect to not share and bury our feelings and thinks miraculously they are going to go away. Even if we talk and share with one person, it’s healing

amends with any family member we may be at odds with. My family has been blessed with closeness and we are well bonded. We don’t have to agree on everything, but we agree we all love and care deeply for each other.

“I get food prepared and brought home. I get constant calls if I need anything or how I am feeling. I get nice text messages of love and care and gifts and cards. I am the last in the family and am the baby; they all still treat me like a baby. I used to not like it, but now I love it. This is another thing I continued to cherish and appreciate, love of family!” Sukree declared.

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

Emerging from 2015

at first. I love comics; the superheroes – Superman, Batman.

By Petamber Persaud

E

very now and again, significant things happen to signal the renewalof hope. Sometimes we totally miss or simply gloss over those indications for various reasons. In Guyana, a number of things happened to indicate better times ahead for our literature.

In 2015, two emerging writers won major literary prizes. Imam Baksh won the Burt Award for Caribbean Literature and Subraj Singh won the Guyana Prize for Literature, both entries were manuscripts.

Manuscripts winning major literary prizes is something else to gloat about but let’s defer that to another occasion.

First, let’s hear what these writers/winners have to say about literature and their own work.

(An extract of interview with Subraj Singh in Georgetown, Guyana, December, 2015.)

Imam Baksh

about 21/22, I had it in my head that I can do this seriously. So I started writing stories which I sent off to magazines.

I did not have success for a long time because I was a raw, young writer, developing a skill but it was important to begin the process, to be in the process, to take the process seriously, even

Subraj Singh (Facebook)

(Extract of an interview with Imam Baksh, Georgetown, Guyana, May 2015, just after he received his award.)

PP Let’s talk … beginnings; where did it all start?

IB Well, the first time I tried to write a novel, I was ten….But I don’t think I got very far. You see, in those days, I was a lot more interested in reading than writing. But I kept coming back to the idea of writing, I like the process, I enjoy the process.

And during my university days [UG] when I was

to receive the rejection slips/emails. Then finally, around 2005/6, I got a couple accepted in small presses, anthologies. Just about then I had a couple accepted in The Guyana Annual magazine of which you were [and still is] editor and that was encouraging. But these were still short stories. And in my computer, I was writing notes – ideas for stories; I have about twenty ideas/outlines for novel which I have built up over the last twenty years.

PP Which is good groundwork.

PP Earlier you talk-

ed about reading…what … type of literature you were interested in, and, did your reading influence your writing?

IB I was always attracted to stories that explored things. So one of the first sets of books I had as a child and that I treasured most were the books that tell you how a child lives in other countries….

Along the way I discovered I was attracted to the fantastic – things that bent reality or broke reality. And this is very innocent – you find it in children stories all the time. We read fairy tales and there is magic; Cinderella and there is magic; Pinocchio – magic. All those children stories are filled with magic. Magic is motivating.

And the monster and the beast like the beast in ‘Beauty and the Beast’.

Or the dragon. And you would have to fight these beast/monster/dragon. And just the idea of fighting these monsters was fun.

PP One of the biggest attractions right now is the Harry Potter series…

IB The Harry Potter series is a good example – there are the mentors and monsters and witches and wizards etc.

When I was ten or eleven, I discovered Stephen King. My mother though he would drive me crazy; she said it would poison my mind… .I also started reading about the same time, military and spy thrillers like Alistair McLean; these were fast paced stuff. It was something looked down on, what people called pulp fiction, no serious thoughts in them but I found them absolutely interesting and enjoyable.

From Stephen King, I branched out into writers like Neil Gaiman – he wrote comic books

PP …Your entry was in manuscript form…which was entertained by the committee managing the Prize and considered by the panel of judges.

SS I think that goes to show that there are many talented writers who have neither sought out the opportunity for publishing or were not granted the opportunity for publishing. I think having your book published is a big deal but in Guyana publishing is complicated and complex issue. But there are talented people who for one reason or the other have not been published as yet and this does not mean that those works are not as good as the published ones.

PP Good point.

Writers will always write whether the climate is right or not …I don’t know much of your writing so I will have to ask: where do you write from Subraj?

SS I think all writers write from a personal perspective; we were taught to write what we know and I think even if you write fantasy or surrealist literature, it always comes back to…the core of it is always something you know and familiar with.

Now about writers marketing themselves: I think it is very, very important for writers to share their writing, they need to let their friends read it, they need to let their families read it; they need to go to poetry events and storytelling events and promote the work because that is the only way they will get criticism which is invaluable – that is the way they get to promote their work and themselves and it creates that opportunity to get feedback from the audience and for you get to hear what they think of the work and that helps you to go back, revisit the work, edit, modify and try it again. So it is very important for writers/ artists to display their work.

The writings of both Baksh and Singh will help in the shaping of Guyanese Literature.

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

Power to…

…the PM? Hardly! here was evidently a last-minute change of heart by the President in the reallocation of duties in his Cabinet, announced in the New Year. We’d heard “I is” Broomes was being shifted from Labour and Working Girls (call it what you may) to Natural Resources, while her spot in Labour was taken by Keith Scott. Seems like Working Girls are on their own…which mightn’t be such a bad thing.

Cathy Hughes’ Tourism portfolio was augmented with “Telecommunications”. But in the Gazetted report, obviously not seeing it as important …she also got the GPOC and its snail mail. But lo and behold, almost as dramatic as a booming voice from a burning bush was the news that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had gotten the “governance” portfolio he’d been promised in the Cummingsburg Accord.

Wasn’t this important enough for the President to mention it when he announced his “not a reshuffle”? Here it was Nagamootoo’d claimed to have catapulted the coalition into office with his 11% from Berbice…and he was stuffed with just the Information Portfolio. Heck Jagan had given him that back in 1992, for carrying around Janet’s purse for decades over at the Mirror!

But, jeez, Nagamootoo had then gone and finished law school along with his daughter.

Wasn’t that worth an upward bump? But while Nagamootoo’s probably running around giving high fives to all and sundry (from his $100M SUV), he should take a deep breath and think why his “elevation” was an afterthought. Or better yet, he should ask precisely what’ll he be doing under “governance”.

Will Bulkan and his “Local Government” remit come under “governance”? (And having to deal with $82M deposits?!) Or will he be looking at the “big picture”, but with no real power? Your Eyewitness believes the latter is more likely – since it fits in with the “olive branch” of “shared governance” he’s asked to hold out to the PPP on behalf of the Government.

Nagamootoo should realise once again he’s been given “Larwah”. He can wait until hell freezes over and we all know, ain’t no way the PPP’s going to have Moses Nagamootoo define even the terms of reference for “coalition talks”, much less consummating a coalition with them. He could even lower his pants in Stabroek Market Square and it won’t change matters.

So where does that leave Nagamootoo – the man who would be President? Just where he started – as window dressing to allow Prezzie to claim, as he just did, he’s achieved “ethnic unity” in Guyana. …to those in power There’s a Joker in one of the Cabinet cards just shuffled. Last year, while wearing her Social Protection hat, “I is” Broomes took objection to this newspaper reporting that she owned mining interests in the interior and that these interests were in conflict with Amerindian interests since they were fighting to prevent such mining.

The goodly Minister took the newspaper to the courts. But they say, “time longer than twine”, no?

The same Minister –now transferred to “Natural Resources” – has accepted ownership of the selfsame mining interests. She also admitted leasing the land to an operator – but still sees no “conflict of interest”.

If and when her lessee mines the land, she says she can then “get her percentage of profits or the company can buy her out”. But this is not a “conflict of interest”??!!! And her Senior Minister, Trotman, probably in shock after having “governance” taken away, agreed! What power can do to some!

If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck – and water rolls off its back , this Eyewitness says, it’s a goddamn duck! …youths?

So the Government missed the boat to appoint youths – on whose backs they rode to power – to govt office. (You really thought AFC did anything?)

Are they going to make up in LGE? Don’t hold your breaths.

T

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Ossie O

Star of the week

Public Buildings (Parliament Building) circa 1834

O

Queen's College, Georgetown n.d.

ssie Nedd, known popularly as Ossie O, is famous for his unique voice. Ossie was born May 9 in Ann's Grove on the East Coast of Demerara. His main influence as a young boy was Michael Jackson. Ossie performed for the first time on stage at age 11 at the St. Roses High school rendering the Whitney Houston classic, “I believe the children are our future”, and received a standing ovation. From that moment, his love for poetry and song writing began. Years later, while at the University of Guyana, he performed at an annual music feature, ‘Talent Festival’, in 1998, singing the Indian hit song “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” along with an East Indian female friend, and was hailed on campus as a cultural icon and by local newspaper editorials as playing a significant part in mending ethnic groups together. In 2001, the Theatre Arts Awards nominated Ossie O for the Best Male Singer Award,which he wonfor the song “Hooked on your love”, his first recorded song. He later won the, R N B Flavacompetition, with the same song, which he said he penned as a ballad for his first love. In 2003, Ossie O got the opportunity to serenade Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child and once again hit the newspapers. In 2005, he penned the jingle lyrics for local singer Timeka Marshall who won the GT&T Jingle Competition, the first competition of its kind. He is one of the many artistes signed to the Kross Kolor label, and has recorded a few songs that bring out his versatility. Awell-rounded musician, Ossie also plays the acoustic guitar (which has become his trademark), the recorder, piano, harmonica and drums. In his leisure time, the singer, who is also artistically inclined, sketches portraits and cartoons. He is also a music teacher by profession and has often described teaching as the best job in the world.

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This week's Crossword

This week's Puzzle

see solution on page 47

Playing fast and loose… …with accountancy code of ethics ne of the hottest career paths in Guyana over the last decade or so has been accountancy.

Suddenly, instead of becoming “doctor and lawyer”, some of our brightest young people are becoming accountants. In an era when you have to lasso youths into classrooms, why has this area been actually oversubscribed? It’s the money, baby! The money!

And it all comes back to supply and demand.

Businesses want their affairs to be run professionally and you can’t do this unless you’re able to follow the money trail. Enter the accountancy profession. But like in everything where money comes in (meaning EVERYthing in the whole wide world!), folks like to turn shields into swords.

And the accountancy profession’s been a willing sword. A standing gag in business goes: A fella asks his accountant how much profit he made. Without missing a beat, the accountant replies, “How much would you like it to be!” A few years ago, the American corporation Enron was brought down and its accountants were shown to be complicit in perpetuating frauds to the tune of billions of dollars.

And US dollars. The profession tried to clean up its act across the world – introducing all sorts of codes of ethics and such like.

But, greed, like hope, beats eternal – especially hope of satisfying one’s greed. All of this popped into your Eyewitness’ mind as he read about the “Case of the $82M deposit in Republic Bank”. Seemed to be an “apparition” effect right out of Harry Potter: money popping in and out of accounts in banks, with accountants as the Wizards asked to provide explanations.

What the whole sordid incident shows at this point is how incestuous some of the players in our business, financial and governmental world are.

Enron DID NOT prove to be a cautionary tale. Here we have an accountant, Christopher Ram who once plied his trade to the Bulkans of Precision Woodworking Limited (PWL). A few years back when the “professional” connection had been severed, the latter asked the former to check out an $82 million deposit that had “apparated” – deposited and withdrawn – in and out of their accounts at Republic Bank.

Now, why would they ask Ram to do so, when he was no longer their accountant? Well, for one, Ram was now the accountant for Republic Bank…and the businessmen – one of whom is now our Minister of Communities! – had no compunction in encouraging Ram to break his Code of Ethics – if not the law.

What does this imply about their assessment of Ram, from their previous long “professional” relationship?

Ram’s ethics were elastic.

Subsequent events haven’t disproved the Bulkan Boys. Birds of a feather! …with accountancy rules Could be because your Eyewitness isn’t an accountant, he found more questions than answers with Ram’s letter of self-exculpation. He said that when the Bulkan Boys showed up at his office and asked him to investigate the “Case of the Apparating $82M”, he demurely demurred. But then continued: “What we did not disclose was that, out of an abundance of caution, we not only reviewed the working papers in our office, but a partner of the firm was asked to carry out a further review of the alleged deposit. We found that there was no such deposit.”

This means that Ram had to have kept the entire record of Republic Bank’s transactions as “working papers” – or accessed it – to make such a definitive statement: “there was no such deposit”.

Isn’t using a client’s records to investigate an “outside” request for info, an accountancy conflict of interest?

But the Bulkan Boys and Ram are all honourable men, no? …but getting bit Ram’s finding out “when you guh crab dance you mus’ get mud”. With all his finagling to play both sides against the middle, he didn’t expect Mook Lall to drag his big-money client Republic Bank into the gutter.

O

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his is the year of change. If you or someone you know is an addict to harmful substances, it is time to get on the road to recovery or help someone to do so at the Phoenix Recovery Project – a place that offers support and love while helping addicts to become “clean”.

The Phoenix

Its motto is: “Out of the ashes rose the mythical Phoenix.So too the person afflicted with chemical dependence could rise from vagrancy, criminality and even degradation.”

Restructuring lives

The Project’s rehabilitation programme attempts to restructure clients’ lives by healing and

Founder of the Project, Clarence Young

Recovery Project, located in Mon Repos, ECD, opened its doors on Aug. 1, 2000. Treatment was offered to men only until Aug.13, 2008 when the first female programme was launched. Notably, the Project offers the community of Mon Repos the opportunity to be educated about the disease of addiction and ultimately experience the “change process”.

The Project’s primary goal is to heal and rehabilitate those afflicted with alcohol and drug addiction.The staff continually update their knowledge in the field of addiction, through courses, periodicals and networking with treatment.

reawakening the spiritual, physical, mental, and social areas that have been severely affected by the use and abuse of psychotropic substances.

In phase one of its programme, clients are required to stay at the centre for six to 12 months to undergo primary care.

In primary care, the clients participate in group and individual therapy as well as workshops on self-esteem, stress management, communication, human sexuality, assertiveness training, relapse prevention, among others.

There are also guest speakers from supporting services, daily physical exercise, meetings,

Volunteers help addicts not only physically but spiritually

field trips and occupational therapy skills.

In occupational therapy, clients are occasionally chosen to gain firsthand experience in a working environment.

Additionally, during phase one, the clients’ families and support persons participate in workshops aimed at educating them on the disease and treatment of drug addiction.

Group and individual therapy sessions assist families with the recovery and healing process for themselves and the clients.

The spiritual focus of the Project is also very important, and as such the clients participate in daily “spiritual sessions”.

Clients can also attend devotions at a nearby church, mosque or temple. Individuals from all religious backgrounds are welcomed to join the Project’s programmes.

As part of therapy, the clients are also expected to maintain their environment, do laundry, participate in sporting and recreational activities and be involved in all aspects of community living.

Support systems

In phase two of the programme (known as After Care), clients are expected to return once weekly for a 90-minute group session. Contact is maintained with clients, their families, employers and other supporters.

When necessary, family sessions are conducted.

Phoenix Recovery Project organizes individual sessions with clients and their spouses and/or other members of their families who need to work through issues.

Workshops cover various areas of the healing process including communication, relationships, assertiveness, nutrition, human sexuality, medical aspects of addiction, disease concept (of addiction), relapse prevention, coal-setting, anger management and recovery, self-esteem, money management, drugs and the law, smoking cessation, problem solving, remedial education, and narcotics anonymous.

Most of these workshops are held over several sessions to facilitate changes in attitudes, values, behaviours and thinking.

The centre offers an additional care programme that caters to those persons who have relapsed or who may be on the road to relapse.

This programme can vary from two to eight weeks of residential care.

Admission to the cen-

Volunteers (left) with the project working with addicts

tre is based on the clients’ need for a better way of life. A willingness to adopt a positive outlook on life, to better shoulder responsibilities anda readiness to participate in what is required of the six to 12 months duration are all necessary requirements to join the Project.

Foundations

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Clarence Young,the Project’s founder and

coordinator, who is Trinidadian,said having worked with a few Guyanese nationals in treatment in Trinidad, he was invited to come to Guyana in 1995, and made a promise to assist.

“I did just that in 1996. I became involved with a structured programme at the Prashad’s Hospital.

Simultaneously, I was asked to assist the Salvation Army in developing a programme.

By November of 1996, I designed, implemented and developed the Salvation Army’s programme in the formative years,” Young recalled.

He added that out of the need to address the dual-diagnosed (substance abuse and mental illness), Phoenix was birthed.

Young disclosed that one of the many challenges faced is lack of funding that is vital continued on page 47

38 news

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana could tap into project funding from Kuwait – as non-resident Ambassador is accredited

A

s Guyana seeks to strength ties with Kuwait, it could benefit from having several local projects funded by the Arab country.

This was announced

by Kuwait’s newly accredited non-resident Ambassador to Guyana, Ayadah Alsaidi, who handed his Letters of Credence to President David Granger on Wednesday at the Ministry of Presidency.

Ambassador Alsaidi committed towards working to strengthen the relations between Guyana and his country and noted that despite having good relations, the economic and trade relations between the two countries last year were not as strong as it could be and promised to change this during his tenure.

According to the Head of State, the two countries have concluded several cooperation agreements in the areas of communication, culture, commerce and investment. He added that during Ambassador Alsaidi’s tenure, they will be able to find practical ways of implementing these agreements.

“We have worked

President Granger accredited Kuwait’s Non-resident Ambassador to Guyana Ayadah Alsaidi

“I promise you to do my best… Besides, there is a lot of projects that the Kuwait Funds gives to some of the Muslim community but I can assure you that Kuwait want to you – any project you have – propose to her. We study these proposals and can give to any project, the benefits for the people of Guyana,” the Diplomat stated.

After accepting the documents President Granger said he is confident the two countries would find practical ways of forging ahead with their already established collaboration during Ambassador Alsaidi’s tenure.

“Your Accreditation takes place at a time of economic transformation for both our countries, albeit at different levels.

Guyana, like Kuwait, is striving to further develop its natural resources to accelerate economic growth and ensure the good life for all of its citizens. Guyana remains deeply committed to its efforts to reduce poverty and unemployment and to provide better social services for all. There are ample opportunities for our two countries to collaborate in this regard.”

closely at the multilateral level on matters of mutual interests including those relating to the preservation of sovereignty and territorial integrity. We also share similar positions on several issues on the global agenda including political and economic security, crime change and poverty reduction,” the President further outlined.

In addition, it was mentioned that Kuwait supported Guyana’s candidature for a nonpermanent seat on the United Nation’s Security Council for the period 2014-2015 and Guyana, in turn, is currently supporting that country’s bid for 2017-2018. Both state officials used the opportunity to express appreciation for the each other’s support.

Guyana and Kuwait commenced diplomatic relations in August 1995.

In 2010, Guyana accredited the first Kuwait Ambassador to this country. Dr Odeen Ishmael served as Guyana’s Ambassador to the Arab State but retired in 2014 due to ill-health.

President Granger is yet to announce a candidate to take up the ambassadorial posting to Kuwait.

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Travel & tourism 41

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Scenic landscape in Yakarinta

akarinta and Kwaimatta are two scenic villages in the North Rupununi where the indigenous villagers hold true to their traditions.

Yakarinta is closer to Annai, and Kwaimatta to Karanambu Lodge – all in the North Rupununi region.

The people in Kwaimatta speak Makushi.

Yakarinta hosts Wapishana and Makushi villagers.

In Yakarinta, there is a nursery and primary school, health post, church, women’s sewing centre, village office,

teachers’ quarter, guest house and a community centre.

In Kwaimatta, there is a health post, primary school, village office, teachers’ quarters and a hot meal kitchen.

Villagers in Kwaimatta engage in farming, fishing and hunting activities, while in Yakarinta villagers engage in farming, fishing, hunting, making bricks and craft (basketry).

They are both quiet villages with hospitable residents. (Photos by Neketa Forde) Tractor heading to Yakarinta

Tractor crossing river in Yakarinta

Students at Yakarinta Kwaimatta Primary School

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from page 30

She was featured in the 2010 Sex Bloggers Calendar and as a part of her ongoing safe sex initiative she directed the award-winning and critically acclaimed feminist erotica art film, “Afrodite Superstar”.

Her social issues short films and documentaries have shown in festivals, museums and universities.

The author has a BA from Sarah Lawrence and an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She curated the Chashama Gallery exhibit ‘Hos, Putas and Dragon Ladies: Our Sexuality Remixed and VDay’s ‘Until the Violence Stops’ Film Festival at the Museum of The City of NY and the Museum of TV and Radio. She also hosted the 6th Annual African American Literary Awards in New York City.

Abiola was awarded in the past as the Los Angeles Web Series Festival Winner, awarded for the Best Self Help Book (Black Enterprise

Magazine) and for the Top Lifestyle Blog; she has been featured as Paper Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People.

Recently, she wrote “The Sacred Bombshell Handbook of Self-Love”. In it the author reveals 11 self-worth secrets with assignments to “awaken feminine energy, reclaiming the word “bombshell” to mean a woman who deliciously embodies her mind, body, spirit – and joy”.

From her online Love-Body-Spirit coaching programmes to her new African Goddess Affirmation Cards, Abiola’s mission is to help women create breakthroughs.

Abiola brings tools and inspiration from her personal history as the granddaughter of a Guyanese midwife and women’s fertility healer, and daughter of a minister to her work.

Visit http://SacredBombshell.com for more information on the author.

Her debut novel

Abiola Abrams

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44 Art & culture

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com from page 32

colours,light,reflections, shadows – they all give me a perspective on my art,” the artist expressed. “[W]ork to improve your skills, attend art classes and practice regularly.

Experiment with various materials and ideas. Build your resource materials from early on. Enter competitions and not be afraid of “hard knocks”. Visit exhibitions. Perseverance and hard work can payoff in this tough art market,”Gobin advises young artists.

For more info on the artist, visit http://waltergobin. weebly.com "Poinciana"

"Washing in the Creek"

"Jaguar in Repose"

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

45

46

Culture and unity

By Ravi Dev

O

ne of the ironies of the ongoing discussion about “ethnic” intellectuals in Guyana and the Caribbean has been the acceptance by the several interlocutors of the European notion of what it takes to be a “people” and “nation”.

This stance privileges “unity” over “diversity” and its premises, which are accepted as common sense, are that the people within a state must all share a common culture and values so that they would feel a sense of oneness so as to better work towards achieving the “national” goals.

The sixty-four thousand dollar question, of course, is, who decides on what constitutes the “national culture” into which everyone is to be assimilated? There is a project launched to formulate a “cultural policy”, but the question has not been mooted publicly. There have been several variants of the assimilationist school – ranging from

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

the demand that individuals entering such a society jettison their “old” cultures and practice the new – to others where individuals are told they should intermarry with others from the “mainstream” so that they physically disappear.

The sad fact is that the assimilationist project has only worked at the price of great suffering and even then, never very successfully.

America has had to concede that instead of a “melting pot”, it has had to accept that it can only be a “salad bowl”.

Britain has had to grant autonomy to Scotland and Ireland in cultural as well as political terms. Recently however, under threats from Islamic radicals, both the US and Britain (as well as the rest of Europe) are beginning to re-invoke the old demands for assimilation.

In Guyana while everyone was told to assimilate into British culture, there were always snickers from whites when “natives” talked about Britain as

“home” – as was very common as recently as the sixties. There are however, those locally who still see themselves as exemplars of this CULTURE and snicker on others who may have other practices, even though multicultural societies are actually the norm today.

The question as to whether “unity” or “diversity” should be privileged is partially a semantic one, caused by the conflation of “state” and “nation”.

But at the bottom the dispute has to do with power as it almost always does. Political unity and cultural diversity do not have to be mutually exclusive.

Each society has to find the right balance between the demands of the two concepts that is appropriate for its own circumstances so as to have a political system that is cohesive and stable, while facilitating the cultural aspirations of all the peoples.

We need political unity to guide the state but that is not contradictory to “diversity” in terms of

the “nation” – of diverse cultural expressions by the people of a given society. We have elaborated previously on the type of political unity necessary such as Federalism. We need to address the type of cultural integration that may be best for Guyana in view of its evident cultural diversity.

While the definitions of culture are legion, for our purposes, we may see culture as, in the words of Ronald Dworkin, “a shared vocabulary of tradition and convention” by a group of people.

Each culture in Guyana gives its adherents a shared understanding of life – how to live it and how to organise it. Since such “shared understandings” may entail a different conception of the good life, there are obvious implications for the political viability of a culturally plural society.

We have proposed before, the creation of institutions to promote an ideological notion of “Guyaneseness” for a nation based on equality, which incorporates all our present cultures.

Having one’s social institutions embodies one’s culture means that they will be immediately comprehensible to us and therefore easier to use. The mutual intelligibility will promote relationships of solidarity and trust (“we all understand one another, don’t we?”) for all Guyanese.

S

SARU and SARO

atiricus was amused. Here it was that everyone and their uncle were carrying on about SARU and why was it getting involved with the business of SOCU. The latest to pull its hair out was PUSU. These were the big business magnates who really run the economy behind the scenes. But PUSU should be the first one to understand why SARU was doing SOCU’s work.

It was clear as day and it all had to do with their names. PUSU got its name because like the country, it was putting “multiculturalism” into practice. When people talked behind closed doors or under their breath – especially about other people – Indian-Guyanese called this “PUSU PUSU”. And since the captains of industry and salt goods stores were always talking behind their closed doors – “PUSU PUSU” they became. Or “PUSU” for short.

It was the same with APANU. When the Pee an See wanted to make itself kinder, gentler and more attractive to Indian Guyanese, it picked an Indian name when it joined up with some alphabet soup parties – APANU. This was a Hindi word that meant “ours” – or in Indian Creole “abee wan”. And the tactic worked, didn’t it?

APANU was able to attract those quintessentially Indian Berbician Babus, Naga Man and Rum Jhaat. “And the rest as we know,” thought Satiricus, “is history”.

So PUSU should have known that the Indian Guyanese name for two completely unrelated fellas who marry two sisters become “SARO” – or as some call them (especially Berbicians like Naga Man and Rum Jhaat), “SARU”. SOCU Was actually “SONU” – like that fella Nigam.

But, since Berbicians pronounced it “SOCU” and THEY now had all the power being two Vice Presidents and all, SOCU it was.

What PUSU should have realised was that SARU and SOCU being related so closely (married to GrainJa and HardMon) would help out each other without bothering with formalities.

They were family. Like SURU AND DURU. Satiricus was soooo touched. He wiped a tear that rolled down his cheek.

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

news 47

CARICOM’s best years lie ahead, says new Belize envoy

N

ewly accredited Belize Ambassador to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Daniel Gutierez, says the best years of the integration movement lie ahead for what he calls the “tremendous untapped potential” that lies within the region.

Speaking at a ceremony to present his letters of credence to CARICOM SecretaryGeneral Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, at the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters yesterday, Gutierez referenced his Prime Minister’s New Year address in which he heralded 2016 as a landmark year for the integration movement.

Against that backdrop, he said: “I am not the first and will not be the last to speak of the untold wealth, underdeveloped talent and the unshakable hope that characterize the brotherhood of nations that call themselves CARICOM.”

Belize Ambassador to CARICOM Daniel Gutierez

“But as leaders and servants we are obligated to diagnose, understand and engineer solutions that will guide our people to resilience in the troubling waters ahead.

The skies ahead darken with climate change, economic uncertainty, a haunting gap in education and technology with our global competitors and any number of parallel global challenges.

Undaunted we shall remain.”

The envoy said this year had to be one of action.

A lifeline for ... to the continued existence of the Project’s programmes.

Changing lives

So far, the Phoenix Recovery Project has helped more than 400 persons.

One such person is Wayne Roman who has no qualms about publishing his real name. He said that when he was doing his wrong he wanted everyone to know him so he doesn’t mind publishing his name now that he is making a change.

Roman, 55, migrated to the U.S. when he was just three years old.

Life promised wonderful opportunities, however he fell among the wrong crowd.

“I associated with the wrong type of people.

I started to sell drugs in the U.S. and became an addict. Honestly, it was fun. I didn’t have to work and I called my own shots. The lifestyle was hard to quit. But my harmful habits caught

from page 37

up with me. I spent time in jail in the U.S. and was eventually deported.

I joined Salvation Army’s rehab programme in 1998, where I met Mr. Young who has helped me significantly. I was in and out of rehab; I would get clean and then throw it away. However, I decided it was time to get clean,” Roman recounted.

Although he had a relapse four years ago when his mother died, Roman happily mentioned that he is “clean” for a year now. He expressed that he feels he has a “new chance in life and a clearer mind to deal with challenges”.

“Phoenix gave me something to look forward to, not to look back to. That is why I enjoy helping others like myself at Phoenix on the road to recovery,” Roman declared.

For more info on the Phoenix Recovery Project, call 220-6825.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

“2016 must be a year when words are made flesh. Low hanging fruit must be addressed with diligent haste and conviction,” he said.

“The people of the Caribbean spring hope eternal, but that hope cannot be abused. We owe them, the pioneers at Chaguaramas and all our children our most energetic and unflinching commitment.”

In a short accreditation ceremony held in his office, Ambassador LaRocque told the newest member of the CARICOM Committee of Ambassadors that he will have the opportunity to help shape the future direction of the integration movement by advancing the implementation of decisions, made by organs of CARICOM, at the national level.

(Caribbean 360)

48 Bollywood

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Roshan’s ‘noisy’ birthday Amazing Priyanka Chopra Hrithik party costs hotel Rs.25,000 in fines has bagged ‘Baywatch’: H Parineeti Chopra

A

ctress Parineeti Chopra says it is amazing that her sister and Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra has bagged the film adaptation of the TV series “Baywatch”.

This film will be Priyanka’s first Hollywood outing and second international project after her hit TV show “Quantico”.

When asked how she feels about the news, Parineeti said in an interview, “Is it confirmed though? I will call her soon. It’s amazing… The things that she is achieving out there are just fabulous. There are things that you and I can dream of and she’s doing them. It’s amazing.”

There are no details on the character Priyanka would be playing in the adaptation of the iconic TV show, but

the “Bajirao Mastani” actress is likely to join Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Zac Efron for the film.

The “Shudh Desi Romance” star says she is proud of Priyanka, who recently bagged People Choice Award for the FBI-drama series “Quantico”, and feels she has always been ahead in the family.

“Not only as a sister, she always used to be ahead in the family, she would go out and do things and we would constantly be amazed. Now she’s winning awards, doing a TV show and now a film. I don’t think anybody else could’ve done it like her. Nobody else deserves it like her because that girl really works hard.”

Parineeti was speaking at the launch of New Whisper Ultra. (Indian Express)

Siddharth Malhotra wants to be in a frame with Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai

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ctor Siddharth M a l h o t r a wants to be in a frame with megastar Amitabh Bachchan and his daughter-inlaw Aishwarya RaiBachchan.

“I am a big fan of Amitabh Bachchan…it will be great to be in the same frame with him. I feel awestruck whenever I meet him. Among the ladies I want to be in a frame with Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan and I would be happy as people will also see me,” Siddharth told reporters here at the calendar launch of Dabboo Ratnani.

Siddharth is busy working on two films:

A

“Kapoor and Sons” with rumored girlfriend Alia Bhatt and “Baar Baar Dekho” opposite Katrina Kaif. Both the films are releasing this year.

“Kapoor and Sons” will come in March and then in September there is “Baar Baar Dekho”.

There are love Stories… singing and dancing. I am excited about it,” he

ctress Nimrat Kaur, who will be seen opposite Akshay Kumar in the forthcoming film “Airlift”, says she was intimidated to work with the action star.

“I was very intimidated to work with him before I met him. Naturally, anybody would be. But, it takes a few seconds. Then everything is so normal.

said.

The “Student of the Year” actor is happy to be clicked by Dabboo Ratnani.

“I am happy… there is excitement to shoot for Dabboo. I have liked all my pictures that he has taken. Every year we try to do something quirky,” he added.

(Indian Express)

We had a great time working in this film. I got to learn a lot from him.

“I am a one-film-old actress and for me, to get such a big film… I am really thankful to him,” Nimrat told reporters in a group interview.

Directed by Raja Krishna Menon, “Airlift” will hit the screens on January 22. The film is based on the evacuation of Indians based in Kuwait during the Iraq-Kuwait war.

“The material was very interesting which prompted me to sign this film.

How I relate to the character was important for me. We have a genuine relationship in this film. It feels great to be a part of such a wonderful project,” she said. (Indian Express)

ritik Roshan’s 42nd birthday bash allegedly cost Four Seasons Hotel in Worli Rs.25,000 in fines after locals complained of noise. The party on Saturday-Sunday (January (9-10) night was held at the AER Lounge on the 34th floor rooftop and attracted a large crowd of celebs besides some gate-crashers.

Local resident Ashraf Khan – passing by at 1.30 a.m. when the celebrations were reaching a crescendo – complained about the loud music and also the vehicles haphazardly parked outside creating a snarl at that unearthly hour.

Since it was already

A

ctor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar says he has the highest regard for the talent of actress Priyanka Chopra.

When asked about Priyanka bagging her first Hollywood film, big screen adaptation of 1990s TV series “Baywatch”, Farhan said, “Wonderful, congratulations to her. I have had the highest regard for her talent. It is wonderful. More and

past the official deadline of 10 p.m., police visited the hotel and imposed a fine of Rs.12,500, but the loud music continued.

After repeated complaints by Ashraf Khan, the police again visited the hotel around 3.30 a.m. and slapped a second fine of Rs.12,500 on the hotel manager.

That did the trick and the loud partying finally ended. When contacted

by IANS on Wednesday, a hotel spokesperson refused to divulge details.

“You ask the complainant how the sound reaches the ground from the 34th floor and the police about the fines,” the spokesperson said.

(Indian Express)

more power to her…”

Farhan has directed Priyanka in two films, “Don” and its sequel “Don 2”. As actors they shared screen space in Zoya Akhtar’s “Dil Dhadakane Do” where they were romantically paired opposite each other.

Actress Alia Bhatt was also all praise for Priyanka who recently won `People’s Choice Award’ at a US showbiz award function.

“She is doing really well for herself. She is big reason for us to be proud. I loved her in “Bajirao Mastani” and “Quantico”,” Alia said.

Newcomer Athiya Shetty, daughter of veteran actor Suniel Shetty, said, “More power to her.

She is making us and everyone proud.”

The three celebrities were talking at the calendar launch of photographer Dabboo Ratnani.

Farhan has gone barebody on the calendar this year.

On this he said, “This is not the first time I have gone bare body.

I have been bare body many times in life. I was born bare body! It is comfortable to shoot with Dabboo. We are good friends we know each other since six-seven years.” (Indian Express)

H

e has been ruling the world of showbiz for over two decades now but superstar Shah Rukh says he has no idea about glamour.

The 50-year-old actor is one of the Bollywood celebrities featuring in ace fashion photographer Dabboo Ratnani’s calendar for 2016.

SRK appears on the calendar in a wet look wearing a white shirt and denims.

“I am photogenic and very handsome.

Manisha (Dabboo’s wife) asked me to do this pose. I don’t understand glamour photos. I have no idea of glamour,” Shah Rukh told reporters at the calendar’s launch here.

Several B-town celebrities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Akshay Kumar, Anushka Sharma, Farhan Akhtar, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Ranveer Singh, Sonakshi Sinha, Parineeti Chopra, Alia Bhatt and Siddharth Malhotra have been photographed by Dabboo for the calendar, which has become an annual event in the film industry.

“All these people (who are part of the

calendar) are wonderful. This time the calendar is nice…it is telling people to be in their zone. I have known Dabboo since the time I landed here and it feels great to be doing this (shoot for calendar),” SRK said.

In the beginning of January every year, Dabboo, Bollywood’s most loved lensman, comes out with his annual calendar of celebrities.

Besides the “Dilwale” star, the event was attended by Rekha, Farhan Akhtar, Alia, Siddharth, Shraddha Kapoor, Parineeti, Athiya Shetty, Kriti Sanon, Sanjay Gupta and Sunny Leone. (Indian Express)

Hollywood 49

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

I was scared of everything in my 20s: Reese Witherspoon

A

ctress Reese Witherspoon has revealed that she was “scared of everything” in her twenties.

While some celebrities hate the idea of age-

ing, Witherspoon, 39, is thrilled about her advancing years as she feels more comfortable in her own skin, reported Us magazine.

“I’m much more open

now. In my twenties, I was scared of everything. I didn’t know what my career was. I didn’t know why people liked my movies. I was wary of interacting with people,” she said.

The Oscar-winning actress said that although three of her biggest films were released during her twenties, she was terrified and unable to enjoy her success.

“I was 25 when Legally Blonde came out, 26 for Sweet Home Alabama, and 29 for Walk the Line. And I was scared, really scared.”

(Indian Express)

‘Creed’ sequel for November 2017 release

M

ction star Sylvester Stallone, who won the Golden Globe for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for “Creed”, says his role in the film was inspired by his relationship with his real-life son.

Sylvester, 69, expressed surprise about winning the award over other Hollywood heavy-hitters such as Idris Elba (Beasts of No Nation), Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies), Michael Shannon (99 Homes) and Paul Dano (Love & Mercy), reported Us magazine. “… To be frank, any time you can vent emotions that are real, I think it’s very, very helpful. Most importantly I wanted to respect his (son’s) memory,

ing that the date hasn’t been finalized.

If the film drops out as per the plan, it will release approximately two years after the first installment.

Directed and co-written by Coogler and starring Michael B Jordan and Sylvester Stallone, “Creed” earned excellent reviews. (Indian Express)

A

and I think we did.”

Sage, the eldest son of Sylvester and Sasha Czack, was found dead in his Studio City, Los Angeles home in 2012. (Indian Express)

Leonardo DiCaprio, Lady Gaga laugh off their viral Golden Globes moment

H

GM studio is planning to release the sequel of “Creed” in November 2017.

CEO Gary Barber said the studio has already started working on the follow-up to Ryan Coogler’s Rocky spinoff, reported Variety.

“That’s my goal,” Barber said, add-

ctor Michael Galeota, who starred on Disney Channel’s “The Jersey”, has died at the age of 31.

The actor was found dead on Sunday, January 10. He was hospitalised for abdominal pain in the previous week but he left the hospital against the doctors’ advice on Wednesday, reported TMZ. A friend worried about his condition as he went radio silent over the weekend. His friend, then, decided to come to his house and found his body lying in the living room.

Multiple sources said that Galeota had a history of hypertension and high cholesterol in addition to diverticulitis, an inflammation of the digestive tract.

A coroner said that

Sylvester Stallone pays tribute to late son A

ollywood star L e o n a r d o DiCaprio and singer-actress Lady Gaga were spotted having a great time at an after party, shutting down feud rumour following their viral Golden Globes moment.

The internet had a field day with best actor winner DiCaprio’s surprised eye-roll after Gaga grazed his arm on her way to accept her trophy at the 73rd Golden Globe Awards.

The moment captured by cameras left everyone guessing about

his peculiar expression and whether the nudge

by Gaga was intentional.

The two were spotted chatting with each other as they celebrated their respective wins at the Creative Artist Agency’s Golden Globes after party in West Hollywood’s Sunset Tower Hotel, reported Aceshowbiz.

“Leo was shocked that his chuckle at GaGa went viral and became a thing,” an eyewitness said, adding that the two and GaGa’s fiance Taylor Kinney all laughed while watching a clip which showed the moment

when DiCaprio gave GaGa side eyes after she accidentally bumped into him at the Sunday ceremony.

“They hung out for twenty minutes laughing and chatting and Leo explained that he had no idea she was even behind him when she walked up,” the source continued.

“He was having a moment laughing with who he was sitting with about something else and then his elbow was out and he had no idea she was walking by – it’s so crowded in that room.”

People started to speculate that DiCaprio threw shade at GaGa when the 41-year-old actor gave the gaze at the singer.

Though DiCaprio had clarified that it was just an expression of shock because he didn’t know “what was passing” him, a source claimed that Kinney was outraged

by DiCaprio’s behaviour and asked him to apologise to the Golden Globewinning actress. (Indian Express)

J

he died of natural causes and an autopsy was scheduled to take place in the near future.

His family created a page on ‘Go Fund Me’ website to raise money for his burial.

“It is with tremendous heartfelt sadness to announce the passing of Michael James Galeota on January 10th. He

died peacefully at home,” read the statement on the website.

“Although his life was short, we are grateful and appreciate the experience of having been loved, and loved him in return, and for being in our lives… Please help us to provide a burial that is worthy of a GIVER.” (Indian Express)

amie Foxx is reportedly joining Taron Egerton and Eve Hewson in “Robin Hood: Origins”. The 48-year-old actor will play Little John, Robin Hood’s (Egerton) secondin-command, reported Deadline.

According to the website battle-hardened but war-weary veteran of The Crusades, who starts out distrustful of Robin Hood and then warms to the young hero in the gritty revisionist take on the legend.

The script for “Robin Hood: Origins” is written

by Joby Harol.

The film revolves around the heroic outlaw who returns from

fighting in The Crusades and finds that Sherwood Forest is rife with corruption and evil. He forms a band of outlaws and they take matters

into their own hands.

The official release date is yet to be announced, but the movie is expected to arrive in 2017. (Indian Express)

50 sport

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WICB/NAGICO Super50

Volcanoes down Jaguars by 2 wickets in final over finish

T

he Windward Islands Volcanoes defeated the Guyana Jaguars by two wickets in the fourth round of the WICB/ NAGICO Super50 tournament in a day/night match at Warner Park, St Kitts, on Wednesday.

Final scores in the match: Guyana Jaguars 209-8; Windward Islands Volcanoes 210-8.

The Volcanoes, in their come from behind victory, were led by Sunil Ambris (56) and some lower-order hitting by Shane Shilingford (21*) and Keron Cottoy (23*).

With eight needed off the final over, the first three balls bowled by offspinner Royston Crandon went for 1, 6, 1, as the islanders sealed the win with three balls to spare.

The Volcanoes were 156-8 in the 46th over, before Cottoy and Shillingford added 54 in 24 balls to snatch the win.

The Volcanoes got off to a flyer with Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher taking the score to 15 without loss from two overs. Charles did not last long though, as he was caught on the third man boundary looking to go inside out for five.

Devon Smith (03) and Fletcher (19) did not last long either, as Volcanoes were reduced to 29-3 from

Paul Wintz played a handy knock towards the tailend of the Jaguars inning

Royston Crandon gathers runs during his half-century on Wednesday

7.5 overs.

Tyrone Theophile (24) and Ambris found scoring tough, but meandered along to take the score to 68-4 in the 26th over just before Theophile hit a full toss too hard back to Jacobs who gobbled it up.

Ambris and captain Liam Sebastien (27), with sensible batting, took the score to 142-5 when Sebastien was bowled

by Crandon to leave Volcanoes six down in the 44th over, needing 68 to win from 39 balls.

Kyle Mayers, who was the hero in the last game with 55 off 38 balls, was cleaned bowled by Permaul looking for the big hits.

Soon after Ambris, who was the lone fighter fell for 56, bowled by

Crandon trying to get under a flat and fast delivery to hit over the top.

That was the last success for the Jaguars as Shillingford and Cottoy kept the bowlers at bay.

Crandon ended with figures of 2-56 (9.3 overs) and Permaul 2-26 (10 overs).

Earlier, in sunny condition, the Volcanoes inserted the Jaguars to take first strike, and they quickly slipped to 16-4 by the eighth over.

Openers Assad Fudadin and Anthony Bramble, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Vishaul Singh all fell cheaply, as Mervin Matthews and Mayers claimed two wickets each.

It soon became 25-5 when Raymon Reifer felt to Johnson Charles, be-

fore Crandon and skipper Leon Johnson brought up the fifty. However, Johnson fell soon after to Shillingford for 29 at 506.

Crandon and Steven Jacobs (27) then added 45 for the seventh wicket, before the former and Permaul (12) put together another 46 for the eighth wicket.

Crandon and Wintz then joined forces for a 68-run unbroken ninth wicket stand to take the Jaguars beyond the 200run mark.

Crandon ended on 68 not out and Wintz an un-

beaten 38. Shillingford, Matthews and Mayers ended with two wickets each.

Guyana Jaguars’ next game is on Friday against the Leeward Island Hurricanes at 09:00h.

Below are the summarised scores from the other games.

Barbados Pride defeated ICC Americas by 4 wickets. ICC Americas 202 all out (Srimantha Wijeyeratne 46; Jonathon Carter 4-37) Barbados Pride 206-6 in 36.3 overs (Kraigg Brathwaite 86*; Nitish Kumar 2-33).

Leeward Islands

Hurricanes defeated Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners by 14 runs. Leeward Hurricanes 242-8 (Nkrumah Bonner 79; Mark Deyal 3-32) CCC Marooners 228 all out in 49.1 overs (Vikash Mohan 79; Rahkeem Cornwall 4-21).

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force defeated Jamaican Scorpions by 7 wickets. Scorpions 176 in 49.2 (Devon Thomas 70; Jon Russ Jagesar 4-32) Red Force 177-3 in 38 overs (Evin Lewis 102, Kyle Hope 43).

Brathwaite, Carter help Pride stifle feisty Americas

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Opener Kraigg Brathwaite cuts during his 86 not out for Barbados Pride in their Regional Super50 contest against ICC Americas at Queen’s Park Oval yesterday. (Photo courtesy WICB Media)

ORT OF SPAIN, T r i n i d a d – Kraigg Brathwaite’s disciplined, unbeaten half-century helped Barbados Pride overcome a few stumbles as they beat ICC Americas by four wickets to climb back into the race for a semi-final spot in the Regional Super50 here yesterday.

In pursuit of a hardly challenging 203 for victory, Pride found themselves floundering at two wickets down and without a run on the board, four balls into their innings at Queen’s Park Oval, after fast bowler Timroy Allen removed opener Dwayne Smith and number three bats-

man Shai Hope without scoring.

However, Brathwaite stood firm to stroke a typical obdurate 86 not out to guide his side to victory in the 37th over.

Wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich gathered a breezy 40, left-hander Jonathan Carter got 35 while Shamarh Brooks chipped in with 25.

Brathwaite faced 101 deliveries and struck nine fours, and picked up the Man-of-the-Match award for his efforts.

For Pride, it was their first victory in three outings in Group A following successive defeats to Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and Jamaica Scorpions.

More importantly, the victory gave them a crucial bonus point, allowing them to narrow the gap on the second placed Jamaica Scorpions, to one.

Scorpions lie second on ten points, with Pride third on nine. Hosts and title-holders Red Force sit on top the group with 17 points.

Ask to field, Pride struggled to dispose of a feisty Americas side as Srimantha Wijeratne stroked 46 and Stephen Taylor, 41, to propel the batting effort before the innings closed in the final over.

Part-time seamer Carter was the best continued on page 51

sport 51

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 17, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Uncontracted players still eligible for selection – WICB

C

hris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine and Darren Sammy will be eligible for selection for upcoming tournaments, including the World Twenty20, despite not being given annual retainer contracts by the West Indies Cricket Board.

The only condition the WICB has placed is that the players will need to meet criteria set in place by the selection panel, led by former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd. The six players are not part of the group of 15 who were given retainer contracts for the period between October 1, 2015, and September 30, 2016.

According to Michael Muirhead, the WICB’s chief executive, the selectors had shortlisted 15 players for the contracts

based on certain criteria that were drawn keeping in mind the future of West Indies cricket.

Muirhead pointed out that the aforementioned six players – including Sammy who captains the West Indies T20 side – did not fit into the selection panel’s vision and hence were not given a contract.

“The selectors did the retainers based on where they saw West Indies cricket going and the philosophy which they wanted to encourage and adopt, principally being loyal to commitment and really build for the longer form of the game,” Muirhead told ESPNcricinfo on Tuesday.

“Lloyd had previously said how and where he was projecting our cricket to go, and how he wanted to build it.”

Brathwaite, Carter help ...

from page 50

bowler with four for 37 while seamers Jason Holder (2-26) and Carlos Brathwaite (2-29) supported with two wickets apiece.

Holder trapped opener Ruvindu Gunasekera for 13 and Kraigg Brathwaite ran out Nitish Kumar with a direct throw from cover, to leave ICC Americas on 19 for two in the fifth over before Taylor and Wijeratne stitched up the innings in a 55-run, third wicket stand.

The left-handed Taylor was aggressive, smashing six fours and a six off 48 balls while Wijeratne was more measured in an 86-ball knock which included three fours.

Just when the stand was becoming dangerous, Taylor missed a sweep at off-spinner Ashley Nurse and was lbw at 74 for three at the end of the 16th over.

Right-hander Wijeratne then anchored a 43-run, fourth wicket stand with Alex Amsterdam to further frustrate Pride.

Amsterdam scored 21 off 33 deliveries with a boundary and was growing in confidence when Carlos Brathwaite returned in a new spell to have him caught by Kraigg Brathwaite at short cover off a slower ball.

Wijeratne eventually holed out to Roston Chase in the deep off Carter at 136 for five in the 34th over and ICC Americas continued to lose wickets steadily as

momentum left the innings.

Allen gave ICC Americas the perfect start when he beat Smith’s leaden-footed drive to shatter his stumps with the second ball of the innings, and then had Test batsman Hope caught at second slip by Amsterdam driving off the back foot at one that bounced.

But Brathwaite, one of several West Indies players drafted in to the side for this game, anchored three successive, solid partnerships to deny ICC Americas.

He put on 61 for the third wicket with Carter whose 35 came from 27 balls and included four fours and a six, and followed up with a 48-run, fourth wicket stand with Brooks, whose 25 required 42 balls and included three boundaries.

Carter edged off-spinner Nitish Kumar (2-33) behind at 61 for three in the 10th over and Brooks was unperturbed until he was out softly, chipping Kumar to Wijeratne at mid-wicket at 109 for four in the 23rd over.

With the innings in need of a boost, it came in the form of Dowrich’s cameo. The right-hander punched five fours and a six off 34 balls in a 76run, fifth wicket partnership with Brathwaite, which took the fight out of ICC Americas.

By the time Dowrich was run out by Timil Patel’s direct hit in the 35th over, Pride were within touching distance of victory. (CMC)

Strong Windies side to face South Africans, T20 World Cup

Stafanie Taylor will be leading West Indies in her second series as captain against South Africa.

S

T JOHN’S, Antigua – Selectors have picked a strong West Indies Women’s side for next month’s tour of South Africa and the Twenty20 World Cup which follows in March.

The 15-member side will be led

by Stafanie Taylor and includes the likes of former captain Merissa Aguilleira, Deandra Dottin, twins Kycia and Kyshona Knight and experienced former vice-captain, Anisa Mohammed.

West Indies Cricket Board selector, Courtney Browne said the squad was an impressive one which had been developing well over the last year.

“The team has worked hard

over the last year and the selection panel is very happy with the combination and the hard work that the players and management has put in,” Browne said.

“They have made good progress and this squad has a lot of variety with a number of quality all-rounders that should serve the team well throughout the period they will be travelling.”

West Indies Women are coming off a strong showing against Pakistan last year where they won the four-match one-day series 3-1 and the subsequent Twenty20 series, 3-0.

Coming out of that series, Browne said selectors were happy

with the development of several players.

“To highlight a few players – Stafanie Taylor has taken up the captaincy and has maintained her high performance standards and we are very happy to see this,” the former West Indies player said.

“Former captain Merissa Aguilleira made good progress during the past series against Pakistan Women and has added value to the team with her batting, and Hayley Matthews is a young, exciting prospect as an allrounder, so we are quite satisfied with how the team has progressed over the last year.”

The squad, along with five reserve players, will be involved in a training camp from January 28 to February 8 at the West Indies High Performance Centre at the UWI Cave Hill Campus in Barbados.

West Indies Women play three One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals on the tour of South Africa which runs from February 12 to March 10.

The T20 World Cup is set for March 15 to April 3 in India.

(CMC) SQUAD – Stafanie Taylor (captain), Shakera Selman (vicecaptain), Merissa Aguilleira, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Stacy-Ann King, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Shaquana Quintyne, Tremayne Smartt.

Dwyer — a golden sparkle in 2015 K

i n g s t o n , Jamaica Although not considered one of Jamaica’s elite athletes, Rasheed Dwyer is quietly piling up the international medals and in 2015 he garnered three gold and a silver to cap a wonderful season.

Dwyer, 26, the 2014 Commonwealth Games 200m champion, smashed the legendary Donald Quarrie’s 44-year-old Pan American Games 200m record of 19.86 seconds set in 1971, and lowered it to 19.80 in the semi-final in Toronto, Canada last July.

He would return later with a wonderful 19.90 seconds, but was nipped on the line by promising Canadian Andre DeGrasse, who ran a personal best 19.88 seconds. Panamian Alonso Edward was third, also in 19.90s, with veteran American Wallace Spearman back in fifth in 20.11 seconds.

It was a hard loss for Dwyer after leading all the way, but it announced him as a genuine world-class 200m

DWYER...garnered three gold and a silver to cap a wonderful season

runner, and he would strike gold at the North American, Central American and Caribbean Championships (NACAC) in San Jose, Costa Rica, in August.

Dwyer clocked 20.12 in capturing gold in the men’s 200m final.

This victory added to his 200m gold in 2011 at the World University

Games in South Korea.

Throw in the 2014 Commonwealth Games gold won in Scotland, and he has to be regarded as one of the top 200m runners in the world.

Only world recordholder Usain Bolt, with a season’s best of 19.55 seconds, and American Justin Gatlin, with times of 19.57, 19.68 and 19.74, have gone faster in 2015.

Dwyer struck gold twice — in the 4x200m relays at the IAAF World Relays in the Bahamas and through his semi-final run as part of the victorious 4x100m team at the World Championships in Beijing, China last year.

Dwyer teamed up with Nickel Ashmeade, Jason Livermore and Warren Weir to win in 1:20.97 minutes, but their win was a far cry from their world record of 1:18.63 minutes set in 2014.

It was a special year for Dwyer, and not many can boast an impressive medal haul of three gold and one silver for 2015.

(Jamaica Observer)

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ECCB/Elizabeth Styles 40-over cricket

Better Hope “B” prevail over “A” team in final

T

he East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB)/Elizabeth Styles 40-over cricket competition concluded last weekend with Better Hope “B” team defeating their “A” counterparts in the final.

Playing at the Better Hope Community Centre ground, Better Hope “A”, opting to field first upon winnings the toss, immediately put the pressure on the opening batsmen of the “B” team with impressive bowling.

Azaad Mohammed bowled steadily with good pace and movement of the ball, as the batsmen found it difficult to score. Mohammed captured 4-19 from eight overs, as Better Hope “B” were bowled out for 160 from 31.1 overs.

Jaidev Mana, who would later earn the Man-of-the-Match award, scored a fighting

Members of the Better Hope “B” team with president of the ECCB, Bissoondyal Singh

33, and returned with the ball to capture 3-24 from eight overs.

When the “B” team batted, Mana found useful partners in Sachin

Singh (23) and skipper Clive Rampersaud, who stroked three fours and two sixes in a valuable 40, to revive their fortunes.

Ravi Singh (2-30) and Khan (2-34) supported Mohammed.

Defending 160 was no easy task, but the “B” team immaculately

stood to the task, as the “A” team lads were bundled out for 121 in 28.4 overs. Mana received support from Daniel Kowlessar (3-23) and

Sachin Singh (2-29).

Sachin Singh removed Ravi Singh (01) with first delivery of the second over of the “A” team’s chase at 6-1.

Chris Deonarine was then joined by Rooplall, the only other batsman to reach double figure, but was sent back by Singh at 34-2 after he had thumped four fours and a six in 24.

Deonarine, quickly running out of partners, made a gutsy 54 decorated with seven fours and a six, but when he departed at 117-7, the game was virtually over.

The end was swift as Mana claimed two of the three wickets to fall for an addition of just four runs.

The championship trophy and cash prize of Gy$350,000 were handed over to the “B” team, while the “A” team collected a trophy and Gy$50,000.

Simon elected president of Essequibo Softball Association

T

he county of Essequibo has formed an area board to administrate softball cricket in that jurisdiction. The board, which has representation from all areas, will be affiliated to the Guyana Softball League.

The body, which many felt was long overdue, will see its first task being to regularise softball cricket in the Cinderella County and to ensure that teams are structured in order to have continuity.

The body will be led

by Travis Simon of the Wild Oats Sports Club.

He was elected president to serve for the period 2016-2017.

The other elected members are: Vicepresident Anil Durga

Newly elected president of the Essequibo Softball Association, Travis Simon (left), along with members being congratulated by Leonard Harprashad of the Guyana Softball League

(United

Brothers);

Secretary

Elroy

Stephney

(Ravens);

Treasurer Ekkie Persaud (Wild Oats Sports Club); Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer Sherman Austin (Jacklow); and Public Relations Officer Dasroy Balgobin (Jib).

The Committee Members are Latchmikant Narine (Ravens); Nazir Khan (Cotton Field); and Thakur Samlall (Shawn XI).

The board will examine the other sub-committees and also name its two representatives on the Guyana Softball League Board at its next meeting to be held shortly. The Guyana Softball League has extended its congratulations to Simon and his team and looks forward to working assiduously to ensure that respect and glory comes

back to softball cricket in Essequibo.

Simon also expressed confidence in his team of executives, as they have been involved in softball cricket for a number of years. He also extended his call for all representation of areas in Essequibo to come onboard to build and solidify the game in Essequibo for the benefit of all areas.

The first tournament will be in collaboration with the Guyana Softball League and the Regional Democratic Council of Region Two. The tournament is dubbed the “Essequibo Challenge Cup” and will be held on January 16. All areas will be represented and eight matches are slated for the day.

Fresh water swimming pool on the agenda – GASA president

By Akeem Greene

T

he Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) will be pursuing a fresh water swimming pool to cater for swimmers who reside in interior locations.

The objective is to allow these swimmers to train under a more professional construct, since they are accustomed to swimming in lakes and when they take part in organised competitions they have difficulty in fully utilising the pool in the correct manner.

The concept of a fresh water pool is one where makeshift barricades are placed in the lakes to allow the swimmers to turn and complete the strokes, as is customary in a regular pool.

Speaking to Guyana Times International Sport, GASA president Ivan Persaud explained the reason for the move. “Because the kids who come from out of Georgetown that don’t really use a swimming pool for training, that train in lakes and rivers; re-

member in swimming you use a wall to turn on, so that is the greatest issue we have in swimming, how to resolve that.

So we are trying to create some fresh water pools so that we can correct this problem.”

Persaud was highlighting the struggles swimmers from interior locations face when they are competing at the Guyana Teachers Union’s National Schools Championships.

He further added, “For example, in the backstroke they would be knocking their heads because they do not know how to stop or do the backstroke turns; they basically train the freestyle and to a lesser extent the backstroke, but you know swimming has four styles and that what we need to get to these various regions and districts.”

Quizzed as to a timeline for the implantation of this initiative, Persaud revealed that it could become a reality by the first quarter of this year. “In the first quarter we will start with the creation of this fresh water pool; we will

start in Region One and Two and some other regions,” Persaud said.

Successes of 2015 Meanwhile, looking back at 2015, Persaud was quick to assert the fact that it was an extremely successful year for swimming since the Association met most of its objectives. Greater level of participation and having a larger pool of swimmers to choose from were some of the highlights of the year.

In describing these achievements, Persaud said, “Relatively, we achieved most of the objectives for 2015. We got more kids swimming in Guyana at the ‘learn to swim level’ of the clubs.

We have a larger pool of swimmers to choose for our national team, from various age groups… we also managed to have our first [swim] meet in Linden after many months. Our only development meet in Caribbean, we travelled to Trinidad and Tobago, we did welleven better than 2014.”

The president also alluded to the fact that they were able to initi-

ate the Armed Forces and the City Constabulary to engage more in swimming and that they are seeking to forge stronger relations with the Guyana Teachers Union to get more teachers engaged as officials of the sport.

Despite the successful year, Persaud still believes there is room for improvement, as he highlighted some of the areas that need attention.

“I think overall we need improvements in all those areas, coaching; infrastructure; more clubs; stronger clubs; more referees and officiating,” the President said.

However, Persaud assured that “overtime you will see a general improvement from officiating to participating and now we are seeing a greater improvement in parental support.”

The president is adamant that government and corporate support will be needed to aid the implementation of the various programmes the association has planned. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

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