Guyana Times International

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You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com ISSUE NO. 271

WEEK ENDING november 29, 2015

U.S. signs multi-million dollar assistance package with CARICOM See story on page 9

It’s that special time of the year

The national Christmas tree was lit last weekend to officially usher in the Holiday season in Guyana

Visitors will no longer be allowed to go to Kaieteur Fall’s edge Page 7

Roshinee Pagwah

New York community activist gets 2015 Caribbean Life Impact award Page 12

Why do Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day? Page 34

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Implementation crisis looms with early 2016 Budget - Irfaan Ali - says Govt in rush to spend while not completing 2015 projects

By Edward Layne

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he A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU +AFC) Government’s plan to present the 2016 National Budget in January could lead to what People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali described as "an implementation crisis", especially in face of a significant chunk of the 2015 budget not yet implemented and will roll over to 2016.

Ali, who prior to becoming a cabinet Minister in 2009, served in the Ministry of Finance, told a news conference on Wednesday at the PPP Robb street

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan

office, Georgetown Headquarters that the government’s rush to get the 2016 Budget out could spell significant troubles for the country, especially with the current state of the economy.

“The problem with having the budget in

January is the state of expenditure for the 2015 Budget, you will have a budget coming in January 2016 when may be 50-60% of the 2015 budget has not been spent….so you will have what you call a crisis of implementation because you have not completed the implementation in 2015 and you are going into 2016 and the minister further said that he is coming back December 2016 with 2017 budget, he said you will have two budgets in 2016 one in December and one in January,” Ali said.

The former Housing and Water Minister said the government seem to be in a rush to spend, “because you can spend your way out of a crisis.”

Ali said he has al-

(PPP/C) Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali

ways been supportive of early budgets, however, the current environment of a massive backlog in the implementation of 2015 projects could lead to even deeper troubles.

Ali also called on the Minister of Finance Winston Jordan to make public the current state

of implementation of the government’s 2015 capital programme, the Public Sector Investment Programmes (PSIPs), the loan programmes, as well as foreign-funded programmes.

“If you have a lot of the projects rolling over to 2016 and then you have an early budget that’s my fear on this scenario and that then you will have a capacity overload and that is what leads to problems,” he reasoned.

He is however convinced the government contributed significantly to the slothfulness of the economy in relation to the expenditure, pointing out that many projects in the 2015 budget have not even been awarded as yet.

“Outside Georgetown where you have the massive cleaning up exercise, if you take a drive outside into the other regions, you will see there is not much going on.

The government needs to accelerate implementation plan and ensure that projects in the budget come on stream in an efficient manner so that the benefits of those projects, the spending of those projects can be translated into the economy and the economy itself can benefit from these expenditures,” he said.

Local Economic Outlook

Ali said while his party is not intended to chastise anyone, it must highlight the “slothfulness” of the President continued on page 8

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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Tel no: (592) 227-0704, 227-0709.

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EDITORIAL

Is crime really not spiralling out of control?

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quick perusal of the local newspapers on a daily basis will quickly and conclusively rebut claims being made by the Guyana Police Force that crime is not spiralling out of control.

As a matter of fact, Guyana Times International has been reporting on a number of crime stories daily under that caption, ‘As crime spirals out of control’, evidently much to the chagrin of the Guyana Police Force. They specifically and emphatically deny crime is on an increase.

According to the official, based on statistics and other data proffered, this statement was simply not true.

However, it took a creative use of statistics to assert that the admitted eight per cent increase in crime over last year was not significant. The efforts by police in the apprehension and prosecution of several high profile groups of criminals are noted, but this simply emphasize the onslaught by the criminal fraternity.

Fortunately, the Private Sector Commission (PSC), with no need to sensationalise, came out on Friday with a contra-view of the crime situation. While taking care with their words, they expressed their concerns about what they described as a ‘hype in crime’ and questioned ‘who is next?’

Like numerous other expressions of concerns, the PSC is now of the view that criminals no longer fear the authorities.

According to the commission, the business community is ‘terrified.’ They asserted that Guyana is witnessing an increase in crime which shows that criminals are taking advantage of all means available to them, including opportunity crime, inside information, lack of public cooperation and police responsiveness. The criminals are strategising, and it is time the police display they too are on top of their game.

The PSC, in apprehension of the escalating crime rate has since submitted a comprehensive crime reduction strategy proposal to the Guyana Police Force. A quick perusal of the PSC’s strategy included the reactivation of the Law and Order Commission and the continuation of the role of community policing, whereby persons themselves can help to protect their own communities.

It is also recommended that there be a deployment of adequate ranks and plug the loopholes within the force so as to ensure adequate manpower is available.

Interestingly, the PSC is calling for continuation of community policing. In the 2015 Budget there was no provision for Community Policing Groups as was previously done by the past Administration. Justification for such a move was that past budgetary allocations catered mainly for CPGs and not actually to the Police Force.

Further crippling the community policing efforts, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has since taken away the vehicles from the CPGs and handed them over to the Police Force. The question that lingers is whether this move was carefully thought out, since community policing is seen as collaboration between police and the community that identifies and solves community problems.

It is time politicians and the police put differences and pride aside and work together to come up with a crime fighting solution. Reporting crimes does not create crime.

The pettiness of dismissing good ideas simply because they come from those who are not of a similar political persuasion, should stop.

As was recommended by the PSC, to address crime it has to be done in a holistic manner and not ‘piecemeal’.

A spectacular display of fireworks filled the air at the 10th Annual Rahaman’s Park Christmas three light up in Georgetown on Friday

UNAIDS: Caribbean can accelerate progress to end AIDS as public health threat

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INGSTON, Jamaica – The Caribbean is being told it can build on the gains of its HIV responses to end AIDS as a public health threat, if it follows a new strategy created by the United Nations’ Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/ AIDS (UNAIDS).

A new global HIV report released earlier this week ahead of World AIDS Day, ‘Focus on Location and Population’, demonstrates the value of targeting the people and places with the highest HIV risk as part of an approach to dramatically reduce HIV transmission, through the UNAIDS Fast Track Strategy.

At the centre of the strategy is new science which shows that early and full HIV treatment reduces the risk of HIV transmission by 96 per cent.

The next five years present a window of opportunity to scale up HIV testing and treatment.

The new 2020 targets adopted by the region are known as 9090-90. Specifically, countries will aim to ensure that 90 per cent of people living with HIV know their status; that 90 per cent of those diagnosed with HIV are placed on treatment and that 90 per cent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression – that is, a level of HIV in the blood that is so low that health outcomes improve while the risk of transmission dramatically declines.

“The Caribbean can achieve these ambitious targets. Since 2000, new infections in the region declined by 50 per cent.

In the last 10 years alone, the Caribbean achieved a 61 per cent reduction in AIDS-related deaths. Additionally, following the success of Cuba, several Caribbean countries are on track to be validated as having eliminated HIV transmission from mothers to children

by 2016,” UNAIDS said.

“All these gains are linked to improvements in HIV testing and treatment. Based on the new World Health Organization guidelines for initiating patients on antiretroviral medicines immediately after diagnosis, treatment coverage for the region is 44 per cent for adults living with HIV and 36 per cent for children.

By scaling up efforts to test and treat, the 90-90-90 targets are achievable.”

The new UNAIDS report emphasizes that in order to dramatically reduce new HIV infections and deaths due to AIDS, there must be renewed efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination. It said strategic efforts are required to reach those who are most vulnerable, where they are.

The report identifies five groups relevant to the Caribbean that require intense investments and efforts – adolescent girls and young women, gay men and other men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers and prisoners.

During his mission to the region earlier this month, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé stressed the importance of addressing not only the prevention and HIV treatment needs of girls, but also the need for increasing social protection. Education, keeping girls in school and addressing gender-based violence are all key ingredients to reducing the disproportionate HIV risk borne by girls.

Young women in the Caribbean are two to three times more likely to be living with HIV as young men. This is partially explained by the early sexual debut among young women in the Caribbean and the prevalence of intergenerational sex involving younger

females and older male partners.

“We need to ensure that our programmes can reach girls where they are and address their concerns. That is not resolved with pills. The problem is structural. We need to have courage to remove boundaries . . . make sure people should no longer accept gender inequality or the social construction that if I am the man I can abuse women as I want,” Sidibé said.

Targeted efforts are also needed to address key populations. HIV rates among men who have sex with men vary throughout the region but are well documented to be between six and 20 times higher than that of the general population.

“Those groups are very vulnerable,” the top UNAIDS official said. “We know that when we discriminate they will hide themselves and they will not have access to services. Some of them will have relationships with women and infection goes on to the general population.

Justice for all is key if we want to achieve the goal of breaking the backbone of the epidemic.”

Sidibé urged increased investments and collaboration with civil society and the faithbased community aimed at reducing prejudice and providing services to hard-to-reach communities.

“It is very clear that the traditional service approach will not work. We need to bring all these partners around the table. We will never reach all people where they are if we do not reduce stigma and discrimination. There is no way to do it without compassion . . . without realizing that any life lost because people do not have access to services is unacceptable,” he said. (Caribbean 360)

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

20th CI World Congress in Brasilia ends on high note

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he 20th Consumers International (CI) World Congress took place in Brasilia, Brazil from 18-21 November 2015 under the theme 'Unlocking Consumer Power: A new vision for the global marketplace'. Guyana Consumers Association’s representative to the Congress was Mr Jainarine Deonauth, a media consultant and consumer advocate.

This year’s event was opened by Her Excellency, Dilma Rouseff, President of Brazil who warmly

greeted over 700 delegates from all over the world. She was joined

by CI Director General Amanda Long, Brazil’s Minister of Justice, José Eduardo Cardozo; National Secretary of Consumers for the Ministry of Justice in Brazil Juliana Pereira da Silva, and Guillermo Valles, Director of the Division for International Trade in Goods and Services, and Commodities, UNCTAD who delivered a message from UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon.

CI’s head used the

opportunity to appeal on the CI membership to work together to be more impactful in a fast changing world. "If CI and its Members can collaborate more effectively; if we can better coordinate our campaigning activities; if we can be a Federation in deed as well as in name, then we too will be multinational in our reach and see our influence and impact multiply," Long said.

The event was packed full of exciting and interesting panel sessions and interactive discussions across a range of

World Congress moderator Nisha Pillai, BBC journalist and motivational speaker takes questions from the floor during the live Q&As.

Media Consultant and Consumer advocate Jainarine Deonauth engages CI's boss Ms Amanda Long during a break in one of the sessions at the Congress

important consumer issues, all featuring experts from across the consumer movement, wider civil society organisations, government and the private sector and live Q&As from the audience. Delegates, including the CI membership shared ideas and discussed new ways to operate going forward, inspiring each other to work together for greater global impact. Members from across the world also shared their amaz-

ing campaign success stories.

For many delegates, the World Congress provided an opportunity to launch partnerships, campaigns and continue advocacy work with Members. There were important meetings held on car safety; a new partnership between CI and the World Wide Web Foundation to launch a People’s Charter for the Internet in the near future; and a new global campaign announced

to get #Antibiotics OfftheMenu, cutting antibiotics from the global meat supply.

In an interview with this newspaper, the GCA’s representative said that in the various plenary sessions he was able to raise a number of issues affecting consumers in developing countries and suggested ways in which governments, international development partners and other key stakeholders could seek to address them.

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There needs to be a national discussion on suicide in Guyana Dear Editor, Yet another suicide at Kaieteur Falls. It is a very sad situation in Guyana with all these suicides being committed by young people.

There needs to be a national discussion on why so much apparent hopelessness among our youth and what can be done to stem this growing phenomenon.

While we are all saddened by this senseless taking of one’s own life, we must also be concerned about the image being created of our internationally famous tourist

attraction – Kaieteur Falls – as a suicide destination for distraught locals. Many might not agree with me but this could have a negative impact on our tourism.

Imagine a family with young children having to experience someone taking their own life by jumping off the falls. Such an experience could leave scars for life.

I would like to recommend for discussion and consideration that airline/excursion tickets to Kaieteur not be sold to a single individual not holding a foreign

passport. In short, Guyanese purchasing tickets to visit Kaieteur must be accompanied by at least one, or perhaps two other persons.

This is certainly not the solution to the suicide problem in Guyana but may reduce the incidence of such senseless acts at our top tourist attraction.

Let it be noted that I said I offer this suggestion for discussion and consideration.

Regards, Wesley Kirton

Guyanese should also make nomination for Nobel or other recognitions Dear Editor The annual winners of the Nobel Prizes were announced in October. No Guyanese has ever won the Nobel although other Caribbean nations (Trinis and St Lucians have won for Literature – VS Naipaul, and Walcott — and Economics – Arthur Lewis). There are several Guyanese who have made outstanding contributions in various fields of endeavours and worthy of Nobel or some other prestigious international or even national recognition.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo comes to mind for his advocacy on environmental issues.

Some Guyanese have gained prominence for their writings or Literature (Dr Churamanie Bissundyal, Dr Bernard Heydorn, Dr David Dabydeen, etc) and in their contributions to Economics (Clive Thomas, Bishnodat Persaud, Amesh Gampat, etc) and other fields especially for altruistic community work (Balram Rambrich, Dave Thakordeen, Karen Desouza, Vishnu Bandhu, Eusi Kwayana, Pandit Ramlall, etc) that could result in nominations for the Peace Prize. There are also outstanding Guyanese scientists (Dr Deborah Persaud, Dr Chris Lakhan, Dr Somdat Mohabir, etc) in the Diaspora who are eligible for nomination for the

prize in medicine or the Sciences.

We should nominate them for recognition by Nobel or other prestigious prizes. Even if they do not get a prize, the world will come to know of their significant work.

This year’s winners are most deserving of the honorific recognition for addressing serious scientific and economic issues facing society and opposing injustice under authoritarian rule (Peace Prize).

Recent selections were controversial with critics pointing out that some recipients were not deserving of the Prize.

In 2009 for example, it was felt Obama was not deserving of a Nobel prize. There is hardly any public controversy (or outcry) this time around, and the Nobel Selection Committee should be applauded for the diversity in its selections.

I had the good fortune of twice visiting (in separate trips) both of Nobel’s offices (named after Alfred Nobel, the Swedish discoverer of dynamite) in Stockholm (Sweden) and Oslo (Norway) and collecting literature about its operations and making nomination for awards and to learn about the work of the organization.

The Nobel prizes are usually announced on the first Monday (for Medicine) in October and daily after that for Physics, Chemistry,

Literature, Peace and Economics.

This was the 106th edition of the Nobel Prize for Medicine and a few other subjects.

The literature on Nobel prizes note that awards in medicine, physics, chemistry, literature and peace were established by the will of Alfred Nobel. The first awards were handed out in 1901, five years after Nobel’s death.

Each prize is worth eight million Swedish kronor (some US$960,000) and will be handed out with a diploma and gold medal on December 10. The Nobel Peace Prize is presented in Norway while the other awards are handed out in Sweden and each is followed by a banquet. The other winners are invited to the Peace Prize investiture ceremony. That is how Alfred Nobel wanted it in his will.

With regards to nomination, the literature says almost anyone can nominate a deserving person for the Prize.

I urge my compatriots to nominate deserving Guyanese (Clive Thomas, Bishnodat Persaud, DeSouza, etc or organisations (Red Thread, Saraswati Vidya Niketan, Tain Humanitarian, SASOD, Sevashram Sangha, etc) for Nobel or other prestigious awards.

Yours truly Vishnu Bisram

Terrorism: democratic, unprejudiced resolutions must be sought Dear Editor, Once again, terrorists have struck in Paris, France. Almost 160 innocent civilians enjoying a Friday night out died in a bloody carnage at several locations in Paris.

This is a great tragedy.

In response to this, France has launched a huge bombing campaign against the ISIS forces in Syria. This is understandable as the nation and the world grieve.

However, we must ask ourselves: will that solve the problem? Will that eliminate the terrorists? Highly unlikely.

It is clear that the world is only dealing with the symptoms and not the real cause of this relatively new phenomenon.

This latest brutal attack where so many innocent lives were lost must push the world to look for lasting solutions.

It must push world leaders to ask the hard and honest questions and judge whether the actions taken thus far have been helpful.

The root cause of the problem lies in the loss of hope in many countries of the Middle East. It stems from a deep, deep frustration in people that they have no control of what is happening in their own country and the region.

When bureaucrats sitting thousands of miles away in the comfort of posh offices, homes and cocktail bars are making decisions about regime change that is a recipe for the kind of di-

saster we are facing in the world today.

What right does any country have to call for regime change? That is what created the disaster in Syria. Clearly, those who were emboldened by the regime change in Iraq and Libya are not worried about, or better put, do not care about the mess they have created by their actions. They decided it was Asad’s time to go.

They financed terrorist groups, including those linked to Al Qaeda -the same group that attacked the US in 2001.

They miscalculated.

It is clear that with all the pressure, they have put on Asad, he should have fallen a long time ago. It is clear that they have not succeeded largely because of the popular support Asad has.

That is why one of the conditions being put by NATO countries is that Asad must go. They do not want to leave that for the Syrian people to decide.

Serious and honest discussions and negotiations must start now.

The overriding interest must be that of the people in the country and the region. It must be based on democracy and justice.

Any other route will only spawn more terrorists and more acts of terrorism.

Let us work to remove the real cause of terrorism so that the lives of the victims would not be in vain.

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar

Good governance demands Govt inform citizens of major policy changes Dear Editor, Information flowing from a government to her people is not a luxury and privilege enjoyed by those people. It is the Government’s duty to impart and the people’s right to receive information. Indeed, if this time honoured truth could be followed, a nation could spend its time sensibly discussing issues and ideas that would advance her people rather than fighting to have this basic good governance measure followed.

On 28 October 2015, the Chief Education Officer of Guyana sent out a circular where he, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, declared, inter alia, that the grades two and four assessments would no longer be

weighted nor form part of the marks for grade six assessment as before and that the said circular was to have immediate effect.

While there were mumblings, prior to the circular being sent out, about the possibility of this happening, up to today’s date nobody from the Ministry, nor the CEO himself, nor any of the two highly paid Ministers, nor the several new advisers, nor the newly acquired Public relations consultants, has bothered with honouring their duty to tell the nation of this major change to our education system.

Not surprisingly the people of our country are confused about, and desperate to know, what precisely the circu-

lar means and whether its contents are best for our country. I am bombarded with such questions.

Sadly, I am without answers as the circular itself is unclear. Further, I was not consulted nor even told about this big change neither as a citizen of Guyana and mother of children of relevant ages, nor as Shadow Minister of Education in the National Assembly.

Parents, children and teachers alike would like to know whether those current grades five and six students who already wrote both assessments, which were already marked and weighted, would still have their grades considered at the next two grade six assessments or are their ef-

forts to be abandoned and their grades, already earned, to be discarded?

I would like to know what new measures are being put in place to ensure the grades that will emerge from the new unweighted assessments will actually be used diagnostically to guide the interventions going forward for each child, thus giving meaning to the reason for assessments in the first place.

I should not have had to ask these questions in the first place as good governance demands that the nation be consulted on and informed fully of major policy changes in any sector.

However, having been forced to ask, I would have

preferred to raise these issues from the floor of the National Assembly so that the people who have asked me for answers could hear those answers.

Unfortunately with the government’s efforts to dodge the debate on the motion to annul the salary increases with which they have rewarded themselves, the National Assembly has been indefinitely postponed. I am therefore left with no place else but your columns to plead with the Ministers to do their duty and let the nation know what this circular really means for the parents, children and teachers who it will directly and immediately affect.

Sincerely, Priya Manickchand

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana, UAE ink Air Services Agreement

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Visitors will no longer be allowed to go to Kaieteur Fall’s edge

Minister Annette Ferguson and her UAE counterpart ink the Air Services Agreement in Canada

inister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson, signed an Air Services Agreement between Guyana and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday in Montreal, Canada.

The agreement allows for operations by airlines from either country.

The agreement was inked on the sidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) World Aviation Forum (WAF) 2015 at the ICAO Head Quarters in Montreal.

Minister Ferguson, along with the acting Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Chitrani Heeralall, is currently attending the forum.

Following the signing of the agreement, the Junior Public Infrastructure Minister alluded to the UAE being the home of two of the world’s best airlines, Etihad and Emirates, and hopes that at least one will opt to operate in ‘Destination Guyana’.

The ICAO World Aviation Forum 2015 is being held under the theme “Aviation Partnership for Sustainable Development”. The forum is timely as ICAO and the United Nations Specialised Organisation for civil aviation recently launched its “No Country Left Behind” initiative to better identify and coordinate assistance to states.

The ICAO WAF is a unique opportunity to harness aviation’s vast potential to stimulate economic growth in a manner consistent with the United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

Despite the clear economic signif-

icance and the demonstrated ability to serve as a foundation and catalyst for global connectivity and economic growth, only 2.5 per cent of global 2005-2015 funding for infrastructure and services has aviation development.

The ICAO WAF 2015 brings together States and the financial/development community to raise the level of assistance in the civil aviation sector.

Many of the developed countries and the donor community have applauded ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” initiative and have pledged their continued support for collaboration, for rendering technical assistance and for aviation development as a whole.

Guyana will be seeking support from ICAO for technical assistance to improve the level of compliance with ICAO standards.

Meanwhile, Minister Ferguson was invited by ICAO to moderate the session on investment and aviation development perspectives. She took the opportunity to inform the forum of aviation development in Guyana.

“Guyana like many States here, considers the growth and sustainability of aviation a catalyst for improved social and economic activities and structures,” Ferguson stated.

Minister Ferguson added, “Guyana joins with the rest of the aviation world to congratulate ICAO on this ‘No Country Left Behind’ initiative and is heartened to hear from the developed countries, their pledge for continued support and collaboration with ICAO and its member States to ensure that ‘No country is Left Behind’”.

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Roshinee Pagwah at the falls before she jumped to her death.

he Ministry of Tourism has announced that a decision has been taken to no longer allow visitors to the Kaieteur Falls to go to the viewing point at the edge of the waterfalls.

The decision was taken in light of last Saturday’s suicide by 21-year-old Roshinee Pagwah, who jumped to her death from the edge of the falls.

Additionally, the Tourism Ministry has also made a decision to add restrictions to a number of viewing points at the falls.

The young woman’s body was initially spotted at the bottom of the

waterfalls on Saturday moments after she ran and jumped over, but the body eventually vanished beneath the tumbling water from the falls.

The Ministry of Tourism said the pool at the base of the Falls is being monitored for signs of the body, while preparations have commenced to secure and extract the body, once it becomes visible.

“This operation is being led by Special Forces of the Guyana Defence Force, due to the dangerous and extremely rugged terrain below the Falls”, the Ministry noted.

The young woman

who hails from Berbice was walking back to the aircraft with a group of tourist, when she made a sudden dash from the crown and jumped over the edge of the waterfalls despite the efforts of the tour guides and park rangers who raced after her.

Her family members are still stunned over the incident since they were all unaware that she even had a trip planned to the Kaieteur Falls.

She became the third woman to jump over the falls. Just in September, another woman leapt to her death while back in 2009, a young lady died by the same method.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

APNU ditches questions on campaign financing …even as Gaskin confirms audit completed

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s the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) gears up for the Local Government Elections, the Party is still yet to publicly disclose the financiers and total amount spent on its extravagant 2015 General and Regional Elections campaign even

though the audit is completed.

Alliance For Change (AFC) Executive Member Dominic Gaskin confirmed that his Party is already in receipt of the total sum of APNU’s contribution towards the campaigning costs for the previous elections but it appears

that APNU is pussyfooting on the release of this information to the public even though it had promised full public disclosures on its campaign funds.

APNU General Secretary Joseph Harmon, when contacted, told the Guyana Times International

that he cannot answer the question at the moment. He then requested to be contacted on the matter later.

This newspaper also contacted APNU Executive Member Amna Ally who declined to offer any information on the Party’s campaign financing contribution; stating that the Party’s General Secretary would be the best persons to divulge any information.

Director of Communications Mark Archer was also contacted but he explained that he is not in receipt of information regarding the Party’s financing for the previous campaigns.

AFC had previously

APNU Executive Member Amna Ally

tion on the matter. “It would be inappropriate,” he stated.

Legislation

GECOM’s Chairman Dr Surujbally had told

GECOM’s Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally

disclosed that it spent an incredible Gy$400 million and it was waiting on its coalition partner to disclose its contribution. AFC Executive Member Gaskin told this newspaper that the Party did receive APNU’s total contribution however he declined to offer more informa-

this newspaper that while GECOM has been pushing for campaign finance legislation there is only so much the body can do. He noted that the responsibility of passing the legislation lies in the hands of the National Assembly and they have taken no direct stance on the issue.

GECOM’s Legal Officer Wanita Barker had also explained that the existing legislation governing the campaign financing is “really of no value.”

According to the Legal officer, the current law is antiquated and in dire need of being amended given that it stipulates each party is expected to expend no more than G$25,000 on a single candidate.

She also explained that it does not say when campaigning for elections should start so to ask for parties to submit financial records for any campaigning period would be a complicated task. According to Barker, the enforcement has to be detailed.

Gail Teixeira of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had said previously that the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) had downplayed the proposal by the OAS for a model regarding campaign financing for the 2011 elections. from page 3

Implementation crisis looms ...

David Granger-led Administration in implementing programmes and initiatives which can stimulate the current deteriorating local economy.

Ali, armed with the Bank of Guyana Midyear report, said that there is an evident lack of interest in investment, both at the local and foreign levels, with domestic investments decreasing by 2.7% during the first half of this year and no sign of this improving as 2015 winds down.

“We have decreased activities in the various sectors, the construction sector, services sector, you have decreased activity in the agriculture sector, the mining sector, the forestry sector, so the overall decrease is having a severe macroeconomic impact on the economy itself”, he added.

He said this is also taking place in the context of the current volatile global economic environment in which commodity prices are not projected to increase in any significant way, pointing to the fact that the Guyanese economy is commodity-driven and as such, current low prices for gold, sugar and rice, will not help Guyana in terms of mitigating the economic challenges ahead.

The former Cabinet minister added that based on figures in his possession, there is a massive slowdown in construction activities across the country, pointing to a rescued number of requests for approval of housing plans at some Neighbourhood Democratic Councils where new housing schemes were recently developed.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Govt signs deal to U.S. signs multi-million dollar restart construction assistance package with CARICOM of Specialty Hospital

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Finance Minister, Winston Jordan (left) and Fedders Lloyd's representative, Ajay Jha, signing the Memorandum of Understanding to build the Specialty Hospital

he Guyana government on Wednesday formally agreed to go ahead with the construction of the Specialty Hospital, saying that India has persuaded it to do so.

"The Government of India (GOI) in its response, while indicating its no objection and support for the modernization of Primary Healthcare Facilities suggested that GOG should consider salvaging the Specialty Hospital, as it will complement primary healthcare facilities in Guyana.

GOG (Government of Guyana) having examined the merits of the proposal began searching for a willing partner to complete the Specialty Hospital using the remainder of the LOC

(Line of Credit)," said the Finance Ministry in a statement.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Fedders Lloyd that will see works restarting on the construction of the Specialty Hospital at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

No new invitation for bids has been issued and so the deal was awarded to Fedders Lloyd without passing through the Procurement and Tendering system.

Work on the Specialty Hospital was halted after allegations of impropriety and fraud were leveled against the contractor who won the bid for its construction in 2012.

U.S Ambassador to Guyana and CARICOM, Perry Holloway, USAID Eastern and Southern Caribbean Mission Director, Christopher Cushing and CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRoque during a brief ceremony at the CARICOM Secretariat.

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he United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed a total of US$165 million to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to help with curbing crime and violence among youths, controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic and climate change initiatives.

USAID and CARICOM signed accords on Tuesday for the multimillion dollar development assistance to help the Eastern and Southern Caribbean.

The agreement was signed by U.S Ambassador to Guyana and CARICOM, Perry Holloway, USAID

Eastern and Southern Caribbean Mission Director, Christopher Cushing and CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRoque during a brief ceremony at the CARICOM Secretariat.

Under the five-year development objective agreements, an estimated $89 million will go towards reducing youth crime and violence in target communities; $52 million is earmarked for achieving epidemic control of HIV/AIDS among key populations and a total of $31 million will support initiatives to reduce the risks to human and natural assets resulting from climate change.

Among the CARICOM member states to benefit are Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and St Kitts.

During the ceremony Ambassador Holloway stated that “the United States government and USAID are pleased to partner with CARICOM in these initiatives which will improve the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable groups, including youth and socially marginalised populations.”

A m b a s s a d o r Holloway is confident that this funding will go a far way in bringing

real relief to the lives of persons affected in the three above mentioned categories.

In welcoming the partnership, LaRoque said it was an indication of the strong friendship the U.S and the CARICOM share.

He said it was a continuation of a long and strong history of cooperation and collaboration and believes the areas identified are right at the forefront of the issues facing the region.

He described the development assistance as “timely” while also pointing to the region’s own efforts to tackle crime, HIV/AIDS and climate change.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

T&T to target assets of APNU and AFC contesting convicted JFK bomb plotter polls together LGE March 2016

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By Devina Samaroo

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utting to rest months of speculation, the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have finally decided to join forces to contest the Local Government Elections (LGE) on March 18, 2016.

This was confirmed by AFC Executive Member Dominic Gaskin on Sunday during a telephone interview with Guyana Times International.

“We are going as a coalition,” Gaskin, who is also the Business Minister, told this newspaper when asked about his party’s preparation for the upcoming polls.

The politician disclosed that both parties are currently working together to develop campaign strategies and determine the selection process for candidates.

In fact, Gaskin admitted that its members are yet to decide upon a suitable person to act as the campaign manager to coordinate the various preparatory activities.

Nonetheless, he noted that the party already commenced awareness campaigns to educate its membership on the local Government structure and process.

Prompted for more information on the coalition’s preparations, Gaskin stated that he was not heavily involved in the LGE discussions and was, therefore, not in a position to divulge further information.

Just some four months ago, AFC General Secretary David Patterson reported that his party was still deciding if it was in its best interest to stand solo or join forces again with APNU. Massive defeat At a time when speculation was rife, political commentators had noted that both the AFC and APNU would suffer a massive defeat should they contest as a coalition at the upcoming polls.

Dr Henry Jeffrey, former Foreign Affairs Minister, had explained that if the AFC decides to contest alone, the chances were it would perform miserably since it would have by now lost a significant portion of its traditional constituents.

“This will weaken the AFC,” he noted.

And consequently, he explained that the circumstances would then weaken APNU since the two parties had to coalesce in order to form the central Government.

Before the historic ‘marriage’ between the two parties, the AFC had expressed scepticism on coalescing with APNU, fearing the backlash from its supporters who have not forgotten the track record of the major APNU partner People’s National Congress in Government. AFC Leader

AFC Executive Member Dominic Gaskin

Khemraj Ramjattan had warned that if the AFC were to coalesce with APNU, his party would become “dead meat”.

Resign or merge

Meanwhile, according to reports from another section of the media, Ramjattan made it clear that he would rather resign as AFC Leader than fully merge with APNU. “We are going to maintain ourselves as AFC…[I] would rather resign as leader of the AFC than have that happen,” Ramjattan is quoted as saying.

Moreover, as predicted by many, Prime Minister and AFC Executive Member Moses Nagamootoo had finally admitted that there were several conflicts between his party and the APNU membership.

In spite of consistent denials by some members of the AFC, the parties have clearly been in breach of the much touted “Cummingsburg Accord”, notably in favour of APNU. Specifically, contrary to the Accord, Nagamootoo does not chair Cabinet, nor is he in charge of domestic national affairs.

In fact, the powers he was promised have all been diminished to oversight of the information sector of the State media – an authority he now has been accused of abusing.

The Accord also stated that the Prime Minister would recommend ministerial appointments and provide organisational structures for Ministries – for the approval of the President and the appointment of Heads of Agencies and non-constitutional commissions.

It is apparent that he was never involved in any of these activities.

That aside, with the date for LGE fast-approaching, political parties are hastily switching to elections mode to prepare themselves for these critical polls which will determine which party will have authority to control the various constituencies within the country.

The PPP/C already reported that it is in the process of identifying potential candidates. (devinas@guyanatimesgy.com)

rinidad and Tobago - The State is moving to deem a Trinidadian convicted in the United States a terrorist and obtain a freezing order of his assets and any transaction done on his behalf.

The unprecedented action against convicted JFK bomb plotter Kareem Ibrahim, which is being pursued under the Anti-Terrorism Act, follows the collaborative efforts of local and foreign law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

The ex parte application was filed on Tuesday by the Office of the Attorney General and listed attorneys Pamela Elder, SC, and Michael Rooplal as the advocates.

No date has been set for the hearing.

The application comes on the heels of numerous reports of Trinidadians’ involvement with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and a fresh wave of calls for action to be taken against the foreign terrorist fighters in the wake of the recent ISIS attack in Paris.

News of the move had been announced hours earlier by Attorney General Faris AlRawi during a media conference following the opening session of the Caribbean Action Financial

Kareem Ibrahim

Task Force (CFATF) plenary meeting at the Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain, where a prayer was said in French and a minute’s silence was observed for the victims of the Paris attacks.

Al-Rawi declined then to name the person or entity but cited Sec 22 (B), 1 (B) of the Anti Terrorism Act as the piece of legislation which enabled him to act on the application.

Confirming that the application related specifically to terrorism, Al-Rawi said: “As incoming AG I met an application which was languishing and in respect of which there had been a conviction.

“I saw it as an important deliverable to proceed with that application to court and so I took the exercise of gelling the application into its proper form, ensured the evidence was behind the application and in very short measure made the approach to court today.”

A tough-talking Al-Rawi added: “Matters cannot afford to be in the system for long. You must deal with them conclusively and if you can’t deal with them, you have to say why.”

Warning that there would be international and local repercussions, Al-Rawi also declined to comment on the value of the assets involved, saying it would be premature to do so “until we have dealt with the position.”

Referring to pre-trial publicity and due process, the AG said every aspect of the law had to be carefully factored in for that instance.

He said his ministry, along with the Ministry of National Security, was urgently addressing issues, such as terrorist financing and foreign terrorist fighters, and they would soon make a public statement on the legislative changes that were being considered.

(Trinidad Guardian)

St Kitts suspends Syrians from Citizenship by Investment programme

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ASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Syrians have been blocked from benefitting from St. Kitts and Nevis’ Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme.

Government yesterday announced the immediate suspension of the processing of new CBI applications from citizens and residents of Syria.

The announcement came less than two weeks after members of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) carried out attacks in Paris, as well as the recent arrests of Syrian nationals with fake passports in Honduras and St. Maarten, although the government statement made no mention of either.

The press release noted that since assuming office

Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris

in February of 2015, the new Unity Government has pledged to remain vigilant “to protect the security and integrity of the world’s oldest and most respected CBI programme” and, as a consequence, certain legislative changes were made to give the Government maximum flexibility in addressing security and related concerns globally.

It added that the government would remain vigilant and responsive as it ensures that the security and integrity of its CBI programme remains the country’s top priority.

“Our international partners can be assured that St Kitts and Nevis will remain eternally vigilant in the global effort to maintain peace and security for all. Our country is and will remain a trusted partner in this effort,” Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris said.

Government also sought to assure its international partners that it would “always seek to uphold the principles of peaceful and productive coexistence while at the same time maintaining our sovereignty.”

(Caribbean 360)

Jamaican drug mule arrested at US airport after swallowing cocaine pellets

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ARYLAND, United States – United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have arrested a 31-yearold Jamaican woman for allegedly smuggling more than four ounces of cocaine inside her body.

The CBP said Camella Simone Whyte was subject to a routine secondary examination after she arrived at Baltimore Washington International Airport from Montego Bay, Jamaica earlier this month.

She consented to a medical examination during questioning, and the exam revealed foreign objects inside her body.

Whyte was induced and she passed 10 thumbsized pellets of cocaine. The pellets weighed 4.2 ounces.

The Jamaican is one of the latest Caribbean nationals recently caught trying to smuggle cocaine into the United States by swallowing pellets containing the illegal drug.

“Smuggling narcotics inside one’s body is dangerous. If a pellet breaches inside a courier, the result could be a very painful death,” warned Dianna Bowman, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Port of Baltimore.

On a typical day, CBP seizes 10,327 pounds of drugs at and between the US’ 328 ports of entry.

Some of the pellets passed by the Jamaican woman. (Photo: US Customs and Border Protection)

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Cuba among 10 destinations chosen by top luxury travel specialists

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E O R G I A , United States – Since August, when the reopening of the US Embassy in Havana signalled a new era in US-Cuba relations, the communist Caribbean country has featured prominently in travel circles, earning kudos for various aspects of its tourism plant and securing record bookings.

Now, the island famous for its cigars, historic buildings, and vintage rolling stock, has made its way onto another list, in the process gaining the distinction of being the only Caribbean destination to be selected.

This time, Cuba placed among 10 destinations that the world’s top luxury travel specialists are most excited about for 2016, featuring in a list compiled for CNN by travel and culture writer Mark Johanson.

As Johanson wrote: The reopening of the US Embassy in Havana this August signalled a new era in US-Cuba relations, but it also set off a race to plant a foot

(wet or dry) atop this frozen-in-time Caribbean isle before McDonalds, Starbucks and Pizza Hut take root.

Luxury tour operators like Western & Oriental reported a staggering 250 per cent spike in bookings year-on-year.

“Travelers can sense it really is on the verge of opening up to mass tourism,” said David Pointer, the company’s Caribbean product manager.

“Flights, accommodation and car hire are in high demand and we encourage our clients to book six months in advance to ensure we can book them the trip they’re after.”

Western & Oriental will offer an 11day UNESCO World Heritage Cities of Cuba and Beach fly-drive vacation in 2016 that takes in Havana, Trinidad, Zapata Swamp and the beaches of Cayo Santa Maria, among others.

Cuba was in good company, moreover, placing on a list that also included sought-after destinations in Japan, Borneo, Colombia and Kenya. (Caribbean 360)

T&T girl wins Rhodes scholarship

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ridgetown, Barbados Trinidadian Zahra Gomes is the latest recipient of the Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes Scholarship.

She was chosen from a field of six candidates who were interviewed at Government House by the Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee.

The Committee, which was chaired by Governor-General Sir Elliott Belgrave, also comprised Secretary, Peter Goldson; Felice Swapp, Professor Evelyn O’Callaghan, Dr Chantal Onanaiwu, Richard Skeritt and Professor Bridget Brereton.

Gomes, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics from the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, will pursue a Master of Science

in Cosmology at the University of Oxford in October next year.

Explaining that Cosmology was theoretical physics and the study of how the universe began, Gomes said her field of study could have “a great impact” on the Caribbean, and, as it was not currently widely studied, her goal was to expand research in the science in the region.

The other applicants for the Rhodes Scholarship hailed from Barbados, St Lucia, St Vincent and Grenada.

The Rhodes scholarship, named after Cecil J. Rhodes, is an international postgraduate award for study at the University of Oxford. Each year, one Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes Scholarship is awarded, with a separate Rhodes Scholarship for Jamaica.

(Barbados Nation)

Over 3,000 jobs coming with redevelopment of historic property in Barbados B RIDGETOWN, Barbados – The redevelopment of the near 200-yearold Sam Lord’s Castle into a hotel managed by the world’s largest hotel company will bring with it 3,000 local jobs, Prime Minister Freundel Stuart has disclosed.

Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony at the 57-acre site in the eastern parish of St. Philip yesterday, he said the new Sam Lord’s Castle Barbados, A Wyndham Grand Resort is also expected to bring in significant amounts of foreign exchange.

“The macro-economic implications of the project cannot be understated. The hotel will employ in excess of 1,000 persons after completion, and is also expected to generate approximately 2,000 additional jobs in other sectors of the economy. Foreign exchange earnings to be made by the property are estimated at over US$70 million a year, with a direct contribution to the GDP of US$35 million,” Stuart said.

“The people of St. Philip will gain social and economic benefits from the project.

Residents of this parish will be able to earn income as entrepreneurs, service and produce providers and hotel employees. A number of farmers in the area will now have another market for their produce, and artistes and craftsmen will also reap a similar benefit.”

The prime minis-

Prime Minister Freundel Stuart (in white shirt) and Chinese Ambassador to Barbados Wang Ke (to Stuart’s left) with other officials at the groundbreaking ceremony. (Photo: Barbadaos Today)

ter also contended that the BDS$450 million (US$275 million) project was a signal that the confidence of the international community in Government’s economic development strategy was being restored.

The development will involve the construction of an upscale resort hotel comprising 350 guest accommodations, 100 vacation ownership units, a destination spa, a conference centre and various services and amenities.

Stuart said it had been designed to utilize the most sophisticated, state-of-the-art, and environmentally sustainable technologies, which would make it a prototype in the tourism sector. He added that the hotel would specifically target summer business and assist Barbados

in its quest to become a true year-round destination.

The prime minister told the audience that the commencement of the project, which is being financed by the Chinese, would represent the beginning of a new era in Barbados’ cooperative relationship with the Asian country.

“This project will be the forerunner to even more projects between the two nations. It will spur cooperative efforts in other areas in and outside of the tourism sector,” he said.

Chinese Ambassador to Barbados Wang Ke said this project was just one of several her country intended to finance.

“We have every reason to expect a promising future of ChinaBarbados cooperation

for mutual benefit,” she said.

Construction is expected to start next year and the keys to the property handed over in 2018. It will be managed by Wyndham Hotel Group.

Sam Lord’s Castle was once a beautiful Georgian mansion, built in 1820 by Samuel Hall Lord. Legend has it that Sam Lord acquired his wealth by plundering ships, which he lured onto the reefs off the coast, by hanging lanterns in the coconut trees. Captains mistook these lights for Bridgetown and wrecked their ships on the reefs.

The property was run as an exquisite hotel for many years but it was subsequently abandoned and then was destroyed by fire in 2010.

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New York community activist gets 2015 Caribbean Life Impact award

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rooklyn, New York: At an exclusive banquet dinner in Brooklyn, Caribbean Life Newspaper honored Richard S. David with a 2015 Impact Award for his work as a Vice President at the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) where he worked for eight years.

According to a press release issued by the NYCEDC, in his capacity as VP, Richard managed billions of dollars that were invested in global and local institutions that directly improved the quality of life for residents across the five boroughs. One example is the modernization of the buildings at Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, an engine for community development in Central Brooklyn. His work at NYCEDC directly im-

pacted New Yorkers from all walks of life and touched neighborhoods and institutions that provide vital services like feeding the hungry, afterschool programs and cultural access.

Outside of NYCEDC, Richard co-founded the Indo-Caribbean Alliance, an organization that provides direct services and advocacy.

Over a five year period, it became the largest secular Caribbean organization in Queens. By educating and mobilizing new voters, to helping young people graduate from school and go to college, the organization is taking action to fulfill the immense potential of the Caribbean community in New York. One of the proudest accomplishments of the organization is the creation of an Indo-Caribbean Special Collection of literature and media in partnership with

Queens Library. Today, the collection has hundreds of materials that are enabling students, researchers and residents to develop a greater understanding of the history and identity of the Indo-Caribbean community.

Richard is also one of the youngest members of Community Board 9 where he has served for almost eight years. He is involved in several organizations and events across the city and regularly conducts workshops to organize people to get involved in their own communities.

Richard went to Hunter College at CUNY and has a Master’s in Public Administration from New York University.

He was born in a rural village in Guyana and came to the United States at the age of 10.

He is the youngest of three brothers.

“The Community

News Group and Caribbean Life are proud to celebrate the people who have made a difference in the Caribbean community in NY. Caribbean Life has been serving the community for 25 years.

As someone who has worked with the community it's my honor to recognize these individuals," said Community News Group CEO Les Goodstein. "They are truly the backbone of our neighborhoods."

“It’s been amazing to work in neighborhoods across New York City, and especially in South East Queens. I am honored to be among some Caribbean American icons in receiving this award” said Richard S. David. “I see it as a stepping stone to enable us to bring additional resources to our community.”

Other honorees at the event included

Richard David

Lowell Hawthorne – President and CEO of Golden Krust Bakery Caribbean Bakery & Grill, Thomas Bailey – President of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association,

Ricardo Bryan – Senior Vice President, GraceKennedy Foods USA, Dr. Roy Hastick – President of CACCI, Carl Stewart of Caribbean Airlines, and more.

BoG to introduce Gy$50 note as Political history in Barbados as Opposition part of anniversary celebrations party expels sitting MP

By Kristen Macklingam

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to be taken as a matter of principle.

“These charges, contrary to those who would seek to trivialize them, are fundamental. At the very heart of it, they go to the respect for the authority of organs of the party, that are critical to its functioning as a mass-based political organization – in other words, the failure of Dr. Agard to recognize the legitimacy of a democratically elected branch of this party – her own branch,” she said.

“They speak to the failure of Dr. Agard to be guided by the party’s Council – not to further speak to the media on this matter, so as to allow for reconciliation between herself and her branch. They also speak to her inappropriate conduct, Dr. Maria Agard (right) after emerging from the meeting whether in misconwith her attorney Hal Gollop Q.C. (Photo: Barbados TODAY) struing the facts in the media or offensive announced at a press conference last profanities posted on social media.

“And finally, they speak to the failnight that Christ Church West MP Dr. Maria Agard was no longer a member ure of Dr. Agard to be a team player of the BLP. The disclosure followed – and to play her part by attendance Agard’s appearance before the party’s at the Annual Conference and a seNational Council. ries of nominations in the very parish Agard had been summoned to ap- where she is the only sitting Member pear before the panel on Tuesday of Parliament for the party,” the BLP evening on nine charges related to leader added. “breaches of discipline”, following a Mottley insisted that the issue had four-year battle with the executive of nothing to do with freedom of speech, her own branch that recently played but one of discipline and respect for out in the traditional and social me- authority and willingness to work todia. gether in an organization with other She attended the hearing with a people. legal representative Hal Gollop Q.C., But Gollop described the tribubut they both walked out less than an nal as “unfair” and charged that the hour later. same people who brought the charges Mottley said the decision to expel against his client were also sitting on Agard was not an easy one, but it had the disciplinary panel.

RIDGETOWN, Barbados In an unprecedented move, the Opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) has expelled one of its members, a sitting Member of Parliament, over what it says was inappropriate conduct and her failure to be a team player.

Opposition Leader Mia Mottley

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ess than two months after launching a collection of commemorative stamps to mark 50 years of service to the country, the Bank of Guyana (BoG) is set to introduce a new denomination of currency.

This time it is a $50 note in honour of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary next year.

BoG Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga, told Guyana Times International on Tuesday that the new note which will be in circulation will showcase “features” that are associated with Guyana’s 50th independence celebrations such as the logo that is being used for the national event.

“So it will be a note which will be in circulation so it can be used just like any other note.

It will also help in terms of efficiency and making payments,” he said.

Dr Ganga explained that such an addition to the current notes which were in circulation would assist many individuals when it comes to conducting business and receiving or issuing payments.

Guyana Times International understands that this will be a “lighter burden” to carry around because it would reduce the number of coins persons may have to travel with to en-

BoG Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga

tities, especially smaller businesses such as market stalls and little shops where persons have to receive their “change” in coins.

With regard to this new note being a limited edition, it was further explained that such a conclusion has not yet been derived.

“If we want to continue, we will see how it is received, how the market will accept it, how it will go and then maybe at a later time we will introduce it as a part of the other notes in the system…this way it will ease the kind of constraints which we have in terms of finding other notes, other coins for giving back change or payment. Many people might want to hold those notes but the amount we are putting on the market, if they hold the notes, there will still be more to put in the market,” the BoG Governor

posited.

This newspaper was told that while the BoG was yet to make a public disclosure as to the amount of $50 bills it would be printing and circulation, the Bank has already decided on this figure.

“We know how much we are printing, there is not going to be a shortage. It should run for some years before we can think about whether we want to continue with it or whether we want to stop. There is an issue of cost here and obviously the introduction of another note is very costeffective…,” Dr Ganga further stated.

$10,000 bill mulled

In relation to the central bank moving towards introducing currency notes of high denominations such as a Gy$10,000 bill, the BoG Governor is yet to pronounce on this.

As it is the highest note that Guyana currently has in circulation is the Gy$5000 which was introduced to the public in 2013.

“We are trying to move away from cash and we are hoping that we can have what we call mobile money so you can use cards that is the culture that really we want people to be a part of or we should be able to promote the use of electronic form of money,” he said, adding that such will be considered in future.

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Political lightweights confident of doing well at upcoming Local Govt Elections

IP leader Mark Benschop

By Alexis Rodney

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ix months after contesting the General and Regional Elections, with very little success, Guyana’s small political parties are determined to make another bid to muster up electoral support to lead various communities at the local level as they prepare to contest the long overdue Local Government Elections (LGE).

Guyanese will go to the polls on March 18, 2016, and while Government and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) confirmed that they were well prepared for this major event, the small political parties, considered the “political lightweights”, are themselves confident that there will be significant success at this election.

TUF leader Marissa Nadir

ticipating in the LGE. We are now wrapping up our operations to move into mobilisation and outreach. We will definitely be representing the interest of our constituencies, especially the villages.

Also, we are in the process of identifying the representatives in the various constituencies and registration of the representatives,” he told this newspaper.

Asked if there were any hiccups at this stage, Saul said there were none.

The Party is, however, awaiting some meetings with GECOM. “We are going to talk with them at the end of the week to regularise our participation in this historic Local Government Elections,” Ras related.

Meanwhile, leader of The United Force (TUF),

THNTP General Secretary Ras Leon

The Healing the Nation Theocracy Party (THNTP) General Secretary Ras Leon Saul was confident that his Party’s participation at the polls would garner much support from the locals, since that was what the LGE were all about.

The Party, which suffered a major blow at the regional leg of the Elections back in May of this year, told Guyana Times International that there needed to be increased participation from more interest groups in society, lessening the focus being placed on the two major political units – the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

He said: “People like us also have a voice in the community, so we are going to be representing our interests”.

Mobilisation

“Our Party will be par-

Marissa Nadir said party executives were currently meeting and working out the logistics for the elections which have not happened for over two decades.

“This is not the General Elections. The requirements are a bit different. We have not had Local Government Elections in a long time so we have to become acquainted with the specifics of the requirement given the new additions of towns and constituencies; however, we will be contesting everything,” she confirmed Asked about her confidence of success this time around, Nadir said: “We had a very favourable response when we were campaigning for the General Elections. Based on the feedback we have been having from persons, we have begun regaining our support. We are happy that we are seecontinued on page 18

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New quarrel looms over 2016 Diwali date Political lightweights

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ublic Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has apparently defied a commitment given by Head of State, President David Granger that his Government will engage in a more consultative process before making declarations on religious holidays.

Despite assurances, the Public Security Ministry has reportedly issued a list of holidays for next year and declared Diwali 2016 to be observed on October29, 2016 but the Sabha is claiming that it was not consulted nor involved in any discussion with the Public Security Minister.

In October 2015, the Minister had gazetted Diwali 2015 as November 10 after consultations with the Viraat Sabha organisation. However, the Dharmic Sabha had maintained that calculations and the phase of the moon had placed November 11 as the darkest night; hence, the Festival of Lights should be celebrated on that day.

The disagreement had gained much attention as well as public outrage within the Hindu community, and bickering between the Public Security Minister and the Dharmic Sabha continued up until the ob-

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

servance of the religious holiday some two weeks ago.

Days before the holiday, President David Granger had thrown his support behind the decision of his Minister, stating during the State programme, “The Public Interest”, that he was convinced Ramjattan made the right decision.

“I have spoken to the Minister; I have seen the opinion issued…

I am convinced that he consulted widely. I’m aware that the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha is in disagreement,” the President had stated.

He said the Public Security Minister had consulted with some Swamis and “learned Hindus” and as such, Government was convinced that the decision was the “correct one”.

Nevertheless, the Head of State assured that his

Administration would subsequently avoid such controversy.

Less than two weeks after most Hindus joined the Dharmic Sabha to observe the holiday on November 11, the dispute continues– this time on the date for next year’s Diwali observance.

In a statement on Tuesday, the GHDS expressed its disappointment at the manner in which Minister Ramjattan has declared the Diwali 2016 National Holiday.

According to the organisation, the Ministry’s late Permanent Secretary, Angela Johnson, had written the Dharmic Sabha, asking for the Phagwah and Diwali dates for 2016. These, the Sabha said, were sent to the Ministry in September (Phagwah – March 23, 2016 and Diwali – October 30, 2016), but were apparently ignored, much to the upset of the organisation, which has been supplying the Hindu community and the Government of Guyana with dates for over 41 years.

“We see this as an act to perpetuate discord in the Hindu community by the Minister,” the organisation said, adding that it had hoped Minister Ramjattan would see

confident...

Dr Vindhya Persaud

the wisdom in engaging the Sabha and other large Hindu bodies such as the Hare Krishna Movement, Guyana Central Arya Samaj and Maha Kali Movement before declaring the Hindu holidays for 2016.

“This year, overwhelming majority of the Hindu community in Guyana stood in unison against the previous attempt by the Minister to impose a Diwali date on our community. These religious dates are calculated well ahead of the year by our Pandits using the panchang and it would be prudent to engage them in a matter that has national implications unless there is no genuine desire for social cohesion,” the Sabha said.

Furthermore, the GHDS had informed the public and the Hindu community that Diwali was on October 30, 2016.

ing the response that we are getting. It is encouraging for us as we move forward in building the party and this will be another stepping stone in moving the Party forward and to prove to the nation that The United Force has been independent and that we are here to stay,” she said.

Nadir added that the Party has maintained its presence, an indication that its after-election outreaches “have been working”.

Meanwhile, leader of the Independent Party (IP), Mark Benschop said unlike other political parties, his participation at the polls will be as a political group tagged “Benschop for Mayor”.

Unlike the other parties too, his group will be only focusing on the Mayorship of Georgetown.

The reason for this, he said, is that Georgetown remains a stronghold for him and his supporters.

More than that, he related, there needs to be a thorough change of operations at the Mayor and City Council. He said persons have been too long in office, doing very little for residents of Georgetown.

Government last Friday announced that the much-anticipated Local Government

from page 17

Elections (LGE) will be held on March 18, 2016.

The LGE, which was last held in 1994, will be conducted across the country in every constituency.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan said this was an important time in Guyana’s history, since Government has declared that Guyanese would have the opportunity to democratically elect Councillors to manage towns and neighbourhoods.

“They are essential, because the entire local government system must be rehabilitated and made fully functional. Democratic renewal of local government organs is long overdue,” Bulkan told a room full of journalists at his Kingston office on Friday.

Asked about the readiness of GECOM, Bulkan informed that the election body currently has a plan that it was working with to most importantly carry out voter education programmes. This, he said, will come underway in the near future.

There are some new features that have been added to the LGE, including the constituency representation. This legislation was enacted in 2009 during the ninth Parliament.

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Giving thanks and helping the less fortunate

uring this holiday season which is a time of togetherness and thoughtfulness, special cheers were brought to the needy and elderly in Richmond Hill, Queens, to help them enjoy their special day of thanks. Special thanks to Susanne Almodovar

of United Healthcare, Mr. Deol Singh and staff of EFEX Consulting, Guyana Times International and Mr. Gordon from the UMC of Richmond Hill food pantry. We were able to do our part in being charitable and helpful to several folks at this special time of the year.

This is an annual event and is the brainchild of Aldomovar. It is hoped that next year’s event will bring together a larger section of the populace and with continued support from Guyana Times International and EFEX Consulting.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 21

Mexico commits US$2M Guyanese eager to know grant for Institute of Creative findings of Walter Rodney CoI Arts – PM Nagamootoo

BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

T

he Government of Mexico has committed to the Guyana Government a sum of US$2 million to aid in the construction of an Institute of Creative Arts in Guyana.

This commitment was among several secured by Prime Minister and First Vice President Moses Nagamootoo on his recent visit to Mexico.

The Prime Minister made these statements during his address to the graduation ceremony of the University of Guyana, Berbice campus over the weekend. He explained

that the Government was planning to set up a creative arts institute as it recognised the role the creative arts play in the overall development of a society.

“We must always look to our musicians, to our dancers, our sculptors, to all the people who are involved in the creative arts that they have a role to play in our country, to be able to reflect, to mirror and reproduce the soul of a proud Guyanese people,” the Prime Minister advised.

Meanwhile, the Government has already started work to re-introduce

music in schools. One hundred and forty-eight primary school teachers from Regions Three and Four and the Georgetown Education District, and eight Trainer of Trainers from Regions One, Two, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and 10 were trained in music education in August this year.

In a recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Minister within the Education Ministry Nicolette Henry said the teachers were equipped with the necessary skills to effectively deliver mu-

sic programmes in primary schools.

“There is also the intention to integrate things like the literary arts, drama and music bigger than singing and that type of thing, but steel pan music and so forth, so there are a lot of plans to have a lot of initiatives integrated into the current curriculum.”

Guyana is in the process of developing a cultural policy to guide interventions for the advancement of this field; to this end, a cultural policy adviser was employed by the Department of Culture and consultations have begun on crafting this document.

W

ith just a few days remaining before the report is completed on the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the assassination of Dr Walter Rodney, the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is warning the APNU/AFC government not to “unnecessarily” delay the public release of this anxiously-awaited report.

General Secretary of the PPP/C Clement Rohee on Monday during a media briefing stated that his Party along with thousands of Guyanese in and out of the country are looking forward to the details and findings of this report.

He reminded that the final sitting of the CoI took place on July 29, 2015 after deliberating over a 16-month period beginning February 2014, and that the CoI’s life came to an abrupt end with it being given up to Nov 30, 2015 to complete and submit its report to the “Granger led de facto government.”

“The three commissioners have criticised the premature ending of the inquiry on the grounds that such an abrupt ending will definitely rob the commission of a comprehensive thorough and fair outcome,” Rohee noted.

As such, responding to questions from reporters concerning his Party’s position taken to refuse releasing facts on investigations of fraud at the National Communications Network (NCN) he stated that “two wrongs don’t make a right.”

Meanwhile, the Walter Rodney CoI has until November 30 to complete and submit its report with the rest of the nation counting the days

Dr Walter Rodney

until the findings are made public as to what led to Rodney’s assassination and more.

It must be reminded that both the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) and the People’s National Congress (PNC) political parties were represented through the Commission’s 60+days of hearing.

Also, it is of note that the WPA saw it fit to coalesce with the PNC and are currently parties within the APNU alliance of the new coalition government.

Dr Rodney was leader of the WPA at the time of his death, during which PNC founder Forbes Burnham was Guyana’s Prime Minister.

After the May 11 General and Regional Elections, the coalition government stated that it had uncovered what it deemed “excessive spending,” and cited this as justification for discontinuation of the Rodney CoI. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

22 NEWS

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

US citizen jailed ex parte for drug trafficking – flees jurisdiction

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n American citizen was last Monday sentenced to 60 months in prison after being found guilty of a narcotics trafficking charge by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Patricia Dalrymple, 23, whose local address was given as Lot 214 Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown, was on trial at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that on April 20, 2015 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, she had 937 grams of cocaine in her possession for the purpose of trafficking.

On her first appearance in Court, it was revealed that on the day in question the woman was an outgoing passenger on Caribbean Airlines flight BW526, destined for the John F Kennedy Airport, New York.

While she was attempting to board the flight, ranks of the Narcotics branch of the Guyana Police Force conducted a search of her luggage and unearthed the cocaine in plastic bags at the bottom of her suitcase. She was informed of the offence, ar-

Patricia Dalrymple

rested and charged.

During the trial her lawyer Paul Fung-A-Fat made a successful High Court bail application and the woman was released on Gy$1.8 million bail.

The Court could not seize her passport as it was property of the United States, and the day after being released on bail she allegedly fled the jurisdiction.

The trial continued in her absence, and on Monday Magistrate Latchman handed down the sentence in her absence. Latchman stated that the Prosecutor, Kerry Bostwick, had provided sufficient evidence and proven the case beyond reasonable doubt. As such, she sentenced the woman to pay a fine of Gy$2,529,000 along with 60 months in prison.

Forestry concession system seriously flawed, says APA T

he Amerindian People’s Association (APA) on Monday launched two reports which highlighted findings of how forestry-related activities and the supporting governance system affect indigenous communities.

One report came out of a round of two workshops carried out in Regions 1 and 2 under a European Union funded project in relation to the Guyana-EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Voluntary Partnership Agreement (FLEGT VPA).

The second report is a summary of proceedings of a seminar on essential elements for a legality definition and legality assurance system in the Guyana-EU FLEGT VPA held in Georgetown in February 2015, for which both contained concerns and recommendations.

At the launching of the two reports held in the conference centre at Regency Hotel on Monday, members of the APA stated that the lands and forests of many indigenous communities in Guyana have been under pressure for a number of years and continue to be so from the activities of largescale mining and logging concessions awarded by state agencies.

The two reports share the thoughts of indigenous leaders, who pointed out that, among other things, the current system for the allocation of concessions is seriously flawed, leading to the granting of concessions without community knowledge or agreement,

A section of the gathering present at the launch of the two reports Monday

thereby jeopardising community resource use and land ownership in some instances.

Such a situation is further facilitated by a national legal framework that does not fully respect the internationally protected rights of communities to their customary lands and resources, the reports highlighted.

The two reports summarised and presented the concerns and recommendations of indigenous peoples coming out of a series of community workshops on the FLEGT VPA held in Regions 1 and 2 during 2014 and 2015, and a Legality Seminar for a wider cross section of representatives from government, civil society, indigenous communities and legal experts.

APA noted that the current governance structure and other systems could be improved and strengthened to ensure long-

standing land conflicts do not escalate and that communities do not suffer negatively from a system that is meant to improve the conditions of forest stakeholders.

Key in this regard is the issue of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) and legislative protections.

President of the APA Sharon Atkinson said the lack of legal requirements to obtain free, prior and informed consent from communities regarding activities on all customary land is slowly strangling indigenous peoples.

As Guyana prepares for the fourth round of negotiations with the European Union on the VPA in Brussels in November/December, it is hoped these recommendations will be given due attention to ensure land tenure security given the dependence and connection of indigenous communities to the forests and their lands, Atkinson noted.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Another businessman shot by bandits – Police hunting key suspects

BY ANDREW CARMICHAEL

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Berbice businessman and fuel distributor is now hospitalised after he was attacked by armed bandits on Monday. The attack has launched a Police manhunt for key suspects connected to the incident.

The incident occurred at New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-

Corentyne). According to reports reaching Guyana Times International, Deon Primus, also known as “Confusion”, was shot to his jaw as he was about to drive his canter truck into his Lot 3-38 Stanleytown yard at about 19:20h.

The 38-year-old man received one gunshot to the jaw shortly after seeing two men approaching him. According to the injured man, he quick-

The Canter Primus was driving when he was shot

ly wound up the window but was still shot.

Shortly after the shot was fired, residents saw two men riding away from the scene.

Julius Dey, an eyewitness, reported that he heard when Primus was coming down the street and was prepared to open the door for him.

“The next thing I heard is a gunshot. I came out through the door and was able to distinguish that there was a short dark skin slim person that was approaching the driver… by this time the window was already shattered with the gunshot. I began shouting.

Neighbours came out and he ran away.”

Dey noted that the criminals did not get to Primus because of his timely intervention.

Primus was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where doctors

immediately tried to stop the bleeding. According to a source close to the medical team, several pellets were lodged in Primus’ jaw and throat area.

The source said because of the continuous bleeding it was impossible to perform any surgery on Monday evening.

Reports are the shooter used a shot gun in what is believed to have been a failed robbery attempt.

Primus has an arrangement where he purchases dieseline and gasoline for persons who have businesses and reside in the Upper Berbice River.

Dey explained that through that arrangement, Primus would receive cash at the New Amsterdam Market Wharf and take the fuel back to the wharf.

Earlier in the day, Primus was seen with

The injured Deon Primus in hospital

large sums of money at a petrol station.

In April last, there was a similar attempt to rob Primus who on that occasion was hit in the

head after he had arrived in his yard. He was hospitalised but was not relieved of any valuables.

Police are still investigating.

Dutch team to help Guyana address drainage and irrigation problems

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he Government will be taking a ‘holistic’ approach to the country’s drainage and irrigation systems with the aid of Government of The Netherlands, which will play a key role through the provision of consultancy services.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson on Monday met the three-member team from the Government of The Netherlands’ Dutch Risk Reduction Team (DRRTeam). The team, which arrived in Guyana on Sunday evening, will work in a consultancy capacity over the next few days.

The meeting was held at the Agriculture Ministry, with Minister Noel Holder also present, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

During remarks, Minister Patterson indicated that the partner-

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson along with Agriculture Minister Noel Holder during the meeting with the Dutch Risk Reduction Team and local engineers

ship with the Netherlands would lend to a comprehensive approach to drainage and irrigation in Guyana.

Patterson recalled that in July this year, Guyana recorded about eight inches of rainfall in less than 24 hours. He added that while work

would have been done in the past to address Guyana’s drainage issues, a more “comprehensive” approach was urgently needed.

Rob Steijn leader for the DRR-Team emphasised the importance of proper water management to a nation’s de-

velopment. The visiting DRR-Team also consists of civil engineer Fokke Westebring and social scientist Judith Klostermann.

The meeting also saw the attendance of nearly two dozen local officials, including engineers from across the administrative

regions.

Additionally, a presentation on Guyana’s drainage situation was made. During this presentation, both local and international participants shared information and posed relevant questions on the way forward.

Of significant im-

portance to the visiting team were the highlighted causes of flooding in Guyana, which included an increase in impervious areas; infilling of drains; reduction of maintenance; use of drains for refuse disposal; establishment of illegal housing on drainage reserves; relative rise in sea levels; and inadequacy of secondary and roadside drainage systems.

Also of significance was the recognition that flooding has increasingly worsened over the years, with the second highest amount of rainfall in decades being recorded in July 2015.

At the conclusion of the visit, the team is expected to produce recommendations which will be used as part of a subsequent proposal from the Guyana Government for funding from an international agency, Klostermaan said.

PPP/C objects to ‘same-day verification’ process by GECOM

By Kristen Macklingam

T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is objecting once more to the ‘same day verification’ process by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) with regard to newly-registered voters for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE). According to PPP/C Member of Parliament (MP) Zulfikar Mustapha, such verifications will prove to be challenging

and will make it possible for fraudulent actions to take place during the local elections.

During a media briefing on Monday, he stated that the present process of GECOM “leaves room” for an individual to register in a specific area with an address, which is not his/her own, so as to be allowed to vote in that particular constituency. If this occurs then the ‘same day verifications’ would not cater for this and would miss it entirely thus affecting the

PPP/C MP Zulfikar Mustapha

fair electoral process that is supposed to be executed in the country.

“A person can borrow someone’s address and then go there and relax.

So when GECOM visits they believe that the address given is a true one… this could change the results of the elections,” Mustapha explained.

He posited that with the Claims process ongoing and the Objections period scheduled to commence in the last six days before the closing date,

there will most likely be challenges if the verifications are not done correctly and in a proper manner.

As such, the PPP/C is proposing that these verifications be conducted at least one or two days after the registering of individuals so as to ensure that the integrity of the voters’ list is secured and to prevent fraudulent acts from taking place.

Meanwhile, GECOM is said to be currently engaging in its Claims and Objections period which

is scheduled to end on December 13, 2015.

According to information received from the Elections Commission, the last estimate of persons who are to be newly registered in the country stands at 558 (applications received) while 103 applications are for transfers.

There are presently 192 applications for changes and corrections to existing information. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

24 news

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana joins global efforts Zero tolerance for to abolish death penalty violence against women

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lthough the death penalty remains enshrined in its laws, Guyana committed to join the worldwide efforts to abolish capital punishment, which is deemed inhumane and completely ineffective in deterring crime.

Guyana has not abolished the death penalty, but there is a moratorium on its use, despite the fact that criminals are still being sentenced to death. Guyana last executed a death row prisoner in 1997.

More than 100 countries have already made significant strides in abolishing the death penalty, either by law or by practice.

According to statistics emanating from a report compiled by Amnesty International, 140 countries abolished the death penalty in 2014, by law or practice.

This is significant given that when the organisation started its campaign against the death penalty in 1997, only 16 countries had abolished this punishment for all crimes. Seven countries that carried out executions in 2013 did not do so in 2014 – Bangladesh, Botswana, Indonesia, India, Kuwait, Nigeria and South Sudan.

Despite this remarkable progress, there was a recorded 28 per cent increase in the number of executions in 2014 when compared to the figures in 2013. There were 2466 death sentences in 55 countries in 2014, with a total of 607 executions. This figure excludes China, which executed more persons than the rest of the world combined. The top five countries which

Governance Minister Raphael Trotman

still execute prisoners on death row are China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the USA. Additionally, seven other countries resumed executions – Belarus, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Jordan, Pakistan, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

Inhumane

On Monday, the Caribbean Regional Conference on the abolition of the death penalty was opened in Guyana at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre where Governance Minister Raphael Trotman committed Guyana towards the abolishment of the death penalty.

Trotman highlighted that Guyana already took steps towards the abolishing of the death penalty by not practising this inhumane form of criminal punishment. The Minister noted that one person’s justice could be another person’s injustice; therefore, he pondered, “How do we decide and who

gets to decide how justice should be administered?”

Two years ago, Guyana made a commitment to the United Nations to abolish the death penalty. Attorney General Basil Williams had recently recommitted Guyana towards erasing capital punishment from its books.

Guyana’s laws state (without providing for alternatives) that an individual convicted of a capital offence “shall be liable to suffer death as a felon”.

In addition, legislation provides that murder and felony murder in the course of terrorism are “punishable by death”.

While this language is ambiguous, under Article 19 of the Criminal (Offences) Law, courts may not substitute punishments not specifically stated for death-eligible offences, so courts appear to have no discretion in sentencing.

Article 164 of the Criminal (Procedure) Law provides that when a person is convicted of an offence punishable by death, “the Court shall thereupon pronounce [the] sentence of death”.

The European Union and the United Kingdom are the world’s leading institutional actors in the fight against the death penalty and its action in this area represents a key priority of its external human rights policy.

The EU and the UK actively support the civil society organisations around the world campaigning for the abolition of capital punishment.

– Minister Lawrence

BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

A

s Guyana gets ready to join the rest of the world in commemorating “International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women” Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence is campaigning for ‘zero’ tolerance for violence against women and girls to new communities, spaces and audiences.

However, Minister Lawrence along with the rest of her ministry remains mum on the recent incident of AFC Member of Parliament (MP) Charandass Persaud, verbally assaulted female Parliamentarian and President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Dr Vindhya Persaud for merely expressing her views on her religion.

The sentiments aired by the AFC Parliamentarian via a Letter to the Editor prompted much disapproval and condemnation from a number of women’s rights supporters who have been calling on him to publicly apologise for his statement.

“Dr Vindhya Persaud so disgusted me that I felt like hauling (her) off the stage,” penned the AFC member in the letter carried in Stabroek News.

However, instead of apologising Charandass, also an Attorney, when contacted by Guyana Times International on the matter, appeared unrepentant and this was further supported by his response: “Who the hell is Vindhya Persaud? And if they kiss my ass, I will apologise to Vindhya Persaud. That is all they need to hear,” he vehemently stated.

To date, the Social Protection Minister and her female counterparts who sit on the government benches in Parliament are yet to publicly condemn the AFC parliamentarian for both of his statements which are deemed “offensive” and “distasteful” among many women.

To make matters worse, Minister Lawrence as the Social Protection Minister, who is trumpeting the call to end violence against women and girls has failed to ensure that Charandass apologised to both Dr Vindhya and the women of this country for his utterances.

In a media statement

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence

on Sunday on the topic of Guyana celebrating “International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women” Minister Lawrence had a very powerful message: “There is one truth that should not go unnoticed that is applicable to all countries, cultures and communities: violence against women is never acceptable, never excusable, and never tolerable. Let us take action now. Let us deepen and broaden our partnership, bringing all in society to help us end violence against women and girls everywhere,” the minister stated.

She went on to say there is no blanket approach to fighting violence against women because strategies may work in one community but this does not mean they will have desirable results elsewhere.

According to the Social Protection Minister, violence affects everyone, irrespective of her/his status, society, colour, race, religion, ethnicity or social background.

“Far too often, the crimes go unpunished; the perpetrators whom over time are predominantly men and boys walk free. I therefore call on men around our beautiful country to lead by example, to make clear that violence against women is an act perpetrated by a coward, and that speaking up against it is a badge of honour,” she added.

The public is yet to see the Minister take her own advice and speak out against the actions of her fellow MP, Charandass Persaud, and to ensure that he does the “acceptable thing” which is apologise.

Meanwhile the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) member, former parliamentarian and fellow Attorney James Bond has joined the bandwagon calling on his colleague to do the honourable thing and

apologise.

Recently, during an International Men’s Day event, Bond underlined that any statement or comment that lends itself to aggression against women should be strongly condemned: “I don’t care who says it. We should not be making these statements in this day and age.”

Bond explained that an apology is necessary, given the public outrage over the matter: “If he said statements that provoked violence towards a woman, then I would say he is wrong and he should apologise.

I know him very well, I know he’s a gentleman and I don’t think it is in him to abuse a woman… If your statements are taken out of context, apologise and clear it up… don’t let it fester,” he urged the AFC parliamentarian.

Also, President of a newly formed men’s group ReMan Guyana, Alvin Doris, also called on the parliamentarian to apologise.

“CharandassPersaud did not have to be a Member of Parliament or a prominent Attorney to find it necessary to apologise. Any man should apologise for offending a woman in any way,” Doris stated.

Nonetheless, he noted that “from time to time, we have these slipups that is an affront to womanhood” however, in such situations it is necessary to apologise; “When a man does something like that, it reflects badly on manhood generally. I ask your pardon as woman… we (men) are not to destroy the woman, or demean the woman; we ought to celebrate the woman, that’s what a man ought to be…,” he stated.

Letters to the Editors written by both men and women are also evidence of the growing outrage over Charandass’s statements.

In addition, people are taking to social media to vent their disgust over the unprofessional conduct of Charandass and the lack of action taken by the administration to reprimand such offensive demeanours.

Moreover, People’s Progressive Party/Civic Member of Parliament Bishop Juan Edghill believes strongly that Persaud should resign or be terminated from his post as a parliamentarian. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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26 NEWS

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Suriname devalues currency as gold and oil prices drop P A R A M A R I B O , Suriname – For the second time in four years, Suriname has devalued its currency – this time by more than

20 per cent, following a drop in the oil and gold prices.

Suriname’s economy is domi-

nated by gold, oil and alumina exports.

The Central Bank has said it will devalue the official exchange rate to 4.00 Suriname

dollars to the US dollar. It was previously 3.50 to the US dollar.

The bank said that the coun-

try’s financial reserves had declined to US$370 million from US$1 billion in December 2012.

“Suriname is momentarily experiencing a genuine commodity shock,” the Central Bank said in a statement announcing the devaluation.

Back in January 2011, the local currency was devalued by 16.4 per cent and government announced tax raises on alcohol, tobacco, gasoline and basic services as it sought to offset the impact of payments of overdue public worker salaries. (Caribbean 360)

Private Sector body urges more ‘proactive’ crime fighting approach

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n light of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) observing the trends in the escalation of criminal activities in the country, it has recommended to the APNU/ AFC government that the Guyana Police Force take a more ‘proactive’ approach in combating crime.

Quite recently at a media briefing, Chairman of PSC Norman McLean stated that the Commission had prepared a comprehensive document with a list of strategies for the reduction of crime in Guyana.

He had presented this document at the Annual Officers’ Conference earlier this year but to date the PSC has received no feedback as to whether or not the government will be considering much more implementing the well-thought-out recommendations.

Guyana Times International, given a copy of the revised and updated document last week, understands that while the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has notably been executing its duties and achieving successes in some cases, much more can be done.

“We wish to ensure that crime is under control and that our citizens can live a crime free life which is generally free from the fear of crime. In that regards as was stated by the objects of the Police, the primary object of an efficient Police is the prevention of crime, the next that of detection.

That is the order, prevention therefore is our prime responsibility,” the document said.

According to the list of strategies developed for combating crime in the country there needs to be a “halo of protective measures” in homes, schools, on the streets and everywhere else to prevent criminal activities from occurring.

The document goes on to say recent studies have shown there are no “born criminals” and that certain conditions impact on people which in turn drive them to crime.

“Primary crime prevention is addressed by the physical presence of the Police in their communities ‘thru’ patrols, etc in their environment, as well as physical measures such as what is called hardening of targets by marking items, grilling and other environmental means of protecting life and property,

PSC Chairman Norman McLean

use of guards, dogs and security measures.”

The PSC also stated that there is also a “secondary” or “social crime prevention” which prevents persons from drifting into crime by improving social conditions, strengthening community institutions and enhancing recreational, educational and employment opportunities.

This newspaper was told that secondary crime prevention interventions deal with the offender or potential offender.

These interventions seek to eradicate social conditions which may foster crime such as the removal of slums, improved housing and establishment of more sport facilities.

With regards to crime detection, the PSC views this as an important element in embracing the total police role especially when preventive methods fail and there is no choice but to “enforce” and “detect”.

It has noted that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is a specialised unit and has been receiving training especially on fingerprint, forensic, crime scene, operations, etc.

“We are aware of the development of the Forensic Lab which will be most welcome because this will enhance the performance of the Police.

A simple and basic issue is the development of facial sketch artists for making composite images of perpetrators… This is particularly important to assist with the identification of suspects in robberies, murders, etc.”

Guyana Times International further understands the business community has concluded that in order to properly and efficiently address the crime situation in Guyana, this needs to be done in a holistic manner and not “piece meal”, according to the list of recommendations. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy. com)

NEWS 27

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Port Mourant eye clinic without Guyanese receives prestigious medication – Region 6 Chairman Global Leadership Award

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BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

H

undreds of patients, who are in need of specialised eye care, namely surgeries for cataract, from the National Ophthalmology Hospital, Berbice, are on a waiting list as the institution has no medication and supplies to perform surgeries.

Guyana Times International understands the eye clinic, located at Port Mourant, has been without medication for several months now.

Chairman of Region Six David Armogan told this newspaper on Sunday that the facility has been functioning without medication for its patients and as a result, a number of patients are unable to get their much-needed surgeries done.

He explained that this in turn contributes to the backlog of eye care cases.

“This has been happening for quite a few months. So that is why the people, who are going there, are being put on a waiting list. It is because they are awaiting these drugs to come from wherever it was sourced from. Cuba used to supply the drugs but that arrangement is over now. Government has to procure these drugs so I don’t know what is taking them so long,” Armogan stated.

According to the chairman the relevant authorities have been notified of this “stressful” situation through various channels and even persons from the Regional Democratic

Region Six Chairman David Armogan

Council (RDC) had ensured that the health ministry was aware of the problems.

“The Minister of Public Health has been apprised of the situation.

He knows what is happening, he was there, he knows about it for quite some time now. We at the RDC have submitted a list already to the health ministry but we are waiting on the procurement of the drugs,” he emphasised.

Armogan posited that to date the RDC is yet to receive word from the health ministry as to when the medication will be made available in order for the eye surgeries to recommence at the clinic.

M e a n w h i l e , Ramnauth Ragoo, 59, on Saturday told this publication he encounters difficulty seeing clearly with both eyes and so visited a private eye clinic where he was told he has cataract in his left eye.

As such, he opted to visit the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, East Bank Demerara (EBD), the following day and the doctor there confirmed he was indeed suffering from cataract in the said eye.

“I saw a Cuban doctor who is a specialist and she observed it and said indeed it is cataract and that it is ready for surgery. She gave me a date to go the Port Mourant eye clinic for December 5 and I asked her why she gave me such a long time from now if it is ready for surgery. The doctor then told me that they don’t have the material or drugs to do surgery and that at the time she was talking to me there were over 400 persons waiting to do surgery at Port Mourant,” he stated.

Repeated efforts to contact Public Health Minister Dr George Norton on Sunday proved futile.

The state-of-the-art National Ophthalmology Hospital was commissioned in 2009 by then President Bharrat Jagdeo.

The Ophthalmology hospital is one of several projects under the Guyana/Cuba collaboration programme initiated by President Jagdeo in 2006, which includes the construction of four diagnostic and treatment centres at Diamond, Suddie, Mahaicony and Leonora. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

r Astell Collins, one of Guyana’s inspirational leaders was included among an elite group of world leaders to receive the prestigious Global Leadership Award.

This outstanding citizen has been honoured with a Global Leadership Award at Capitol Hill in Washington for his work in leadership development globally.

At the award ceremony, Dr Collins became emotional as he reflected on his grandmothers who are both deceased; (Doreen Jeffers and Marjorie Collins) whom he wished were alive to witness the moment. As a tribute to his heroes, Dr Collins dedicated the award to their memory.

Undeniably the Guyanese-born leader continues to represent Guyana with excellence and has become a national role model for his compatriots, particularly youths.

The former medical technologist possessed the required courage to redefine his life and became an internationally sought after leader. He is committed to emancipating others from only existing in the limitations of labels to live fully while they are alive by discovering their true value and potential.

Dr Astell Collins with Ambassador Dr Clyde Rivers

When asked why he pushes himself so hard, he responded: “The transitioning of my mentor Dr Myles Munroe, has evoked a sense of urgency, for it reminded me that our days are numbered and hence, I demand excellence from myself and an incomparable level of commitment to serving humanity”.

Dr Collins believes that effective leadership is what is necessary in transforming Guyana to the paradise it has the potential of becoming.

Furthermore, he declares that as a developing nation we do not need more politicians in leadership but rather more leadership in politicians. He further remarked that politicians only think of the next election but true

leaders think about the next generation.

In Guyana, Dr Collins delivered his motivational speeches to students and teachers across the country.

Following the viral sex tape of St Roses High School students, Dr Collins wasted no time in orchestrating seminars aimed at educating students about self-worth and self-value. He also hosted guidance sessions at the school to help students and teachers recover from the tragic incident.

Dr Collins pledged to continue on his mission to help people, particularly young adults, realise their worth, their talents, abilities, gifts and strength through his leadership seminars.

28 news

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana prepares to observe World AIDS Day 2015

A

s Guyana prepares to observe World AIDS Day 2015, observances locally will bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic and emphasise the critical need for a committed, meaningful and sustained response.

This is according to Programme Manager of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), Dr Shanti Singh.

World AIDS Day is observed on 1 December each year. This year the day is being observed under the theme, “Ending the AIDS epidemic as part of Sustainable Development Goals”.

NAPS has announced that it will be hosting a number of activities to mark the occasion.

The upcoming events for the observance includes a World AIDS

Day walk on Saturday 28 November at 06:00h, with the assemble point at 704 Car Park on Lamaha Street, also, a lecture at the University, a PEPFAR-sponsored team from Harvard University at 09:00h at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre, and an appreciation ceremony on December 3

at the Marriott Hotel, where NAPS will honour Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission/ Voluntary Council and Testing (PMTCT/VCT) nurses who work in the hinterland HIV programme.

The 2011 political declaration on HIV/ AIDS committed countries to by 2015 halve

sexual transmission of HIV and transmission on intravenous drug users, eliminate motherto-child transmission, significantly reduce AIDS-related maternal deaths, tuberculosis deaths in people living with HIV, and put 15 million people with the disease on antiretroviral drug therapy.

In addition, member states committed to accelerate research and development for a safe, affordable, effective, accessible vaccine, and for a cure for HIV, as well as to deploy new biomedical interventions – such as microbicides, HIV treatment prophylaxis and early treatment as prevention as soon as they are validated.

Guyana had observed World AIDS Day in 2012 under the theme “Getting to Zero”, when it was explained that this meant “Zero new infections, zero discrimination, zero AIDS-related deaths”.

The country’s HIV fight began in the late 1980s as a daunting task, but quick mobilisation of international partners, health services and non-governmental organisations saw the recognition for immediate action.

The answer to this call to action showed results, leaving several areas of focus for Guyana.

Firstly, Guyana had shared its intention to report the elimination of mother-to-child transmission in 2015. The tireless work and drive in this area by health personnel and others was to

ensure that no babies are born HIV infected.

Secondly, persons living with HIV continue to access high quality services and high quality antiretroviral medication, which has resulted in persons living longer and healthier lives, and fewer deaths related to AIDS. Thirdly, new infections have continued to be reduced as efforts are intensified in targeting the population at higher risk for HIV. The fourth point was that stigma to HIV is less than before. Dr Singh in 2012 called for an intensification of efforts towards moving Guyana to an AIDS-free destination of zero AIDS infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths. She expressed confidence that the benchmark of zero could be achieved.

This sentiment was supported by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who urged member states to intensify their efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission, and to work to ensure all HIVpositive mothers can survive and thrive, something that is already being done in Guyana.

Internal immigration checks in Guyana not necessary – Ramesh Persaud

F

ormer Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Ramesh Persaud is calling on the relevant authorities to review and remove the policy allowing for the need of immigration checks for travel within the borders of Guyana.

In a letter addressed to Citizenship Minister Winston Felix and copied to Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes and State Minister Joseph Harmon, the businessman expressed grave concerns regarding the requirement to register with immigration officers or the police when commuting within the borders of Guyana.

“I am not aware that as a citizen there were restrictions to internal travel in this regard,” he stated.

Persaud believes that as a citizen of Guyana, it is his right to move freely within his country and to adhere to this existing policy would be an outright violation to his right.

“I see no reason why the valuable time of immigration and police personnel have to be dedicated to this unnecessary humbug for local travel.

Former PSC Chairman Ramesh Persaud

I am confident that if the information is needed for any national security purposes, it can be gleaned from the manifest of each one of the carriers. I can understand having to present a photo ID to the agent for check in or possibly security personnel before boarding an aircraft, but I do not see the need for the immigration intervention upon arrival or departure of any port used for travel within the boundaries of Guyana,” the former PSC chairman stated in the correspondence.

In this regard, Persaud is urging the Citizenship Ministry to review this policy and remove the need for immigration checks for travel within the borders of Guyana.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

By Dmitri Allicock

O

ur grandparents and older folks would swear of the healing properties of herbs, leaves, roots and seeds that cured illnesses. Sadly, many of these traditional medicines are being forgotten as we opt for pharmaceutical remedies instead.

Let’s look at some of the traditional remedies used widely in Guyanese homes in the past and may still be used for curing illnesses.

There’s the ever effective aloe, often called aloe vera. It is a plant related to cacti and found growing all over Guyana. It produces two

and for treating some side effects of radiation treatment. It is also said to make a great poultice for abscess or boils.

Lemongrass, (Cymbopogon) is a genus of about 55 species of grasses. It is a tall perennial grass. Common names include barbed wire grass and fever grass in Guyana.

Lemongrass is used in traditional medicine for treating digestive tract spasms, stomachache, high blood pressure, convulsions, pain, vomiting, cough, achy joints (rheumatism), fever, the common cold, and exhaustion. It is also used to kill germs, and as a mild astrin-

Senna pods

substances, gel and latex, which are used for medicines. Aloe gel is the clear, jelly-like substance found in the inner part of the aloe plant leaf. Aloe latex comes from just under the plant's skin and is yellow in colour. Some aloe products are made from the whole crushed leaf, so they contain both gel and latex.

Aloe gel is taken by mouth for osteoarthritis, bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis, fever, itching and inflammation, and as a general tonic. It is also used for stomach ulcers, diabetes, asthma,

gent. Some people apply lemongrass and its essential oil directly to the skin for headache, stomach ache, abdominal pain and mild discomfort.

This versatile plant might help prevent the growth of some bacteria and yeast. It also contains substances that are thought to relieve pain, reduce fever, stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow, and have antioxidant properties.

Senna (from Arabic sanÄ ) is a large genus of flowering plants and is native throughout the tropics, with a small number of spe-

Lemongrass

cies reaching into temperate regions. Senna is really only used for one thing, as a cathartic or laxative. Limited as it may be however, senna is extremely effective at this particular job along with Epson Salts, carrion crow bush, castor oil and a few others.

Older Guyanese cultural belief of regular bowel cleaning meant a dose of senna monthly. Although children despised it, senna has been used for generations to help keep families healthy.

Sweet broom is another common plant of Guyana and the Caribbean noted for many healing qualities.

It has been used as a remedy for diabetes in India and hypertension in Taiwan.

Traditionally, the fresh or dried plant has been used as a remedy for treating stomach ailments, hypertension, diabetes, inflammation, bronchitis, haemorrhoids and hepatitis, and as an analgesic and antipyretic agent (pain and fever).

A hot water infusion and/or decoction of the leaves or whole plant is used medicinally by indigenous tribes of Nicaragua to treat malaria, stomach disorders, menstrual disorders, insect bites, fevers, heart problems, liver disorders, and venereal disease. It has been used for blood cleansing, as an aid to child-birth, and as a general tonic.

The herb is also used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat bronchitis, gastric disorders, haemorrhoids, insect bites, and wounds. In Asian

Dried sweet broom (Photo by Amanda Richards)

medicine it is used to treat hypertension.

In Guyana, sweet broom is made into a tea in treating fever or to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Of course there are many more traditional home remedies of Guyana that have indeed earned a place in history. Notably, the qualities of some of our

natural remedies are only now being understood and may change the course of many medications and treatments of the future.

30 feature

B

lack caimans are among the largest and least known of the crocodile cousins, and are said to be the largest predator in the Amazon Basin.

Wanting to know more about these magnificent creatures, international and local researchers have con-

tinuously studied black caimans, especially in the Rupununi region, and have documented significant findings for further research.

Research done last year by Dr Adam Rosenblatt of Yale University in the United States, Fernando Li of Caiman House and

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Leanna Kalicharan of the University of Guyana, captured and sampled the stomach contents of 30 black caimans.

In total, 57 per cent of the black caimans contained evidence of fish, seven per cent consumed other black caimans; crabs, agoutis

Bones of an agouti found inside a caiman

A 440 pound black caiman being weighed as part of a mark-recapture study of this species in the Rupununi (Rupununi Learners' photo)

and snails had been eaten by only one individual each. Ten of the black caiman had empty stomachs, which is not particularly surprising since crocodilians are cold-blooded and therefore can go for long periods of time without eating anything. Also, the occurrence of other black caimans in the diet was expected because cannibalism is common amongst crocodilians.

However, the researchers were surprised by two of the items found inside the black caiman. First, one of the individuals had consumed the seed of a tree locally called ‘rabreye’, which indicates that black caimans may not be strict meat-eaters as most people assume.

In fact, recent research by an international team of crocodilian experts has found that 70 per cent of crocodilian species regularly consume seeds and fruits, though this behaviour has never been observed in black caimans before.

Second, two of the black caimans had porcupine quills stuck

in their tongues.

Porcupines are not common in the Rupununi, so it was surprising to find that black caimans attempt to eat them every once in a while, but no evidence of porcupines actually came out of the stomachs. This suggests that the black caimans bit the porcupines but did not actually swallow them, which was probably a wise decision since the quills likely could do some serious damage to the black caimans’ throat and stomach.

Another interesting finding was that black caimans in different areas eat prey at different frequencies. Only 44 per cent of black caimans

in the main channel of the Rupununi River had consumed fish. In the nearby Simuni Lake, 82 per cent of the black caimans had consumed fish. This finding likely reflects differences in fish availability and abundance between the two areas - a fact that local indigenous fishermen know very well.

Ultimately, only time and more studies will enable the researchers to fully understand the mysteries of these fascinating creatures.

For further information on the black caiman, visit Rupununi Learners on Facebook.

(Information by Dr Adam Rosenblatt)

Undigested rabreye seed

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

Small presses and the Guyana Prize

By Petamber Persaud

T

he Guyana Prize for Literature is once again a talking point of (part of) the tongue. While (all) eyes will be focused on the writers, some of whom will emerge winners, let’s remember one of the main players behind the scene – the publishing houses – especially the small presses that saw merit in the work, enough to encourage them to invest in a precarious business. Book publishing is no easy joy walk on the Kitty seawall; there are too many vagaries to be considered, including marketing, distribution, piracy and sale.

In a previous article, we looked at the contribution of the Caribbean Press to the 2014 Guyana Prize for Literature and by extension to the literature of Guyana. The examples were “Rasta Lyrics”

by Cedric Castello, and “The Hinterlands” by Stanley Niamatali, both debut collections of poems.

Here I hasten to include the contribution

Prizewinner David Dabydeen

Elly Niland 2006 Prizewinner

of other “small” publishers/presses. I use “small” cautiously because in this piece I will not concentrate on self-published books and manuscript submissions, both of which will warrant separate treatments.

Please note also that imprints that were created for the sole purpose of publishing a single title for submission to the prize will also find space devoted to those efforts.

Following are examples of the efforts made by small presses whose publications appeared on various shortlists of the Guyana Prize for

Literature over the last three decades, tabulated in no particular order.

“Role Play” written by Roopnandan Singh and published

by Roopnandan Singh Publication (in conjunction with the Association of Guyanese Writers and Artists) made the shortlist in 2000 under the fiction category.

Incidentally, “Role Play” was listed alongside two other books which did not advance any further in the competition. (Yes, there were/are some juicy stories attached to this eventuality. I like telling stories but…)

“Cornerstone”, (poems) and “In Retrospect” (poems) by Elly Niland, and “Our lady of Demerara”, (novel) by David Dabydeen, published by Dido Press, UK, all made it to the shortlist; two went on to win the prize in their respective categories.

Dabydeen’s novel won in 2004 while Niland’s poetry won in 2006.

(Anand Kumar and partners set up the Dido Press to publish mainly Guyanese literature and it was funded out of pocket.)

“Kyk-over-Al” 1995 published by Red Thread Women’s Press was awarded the Guyana Prize Special Award in 2000.

“Selected Poems: Martin Carter” was published by Demerara Publishers and went on to win the poetry prize.

“Janjhat” by Rooplall Monar was published

by Roraima Publishers in 1992 alongside three other books, one of which went on to win and the other given a Special Award.

“Estate People” by Rooplall Monar was published by Roraima

Publishers (1994) appeared on the 1994 shortlist along with five other books, two of which went on to win in various categories of fiction.

“The Comfort of all Things” (poems) by Ian

McDonald published by Moray House in 2012 appeared on the shortlist with two others entries, one a published book and the other a manuscript; that book went on to share to top prize with continued on page 47

Cover of “The Comfort of all Things” by Ian McDonald

32 fashion

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

“These are one-of-a-kind pieces and will not be duplicated. If you want a statement look for your next party, these pieces are perfect,� Noel declared in an interview with Times Sunday Magazine. (Models: Rea and Nkechi)

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

H

ailed as Britain's first black b a n d l e a d er, Kenrick Reginald Hymans-Johnson was a long way from home, performing his signature ‘fluid and flexible’ dance moves that earned him the name “Snakehips” and a place in the history of black entertainers breaking down barriers of colour in England during the early 20th century.

Born in Georgetown September 10, 1914, in what was then British Guiana, Kenrick Johnson was born into a family considered one of the colony’s elite: his father was a well-known and respected doctor in the city.

school that featured much of the entertainment arts like music, dance and theatre in its curriculum.

While his family expected him to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a doctor, Johnson’s passion was for music and dance, an enthusiasm that began in British Guiana from the colony’s thriving music scene of the time. At Marlow, that passion flourished, as did his interest in dance, which he began studying.

When acclaimed American choreographer Buddy Bradley arrived in England to train British dance star of the time, Jessie Matthews, Johnson began dance

Ken Johnson and his West Indian Orchestra recreated the swing sound for British audiences

After attaining a place at Queen’s College, the colony’s premier school where he excelled in academics, music and sports, (he played cricket and football) he was sent to England in 1929 to further his studies. At 15, he enrolled in the prestigious William Borlase School in Marlow, Buckinghamshire; a

training under Bradley.

Bradley himself was recommended to train Matthews by Hollywood star Fred Astaire, whom Bradley had coached.

Johnson completed school in 1931, and by 1934 he was in the US, appearing as a dancer in the 1934 film “Oh Daddy” and in Hollywood cabarets, be-

A young Ken Johnson

ing introduced to swing music, a new American trend. But viewing an orchestra gig in Harlem by famed American swing musicians Cab Calloway and Fletcher Henderson inspired Johnson to form his own orchestra band, moving him away from film.

Johnson returned to England in 1935, and in 1936, Leslie Thompson, leader of a band called Emperors of Jazz, asked Johnson to be the band’s “dummy conductor” because Thompson wanted a compelling personality fronting the band as it played, and Johnson’s dance style suited this concept.

It is said that Johnson’s supple sixfoot four-inch frame that moved sinuously and smoothly was what earned him the name “Snakehips”.

Indeed, there are also reports that while he was considered such a refined, well-spoken young man, immaculate in his white suit with a flower in his lapel when the music started, he was often asked to tone down his performance – a precursor to Elvis Presley, some suggest.

The arrangement with Thompson did

H. M. Penal Settlement, Mazaruni, British Guiana

It is said that Johnson’s supple six-foot fourinch frame that moved sinuously and smoothly in dance was what earned him the name 'Snakehips'

not last long however, and Johnson went on to form his own band with some members of Thompson’s band, calling it ‘Ken Johnson and the Rhythm Swingers’.

Later, in 1937, he invited some West Indian musicians into his orchestra, and four new players joined the band.

Ken Johnson and the Rhythm Swingers played at London's Old Florida Club to rave reviews, and by 1940 it was considered among the top swing bands in the country. It was renamed that same year to the West Indian Orchestra, and shifted its venue to regular performances at the Café du Paris, a London West End nightclub. Johnson became a well-known personality, attaining a fan base through BBC radio broadcasts.

On March 8, 1941, during the height of the London blitz by German air raids of the Second World War, the Café du Paris, located underground and considered safe from the bombs, was hit. Ken Johnson and his

West Indian Orchestra were at the second verse of a requested song when the glass ceiling came down amid a flash of bright light, to leave a scene of death and destruction.

Ken “Snakehips” Johnson was among the more than 30 persons who died that night; he was just 26 years old.

It would be revealed later that the bomb came through an air shaft and exploded over the band’s stage area where Johnson and saxophonist David Williams were the two band members to be killed, and guitarist Joey Deniz among the more than 60 injured.

Ken Johnson’s funeral was well attended by members of the music fraternity, his Marlow alumni, a student from British Guiana who was also a member of the colony’s cricket team, and several other West Indians of London. His mother was unable to attend but gave her permission to have the funeral in England.

Receiving his mother’s approval for her son’s final resting place, the William Borlase School’s chapel holds Johnson’s ashes after

his funeral at Golders Green. His old school also honoured him May 6, 1998 with a blue memorial plaque, and offers the ‘Ken “Snakehips” Johnson Prize for improvised music’ on its Prize Day. The West Indian Orchestra is now known as the first regular black band of any size in England, and the BBC radio broadcasts have today become the only sources of Johnson’s repertoire since the band recorded only 16 songs through the BBC. After the war, West Indian immigration to England brought many gifted West Indian musicians to enrich British music genres, but Guyanese Ken “Snakehips” Johnson remains the pioneering black West Indian entertainer, who paved the way for others to follow.

It has been reported over the years that the cellar of the rebuilt Café du Paris, which once housed the bandstand, now houses the ghost of Ken Johnson. Staff members say they have seen “a handsome young immaculately-dressed black man appear out of nowhere and vanish”.

Johnson’s memorial plaque at his alma mater reads, 'Ken ‘Snakehips’ Johnson dance band leader was a pupil here 1929-1931'

Loading sugar for shipment to America, 1905

34 feature

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Why do Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day? What’s the plan…

I M

any Americans think of Thanksgiving as a wonderful time to celebrate getting out of school for a long weekend, and eating a great dinner. Or, maybe they think it is the start of the Christmas holiday season.

What is the real meaning behind Thanksgiving?

Catherine Millard writes: We can trace this historic American Christian tradition to the year 1623. After the harvest crops were gathered in November 1623, Governor William Bradford of the 1620 Pilgrim Colony, “Plymouth Plantation” in Plymouth, Massachusetts proclaimed: "All ye Pilgrims with your wives and little ones, do gather at the Meeting House, on the hill… there to listen to the pastor, and render Thanksgiving to the Almighty God for all His blessings."

This is the origin of our annual Thanksgiving Day celebration. Congress of the United States has proclaimed National

Days of Thanksgiving to Almighty God many times throughout the following years.

On November 1, 1777, by order of Congress, the first National Thanksgiving Proclamation was proclaimed, and signed by Henry Laurens, President of Continental Congress. The third Thursday of December, 1777 was thus officially set aside: "…for solemn thanksgiving and praise. That with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their Divine Benefactor;… and their humble and earnest supplication that it may please God, through the merits of Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them (their manifold sins) out of remembrance… That it may please Him… to take schools and seminaries of education, so necessary for cultivating the principles of true liberty, virtue and piety under His nurturing hand, and to prosper the means of religion for the promotion and enlargement of

that kingdom which consisteth of 'righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost'…"

Then again, on January 1, 1795, our first United States President, George Washington, wrote his famed National Thanksgiving Proclamation, in which he says that it is… "…our duty as a people, with devout reverence and affectionate gratitude, to acknowledge our many and great obligations to Almighty God, and to implore Him to continue is… our duty as a people, with devout reverence and affectionate gratitude, to acknowledge our many and great obligations to Almighty God, and to implore Him to continue and confirm the blessings we experienced…"

Thursday, the 19th day of February, 1795 was thus set aside by George Washington as a National Day of Thanksgiving.

Many years later, on October 3, 1863, Abraham Lincoln proclaimed, by Act of Congress, an annual National Day of Thanksgiving "on

the last Thursday of November, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens." In this Thanksgiving proclamation, our 16th President says that it is… "…announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord… But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, by the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own… It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people…"

So it is that on Thanksgiving Day each year, Americans give thanks to Almighty God for all His blessings and mercies toward us throughout the year.

…on the economy

f there’s anyone wondering what’s the cause of the doldrums our country’s been steered into, the only answer is, “It’s the economy, stupid!” Becoming a household phrase from the Clinton years in the US, it expresses the “no-brainer” answer that even the smallest child would come up with if asked the question.

Now if it’s one thing the economists tell us – even with the “quantitative” wonks winning all the Nobel Prizes recently – is, at its most fundamental level (and we’re talking about real, live people here, folks!) the economy depends on how consumers “feel” about it.

The politicians could be going on like gang busters, but once people – actuated by “animal spirits”, according to the economist who gave us the tools that brought us out of the Great Depression – believe things “na regula”, they then stop spending.

And the effects cascade into a reinforcing death spiral. The point is though, folks don’t just wake up and “have a feeling” that things are tanking. They hear, they see, they make decisions about what’s going on in the real world around them. More times than most, the collective wisdom of the people is spot on. In the latest world depression that started in 2008, none of the “qualitative” economists with all their numbers and equations – predicted the stuff was going to hit the fan. But the people knew.

They knew because they were losing their jobs (it didn’t matter whether through outsourcing or whatever) and they couldn’t even keep up the payments of their cheap housing, car or student loans. So they stopped spending. And the businesses got the message – and they stopped spending. And before you knew it… the Masters of Wall St who’d been making money hand over fist, stopped spending and lending.

And only then the politicians got it!! And started taking action. But by then it was too late, no? And that’s where we are in Guyana presently. The people know the economy’s gone bust. Ask cane cutters, rice farmers, bauxite workers, goldfield miners … and the businessmen – and they’ll tell you that. But unlike the politicians in the US, our local version still are preaching “happy days are here again”!! They still ain’t got it.

And why? Just because they have formed a new government!! They forget that they don’t go out there and even plant a root of cassava to get the economy going. All they can do is to initiate policies to try to reverse the cascade. That is…like offering massive stimulus to increase spending and production by the business community (like with the US government’s) …to start the “virtuous cycle”.

Eight years late, the US is still struggling – and our politicians are still in denial! …on the LGE? OK…we have the date – March 18, 2016. And we have the contestants. The PPP are recruiting 50 per cent “outside” candidates – they say. The PPP however, has never been known for bringing in outsiders into their inner circle. They may say what they want about their “Civic” component at the Central Government level… but who believe they ever had any real power.

If the PPP’s serious about showing the electorate they’re changing with the times, their “civic” candidates at the LGE will be a good beginning. But the clincher will be how seriously they’re taken in the next 4 years till 2020. If the PPP blows this one then they’ll be opening up the stable gates for the APNU/ AFC. Those worthies have just declared they’re going “as one” into the LGE – one day after Ramjattan swore his AFC ain’t never going to be absorbed into APNU. He’d also said they going separately into LGE!!

Now they’ll really be dead meat! …on rice Let’s be positive and see if there are any sprouts in the economy. Rice? How about that deal with Mexico for paddy? Farmers want to know if they should buy fertilisers, pesticides or even plough the land.

Like right NOW. We hope they aren’t holding their breaths.

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

news 35

Our Guyanese dilemma Multimillion-dollar resort to

By Ryhaan Shah

I

t’s not that we didn’t know. It is, however, good to have the facts confirmed. The revelations that came from the Wikileaks cables of the 1973 rigging of the general elections brought few surprises. Knowing that even their partner in skulduggery, the US, were agog over the hefty win that Burnham gave himself is useful inside information, but the GDF’s role in the rigging and the anti-Indian racism – which is certainly not limited to just two PNC members – were nothing new.

As much as they may want to, the PNC/APNU cannot deny the racism especially since it is so glaringly obvious that thirty and forty years on nothing has changed.

President David Granger is acting true to PNC/APNU form in refashioning the civil service to the party’s image, in giving handouts to their supporters in Linden while denying the same to others as in Bath Settlement, in releasing criminals from prison, and in upping the militarization with recruits drawn from the PNC/APNU’s ranks.

I, and others, have mentioned the déjà vu created by having another PNC-led government in place. It cannot be helped. The parallels are too many to ignore. As with Burnham, the US has its chosen candidate and, as the Wikileaks cables confirm, they care only about looking after their own interests.

This is our Guyanese dilemma.

All are involved; all are consumed, Martin Carter wrote, and that was never truer than now.

The PPP is once again cast in the opposition role. In many ways, they brought about their own downfall with their own excesses and conceits

which made them a ready target for dismissal. Political parties that lose power undergo much soul searching, reform and change in order to right the weaknesses and wrongs that led to their defeat. The ousted UNC in Trinidad and Tobago is going through this process right now.

Not evidently so with the PPP, however. They still seem to lack the maturity to accept, even encourage, criticism in order to effect improvements. They continue to push on as is without any change of leadership, tack, or tact. If they’ve conducted any political analyses while in government or afterwards, they must have known that their diplomatic finesse was sorely lacking and that their days were numbered.

That they managed to gain such large numbers of electoral votes stemmed more from the fear of Indian Guyanese of another PNC dictatorship – and rightly so – rather than their own attractiveness as a party and government. Unless they start the necessary reforms to make themselves winnable, they could well condemn us all to another decadeslong performance of the PNC’s gross mismanagement.

Fortunately, the PPP already has onboard a particular inclination that could be advantageous in reshaping the party into a truly national political movement. Whereas for the PNC/ APNU, Indian Guyanese are targets for open discrimination, the PPP has always bent over backwards to accommodate and even appease African Guyanese with an idea of winning them over.

This is a genuine sentiment that dates back to the party’s formative, halcyon days when it was a national movement. It was the ideal party. continued on page 47

open in Guyana next month

T

he multimillion-dollar Aruwai Resort, located on the Essequibo River, is expected to be opened next month.

Bartica miner and prominent businessman Chunilall Babulall told Guyana Times International that preparations were already underway to have the astounding resort have its grand opening in time for the Christmas season.

President David Granger is expected to be the guest speaker at the momentous inaugural ceremony.

The luxury resort is located approximately 20 minutes from Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on

An overhead shot of the Aruwai Resort

an island about a quarter of a square mile long. It boasts a 38-room hotel with a beautiful beach nearby.

Other facilities that will be available on the getaway island include a pool, spa and a gymnasium.

According to reports, tourists vacationing at the resort will enjoy exhilarating boat rides on the Essequibo, Cuyuni and Mazaruni Rivers and visit wonderful landmarks like Fort Kykover-Al and the local mining camps.

Also serving as a bonus for visitors is the breathtaking White Water Waterfalls located right across the river from the resort. (devinas@guyanatimesgy.com)

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

This week's Crossword

This week's Puzzle

see solution on page 47

To be or not to be…

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…one party

esponding to a trenchant analysis of the state of the APNU/AFC coalition by former PNC executive, Sherwood Lowe – which posited them becoming more of a unitary party than a coalition – AFC party leader Ramjattan heatedly denied this was the case.

However he wasn’t as categorical in his denial like before the elections when he swore there was no way the AFC was “coalescing” with APNU. “Dead meat” was what he predicted would be his party’s fate if such joining at the hip ever took place. Well, it appears this is exactly what Lowe’s saying: APNU is digesting and absorbing the AFC into its structure – which is what you do with “dead meat”.

This Eyewitness didn’t expect Ramjattan to say anything different. When you’re being screwed royally – that is, with everyone looking on to make sure something’s going on! – you gotta grin and bear it. But let’s look at some of the tests Lowe applied to conclude the AFC’s gone the way of the Dodo.

There should’ve been a “conflict settlement mechanism” to deal with disagreements between the parties. Ramjattan accepted there was no such mechanism – but because there’s no disagreement!!! Well, even if we take Ramjattan at his word (we know that QUITE a stretch – but this is a hypothetical, all right?) and there’s absolutely NO disagreement between APNU and AFC , then the two of them are indistinguishable – and by definition – one!

But enough about Ramjattan’s “word” – as usual, he’s just full of it. And we’re not talking about hot air. What does he mean there’s no dispute or “dispute settlement” mechanism? What about that press conference David Patterson held back in July to confess: yes, there were disputes between AFC and APNU and yes, there was a committee to look into the said disputes.

Remember? Paterson said the “six-member” committee consisting of “Joseph Harmon; Basil Williams, Nigel Hughes, Dominic Gaskin and himself” and a Chairman Burch-Smith. Is Ramjattan saying that Patterson’s also full of it? Or is it that he, Ramjattan, isn’t comfortable with the composition of the Committee? Too “urban”, for him and Nagamootoo? Or is it they’ve “shocked out” Burch-Smith the way they did with Harold Lutchman?

And imagine we haven’t even touched Lowe’s other criteria. Like structured formal meetings by Cabinet Ministers from the two parties to arrive at common positions of issues? Did the AFC, for instance, agree to not trying to salvage the rice contract with Venezuela?

But we guess the doubling of the salaries, the outriders and the perks kinda take the edge of the angst of being taken for granted, no?

One love, baby!! …a token But the perfect exemplar of what’s wrong with “the coalition that’s not a coalition” contention is the position of Moses Nagamootoo. The signed and sealed Cummingsburg Accord has never delivered what was promised to Nagamootoo’s. And this is not a bone of contention? How can the AFC ever talk about the PPP not wanting to have “power sharing” or “unity” talks, when even its negotiated agreement with APNU was ground into the dirt?

Now that “governance” was denied to him, wouldn’t it be better for Nagamootoo to have another substantial, substantive portfolio rather than just be a token. Or worse yet, to simply “run and fetch” bones for the administration? Where’s that “paddy deal” with Mexico? Wasn’t that simply to show rice farmers the government was “doing something”?

And what about that trip to Canada via Texas and New Jersey? Where are all the investments that Nagamootoo negotiated with “businessmen” – identified by President Granger in HIS earlier trip to Toronto?

C’mon fellas…be SOMEBODY. Have some pride.

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travel & tourism 39 Panoramic view of the river

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Potaro winding through dense forest

journey along the Potaro River reveals scenic views of mountains, dense forest and stunning water-

falls.

A tributary of Essequibo River, the source of the Potaro is in the Mount Ayanganna area of the Pakaraima Mountains in the North Rupununi Savannahs.

Majestic waterfalls are found on the Potaro River, most notable being Kaieteur and Tumatumari Falls.

In the 1930s, the Denham Suspension Bridge, also known as the Garraway Stream Bridge, was constructed over the Potaro River in an area known as Garraway Stream. The bridge remains a beautiful feature along the river.

Located in forested terrain along the Potaro River, south of Kaieteur Falls, is Chenapau – a small indigenous village.

Upriver from Kaieteur, the Potaro plateau stretches out to the distant escarpment of the Pakaraima Mountains. (Photos

by Marco Basir) View of Amatuk Falls from a distance

Placid waters

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art & culture 41

A universal instinct R

onald Cecil Savory comes from a long line of explorers and pioneers in Guyana. His antecedents and current achievements make him the perennial Guyanese

and Caribbean man, exploring and evoking his world through his art.

Savory was born in 1933 in British Guiana.

After leaving college he worked at several jobs before becom-

"Rocks and Water Landscape" (Orinduik) 1977

"Kamarang" 1962

ing a civil servant in the crown solicitor’s office.

He then transferred to the Department of the Interior in 1959. After serving a few months at the head office, he was posted to Kamarang in the Upper Mazaruni in October of 1959 where, as a Class 2 clerk to the assistant district commissioner, he was expected to be typist, radio operator, weather reporter, weather station record keeper, trade store supervisor, and run the show when the commissioner was off station.

He later resigned from the service and was appointed administrative officer in the British Council. His work in amateur theatre, and activity as an artist earned him a British Overseas Development training stint in television and radio production with the BBC in 1968. He worked at the Guyana Broadcasting Service from its inception as a producer/announcer, until becoming self-employed in 1974.

Savory’s vocation as a painter began short-

ly before joining the Working People’s Art Class, run by the late E.R. Burrowes, operating in 1957from Smith’s Church School on Hadfield Street. There were several teaching attachments: Guyana School for the Arts, St Margaret’s School and Cyril Potter College of Education. He was coordinator for the 1972 Carifesta Visual Art exhibitions.

Several factors, including two terms of working in the Guyana interior, influenced his interest in indigenous art and the landscape of the hinterland.

Savory was arguably the first in contemporary Guyanese visual art to offer sustained interpretation of the landscape of the interior, to the point where it was acknowledged as his primary source and subject matter.

The artist’s engagement with the landscape and with a wider subject matter, then, including the literature of outstanding Caribbean writers and poets which forms the theme of the current exhibition, reveals the particular and universal instinct of the artist.

He absorbs, com-

Artist Ron Savory

ments on and interprets their vision – whether imaginative storytelling or documentary record - of exploration, adventure, discovery, of the social as much as topographical experience of the Caribbean: the exhibition’s listing here including the most celebrated as well as the less well known of our writers and poets, and including, since his first

exhibition on this theme in Port-of-Spain in 1982, a wider reference to younger writers such as Augier and Hippolyte of St. Lucia, his adopted home since migration in 1980.

Savory migrated to St Lucia in 1980 with his family and continued to practice creative activity. (Photos courtesy of Castellani House)

"Savannah Wind, Sandpaper and Anthill" 1979

42 news

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Humanitarian group pays CSEC fees for 100 Berbicians

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n estimated 100 students in Berbice will have their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination fees paid in full or in part by the Humanitarian Mission of New Jersey Arya Samaj (HMNJAS) Inc, Port Mourant chapter.

According to President of the Humanitarian Mission, Pandit Suresh Sugrim, a number of parents had contacted the Mission seeking assistance with examination fees.

Sugrim said the parents claimed they did not have enough money to pay for their children’s CSEC examinations and as such the Mission saw it fit to help these parents.

“So we decided to make a difference in giving a child a gift of an education because it is very sad to know that a parent cannot afford to pay for that child’s examination, and because of that the child will not be given the opportunity,” Sugrim said.

He added that while in the United States, he contacted several donors and was able to raise Gy$600,000 to assist those parents.

Last Thursday the first batch of 25 students received full or part payment of their examination fees. He said some will be receiving half tuition; some will be receiving full tuition while others will receive matching funds.

In an invited comment Regional Education Officer of Region Six, Volika Jaikishun who facilitated the process at the HMNJAS, Port Mourant office said what the organisation is doing: “means a lot to the parents of Region Six. Finding the money was a hard task for some people. I want to thank the Mission very much for taking this step in collaboration with the Department of Education and I hope that next year we can have the same help for our children or even more.”

Meanwhile Pandit Sugrim said the Mission is committed to working with students to give them a new and extended lease of life.

President of the Humanitarian Mission Pandit Suresh Sugrim

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Diabetes…a rising epidemic “I do not love to work out, but if I stick to exercising every day and put the right things in my mouth, then my diabetes just stays in check.” – Halle Berry

Anu Dev

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iabetes was in the news last week when “World Diabetes Day” was commemorated. Unfortunately, diabetes is an adverse condition of our bodies that needs a “Day” every single day. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, where the body (pancreas) just doesn’t produce insulin – and most often presents during childhood – Type 2 diabetes can be seen as a modern, lifestyleinduced condition.

There are actually 4 types of Diabetes Mellitus, but the one most people think of and the one that seems to be particularly troublesome in Guyana is Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

And that’s the type I’ll be focusing on in this article.

Now, Type 2 diabetes begins with “insulin resistance”. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and is responsible for lowering blood glucose levels. In Type 2, the pancreas is still producing insulin

(in many cases at a reduced rate) but the cells of the body are unresponsive to the insulin – they’re resistant. So if the cells aren’t paying attention to the insulin and plucking the glucose out from the blood, that glucose will remain in the blood and cause what people like to refer to as “high sugar” in the blood.

In diabetics, since there is so much excess glucose in the blood, glucose ends up being filtered out from the blood into the urine -so that we pass out the energy-giving food and our cells may “consume” themselves to obtain energy.

Nowadays there are several diabetes medications that serve to either stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin and also others that make the cells become more amenable to absorb glucose from the blood (less insulin resistant).

Uncontrolled diabetes is very dangerous and can cause many complications.

The kidneys are a prime target of diabetes. In fact, after a heart attack, renal failure is the 2nd most common cause of death from diabetes. Diabetes can also cause damage to the nerves and eyes, make you more

susceptible to infections and increases the risk of developing heart disease or suffering a stroke.

Given that there’s currently no cure for diabetes, prevention is definitely better than cure. There are several risk factors that predispose you to diabetes and there are questionnaires that can identify those of us who may be diabetes prone. We can then modify our diets, exercise like Halley Berry (or try!) and engage in lifestyle changes.

Diet is one of the most important factors triggering diabetes. Especially our diet: chock-full of carbs – roti, rice and more roti. And of course, chugging copious amounts of sugary soda isn’t doing your body any favours.

Short of consulting an actual nutritionist or a dietician, there are many apps out there that can give you an idea of the caloric breakdown of your meals. One I would highly recommend, is “My Fitness Pal”. It is a chore to log your meals every single day, but you can keep it up for at least a week or to be able to spot trends in your diet and areas where you’re falling short. When I tried it for a

month or so, I realized that I seemed to usually be falling short of the amount of protein I should be eating, so I started incorporating more protein into my diet.

Dietary changes known to be effective in helping to prevent diabetes include a diet rich in whole grains and fibre, and choosing good fats, such as polyunsaturated fats found in nuts, vegetable oils, and fish. Limiting sugary beverages and eating less red meat and other sources of saturated fat can also help in the prevention of diabetes.

A sedentary lifestyle plays a huge part towards your risk of developing diabetes. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise, can help prevent the development of diabetes. We should walk briskly at least 45 minutes daily. Yoga is also very good and studies show that it can reduce sugar levels.

Re lifestyle changes, I hope we can all figure out by now that a couch potato who munches away at Doritos or Potato chips while chugging super sized sodas, isn’t the way to go.

Especially if we’re predisposed to diabetes.

It is important to do regular blood glucose tests, for early diagnosis and to monitor your blood glucose levels if you already have diabetes. Anyone 45 or older should get tested for diabetes or pre-diabetes, especially if they are overweight or obese.

People younger than 45 should also get tested if they are overweight or obese, and have one or more of risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure or a family history of diabetes.

Politics means, never having to say you’re sorry

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atiricus wondered why the reporters were hounding Minister Hardon. What really should he be “apologising” for? Just because he was a “public servant” he should be bowing and scraping to every Tom, Dick and Harry? And anyhow, he and his fellow Ministers weren’t really “Public Servants” – not even lower case ones like “public servants”.

And it’s a good thing too he and his fellow Ministers weren’t “public servants”. Did they think Paddy Yorde, the president of the public servants’ union would’ve been satisfied with a measly 50 per cent salary increase? “You bet your bottom dollar he wouldn’t!” fumed Satiricus. “He would’ve had his troops marching up and down in front of President GrainJa’s office, belting out ‘Solidarity Forever’ and such exhortations.”

And since Pressie was also getting a raise, he has the perfect excuse to take more than the ridiculous 5 per cent they’d given him. “So what if it’s tax-free”, thought Satiricus. “It’s the numbers that count. Can’t have the President of Brazil making more than him, can they? It’s a matter of national pride!” Maybe Minister Hardon could say he was sorry he was not a Public Servant?

Satiricus felt so sorry for Minister Hardon being harassed to say he was “sorry”. When he’d said he wasn’t saying sorry to nobody, he hadn’t meant to be “arrogant” like they were accusing him of. Hardon arrogant?! That was a scream.

Hardon meant he wasn’t apologising to PPCEE people. THEY were “nobody” and he wasn’t saying sorry to THEM! He apologises to the PPCEE people and gosh knows where this may end up. Next thing you know they’ll want him to ask the PPCEE people to come into a unity government as Ministers!!

“Politics is a game,” thought Satiricus, “where a guy gotta do what a guy gotta do.”

But one thing he ain’t gotta do is to say sorry to the Honourable Gentlemen and ladies across the aisles. Politics means never having to say you’re sorry. To your once and future comrades.

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Our Guyanese dilemma

WikidLeaks revelations

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atiricus was all agog…and not with grog. Yes, he’d been ploughing through the last set of diplomatic cables and his EYES were groggy.

But it was this never ending stream of revelations that kept him in a state of nervous expectation. He didn’t care what they said about Julian Asssange – the man was titillating a whole lot of people, including Satiricus.

He was reading up on his latest find: Date: 2015 APRIL 9, 19:05 (Friday) Canonical ID:2015GEORGE00357_b Original Classification: CONFIDENTIAL Current Classification: UNCLASSI (B) STATE 05361 This is to report on the progress of the plan to increase the democratic credentials of Guyana.

I am so proud of our efforts and I have both my shoulders to the wheel. But I would want the secretary to know that I still see my posting to this benighted place as a banishment for screwing up on my last posting at ulanbator. I never thought I would be caught screwing.

But back to the plan. As you know we were very upset that burnt ham started rigging elections so crudely since 1973. I think we have finally gotten it right. Last year and into this year we issued 15,002 visas. Even though most Guyanese are now returning with all the progress made by the ppcee, at any time with our visa programme, there will be at least 5000 of their supporters out of the country.

This means that at the elections next month this should put the pee-an-see over the hump. No that was not a Freudian slip and the thought of humping anyone here in this godforsaken place has never crossed my mind. But I hope that when we have effectuated regime change by our surgical method and not the crude methods of burnt ham I will be sent back to ulanbator.

I must report one hitch with the programme.

With us giving away visas freely, this has led to the bottom falling out of the backtracking business.

Our number one snitch – codenamed “the mook” – who was also the number one backtracker, is very upset. He has not stopped snitching on his friends since this removes competition to his racketeering.

But he also sees the big picture and is helping in the efforts to remove the ppcee and put in the pee-an-cee. He has formed a funding group named fucop and has channelled a billion dollar to our guys.

Over and out. And don’t forget ulanbator when the dust settles next month.

Confidential

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Then the split with Burnham came and everything fell apart and we all continue to suffer from that fallout.

If ever there was a time for the PPP to step up and look to recreating that national grouping, that time is now. However, to bring everyone – Indians, Africans, Amerindians and every other group – on board, the PPP would have to put aside partisan interests and ambitions for the greater good. It would mean a new look and outlook, and new policies that would be fair and inclusive. This is no time for window dressing.

The dark days of the Burnham era are still within living memory and none of us wants our country to be so badly used again by both local and foreign interests. As then, we all stand to lose.

from page 35

As a sovereign state, it is our responsibility to protect our country against all assaults. To do so in the real world where super powers dominate and can decide our fate demands engagements and strategies that are a fine balancing act. This would entail shrewd and sophisticated politicking on our part.

But with our own battle lines drawn and our divisions in place, we are a country much weakened and open to subversive tactics that play well to foreign interests. We should all have learned enough from the lessons of the past however, to know that we do not ever want to revisit that wrecked country again.

But do we have the courage to engage our future and win?

Small contributions to a... the manuscript.

Too often we see only the end product in a long line of machinations it takes to publish a book.

Publishing houses play an important role in the promotion of literature. A major aspect of the book industry/literature is publishing – book publishing.

Writers are important, so too are editors, literary agents, critics, readers, proof readers et. al.

Book publishing is not a consideration in the determination of the winner/s of a literary prize. But book publishing could tell a lot about the development and direction of a people’s literature.

from page 31

Hats off to the small presses making their imprint on the shortlist of the Guyana Prize for Literature; be encouraged to continue the good work of adding strong writings to our literature.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

48 Bollywood

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

I am surviving only on 25 per cent of my liver today: Amitabh Bachchan K

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ollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan made a startling revelation about surviving only on 25 per cent of his liver today having lost the rest 75 percent to the deadly Hepatitis B virus.

Speaking at the launch of a media campaign on Hepatitis, Amitabh Bachchan recollected how he contracted the disease.

“Hepatitis B came to me accidentally. After my accident on the sets of Coolie, I was infused with the blood of about 200 donors and 60 bottles of blood were injected into my system.

The Australian antigen Hepatitis B had only been detected three months ago and it was very new for being detected also among various tests needed to be carried out before giving

blood to another patient.

One of my blood donors was carrying Hepatitis B virus which went into my system. I continued to function normally till year 2000 and almost 18 years after the accident, during a very normal medical checkup, I was told that my liver was infected and I had lost 75 per cent of my liver. So, if I am standing here today, you are looking at a person who is surving

with 25 per cent of liver. That is the bad part.

The good part is you can survive even with 12%.

But no one wants to get to that stage,” said Amitabh Bachchan.

Amitabh Bachchan also praised the doctors and medical facilities in India and certified them as second to none when it comes to treating patients infected with TB and Hepatitis B. (Indian Express)

etan Mehta is known for framing real-life stories in an unconventional way on the silver screen, but he makes no bones about saying that “reality bites”!

The National awardwinning director says filmmakers have to face a lot of hurdles to release a film based on true incidents due to the oversensitive attitude of Indians.

Mehta also shared that objections come on trivial issues as filmmakers are considered as soft targets.

“In our country, people are so sensitive that they get offended easily.

Everyone wants an appropriate part of the story and filmmakers are

easiest targets. Reality bites in one or the other way. So you just have to prepare for it…. One can take legal advice before starting the film,” Mehta said at a session of Film Bazaar here, adding that the reason for resistance is “facts are stranger than fiction”.

Nimrat Kaur is an international actress: Akshay Kumar

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kshay Kumar calls his “Airlift” co-star Nimrat Kaur an international actress.

“Airlift” will present Akshay as a wealthy businessman and Nimrat as his better half.

“Nimrat did her job

so well in the movie so, I call her an international actress. There are scenes that she did with so much of emotion and passion especially the climax scene. She is an amazing actress,” Akshay said about “The Lunchbox” actress who was also fea-

tured in American TV series “Homeland”.

Talking about the gap between doing “The Lunchbox” (2013) and “Airlift”, Nimrat said: “I was busy shooting for ‘Homeland’ for one and a half years. That took a lot of time. And when I came back… sometimes what happens is you are waiting to start working but the script doesn’t come at the right time. So, it is a matter of chance. It’s not like I planned for a two-year gap.”

She has also been roped in for Saurabh Shukla’s next yet-untitled venture. (Indian Express)

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ollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor along with his ‘Tamasha’ co-star Deepika Padukone were in New Delhi on Monday (November 23) for their film’s promotions. This was the pair’s second visit in less than 15 days.

Earlier they were in the capital to celebrate Diwali and now the couple took a train ride to Delhi.

Ranbir Kapoor told reporters that he is very romantic in real life. “I am very romantic. After Ghalib it’s me. I believe I meet up to his standards and his ideologies of love.”

Ranbir, who is working for the sec-

Imtiaz Ali is a true B friend: Ranbir Kapoor I mtiaz Ali is one of the most sought after filmmakers in Bollywood today, but for actor Ranbir Kapoor he is a true friend first.

Ranbir and Imtiaz have collaborated for their upcoming romantic-drama “Tamasha” after the 2011 musical love story “Rockstar”.

The duo is always seen speaking highly of each other publicly.

“I think he is a true friend. I would call him that. He is the right person to be called a friend.

He has all the qualities of a good friendship,”

said Ranbir, when asked about a quality of Imtiaz he admires.

The two, along with Deepika Padukone, were speaking to the reporters here while promoting “Tamasha”, which hits

theatres this Friday.

From “Saawariya”, “Bachna Ae Haseeno” to “Rockstar” and “Barfi!”, Ranbir has impressed the audience with many on-screen romantic avatars. (Indian Express)

ollywood actor Akshay Kumar, who will be seen in “Airlift”, inspired by the evacuation of Indians who were based in Kuwait during the Iraq-Kuwait war, says it can’t be compared to Hollywood star Ben Affleck’s Oscar-winning film “Argo”.

“This is a complete original story and nonfictional.

‘Airlift’ is about a Kuwait-based businessman who was stuck along with more than a lakh people who were staying in Kuwait at that time (1990). “‘Airlift’ and ‘Argo’ are different and can’t be compared,” said Akshay.

“Argo” chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six

Mehta is a master when it comes to blending in the fictional quotient to a real story for the big screen with films like “Sardar”, “Mangal Pandey: The Rising”, “Rang Rasiya” and his last release “Manjhi: The Mountain Man” in his account. (Indian Express)

ond time with director Imtiaz Ali after ‘Rockstar’, was all praise for his director.

“The thing I really like about Imtiaz is that he is a true friend. He really deserves to be called so because he completes every value of a friend,” said Ranbir.

Ranbir Kapoor also mentioned that his favourite song from ‘Tamasha’ is ‘Safarnama’, which is yet to release.

Ranbir’s co-star Deepika Padukone, who was a model before making her debut in films, said that it has not been easy for her to adapt to Bollywood. “I am here as I was very passionate about the craft and wanted to be the best that I can be,” she said.

Deepika added that she doesn’t mind criticism and accepting her mistakes and in fact leaning from all the films that she has done till now. She said she has reached to a stage where she really enjoys her craft and loves being in front of the camera. (Indian Express)

Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis — the truth of which was not known by the public for decades.

two.”

Talking about his film, Akshay said that he portrays a multi-millionaire businessman

Actress Nimrat Kaur, who will be sharing screen space with Akshay in the movie, said: “‘Argo’ is a very small scale operation and it’s very specific.

Both are different incidents and there is no resemblance between the

who loses everything in the war. “I have seen a film like this… Balraj Sahni’s ‘Waqt’ where a person goes through the same experience. That film got stuck on my mind.” It is slated to release on January 22 next year. (Indian Express)

Hollywood 49

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 29, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Angelina Jolie’s sons working on her new movie

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ocialite Paris Hilton says she no longer has any interest in appearing in reality TV shows.

The former “Simple Life” star, 34, is more focused on her business ventures and DJing around the world than living her life on camera, reported Telegraph online.

“I get offered reality shows all the time but I turn them down. I am really enjoying being a businesswoman and not living that kind of life on camera.

“Now I’m just really focused on my business empire and my DJing.

I’m happy not doing reality TV anymore.”

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ngelina Jolie’s two eldest sons, Maddox and Pax, have landed jobs on the

Hilton said she wouldn’t return to reality TV for her 39-year-old entrepreneur boyfriend Thomas Gross, who is

very private.

“He’s very private so he’d never want cameras following us around.”

(Indian Express)

Ethan Hawke tips daughter to become actress

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than Hawke’s daughter is set to join the family business.

The actor and his wife Ryan Shawhughes said Maya, 17, Ethan’s daughter with ex-wife

Uma Thurman will follow her parents into acting.

“That’s definitely a possibility, she’s a talented girl,” Shawhughes said.

Hawke added, “I’ll

go along with that yeah.

When they’re little you have this idea that you can control them. You can’t.”

The “Boyhood” star, 45, also revealed that he is careful about what roles he takes on to ensure that he doesn’t spend too much time away from his family.

“These days you have to do a lot of movies to make a living, they pay you less for each other. The upside is that to keep the pay down, they make the shoots shorter. My deal is I can go on location with the kids when they’re on school break or I fly home every weekend.” (Indian Express)

set of their mother’s new movie.

Directed and cowritten by Jolie, “First

I like to keep marriage to Daniel Craig private: Rachel Weisz

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achel Weisz said she and husband Daniel Craig are one of the most private couples in Hollywood.

The 45-year-old actress, who tied the knot with the James Bond star in June 2011, said she wants to “protect” their relationship from the public eye, reported Hello! magazine.

“He’s just too famous.

It would be a betrayal.

You have to protect your marriage. When you’re young, you tell your girl-

friends everything. One of the great pleasures of not being an adolescent is that you don’t have to share everything.

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Telugu – and in 2D and IMAX formats.

“We are very happy that Spectre’s opening in India is mirroring its global success. The film was hugely anticipated and the ‘masala’ action film has connected with audiences across

India. The weekend box office numbers are proof of that and we are sure that James Bond will continue entertaining audiences in weeks to come,” Vivek Krishnani, Managing Director, Sony Pictures India, said in a statement.

Directed by Sam Mendes, the film features James Bond’s first encounter with the global criminal organisation Spectre, marking the group’s first a p p ea ra nce in an Eon Productions film since 1 9 7 1 ’ s “Diamonds Are Forever”.

“Spectre” is produced

by Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

The screenplay is by John Logan, Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Jez Butterworth, with a story by John Logan and Neal Purvis and Robert Wade. (Indian Express)

“When you’re married, that door closes. The audience goes, and you’re in your own life,” she said. (Indian Express)

Nicole Kidman named best actress at Theatre Awards

‘Spectre’ earns Rs 31.9 crore in opening weekend in India aniel Craig-starrer “Spectre”, the highly anticipated 24th James Bond film, has grossed Rs 31.9 crore in its opening weekend.

Sony Pictures India released the film exclusively in high-quality 2K digital format in 1250 screens in four languages – English, Hindi, Tamil and

They Killed My Father” is adapted from Loung Ung’s memoir about the Khmer Rouge genocide in Cambodia during the 1970s, reported People magazine.

“Pax is doing a lot of the stills (photography).

The whole movie is from a child’s point of view,” she said.

Maddox previously worked as a production assistant on his mother latest film, “By The Sea”, which also featured his father Brad Pitt. (Indian Express)

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icole Kidman and James McAvoy took home the top prizes at this year’s London Evening

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Standard Theatre Awards.

Kidman’s turn as British chemist Rosalind Franklin in

iam Hemsworth claims he is on a “different page” to everyone else.

He said he often felt like an “outsider” during high school, reported Femalefirst.

“I always feel that I’m on a different page to the people around me, I don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad

Anna Ziegler’s drama “Photograph 51 landed her the Best Actress title, while X-Men star McAvoy was named Best Actor following his charismatic portrayal of Jack in “The Ruling Class”, reported Digital Spy. A total of 13 awards were presented on the night, including Best Musical Performance to Imelda Staunton for her role in Gypsy and Best Newcomer in a Musical to Gemma Arterton for her work in the stage show of “Made in Dagenham”.

(Indian Express)

thing. I’m pretty outspoken on a lot of things that I believe in, and at high school I felt like an outsider in a lot of ways, and I don’t know how to explain that.

“I’m always someone who preaches that you should be yourself and not conform to what society says of you: make decisions based on what you think is right, don’t make decisions based on fear.”

The 25-year-old actor – whose brothers Chris and Luke are also in the acting industry – may not feel like he is similar to others but admits he and his siblings all felt a huge sense of pride when they were able to pay off their family’s debts. (Indian Express)

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Tradewind Tankers International volleyball

Demerara lift male trophy; Yelyco retain female title

By Avenash Ramzan

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istory was created on Sunday evening when Demerara lifted the male trophy in the fifth annual Tradewind Tankers International volleyball tournament at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

The momentous feat meant the trophy had been won by a Guyana team for the first time in the competition’s history. On the distaff side, Yelyco of Suriname comfortably retained their title with a victory over Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

In the male final, Demerara eked out a hard-fought win over Yelyco, racking up scores of 25-18, 27-25. The win sparked wild celebrations among the home team supporters, as a team from Guyana had finally broken the shackles.

The female segment attracted just two teams, and the trend over the three days in terms of the results continued when Yelyco churned out a 25-19, 25-19 win over GDF. Media Liaison Ian

Demerara’s top players! From left: Juan Valasquez, Wendell Austin and Creston Rodney

Wills said the tournament brought out the best in the local male teams and the hard work put in by the Demerara male team paid off in the end.

“Even though Trinidad brought an Under-19 national team, they still demonstrated a high level of play, but the team to beat was Yelyco who came with a senior team,” Wills reflected.

“The tournament highlighted the need to put in more ground work, especially in female and youth volleyball, because all the other teams were made up of primarily

young players.”

Wills hailed Demerara’s win in the male segment, and despite suffering defeat after defeat in the female division, the GDF lasses gave a good account of themselves, he believes.

“Winning this tournament now puts a bounty on the head of the Demerara team, because teams will now return home with the vision of beating the defending champion next year,” Wills envisaged.

“Even though GDF females didn’t win any games against Yelyco females, there were in-

The victorious Demerara players pose with their trophies on Sunday night

stances where they demonstrated that they have the capability of playing at the same level as the Surinamese, if enough attention is given to them.”

On the individual side of the awards, Creston Rodney, Juan Valasquez and Wendell

Austin won Best Spiker, Most Valuable Player and Best Defensive Player respectively.

They were truly sensational throughout the tournament, as they proved to be the pillars around which the Demerara team designed its victory, Wills conclud-

ed.

The competition was coordinated by the Guyana Volleyball Federation and sponsored exclusively by Tradewind Tankers, the shipping company for the Guyana Oil Company. (aramzan@guyanatimesgy.com)

South Africa’s Steyn set to miss third test against India

Dale Steyn

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AGPUR, India – South African spearhead Dale Steyn is struggling to be fit in time for the third test against India in what would be a big blow to the tourist’s chances of levelling the series.

The world’s top ranked bowler in tests, Steyn missed the washed-out second test in Bangalore and is still working his way back from a groin injury ahead of the third match, starting today (Wednesday).

“Dale Steyn won’t probably play in this test match, I don’t think his injury has recovered fully,” South Africa captain Hashim Amla told reporters.

“Not having Dale in

the team is a setback because not having the best bowler in the world is never a nice thing.

“But we’ve got to deal with it and we’ve got some good reserves.

Hopefully, the guys who play will get a chance to stand out.”

The last time South Africa played India in a test at the VCA Stadium in 2010, the tourists won by an innings with Steyn capturing 10 wickets in the match.

Amla also contributed heavily in that match, scoring a double century, but the 32-year-old has struggled for form on the current tour.

“I definitely would have liked to have got more runs in the onedayers and tests so far,”

Amla said. “Hopefully, the runs are still to come.

“We’ve got two big test matches to deal with.”

India captain Virat Kohli said Steyn’s absence would not make any difference to the way the hosts approached the match but he said they wanted to keep the pressure on Amla.

“The opposition will obviously look to target the captain because he is the one sort of making strategies,” Kohli said.

“The opposition finds it very important for him to be not comfortable when he is batting out there especially if he is a batter. That is what I have experienced in the past as well.” (Reuters)

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Lara Stadium to be opened in 2016

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rinidad and Tobago - Sports Minister Darryl Smith has announced that the controversial Brian Lara Stadium at Tarouba is to be opened by mid-2016, years after it was scheduled to be completed in time for the 2007 Cricket World Cup. While the legendary Lara, after whom the facility was named, is happy that some attention is being paid to the stadium, he is contemplating whether or not he wants his name associated when it is completed.

Smith, Lara, members of the Cricket Board, The Urban Development Company (UdeCott) and project managers yesterday visited the stadium which was initially set to be constructed at a cost of $500m in 2006, but which was riddled with cost overruns over the years.

Following a tour of the site, Smith told members of the media that completing the stadium was a mandate from Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.

“As you know, there are many issues with this facility, but we are hearing good news this morning that there is some light over the horizon with regards to starting back as early as January. We are going to be doing the tenders and so on and somewhere next year or so, we are hoping to have an opening.”

Udecott chairman Noel Garcia also assured that the structural integrity of the building is sound. “Udecott has

Minister Roopnaraine, GTU Head call for better support for sports in schools

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Batting legend Brian Lara, right, chats with Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Darryl Smith during a tour of the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, yesterday.--Photo: DAVE PERSAD

commissioned a structural review and I am pleased to say that the structure has been found to be sound and there are no major issues with the structure. Therefore we can push ahead to start this project in January. We are hoping to substantially complete somewhere in June.”

He said when the project is finished, the nation will be proud of it.

However, NLBA architect Raul Poon King who has been involved with the ICC requirements for cricket stadiums, said he was not too happy with the present state of the facility, but noted the reconstruction challenges were doable.

He said the contractors are working on a $90 million budget. He added: “like any renovation, when you touch it, you really start to find out what’s inside. But the structure seems sound.”

Smith, who was vis-

iting the facility for the first time, could not give a completion cost. He said because the project was stalled for five years, moving forward and getting it completed was all that mattered. “In moving forward we must forget the past, dust ourselves off and take a positive approach to getting it done. At the end of the day, it is the taxpayers’ money. It is the people’s money. It is not mine, it is not Mr Lara’s, it’s nobody here own.”

Smith said he was not in a position to give a final figure. “But it is a positive start with regards to the fact that we could actually make a decision.”

He said the price of oil and gas will be taken into consideration to ensure the project does not go over the budget.

He noted the failure for Trinidad and Tobago and West Indian cricket to be denied another

state-of-the-art venue for cricket all those years, was disheartening, not just for him, but for the entire country.

Lara agreed. “I think the minister said it right.

It is disheartening, disappointing for something that was so close to completion to be left alone and to arrive back with it to this stage is for me a very sad moment. I am a bit happy that something might be done in the near future. I don’t think there should be any rush. I think it should be pretty much well planned working forward. Cricket season is not until January, which is impossible for this year. Maybe 2017 we might be looking at something a little better.”

Lara said he is hopeful that the Rowley administration could see the light and what’s possible at Tarouba.

Williams to officiate in Women’s World T20

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he West Indies Cricket Board announced on Monday that female umpire Jacqueline Williams has been appointed to the panel of match officials for the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 qualifiers, starting later this week in Thailand.

The 39-year-old Williams hails from the western Jamaica community of Ashton in the parish of Westmoreland. She will officiate at the Tournament which will be contested from November 28 to December 5 in the Thai capital of Bangkok.

Roland Holder, the WICB manager, cricket operations, said the regional governing body had agreed to fasttrack Williams in an attempt to get her appointed to the panel of match officials for the ICC Women’s World Cup in 2017.

HISTORIC APPOINTMENT: Jacqueline Williams

he need for stronger support and policies for sports in schools across Guyana was highlighted by Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine and Guyana Teacher’s Union President, Mark Lyte, in their remarks as the 55th edition of National School’s Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships was officially declared open before a crowd of students and other spectators, yesterday morning at the National Stadium, Providence.

The ceremony saw spectators being enthralled by physical displays by primary school students, and the lighting of the torch by students of the defending champions, North Georgetown District 11.

The ceremony was also attended by a number of prominent officials.

The event, which featured over 1500 students from 15 districts across Guyana, was lauded by Dr. Roopnaraine for being the breeding ground of many skilful athletes, and the largest event ever to bring together students and teachers across Guyana.

However more needs to be done to ensure that the abilities of promising athletes are developed and sustained. Minister Roopnaraine pledged that the government will be doing everything in its power to foster and support sports in schools, beginning with the putting in place of policies that support this initiative.

“The ministry recognises that the championships have long been the proving ground for emerging talent.

Even as we are in the process of developing our national sports policy, we will be seeking systems that identify promising athletes,” Roopnaraine said.

Citing Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago as exemplar models, the Minister noted how those countries are reaping the benefits of strong sports support systems put in place starting at the school level.

Roopnaraine reminded of the powerful tool that sports is in the area of building social cohesion, a point also touched on

by Lyte in his remarks.

“Sports is one of the most powerful vehicles that can be used to forge

Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine delivering the feature address.

national unity, which can be ultimately used to build a sense of deepened nationhood. It offers opportunities for people of different strata to work together for a common goal.” Lyte expressed.

Lyte commended the athletes for making it through to the national level, proving that they are among the country’s best in their categories, having withstood all the preceding competitions.

“Each participant would have worked extremely hard to get thus far, having faced serious competition at the varying levels. This kind of competition definitely allows us to witness Guyana’s most talented at this level, and I therefore take this opportunity to congratulate you for making it this far,” Lyte said.

Lyte spoke of the potential that Guyana had to make it far on the international stage, and like Roopnaraine noted the need for more measures to be put in place to ensure that those who can take Guyana far in sports are given the support they need.

“We need to place more emphasis on sports in schools. The time has come for sports to be firmly cemented in our national curriculum and the resources to provide support for growth and development must be made readily available.

We have too many young people who can compete at the highest level of competition. We must not allow them to fall to the wayside,” Lyte declared.

Also present at the event was Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, while Regional Chairwoman for Region 4, Genevieve Allen also remarked on the importance of sports in the development of young individuals.

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WICB PCL 4-Day Tournament

Guyana Jaguars make it 3 wins in a row against Barbados Pride Leon Johnson’s six ended the game emphatically for Guyana

Vishual Singh’s ton was instrumental in Guyana’s third straight win

By Treiston Joseph

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he Guyana Jaguars are on a roll, racking up their third straight win of the 2015/2016 West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional Four-Day Tournament, with a nine-wicket win against the Barbados Pride on Monday at the National

Gudakesh Motie has been a standout performer so far for the Guyana Jaguars

Stadium, Providence.

Barbados, who resumed play on the final day on 166-3, lost their remaining seven wickets for 106 runs, with Gudakesh Motie picking up six secondinnings victims for 79 runs to end the match with bowling figures of 9-98.

Motie’s bowling prowess coupled with Vishaul Singh’s first in-

nings ton was the foundation for Guyana to topple the Bajans who are usually relentless on Guyanese soil.

With Guyana needing just 40 runs for the win, Captain Leon Johnson’s nine-ball 20 runs not out set the run chase ablaze and he smashed a maximum to end the game emphatically.

Shimron Hetmyer

(14) was trapped LBW to Sulieman Benn, but Assad Fudadin remained on nine not out with Johnson.

Guyana will now face their arch- rivals, the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at the Queens Park Oval in Trinidad commencing on December 4. The team will also have a week off to regroup before round four.

GABF shortlists 30-man squad England and Wales Cricket to face Antigua and Barbuda Board to discuss abolishing toss to reduce home advantage

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he Guyana A m a t e u r B a s k e t b a l l Federation (GABF) will host an Antigua and Barbuda men’s allstar basketball team from November 26 to December 3 at various venues in Guyana.

The GABF recently shortlisted a 30man squad for the All Star Basketball Challenge Series that will bring many of the Antiguan players from their men’s team that placed third in the 2015 Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships, held during June in the British Virgin Islands.

Darcel Harris and Marlon Rodrigues will coach the Guyana men’s all-star basketball team in their quest to outperform their inbounding counterparts.

The Guyana All Star Team will be selected from the following squad: Dominic Vincente, Dave Causway, Travis Burnett, Kurtleigh English, Shelroy Thomas, Nikolai Smith, Travin Dryden, Harold Adams, Terron Welch, Amineke Archibald, Chris Williams, Dennis Niles, Keon Cameron, Trenton Woolford, Orin Rose, Jermaine

Ryan Gullen

Hamilton, Akeem Kanhai, Jason Squires, Stefon Gillis, Ruel Ritch, Tyrone Hamid, Randy Richardson, Royston Siland, Jermaine Slater, Shane Webster, Drumson McAulay, Fabian Johnson, Kurt Elias, Ryan Gullen and Rayon Cummings.

The game dates, start times and locations for the All Star Challenge Basketball Series between Antigua and Guyana are Saturday, November 28 at Mackenzie Sports Club from 20:00h; Sunday,

November 29, Burnham Court from 20:00h; Monday, November 30, Cliff Anderson Sports Hall from 21:00h; and Wednesday, December 2, Cliff Anderson Sports Hall from 21:00h.

Practice sessions commenced for the Guyanese squad on November 18.

Supporting games will be played before each of the feature games as basketball fans are encouraged to support their local basketball stars, with free admission for children under the age of 13.

The toss has been used for many decades to decide which team bats first

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ONDON – According to a Reuters report a proposal to abolish the pre-match toss deciding which team bats first will be discussed at a meeting of the England and Wales Cricket Board on Thursday.

But contrary to reports, ECB source told Reuters that the away team captain would only be given the opportunity to bowl first, not bat first.

If they did not want to bowl, the toss would take place as normal.

The move would, however, end a tradition that dates back to the first laws of the sport, drawn up in the 1740s.

It has already been approved by the ECB cricket committee and if approved on Thursday, a one-season experiment will take place next year in the second division of the county championship.

The idea is to help prevent home teams producing pitches that favour their own bowlers, and try to ensure more games last the full four days, giving greater opportunity to spin bowlers.

Any experiment would be carefully monitored in other countries before consideration was given to extending it to other competitions.

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