Guyana Times International

Vettori replaces Muralitharan in Limacol CPL Page 50

INTERNATIONAL THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com ISSUE NO. 198

week ending June 29, 2014

President Donald Ramotar chatting with outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Guyana D. Brent Hardt

See story on page 22

Gouveia believes he flew Gregory Smith day after Rodney died Page 10

Gov’t ready to deal with noconfidence vote – Ramotar Page 3

Capt. Gerry Gouveia

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NEWS

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WPA planned civil rebellion to overthrow Burnham’s PNC gov’t – Ogunseye

WPA Executive member Tacuma Ogunseye

By Tajeram Mohabir

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hreatened by President Forbes Burnham’s pronouncements that members of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) should “write their wills” and his “steel is sharper now”, coupled with mounting hostility against his comrades, WPA Executive member Tacuma Ogunseye said the party’s leadership responded by embarking on a path of “regime change” through a Civil

Rebellion.

Testifying before the Walter Rodney Commission (CoI) on Wednesday, robed in traditional African garb, an animate Ogunseye told the Commission the wrath of the ruling PNC Government was fuelled by the 1979 burning down of the party’s secretariat on Regent Street and the Ministry of Mobilisation and National Development.

The WPA was accused by the Burnham Administration of car-

rying out the arson, but Ogunseye, who said before giving his testimony that he has a moral commitment to the Commission, categorically denied his party’s involvement, contending that the WPA was never involved in violence, never killed anyone or physically confronted the Police. In fact, the WPA activist told the Commission based on reports in the state media, the Ministry was torched by armed men dressed in military uniform, but no one knew who they were.

He said at the time, two other theories were advanced for the burning down of the building: (1) It was the brainchild of then Deputy Prime Minister Hamilton Green to instigate a head-on confrontation between Burnham and Rodney and (2); it was an act by person(s) who detested the PNC Government.

Whatever was the real reason, the 62-yearold Kitty Market vendor said President Burnham, who he described as a nationalist, skilled orator and a politician who craved and jealously guarded his hold on power, concluded that the arcontinued on page 5

Gov’t ready to deal with noconfidence vote - Ramotar

By Svetlana Marshall

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hreats to pass a no-confidence motion against the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government will not intimidate the Administration, President Donald Ramotar said on Monday.

He said he was up for the challenge. “We do not take threats, if the Opposition wants to pass a no-confidence motion, let them pass it and we will be ready to deal with the consequences of that,” President Ramotar said as he addressed the Private Sector Commission’s 22nd Annual General Meeting on Wednesday at the Pegasus Hotel.

In another section of the media, Alliance For Change (AFC) Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo was quoted as saying that his party’s intention is to move a no-confidence motion against the Ramotar Administration.

Nagamootoo said the Government has a serious accountability problem, as he alluded to the Gy$4.5 billion, which has been spent to finance a string of controversial

projects that did not garner the support of the Opposition.

But on Wednesday, Ramotar laid the blame at the feet of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the AFC. According to the President, the Opposition continues to stymie the development of Guyana, pointing out that the country’s economic landscape faces the risk of a major decline due to the non-passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill.

Guyana has already been identified as a jurisdiction with significant AML/CFT deficiencies and, as a result, the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) has called on its members to implement further countermeasures to protect their financial systems from the ongoing money laundering and terrorist financing risks emanating from the country.

Rejected hands

President Ramotar said the economic and social welfare of the country should have never been placed at risk.

He maintained his long

touted position that the Opposition should have supported the AML/ CFT Amendment Bill, which was tabled in the National Assembly in 2013. “This is a bill that touches every single business, this is something that touches every single life in this country, regardless of whether you are a supporter of the Government or not,” Ramotar said.

Local Government

Meanwhile, despite public perception, President Ramotar said his Administration is not against the holding of Local Government Elections. “I too want Local Government Elections, no resistance on my part,” Ramotar said in response to calls by the PSC minutes before his speech. He also sought to respond to criticisms by Western diplomats when he said: “Undermining democracy is when you listen to everybody’s telephone calls, read their emails and ban them from having collective bargaining agreement in their own countries and different parts in North America and Europe.” (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy. com)

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14 Days to Go! INTERNATIONAL

The biggest party in sport is coming soon

To contact: Guyana Times International

New York Office 106-15 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica NY 11435 Email: guyanatimesnyint@gmail.com Tel no: 718-658-6804 Preferred method of contact via EMAIL Guyana Office Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana.

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

Fax (592) 225-8696, 227-0685 Email: guyanatimesint@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

The U.S. in Iraq

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o use an American expression, the U.S. is between a rock and a hard place in Iraq. After a decade of fierce fighting that took thousands of American lives; tens of thousands of mangled bodies; and a trillion dollars expended, last week President Obama committed 300 new “advisors” into the country and deployed naval forces that will be able to carry out “targeted and precise” strikes. If it sounds eerily like the beginning of the Vietnam War, then there are a host of folks that believe the similarities are too close for comfort.

In his speech announcing the manoeuvre, President Obama reiterated the U.S.’ interest in bringing “stability” in general to the Middle East and, in particular, establishing an “inclusive” government in Iraq. These were practically the same goals that President Bush articulated when he went on to extend the war from its initial goal of removing “weapons of mass destruction” from the country. Bush had been somewhat less precise in calling for the establishment of “democracy”.

It would appear that with the successes of the forces ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria)–Obama referred to them as ISIL–Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), at least one of the nuances of the Middle East–its multiethnic and multireligious nature has been discovered as needing attention.

ISIS/ISIL is a Sunni agglomeration that is successor to Al Qaida and one that has the support of vast swathes of the Sunni population of Iraq that feel marginalised and dominated by the Shia-dominated government that was backed by the U.S. government.

That ISIS/ISIL is also heavily infiltrated and influenced by the remnants of Saddam Hussein’s Baathist political and military forces, and is not an inconsequential factor. Their stunning success, however, unlike what the alarmists are trumpeting, will not result in the fall of Shia-dominated and controlled Baghdad or other Shia majority areas. But what it does appear to presage is the achievement of ISIS’ goal to obliterate the “artificial” boundaries imposed on the old Ottoman Empire, by Britain and France.

The present government will not be able to dislodge ISIS/ ISIL from its Shia conquests including oil-rich Mosul. Most believe that Iraq will fission into Sunni, Shia and Kurdish enclaves, held together at best by a weak Federal State, or at worst, independent states. Syria has already been fissioned into Shia (Alawite) and Sunni areas and there now is the distinct possibility of the reinstatement of the Caliphate stretching from the borders of Iran to the Mediterranean.

The same hawks who encouraged Bush to invade Iraq to eliminate the non-existent “weapons of mass destruction” are pushing for another massive invasion of Iraq to eliminate ISIS/ ISIL. They are also the same crowd that supported the forces against Assad in Syria. What the hawks ignore is that such a strategy would require the Americans to support Shias in Iraq and Sunnis (whose veterans dominate ISIS/ISIL) in Syria. The hawks have not yet learned to appreciate local nuances.

But this large-scale invasion option is very unlikely, since the vast majority of Americans are opposed to it. What remains then is the partition/federalism option. But the fly in this particular option is, it would need the blessings of Shia Iran, the sponsor and backer of the Shia cause in the entire Middle East. After the failure of the talks on Iran’s push for nuclear capabilities, it was a surprise to many to learn that the U.S. has already been speaking to Iran on this topic.

While Iran remains a touchy subject in the U.S. foreign policy establishment–not least because of the powerful Israeli lobby that is adamantly opposed to Iran–it would appear that certain inevitabilities are beginning to be recognised. One of these, as we stressed earlier, is that in the end, local concerns will trump external ones.

Cricket and Carnival: A scene from last year’s CPL T20 semi-final match between Guyana’s Amazon Warriors and Trinidad and Tobago’s Red Steel

Hold TIP offenders accountable

…U.S. Gov’t urges Guyana

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he US State Department in its 2014 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report said offenders should be held accountable as it identified Guyana as a country which operates below the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking.

The 2014 TIP report was released by US Secretary of State John F Kerry. “We each have a responsibility to make this horrific and all-too-common crime a lot less common,” Kerry said in his report, while pointing out that 44,000 survivors have been identified in the past year. However, it is estimated that 20 million victims are suffering at the hands of traffickers.

“I have seen with my own two eyes countless individual acts of courage and commitment. I have seen how victims of this crime can become survivors and how survivors can become voices of conscience and conviction in the cause,” the US Secretary of State was quoted as saying.

Zooming in on Guyana, the report indicates that the country remains a source and destination for men, women and children who are subjected to sex trafficking and forced labour.

“Guyanese and foreign women and girls, including from Venezuela, Suriname and Brazil, are subjected to prostitution in Guyana,” the report stated.

While the US lacks statistics on the magnitude of forced labour in Guyana, it has received a string of reports on

forced labour occurring in the mining, agriculture and forestry sectors, in addition to domestic services and shops.

“Traffickers are attracted to Guyana’s interior mining communities where there is limited Government control, but Guyanese and foreign nationals are also vulnerable to trafficking in urban centres elsewhere in the country.”

According to the US, children remain vulnerable to forced labour, positing that Guyanese are not only trafficked within the country, but to other countries in the Caribbean region.

Efforts acknowledged

While the US is of the opinion that the country does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, it has acknowledged steps being taken to combat human trafficking.

It was stated that the Human Services and Social Security Ministry has “demonstrated concrete efforts to assist trafficking victims”, although the “Government did not demonstrate evidence of overall increasing efforts to address human trafficking over the previous reporting period”. Due to the deficiencies within the local arena, Guyana remains on the Tier 2 Watch List.

With sufficient human trafficking laws in place, three trafficking convictions were made during the reporting period; however, all three convicted traffickers were released on bail pending the appeal of their convictions.

“The Government of

Guyana did not provide information regarding the basis on which the defendants sought to appeal their convictions or on which the court determined to grant them bail,” the US State Department complained.

These alleged traffickers were placed on bail although the Combating Trafficking of Persons Act of 2005 prohibits all forms of trafficking and prescribes sufficiently stringent penalties, ranging from three years to life imprisonment.

“These penalties are commensurate with penalties prescribed under Guyanese law for other serious crimes, such as rape.” The US said Guyana’s inability to hold traffickers accountable, creates an atmosphere where human traffickers would want to dwell.

Law enforcement officials have also reportedly failed to provide data on the number of trafficking investigations that have been undertaken during the reporting period. However, in 2012, there were two known cases of labour trafficking investigations and 16 trafficking investigations. Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster had reported that there were six trafficking cases gaining the attention of the courts in 2013, one of which was dismissed.

In the quest to eliminate human trafficking in Guyana, the US is calling on the Guyana Government to “hold traffickers accountable by vigorously investigating and prosecuting forced prostitution and forced labour cases”.

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WPA planned civil rebellion to...

from page 3

son was the work of the WPA, and set about exacting vengeance on its members.

Beaten up

He related that WPA members were beaten up, their meeting broken up by House of Israel members and certain elements in the Guyana Police Force for various actions that were deemed unlawful. These, he said included distributing the party’s newspaper Day Clean (this was deemed subversive literature), participating in marches, and the posting of WPA promotional materials in public places.

The WPA leader said arrest was a tool used by the Government of the day to discourage public opposition and to block WPA members from being in constant contact and meeting frequently.

Ogunseye said during the period 1979-1980, he was arrested about 20 times, with without reason and was never charged, except for one occasion where he was convicted. Most of the occasions, he said, he was released within the 72hour period. He also said that during his years of activism, he was thrown in practically every lockup in Georgetown and on East Coast Demerara,

and like his party comrades, was forced to sleep at different locations to avoid being a vulnerable target of agents of the state.

This vindictiveness of the then ruling Administration, he said, along with the declaration by Burnham that WPA members should “write their wills” and his “steel is shaper now”, caused the WPA to initiate the Civil Rebellion for regime change in the late 1979.

He told the Commission the efforts at regime change included the strengthening of the party structure, building capacity for the execution of covert and overt operations, utilising a system centred around clandestine activities and deniability, the development of cells to map out the strengths and weaknesses of the PNCR Government, infiltration of the security forces, mainly the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the establishment of diplomatic relationships. Dr Rodney, he said, viewed the GDF as an important ally to help him gain power, not by overthrowing the Government, but by desisting from carrying out its instructions.

Disinformation

This is contrary to the testimony given by former Police Constable Robert Gates on Tuesday, who told the Commission that WPA Co-Founder, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine had confided in him that he (Dr Roopnaraine) and Dr Rodney were spearheading an operation to overthrow the PNC Government.

Gates had said that Dr Roopnaraine had discussed the logistics for the overthrow, in which he explained that it would require seizing Base Camp Ayanganna, taking control of the country’s ports of entry and exist, raiding the Office of the President, arresting President Burnham and taking control of the Government radio station. Ogunseye said if this information was indeed disclosed by Dr Roopnaraine, it would have been a deliberate misinformation, and the WPA knew that it was infiltrated by Government agents.

He also said that the rebellion was not to create a coup, but make a statement to Burnham, mobilise the masses and lay the ground work for regime change, but said Burnham “killed Rodney” before it could have happened.

Jagdeo chairs powerful FAO committee on forestry

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Former President Bharrat Jagdeo is congratulated by FAO Director General Jose Graziano Da Silva following his appointment

ormer President of Guyana Bharrat Jagdeo was on Monday elected as the Chairman of FAO’s 22nd Session of the Committee on Forestry (COFO) for the period 2014-2016.

COFO is one of FAO’s governing bodies with over 130 member countries and which deliberates on global forestry issues. This 22nd Session of COFO is being convened in Rome, Italy from 23-27 June 2014 and among the critical issues for discussions include the report on

the State of the World’s Forest 2014; Payment for ecosystem services and forest financing; Forests and the Sustainable Development Goals and REDD+ and the UN Climate Summit 2014.

In his remarks upon taking up the Chair, Jagdeo emphasised the need to advance the global forests agenda in light of the role forests play as an important mitigation option for addressing climate change. He pointed to the need for an enabling policy environment at the national level

and access to and scaling up financing as two priority areas while underlining the important role of COFO and the FAO in pushing for a globally supportive environment for action on forests.

While in Rome, Jagdeo also met with FAO Director General Mr. Jose Graziano Da Silva. Among issues discussed included expanding FAO’s work in the Caribbean and for the organisation to play a greater role on the issue of forests and climate change. (GINA)

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PNC’s intention was to “blow off Rodney’s head” …Ogunseye tells CoI

By Tajeram Mohabir

W

orking People’s Alliance (WPA) Executive Member Tacuma Ogunseye said based on the statement given

by Dr Walter Rodney’s brother, Donald Rodney, it was clear that the intention of the PNC plotters was to “blow Dr Rodney’s head” off with the bomb installed in the walkie-talkie while he

was standing outside the Georgetown Prison, so as to provide the basis for the claim that the historian was killed trying to bomb the prison.

But this, he said, did not happen as the instrument exploded in Dr Rodney’s lap while in his car. He pointed out that the killing was planned as within minutes, flyers were found in front of Dr Rodney’s home, saying that he was killed

trying to “blow up” the Georgetown Prison.

Ogunseye made the remarks while giving testimony at the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry. He said after the killing of Dr Rodney, the GDF has distanced itself from Smith, but Ogunseye told the Commission that based on reliable information he received, the Army aided Smith’s safe departure from Guyana using

its helicopter on one leg of the journey to French Guiana.

Smith’s wife, Gwendolyn Jones, who was employed at a Government Ministry, was transported by minibus to Kwakwani, as she too made a safe exit from Guyana, the WPA Executive said.

Following detailed checks, he said five years after, she was found to be working at the Guyana

Consulate Office in Canada. Ogunseye told the Commission that though then President Forbes Burnham and the PNC Government were accused both locally and internationally of killing Dr Rodney, they did not try to get Smith before the court, and try to make any serious effort for his capture, because they were afraid that had he been placed in a Court of Law, there

Dr Walter Rodney

was a likelihood that he would have “spilled the beans” of his masters.

Donors inject US65M to improve GPL’s efficiency

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he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved loans totalling approximately US$37.6 million and has also secured non-reimbursable investment financing from the European Union totalling approximately US$26.9 million to help boost the efficiency and reliability of Guyana’s power system.

The funds ill also help strengthen electricity loss reduction measures, improve operational capabilities, and strengthen the management and corporate performance of the country’s utility,

Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL).

In a statement, the IDB said reducing overall electricity losses can improve GPL’s financial performance, while alleviating the Government’s fiscal commitments with regard to the energy sector. Guyana is expecting a significant increase in electricity consumption during the next decade as a result of the growth of its residential and commercial sectors and the expected return of large customers to the national power grid.

GPL is now facing various challenges in

trying to provide additional electricity on an efficient and reliable basis, which include high levels of electricity losses. As Guyana’s energy demand increases, the distribution infrastructure will experience greater stresses, and in turn, this will challenge GPL’s management and its ability to manage electricity supply.

Previous IDB experience in Guyana and other countries in the Latin American and Caribbean Region have proven the importance of approaching electricity loss reduction measures in a way

The new Guyana Power and Light substation at Sophia

that tackles both technical and commercial losses, while highlighting the value of supporting improvements in management practices and operational systems.

The Power Utility Upgrade Programme is designed as a holistic, integrated approach to support GPL with financing for critical infrastructure investments and technical support for GPL’s key business areas. This support should increase GPL’s overall performance, reinforce GPL’s operational capabilities, and the achieve-

ment of a sustained trend in overall loss reduction.

The three main components of this loan reflect this approach with the following expected results: (a) a sustained trend in overall loss reduction; (b) an improved and accountable management performance against consistent key performance indicators and within minimum international standards; and (c) more modern, efficient, and reliable operational systems in GPL. This new programme will rehabilitate approx-

imately 830 kilometres of GPL’s distribution network by implementing an integral approach to tackling overall losses while strengthening GPL’s management and technical capabilities.

Under the IDB’s new and innovative Grant Leverage Mechanism, the Guyana Power Utility Upgrade Programme will be the first to be co-financed with IDB resources and those to be provided on a non-reimbursable basis by the European Union’s Caribbean Investment Facility (CIF).

IDB seeks 15 most innovative start-ups in the Caribbean

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he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has announced the launch of a competition to select 15 start-ups from Latin America and the Caribbean to take part in an innovation seminar that the Bank will hold in Washington, DC, December 1-3.

As part of this seminar, the candidates selected will have access to disruptive content and a series of events, workshops, inspirational lectures and networking among other features.

For instance, over the course of two days, they

will work under the Fly Garage model, an innovation incubator developed by Mondelez Internacional to be part of a social, collaborative and creative experiment for start-ups.

Candidates for the IDB competition must be between the ages of 18 and 35 and be founders or co-founders of start-ups with a minimum of one year of activity and a maximum of two. The companies must also feature a technological focus in one of these categories: Social Change, Cities and Climate Change, Health

and Wellness, Education and Open Knowledge, Government and Citizen Participation, Gaming for Social Change, and Technology in Financial Services.

Applications should be submitted on or before July 16, and must be done through the website www.iadb. org/DemandSolutions.

Candidates must send a video lasting a maximum of two minutes in which they introduce themselves and explain why they think their startup should be picked.

Winners will be notified by email in mid-September.

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times International, Industrial Site Ruimveldt Georgetown, Guyana or guyanatimesint@gmail.com

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The father of this boy has Citizens must demand more effective set a bad example

Dear Editor, A father and his son from North Road, Georgetown were reportedly last week’s latest drug busts at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri. At the time of their arrest, they were outgoing passengers bound for the lucrative North American drug market.

The USA destination in recent times has become a haven for drug smuggling activities with persons doing practically anything conceivable to sell the white stuff. In this case, a father utilises his son to transact “business”. Not even delving further into the matter, I would forthrightly recommend a stiff penalty of not less than 20 years for this father, if found guilty.

A public example should be made of this man to send a clear message that you cannot as an irresponsible adult live a normal life by destroying that of your son. It will also have the dual effect of putting the perpetrators or masterminds behind these ghastly acts in their rightful places.

He would have been tired of the risks taken before knowing fully well that his entire life can be shattered at any time if only a keen drug enforcement official had laid hold of him. Now that the mastermind is in custody then, we should let him spend the maximum time in prison.

Ironically, at a time when we are celebrating the gift of fathers – is this the “best” gift this father has for his son?

If I were the presiding Magistrate, I would double the father’s time of incarceration, 10 years for himself and another 10 for his son; for destroying his future and poisoning the young impressionable mind of the youth.

This father should face the full brunt of the law. A youthful mind can be easily influenced, and forcefully so by his own father. So I rest my case.

Now let me relate to you a similar situation that occurred some years ago at a Miami airport. A Jamaican teenager was intercepted at the American airport trying to smuggle a large quantity of cocaine into that country. She was a mere schoolgirl of 16 years caught in the act when she should have been in school.

You see, the drug barons of the day were taking advantage of the close-

leadership

ness of Jamaica to the USA – one can make a trip to the USA and return to Jamaica within hours.

At the same time, he was utilising the services of some gullible schoolgirls who wanted to live the “high life” of drug smuggling. She was not so lucky this time because the anti-narcotics agents in Miami caught her red handed.

Try fancying the thought of the parents receiving a call from immigration officials that their daughter had been charged for trafficking drugs in another country.

The parents of the youngster could not believe what immigration officials were telling them of their daughter being in Miami when they knew for a fact that their daughter was supposed to have been at school in Montego Bay. However, they had to admit the fact as the truth gradually settled in. The most distressing part of this story is the fact that the schoolgirl could not reveal the name of the guy she was working for, reasons being those parents would have been dealt with swiftly as they say in Jamaican parlance “awe dust the gaal family”; “dust” meaning kill as in “dust to dust” used at funerals. In this regard, she had to suffer the consequences alone.

The Guyana situation is different, we have the father who is the mastermind and he should face the full weight of the law. On the other hand, I would have his son enrolled in community service and a rigorous counselling programme.

A sterner punishment would have been classified as wasting the years of an otherwise productive youth at the behest of a hardened criminal father.

This is the time for the court to exercise its better judgment by exploring the possibilities of leniency and compassion.

Sincerely, Neil Adams

Natural Resources Ministry did not hinder visit to Bai Shan Lin

Dear Editor, In response to an article in another section of the press, “Bai Shan Lin ‘disrespects’ National Assembly”, dated June 19, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry wishes to clarify the notion that it is hindering the Natural Resources Sectoral Committee from visiting the company’s operation.

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry would like to explicitly state that Bai Shan Lin is a private company and the Ministry has no authority to determine who visits their locations.

The Committee is free

to pursue its request to visit the worksites of the said company.

The Ministry was requested to provide vehicular and other logistical support in the letter dated May 30 from the Chairman Odinga Lumumba. In the Ministry’s response dated June 3, it was pointed out that this request could not be accommodated at this point in time, due to ongoing compliance and enforcement activities by various agencies.

It is important to note that at no point did the Ministry hinder the proposed visit of the Committee.

The Ministry has al-

ways fully cooperated with the Committee and in fact appeared before it with its agencies on November 20, 2013.

Prior to our appearance, a comprehensive package detailing the agencies’ work programme and projects was submitted to the Committee on November 5, 2013.

Additionally, it should be noted that all information requested for the said company emanating from the Committee meeting was provided.

Sincerely, Joslyn McKenzie Permanent Secretary Natural Resources and Environment Ministry

Dear Editor, The failure to pass the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Finance of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill exposes a glaring lack of effective political leadership and validates concerns about the country’s pernicious political leadership crisis.

One would have assumed that after all the gamesmanship, posturing and rhetoric our political policymakers, at both the executive and legislative levels, would have buckled down to pass this important legislation. After all, it is only our country’s international reputation and economic and social wellbeing which are endangered.

We could not have been more wrong as a people, as this whole episode solidly confirms why one should never make assumptions. In a few days, Guyana will be hit with sanctions and countermeasures by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and a series of actions detrimen-

tal to the overall health of our financial and economic systems will follow.

Days after the announcement of the international ‘blacklisting’, the propaganda and rhetorical thumping machineries of both the Government and Opposition political parties will become loud and the finger pointing will go as far as to poke each other in the eyes.

While this theatre plays out, ordinary citizens will be left to ponder what the eventual consequences will mean to them. Regrettably, some will be sucked into the blame game and choose sides based on whose argument they believe.

However, the truth is that both the Government and Opposition are to blame for this failure. The Government, through the Office of the President, should have demonstrated an ‘at-allcost’ spirit to negotiate and offer concessions to the Opposition to ensure a middle ground solution was arrived at, but in

the end, the blame game emerged more disturbingly as the more desirable route.

The Opposition also deliberately squandered the moment. Holding the majority in Parliament, it could have moved the Bill from the Select Committee level, passed it on the House floor and sent the Bill to the President for his assent.

This was made easier when the Chairwoman and the Executive Director of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) offered to lend any technical assistance to the Bill’s sponsors to ensure the finished product would have complied with FATF standards.

This suggests that our political leaders are failing in their leadership responsibilities to get things done in the people’s best interest. It is time our citizens take the floor in demanding more effective leadership.

Sincerely, Clinton Urling Blue CAPS

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UG students demand more if fees are hiked

By Svetlana Marshall

S

tudents of the University of Guyana expressed mixed views about the proposal by the administration to hike tuition fees when a consultation was held at the Turkeyen Campus Tuesday afternoon.

Glenfield Dennison, a second-year Law Student, gained the majority’s support when he said it was bad management that landed the institution in its current state of affairs.

Dennison, who hails from Belize, told the Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi, and his highlevel team, that the institution’s records indicate that there has been a history of bad management. “There has been bad management at UG in the use of these tuition fees,” Dennison told the Professor as loud rounds of applause filled the air at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre where the second of five consultations was unfolding.

According to the student, had the administration implemented a system of gradualism and selectivity, the tertiary institution would not have found itself in its current state. While Dennison did not object to the increase in fees, he told the admin-

istration that students must be guaranteed that funds will not be poorly managed.

Recommendations

Referencing a 2008 Report issued by the University of Guyana, the Belizean said a string of recommendations were made; however, to date none have been im-

fees?” Dennison asked the Vice Chancellor, who immediately replied “No!” The international student’s series of questions and comments had ignited a verbal battle between himself and the Vice Chancellor, leaving many in a state of awe.

Dennison sought anoth-

which must state clearly the implementation deadlines. Students, he stressed, must be given an opportunity to peruse the document before a determination is made on whether the increase must take effect.

“What makes you so special, that we should listen to you now, that

tion is to rise to the occasion, investments must be made. Students, he stressed, must be willing to invest in their academic pursuits.

Turning his attention to the issue of mismanagement, Dr Opadeyi said, this occurs when an institution fails to keep abreast with its income

Second-year Law Student Glenfield Dennison takes on UG’s Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi in a verbal battle over the proposed increase in fees

plemented. Additionally, he questioned why the University’s administration, without previously consulting with the students, thought that an increase in fees would be the solution to the many problems facing the institution. “The first thing you’d thought about was raising the

er opportunity to bash the administration for not consulting the thousands of students who will be affected by the increase. He said students must not accept a verbal presentation on the plans of the institution, and demanded that the administration circulate its strategic plan,

you should better manage this school?” the Belizean asked.

In response, Dr Opadeyi said he has signed a three-year contract with the Government of Guyana and the institution will undergo transformation.

He maintained his position that if the institu-

and expenditure, but continues to operate nevertheless. “It was indeed bad management, but it was bad management with a human face,” the Vice Chancellor said.

But under his watch, he said the administration will be closely monitoring the financial affairs of the institution.

“Under my watch… from the moment we don’t have money to run a certain programme, we will close that programme down. That’s good management,” Dr Opadeyi told the small group of students who gathered in the theatre.

Plethora of problems

However, the Vice Chancellor applauded his predecessors for braving the ‘weather’ despite a plethora of problems. But he said they lacked the courage to “put down their feet and say this must stop” in alluding to the tuition fee which has remained stable for the past 20 years although the prices of goods and services have escalated drastically.

The increase in tuition fees is just one component of the proposed changes, the Vice Chancellor said, positing that the administration will soon be approaching the Government of Guyana for an increase in subvention to cushion the impact of rising prices.

Though indicating that the University’s administration has a “concrete plan” in place to ensure students get quality education in exchange for the increase in fees, Dr Opadeyi failed to put timelines to the plans touted by his administration.

Gov’t condemns sentencing of Al Jazeera journalists

T

he Government of Guyana said it is deeply concerned over the sentencing by an Egyptian Court of three Al Jazeera journalists to seven years in prison.

This act by the

Egyptian authorities is an affront to the principles which govern press freedom the world over, the Donald Ramotar administration said. “The Government of Guyana believes that freedom of

the press is essential for the full and effective exercise of freedom of expression and an indispensable instrument for the functioning of representative democracy, through which individuals exer-

Al-Jazeera’s Cairo bureau chief, Mohamed Fahmy, Egyptian producer Baher Mohamed, and Australian correspondent Peter Greste

cise their right to receive, impart and seek information. In this regard, the Government of Guyana joins calls by the international community for their immediate release.”

Only Tuesday, newly elected Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said he would not interfere with judicial verdicts, following an international outcry over lengthy prison sentences given to three Al Jazeera journalists a day earlier.

“We will not interfere in judicial rulings,” Sisi said in a televised speech at a military graduation ceremony in Cairo. “We must

respect judicial rulings and not criticise them even if others do not understand this.”

The journalists – an Australian, a CanadianEgyptian and an Egyptian – were each jailed for seven years on Monday for aiding a “terrorist organisation”, a reference to the banned Muslim Brotherhood. The sentences were widely criticised by rights groups and Western governments, with US Secretary of State John Kerry calling them “chilling and draconian” and the UN warning of “a risk that miscarriage of justice is becoming the

norm in Egypt.”

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Monday that it “rejects any comment from a foreign party that casts doubt on the independence of the Egyptian judiciary and the justice of its verdicts.” Sisi was elected last month, less than a year after removing Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, a member of the Brotherhood, following mass protests against his rule. The Brotherhood, which says it is a peaceful organisation, was banned and declared a terrorist group after Morsi was toppled.

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10 NEWS security focus of 8th Gouveia believes he Prosperity, Caribbean-UK ministerial forum flew Gregory Smith F day after Rodney died F WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

ormer Guyana Defence Force (GDF) pilot Gerry Gouveia on Thursday morning said that after seeing a photograph of Gregory Smith in the newspapers he suspected that he was the man he had transported to Kwakwani a day after Dr. Walter Rodney was killed in a bomb blast, but according to him he never probed the issue.

Gouveia told the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry that he recalled that when he turned up for duties as a GDF pilot at Timehri on June 14, 1980, he was given instructions to transport some persons to Kwakwani. He later found a man, woman and some children waiting in the aircraft hangar.

He said that he left Timehri at 9:08 am and arrived at his destination at 9:57 am. He said he spent about three minutes on the ground before disembarking.

He maintained that he did not know the identities of his passengers nor did he see who collected them. He said too that he cannot recall the identities of the operation staff members who had

Capt. Gerry Gouveia

instructed him to transport the passengers.

He said that during the flight he had no conversations with his passengers and insisted that if he saw his passengers today, he would not be able to recognize them.

Gouveia told the commission that after seeing the photograph that resembled the male he transported, he did not seek to question or investigate on his own, if that man was indeed Smith, as he was a junior officer who was just follow-

ing instructions. He said that he did not check the passengers’ manifest to see if that name was on it.

Gouveia’s testimony lends further credence to longstanding views that the GDF was complicit in removing Smith from Guyana after his involvement in Rodney’s death.

It has been contended that such involvement by the GDF would have had to have been at the behest and full involvement of then senior PNC government officials.

oreign Ministers of Caricom and The Dominican Republic and Premiers from the UK overseas territories met in London on June 16-17 for their biennial high-level talks with the Foreign Office Minister for the Caribbean and other UK Government Ministers.

According to Ambassador Colin Granderson, Caricom Secretariat Assistant Secretary General for Foreign and Community Relations, “the Forum ended with a feeling of satisfaction and renewed affirmation of the links between the UK and the Caribbean”.

Immigration issues were among the major concerns for the Caribbean, the Caricom Secretariat said in a release. These include difficulties created by UK visa policies for business persons and artistes wishing to take advantage of the trade opportunities under the Economic Partnership Agreement and for students whose professional qualifications require on-the-job training. The Caribbean acknowledged the UK’s decision to amend the Air Passenger Duty bands, but expressed concern about the negative impact of the tax on the Caribbean tourism industry.

With respect to ed-

Ambassador Colin Granderson

ucation and skills for economic development, the Forum committed to working on UK and Caribbean government priorities which include “youth employment, green skills/green jobs; Information communication Technology (ICT) in education and training, employer engagement, gender equality and women empowerment”.

Scholarship programmes and a tertiary education fair in early 2015 have been identified as avenues for developing further links between UK and Caribbean higher education institutions.

In the area of energy security, the UK confirmed its commitment to working with its partners in the Caribbean to optimise its use of indigenous energy resources in accordance with the Caribbean Energy Policy.

Security issues also fea-

tured prominently in the discussion. The Forum acknowledged that the serious threats posed by organised crime to their respective economies require a strengthened UK/Caribbean partnership. It was agreed that emphasis be placed on depriving criminals of their proceeds through improved asset recovery legislation and enhanced support for financial investigators, prosecutors and the court system.

The forum highlighted the opportunity for strengthened foreign policy capabilities offered by the recent launch of the Caribbean-UK Diplomatic Academies and committed to developing links between their respective academies. Looking toward the future of global development issues, the UK and the Caribbean governments agreed to “work together to secure a single and compelling framework and a set of post 2015 development goals centred on eradicating extreme poverty with sustainable development at the core” .

The UK-Caribbean Forum was first held in Nassau in 1998 and, since that date, has been the principal platform for high-level dialogue between the UK and the Caribbean on important bi-national, regional and international issues.

Suriname to extradite wanted Guyanese man

A

fter seven years on the run, Guyanese murder accused Samuel Fable, who escaped from prison authorities in March

2007, was on Sunday captured by Surinamese law enforcement officers and is expected to be extradited.

According to infor-

mation received, Fable aka “Sammy Samuel Griffith” was arrested at Anton Dragtenweg after he resisted arrest.

During the confrontation

with Police, the wanted man was shot and injured to one of his legs. It was during his detention that Surinamese officials positively identified

the Guyanese and immediately alerted their counterparts in Guyana.

Fable was on trial for allegedly killing an Alness, Corentyne butcher. He along with two other high-profile prisoners made good their escape in March 2007 when they cut the lock from inside a prison van and escaped. Gavin Balkissoon – one of the other escapees – who was on trial for being in possession of a smoking utensil, was subsequently recaptured. The other prisoner, Derrick Busgith, was being tried for the murder of American citizen Kalidas Surjnarine, 74, whose nude and headless body was found in his yard at Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder on November 27, 2004. He is reportedly still at large.

On March 16, 2007, the three men were being transported in a van from the Whim and the Springlands Magistrate’s Courts to the New Amsterdam Prisons when they cut the lock from inside

Recaptured: Samuel Fable aka “Sammy Samuel Griffith”

and escaped. The then Assistant Commissioner of Police, Clinton Conway reported that the men were in the vicinity of the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) when they jumped from the prison van and escaped.

It was reported that Gavin Balkissoon, was arrested by a businessman, who knows him well, and saw him walking on the Number 78 Village Public Road and turned him over to the Springlands Police.

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AFC MP urges stricter control measures to address underage drinking

Alliance For Change Youth Representative Trevor Williams

By Jomo Paul

A

lliance For Change Member of Parliament and youth leader Trevor Williams says Government needs to focus on the enforcement of laws against underage drinking before the situation boils over to a point where it cannot be controlled.

Speaking to Guyana Times International in an exclusive interview last Sunday, Williams lamented the lack of enforcement of laws that prohibit merchants from selling alcohol to minors.

He said the Guyana Police Force needs to be more vigilant and be more cognisant of its role

in this regard.

“Children slip out of school and slip into these places… there needs to be a clampdown… prosecution has to step up… the message has to be sent out that alcohol is a no-no,” said Williams.

He further told GTI that the regulations to detect and prevent alcohol use on school premises and by under-aged persons in the whole need to be strengthened.

He said that if such action is taken, there will be a significant decline in alcohol consumption by young adults.

“We must prosecute those who sell to minors… it might be a difficult thing for bar owners to swallow, but they have to be held responsible; these are our youth.”

He went on to indicate that the issue of substance abuse among teens is not limited to consumption of the inebriating substance, but also of other drugs such as marijuana.

New chaotic culture

“A whole new culture vibe and disposition has developed… you go to a basketball or a football game and the atmosphere, the smell… continued on page 13

Gov’t still pursuing hydro power plant

P

resident Donald Ramotar has signalled his Government’s intention to revive the US$840 million Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project, despite hindrance from the Opposition.

Speaking at the Private Sector Commission’s 22nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday at the Pegasus Hotel, the President said the country’s economic landscape will undergo major transformation when the hydropower project materialises. Though the implementation process has been delayed, he assured the Private Sector that progress is being made. It was disclosed that the Inter-American Development Bank

The Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project

(IDB) approved US$64 million for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).

According to President Ramotar, the approved funds will be used to put GPL in a state of readiness to receive power from the Amaila Falls Hydropower Plant when it comes into operation.

According to him, the Government is hoping to wrap up negotiations sooner rather than later.

“We are still hoping and ready to go with Sithe Global and Blackstone for this project, but we are not going to wait forever. We have other options and we have to bring those discussions to a conclusion,” he posited. “One way or another,” the project will come into fruition, the President said, noting

that the Government is trying to avoid unnecessary delays.

In support of the Government, PSC Chairman Ramesh Persaud said Caribbean Development Bank President, Dr Warren Smith was right when he said that the high energy costs in the Region were affecting its competitiveness. “On behalf of the Private Sector, we would like to acknowledge publicly that we agree fully with the sentiments expressed by Dr Smith and we call on the leaders of Guyana, both in Government and the Opposition, to work on realising our hydropower potential whether it is Amaila Falls or any other source.”

Before crumbling in

2013, the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project was a Private Sectorled initiative, designed to be financed through debt from the IDB and China Development Bank (CDB) and with equity from Sithe Global and the Government of Guyana. China Railway First Group was identified for the construction of the power facility.

Earlier in the year, GPL’s Board Chairman Winston Brassington indicated that the Government returned to the drawing board after August 2013 when the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) withheld its support in the National Assembly, resulting in Sithe Global pulling out of the project.

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Guyana’s interior awash with fake malaria drugs … Dr Ramsaran tells pharmacists

BY GOMATIE GANGADIN

H

ealth Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran has expressed grave concern over the influx of counterfeit products on the local market, noting that it has not spared the hinterland, where the malaria tablet Chloroquine is widely sold at shops.

Every day, hundreds of patients are duped into purchasing substandard, falsified products.

Dr Ramsaran made this disclosure while addressing the opening of the 14th Annual Pharmacists Convention held on Sunday at the Ocean View International Hotel and Convention Centre under the theme

“Improving the quality of life for all in 2014”.

Speaking to a gathering of University of Guyana pharmacy students, practising pharmacists, medical doctors and other stakeholders, Dr Ramsaran stated that it has been observed by his Ministry and even international agencies that tablets and other forms of medication are being falsified and sold to unsuspecting patients in the country, but most particularly, in the interior locations where there is always a demand for medical treatment.

“We have noticed as well as the Pan American Health Organisation and the World Health Organisation (PAHO/

WHO) who have grave concerns for the false, falsified, falsely labelled, spurious, counterfeit items available on the local market as it relates to medications, especially in the tablet form. A typical example is the Chloroquine which is used for the treatment of malaria. There is a falsified, substandard one coming into the local market and this is being sold and consumed largely in the interior areas of Guyana. It is available at almost every corner shop in these areas and people are not aware that it is a substandard product they are utilising,” he said.

Exposing traders

He, however, noted that while the trade

Guyana Pharmacist Association President Megan Barker (second from left), alongwith her executives and Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran at the convention

is currently flourishing, his Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and will be taking action against those found culpable.

“The Ministry had initiated a campaign in the past under my stewardship to expose companies and persons who are in the habit of fos-

tering this illegal trade and we will continue to do so. The Ministry will be cracking down and exposing those who are soliciting and participating in the sale of the products,” he declared.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister urged delegates at the convention to be quality conscious at all times, and to put the health and wellbeing of their patients and consumers before personal gain, as it was a matter of their lives.

He also advocated for them to be even more

aware and vigilant of the products, which are on the market since it is their vigilance which can help to curb the widespread availability of the falsified products.

On this note, he disclosed that his Ministry will be embarking on an extensive education programme not only for pharmacists and pharmacy owners, but also for consumers and patients so that a level of awareness is present so that they can differentiate between the original and falsified products.

PPP urges GECOM to reopen registration process

T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has written the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) requesting an extension of the Sixth Cycle of Continuous Registration, saying that no one should be left behind.

The sixth cycle concluded on Saturday, June 21. Speaking at a Freedom House news conference on Monday, PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee said the Party has information suggesting that more than 8000 transfers are yet to be conducted due to the establishment of new housing schemes across the country, primarily in the coastal regions. “During the last five cycles of registrations, transfers were not done; however, this was accommodated in the sixth cycle of registration,” Rohee told reporters. He said too that GECOM was unable to accommodate everyone who might have had a change in address (transfer).

During the Sixth Cycle of Continuous Registration, GECOM reportedly recorded approximately 13,000 new registrants and 1600 transfers, with more than 2300 corrections being done.

According to Rohee,

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee

the Party’s activists have indicated that there are 140 transfers to be done in Region One, 220 in Region Two, 2140 in Region Three, 2940 in Region Four, 324 in Region Five, 2170 in Region Six, 75 in Region Seven, 60 in Region Eight, 70 in Region Nine, and 250 in Region 10.

The PPP/C has long stressed the need for mobile units in new housing schemes to increase GECOM’s ability to have greater coverage across Guyana.

Rohee said the Party is encouraging GECOM to ensure that no one is disenfranchised whenever elections are called.

Asked about the Party’s readiness for local government polls or an early General Election, the General Secretary said: “Whichever election comes, we are ready; we are ready.”

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First stone depot opens in Georgetown – 1000 tonnes expected every three days

T

he first stone depot in Georgetown on Monday received its initial shipment of 1000 tonnes of stone at Battery Road, Kingston, Georgetown.

Vishnu Ramdial of Durban Quarries said that with the heavy demand for stone, the company’s new operation is open to anyone who wishes to purchase.

Obtainable are different grades of stone from ½ inch. The supply is expected to be renewed every two to three days.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud, who inspected the shipment, said a lot of the stones will go towards housing, road and sea defence projects. Observing that there have been complaints of a shortage, he stated that it is the belief that quarry operators in Guyana can do better, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

“They can scale up their output to meet

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud examines the stones, whilst Vishnu Ramdial of Durban Quarries looks on

the market. It is always sad when local contractors and even the Government itself, have to contemplate importing quarry material given the vast resources,” he pointed out.

The Minister added that there have been a number of meetings with quarry operators involving different ministries

AFC MP urges...

from page 11

A group of students seen imbibing alcohol at a city restaurant last week

it is killing you,” explained Williams. He said enough attention is not being placed on the youth “of our society and this trend must change because the youths are the proverbial future of the nation”.

“There has to be a lot more spent, wisely so, on the youth populace… we have to make life more exciting and relevant for them… we have degenerated into a society that is chaotic for youths in terms of their values.”

He urged that the private sector be conscious of its corporate responsibility to society, noting that the said businessmen should work with the Government and Opposition parties to alleviate this menace of alcohol abuse that is plaguing our society.

Psychologist Dr Faith Harding also shared

similar views during a recent exclusive interview with GTI. She said there is a feeling of helplessness that is affecting the youth population and contributing to the high rates of alcohol consumption.

She, like Williams, also noted that attention must be placed on tackling the existing problem of alcohol and drug abuse. “I think we ought to see this as a priority… something we have to attack immediately,” said Dr Harding. “It makes us look like our governance in this country is lame; it makes us look like we don’t care about the nation’s people. We have too little people, our population is too small for so many people to be dying by suicide and domestic violence and I have to link alcohol with some of the violence that I see.”

and one of the complaints raised was logistics. He

observed that it was not just shortage of materi-

als, but bringing the materials to the market and having the necessary depot.

With respect to Durban Quarries, the Minister stated that the operator did not have an off-loading facility.

The current location was identified through discussions with the Public Works Ministry, and the company invested in a barge and tug.

He expressed the hope that through the facilitation “we will see an increased supply to the market especially to the construction sector”.

Minister Persaud also hopes that this move would satisfy the stone shortage and that other operators would

utilise the resources and improve it.

The Minister said that his Ministry is currently reviewing the terms and conditions of quarry operators and in excess of a dozen applications for operations in the country are currently being reviewed.

He noted that while they want to upscale the sector, “we are looking at new entrants to support the construction boom in the country, and remove the reliance on imported stone”. He also pointed to the boom in the construction sector which has increased the demand for stone, and expressed the hope that more quarry operators will respond.

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“It is not our intention to criminalise miners” – Minister Persaud

N

atural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud has assured miners that outreach activities aimed at whipping up gold declarations are in no way intended to criminalise them. It was also announced that the records of the Ministry have shown increased sales of gold by miners to licensed dealers.

He gave the assurance when he met with stakeholders of the industry at his office. In a statement, the Ministry said the meeting was held with supervisory authorities such as the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and Guyana Gold Board (GGB), and executive members of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and the Licensed Gold Dealers.

The meeting was a follow-up to the initial forum held on June 4.

Following that meeting, the GGB had embarked on a number of activities which were agreed to by all stakeholders. These activities comprised an outreach to visit all dealers and some of their

Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud makes a point during his meeting with gold industry stakeholders

sub-agents. Some business entities in the capital that have a GGMC trading permit were also visited. The Minister said the primary goal of those activities was to ensure that proper records were being kept by those licensed to trade gold.

“These initiatives are not directed at negatively targeting miners. That is not the policy of the [Ministry]… or its supervisory authorities. Additionally, the recent notices published by the GGB are intended to serve as reminders to all relevant persons in the sector.”

Hoarding

According to the Ministry, it was noted that there is speculation that hoarding, smuggling and the use of the gold trading business for other illegal activities is ongoing. However, there is no definitive conclusion to any of those claims. “The records of the supervisory authorities only indicate that there is a lower level of declaration by the mining industry in 2014 when compared to the same period in 2013.

However, the records also show that there are improved levels of sales by miners to the licensed

dealers, especially in the Districts that the GGB’s offices are closed. It must be noted that prices on the world market for gold have increased over the last seven days and we are all hopeful of improved prices for better sales to the GGB and to the dealers.”

Moreover, in terms of going forward, Minister Persaud stated that stakeholders share concerns over the lower level of declarations. The Minister reiterated that all stakeholders of the gold mining sector must focus on the factors which can help to improve on the levels of declaration.

The Ministry will work with all stakeholders to assist in improving the levels of declaration.

Low production

Meanwhile, according to the Ministry, the GGDMA executive members stated that gold is a non-renewable resource and there are reports, within their cohorts, of lower levels of production. The GGDMA indicated that there is a reduction in the sites worked, as cost is still high for some areas of operation and miners are awaiting incentives to facilitate increase in production and productivity.

The GGDMA has

taken the position that negotiations with the Government will be ongoing and the Association has been following up with a number of promises which were made, subsequently to the January 6 meeting with President Donald Ramotar, such as tax relief on the importation of 4×4 vehicles, reduction in rentals, and poor infrastructure to the hinterland roads.

However, the GGDMA has noted that while some incentives [including road upgrades] have been granted, in the sixth month of the year , it is still awaiting follow through on the majority of the incentives for the general gold mining sector. It was also highlighted that the GGDMA has embarked on a study among miners on gold production and the findings will be released as soon as possible. The preliminary observations revealed that there have been reductions in fuel sales, drop in sales of equipment and spares (approximately 30 per cent); and miners have scaled down their operations (approximately 40 per cent in some cases).

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23 graduate with MBAs via Nations University programme

T

hirty-six individuals who successfully completed studies in various programmes offered at Nations University, accredited by the Australian Institute of Business, graduated on Saturday at the Guyana International Conference Centre.

Six persons graduated with Certificates in Management, seven with Diplomas in Management and 23 with Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA).

Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Ramesh Persaud reminded the graduates of their responsibility to the corporate environment. He noted that the acquisition of their certification is not the culmination of a journey, but rather the commencement of it.

Persaud noted too that their successes in this regard will largely be dependent on the application of the knowledge that they would have acquired.

“The light that you are seeing at the end of the tunnel today is the beginning of a long road with many twists, turns, and obstacles before you meet the end of the jour-

The graduates of the Business Management course with their lecturers

ney,” said Persaud.

He opined too that having an MBA or certificate in business management does not necessarily mean that a person knows more, but rather the person has been exposed to different cognitive methods.

“All you were exposed to were different ways of thinking by different authors and the different ways in which each of them see and interpret an issue, that is what your programme would have taught you… not knowledge but wisdom… having an MBA means you have to start thinking differently, because that is what having an MBA means.

Having an MBA means you have the ability to identify the real fac-

CGX gets extension for drilling Corentyne block

C

anadian oil explorer CGX Energy Inc said it has received a five-month extension to begin drilling for oil at its Corentyne Petroleum Prospecting Licence (PPL) Block following approval by the Guyana Government.

“The Government of Guyana granted approval of an extension on the spud date on the first commitment well from May 31, 2015 to October 31, 2015,” CGX said in a statement. It added that the extension was required to ensure that the HAKURYU-12 rig will have sufficient time to arrive in Guyana prior to the commencement of the weather window.

CGX Co-Chairman, Professor Suresh Narine, stated: “The company deeply appreciates the cooperation of the Government of Guyana in granting to CGX Energy the spud date extension.

The procuring of the HAKURYU-12 drilling rig along with this extension significantly enables the company to address its work obligations under the Corentyne PPL with confidence. CGX Energy, being one of the long-standing operators

in the basin, is delighted to affirm its continued commitment to Guyana and to exploration of the Guyana-Suriname Basin. The company’s current drilling obligations tangibly demonstrate this commitment, even as it is engaged in actively planning for the spudding of its next well within the Corentyne PPL within the revised timeframe.”

CGX Energy has commenced the procurement process in order to complete its 2014 work commitments on its 100 per cent-owned offshore Demerara PPL. The company continues to examine methods to reduce the costs associated with the Demerara PPL’s seismic survey and expects to be able to share these costs with other companies operating in the Guyana-Suriname basin.

Reaffirmed commitment

CGX Chief Executive Officer Dewi Jones commented: “The Company currently has a number of initiatives that it is rigorously working on as it begins to fulfil its commitments in all three of its PPLs. The company continues to believe in continued on page 19

tor that gives you, your company the competitive edge and how to challenge the status quo.”

Well quipped

M e a n w h i l e , Academic Board of Australian Institute of Business Chairman, Professor Rod Oxenberry

in addressing the second batch of graduates from Nations University, noted that the graduates are now equipped with internationally recognised qualifications.

“The roots of education are often bitter but the fruit is sweet, well, you have made it all

the way to the fruit, you have your success, value it, remember though, one of the lessons of study is that as much as we learn, we come to realise that there is a lot we don’t know, and a lot more we need to learn,” said Oxenberry.

He said the grad-

uates should use the skills and knowledge they have acquired and embark on a journey to solve the problems that plague the global economy and society.

“Now that you know what Michael Porter’s strategic advantage is, now that you know why Warren Buffett is truly an investment guru, now that you know why Peter Drucker is considered the father of the study of modern management, and what Stephen Covey’s habits for highly effective people are, as well as knowing a little bit about the rest of the library of business scholars, share that knowledge and help people through their business dilemmas,” Professor Oxenberry implored the graduates.

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Soyini Fraser is new Miss Guyana Jamzone queen M

ore than two years after captivating the world with her smiles, glossy eyes and beauty as Miss United Nations, Soyini Fraser was on Saturday evening crowned Miss Guyana Jamzone, 2014 at the Gravity Lounge.

She outshone her two other rivals, Faydeha King and Onesha Hutson, to win the title and will have the opportunity to represent Guyana at the Miss Jamzone International Pageant slated for August at the National Cultural Centre.

She was selected as the best contender after competing in various aspects in a reality show hosted by Hits and Jams Entertainment as part of the 14th Edition of Jamzone Summer Break.

At the beginning of the competition in the form of a reality show, the three contestants were judged in a photo shoot segment and the infomercial they produced.

This was followed by “Meet the Press”, which saw the three delegates showing off their intelligence as they answered several questions posed to them by three seasoned entertainment personnel. In addition, the delegates were part of a runway show in heels

Newly crowned Miss Guyana Jamzone Soyini Fraser moments after being crowned on Saturday Evening at Gravity Lounge in Georgetown

and bathing suits.

In a telephone interview with the newly crowned queen, Fraser expressed her excitement to be crowned Miss Guyana Jamzone. She was also happy that she has won the hearts of the judges at home and more especially those who were part of the reality show.

USA delegate wins Miss India Worldwide pageant

D

espite excellent reviews of Miss India Guyana Divya Sieudarsan as one of the favourites to win the coveted title of Miss India Worldwide, her fans were disappointed on Friday evening as Miss India USA Monica Gill was bestowed with the prestigious title.

An attempt to get the local franchise holder of the Miss India Guyana team, Chandini Rambalak for a comment on social media, proved futile. However, taking the first runnerup spot was Miss India Switzerland Cynferth Turrian; Miss India Bahrain, Priya D’Silva at second; and Angie Shamdasani of Spain and Suhani Gandhi of United Kingdom in the top five when the pageant was held at the Al Raha Beach Resort in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The newlycrowned queen speaks Hindi, Punjabi and English and majors in Biology at University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is the reigning Miss India New England and also holds the title of Miss India USA 2013.

Gill moved to Mumbai, India, in 2014, with the intention of becoming a Bollywood actress, but used the opportunity to prepare for

Jessica Sonejee, and the Body Beautiful prize was awarded to Amreeta Goundar of New Zealand.

Shima Singh Mann of Sweden was announced Miss Bollywood Diva, the delegate with the Most Beautiful face was Rachel Bianca Salema of Kuwait, the delegate with the Best Figure was Angie Shamdasani of Spain while the Viewer’s Choice Award went to Priya D’Silva of Bahrain.

Monica Gill

the fierce competition, which consists of 40 delegates from around the world.

During the talent segment, she performed two dance pieces, the first was her fusion kathak beat from “Dil To Pagal Hai” and the second was “Maar Daala” from “Devdas”.

Meanwhile, there were some other special prizes during the competition. The delegate with the best talent piece was Noopoor Akruwala of Grenada; Joanna Soudine-Palton of French Guiana won Miss Beautiful Smile; Sonia Singh of Norway, Miss Catwalk; while Janine Habib of Netherlands was adjudged Miss Photogenic.

The Congeniality Prize went to Yaddisha Dulangi Peterson of Sri Lanka, while the contestant with the most beautiful hair went to

She said that she will put her best foot forward and will represent Guyana to the best of her ability with the intention of keeping the title at home for the first time.

Reminiscing on the reality show, she related that it was a challenging experience and that while she had participated in several international pageants, it was indeed a hurdle that she crossed very well. It was her first and she realised that it was all about personality and how well you represent yourself as a woman of class, integrity and charm.

It is time now to focus on the international pageant, where she will be competing against at least 10 contestants from the Caribbean, she added.

This 24-year-old beauty began her education at Mae’s Under-12 School after which she attended the West

Ruimvelt Primary School. She then went to Queen’s College where she was very athletic.

As the years passed by, this well rounded individual became a member of the Classique Dance Company.

She was among the eight dancers of the company who went to the United States of America to perform for the Guyana Cultural Association at their annual Folk Festival celebrations.

Later in that year, she was crowned Miss Guyana Earth.

She was given the opportunity to tour Vietnam as Guyana’s representative at Miss Earth 2010, where she gained great knowledge and experience. This outstanding individual attributed her personality to the sound Christian and educational background with the morals her parents instilled in her as a child.

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WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

News from page 15

CGX gets extension...

WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

IDB says anti-laundering bill crucial for growth of economy

By Gomatie Gangadin

I CGX Co-Chairman, Professor Suresh Narine

the potential of the basin and the discovery of hydrocarbons and also reaffirms its commitment to the successful completion of its work programmes.”

According to the release, Jones said: “We are very pleased with the progress of all our activities thus far in 2014.

We continue to work towards drilling our next offshore exploration well in Guyana, and are still optimistic that a joint venture partner will be secured prior to drilling.”

At the company’s 100 per cent-owned Corentyne PPL, located offshore Guyana, the reprocessing and merging of the existing seismic surveys are now complete, the release stat-

ed, adding that the company continues to have a technical data room available at its Houston offices and is working towards farming out a portion of the Corentyne PPL to a joint venture partner.

In addition to the completion of the seismic reprocessing of the Corentyne PPL, a full elastic seismic inversion and AVO (Amplitude Variation with Offset) has been completed and received from Vector Seismic Data Processing Inc, which has contributed significantly to the risk assessment of the exploration prospects being considered for the next drilling campaign in the Corentyne PPL.

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nter-American Development Bank (IDB) Country Representative Sophie Makonnen has emphasised the need for Guyana to pass its AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill, noting that it is crucial for the growth of the country’s economy.

Speaking at the launch of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) fifth annual business magazine last Friday, Makonnen related that while the country’s economy is stable at the moment, it will soon, if not already, experience a decrease in growth if the Bill is not soon passed.

She noted too that the non-passage of the Bill will not only affect the private sector, which is a major contributor to the country’s growth, but also the ordinary man. To this end, she mentioned the situation which currently exists in Guyana as it relates to international monetary transfers.

IDB Country Representative Sophie Makonnen giving her remarks at the ceremony

“I saw an article in the newspapers recently where it was mentioned that instead of the usual two days, money transfers are now taking five or more days. Imagine being in a remote part of Guyana and having the ability to transfer money without actually coming to Georgetown or going to any distant place to access money. In this present situation, that is no longer possible. These things will not happen now,” she said.

Sustainable environment

Meanwhile, the IDB Representative praised the private sector for always positively contrib-

uting to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), pointing out that for the past eight consecutive years, Guyana’s economy has experienced growth.

After lauding the private sector and its initiative of producing a magazine that can provide investors with some scope of what Guyana has to offer, Makonnen related that there is a need for a more sustainable environment for the promotion of the development of the private sector.

She articulated that there were opportunities and a need for in-

vestments in the country which can then lead to job creation, added value to basic commodities produced, diversification of the economy, and innovative and effective environmentally-friendly technologies.

“This will allow the economy to expand with a broader base of activities and more resilience to shocks which can decrease an economy. That is where the next step lies,” the IDB Representative said.

GCCI’s Business Magazine was launched under the theme “To capture Global Opportunities” at a simple cocktail and dinner at the Pegasus Hotel.

In attendance were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, former GCCI President Ramesh Dookhoo, Senior Vice President Vishnu Doerga, IDB Country Economist Mark Wenner, Guyana Revenue Authority Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur, Alliance For Change Leader Khemraj Ramjattan and prominent lawyer Nigel Hughes.

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Feature

WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Salvation Army Drug Rehab Centre Counsellor, Steve Sukhraj

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heir hope of a better and improved life has kept them committed to the rigorous nature of their rehabilitation. They came in, whether by choice or force, but they are all thankful and appreciative for the successes they have had so far in their lives.

Vishwanauth Aditya Kamal, Deonarine Karalla and John Fitzpatrick have been bruised and battered from all corners of their lives, simply because they chose to abuse and misuse drugs. They have all concluded that their decision to even try the debilitating substance in the first place has caused them, their families and friends severe heartaches and disappointment.

The Salvation Army Drug Rehabilitation Centre, which offers a robust remedial service to drug abusers, has been a place of refuge for many, including the three men.

Guyana Times International on Friday visited the Water Street, Kingston location and spoke with the men, who all expressed satisfaction at the level of service offered at the institution, which also has a strong spiritu-

al programme attached.

Deonarine Kuaralla was just over 12 years old when he began using marijuana. “I am a recovering addict of marijuana and cocaine and I’ve been here for like six months. I see a lot of improvements in my life since I was here. I came here because of one purpose; however, I have found many other purposes, and I see better now, because when I was out there I always hid myself from reality.” Kuaralla continued explaining that he grew up without his mother and father. It was watching his uncles, with whom he lived, smoking the substance that prodded him to take his first smoke.

to be the best place,” he said with a smile.

At just 16 years old, Vishwanauth Kamal had come to believe that his world was crashing before him. While he has a loving mother, he complained that the absence of his father in the home had taken a toll on his life. He did make a promise to his mother that he was going to “stand up for her”, that he was never going to use any alcohol or drugs, and that he will take on that sacred role as her protector. But with the passage of time, Kamal told GTI that he succumbed to the pressures of his friend on “the dam”. And although

back to school as soon as he leaves the facility he described as a safe house.

Kamal said he is unsure if at the end of his tenure, he will right away venture back into society. He recalled that he, at the completion of his three months, had believed that he was good enough to venture out on his own. And so he left, without the permission of the staff there.

“When I walked out, I did not know what to do, I was nervous. And the thing came to me to go and smoke. I was scared. I went to my father and he brought me back.” He sought the forgiveness of the staff and vowed that he will never again leave until he is well

Deonarine Kuaralla

Vishwanauth Aditya Kamal

John Fitzpatrick

Being at the facility, Kuaralla confided, has allowed him to take a positive outlook in life. “I want to go to school, I’ve been to a programme recently and I’ve seen a lot of recovering addicts who have been 10 and 20 years clean and I said to myself, I want to be like them. That is a big motivation for me to keep moving on in life. I see them with a lot of cars and I want these things. I feel they are beautiful things. I want a better future, I want to go back to school, because I am young, I am only 20 years old. I find this place

he was never offered the substance by anyone, he said his journey after taking a pull of the crack cocaine, was a bitter and difficult one. And although he was not mindful of what was said about him during that time, it is an experience he does not wish on another human being. “I was a junkie,” Kamal revealed to this newspaper at the facility. I was on the road, sleeping on the sea dam, eating out of the garbage.”

The teenager, who has an intrinsic love for the Principles of Accounts, swore that his passion will lead him

enough.

Kamal strongly believes that as a teenager, full of life and potential, he has so much ahead for him. He also is of the view, that other teenagers, who are even thinking of following in his footsteps, would be making one of the “biggest mistakes of their lives”.

“First of all, do not think about smoking because your whole life is going to go down the drain. Things that I never thought I could have done, I did. I stole from my mother and my father, some

Crumbling world

continued on page 22

NEWS

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WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

All my hard work has paid off – says NGSA second top student

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eing a top performer throughout her primary school years, it was not strange for Aliah Sarah Mohamed to be among the country’s top students at the recent National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

The quiet spoken School of the Nations student placed second in the country with 531 marks.

But she said her achievement was not

derstand what was on the paper and eliminated the options so I guess that’s how I got through,” Mohamed, 11, told Guyana Times International.

Of course, Mohamed was able to get through this “tough time” because she had a strict study schedule that saw her making a lot of sacrifices.

A lot of revisions, reading and working past papers were some

studying, if she did not understand any particular concept, she would read the textbooks to get a better understanding, or sought assistance from her teachers and parents.

The Queen’s Collegebound student said despite knowing she worked hard and always comes out on top; she never expected to do so well.

She recalled that on the day the results were

Aliah Mohamed with her proud family

automatic, pointing out that it was the fruit of hard work.

“I just read and un-

of the things that helped her to come out on top and topped her school.

Aliah said while she was

announced, she was at school listening to the live broadcast on radio with her classmate;

however, a teacher came and took the instrument away.

But sometime later, some students, followed by teachers, went and informed her that she was placed second among the A top performers.

Shocked

“I had my hand to my mouth because I was so shocked and surprised, but happy at the same time. I felt like crying but that didn’t happen though,” she said smiling.

Proudly showing off all the trophies acquired throughout her primary school years for outstanding achievements, Aliah attributed her consistent performance to frequent studying and revisions.

“In every new grade, I had to compete with other students to always be on top, so I knew I had to study a lot and I never left my revisions for last minute to pile up, I studied as the work came,” she stated.

The aspiring lawyer revealed that it was always her dream to go to Queen’s College and now that she has achieved that, all her hard work

Dr Harding stresses need for mental illness to be given more serious attention

By Jomo Paul

M

ental illnesses have long been stereotyped and have been stigmatised by the general public. This should be sufficient grounds for the Government to put the matter on the front burner and take steps towards alleviating the effects.

This is the view of practising psychologist, Dr Faith Harding, who said enough is not being done to tackle mental illness in Guyana and urged the recruitment of mental health professionals at health centres and medical facilities across the country.

Speaking to Guyana Times International in an exclusive interview last Wednesday evening from her home, Dr Harding said attention needs to be paid to mental health, since it is a large contributor to the high incidence of suicides in Guyana.

“The health centres ought to have mental health personnel working there like a unit… we have the health cen-

Psychologist, Dr Faith Harding

tres created already, we need the skills, we need the tools, people trained in the therapies,” Dr Harding said.

Unreported

She lamented that this need was necessary, because often people visit medical centres for physical injuries and simultaneously have a mental issue that goes unreported and in most cases, unobserved.

Dr Harding also suggested that the Government put in place the schematics so that every teacher, before graduating from the

Cyril Potter College of Education or being employed by the Education Ministry, is subjected to a behavioural assessment test. This way, she explained, teachers would be able to detect or deduce from body language and other telling signals that a child may be under stress and in need of some form of mental support.

Dr Harding told GTI that in her work as a psychologist, she has noticed that depression is one of the most prevalent forms of mental health issues affecting Guyanese. This is closely followed by anxiety and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which, she explained, is noticed mostly in children.

The psychologist also noted that with respect to schizophrenia, which is often characterised by abnormal social behaviour and a failure to recognise what is real, she has noticed a decline.

She explained that this decline can be attributed to the availability of medication and advice to combat the mental issue.

Stigmatised

Dr Harding told this publication that for too long having a mental illness has been stigmatised to mean that a person is “mad” and not everyone with a mental illness is insane or “mad”.

“The whole socialisation to mental health has not been a good one; we see mental health as something to feel bad about… a physical illness is more accepted than if you have a mental incapacity,” Dr Harding noted.

Further, she noted that the prevalence of mental illnesses and disregard of the issue by the Government is having an appallingly negative effect on the Guyanese populace.

Dr Harding stressed that the Government, the Opposition and members of the private sector have a social and corporate responsibility to see that such issues do not plague the nation, but that is not the case, which contributes to the lack of social responsibility in this regard.

A smiling Aliah Mohamed

has paid off and is ecstatic that she would be starting the school with one of her close friends, Analise Samaroo, who was also in the country’s top one per cent with 525 marks.

Aliah said her achievement was made possible through the support of her family and teachers.

Meanwhile, her proud parents Wazim and Anita Mohamed expressed their joy and excitement at their eldest child’s performance. Her father said that everyone had high expectations of Aliah since she was always a top performer in

school. “She made everyone proud,” the smiling father said.

During her study period, her mother was the one who was always behind her and helping her out, and so on the day of the results, when she saw her daughter’s name listed second on the live television broadcast, she was overwhelmed with joy.

The 11-year-old is not sure what she will be doing during the holidays, but will definitely be having fun and will still make some time to study as she prepares to enter secondary school in a few months.

Barbados gov’t pays Shanique Myrie

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: After a frustrating eight-month wait, Jamaican Shanique Myrie has finally been paid by the Barbadian government. However, the money is short of Bds$1,000, Myrie told Jamaican media.

Myrie was awarded damages in the sum of US$38,000 by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) after she filed a lawsuit claiming she was subjected to a dehumanising cavity search by a female immigration officer at Grantley Adams International Airport, locked in a filthy room overnight and deported to Jamaica in March 2011.

"My lawyer called me this morning (Monday) and told me the money was in the account. It was a long wait but finally it is over," Myrie told Jamaican media.

The CCJ had also ruled that Barbados should foot the bill of Myrie's legal costs and said the action was a serious breach of her right of entry into that country.

Shanique Myrie (Jamaica Observer file photo)

Last week, a frustrated Myrie threatened to file another complaint before the court after the award was not paid, despite promises from Barbadian officials.

Last Friday, Barbados' Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite told the media in the eastern Caribbean state that the money had been paid over, but late Friday evening Myrie said the payment did not show up in her lawyer's account.

She had also complained that she was subjected to derogatory remarks from the female official who told her she was her 'worst nightmare'. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

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news

WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

to engage residents U.S. to set up DEA Gov’t on improving education office in Guyana delivery in hinterland areas

T

he United States (US) is to set up an office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Guyana to help go after drug kingpins at a time when there is a shift in trafficking routes, American Ambassador Brent Hardt announced on Thursday at the Office of the President.

“There is definitely a shift to this region as we work closely with Mexico and Central America to tighten up some of the areas there so this does have a strategic purpose in that sense that the

flows are increasing and there is need to boost our presence and engagement in the Caribbean,” he told reporters.

He said the DEA would be moving equipment and personnel very soon in keeping with Congressional approval to set up for the office in the country.

The American envoy has previously said the anti-drug agents of the police and Customs and Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) would have to be screened to ensure that that they do not leak vital information to

suspects. He explained on Thursday that local agents would be responsible for arresting suspects after receiving and sharing intelligence with the DEA. “It’s a matter of working to build cases, use the intelligence to draw on DEA’s global and regional organisations,” he said.

Hardt echoed the desire of President Donald Ramotar for the passage of amendments to the Anti Money Laundering and Countering of Financing Terrorism (AML/CFT)Act.

Green snub causes Whittaker to walk out of City Council meeting

J

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker speaking to media operatives outside the chamber of City Hall

ust when citizens thought the drama at City Hall had ended, there was another showdown at last Monday’s statutory meeting, but this time, it was Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker and Mayor Hamilton Green who locked horns.

Whittaker abruptly stormed out in the middle of the meeting after Mayor Green had refused to acknowledge his presence at the early stages of the meeting.

The Minister was seated in the meeting chambers, along with the Councillors and members of the public, waiting for the Mayor to show up. Green arrived some 20 minutes late after which he immediately proceeded to address the items on the agenda, ignoring the presence of Whittaker.

He asked Deputy Mayor, Patricia ChaseGreen to read a private

letter to the Council which was addressed and sent to him by the Minister some time ago.

This did not go down well with members on the side of the People Progressive Party/Civic, who took to the floor, stating that the letter was a private one and it should remain as that while berating the Mayor for his disrespect in refusing to acknowledge the presence of the Minister in the meeting.

It was after the Councillors raised their voices, some 50 minutes into the meeting that Green briefly mentioned that the Minister was present in the meeting before returning to his agenda.

Whittaker, who had gone to the meeting with the knowledge and assurance that he will be able to address the Council and several pressing issues, was not given the promised opportunity, prompting

him to abruptly leave the meeting with members of his staff in tow.

Speaking outside of the chambers to media operatives, Whittaker expressed his disappointment on the treatment he received from Green, noting that it was grossly disrespectful since he was present there based on the invitation and consent of the Mayor.

Agreement to speak

“I wrote to the Mayor requesting that I would like to speak at the meeting since everywhere I go, persons always ask for the Government to intervene in the situation existing here at the Council. We corresponded by email and he agreed and told me to come today [Monday].

Sometime after our correspondence, the Deputy Mayor Chase-Green emailed me relating that I could not come today [Monday] but I should continued on page 24

A section of the gathering at the consultation held at Sand Creek Secondary School

G

overnment is examining ways to tackle the quality of education being delivered at hinterland schools, as a result of few pupils from those areas making the top 100 performers of the National Grade Six Assessment examinations (NGSA).

This is to begin through consultations in the various regions and will target parents, teachers and students among other stakeholders.

The launch of the Hinterland Education Improvement Project (HEIP) took place in Region Nine, where participants from all the villages in the Central Rupununi were present at several locations.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand, accompanied by officials of the Ministry, urged

the gathering to say how they believe education results in the region could be improved.

The Minister emphasised the importance of education to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP) administration, and its understanding that it is aimed at uplifting people and communities, and the country as a whole.

She noted also that development is possible only through the education of people. Minister Manickchand also highlighted the need to match that understanding with investments, pointing to the continued increasing budgetary allocations to the sector under the PPP/C administration.

The Education Minister, however, noted that there was no satisfaction at results coming out of the hinterland,

hence, the focus on improving it. The HEIP consultation, she said was to hear from residents their needs and suggestions to improve the sector in the hinterland regions.

The consultations would cover a four to five-month period she observed, with visits to other regions, after which a report would be compiled from all the recommendations resulting in the formation of a five-year plan.

Pointing out tangible investments in the sector which have shown real results, the Minister pointed to several programmes which saw significant investment from Government. She pointed to programmes such as the Primary Education Improvement Project; the Secondary School Reform Programme; the continued on page 23

The Salvation Army: Giving...

from page 20

terrible things. And most of all say ‘no to drugs’,” Kamal advised.

Family separation

Then there is 43-yearold John Fitzpatrick, a father and husband, who has paid the price of losing his family because of his consistent abuse of crack cocaine. He began the use of drugs way back in 1984, 30 years of misery and pain, he confessed. At the tender age of 13, he was tossed about and found relaxation in the use of the substance.

Fitzpatrick has been at the facility since January of this year, but this five-month period is not the first time for him at the rehab centre. Maybe it is the sixth or more than that, he opined. His challenge, he reckoned, may have been his inability to take

stock of the training and information that he has been receiving over the years, which have all been seeking to aid in his restoration. He has had several relapses; however, he is hoping that this time he will not have to return as a client of the facility. “I don’t want to say confident, but I am hoping that I wouldn’t have to come back. I have some different plans this go round. This is the best recovery programme I’ve been to,” he said.

These days, a number of teenagers have been dominating the use of the dreaded substance, said counsellor at the facility, Steve Sukhraj.

The programme began in 1996 and has helped many persons repossess their rightful places in society. He himself was at one time a client

at the rehab centre, battling with his drug addiction. He is now offering his service to help others.

Sukhraj said the facility has been seeing a high influx of teenagers. Students at secondary schools as well, have been taking the substance. A troubling issue, he surmised.

The programme at the facility caters much for the client; there is hardly ever an unsuccessful story. He said the staff members at the facility continue the follow up process with the clients, which he explained is vital to their full recovery. Sukhraj also zeroed in on the fact that family support is also important. Many persons relapse, he pointed out, because of the lack of full family support.

news WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014

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| guyanatimeSinternational.com

50 groups for second Raising the issue edition of choral festival of reparations is

very important

– says Caricom Culture, Community Development Programme Manager

R B

A group performing at the launch of the festival

uoyed by the successful launch of the National Song Festival in 2012, organisers renamed the festival the National Choral Festival, and a second edition was launched last Thursday.

The second festival is slated for October 19.

The festival has been expanded, and this year 50 new and existing groups are targeted, while new categories are to be introduced, all in aid of revitalising choral singing in Guyana. The groups will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and other activities to build their individual capacity.

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, who launched the festival at the Umana Yana, said singing is a choice which helps to realise potential, and build the country’s music industry.

Minister Anthony explained that the Ministry is only the facilitator of this event, noting that the training aspect, which is the most important, is more of a developmental programme which allows persons to enhance their capabilities.

The feedback from the music festival last year was very positive, and based on some constructive criticism, the Ministry is working on enhancing the festival.

Apart from that, Minister Anthony said in 2016, Guyana will ob-

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony declares open the National Choral Festival at the Umana Yana

serve its 50th year as an independent country, and the Ministry will be looking at doing something special, and this festival will highlight the talent needed for that event.

The Culture Minister further stated that a specific programme will also be established to develop new music especially composed for that occasion. He urged those gathered to be creative and get on board with this project.

Recently, the Ministry was able to republish the 100 folk songs of Guyana.

Minister Anthony said that another project the Ministry will be working on is putting those 100 songs on CDs and distributing them widely so that persons, especially youths, can become familiar with those songs.

Speaking about the Amerindian languages, Minister Anthony said the Ministry will also be looking to introduce

an Indigenous Song Competition during Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations in September.

Quaseeda, bhajan, gospel, and folk are just a few of the categories which will be showcased during the festival.

“As we grow the festival, there are a lot of new components that can be added…. But we need to support our local talents… If all of us start articulating these talents, we all can be a part of this change that is occurring in the area of music,” Minister Anthony said.

Meanwhile, Music Development Officer Andrew Tyndall said that the Ministry is hoping to form new groups and enhance existing ones. He noted that during the courses, it is hoped that new talents will be established.

This festival is one of the avenues through which Guyana’s rich traditional music will reach its full potential.

Gov’t to engage residents...

from page 22

Guyana Basic Education Teacher Training Programme; the Basic Education Access Management Support Programme; and the Education For All Fast Track Initiative, investments by Government which saw a significant increase in the number of schools in the hinterland.

From 1994, 14 nursery schools in the hinterland increased to 116

in 2014, primary schools moved from 111 to 139 and secondary from five to 12. Region Nine is the region with the most schools.

M i n i s t e r Manickchand also pointed to the school-feeding programme which targets improved attendance and has achieved a more than 20 per cent improvement, along with the teacher training which helped in deliver-

ing improved education to students. Additionally, utilities for schools were improved over the years with the provision of potable water, electricity and sanitary facilities.

The Minister, however, pointed out that while these things are all there, she is not satisfied that all the needs are met, and therefore urged parents and residents to make their voices heard and they did.

aising the consciousness of Caricom nationals regarding issues related to reparations for native genocide slavery is, by itself, a win.

Those sentiments were expressed by Culture and Community D e v e l o p m e n t Programme Manager, Dr Hilary Brown during her presentation on the matter at the 22nd meeting of the Regional Cultural Committee (RCC) held at the Caricom Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana on June 18-20.

Dr Brown said the result expected from the submission for reparations was a development programme for the countries affected. She said the issue was about redress and healing and addressing the “legacy that has left our people behind”.

She said the hope was for engagement of Caricom people, which should result in psychological healing and further emancipation from mental slavery. She also outlined that the approach to be taken would be a diplomatic one involving engagement of the Europeans before taking the matter to the level of an international

Culture, Community Development Programme Manager, Dr Hilary Brown

court of justice.

The Regional Cultural Committee, during their three-day meeting, also delved into other issues such as the drafting of a development strategy for cultural industries in Caricom.

A status report was given on the design for a professional development plan for emerging young talent being done

by Dr Paloma Mohamed.

A full report is expected to be submitted to the committee on the matter within the next 10 days.

Planning for the 12th staging of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (Carifesta) also commenced. The meeting reviewed a presentation from Haiti, the Caricom member state that is expected to host

the next staging of the event in August 2015.

Delegates were apprised by Haiti’s Ambassador to Caricom Peterson Noel, of the various locations in his country that would be appropriate to host the festival. Accommodation, travel and other arrangements for staging the event were also addressed. Various audio visual and other tools were used and delegates saw some of the finer aspects of the Haitian culture, particularly their music and carnival.

The delegates also conducted a review of Carifesta 2013 which was held in Suriname and provided advice based on the lessons learnt for the benefit of the new host country and for the general information of the committee, which will be heavily involved in next year’s event.

The 22nd meeting of the Regional Cultural Committee (RCC) began with an opening ceremony on Wednesday, where Caribbean Community Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Manorma Soeknandan noted that despite economic challenges, Carifesta needed to be sustained.

Defendant trashes VC in court unconscious.

Griffith, who was not cuffed at the time, was restrained by Police ranks and the Prosecutor, Joel Ricknauth, after he repeatedly punched and kicked Hally to his head. An ambulance was called and Hally was subsequently taken

I

ing before Magistrate Judy Latchman for the submission of statements relating to the charge which stated that on June 10, 2013, he went to Hally’s home to purchase a motorcycle, but instead robbed him.

Griffith is also ac-

Wesley Griffith

n a stunning turn of events, a 19-yearold remand prisoner jumped out of the dock and began beating the 50-year-old man who accused him of assault and robbery, on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Wesley Griffith, who was previously remanded to Camp Street Prison for a robbery in Amelia’s Ward, Linden, attacked Derek Hally of 14 North Sophia, Greater Georgetown while court was adjourned for a few minutes, knocking him

Derek Hally receiving treatment from paramedics

to the hospital.

The battered man told this newspaper that he is scared for his life, since Griffith has previously tried to kill him.

He also said that the courts need to ramp up security as it relates to the prisoners.

Griffith was appear-

cused of stealing Gy$200,000 in cash; one BlackBerry phone valued Gy$52,000; a Nokia cell phone worth Gy$25,000 and house keys, and beating the Virtual Complainant (VC) causing him to sustain severe injuries to his head and body.

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News

WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014

| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Granger calls for Guyana’s House passes bill for CoI into 2011 shooting of protestors roads to be made safer …as thousands pay tribute to Berbice accident victims

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Angela Bagot seated (right) is consoled by a relative

housands converged at the home of the three girls who were killed in a horrific accident on the Phillipi Public Road, in Berbice, on July 11 to pay their last respects.

The atmosphere in the closely-knit community of Phillipi was one of sorrow and anger as the funeral service of the late Tabitha Latoya Bagot 19, Malkia Wanita Bagot 16 and Shamain Cort 3 began last Friday evening.

The bodies of the trio laid in three separate white caskets under the house they once called home.

The grieving mother of Tabithia and Malkia sat at the head of the casket, while the father of little Shamain sat next to her. The home was crowded with persons as others flocked the roadways in sweltering heat to get a glimpse of the young girls.

The funeral was described by many as one of the largest in recent times and saw a lot of public figures in attendance to pay their last respects and sympathise with the family. President Donald Ramotar also sent his condolences to the family. Those in atten-

dance included: Regional Chairman of Region # 6 David Armogan; Opposition Leader David Granger; Social Activist Mark Benschop; and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Human Services, Patrick Findlay.

Armogan in his address stated that the incident is one that plunged the entire community into deep sadness and mourning. He related that while death is understandable and a part of life, the circumstances in which the girls were killed were devastating. He extended his sympathy on behalf of the Government and the Regional Administration. He posited that the mourning process will take a long time, but the memories of the young girls will live on forever.

Tributes were made by the students and teachers of the Lower Corentyne Secondary, the school 16-year-old Malkia was attending.

Leader of the Opposition David Granger extended his condolences to the bereaved family members. During his speech, Granger related that the

young girls never had the opportunity to live and enjoy the good in life.

Granger in his address asked “what sort of nation are we living in that cannot prevent these traffic tragedies?

What sort of nation is this that cannot protect its children? What sort of nation is this that cannot provide a safe future for its citizens?

“These girls did not have the opportunity to live the good life to which all of Guyana’s children are entitled. They never had the chance to walk through our vast Rupununi savannahs; to climb our majestic Pakaraima mountains; to shower beneath our refreshing Orinduik falls or to swim in the cool waters of the Cuyuni.”

“These girls had hardly started to live. They should have been looking forward to completing their education; to getting married; to owning a house and a car; to having children of their own; to travelling all over this great country on holiday; to enjoying a good life that we promised all Guyanese. These children hardly left the little village of Phillipi where they lived all of their short lives. Small world! Life could be very short in Guyana today; no matter how good you are…”

Granger said the deaths of the girls must not be just another statistic in the Police traffic bulletin “let them alert the Government, the Regional Administration and the Guyana Police Force of the need to work to make our roads safer. There must be more lights; more pavements; more traffic signs, more traffic police patrols and more effective law-enforcement.”

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

T

he National Assembly on Thursday approved a motion for the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the 2011 shooting of persons at the Square of the Revolution in a post-election protest

by Police.

Two current A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Members of Parliament (MP) were among those injured in the shooting.

The motion presented by APNU Leader, Brigadier (retired) David Granger was strongly rejected by the Government’s side of the House.

Granger, who has chosen not to participate in the Walter Rodney CoI, in presenting the motion, said such a Commission is necessary to bring closure to the matter.

He said that there have been other instances of shooting, but it seems that the incident, like a few others, was politically-motivated.

“Rice farmers have come down from Essequibo to protest, nobody shot them… indigenous villagers have come down from Mazaruni…. nobody shoot them…. who decides who gets shot? Is there a pattern?” he asked.

The Opposition Leader also said it appeared by the action of

APNU MP James Bond

the police subsequent to the shooting and other similar incidents, that they were not afraid of being investigated.

“Policemen who are not afraid of their position will shoot and shoot again… we must separate the sheep from the goats… the Police shooting is following a pattern… it seems that people who look like APNU supporters are being shot at,” Granger said, explaining that without an investigation, “the habit of Police brutality will become embedded”.

Supporting Granger’s motion was colleague MP James Bond, who was injured in the incident that caused public outrage and condemnation from several sections of society.

Bond, who was shot thrice with rubber bullets when Police opened fire on the stubborn crowd, said the Commission would get to the bottom of the injustice meted out to him and the other persons at the 1763 Monument on the eventful day.

According to Bond, he is still affected by the incident. “[We] were marching peacefully and lo and behold this greenheart and takatu came into play … I swear I was going to die that day, I made my peace with the Lord Jesus Christ and I was

prepared to go home… we are not asking for retribution, If I wanted retribution, I would have gone to court and sue the police,” Bond told the House.

His APNU colleague Joan Bhavegems, who was also injured in the shooting, said the police acted unjustly and the matter needs closure for those affected. “I assure you, I had no weapon, and I made no threat… it was the police who insisted we disperse… it was the same police who shot us in our backs when we walked away,” Bhavegems said.

Meanwhile, Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan, who also spoke in support of the motion, said the CoI must be set up because the police were in direct violation of human rights.

However, the Government’s side of the House strongly opposed the motion for the inquiry. Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee presented other avenues that could be taken to resolve the issue and prevent a future occurrence.

Nandlall said that Granger’s choice of words in his presentation of the motion indicated that he had already made a decision with respect to who was responsible.

Green snub causes...

from page 22

Opposition Leader David Granger and PS of the Ministry ofHuman Services, Patrick Findlay at the funeral service

come at the next statutory meeting. I wrote back to her informing her that I had already spoken to the Mayor and he had given permission for me to come today. The Mayor was aware that I was coming here. There was not even an acknowledgement but the humility in me doesn’t make me bothered by that, but I think he stooped very low when he went as far

as he did,” Whittaker said.

The Minister disclosed that he had gone to the Council’s meeting to address and try to fix the many issues which had been plaguing them for the past few months, including the Mayor’s vehicle fuel allowance, non-payment of Councillors’ stipends, the Georgetown Cleanup Project and proposal for subvention, among oth-

er pressing issues, but the behaviour of the Mayor blocked him.

Whittaker said that up until Monday, he had only heard about the drama taking place weekly at City Hall, but has now seen for himself the immature behaviour displayed at the Council for selfish gains, while consistently failing to address the many issues which are facing the citizens of the city.

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NEWS

WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Every schoolchild in Guyana to receive Gy$10,000 education grant - distribution to commence in new school term

T

he Gy$10,000 grant to be given to the parent or guardian of each schoolaged child in the public school system will be handed over at the beginning, or after the beginning, of the new school year or term.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand made the announcement while addressing the National Assembly last week.

Giving an oral reply, in response to a question posed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member Amna Ally about the mechanism to be used to disburse the Gy$10,000 per child, as promised in Budget 2014, and when the sums will be distributed, Manickchand explained that Ministry officials would be able to capture all the registered students, including new incoming nursery students, and new stu-

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

dents who did not attend nursery school, but went to Grade One. She added that the Education Ministry will be informing stakeholders of the mechanism to facilitate the payments.

According to Minister Manickchand, around

188,000 school-aged children will benefit from their parents or guardians obtaining the grant. Additionally, the Ministry is fully prepared to commence the distribution of school uniform vouchers, in the coming week, she said.

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Feature

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The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

‘Cricket Lovely Cricket’

By Petamber Persaud

E

xtract of an interview with Colin Babb, June 2014, Georgetown, Guyana.

Babb is the author of ‘They gave the crowd plenty fun’. He has worked as a journalist for the BBC and as a radio and online content producer.

PP: We devoted a lot of time and attention to cricket, here in Guyana, in the Caribbean and other cricket-loving places but the list on the literature of the game is somewhat meagre. So this book, ‘They gave the crowd plenty fun’, is a welcomed addition.

I am intrigued by the title – what’s in the name?

CB: I sort of borrowed those words for the title of my book from a song penned by Lord Beginner who was a Trinidadian calypso-singer and he penned that song after the WI won their first test match in England at Lord’s in June 1950.

PP: This interview then is a sort of an anniversary.

CB: Yes, come to think about it.

So Lord Beginner

wrote what is popularly called ‘Cricket Lovely Cricket’.

PP: What’s the song's true title?

CB: ‘Victory Test Match’.

PP: I know only the popular phrase, ‘Cricket Lovely Cricket’.

CB: Well, some of the words go like this: ‘They gave the crowd plenty fun/Second test and West Indies won/Cricket lovely cricket...The bowling was super fine/Ramadhin and Valentine...’

I borrowed those words because they were very symbolic to a lot of people from the Caribbean living in England and the game meant a lot to them, not only for political and cultural reasons but for the sense of getting together and having fun. So that is why I wanted to have the word ‘fun’ in the title.

But the book itself is really about the connection between cricket and the Caribbean community living in Britain which has a very long and rich history. And it is not about the game only; it is about what happens beyond the game, the significance culturally...

PP: ‘Beyond the

Colin Babb

boundary’ CB: I didn’t want to say it because I didn’t want to describe my book in the same breath with the great C. L. R. James; I wouldn’t be so presumptuous but a friend of mine said when he bought the book, he put it next to James’ book so in that respect, I am honoured.

PP: What motivated you to write, ‘They gave the crowd plenty fun’?

CB: Cricket, West Indian cricket, is one of my lifelong interests.

PP: Started where and when?

CB: As early as I was able walk and talk. As a young boy growing up in Britain of Caribbean descent, born in Britain...

PP: The connection to Guyana?

CB: My mother was born in Georgetown, Guyana, and migrated in the early 60s like many others in Guyana and the Caribbean did. Even though I was brought up in Britain, I was always aware of the three

W’s – Worrell, Walcott, and Weekes; Ramadhin and Valentine; Hall and Griffith... and growing up in a Guyanese household, I was particularly aware of Kanhai and Lloyd. My mother went to Chatham High School in Georgetown, was a year below Clive Lloyd, I’m not sure there were friends but that occurrence was usually mentioned.

PP: As a sort of honour – having attended the same school with Lloyd.

CB : Yes. My first experience with cricket was actually watching cricket on television – the 1973 tour when the West Indies came to England, I remember that very, very well because that was the first time a colour television came into the house and suddenly I discovered that the ball was red and the grass green. It was a wonderful discovery, the discovery of colour television. But I remembered that tour very well, that was when I connected to the West Indies team as a second generation of Caribbean descent in Britain. That team was led by Rohan Kanhai and the West Indies won that

tour – I can never forget that, the scene of jubilation and all that at Lord’s and the Oval. The jubilation of watching a team coming from the West Indies representing West Indians in the Diaspora... who were at the time struggling with the usual minority migrants’ problems...

PP: Finding proper jobs, housing, getting a proper education...

CB: Racial discrimination...

PP: Some publishing houses were birthed from those very issues like New Beacon Books, BogleL’ouverture Publications and Hansib Publications, giving the minorities a voice.

To be continued Responses to this author telephone (592) 2260065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com What’s Happening: You are invited to repeat performances of ‘Expressions’ – a new forum for poetry on Thursday, 10 July at Theatre Guild, school show at 1pm, public show at 8pm.

‘Expressions’ is a Gems Theatre Production.

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feature

WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Horticultural Society of Guyana

P

romoting and encouraging interest and participation in all categories of horticulture among people, to create an aesthetic environment, and to recognise the importance of kitchen gardening for food and good health is the mission of the Horticultural Society of Guyana.

The Horticultural Society of Guyana (HSG) was founded in 1995 by Judith Inniss and Sheik Nasseer after the closure of the “club” some years before, and is affiliated with the Royal Horticultural Society based in England, the head of all horticultural societies worldwide.

The society’s mis-

Exhibitions in the benab

sion is to establish and

give guidance on main-

tenance of gardens at

various places; to arrange horticulture exhibitions, lectures and workshops, and, on request, visit gardens to assist in furthering interest in horticulture, and to encourage the propagation, care and use of indigenous plants.

Meetings are held monthly and were first held at St. Rose’s High School on Church Street then moved to St. Margaret’s Primary School on Camp Street, and then in 2003 to the Botanical Gardens.

When the Botanic Gardens became a member of the society in 2002, meetings were held at an office located in the Gardens, bring-

Yana.

Apart from hosting the annual shows, the Horticultural Society of Guyana engages in a number of other activities in an effort to promote and fulfil its objectives.

Some of these include the landscaping at Umana Yana; planting bougainvillea in the compound of the Palms; partially landscaping the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, and creating a Rock Garden in the Botanical Gardens.

There is also a Mother’s Day visit and presentation of fresh floral arrangements to mothers at the various hospitals who gave birth on that day.

Beautiful floral arrangements exhibited

ing both the Botanic Gardens and the Society together as it is done internationally. Both entities work together to encourage an appreciation for plants and flower gardens and for the beautification of the environment.

Annual exhibition and other activities

The Horticultural Society hosts an ‘Exhibition and Sale of Plants’ annually at the Umana Yana. In the early beginnings, two annual Horticultural Shows were held at St. Rose’s High School and one at Queen’s College auditorium. The shows were first held in 1982, and in 1990 it moved from the St. Rose’s High School. The show has since outgrown these venues and has since been held at the Umana

In the past, members have attended and participated in Horticultural Shows of Trinidad and Grenada; planned and conducted garden visits and workshops during the year; hosted several fund raising activities such as plant sales and food sales during the year and hosted several tea parties at Austin House.

The society recently held their 19th show at Umana Yana in March.

It was a huge success, but the members would like to see an increase in attendance.

Upcoming events are a food sale on 18 July, a mini-horticultural show in October (date to be announced), and a plant sale.

For more information, call Allison on 2257754.

FEATURE

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WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Bright Horizons Family Home

Providing a home for vulnerable children

Recycled… …duffer leaders eaders are a big thing in any organisation. But they loom immensely larger in the PNC. After all there wouldn’t even BE a PNC if Burnham hadn’t thrown a tantrum, stamped his feet and insisted that with him it was “leader or nothing” in the PPP. When the answer came back loud and clear (“Nothing!!!”), he stormed out and formed the PNC with folks like Sydney King (later transformed into Eusi Kwayana – “Black man from Guyana”) and John Carter from the League of Coloured Peoples.

Most revealingly, his successor Desmond Hoyte’s slogan was “follow de leader”. As a faceless, non“threatening” nonentity, known only for his slavish loyalty, Burnham picked him to be Prime Minister!

Burnham was one leader who made sure there were no little oaks growing in his shadow! King and Carter, for instance, were soon in the wilderness.

Hoyte also “bigged up” himself by banishing all rivals – who in some cases were bigger than him. Hamilton Green, claiming he was Burnham’s cousin, to buttress his leadership pretentions, was unceremoniously given the bum’s rush. Viola Burnham was simply allowed to slide into oblivion.

And David Granger was bypassed for Joe Singh as head of the Army. Singh, like Winston Murray, had nowhere to go in the PNC – and wasn’t a threat.

Granger, as head of the Army, could’ve staged a coup.

But there was another reason why Hoyte dissed Granger: he knew Granger was an ultra authoritarian Burnhamite. Like his leader, he felt society had to be “disciplined” through militarisation – for their own good. With Granger, it would’ve been “North Korea in South America” – complete with mass games and starvation.

Corbin, the sleazy operator whom Hoyte couldn’t stand, proved his worth by executing the rigging in 1985, but wasn’t seen as leader material. Not presenting a threat to Hoyte, he was naturally chosen as Hoyte’s wingman. After his rape accusations hiccup, he was reinstated and succeeded Hoyte, much to the consternation of the prim and proper ladies of the PNC. With his “thug” reputation, he was supposed to “manners” the PPP – but just couldn’t pull it off. The PPP had checkmated the “kith and kin” call. And we arrive at David Granger, who was brought back into the running because Corbin couldn’t control the natives – neither in the streets nor in the back rooms. Corbin figured since Granger had no links with grassroots PNCites – unlike the diminutive but ambitious Greenidge – he’d be more “controllable”.

But hitting 71 for the 2016 elections, some feel Granger’s passed his expiration date. Ralph Ramkarran, his contemporary and presidential aspirant, thinks otherwise. Do we have a budding Trotman and Ramjattan here? …gold “Where’s the gold?” the headline blared, after declarations plunged by 20 per cent. “Not with us,” said the miners in injured tones. How dare the Government accuse them of “hoarding”? Which self-respecting miner would hoard his gold because the price of the precious metal has taken a dive?

Miners aren’t businessmen, are they? What do they know – or care – about making a profit if they held on to their own gold? Take the loss and declare now!!

Even more snidely, some accused miners of carting off their gold production to Suriname and declaring it over there. What stuff and nonsense!

Just because Suriname charges one per cent royalty as opposed to Guyana whopping seven per cent?

What depraved minds would think miners would cross the Corentyne River just to make hundreds of millions in profits!!

It’s so unfair. People seem to think money makes the world go around. They don’t realise how patriotic our miners are!

L

T

he Bright Horizons Family Home, a non-profit organisation, provides support and loving care for children who were abandoned or abused by their parents.

The home, located in Kuru Kururu, provides a shelter for children of all ages. Children depend on the Family Home for clothing, food, shelter, medical care, and education.

Until recently, the Family Home was operated by Joseph and his wife, Doreen Livan.

Doreen sadly passed away in December 2012, but Joseph continues the work of taking care of the children. Joseph is the head of a six-person board responsible for the Family Home.

Children from the Family Home are educated at various schools, but this was not always the case. In the past, before they received the help and funding, they were receiving the most minimal amount of edu-

Some of the children with loving supporters of the home

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Sharon, who was taken into the home as a child, said she is very grateful to the Livans for providing a home for her.

Consequently, an adult now, she continues to live at the home where she volunteers her time to the children there.

also bring them up in the way of a Christian and teach them responsibility. I’m very grateful to the Livans for taking me into their loving home.

That’s why I decided to stay here to offer my service because this is the only home I know and so I will continue to be here,” Sharon explained.

This building houses the girls cation. Depending on the school, they have specific uniforms they must wear and is an additional cost. Also, transportation to school is by bus or taxi, which exploited the children by overcharging them. Succeeding in raising money, the Family Home bought a bus. It is used to ferry the children to school, into town, to medical appointments, and provides fair and low-cost transportation to village children to help pay for gas and maintain the bus.

“Joseph and the late Doreen Livan were always fond of children and providing for them.

The home was established in 1997. We now have eight girls and nine boys from five years, who came into the home as babies, to teenagers.

They are from different backgrounds. Some were on the streets, abandoned and abused.

At the home, we show them love and provide the best we can. They all attend school in Kuru Kururu: nursery, primary and secondary. We

Joseph Livan, one of the founders and who is lovingly called “daddy” by the children, mentioned that his wife was an ardent churchgoer and loved children.

Opening a home for children was her lifelong dream.

“She was a strong Christian.

I wasn’t.

However, I later became a Christian. My wife was a Sunday school teacher and the children loved to be with her. When our church called us into fulltime service, we were placed in Haruni and

were given a children’s home to run. I guess it was our calling due to our love for children, regardless of their race.

We didn’t have children of our own so being among them brought happiness to our lives.

One day we were coming from a meeting and my wife told me she had a vision to open a children’s home in Kuru Kururu and this we did. Many of our children who came to us as babies are now adults. These have migrated and gone on to great things,” Joseph recalled.

For those who have attained the age of 18 and do not have anywhere to go, Joseph mentioned he has extra land where the home is located for them to remain there to build and farm. Some have done so already and are very grateful for the love and provisions given to them by the Family Home.

The home is currently funded by Food for the Poor and US donor, Frank Ashe. The Family Home, according to Sharon, welcomes support from kind-hearted individuals in areas such as monetary donations, school and medical supplies.

For more information, visit Bright Horizons Family Home Non-Profit Organization for Abandoned Children on Facebook or email: flashe@comcast.net

The boys' residence, which is opposite to the girls'

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Feature

WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

By Matt Hallet

Knowledge and respect

D

uring the rainy season, the Rupununi is a haven for our slithering friends, snakes. When one thinks of a snake, the only thing that may come to mind is venom. Poison that will leave you incapacitated. However, not all snakes are poisonous.

Imagine yourself in the Rupununi during rainy season.

You want to travel to a nearby village to see a friend, so naturally you need to go by boat. As you navigate the flooded forest along the way, you manoeuvre around and between the large trunks of trees that stretch high into the canopy. For an instant, you lose yourself in the thought that only two months earlier you had hiked over the roots of the trees in this very area. But now, the rains have come and where you once hiked is now covered by more than 20 feet of water, so you must travel by boat.

You are suddenly brought back to reality by a low hanging branch that you must duck your head underneath. As you lower your head towards your knees, you spot something moving slowly away from you along the branch. The dark bands running along its back contrast with its gray coloration. A beam of light breaks

S

Leptodeira annulata - cat-eyed snake caught in Yupukari public library and released back into the bush

through the trees and you recognize the shine of its iridescent scales.

They are everywhere

Next, take yourself right to Yupukari village in the Rupununi. It is early in the morning, but you arise from your night’s slumber feeling the urge to exercise your mind.

You decide to make your way to the village library to borrow a book. Wondering what adventure awaits your imagination, you make your way past the football fields, the village well and the school, but when

Police interview

atiricus is a “Law and Order” buff. He’d looked at all the old reruns any number of times and never got bored. He could mouth the dialogue as well as the actors on the show. “Gosh!” he exclaimed, “I so wish we could get our cops to interrogate suspects like these guys!

The case is always cracked within the hour.”

Here in Guyana, he knew, cases either were dismissed for lack of prosecution or evidence or witnesses failing to show up, or because of hung juries or a hundred other reasons.

But no sooner had he made his wish, that he read that some 35 cops had been trained in the “FBI method” of interrogation. And Satiricus was ecstatic. “Why!” he shouted excitedly to the fellas at the back street bar, “Our fellas will be even better than the Law and Order pairs.”

“Wha de arse yuh mean, Sato?” snapped Cappo. He wasn’t too excited about cops. He had to buy a fry rice every day this week for the cops at the roadblock in front of the local police station. His taillight was broken and he just didn’t get the time to fix it.

He didn’t even wait for the “Lef we something, na?” from the rotund, grinning corporal” which was the latter’s standard interrogating technique. He just passed over the Gy$700 quietly as he fumed.

“Budday!!!” shouted Sat “Them “Law and Order” cops get regular police training. We cops now get FBI training! Is different!”

“How different?” asked Hari, as he took a swig of his Banks.

“Listen chap. Is not brute force and ignorance with the FBI,” Satiricus intoned. “Is asking you questions after they do a psychological profile.

They crack you like a nut. A peanut. In two minutes.”

“Like you looking at too many “Criminal Intent, Sato,” Suresh piped up. “So whea we gon get people to do psychological profile?”

“Well them obeah men know more psychology than any of them fellas from Quantico, the FBI headquarters. Remember how Cappo handed over all he money to one of them?”

Georgie asked as everyone grinned at the squirming Cappo. “Within a minute the obeah man know Cappo was greedy! We could hire him as consultant.”

“That’s a relief,” said Teacher Samad. “At least our cops wouldn’t be using methylated spirits as an interrogation tool any more.”

“Yeah…when the FBI and the Americans butt up with rough nuts that wouldn’t crack, they don’t use methylated spirits to burn genitals and all that,” smirked Suresh. “They strip you, humiliate you and use water boarding.”

“Yup! You sing like a canary in seconds,” noted Satiricus. “Isn’t interviewing great?”

you arrive at the library you see that it is still dark inside.

The morning sun has not yet realized its full potential, and clouds are keeping the sky a shade of grey. But when you poke your head inside, you realize that the library is not silent, as you immediately see village librarians moving about and preparing for another busy day. You decide on fiction, so you make your way straight to that section. You reach for a book that catches your interest, but as you pull the book off the shelf, something else catches your eye. At first it seems that a cord or rope has been left at the back of the shelf, as it is coiled neatly in a circle with the end folded up over the top.

As you move in closer to investigate, you see the red flash of a flickering forked tongue.

You decide to walk with a group of your friends from the village up to a nearby bush island. These areas are a wooded oasis in what is otherwise the sea of grass that comprises the savannas. You know that this habitat provides cover for a wide variety of species and you have come with bow and arrow in search of game. As you enter the forest, the darkness of the understory provides a stark contrast to the bright sun of the savannah, and you squint briefly while your eyes adjust.

You let your mind wander considering what you might come across – maybe Paca (laba) or Armadillo (kaigon). You think that either would make for a good day’s hunt.

You keep your eyes trained low to the ground and move slowly and quietly side by side with your friends, when you hear movement in the leaves litter nearby. You stop and fix your eyes on the spot where you heard the sound. As you listen closely, you notice that this sound is not the intermittent snap and crack of footsteps, but rather the continuous sound of something moving back and forth while maintaining contact with the ground. You spot some movement within the leaves and you move closer for a better look. You stop in your tracks when you see a slender head poke up from the leaves and you make contact with circular unblinking eyes.

Of course, the stories described above revolve around common encounters with snakes. The common thread in all these stories is that they deal with species of snake that are harmless to people (Amazon tree boa, cat-eyed snake, brown racer) and that in the end, the snakes in question were simply either avoided all together or were caught and released into the bush.

Every species of snake is different and should be treated as such, but many have beautiful colouration, exhibit amazing behaviour and have interesting natural histories.

The key to a safe interaction with a snake is always knowledge and respect. Snakes certainly do have a reputation of catching us off-guard, and it is probably this type of encounter that frequently leads to poor outcomes for the snakes. But it is also this attribute that has made snakes so successful. It is the ability to hide and patiently wait for prey along a frequented path that has allowed an animal with no legs to colonize nearly every kind of habitat on the planet. It is this remarkable ability to not only survive, but thrive without limbs that should earn snakes our respect. This is not to mention the fact that the majority of most snakes’ diets are made up of rodents, a group of animals that is responsible for more damage to food crops worldwide than any other. Snakes actually provide us with a critical service in terms of our own food security by keeping rodent populations in check - something that we should keep in mind when we come across them.

Understanding snakes

Stories of encounters with snakes have been told and retold so many times that they almost seem the same and that the ending is almost inevitable. We have gotten to the point where a fear of snakes seems to be an accepted norm and that the correct course of action should be to kill them on sight. But does this have to be the way? Should it be?

At the end of the day it comes down to whether you are

willing to write your own story the next time you encounter a snake; or will you go down the path that most have travelled?

Yes, there are species of snake out there that can be dangerous to people, but there are far more species that are not. And yes, a snake could bite you, but you are much more likely to be bitten by your family dog, or even by a family member, than you are to be bitten by a snake.

Juvenile Corallus hortulanus - amazon tree boa (red colour phase) captured along the Rupununi river and released after an encounter with guests

You may encounter a snake on the road, along a path, in your school or even in your home. So how will your story end? Will you appreciate a creature that has survived on this planet for millions of years from a safe distance and then go on your way? Will you ask questions and seek out answers about the snakes in your area so that the next time you come across one you immediately know how to react? With the benefit that snakes provide in terms of our own food security, this is the type of knowledge that we can all benefit from.

Check out Rupununi Learners on Facebook for exciting updates on amazing creatures found right here in Guyana.

Corallus hortulanus - amazon tree boa (grey colour pahse) in a tree along Awarikuru lake

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Simply the Truth

Contingent… …spending he Opposition has their drawers in a knot because the Finance Minister submitted what he spent to keep the Government and its programmes going – after their budget chops. They claim that Minister Singh shouldn’t be spending from the “Contingency Fund”. What a crock!!! The Constitution (Art 221) declares most clearly that the Finance Minister “can make advances from that Fund if he is satisfied there is an urgent need of expenditure for which no other provision exists”.

Well, the Minister was jolly well “satisfied” that there was an “urgent need” for the expenditures he authorised.

In fact, it was the actions of the Opposition in chopping the Budget back in March that made the spending necessary and urgent. Why the heck would the Minister have placed the items on the Budget if he didn’t think they were necessary? While at the time of the preparation of the Budget, the spending mightn’t have been “urgent”… well, the year has already reached the halfway point.

There’s a whole lot of projected spending from the Budget that’ve now become full-blown emergencies.

And if the Opposition don’t hurry up…they’ll be more!

One fella who failed at the Auditor General’s job – and only leveraged it to get a cushy overseas posting – claimed that, in addition to the aforementioned Constitutional stipulation (in typical slipshod manner he referred to Article 220 rather that the correct one – Article 221), the enabling FMA Act provides further clarifications: “Section 41(3) states that the Minister may approve of an advance from the Contingency Fund if he is satisfied that an urgent, unavoidable and unforeseen need for expenditure has arisen for which: (a) No moneys or insufficient moneys have been approved

by Parliament; (b) It is not possible to reallocate funds from the approved budget to meet the expenditure and; (c) The expenditure cannot be postponed without injury to the public interest.”

Well duh!!! What’s his goddam point? The slacker quoted HIMSELF to declare that the “Contingency Fund cannot be used to meet routine expenditures”.

He seems to feel that only floods, famine and pestilence are not “routine”. Well, let’s educate him: if the spending wasn’t done, then floods, famine and pestilences were nigh upon us!

What the dullard (un)scrupulously avoids is that the Judiciary – the arbiter of the Constitution – already declared the chops by the Opposition illegal. And like they did the last time (we’ve precedence, even), the Opposition would be wise to make amends and pass the supplementaries. …mercenaries The Donkey Cart Economist and his trusty sidekick, Flower Boy are it again. Having jumped from one (political) limb to another, the mercenaries finally ended up at the end of the line – APNU. You can’t sink lower than that, can you? Especially when the price of admission demands they recant every position they espoused while on other limbs.

Such as now nominating Desmond Hoyte for beatification after they’d denounced the Silver Fox for inciting ethnic riots in Georgetown. And for persuading the PPP/C never to trust the PNC, when he had two years cut from their term – after a supposed “Accord”.

Anyhow the soldiers of fortune are now bent in rehabilitating Hamilton Green. They claim the PPP/C used Hamilton Green to “further a race based narrative about incompetence and corruption”. Two problems with this outlandish assertion; First Hamilton Green’s prior record of “incompetence and corruption” in various ministries and as PM in the PNC Government needs no embellishment from the PPP/C. Secondly, it was the PPP/C that believed the PNC and Green could be trusted to hand over the Mayoralty when their turn came. They were the ones betrayed. …supplies Looks like the Stabber and Muckraker refuse to accept you can’t have every fly-by-nighter schlepping pharmaceuticals into Guyana in shopping bags. No need for demanding financially sound suppliers!

We doubt even the reports of fake malaria drugs will convince them otherwise.

T

A

The difference

rne Duncan is the Secretary of Education in the US. In Guyanese terms, he would be called the Minister of Education.

Secretary Duncan came out and said that the education system in the USA is broken, and steps must be taken to fix it. This is an important admission, and it is the first step to corrective action.

This is not unique by any means. Some of us who were university teachers in Canada and the USA have been saying this since the 1980s. However, we were either concerned with our own disciplines or our criticism was restricted to small tertiary education circles.

People like me narrowed our comments to the poor written and oral English in Canada and in the US. In fact, on the walls of my office at St Thomas University, I put up a huge cardboard sign with the following written on it: Never use the word “like” unless it can be replaced by “dislike” or “unlike”.

Many of our university students would write things such as “I should of” instead of “I should have” and “I could have went” instead of “I could have gone”.

But Canada and the USA are not like Guyana. These backward places have many universities.

Guyana knows better. We have one university, and the way things are going there will only have one broken place.

In developed countries, the voices of university professors are drowned out by many other voices, many of them more important voices. To have change, the politicians needed to get involved. We all knew that we could only do so much within our respective universities, but there was need for big policy moves to remedy educational ailments.

To have policy changes, there must be the realisation that changes need to be made: what is wrong, why is it wrong, how do we fix things, who should be charged to fix them and how long would it take. It all begins with an honest assessment. The Secretary of

Professor Daizal Samad

Education is honest. He actually cares.

In Guyana, we hardly find such honesty in our politicians. Honest assessment only comes from people that care deeply enough to examine issues deeply with a view of the general good of people. This is why you never hear that the education system in Guyana is broken.

Instead, we proudly hide behind the simplicity of percentages.

We don’t care enough to look closely at what is going on in each and every classroom. We do not confess that we simply teach to maximize pass-rate percentages.

In Guyana, we never hear that the whole electricity situation is a disaster. Regions Five and Six on the coast seem to be singled out for “special” GPL treatment. Every now and then, some private citizen, like myself, raises a voice.

Nothing happens. This week alone, Region Five has been struck by blackouts every single day, multiple times per day, for many hours at a time. The night before the Grade 2 National assessment examination, the blackout lasted eight hours.

There could be no last-minute revision – we know, of course, that these last- minute revisions are more for psychological comfort rather than for substantial retention. So no comfort, since there

is no power. Not one single politician has opened his or her maw and said: “This is downright unacceptable because it affects so many people so very badly!” Not one! So there will be no change.

It would almost lead us to believe that people must block bridges and burn things in order that they be heard. This would be a terrible thing indeed. Or it could leave the people of Region Five and Region Six to think that they are condemned to being forgotten and in the dark.

Maybe the only honesty in this regard in Guyana is the state of GuySuCO. We know it is broken only because we can weigh sugar. We know we are getting five pounds when we should get 15 pounds. Or we know that 100 workers should be in the fields, but there are only 10.

Again, truth reduced to simplified subtraction. We have not yet started to see why these things are so and seem clueless as to how to remedy the ailments. And the people on top of these corporations seem stricken by a kind of intellectual paralysis.

As we said before, it is grossly unfair to compare a little nation like Guyana to giants like the USA, but the attitudes of people are always comparable. Our attitudes in Guyana leave much to be desired.

legal corner

Putting off bankruptcy to lower income

By Richard Kistnen, Esq.

S

ometimes a client’s situation is such that there is little time to wait before filing a bankruptcy case. Such cases may include when a house is about to be sold at a foreclosure auction, when a bank account will be imminently frozen, or when a car is about to be repossessed. In many other cases, however, while a debtor may be concerned about what could happen, there isn’t quite a need to rush. In these cases, the debtor (and counsel, if one is retained) can engage in bankruptcy planning.

An issue that anyone looking to file bankruptcy faces is income of the household. The bankruptcy petition and schedules looks at income in two ways: it looks at a snapshot of your income on the date of filing, and it looks at your income in the six months prior to filing. The snapshot is used to determine how much money may exist, if any, after accounting for necessary household expenses. If there is a substantial amount of income left after accounting for expenses, a trustee may recommend conversion to a chapter 13 case. The six month lookback calculation aims to ensure that those debtors

with substantial household incomes are not “abusing” the bankruptcy process. If the annualized six month income is greater than federal standards for the debtor’s household size, the bankruptcy filing is presumed to be an abuse, and may be dismissed.

One approach that may be taken in bankruptcy planning is delaying filing, especially for a debtor who may be off for the summer. For instance, many people who work in industries that involve school (bus drivers and matrons, crossing guards) or child care (after-school supervision) may not be receiving income for the summer months. This would bring down their current income to zero, and, at the end of the summer months, have two months where income was zero. This kind of planning would be crucial for debtors looking to file when income is high enough to cause abuse problems.

As always, if bankruptcy is something you may be thinking about, it is best to speak to a lawyer about it in advance as far as possible. The more time that you can plan, the more you can maximize the estate that gets created when you do file. If you would like to speak to a lawyer, contact the Law Office of Richard Kistnen, (718) 738-2324, www. kistnenlaw.com.

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WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

This week's Crossword

J k es

Taking care of mom

Three sons left home, went out on their own and prospered. Getting back together, they discussed the gifts they were able to give their elderly Mother.

The first said, “I built a big house for our Mother.” The second said, “I sent her a Mercedes with a driver.” The third smiled and said, “I’ve got you both beat. You remember how Mom enjoyed reading the Bible? And you know she can’t see very well any more. I sent her a remarkable parrot that recites the entire Bible. It took Elders in the church 12 years to teach him. He’s one of a kind. Mama just has to name the chapter and verse, and the parrot recites it.”

Soon thereafter, Mom sent out her letters of thanks: “Milton,” she wrote one son, “the house you built is so huge. I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house.”

“Gerald,” she wrote to another, “I am too old to travel any more. My eyesight isn’t what it used to be. I stay most of the time at home, so I rarely use the Mercedes. And the driver is so rude!”

“Dearest Donald,” she wrote to her third son, “you have the good sense to know what your Mother likes. The chicken was delicious!”

Vacation De Incognito

This week's Puzzle

Two priests decided to go on a Hawaiian vacation and they were determined to make this one a real vacation by not wearing anything that would identify them as clergy. As soon as the plane landed they headed for a store and bought some really outrageous shorts, shirts, sandals, sunglasses, etc.

The next morning they went to the beach dressed in their “tourist” garb. They were sitting on beach chairs, enjoying a drink, the sunshine and the scenery when a “drop dead gorgeous” blonde in a topless bikini came walking straight towards them. They couldn’t help but stare.

As the blonde passed them she smiled and said “Good Morning, Father – Good Morning, Father,” nodding and addressing each of them individually, then she passed on by. They were both stunned. How in the world did she know they were priests?

So the next day, they went back to the store and bought even more outrageous outfits. These were so loud you could hear them before you even saw them! Once again, in their new attire, they settled down in their chairs to enjoy the sunshine.

After a little while, the same gorgeous blonde, wearing a different coloured topless bikini, taking her sweet time, came walking toward them.

Again she nodded at each of them, said “Good morning, Father – Good morning, Father,” and started to walk away.

One of the priests couldn’t stand it any longer and said, “Just a minute, young lady.” “Yes, Father?” “We are priests and proud of it, but I have to know, how in the world do you know we are priests, dressed as we are?”

She replied, “Father, it’s me, Sister Kathleen.”

Q: What’s the longest sentence known to man?

A: I Do. I got in a fight with my wife last night… and it was totally my fault. She asked me what was on the TV and I said… dust. Didn’t go so well after that.

A popular airline recently introduced a special half rate fare for wives who accompanied their husbands on business trips. Expecting great feedback, the company sent out letters to all the wives of businessmen who had used the special rates, asking how they enjoyed their trip. Letters are still pouring in asking, "What trip?"

see solution on page 46

A woman was trying hard to get the ketchup to come out of the bottle. During her struggle the phone rang so she asked her four-year-old daughter to answer the phone. "It's the minister, Mommy," the child said to her mother. Then she added, "Mommy can't come to the phone right now. She's hitting the bottle."

Feature

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WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Part 1

D

r Julie Doobay, of Guyanese heritage, is a wellness-focused chiropractor whose personal journey is a unique and powerful story about learning to trust in the restorative capacity of the human body and in the power of focus and determination to overcome incredible odds.

In 2004, while on the path to her dream of becoming a chiropractor, during her last year of chiropractic college, a debilitating brain infection left Doobay in a hospital bed, a quadriplegic, on a respirator and eating from a feeding tube. Her aspirations to be a chiropractor were cut short and all her attention was focused on

survival and recovery.

Doctors told her family that she likely would not live, but she defied their prognosis. She was told she would never walk again.

It took five long years of intensive therapy, pain, frustration and effort, but once again, she proved them wrong as her capacity and mobility went from being bedridden, to a wheelchair, to a walker, to a cane, to independent walking.

She was advised that she should give up on her dream to be a chiropractor, but in 2009, after five years of absence from school, she returned to Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College to complete her degree. In June 2010, she graduated as a Doctor of Chiropractic.

TRINIDAD: Snipers kill two in Port-of-Spain

P

A woman and teenager were killed

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Petrina Salandy, 39, was walking home holding her five-month-old baby, Kayla, in her arms with three of her other children in tow when snipers hidden in the nearby hills opened fire in Portof-Spain Sunday.

It was around noon and Salandy was returning from the grocery.

Salandy, with baby Kayla still in her arms, pushed her three other children—Lorenzo, 13, Raheem, 11, and Jaydon, four—to safety.

As Salandy held Kayla between two buildings to protect her from harm, she (Salandy) was shot.

Both Salandy and Kayla fell to the roadway.

Salandy died on the spot.

Also killed as a result of the shooting was 16-year-old Rohan Riez.

The incident took place along St Paul Street in Port-of-Spain, a day after residents of East Port-of-Spain and

police officers faced off.

Because of this clash officers of the nearby Besson Street Police Station are said not to have responded to the shooting.

Instead residents stepped up to the plate.

Salandy and Riez were taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital.

Both were pronounced dead on arrival.

Lorenzo, Raheem and Jaydon were taken to safety at the police station.

Kayla’s father Kurt Fields went to the hospital where he was told of his wife’s death. He returned to the St Paul Street area where he retrieved Kayla and organised for her to be sent to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) in Mt Hope.

Fields, 38, is not new to crime and violence in the country as he was a victim of a shooting last July.

He was shot in his left arm. (Excerpted from TT Express)

For five years, doctors, nurses, specialists and others told her what she could not do, but Doobay chose to believe in, and act upon, the strength and power of an inner voice that said, “That is not okay with me!” Her sheer desire to live what she envisioned as a meaningful life enabled her to overcome limitations, both physical and emotional, that would have defeated most people.

Upon graduation in 2010, Doobay chose to specialise in Network Spinal Analysis chiropractic care and to focus on helping others to achieve a greater sense of well-being and

to realise they can be so much more than what they believe is possible.

In just a few short years of working with patients at BodyMind Wellness Studio in Canada, which offers innovative educational programmes to provide insight and guidance to patients and practice members in their journey of self-discovery, self-awareness and self-empowerment, Doobay purchased the practice and now brings her unique passion, perspective and vision to the studio.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Doobay said her father was born in Guyana and her moth-

Dr Julie Doobay in a wheelchair er in India. Doobay’s parents met in Ottawa, Canada – where she was born and raised. On her first birthday, Doobay was brought to Guyana to meet her grandparents but have not returned since.

“At the time of the infection it was diagnosed as a brain infection Acute Disseminating Encephalomyelitis.

Eight years later, it was confirmed that I had Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. (To be continued next week)

38

feature

WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

'It feels good to represent Trinidad and Tobago' - Anslem Douglas, winner of Black Canadian Award

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Singer, songwriter and performing artiste Anslem Douglas is still celebrating his recent win of the Black Canadian Award for Best Caribbean Style Artiste just over a week ago.

Douglas, songwriter of the internationallyacclaimed and Grammy Award-winning hit “Who Let The Dogs Out?” beat out five other nominees— Ammoye, Jahsmin Daley, Shalli, Soca Emperor and Ms Paige—to win the award.

The Black Canadian Awards 2014 ceremony that took place in front of a packed crowd at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto, Canada on June 7, once again celebrated and showcased the achievements of Black Canadian artistes, trailblazers and leaders within the Canadian community.

It was reportedly not just a music awards show, since the programme included many honorees from all walks of life in the Black community in Canada, in-

Anslem Douglas (TT Newsday photo)

cluding fashion and business.

Douglas, who had been living in Canada for decades before recently returning to his homeland to live, told TT media that he was unaware when he was announced as the winner.

“I was back stage waiting to be called on to perform, so I was out of suit and into jeans to get on stage. The monitor back stage was a bit soft and with all the chatting and laughter going on, I never heard when my name was called.

Apparently my name was called several times until someone said you’re

on, so I was about to run on stage when I heard ‘You won an award’,” he related.

He added: “I went on stage, and my acceptance speech was very simple. I gave God thanks for the gift of music, I thanked my team who has been working with me behind the scene tirelessly. I also thanked the promoters of the show and last but not least, my fans who voted for me on my facebook page and website.”

On winning the award itself Douglas, who turns 50 next month said, “I felt like I had broken a barrier, like I had once again taken my ca-

reer and soca music to another level.”

Douglas will most be remembered for his massive internationally-acclaimed hit “Who Let The Dogs Out” that went on to win a Grammy Award in 2000, after being popularised by The Baha Men, though it was composed back in 1998.

Having been asked to close the show Douglas said, “Well I had to do my international signature song “Who Let The Dogs Out” regardless of what (songs) I may have new, and I have to sing “When Ah Dead Bury Meh Clothes”, so I guess I have two signature songs. They were well received by the audience.

It felt good representing Trinidad and Tobago and soca music on an international stage.”

Now that winning the award has sunk in, Douglas says, “I know to whom much is given much is required, so it’s all about working harder at my craft to continue to give good music to the world. After all it’s the world we are making music for.” (TT Newsday)

Text books does get Kiss Man excited

I

t got some people in life who gotta bad habit of tekkin people ting and don’t ever wanna give back. And it does all be in de name of borrowin or lendin. People does lend some ting to some body who wanna borrow that ting and de lender does end up havin to borrow back dem own ting.

Now and then people does even wanna borrow people from other people. Usually dem people belong to other people. A man from Sandpit had wanna borrow a woman from another man. And when de man didn’t lend, he get violent fuh de man own woman. Now he gon end up in a different pit whah got nuff sand mix wid cement.

A long time now de Kiss Man borrow textbook from a library and till now de library can’t see back that book nor de Kiss Man. De Kiss Man done book that down as he own book. Then he book a flight and was outta sight outta mind fuh de library.

Now yuh coulda understand when he do that in a big country, because dem can buy back whah ever people like de Kiss Man borrow and don’t return. But to come back like de Kiss Man and do it again in yuh home country is another ting, especially when yuh wukkin at de very place whah yuh borrowin from, only to never return.

One of dem people at U-Gee seh de Kiss Man ain’t vex because he lose he wuk. He vex because he can’t borrow any ting from de library any more. De Kiss Man does also wanna borrow suit from people store and borrow pizza from people restaurant.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Well, if big people behave like that, then de young ones dem gon do de same. No wonder dem students don’t wanna return de Guvament textbook to school. Is de Kiss Man dutty behaviour mek dem behavin so. After all, textbook does get de Kiss Man excited!

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WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Star of the week

Lisa Calistro Lisa Calistro is focused on becoming one of Guyana’s most prolific makeup artists. She is a young and creative individual whose artistry is evolving. She has been the ‘image-setter’ for the past seven years and has worked with countless local celebrities, from top models to the most famous and glamorous singers. Her artistic quality in makeup is amazing and her aim is to enhance beauty through her art. Lisa’s plan is to become a certified professional in makeup artistry at a recognised institution abroad. She hopes to one day open a fashion shop exclusively for ladies.

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Fashion

WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

O

n Saturday last, nestled in the Oasis at Pegasus Hotel, Guyanese fashion icon Sonia Noel and her team of associates executed another great event to bring awareness and raise funds for the Sickle Cell Association of Guyana.

Hours before a number of designers showcased their masterpieces, an awareness walk was held which started at 06:00h and proceeded along several streets throughout Georgetown.

Then, at the actual fashion show, the audience was addressed by Nurse Bond, an executive member of the Sickle Cell Association of Guyana,

A section of the audience

who shared the importance of building awareness about the disease.

He expressed his grati-

tude to Noel for her outstanding contributions thus far.

The show got under-

way with a collection from Andy Cummings, winner of Designer Portfolio, which was

hugely appreciated by the audience.

runway.

Any Guyanese knows how terribly difficult it can be to gain the approval of an audience, and, as such, the positive response was very encouraging not only to the first-time designers but the seasoned ones as well.

There was also a Dutch auction chaired by prominent attorney Nigel Hughes who managed to squeeze quite a few cents out of the audience in support of people with sickle cell, more than Gy$20,000.

The evening also saw several performances by up and coming singers Designer Meleesa Payne displaying one of her own creations at the Pegasus Hotel on Saturday evening

The collections of Deborah Mathias, Channey Wong, Hashim Alli and Melicia Pertab, Meleesa Payne, Neilson Nurse as well as the men’s and women’s collections by Sonia Noel followed.

The models wore the outfits well and were constantly applauded by the audience as one breathtaking piece after another came down the A model showcasing one of the outfits

Joanne Ford and Travis Bowen, who wowed the crowd with his moves and serenaded on bended knee, one lucky guest in the front row.

At the event, several public figures were in attendance including Human Services and Social Services Minister Jenifer Webster and reigning Miss Guyana Universe Katherina Roshana.

41 U.S. official insists foreign drug cartel murdered Trinidadian attorney P news

WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Special state prosecutor Dana Seetahal was murdered by a transnational drug organisation with operations in Trinidad and Tobago, says the United States Assistant Secretary of State William Brownfield.

Speaking from Washington, DC, in a teleconference with Caribbean journalists Tuesday, Brownfield said: “Those in Trinidad would know that I visited your country two months ago and two days after I left there was the brutal murder of Ms Dana Seetahal. She was murdered by a trans-national drug organisation.”

Asked to elaborate on the suggestion, Brownfield, who has responsibility for international narcotics and law enforcement affairs, said: “I stand by everything I have said. This was clearly not a crime of passion.

It was not a crime of opportunity where someone felt they should steal her handbag and then found they had to shoot her. This was a well planned and orchestrated hit. This is not something you plan easily.

It is organised crime with

The late state prosecutor Dana Seetahal (TT Guardian file photo)

an international player that has a crime organisation with presence in TT.” On May 4, Seetahal was shot dead just outside the Woodbrook Youth Facility on Hamilton Holder Street as she was on her way to her apartment at One Woodbrook Place after leaving the Ma Pau casino on Ariapita Avenue, Port-of-Spain.

Residents reported hearing a volley of gunshots followed by screeching tyres.

By the time they contacted police and ran outside to check, they found Seetahal slumped over the steer-

ing wheel of her light blue Volkswagen Touareg. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams has publicly said the police knew how and why Seetahal was killed but thus far, 53 days after her killing, no one has been charged with her murder.

Tuesday, Brownfield said Seetahal’s murder could not be seen as “just another statistic,” explaining that Seetahal had partnered with the U.S. government on several issues,

had been the beneficiary of a Fulbright scholarship from the U.S. government, and was, in his words, “a star, a woman of tremendous courage.”

Pointing out that there was a correlation between the increase of drugs flow-

ing through the region and the crime and violence on the regional streets, including those of TT, Brownfield said the increased use of the Caribbean as a transshipment point for drugs had led to the increase in murders.

He noted that the U.S. government was partnering with Caricom governments to help deal with the crime challenge, including the challenge of guns coming into the region from the U.S. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

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Arts & culture

WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

US-based Guyanese artist Harold A Bascom

U

S - b a s e d Guyanese artist Harold A Bascom, also a novelist and three-time Guyana Prize winning playwright, uses his art to communicate his perspectives on issues relating to humanity to the wider world, and to showcase his rich Guyanese culture.

The artist was born in Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo. He later migrated to the US where he used his new environment as an inspiration to broaden his art series. He moved to Georgia from New Jersey in 2010. That is when he began setting up a studio in an effort to rekindle his artistic career. In 2011, he completed his “Brownstone Series” and began work on his “Petrified Birds”, which he completed in 2012, and is now working on his “New-Earth Incubation (Earth Egg paintings)”.

Bascom has a burning desire within to express deeply-felt point of

to utilize mixed painting tools: traditional brushes, painting knives, and sometimes stiff-bristled hand brushes with which he would spatter diluted pigment through hand-cut templates.

The figurative artist is passionate about the overall shape-design of every piece of his art: shape against other shape must be just right; and even after he would have thought a painting finished, it will only truly be so after he would have made continual minor tweaks here and there to the overall design.

Art series

Guyanese artist Harold A Bascom

views. It continues to be his creative trigger. The consideration of style, technique, and the overall design serves that need. He is, at core, a figurative artist who believes that art without people or subjects with humanlike personifica-

tion is art that is wanting.

He loves to trek the unbeaten path when it comes to technique. He craves mixed elements and would not hesitate to consider elements pasted into compositions.

The artist is also happy

“The Petrified Bird” series began with Bascom wanting to say that the effects of modernism on nature is worthy of note – even if only passively. He recalled the day the idea came to him for this series. He was sitting with his sketch book on the deck of his Loganville, Georgia, home in the afternoon. He looked

'Brick wall Slice of Life from a Brownstone PlaceMadonna' from The Brownstone Series

into the distant forested hills where the developers had not yet reached in their carvings of new subdivisions out of forest. Soon after, a Brown Thrasher bird landed on

the rail before him. He felt absorbed by its dilated eyes and put himself in the place of one bird being terrified by that first bulldozer that continued on page 47

Travel & Tourism

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WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Thick fog covers the mountains (Photo by Royaldds on Flickr)

S

and Creek is an Amerindian village located in a stunning setting in the savannahs, in the shadows of the Kanuku Mountains with a large river winding around the community.

It is located in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo region, also known as Region Nine. Sand Creek is only four hours away from Lethem.

Only a few miles from the mountainous Guyana rainforest environment, Sand Creek itself is set within a vast expanse of grassy and sandy savannah. As the name indicates, this village is quite sandy but also very green and lush.

Typical houses in the village (Photo by Royaldds on Flickr)

Crossing the 'rock bridge' to get to Sand Creek

Nearby creek (Photo

by Royaldds on Flickr)

Cattle grazing in the pasture (Photo by Royaldds on Flickr)

44 news

WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

ANTIGUA: Few newcomers in PM ANNOUNCMENT Browne’s ministerial Cabinet

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S

T . J O H N ’ S , ANTIGUA: Prime Minister Gaston Browne has named a 12-member Cabinet in Antigua and Barbuda that includes several familiar faces, a female and a few newcomers.

The ministers took their oaths of office last week at Government House before making their way to the Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG) for a public ceremony.

The swearing-in ceremony, projected on large LED screens, saw Samantha Marshall, a newcomer, assuming the portfolio of Social Transformation and Human Resource Development.

Another newcomer, Michael Browne, had his dreams realised after he was appointed Minister of Education, Science and Technology.

Last Wednesday’s swearing-in also saw a number of returnees including Asot Michael, the minister responsible for Tourism, Economic Development Investment and Energy; Molwyn Joseph is the new minister of Health and the Environment; and Robin Yearwood, minister respon-

The ministers took their oaths of office last week at Government House in Antigua (Antigua Observer photo)

sible for APUA, Utilities and Information—all of whom served under the Lester Bird administration.

Bird, the prime minister between 1994 and 2004, was absent from the ceremony because of ill health, but is to be appointed “senior minister.”

Prime Minister Browne found favour with Eustace “Teco” Lake and entrusted him with Public Works and Housing. The country’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is Charles “Max” Fernandez.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and Barbuda

Affairs went to Arthur Nibbs who entered the Lower House with just one vote over his opponent in the June 12 General Election.

M e a n w h i l e , Melford Nicholas is the Broadcasting, Telecommunications, Information Technology and Information minister, Paul ‘Chet’ Greene has oversight for Trade, Industry and Commerce, National Festivals, Culture and Sports, while Dean Jonas is the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly.

One by one, the ministers took three oaths: al-

legiance, office and secrecy, and promised to serve the people of Antigua and Barbuda “without fear or favour”.

Two weeks ago, Steadroy ‘Cutie’ Benjamin was appointed Attorney General, and minister responsible for Legal Affairs, Labour, Immigration and Police.

After the official ceremony, Prime Minister Browne, who is also minister responsible for Finance, told a large gathering at the ARG that he has recommitted himself to serving, but that the evening was about “saying thank you to everyone.” (Antigua Observer)

he Guyana Consulate and The Guyana Tri-State Alliance, Inc. and The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Guyana to the United Nations extend a special invitation to all Guyanese and friends of Guyana to attend the commemoration of Guyana’s 487h Independence. This year we are celebrating the accomplishments of our youth and young adults.

Our Independence Theme for 2014 is "Leaders in the Making" The Celebration is scheduled for Wednesday, July, 09, 2014 at 5:30 pm under the patronage of The Brooklyn Borough President, The Honorable Eric Adams, and New York City Council member, The Honorable Dr. Mathieu Eugene at Brooklyn Borough, Hall, 209, Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY. There will be a cultural evening and a "Taste of Guyana" reception with “Back Home” food, music and drinks in the rotunda.

The Golden Arrowhead Award of Distinction will be awarded by The Guyana Missions, Consulate and The Guyana Tri-State Alliance, Inc., along with a presentation of a proclamation from the City Council of the City of New York, to the notable Honorees, in recognition of their accomplishments, commitment, and contributions and for being ambassadors at large for Guyana.

45 U.S. Ambassador steps up call for Local Gov’t Elections T news

WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

A solid waste walk out of a solid waste meeting

I

t comin back to that time of de year when GT people gon suffer terrible again. Is more rain and more flood and more of de Mayor-fuh-Life Green Ham. Add that to King Kong who brukkin up every ting and another good fuh-nutten-Green and see what yuh got. Is sheer garbage in de s.ity council and sheer garbage in GT. Is no wonder so many people sellin out dem property and movin out. Every day yuh check de papers is some body sellin out whah dem got in GT and goin some where else. Even some of de business people sellin out lock, stock and barrel. And according to dem, any where else is better than GT. Some of dem promise to come back when GT getta new Mayor. Well, at this rate dem gotta long time to wait. Guvament look like dem friken local guvament elections and de Mayor-fuh-Life ain’t goin any where any time soon…apart from goin to Sober fuh gas money. By now Sober should give he a different kinda gas.

So year in and year out, is de same problem at this time of year fuh de people in GT. De more rain is more tings floatin in de flood. That is why GT gotta big solid waste problem. And de Earth Man and some other Guvament people who not so earthly call a meetin to deal wid de solid waste problem.

Imagine de Mayor-fuh-Life get invite to de meetin to talk bout solid waste. One reporter who attend de meetin thought de meetin was about de Mayor-fuhLife, because he is de biggest solid waste in GT. Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! But then de Mayor-fuh-Life get up and walk out. Well, accordin to de reporter, that was de biggest solid waste ever in GT walkin out of a solid waste meetin. Is no wonder GT can never get rid of solid waste.

he Government of Guyana continues to come under pressure from the International Community and local organisations to set a date for Local Government Elections. The last time the PPP Civic administration called Local Government polls was 20 years ago.

Outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Brent Hardt believes the stage should be set to call the elections as early as possible and there should be no further delays. In an interview with an online news agency, the American envoy was quoted as saying that the elections are about the constitutional rights of Guyanese and not about political decisions.

The Ambassador said “the Government has made statements saying that they have to look at the time when it is going to be politically opportune or they are considering the implications of it, but it’s not a political decision, it is a constitutional right”.

“I think the issue is not whether elections should be called, it’s simply when. And the when should be now”, Hardt said.

He said President Ramotar now has an opportunity to make a historic step forward for Guyana by being the President who restores Local Governance af-

ter 20 years.

The American diplomat said if the PPP was the party that restored Local Governance, then “why not be the party that brought it back after a long hiatus”.

Mr. Hardt noted that all across Guyana, citizens appear concerned about what is happening in their communities

and there appears to be a growing disconnect between citizens and their elected representatives.

He pointed out that the country as a whole and the Government would benefit to have the extra layer of government that would restore the connectedness between people and their government.

46 history History of St. Rose’s High School G WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

uyana in 1847 (then British Guiana), when the first Ursuline nuns arrived in the then colony, was making history.

The first railway on the South American continent was nearing completion in the colony. Only 13 years prior to 1847 had slavery been abolished. Stabroek Market was opened in 1842.

It was to this environment of ongoing development that, in 1847, six Ursuline Religious and two postulants (women who want to join the convent) came to British Guiana, even though their families were, very naturally, alarmed when they heard of this dangerous undertaking to a far-off tropical country, and used every argument to dissuade them. They left the Ursuline Convent in Athlone, Ireland.

The six professed foundresses were Mothers Mary Bernard Perry, Mary de Sales Molony, Mary Magdalen Doyle, Mary Regis O’Brien, superior, Mary Stanislaus Hearne and Mary Alphonsus O’Beirne. The two postulants later would be

number of bicycles being ridden to school. In that same year, students and teachers were no longer required to wear stockings.

In 1953, the boarding school was closed and work began on a new structure to accommodate the numbers of students requiring admission. The following year, the Marian Wing was completed and officially opened on May 4.

In 1967, the new physics and chemistry labs built. Two years later, three additional classrooms were built above the labs.

School's front entrance

known as Sisters Mary St. Rose Tierney and Veronica Gavin. Mary Rose died only five years later in the colony, at the age of 25 and Veronica followed her six years later. These women often used the railway to Rosignol, crossing the Berbice River to New Amsterdam, where the second convent was established in 1897.

On 31 August 1867, the secondary school for girls (St. Rose’s) was opened with four students. Then in 1851, St.

Ann’s Orphanage was established. In 1869, a large three-storey school was built with a dormitory for boarders.

Later, in 1925, another three-storey structure was built as there were now over 500 young ladies enrolled in St. Rose’s. This structure abutted St. Rose’s School and contained a fine auditorium with graded floor and stage designed

by Mother St. Catherine.

It was the largest of its kind in Georgetown for many years. Funds were

the motto "SERVIAM" is a true symbol of Christian education.

It bears a field of stars [the constellation Ursa Minor, in which the Pole Star lies] signifying the eternal heavens.

The Little Bear “Ursus” recalls St. Ursula, patroness of Christian Education and special patroness of Ursuline Schools.

Just as the light from the Little Bear leads up to the brighter light of the Pole Star, so the Ursuline education helps on to the knowledge of truth, symbolised by the Pole Star.

available through loans from Rome, England the generosity of the citizens of British Guiana.

In 1933, all children, regardless of religious persuasion, race or language, were accepted at St. Rose’s. Then in 1935, the first steps to the establishment of a gymnasium began when hooks and ropes suspended from the ceiling, vaulting boxes and horizontal ladders were obtained.

Bicycle stands were provided in 1941 to accommodate the increased

St. Rose’s badge

Then in 1975, young men were accepted as students at St. Rose’s.

The next year, St. Rose’s and all other schools became state controlled.

The badge

Parliament Buildings 1923

The Serviam Badge is a symbol of all Ursuline schools worldwide.

Although St. Rose's is now a government school, and is therefore no longer an Ursuline school, the Ursuline badge was never changed.

Pope Pius XI has said that the badge of the Ursuline schools, with

The Ursuline badge bears a cross – from which comes all grace into the world, to remind us that all blessings of God flow from the redemption.

The colour green represents the virtue of hope; the colour silver is a reminder to always be genuine and sincere in everything that is done.

Finally, the word “Serviam”, meaning “I will serve”, expresses loyalty to Christ, and desire to serve him. (www.strosesalumnitoronto.org)

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Market boats at Georgetown stelling (n.d.)

news

47

WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Biodiversity assessments in Upper Potaro completed - over 500 new species recorded

Guyana is a rice bowl now

T

he World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas last Friday launched the findings of two assessments conducted in the Upper Potaro Region.

These reports are on the biological diversity in the Kaieteur National Park (KNP) and the preliminary findings of a Biodiversity Assessment Team (BATII) expedition undertaken in the same area in March earlier this year.

Speaking at the launch at Moray House, Quamina Street, Georgetown, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud said that the symbol of the majestic Kaieteur Falls has become synonymous with the type of image that the country wants to project in terms of promoting Guyana.

He noted that collaboration with the WWF has allowed Guyana to improve management of its biodiversity.

The Minister outlined a number of steps that have been taken by the Government through his Ministry, and with the support of international partners in managing and preserving Guyana’s rich biodiversity.

However, he emphasised the need for finding a balance between sound ecological management and sustainable development of the country’s natural re-

O

WWF Guianas Regional Representative Dominiek Plouvier delivering remarks at the launch of the Kaieteur National Park’s biodiversity report

sources.

The KNP is only part of a much larger Upper Potaro ecosystem and cannot be managed in isolation.

That area consists of titled Amerindian lands (which are considered private property according to the law). A number of income-generating activities are also done in that area such as mining.

“Whilst we recognise that there are challenges, we must not in any way seek to vilify legitimate upstream mining activities once they are done in accordance with our national laws and regulations,” the Minister said.

Moreover, the Ministry has been working to ensure that mining and other activities do not have negative downstream effects

on the environment and the integrity of the park as a whole. In this regard, the Ministry has taken the approach of facilitating better communication with all stakeholders in the various communities.

WWF Guianas R e g i o n a l Representative Dominiek Plouvier referred to Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) as a fantastic model for a green economy and said as the biggest environmental organisation in the world, the WWF is committed to promoting this strategy globally.

WWF has been working in Guyana since 1998; it has a special Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the country. Its main objective is to support sustainable devel-

from page 42

‘Loving the creative... broke through the trees and wreaked havoc with the natural habitat.

“South American Gothic Series” is a series of pen and ink drawings of illustrations of macabre figures from the folklore of his homeland, Guyana. As a result of Guyana’s cultural diversity, a rich, commonly accepted folklore has been spawned- a folklore that challenges visual interpretation. Images of the Baccoo and Moongazer, including other folklore, are artistically illustrated on paper in this series. “ N e w - E a r t h Incubation” is a follow up on his last series, “The Petrified Birds”. In the “New-Earth Incubation” series, the earth is the egg of a Phoenix un-

hatched before yet another rebirth. His aim is to show that the earth, forever, dynamic, will continue to survive through every form of natural or unnatural upheaval that visits it. This series represents a liberating of Bascom’s mind that has been more or less chained to the conventional expectations of others and a drive to paint within the lines of expectation.

His recent series, Imposition, constitutes a break-away from previous styles and he is now delving into minimalism. In doing so, the artist is freeing himself from conventions that he felt afraid to leave behind. This series, therefore, registers an intention in him to go places

he has not gone before as an artist.

The process is completely different to that of his previous series.

For these pieces, the artist is not using his easel; instead he is working on the floor. Also, though his photographing of the ‘Imposition’ pieces do not show it, each of these paintings has a three-dimensional effect since the boldly coloured rectangles are actually smaller canvases glued onto the bases canvases stacked or alongside each other as diptychs and triptychs.

What's most important to the artist is the “process of creation”.

(Source: haroldbascomfineart.com)

opment.

The BAT11 preliminary findings saw over 500 new species recorded including a number of species that are likely to be new to science. The Upper Potaro and Kaieteur areas are particularly rich in endemics (species found only within a restricted area).

Additional analysis is being conducted and the final report should be ready by mid-2015.

nce upon a time de whole of de Caribbean used to call Guyana de bread basket of de region.

Guyana was like de Promised Land fuh plenty people. It was so long ago that is like a fairy tale now fuh some young people who wasn’t around in dem times.

And dem was good times indeed.

People from all over de whole region used to come to Guyana fuh a daily bread fuh dem and dem family.

But then Burnt Ham and de Pee-N-C thief out all de bread and give only dem friends to eat. By de time dem done, not even de crumbs was leff.

That was when tings start to turn round and people from Guyana had to start beggin fuh bread instead.

At one time dem couldn’t even see de flour that mek de bread. And that was when tings turn round and Guyanese had start goin to de Caribbean and even beyond fuh a daily bread. Plus Guyana as a country had to start beggin fuh bread.

Good ting Guyana was able to bounce back and dem was able to stop beggin bread. In fact, people from de region and and even farher away now start comin back.

But dem ain’t comin fuh bread. A lotta dem comin fuh Guyana gold, but de Guyanese outsmart dem and start hidin de gold lil bit by lil bit.

Dem hide it so good that not even de Guvament can find it. De Earth Man and de Prezzi can’t find it either, and neither can de Ganga Gold Board find it. Some people even believe dem hide de gold in another country.

And now wid all de rice whah de Guyanese farmers plantin and reapin, Guyanese fuh sure ain’t wanna go no where fuh bread any more. In fact, de Caribbean might now have to call Guyana de rice bowl of de region.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! De problem is de G-Har-D-B can’t even sell de Guyana rice. So de only other option is to eat out all de rice!

48

Bollywood

WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

A

B

ipasha Basu is known for her chiseled figure. While women are known to take pointers from DVDs on ways to stay healthy, the actress is now turning personal trainer for her family and close friends as well.

"Bipasha's hairstylist was so impressed by her love and dedication towards fitness that she took up exercise and lost a lot of weight. Now, Bipasha is encouraging her family and friends to get fit. She calls her mother (Mamta Basu) every morning to remind her to go for a jog. She even coaxes her sister (Bijoyeta) to visit the gym. She also motivates her friends to take up a disciplined fitness routine," says a source close to the actor.

Bipasha feels that there are more than just physical benefits to working out.

“My philosophy in life is, 'love yourself'. Exercise is like an investment; it

not only helps you look good and stay healthy, but also improves your efficiency,” the actress said. (TOI)

‘Shah Rukh, Aamir and Salman Khan are the love of my life’ - Rani Mukerji

V

idya Balan might have confessed that she wanted to work with the Khans at one point of time, but currently the actress is not interested in being part of films with Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir where all that an actress has to do is look pretty.

The award-winning actress said that if there is a great script that justifies her presence in the movie along with a Khan, she would be happy to be a part of it, otherwise she is okay with not having a Khan-starrer on her CV. So what does Rani Mukerji, her co-star from ‘No One Killed Jessica,’ and someone who has

worked with all the Khans, has to say about this?

“I love all the Khans.

Right from the time I started my career, I worked with them. I worked with Aamir in ‘Ghulam’. Then with Shah Rukh Khan in

‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, both during the initial years of my career. I went on to do many films with Salman. My role in all these films were really good. So I shouldn't be complaining. Khans are the love of my life,” said Rani. (TOI)

Sonam Kapoor asked to lose eight kilos for Salman Khan

F

or the Arbaaz Khan-produced 'Dolly Ki Doli', Sonam Kapoor, who plays a curvaceous Punjabi kudi, had to put on a few extra kilos.

But now the actress has to lose between six-eight kilos before she can romance Salman Khan in Sooraj Barjatya's 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo'.

Fortunately for the actress, she doesn't have to go on a starvation diet.

She can eat everything—chicken, fish and salads—in moderation.

She takes small meals every two hours.

And that's not all. Her personal trainer Radhika Karle reveals that besides doing pilates and 45-minutes of cardio, Sonam is also undergoing 'in-

terval training'.

"It's a high intensity workout regime that will tone her down," she explains. (TOI)

Arjun Kapoor is very possessive about Alia Bhatt

A

rjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt exhibited intimate chemistry in ‘2 States’, and even while promoting the film. But now it’s a thing of the past. Alia has moved on to other projects, but it appar-

'My life has become a reality show' - Ranbir Kapoor

ently seems that Arjun is still emotional about the bond they shared.

According to a midDay report, Arjun and Alia used to spend a lot of time together during ‘2 States,’ and Arjun started becoming possessive.

Alia had since made it clear that he shouldn't do that. However post the film, Alia got busy with Varun Dhawan for their film, ‘Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania’.

The report further stated that recently Alia

ctor Ranbir Kapoor lamented that rumours about his personal life have turned into a "reality show". He said that he feels "bad" for his parents, who have to face the embarrassment as a result of loose talk.

“There were so many stories that I am leaving my parents; my dad has asked me to get out of the house, and all of that…So I feel really bad that my life has become like a reality show," the 32-year-old said Monday.

"My parents are old and I don't want them to read such stuff about me because it's embarrassing for them," added the son of veteran actors Rishi and Neetu Kapoor.

Recently, there were reports that Ranbir was moving out of his parents' house. But setting the record straight, he said: "The house I live in is going for redevelopment, and when that happens, people who are living there have to move out." (TOI)

Preity Zinta accuses Ness Wadia of abuse

O

n Tuesday evening, Preity Zinta reportedly told the police that she was abused thrice and manhandled once by Ness Wadia on May 30. The supplementary statement was recorded at the BCCI office in the Wankhede Stadium.

She also went to the Garware Pavilion with the Marine Drive police team and pointed out the two spots where the alleged incident took place, and also showed them the spot on the ground where she claimed that she was abused for the third time.

According to a police officer, Preity was seated under the air conditioned box in the Garware Pavilion initially which was where Ness Wadia, according to her, started abusing a team of-

ficial over the seating arrangement.

Preity apparently asked Wadia to be quiet as their team, Kings X1 Punjab, was playing well. "She claimed he then started abusing her and even pulled her hand," related the officer. (TOI)

‘I've never had a girlfriend’ – Armaan Jain

N

e w c o m e r Armaan Jain's debut film is ready to take off, but his love life is yet to begin. The 23-year-old confesses that he has never been in a relationship, probably due to his weight.

The grandson of late actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor is set to make his acting debut with Arif Ali's ‘Lekar Hum Deewana Dil,’ and said that girls were probably not attracted to him as he was fat. "I've never had a girlfriend. It sounds very funny but I haven't. I don't know why. It was probably be-

expressed her displeasure about Arjun's possessiveness, when they were all hanging out with friends. And because of this alleged tiff, it seems that Alia and Arjun are no longer close. (TOI)

cause I was around 95 kilos, so no one probably looked at me. After that also, all the girls I knew made me their brother.

They tied me rakhi,” the actor said.

"And I started work-

ing very young. I was focused. I didn't have time to go out also," Armaan, who assisted filmmaker Karan Johar when he was a teenager, told IANS in an interview from Mumbai. (TOI)

Hollywood

49

WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez attend bible study together

J

ustin Bieber and Selena Gomez attended a bible study together in L.A. last week, where the pair--on and off again since 2010--were openly

affectionate, a source told U.S. Weekly.

"They were very lovey dovey and cute," the insider said of the stars, who "came and left together with a few friends."

According to the source, Bieber, 20, and Gomez, 21, "sat next to each other and listened to [Pastor Judah Smith]'s sermon." The insider told U.S. that they were "smitten with each other."

Bieber shared an Instagram snapshot from Smith's teachings last Wednesday evening. "Bible study with Judah Smith," he wrote alongside a photo of the City Church pastor onstage. The insider noted how Bieber appeared to be in a significantly better place at the study session.

"He looks so happy and at peace," the source said, while Gomez seemed similarly pleased and tranquil. (Yahoo)

S

he is famed for her feminine charms.

But it was Pamela Anderson's

head that was winning all the attention for a change after she wore a fancy fedora as she jetted into Los Angeles last week.

The Playboy favourite seemed in high spirits indeed as she made her way through the bustling LAX departure lounge.

And no wonder, for the 46-yearold looked great for her age in a canny combo of tan-coloured fedora, demure spotted blue sundress and high heels.

The former ‘Baywatch’ star was certainly turning plenty of heads as she mixed with the proles at the busy transport hub.

And the mother-of-two seemed particularly chuffed when a fan approached her as she pranced around to ask for an autograph. (HollywoodLife)

Antonio Banderas, Sharon Stone ‘My style icon is getting close to each other

S

panish actor Antonio Banderas is reportedly getting close to 'Basic Instinct' star Sharon Stone.

Banderas, 53, split from wife Melanie Griffith, 56, earlier this month after 18 years of marriage, reported Contactmusic.

"Antonio and Sharon,56, have been great friends for years.

It's all very relaxed at the moment and they want to keep it quiet out of respect for Griffith, but there's no denying the spark is there," a source said.

"Banderas and Sharon are planning for a holiday together in July. They've both been married twice before and are just enjoying having fun." the source added.

(TOI)

Channing Tatum doesn't like wife Jenna Dewan in sex scenes

C

hanning Tatum doesn't like his wife filming sex scenes.

The 'Magic Mike' star is uncomfortable with the idea of Jenna Dewan-Tatum---with whom he has 12-month-old daughter Everly--getting close to her male co-stars on 'The Witches of East End,' but she thinks it would be ''weird'' if he felt any other way.

Asked if it was true that her spouse ''doesn't like her having sex scenes with other men'' on TV, she said: ''So true.''

She added: ''It'd be weird if he was like, 'Ah, I'm cool with it, do whatever,' you know? It's never fun [shooting love scenes], but you just get really used to it, it's weird.''

And the 33-year-old actress admits that shooting the scenes are even more ''weird'' because she and her spouse are

Rihanna’ - Cameron Diaz

A

ctress Cameron Diaz thinks singer Rihanna always looks "incredible" in whatever she wears.

In an interview to French Grazia magazine, she admired the singer's fashion sense, reports contactmusic. com.

"My style icon is

Brad Pitt buys 37,000 pounds motorbike for friend

H so close to the rest of the cast on the show. (TOI)

Rihanna, she's incredible. She transcends everything she wears," said Diaz.

Rihanna's sartorial choices haven't always been well received, namely the see-through custom-made Adam Selman dress she wore to an awards function earlier this month. (TOI)

ollywood star Brad Pitt has reportedly bought a motorbike worth 37,000 pounds for his friend, whose bike got destroyed in a house fire.

The 50-year-old actor hired a broker to search for a rare 1936 HarleyDavidson VLD motorcycle when he heard his friend's bike was destroyed, reported Female

First.

"The guy had several bikes, but this was his baby and because it wasn't a street bike, he didn't have it insured," a source said.

"Brad sprang into action, hiring a broker to search the world for a duplicate. When one was finally located in Germany, Brad wrote a cheque and had the boss machine delivered with a note that simply said he knew how much his buddy loved that bike, and just wanted to help out," the source added. (TOI)

Jamie Foxx scares his Willow Smith sleeps with pet snakes daughter's boyfriends

W

illow Smith reportedly lets her pet snakes sleep in the same bed as her in the night.

The 13-year-old, who got her first boa constrictor named Beauty in 2008, is reportedly "obsessed" with the slithery reptiles, Contactmusic reported.

According to sources, Willow is obsessed with snakes and has 10 sleeping in her room, and some of them aren't even in cages.

Willow's brother Jaden Smith also lets the creatures, which he reportedly calls his "girlfriends", sleep on his bed. (TOI)

A

ctor Jamie Foxx says he "scares the hell" out of his daughter's boyfriends and wants her to be in love when she's in her 40s.

‘The Amazing SpiderMan 2’ actor has two daughters--Corinne, 20, and Annalise, 6,-- and he has confessed that he likes to intimidate the men that take Corinne out on dates so that they'll treat her well, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Quizzed about what he does when guys come to his house to take her out, he told in the chat show "Live! with Kelly

and Michael": "You've got to scare the hell out of them. You don't leave any room for them to wiggle. Because we're dudes and we know how we were (at that age). I mean I'm a gentleman, completely, but we know that there are other guys

out there that are trying to get it on."

The 46-year-old hopes his daughter, who accompanied him to Oscars earlier this year, will find true love, but doesn't want to see her get hurt in the process.

(TOI)

50

Sport

WEEK ENDING June 29, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WICB’s visit to Guyana…..

“Misconceptions” on Cricket Vettori replaces Bill clarified – Minister Anthony Muralitharan in Limacol CPL

By Rajiv Bisnauth

S

port Minister Dr Frank Anthony expressed on Wednesday that the closed-door talks with top officials of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on the passage of the contentious Cricket Administration Bill were fruitful.

Dr Anthony was also optimistic that a bright future awaits Guyana’s cricket following the decision to establish a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) among the various cricket stakeholders during the WICB’s twoday visit which concluded on Tuesday.

“We had very fruitful discussions with the WICB and I think some of the things, maybe the misconceptions that people might have had, we were able to discuss and clarify those issues.

“At the end of it we are working on developing an agreement and right now the legal people will put that agreement in place and once

Dr Frank Anthony

Emmanuel Nanthan

we have the text of that agreement and agree on that text, I think we will be able to move forward,” Minister Anthony told Guyana Times International Sport.

The Minister further added: “In my opinion there were issues, maybe misunderstandings that stemmed from the Bill and we were able to provide clarifications on them, so for us it was really giving people the explanation that they required, so that’s why we will capture that in an agreement now so that everybody is comfortable.

The WICB delegation, which included Vice-President Emmanuel Nanthan and Queen’s Counsel Walter Scott, who will act as a Special Counsel appointed by the WICB, first met with members from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Monday.

The delegation then met with officials from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), highranking Government officials and Members of the Special Select Committee of the National Assembly on the Guyana Cricket Administration Bill on

Tuesday.

Coming out of the two-day, high- profile meetings, this publication was informed that all parties expressed their willingness to assist in the resolution of the issues that have been plaguing the game for some time now in Guyana.

Meanwhile, APNU parliamentarian Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, told this publication on Tuesday that the APNU is willing to be engaged in a review of the Bill where necessary.

The WICB has serious reservations that the Cricket Administration Bill, which was passed in the National Assembly last month, thrusts the administration of cricket in Guyana from an independent body to the Government of Guyana. This the WICB views as undesirable and inconsistent with International Cricket Council tenets.

Further, the WICB sought an undertaking from His Excellency President Donald Ramotar that the Bill be not signed into law until these matters were resolved.

However, the parties were unable to find a mutually agreeable resolution and as a consequence the WICB relocated the Third Test between the West Indies and New Zealand from Guyana.

Threats to exclude the national Under-19 team from the next regional tournament soon followed.

D

Daniel Vettori is set to join up with Chris Gayle as part of the Jamaica Tallawahs

aniel Vettori has been confirmed as the Jamaica Tallawahs’ International Franchise Player, replacing Muttiah Muralitharan, who is now unavailable for the tournament.

Vettori, who was recently head coach for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, will once again team with Chris Gayle as he and the Tallawahs aim to retain their CPL trophy.

The former New Zealand captain will provide a wealth of experience and inspiration for his fellow teammates, not only from his extensive international career, but also from time spent in the Indian Premier League and Australian Big Bash.

The Kiwi said: “It’s a privilege to be able to step in and help the Tallawahs defend their title. Having heard so many positive words about the CPL from my fellow cricketers, when the opportunity to come to the Caribbean and

play in arguably one of the world’s most flamboyant and exciting T20 competitions came along, I couldn’t turn it down.”

Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of the Caribbean Premier League, commented; “Murali certainly leaves big shoes to be filled at the Tallawahs, but we’re confident Daniel has the ability and personality to become a valuable asset for the team.

He’s immensely popular throughout world cricket and his presence with the Tallawahs will only be a positive for his new teammates and the Biggest Party in Sport.”

The Limacol Caribbean Premier League returns on July 11, as the Guyana Amazon Warriors take on the Antigua Hawksbills at the National Cricket Stadium, Grenada in the opening game of the tournament.

The Tallawahs play their first match the following day, against St Lucia Zouks, at 14:30h local time.

Thompson confirmed for World Junior Championships

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verseas based Guyanese Sprinter Brenessa Thompson has been confirmed to participate in the 2014 edition of the World Junior Championships scheduled for Eugene, Oregon, United States of America from July 22.

Thompson, who qualified for the event after running an on average time of 11.79s early in May, gave the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) a positive reason to ensure she participates with a fast run of 11.338s that broke her state record in America earlier this month.

President of the AAG Aubrey Hutson confirmed the sprinter’s participation at the event with this publication on Monday and noted that the association will be standing the expense for Thompson.

Thompson will now join fellow overseas based Guyanese sprinter and World Junior silver medalist Kadecia

Brenessa Thompson

Baird and Carifta bronze medalist Jason Yaw on the team.

The sprinter is expected to participate in both the female 100 and 200 metres at the event which begins on July 22 and concludes on July 27.

(Treiston Joseph)

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GOA Discover Open badminton…

Toronto and District Cricket Association competition…

Narayan Ramdhani Former Windies’ player impresses on night two Royston Crandon leads Vikings to impressive win

By Ravendra Madholall

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N

Narayan Ramdhani (second right) with the other top performers to date

ational junior and senior champion, Narayan Ramdhani, was in top form on Monday night when action continued in the Guyana Olympic Association’s (GOA) Discover Open badminton tournament at the Queen’s College courts.

The tournament, which has attracted participation from local players as well as a few Chinese nationals, was one of a series of events the GOA has organised as part of World Olympic Day celebrated on Monday last.

Ramdhani, who is also a Caribbean and South American

age group champion, teamed up with Nicholas Ali to win the Men’s Doubles title by beating Noel Shewjattan and Jonathon Mangra 21-17, 21-19.

The pair had earlier defeated William Holder and Avinash Odit 217, 21-19 in the semi-final, while Mangra and Shewjattan had qualified for the final after outplaying Steve Pang and Ian Xiong 21-11, 21-10 in the other semi.

Ramdhani will also play his Doubles partner Ali in the final of the Singles competition on Friday after they both easily won their semi-final games.

Ramdhani prevailed 21-10, 21-14 over Jonathon Mangra, and Ali disposed of Odit 2117, 21-15. The Mixed Doubles final will also be contested on Friday with Narayan Ramdhani and his sister Priyanna teaming up with Ali and Ambika Ramraj.

On the opening night, Priyanna was in top form, winning the Ladies Singles and Ladies Doubles.

In the Singles final, Priyanna defeated Ramraj 21-4, 21-7, while in the Doubles, she teamed up with Ramraj to beat Kara Abrams and Abosaide Cadogan 21-15, 21-13.

TT’s Emile Abraham pedals to Atlanta victory

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Emile Abraham, manager of Incycle-Predator Components Cycling Club, powered to his first USA Championship title on Sunday when he produced a golden showing at the Georgia State Championships road race which was held in Atlanta.

Abraham completed the 76-mile rolling terrain course at an average speed of 27.2 mph, ahead of international riders Andy Scarano and Aleksei Shmidt. This result, from the reigning national time trial champion, saw him grab his first victory after sustaining a concussion, a broken nose, an injury above his right eye, an injured shoulder and multiple abrasions as a result of a bad crash in the Athens Twilight Criterium in early May. The current national road title holder however

Emile Abraham (TT Guardian file photo)

has shown significant recovery and affirmed such with his winning finish in Georgia on Sunday.

The 38-year old endurance specialist will suit up in his club colours once more Thursday for the Tour of America’s Dairyland an-

nual road races. In 2013, Abraham and his then Team Predator-Carbon Repair team won the team event, but would not be defending their crown this year, since they have opted to enter as individuals. (TT Newsday)

O R O N T O , C A N A D A : Versatile allrounder Royston Crandon struck a brilliant 108 to lead Vikings Cricket Club (VCC) to a superb win over Victoria Park Cricket Club last Saturday when action continued in the Toronto and District Cricket Association (T&DCA) competition at King City.

The right-hander Crandon, a former West Indies one-day player, mixed solid defence with occasional aggression, hitting five sixes and nine fours in his 83-ball occupation at the crease as VCC tallied up a formidable 283-9 from the allocation of 50-overs.

When Victoria Park batted, they only reached 184 all out in the 42nd over.

Crandon said he was very happy to play among his fellow Caribbean cricketers such as former West Indies player Ryan Ramdass and Guyana’s first-class opening batsman Rajindra Chandrika.

Ramdass, who opened the batting, made 47 and Chandrika scored 37 while ex-Guyana batsman Zaheer Haniff, who is the captain, chipped in

Royston Crandon

with 23.

“Playing in Canada and among all these players that represented Guyana and West Indies is wonderful since it brings a competitive nature to the game. I [am] enjoying my stint here and looking forward to keep making runs and taking wickets,” Crandon said.

This year marks the off-spinner’s fifth consecutive year in Canada.

His representation for Hawaiian Arctic Club in the Scarborough Cricket Association has been very impressive. “….the more cricket you play, the more focused you will be.

Representing these clubs in professional and competitive cricket will certainly keep me fit once I can make runs and take wickets on a regu-

lar basis for my teams,” Crandon stressed.

The versatile player began his first-class career for Guyana in 2007 against Trinidad and Tobago. His highest score (136*) also manifested his true and natural potential.

Additionally, he had a commendable start to his one-day (List A) career, registering a century (101) against Windward Islands.

“Absolutely, those innings are still very much memorable, and I (am) confident that I can still make big contributions for my country Guyana and by extension the West Indies; as I said it is about consistency both with the bat and ball, and I am here to perform well and represent my teams with determination to win the different tournaments,” explained Crandon, a Rose Hall Youth and Sports Club athlete.

Meanwhile, he also noted that he had a fine season in Trinidad and Tobago earlier this year when he represented Caldrac Cricket Club.

His scores of 45 not out, 59, 84 not out, 67, 39, 93, 101 and 28 subsequently gave him tremendous confidence of donning the national colours soon.

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“We have to stick to the game plan and “Experience will be beneficial” – Daniel Basdeo execute the basics right” - Gonsalves Guyana Amazon Warriors U-19 Selectee….

By Rajiv Bisnauth

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hen 17-year-old Daniel Basdeo joins the Guyana Amazon Warriors training camp from July 1, it will not just be an experience he is looking forward to, but an experience that he hopes will be beneficial to his growth as a cricketer.

The left-arm fast bowler, who has never represented Guyana at any level, was snapped up the local franchise as one of the Under-19 players. The other Under-19 players called up are West Indies openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Shimron Hetmyer; Essequibo all-rounder Kemo Paul; 16-year-old West Coast Demerara batsman Akshaya Persaud and Everest Cricket Club fast bowler Kevin Paul.

The Canal Number 1, West Bank Demerara, resident is keen on making the opportunity count since he believes rubbing shoulders with the national, regional and international stars is the perfect opportunity for any young aspiring cricketer.

Daniel Basdeo

“The presence of national, regional and international stars will certainly be beneficial to my growth as a cricketer.

Being a part of the same dressing room with so many T20 stars will be great. I will try my best to spend time with them, on and off the field and at the end of it learn as much as I can from them,” Basdeo said.

When asked of his initial reaction to the news of his call-up, Basdeo said he actually was not surprised.

The Under-19 players will be involved in all training sessions and other team activities during the Guyana Amazon Warriors camp and match

practice scheduled for their home games only.

However, the players will not be part of the selection process on match days.

This year, each franchise team consists of a squad of 19 players comprising two pre-selected players- one West Indies Franchise Player (WIFP) and one International Franchise Player- (IFP) selected by the franchise as well as four Under-19 players from each playing franchise.

However, as an initiative geared toward the development of young cricketers, the management of the Guyana Amazon Warriors has widen the pool of Under-19 players to six.

The Limacol CPL, which was played in front of sold out crowds at all the venues in the Caribbean, will be played from July 11 to August 16 with Chris Gayle’s Jamaica Tallawahs set to defend their title against lastyear runner-up Guyana Amazon Warriors, Antigua Hawksbills, Barbados Tridents, St Lucia Zouks and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.

Lara to play in Limacol CPL charity game

The Guyanese ruggers will be looking to upstage USA South in Saturday’s final

By Avenash Ramzan

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he National Men’s 15s Ruggers will face their biggest test this year when they take on USA South in the final of the North American and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) 15s championships in Atlanta, USA, but skipper Ryan Gonsalves said his players are up for the task.

Speaking to this publication on the eve of their departure to the USA, Gonsalves, who has been national captain since 2011, said the aim will be to execute the basics right and stick to the game plan.

While Gonsalves stayed clear on predicting an outcome or commenting on Guyana’s chances, the Scrum Half pointed out that the players have been busy training since the 15-8 win over Trinidad and Tobago in the final of the Southern Zone on June 7 at the National Park

Rugby Field.

The Guyanese Ruggers will be looking to upstage USA South in Saturday’s final “We’re actually still working on some areas,” he said on Wednesday afternoon. “Basically we’re just trying to work on maintaining possession and minimising dropping the ball. We’re also working on the defensive alignment to make it as tight as possible because the USA has some bigger players than us and we have to be careful in terms of our defence.”

Commenting on the mood of the camp, especially since the match was initially shifted from last Sunday due to the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) being unable to source the full budget of Gy$8 million, Gonsalves said the players are positive and upbeat and are eagerly looking forward to step on the field.

“We’re trying as much as possible not to let that

affect us. The Union is dealing with that aspect of it [sourcing the finances] and we have been focussing more on rugby itself. The guys are upbeat, spirits are high and we’re looking eager to get into action,” Gonsalves reaffirmed.

The team to Atlanta reads: Rondell McArthur, Allain Crawford, Jason Tyrell, Clive Prowell, Dwayne Schroeder, Felon Thompson, Richard Staglon, Vallon Adams, Ryan Gonsalves (captain) Christopher Singh, Avery Corbin, Theodore Henry, Claudius Butts, Carl Lewis, Ronald Mayers, Delroy Gordon, Jacques Archibald, Kevon David, Peabo Hamilton, Rickford Cummings, Leon Greaves, Lance Adonis and Cyon Kitt.

The Coach is Clinton T. Clark, while the Manager is Kenneth Grant Stuart, Fitness Coach is Barry Browne and Physio is Abiola Blair.

Barbados’ Kraigg Brathwaite leaps 35 spots in ICC Test Rankings

B Brian Lara (left) and Ian Botham (right) will be part of the “Beefy Bash” charity game during the final week of the 2014 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in St. Kitts

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Cricketing legends Brian Lara and Sir Ian “Beefy” Botham are set to take part in a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) charity game on August 12, at Warner Park, St. Kitts.

The all-star match, called “Beefy’s Bash”, will bring together a host of celebrity personalities, cricketing legends and current stars, and will form part of an exhilarating week in St. Kitts, building up to the final of the Limacol CPL 2014 on August 16.

Lara and Botham have been designated as captains for the two teams, and have issued a call to arms to cricketing superstars, personalities and fans across the world to take part.

Piers Morgan was the first to volunteer, and has been snapped up by fellow Englishman, Botham.

About the initiative, Lara said: “I’ve seen first-hand the impact CPL has had on the region. Players and fans love it, it’s great for our up and coming talent, and it provides an economic boost as well.

“I’ve always believed in the importance of giving back to the Caribbean, and this match will be a great way to do that. It’s going to be fun to play with and against some old friends and reignite some old rivalries, and I’ve already been contacted by plenty of fast bowlers keen to have a bowl at Piers!” he added.

Botham said: “I know how important cricket is to everyone in the Caribbean, and CPL has done a lot to reignite the region’s love for the game.” (Trinidad Express)

RIDGETOWN, BARBADOS: West Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite has made a dramatic jump in the ICC Test Player rankings, following his maiden Test century against New Zealand at Queen’s Park Oval earlier this week.

The 21-year-old right-hander has leapt 35 spots to be 69th, his highest ever position in the rankings.

Brathwaite hit 129 in the second Test which West Indies won by ten wickets last Friday, to level the three-match series.

There was also movement for Jermaine Blackwood who stroked a half-century on debut in the second Test. He has entered the rankings at 67th, with 390 rating points.

Left-handed strokemaker Darren Bravo has also climbed eight places to 21st, following his 109

Kraigg Brathwaite (File photo)

against New Zealand.

Opener Chris Gayle moved up two places to 26th.

Veteran left-hand-

er Shiv Chanderpaul is the highest-ranked West Indies batsman at number three. (Barbados Today)

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Key role for Santokie in Guyana Limacol CPL launches Amazon Warriors - coach Harper “#GETMETOTHEGAME”

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RIDGETOWN, BARBADOS: Guyana Amazon Warriors head coach, Roger Harper, expects Jamaican seamer Krishmar Santokie to play a key role in the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL), which bowls off next month.

Left-armer Santokie has emerged as one of the more exciting bowlers in the region in the game's shortest form, and Harper said it was important Amazon Warriors retained the player from last year.

"Krishmar Santokie is a hugely valuable asset to my team. He is an intelligent and determined player, and I am very happy to have retained him," Harper said.

"He deserves all the success he is reaping, and it's great that he is now in the Windies T20 team."

The 29-year-old Santokie has taken 17 wickets in 10 Twenty20 Internationals and was at the forefront of the West Indies attack at the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh earlier this year.

He subsequently

Trinidad and Tobago, who is a solid all-rounder," the former West Indies coach said.

"James Franklin (New Zealand) delivered the x-factor last season, and I am very disappointed not to have him back. I do, however, believe that we have a squad capable of giving any team a hard time."

Outstanding play

Guyana Amazon Warriors' Krishmar Santokie (left) celebrates getting a wicket during last year's competition (Ian Allen/Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

turned out for Mumbai Indians in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL).

Santokie will line up alongside Pakistani Mohammed Hafeez and the New Zealand pair of Martin Guptill and Corey Anderson, and will form a formidable force for the July 11th to August 17th championship.

Harper, who was

also in charge of the Georgetown-based franchise last year, believes the big-hitting Anderson will also be a key player in this year's campaign.

"We have seven Guyanese players in our team, in addition to a few new players like New Zealander Corey Anderson, who is making his name on the international cricket stage, and Navin Stewart from

Guyana had mixed success in the inaugural tournament last year, playing outstandingly to reach the final, but then going down to eventual champions Jamaica Tallawahs.

Harper said the Warriors would be looking to do even better this year.

"I am truly delighted to be back again. Last season, I would say, was a success for us. We topped the group stages and then finished second. So now we see the areas we need to work on in order to improve," he pointed out.

Guyana Amazon Warriors will raise the curtain on the tournament when they face Antigua Hawksbills at the National Stadium in Grenada. (Caribbean News)

Twitter Petition

‘Twitition’ calls on businesses & governments to allow staff to get off work early for Limacol CPL games

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he Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) on Tuesday announced that it has launched a regional twitter petition that calls on businesses and Governments across the region to let employees leave work early to watch the mid-week CPL game in their respective countries.

Under the banner and twitter hashtag of “#getmetothegame”, the twitter petition is a rallying cry to cricket fans and party people alike to fight for their right to enjoy the “Biggest Party in Sport”.

Fans in host countries (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago) are being encouraged to join the petition by clicking on http://bit.ly/TocX7p and clicking ‘sign’. Select fans who join the twitition will also be in with

a chance to win tickets for themselves and four friends to a CPL game in their market as well as a chance to win a trip and tickets to the finals in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Limacol CPL Head of Marketing, James Wynne, said; “The #getmetothegame twitition is a Caribbean-wide movement for people to get off work early and enjoy the Biggest Party in Sport instead. We know that nothing beats being in the stadium for a CPL game and as such, we are using this platform to allow people to enjoy that electric atmosphere and watch some of the biggest T20 cricket stars in the world.”

“We are calling on businesses, Government bodies, leaders, and all others with the power to do so to get in the spirit and allow their employees and colleagues to finish work early to enjoy the CPL,” continued Wynne.

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