Guyana Times International

Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

INTERNATIONAL THE BEACON OF TRUTH

for FRee distribution guyanatimesinternational.com

The first Amerindian Minister of Foreign Affairs Page 35

You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com ISSUE NO. 209

week ending September 21, 2014

Centre of remigrant scam See story on page 5

- Kaieteur News publisher Glenn Lall once again on GRA radar

Kaieteur News publisher Glenn Lall

GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur

Karrau Village hosts successful Page 12 Heritage Day event Participants of the Amerindian Heritage Day celebrations pose with President Donald Ramotar (seventh from right), First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar (third from left), Karrau Village Toshao James Cornelius (third from right) and other government officials

2

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS

3

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Accused driver in Letter Kenny fatal accident charged - after Corentyne residents' uproar

T

wenty-yearold Andrew Johnson was placed on Gy$600,000 bail by Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh when he made his first court appearance at the Whim Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, charged with allegedly causing the death of a teenager at Letter Kenny, Corentyne, Berbice, on Sunday.

Johnson of 338 Number 51 Village, Corentyne, was not required to plea to the charge which stated that on September 14, on the Letter Kenny Public Road, he drove motorcar PPP 3080 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of 18-year-old Rena Devi Singh.

The painter by profession was represented by Attorney Ryan Crawford.

In his bail application, the Attorney pleaded with the court, saying that this is his client’s first appearance, and he does not pose a flightrisk since he is willing to submit all necessary documents to the court.

Crawford argued that the law states that

Accused: Andrew Johnson

Dead: Rena Devi Singh

a person is innocent until proven guilty and bail is used for a defendant to come to court and not to be used as a punishment.

He went on to say that his client is willing to restrict himself from driving, surrender all documents and will report to the Police Station when necessary.

He noted that his client was never previously arrested and that he is single and lives with his grandmother at Number 51 Village.

The Attorney highlighted that the incident has attracted the attention of the media and political parties, and as such, should not affect his client’s bail application. He went on to say

that most Magistrates have granted bail for offences such as dangerous driving, even highlighting the case of Compton English – a murder accused – who was recently granted bail.

Police Prosecutor Phillip Sheriff objected to bail based on the nature and gravity and prevalence of the offence.

However, Magistrate Singh granted bail on the condition that Johnson is suspended from driving all types of motor vehicles, lodges his passport and driver’s license and is to report to the Number 51 Police Station every Friday at 16:00h.

Meanwhile, family members of Rena Devi

Singh who gathered at the Whim Magistrate’s Court expressed disappointment that Johnson was granted bail. When the decision to grant the defendant bail was announced, there were murmurings of disbelief from family members of the victim.

The victim’s father Deonarine Singh was moved to tears and quickly exited the court room. Speaking to media operatives outside the court compound, relatives expressed disbelief at the decision to grant

bail saying that the judicial system is unfair.

They expressed the need to have an audience with someone high in authority.

A post mortem examination performed on the body of Singh by Pathologist, Dr Vivekanand Bridgemohan at the Skeldon Hospital revealed that Singh died as a result of multiple injuries sustained by the accident.

On September 14, the accident sparked protest by residents of Letter

Kenny which led to the torching of the vehicle PMM 3080 as they demanded justice for Rena Singh.

They also protested the recent spate of fatal accidents on the Corentyne Coast that has the claimed the lives of 20 persons so far for 2014.

The residents also protested over the alleged documentation found in the vehicle which was questionable in nature. Johnson will return to court on October 6.

The car involved in the fatal accident that sparked the protest

4

Views

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL 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

Democracy M

onday was designated World International Day of Democracy – a United Nations observance celebrated on September 15 every year since 2007. The day came about following a Resolution by the UN General Assembly aimed at promoting and upholding the principles of democracy.

Interestingly, the preamble of the resolution affirmed that: “while democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy and democracy does not belong to any country or region… democracy is a universal value based on the freely-expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of life.” It is instructive that amid the celebration of democracy on Monday, global powers were, at best, trying to import their own brand of democracy into many countries. This undoubtedly has given rise to groups like ISIS, who believe that they must protect their “democracy” from Western influence.

The result is endless bloodletting and destabilisation. There could be no explanation for the mass killings and beheadings that groups like ISIS have carried out; the atrocities in Ukraine and the long war in countries like Afghanistan where scores of people are often killed in one blast.

As observed by the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, this year’s commemoration comes at a time when the world seems more turbulent than ever. In many regions and in many ways, the values of the UN, including some of the most fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in its Charter, are being tested and challenged.

“Recent outbreaks of violence reinforce a truth we have seen time and again: that where societies are not inclusive, and where governments are not responsive and accountable, peace, equality and shared prosperity cannot take hold. We need to do more to empower individuals, focusing on the billions of people who are underprivileged, marginalised, jobless, hopeless and understandably frustrated. We need to ensure they are heard and can take an active part in their future,” the UN SG said.

Remember, in our own country for many years, the rights of citizens were trampled on; elections were rigged; the security forces conducted widespread surveillance on ordinary Guyanese and the same hopelessness that Mr Ban spoke of was very much in evidence in this country. Through the blood of persons like Dr Walter Rodney and the resilience of Dr Cheddi Jagan that dark period ended in 1992 and today, Guyana is a democratic society.

It is within this context that the occasion of International Day of Democracy must be celebrated in Guyana. That, today amid the turmoil in other regions, through a system of good democratic practices, the Nation State remains stable and this must be zealously guarded against those who may still harbour thoughts of yesteryear.

International Day of Democracy also underscores the importance of conducting elections that enjoy the trust and confidence of citizens across the country. This, for many Guyanese, is the heartbeat of democracy. For they know too well how elections were stolen and how many paid with their lives for trying to guard that sacred right to elect a government of their choice. It is no coincidence that the “Rebirth of Democracy” here began with the conduct of peaceful and credible elections in 1992.

The litmus test for genuine democracy is the extent to which the electoral process is able to engender fair and inclusive electoral participation by the people. Credible elections must be people- based. The recent brouhaha concerning the integrity of the Guyana Elections Commission’s Preliminary List of Electors is a clear indication of how touchy this subject is. It, therefore, behoves all stakeholders to place critical importance on strengthening election management because of the central role it plays in ensuring the rights of citizens to elect their leaders through peaceful and credible processes with integrity.

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh, poses with two visitors to Guyana’s booth at the '2014 International British Bird Watching Fair', which was held in Rutland, England last month. According to Mr. Haralsingh, there were 20 international bird watching companies selling “Destination Guyana” at the event. (GINA photo)

Over 1 million child deaths occur in first month of life – report A

s Guyana celebrates National Breastfeeding Week and pushes better nutrition as a way to safeguard both mother and baby, the United Nations has reported that more than one million babies each year die on their first day of life.

In its “Committing to Child Survival: A Promise Renewed” progress report, released on Tuesday, the global body said many of these deaths could be easily prevented with simple, cost-effective interventions before, during and immediately after birth.

While evidence shows that breastfeeding the newborn within one hour of birth reduces the risk of neonatal death by 44 per cent, less than half of all newborns worldwide receive the benefits of immediate breastfeeding.

The 2014 progress report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) – the second in a series intended to track progress on child survival and hold governments accountable – indicates, according to the UN News Agency that “an infant’s chances of survival increase dramatically when their mother has sustained access to quality healthcare during pregnancy and delivery”.

This is according to UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Geeta Rao Gupta, in a statement to the press. “We need to make sure that these services, where they exist, are fully utilised and that every contact between a mother and her health worker really counts. Special efforts must

also be made to ensure that the most vulnerable are reached.”

Since 1990, the number of under-five deaths has been slashed in half from 12.7 million to 6.3 million. But more remains to be done. The first 28 days of a newborn’s life are the most vulnerable and as it stands now, almost 2.8 million babies die each year during this period.

New analysis points to failures in the health system during the critical time around delivery as a significant contributing factor to these unnecessary deaths. It also shows that there is considerable variation – from country to country and between rich and poor –in the quality of health services available to pregnant women and their babies.

Around half of all women do not receive the recommended minimum of four antenatal care visits during their pregnancy. Complications during labour are responsible for around one quarter of all neonatal deaths worldwide. In 2012, one in three babies (approximately 44 million) entered the world without adequate medical support, the UN said.

Analysis of 10 high mortality countries found that less than 10 per cent of babies delivered by a skilled birth attendant went on to receive the seven required post-natal interventions, including early initiation of breastfeeding.

Similarly, less than 10 per cent of mothers who saw a health worker during pregnancy received a core set of eight

prenatal interventions. Those countries with some of the highest numbers of neonatal deaths also have a low coverage of postnatal care for mothers.

Additionally, the education level and age of the mother has a significant bearing on the chances of her baby’s survival. Neonatal mortality rates among mothers with no education are nearly twice as high as those for mothers with secondary schooling and above.

There is some good news, however. The report suggests that in every region, except sub-Saharan Africa, the proportion of under-five mortality among the poorest sections of society is declining faster than in the richest.

“It is deeply heartening that the equity gap in child survival is continuing to narrow,” said Rao Gupta. “We need to harness this momentum and use it to drive forward programmes that focus resources on the poorest and marginalised households; a strategy which has the potential to save the largest number of children’s lives.”

According to the UN, “A Promise Renewed” is a movement launched by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon to intensify global action to improve the health of women and children and reduce preventable maternal, newborn and child deaths. Since June 2012, 178 governments, members of civil society, and the private sector have signed a pledge to redouble their efforts for the cause.

news

5

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Centre of remigrant scam - Kaieteur News publisher Glenn Lall once again on GRA radar

C

ommissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Khurshid Sattaur has been the subject of heavy criticism from sections of society, the media and members of the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) after alleged scams involving Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall surfaced and were reported on recently.

APNU Member of Parliament (MP) Joseph Harmon was recently quoted as saying “the GRA boss is simply using his position as an instrument of fear”.

Harmon contended that the reporting of issues surrounding Lall was an attempt by Sattaur to muzzle the local publisher. But, Sattaur in a recent interview with this publication, denied the allegations levelled against

him by the MP. The Commissioner General pointed out that while the GRA would have launched its investigations, the tax body did so after articles would have appeared in the local media with evidence to arouse suspicion.

Sattaur noted that the “GRA operates with an intelligence-driven risk management system when selecting tax payers for various interventions that can range from simple scrutiny of a document to a more detailed audit to be conducted”.

He pointed out that the process of selection therefore should remove all doubts about, human muchless political interference, of the work of the tax body and is the genesis of the selection of the national media and publishing company’s recent entry of imports of printing ink for exami-

Kaieteur News publisher Glenn Lall poses with one of his Lexus vehicles involved in an alleged remigrant duty-free concession scam

nation.

In fact, Sattaur contended that Harmon’s accusations seem to suggest that he is “living in the past, reminiscent of the days when the Customs Administration operated at the whims and fancies of certain people and vehicles were released as bicycles”.

He noted that the Opposition is condemn-

Guyanese craftsman presents wooden replica of the ‘Golden Arrowhead’ to the Guyana Consulate in New York

ing corruption from one corner of its mouth and from the other, seemingly instigating it.

“If I do the work of my office and investigate the issues, I’m condemned. If I don’t do it and just lay back, I am condemned… so it’s like this – I’m damned if I do, and damned if I don’t,” Sattaur said.

He pointed out that

Lall has accused the GRA of accepting his values subsequent to lodging a deposit of in excess of Gy$2 million, after Customs would have held on to his deposit for a protracted period.

“This action was indeed permitted to facilitate his business cash flow problems that were proffered by Lall, but nevertheless, would not

have resulted in a definitive pronouncement by the agency,” Sattaur said.

Nonetheless, he noted that the GRA will continue to discharge its remit and investigate the alleged tax frauds that involve Lall and several other persons, including a senior GRA Enforcement Officer.

He said, “I will not be intimidated by any effort to threaten me or those who make statements against my work, I am discharging my remit as Commissioner General, the charge duly vested to me by the Constitution of Guyana, and I refuse to be intimidated”.

Only weeks after being fingered in an alleged remigrant duty-free concession scam, which the GRA is currently investigating, Lall was again seen at the centre of another alleged tax evasion scheme.

Section of Georgetown Ferry Stelling collapses

The Hon Bentnold Evans, Guyana Consul General, New York receiving the wooden replica of The Golden Arrowhead from Jonathon Locke.(Photo by Tangerine Clarke)

S

pecial invited guests gathered at the Guyana Consulate New York at a reception hosted by the Hon Brentnold Evans, Consul General of the Guyana Consulate, New York, and the members of the Guyana Tri-State Alliance Inc. on Friday, September, 12, 2014 for the unveiling and presentation of an exclusive wooden replica of the Guyana National Flag.

Rozanna Beaumont was the MC of the event.

The beautiful and distinctive facsimile of The Golden Arrowhead is a gift to the Guyana Consulate by Jonathon Locke, President of ‘Timehri Studios’, New York. He is a proud son of Guyana who uniquely conceptualised this oneof-a-kind beautiful piece of art that will certainly be appreciated by the Guyanese people for generations.

Jonathon is an artist, manufacturer, craftsman, teacher, visionary, and entrepreneur. He is one of the world's top custom designer of elegant furniture, and is a true craftsman that has transformed all types of wood into amazing designs that are sought after by top decorators.

The Hon Brentnold Evans graciously welcomed the family of Jonathon Locke to the Consulate and thanked and congratulated Mr. Jonathon Locke for his talent, unselfishness and most importantly thanked him for his invaluable contribution of his unique representation of the Guyana Flag that is made of wood to The Guyanese Consulate.

It was noted that the present will be placed in a prominent place for the Guyanese people to enjoy, Patricia Jordon Langford, President of

The Guyana Tri-State Alliance Inc. remarked that she was pleased and filled with pride and expressed her heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Mr. Jonathon Locke for his altruism, his humility, and his creative representation of the replica of the Guyana flag in all of its glory that the Guyanese people will cherish and honour for generations.

She also mentioned that Jonathon had inherited the genes of his father the late Donald Locke, an esteemed Guyanese artist who must be smiling down with joy and delight.

The attendees at the reception and presentation were all amazed at the intricate design and craftsmanship of multiple kinds of woods that resulted in this substantial, yet exquisite, and brilliant concept of the Guyanese Flag.

A

The section of the Stabroek Market wharf that collapsed on Wednesday

coconut vendor operating in the Stabroek Market narrowly escaped death when a section of the decrepit Georgetown Ferry Stelling collapsed on Wednesday morning, destroying several stalls in the process.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times International, the incident occurred at around 05:10h. This publication was told that a vendor was lying in a stall at the back of the Stabroek Market when he heard a loud rattling. Upon enquiring, the man realised that the upper section of the wharf, including the roof, was collapsing; it was then that he ran for “cover”.

“If that man dint move, he would a see he death hey today, because

one of the de beams bore through de stall dat he de lying in,” said Debbie Sertima.

But this was just the beginning. At around 11:00h, another vendor who was playing the “detective”, escaped severe injury when an old rusted zinc sheet fell from the roof in her path.

According to reports, the woman was standing below sections of the dilapidated structure when the zinc sheet fell, causing injury to her right arm.

Although openly venting her frustration about government’s failure to rehabilitate the wharf, the woman refused to speak directly to the press, fearing that she would be victimised by the authorities.

After conducting inspections, the City’s

Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba made a decision to close the wharf, until repairs are done.

She told Guyana Times International that she has been in consultation with the Local Government and the Public Works Ministries for a second assessment to be conducted. She explained that the City Engineer had inspected the area before, but required a second opinion to determine the magnitude of work to be done.

Sooba posited that the rehabilitation works would be executed in partnership with the two ministries.

Persons are being advised to desist from using the dilapidated section of the wharf which usually houses fish vendors.

6

news

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Lawmen get training to destroy firearms T he 11 ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the 14 ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) who successfully completed training in the use and maintenance of both the firearm destruction hydraulic shears and small arms ammunition-burning tank have been presented with their certificates.

According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), during a simple ceremony held at the Home Affairs Ministry, subject minister Clement Rohee presented the ranks with their certificate of completion.

Minister Rohee congratulated the ranks and he thanked the United Nations (UN) for affording the ranks the opportunity. The training was done under the auspices of the United Nations Office for Disarmament’s Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, Acting Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud, Lieutenant Colonel Cargill Kyte of the Guyana Defence Force, Permanent Secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry Angela Johnson along with the ranks who completed the UNILIREC training

and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC).

“I take this opportunity to thank them and for administering the training to these competent ranks, we have benefitted greatly as the equipment has been used to destroy firearms under the watchful eye of UNLIREC.” According to Minister Rohee, the partnership between Guyana and the UN on the subject of stock pile management is part of the

greater goal of disarmament. “Guyana has always adopted a stance of zero tolerance towards the arms trade, a growing phenomenal globally which has links to other offences such as drug trafficking.”

Hence the minister said, Guyana has recognised the importance of being able to control the proliferation of weapons, ammunition and explosives as part of its goal of maintaining national security. “We should not forget that the prolifera-

tion of the illegal arms trade has implications for the welfare of our citizens.”

Further Minister Rohee said that in keeping with the administration’s desire to have an effective arms control regime, Guyana has subscribed to a number of international conventions related to the arms trade while at the same time it has been constantly seeking to upgrade legislation to make it more effective. “It must be noted that Guyana does not

take lightly its obligation under international laws and this collaboration with UNLIREC is one example of the commitment of our country to upholding these standards.”

In addition to these measures, Minister Rohee underscored the importance of having the capability to eliminate weapons, which are no longer functional as they may end up in the wrong hands.

M e a n w h i l e Commissioner of Police

acting Seelall Persaud in his remarks said the contribution of UNLIREC in the donation of the hydraulic shears and the training provided to the ranks represent a total capacity by the Guyana Police Force to perform the operation of firearm destruction.

According to Persaud, since the implementation, the force destroyed in excess of 6000 firearms, some that were seized years ago and others that have been rendered unserviceable.

Delegation to meet with FATF reviewing body in the US

A

Guyanese delegation will be heading to Florida, in the United States, lat-

er this month to discuss the findings of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) review-

ing body, the Americas Region Reviewing Group (ARRG), which conducted a targeted review of

Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall is among the team heading for the critical meeting

Guyana’s financial architecture as it relates to its anti-money laundering posture.

According to Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr Roger Luncheon a local team will be meeting with the ARRG to review Guyana’s response to the body’s submission on the country. He said Cabinet composed the team during its sitting on Tuesday last.

The ARRG has conducted a targeted review of Guyana that was ordered by FATF following the country’s continued failure to obtain the parliamentary Opposition’s support for the enactment of an updated, compliant Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF)/FATF legislation. The report prepared by the ARRG calls for a significant amount of information about the ‘stata quo’ on

anti-money laundering and Guyana’s responses to obligations under CFATF/FATF. “The focus of the meeting at the end of this month in Florida would be reviewing Guyana’s responses to the ARRG submissions and that activity will be definitive, because the ARRG would, armed with the results of that targeted review, submit their findings to the October Plenary of FATF,” he disclosed.

Guyana has been once again invited to this FATF plenary, where, according to Dr Luncheon, a judgement or some conclusion might be provided.

Dr Luncheon pointed out that government could not have pressed further for the AntiMoney Laundering Bill to be brought up again before the National Assembly ahead of the

FATF October Plenary, explaining that this period is when members and Parliament staff are usually on vacation.

In addition, the Cabinet Secretary pointed out that Presidential Adviser Gail Teixeira has informed Cabinet of failed attempts to get the members of the Opposition to meet at the level of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC). “(Teixeira) updated Cabinet on her continued failure to have the parliamentary Opposition members of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on the amended Anti-Money Laundering Bill meet.

Her latest effort for our October 10 meeting of the PSSC has failed,” the HPS explained.

He went on to say that getting the Opposition members on the committee to meet is like “pulling teeth”, adding that the parliamentary opposition is clearly most disinclined to see progress at the level of the PSSC. The team heading for the US at the end of September comprises Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall; Head of the Financial Intelligence Unit, (FIU) Paul Ghir; FIU Legal Adviser Alisha Williams and Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Assistant Commissioner Sydney James.

7

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

Drastic changes needed in football Dear Editor, My passion, the game I have fought long and hard for its betterment in my country “football”.

I have devoted 17 years (1996-2013) of my football career to the national programme and I have seen it all.

Today, it’s clear to see that the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is uncertain about the way forward for Guyana’s football. It is extremely saddening, that things we as players- Kayode McKinnon, Howard Lowe, Richard Reynolds, Gregory Richardson, Collie Hercules, Christopher Nurse, and the numerous other players that I have not mentioned have fought for over the years have not been taken seriously.

No matter what sport you play, the principles that make a successful team are universal. It’s a strong foundation, development and preparation. The current leadership of the GFF lacks the philosophical view of

these three components; to drive the organisation forward and transcend expectations.

The youths are the future of tomorrow.

However, how can we comprise a national team in two weeks with 99% youths (not coming from any national development programme) and expect success?

However, I commend each one of these players for their efforts under the circumstances.

But GFF, let’s be real.

The key part of a successful national programme is building a strong foundation and it is the area that the GFF has pushed aside. The future of the national programme lies within our youths and one can only expect long term success by developing strength in its foundation. It is important in the transitioning phase to have a good blend of players to allow the experienced players to pass on their knowledge before their exit out of the national programme.

I have learnt in life

when someone doesn’t know something you cannot get annoyed with them. However, I cannot stand by and say nothing. We need to acquire the services of footballoriented personnel to run the affairs of football in Guyana. Personnel that will build a strong foundation, and put proper structures in place for continued development and success of football.

For too many years football has been played in the office and not on the field. The game of football is a doing thing and not a talking thing.

The GFF had an opportunity to maximise on the hype from the ‘Golden Jaguars’ quest for qualification in the recently-concluded 2014 World Cup, however, they let it disintegrate.

A drastic change is needed in football in my beloved country of Guyana - one which I hope comes soon for the benefit of the sport I love.

Sincerely, Charles “Lily” Pollard

Respect given is respect gained!

Dear Editor, In commemorating the tenure in office of the Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, a grand fun day was held at the Better Hope Community Centre ground on September 14, where the various Community Policing Group (CPG) divisions had an opportunity to express their gratitude to the minister.

It was the minister’s initiative to form and support a CPG in every village, which will work along with the Guyana Police Force to assist in maintaining peace and order, as well as showcase their active sportsmanship, wherein both female and male CPG officers participated in games and competitions.

It was a fun-filled day wherein CPGs interacted with their counterparts as one, and to add icing to the cake, numerous youth groups, which are extended arms of CPGs, also had the chance to compete against each other in sporting activities, such as cricket, herein bridging the gap of communication within the various counties of Guyana.

As much as it was an enjoyable event, the

One of the teams at the fun day with Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

CPG officers should be commended because irrespective of race, colour or religion, they all ensured that everyone who participated and attended felt like part of a magnanimous family.

Respect was given to all, hence, these CPGs deserve more respect and support from their communities, since as voluntary groups, they ensure stability, etc in their respective neighbourhoods.

The members of the Bush Lot New Housing Scheme CPG would like

to express gratitude to the B1 Division Liaison Officer Wheed Isahak for being the driving force behind the many groups who attended.

And they would also like to join the Courbane Park Annandale CPG in expressing their condolences to the bereaved family and friends of the late C Division Liaison Officer, Mr Gomes, who passed away early Sunday morning.

Yours sincerely, R Kerut Bush Lot New Housing Scheme CPG

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Region 5 taxpayers’ $$$ at work!

Ongoing road development works in Region Five

Dear Editor, Kudos to the Guyana Government and the Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for taking the initiative to invest in muchneeded community development projects in the D’Edward/Cotton Tree areas.

Several roads are currently being resurfaced and new culverts built, much to the satisfaction and delight of the local residents. I was particularly pleased to see the work being done under the close supervision of Region Five Regional Executive Officer, Mr Ashford Ambedkar; Regional Vice Chairman, Mr Rion Peters; and Regional Engineer Mr Dhanpall Sukha to ensure the work was being done to specification.

The entire road resurfacing and construction project is estimated to cost about Gy$30 million, and was done in consultation with the residents of these communities, who identified those projects as priorities.

As a new member of the D’Edward community, I took the opportunity to discuss two additional projects that the community can benefit from.

These are a bus shed at the junction of the main road leading to the Berbice River Bridge and the road to Rosignol, to protect commuters waiting for transportation to cross over to New Amsterdam from the rain and blistering sun, and the construction of a small park with a few concrete benches and street lights close to the water, where students can go to study in tranquility, while their parents enjoy the view and refreshing breeze blowing from the Atlantic.

I was advised that the Mahaica Mahaicony Authority (MMA) has jurisdiction over this area, and I hope to bring this project to fruition with their permission, and with the support of Mr Ambedkar and his team of professionals at the RDC in Region Five.

It is easy for critics of the Administration to overlook progress taking place in small communities, such as D’Edward

Village and Cotton Tree Village, throughout every region in Guyana.

Most are never reported in the media, as we have grown to expect this from a government that is committed to a better standard of living for all Guyanese.

While doing some poll research prior to the 2011 General Election, I vividly recalled the comments made by some residents in the Berbice area, who were solid in their support for the PPP/C for providing them with electricity and water in villages where there were none during the PNC era.

Indeed, most Guyanese now take the development they see throughout for granted, and the critics would argue that government has nothing to do with the new businesses and Florida-style new homes that are transforming the landscape of Guyana every day.

But what those critics fail to realise, and the Joint Opposition will never admit, is the fact that Private Sector development can only be achieved through a solid, stable economy that Guyana has now become.

Thanks mainly to the brilliance of former Minister of Finance and President, Bharrat Jagdeo, and the current Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, the economy of Guyana was miraculously transformed from a bankrupt state under the PNC in 1992 to the thriving one that all Guyanese benefit from today.

Commercial banks and businesses like Courts simply do not give building loans and credit to buy furniture if the economy is bad.

Conversely, it is because we’re living in a country with a responsible government and a growing economy that mortgages and store credit are readily available and vigorously pursued.

Despite some ‘Prophets of Doom’, the likes of Freddie Kissoon, a known critic of the Administration; and Abel Seetaram, the AFC Chairman for Region Five, who desperately wants to repeat his par-

ty’s vote haul from the region in the coming election, Berbicians are much better off than ever before.

Over the years, the PPP/C had brought much development to the Ancient County.

The health-care service in Berbice is much improved with better and more advanced facilities, equipment and trained local doctors.

A new National Ophthalmology Hospital was commissioned in Port Mourant, where I recommend anyone who cannot see real development taking place in Berbice, to have their eyes tested.

Our education system is also much improved from the decrepit system inherited from the PNC in 1992. There are new and improved schools, more trained teachers in the classrooms, a University of Guyana campus at Tain, and a Teachers Training College, just to name a few.

Berbicians now have much better roads, and yes, the Berbice Bridge.

And like the rest of Guyana, residents there are experiencing and are part of a major housing boom that has seen more Berbicians become homeowners.

There is now a ferry service between Guyana and Suriname, electricity in villages that were in darkness under the Burnham and Hoyte Administrations; the water supply, drainage and irrigation have been improved; and a new sugar factory was commissioned at Skeldon.

I challenge Abel Seetaram, Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan to name one, just one solitary project that the AFC has brought to fruition that has benefited the people of Regions Five and Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

What has the AFC done for the people in those regions who misguidedly voted for them in 2011? Some Berbicians may have been fooled once, but I will do my part to ensure they’re never fooled again.

Sincerely, Harry Gill

8

news

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Ebola surveillance high at entry ports – officials A

s the death toll of the deadly Ebola virus climbs, Guyana is putting all the necessary measures in place to safeguard citizens – fortifying ports and conducting surveillance on visitors coming from West African countries.

Ebola has since killed

just over 2500 people in West Africa and over 5000 are infected. And although the likelihood of the virus reaching the Caribbean is very slim, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Dr James Hospedales, during an interview with Guyana Times

International last week, had warned that regional countries should not become complacent.

Health officials in Guyana have confirmed that heavy surveillance activities are being carried out at Guyana’s main ports of entry. Port Health Officer at the Moleson Creek Ferry

Service Stelling, Adeola Craig told this news publication that information is being taken from passengers coming from Suriname. She explained that if it was so required, persons would be quarantined. The reports, she said, are sent to the Health Ministry.

At Lethem, officials reported that the Port Health Office there has been carrying out surveillance for the Ebola Virus. It was noted that because people from around the world would visit Brazil and then come to Guyana through that port of entry, no chances are being taken.

An official said information collected from travellers includes their history of travel within the last seven days. All information gathered is sent to the Health Ministry.

Similar surveillance activities are being carried out at the Cheddi Jagan Airport as well as Ogle International Airport.

CARPHA‘s Dr Hospedales had disclosed that there was too much at stake for any amount of complacency at this time. “We judge that the risk of Ebola to the Caribbean is low, because we do not have the animals that carry the disease; we have limited contact with those countries. However, there is no room for complacen-

Dr James Hospedales

cy,” he warned.

Dr Hospedales said that Caribbean countries have to be prepared, because “even one case here would be disastrous for our own health, especially for the tourism-dependent economy in the Caribbean. That could be very, very bad.”

He related that officials have been meeting with all the health personnel in the Region trying to take charge of security within Caricom.

Transmission and prevention

The virus may be acquired upon contact with blood or bodily fluids of an infected animal/ person.

Transmission through the air has not been documented in the natural environment.

Fruit bats are believed to be a carrier and may spread the virus without being affected. Once human infection occurs,

the disease may spread between people, as well.

Male survivors may be able to transmit the disease via semen for nearly two months. To make the diagnosis, typically, other diseases with similar symptoms such as malaria, cholera and other viral haemorrhagic fevers are first excluded.

To confirm the diagnosis, blood samples are tested for viral antibodies, viral RNA, or the virus itself.

Prevention includes decreasing the spread of the disease from infected animals to humans. This may be done by checking such animals for infection, and killing and properly disposing of the bodies if the disease is discovered. Properly cooking meat and wearing protective clothing when handling meat may also be helpful, as are wearing protective clothing and washing hands when around a person with the disease.

Samples of bodily fluids and tissues from people with the disease should be handled with special caution. No specific treatment or cure for the disease is yet available.

Efforts to help those who are infected are supportive and include giving oral rehydration therapy. The Ebola Virus continues to infect and kill more and more people in West Africa.

Budget preparations moving apace – Finance Minister

A

lthough there is a high possibility that snap elections will be called, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh is conducting business as

usual. On Thursday he disclosed that preparations for Budget 2015 are moving apace.

In fact, the Finance Ministry has already issued the budget call circular in accordance with the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act of 2003, even as its technical officers consult with ministries and departments.

In keeping with an established tradition, it is the intention of Dr Singh to have “one-on-one” consultation with key stakeholder groups, including the Private Sector and organised labour in an effort to receive the benefit of their inputs.

“The Finance Minister indicated that the policy imperative against which Budget 2015 is being crafted is continued growth and accelerated development across Guyana, pointing out that over the years successive budgets presented by the PPP/C Government have enabled the Guyanese economy to achieve greater resilience, with eight years of uninterrupt-

ed growth since 2006, at a time when the rest of the global economy was reeling in crisis,” a press statement issued by the Finance Ministry stated.

The Finance Minister strongly believes that the budgets of the past under the PPP/C (People’s Progressive Party/Civic) Governments have resulted in significant improvement in the quality of life enjoyed by “all Guyanese”, in the areas of education, public healthcare, housing and water, road and even bridges.

Despite the moves by the Oppositiondominated National Assembly to disapprove Gy$37.5 billion from the 2014 Budget, Dr Singh said the budget is being implemented at a satisfactory pace, positing that a number of initiatives that were announced are already at the advanced stage of implementation.

Budget 2014 was presented to the National Assembly on March 24, 2014 and was Guyana’s largest ever at Gy$220 billion.

news

9

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

APNU ups ante as ultimatum expires … currently mobilising international support

D

etermined to prove that their leader can “walk the talk”, supporters of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Tuesday stormed City Hall in an effort to hold a meeting calling for the holding of Local Government Elections.

David Granger, the APNU Leader, had threatened President Donald Ramotar that if he did not call Local Government Elections, there would be local and international “action”.

On Tuesday, party members, as well as supporters defied the orders of the City Constabulary and stormed into the compound.

However, several of them were also denied entry, when members of the Constabulary, following the instructions of acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba, locked them out.

At the forefront of the ruckus were City Mayor Hamilton Green, People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Lance Carberry; and APNU parliamentarians Ronald Bulkan, Amna Ally, and Annette

Ferguson. There were also several other persons known to be associated with the PNCR. Mayor Green told members of the media that some of the people who were denied entry were at City Hall for a prayer service. He contended that he saw no legitimate reasons why the persons were denied entry into the compound, since he was sure they posed no threat to the integrity of City Hall. Green branded the action taken by the officers as “completely ridiculous and absurd”.

When asked why the prayer and solidarity meeting was being held at City Hall, the mayor said it was being done to seek “divine guidance to deal with this nonsense that’s taking place”.

At the gates, tempers flared as the standoff between the Constabulary Officers and APNU supporters, led by Mayor Green, persisted. The officers were treated to several bouts of verbal assault from persons who had gathered at the gates.

This media house observed that while the ser-

vice might have started with a prayer by Pastor Ronald McGarrell and a few gospel songs were played, it was far from religious.

Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green led the charge as she spoke of the importance of Local Government Elections and called on the government to name a date for such. She also echoed earlier calls for Sooba to be removed from the helm of City Hall.

Similarly, Bulkan said Sooba needed to be removed from the post of Town Clerk. He contended that the action taken

by Sooba in refusing the individuals entry into the compound was somewhat “extraordinary”, claiming that the city was “under siege” by the City Constabulary.

For her part, Sooba detailed that she learnt of the Mayor’s plans to hold a political function under the guise of a church service and took measures to prevent it.

Sooba said she will not allow the Mayor or any of the City’s Councillors to misuse the resources at City Hall. Further,

GuyExpo 2014 to field 400 exhibitors

G

Produce displayed at GuyExpo last year

uyana’s 19th Trade and Investment Exposition (GuyExpo), which began in 1995, will take place from October 2 to 5, under the theme, “Transformation: Partnering for a better Guyan". The event will showcase locally produced goods and services.

The venue for the exhibition will be the Sophia Exhibition Site and will host an estimated 110,000 visitors, and 400 exhibitors, among

them participants from eight countries.

What began as an activity that attracted close to 200 exhibitors is today Guyana’s biggest expo with over 460 businesses, both local and international participating annually, all given the occasion to present their locally produced goods and services.

GuyExpo became an annual event in 2004, under the Chairmanship of Keith Burrowes, and is now the longest sustained exhibition in the

Caribbean.

In 2004, the organisers took cognisance of the growth and interdependence of international trade and opened the exhibition to the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and other regional exhibitors, reported the Government Information Agency (GINA).

With its genesis as a biennial activity, GuyExpo has now morphed into a national event which offers business associates the opcontinued on page 10

APNU Chief Whip Amna Ally making her way through the barricades

she pointed out that no permission was granted by her for the function to be held.

When Guyana Times International spoke to Granger on Tuesday afternoon, he pointed out that “consultations” were currently being held on the way forward.

Copies of the letter that Granger sent to the President were forwarded to the National Front Alliance, the Working

People’s Alliance, and the Justice for All Party – the other political parties within the APNU. Additionally, the letter was also sent to some members of the diplomatic community.

When asked where he was going to be looking for international support and if he had any countries earmarked, Granger responded that he was “mobilising support”

from countries in the West with specific mention of North America, the United Kingdom and the Caribbean. Co-Chair of the APNU, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine on Monday disclosed that as far as he was aware, his party is set to take action as promised if government failed to set a date for the polls. “There will be some manifestation, some manifestation of some kind,” he said.

10

NEWS

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Linden officials mum on 'One Mile Primary School' funds R egion 10 officials have remained tight-lipped on the funds garnered in 2012 to rebuild the One Mile Primary School, which was reduced to ashes by arsonists during the unrest in Linden.

More than a month ago, contributors pressed for answers, but, to date, their questions still are unanswered.

Regional Councillor Maurice Butters, who was placed in charge of the committee that was responsible for the collection of the funds, told this newspaper on Tuesday that the information would soon be disclosed. He explained that a press conference will be held

where the matter will be ventilated.

His response comes days after Alliance For Change (AFC) Councillor Audwin Rutherford demanded financial records from the committee. Rutherford made his demands known during the recently-convened statutory meeting at the Region 10 Democratic Council Office, saying that several requests have been made for the requisite information to be disclosed, but to no avail.

During an interview with Guyana Times International on Tuesday, Rutherford said that since 2013, the matter was brought before

Region 10 Councillor explained.

Contradictory reports

Region 10 Councillor Maurice Butters

the Regional Democratic Council (RDC). “We were never given a figure, never. Since last year, we requested a financial report; they said next month, one year after we are still waiting,” the

He said during the last statutory meeting when the matter was raised again, Butters disclosed that the accounting process was still ongoing, but would soon be concluded allowing for the audit to be done. But, Rutherford said this was in total contradiction to what the council was told before – that the auditing was being done.

“How could the same company that is doing the accounting, do the audit?” Rutherford asked as he vented his dissatisfaction. He said that no effort was even made to

present the council with at least an unaudited report. “We would not have had a problem with that.

They should have given us something to work with, but after more than a year, we are still waiting.” According to the AFC Councillor, the Chairman of the committee has promised to make available the required document on Friday.

In 2012, the One Mile Primary School was among more than 10 buildings that were burnt down when a protest over a proposed hike in electricity tariffs spiralled out of control, resulting in the death of three persons in the mining town. The arson resulted in more than 800 students and teachers being displaced. They are being accommodated at three other schools in Linden.

Under the stewardship of Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Vanessa Kissoon, Lindeners near and far had vowed to rebuild the school, shortly after the month-long pro-

test came to an end in August. However, the government, through the Education Ministry, indicated that it would uphold its constitutional mandate and rebuild the school. Since this announcement was made by government, contributors have been asking, “where the money is?”

APNU Leader David Granger, when questioned about the monies received, said the monies were collected by the region, explaining that it was done on behalf of the people and not APNU or the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).

“No, the PNC never authorised the collection of any money; the PNC does not hold any money for the One Mile Primary and I cannot say how much was collected or where the monies went… I don’t know and I am not going to accept responsibility for that,” Granger said in response to a question posed by this newspaper.

The new state-of-theart facility is being built to the tune of Gy$170 million and is expected to be completed by February 2015.

GuyExpo 2014 to field...

from page 9

portunity to meet, network, and negotiate with international companies and establishments, as well as showcase their skills, talents and creative work, on an annual basis.

From its inception to now, the focus has remained on the development of small and medium sized enterprises, thereby ensuring that local businesses enjoy the level of growth and expansion that is needed for them to remain competitive at the regional and international levels.

Several businesses which have grown along with the expo from its genesis include A H and L Kissoon, Toolsie Persaud Limited, Banks DIH, Demerara Distillers Limited, Geddes Grant and Gafoors.

Since its humble beginnings GuyExpo has come a long way and takes a permanent place on the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce’s Annual Calendar of Events.

This premier exposition and trade fair offers

business associates the opportunity to meet, network and negotiate with international companies and establishments, as well as showcase their skills, talents and creative works.

It provides a platform for both local and foreign businesses: importers, exporters, retailers, wholesalers and fuses together a wide crosssection of producers of handicraft, furniture, garments, jewellery, horticulture, pharmaceuticals, tourism, information technology and most of all culture.

This ideal setting provides the opportunity for businesses to increase their competitiveness and efficiency and foster growth.

GuyExpo is undertaken as a partnership among the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, GO-Invest and the private sector; while exhibitors, franchise holders, game operators and entertainers play a major role in the overall success of the event.

news

11

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Heavy sanctions for rice Scotiabank partnering millers who owe farmers with Guyana Book

R

ice millers across the country are being urged to improve the management of their businesses as government threatens to “tighten the screws” on those delinquent in paying farmers for their paddy.

Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy last week encouraged millers to work more diligently with the banks so that farmers could be paid on time. Failure to do this would force government to revoke their licence.

“We have done this in the past and while we continue to work with millers, while we work with farmers, there has to be evidence that we are all trying.

“It can’t be that I am trying and you are doing nothing when you are the one who owe the farmers,” Ramsammy said.

The Agriculture Minister said he does not believe that millers are doing the best they can and “wherever that exists, we will be less gentle and kind to them”.

He said that government has been very understanding with all millers and “whilst we in the Ministry of Agriculture understand the constraints, we believe that

Foundation for Education Month

S

Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy and the Guyana Rice Development Board General Manager Jainarine Singh inspect the rice shipment at the John Fernandes Wharf in Georgetown (File photo)

where there are evidence that millers are not doing the best they can to meet their obligations to the farmers that we will take stern action and that will include withdrawing licences to operate the factories”.

Ramsammy noted that there is a law which stipulates that if paddy is sold to millers by farmers, those millers must pay the farmers 50 per cent of the cost within 14 days.

The remainder must be paid in 42 days. The

problem for millers, Ramsammy said, is that they may not sell that rice until 100 days later and so, some backup plan will have to be found to pay the farmers.

He pointed out that while the law sets some stipulations, a popular Corentyne rice milling company was recently threatened that it would be cut off from the Venezuela rice deal and sued, because it had failed to pay farmers for a lengthy period.

Le Repentir Cemetery gets facelift thanks to “Clean up My Country” campaign

W

Tombs now clearly visible at Le Repentir

ith blocks one and seven of the Georgetown burial ground ‘Le Repentir’ nearly completed as part of government’s initiative to promote and ensure a cleaner and healthier environment, massive improvements are now visible.

A visit to the cemetery showed massive debushing operations done in Block One by Jeffery Jones Construction, which was contracted to de-bush Blocks

Three, Four and Five.

Further, Block Seven, which is being cleared by persons attached to the Georgetown Prison Service, is expected to be completed shortly.

Cleaning of Le Repentir is part of the “Clean-up my Country” initiative, brought forth by the Government of Guyana, for which Gy$1 billion was allocated in the 2014 national budget. Of this sum, Gy$500 million is being spent on the cleaning up of Georgetown, which in-

cludes the cleaning and de-silting of the seven main drainage canals, which is currently in progress.

It also includes the rehabilitation of the Mayor and City Council’s machinery to ensure the maintenance of a clean city after the exercise is completed, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

The sum of Gy$500M is earmarked for other areas across the country, where clean-up is also underway.

c o t i a b a n k , through its Bright Future Programme, recently teamed up with the Guyana Book Foundation (GBF) to donate books to two East Coast Demerara schools, in observance of Education Month 2014.

In a release, Scotiabank said it presented over 150 books to the Beterverwagting/ Quamina and Lusignan Primary Schools in a simple ceremony at the Bank’s Robb Street branch, in support of the GBF’s Education Month book donation drive that targets 65 nursery, primary and secondary schools in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

Over the years, the book donation drive has been an ongoing project for the GBF in keeping with its main goal to improve children’s literacy across Guyana. GBF’s donation drive this year will ensure that children continue to have

access to high-quality, interesting books with engaging stories which will encourage them to read outside of their required texts. It will also help strengthen the schools’ library stock.

Since 2012, the GBF has been engaging corporate Guyana to assist with the donation drive. The Book Foundation collaborated with Scotiabank in 2013 for sponsorship of book distributions to nursery schools in Region Eight during Education Month and Amerindian Heritage Month, both commemorated in the month of September.

The release added that Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which they work through their global philanthropic programme, ‘Scotiabank Bright Future’.

Recognised as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and phil-

anthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided, on average, approximately Cdn$45 million annually to community causes around the world, over each of the last five years.

The Scotiabank Bright Future Programme is the Bank’s global philanthropic programme, which brings together all of the bank’s charitable, social and community efforts and employee volunteer activities under one banner. Through the Bright Future Programme, the Bank’s charitable efforts are aimed at being relevant and responsive to the needs of each community at a grassroots level and providing support across the fields of health, arts, education, social services, sport and the environment.

In the Caribbean, Latin and Central America, the programme focuses primarily on children and children’s causes.

12

news

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Karrau Village hosts successful Heritage Day event U

nder the theme “Traditional Embodiment for Amerindian Development”, Amerindian Heritage Day was hosted in Karrau, Region Seven and was well celebrated and attended

by Amerindians and Guyanese from all walks of life.

Karrau villagers did not hesitate in their quest to show the rest of Guyana what they had to offer with traditional Amerindian dances, dress displays and impersonations. Villagers displayed what makes them unique, through their creativity and glowing enthusiasm for Amerindian folklore.

They seemingly revelled in the thought of progress with their culture.

The celebrations for the Amerindian Heritage Day and the pride of Karrau being selected for such an event started with the arrival of President Donald Ramotar at the Karrau Community Centre ground.

The Head of State arrived with First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar; Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai; Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony; Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn RodriguesBirkett; Public Works Minister Robeson Benn; Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker; Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster; Region

Young women, one for each of the nine Amerindian tribes of Guyana, perform a piece at the Karrau Village celebration commemorating Amerindian Heritage Month. Karrau, located in Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) in the lower Mazaruni River, was designated Heritage Village 2014 and hosted, along with neighbouring villages, this year’s Heritage Day activities, showcasing its cultural heritage

Seven Chairman Gordon Bradford; and Vice Chairman of the National Toshao Council

Joel Fredericks. They were welcomed and escorted by Karrau Village Toshao James Cornelius,

relative to the village’s pioneer, Eugene Cornelius.

The event was chaired by Morano Isaacs.

Karrau Creek Primary School was the first to perform an acrostic that spelt ‘Amerindian’, showcasing their sense of community and belonging through their inimitable spirit. This was followed by numerous performances by the Karrau cultural group.

Two particular dances that made the crowd brave the sun to get a closer look were performances headed by Mickel Andrews, a resident born and raised in the Karrau community.

The dances depicted Amerindians’ daily life of washing clothes at creeks or rivers, planting, gathering food for the community and hunting.

Girls and some women from Karrau indicated that they have not forgotten their history as they displayed the dress of their fore-parents, circling the stage in different styles that were worn by the different Amerindian tribes of Guyana.

There was one bold miss that sashayed her way across the stage, earning the smiles and amusement of the president and his entourage as they applauded her.

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai encouraged the youths and the Amerindian community at large to “be proud of (themselves)… be proud Guyanese”, ensuring to take advantage of all opportunities that are afforded to them.

She remarked that Amerindians across Guyana “have found their feet” and will continue to do so if they seek to develop themselves, preserve their culture, and thus themselves along the way. She encouraged the residents of Karrau particularly, not

to lose sight of their development, adding that “the village council have been and continue in the (way) of development.”

The Karrau Community Centre ground, which is located at the centre of the village, housed booths which were beautifully arranged with traditional Amerindian craft and wares, as well as purses and wallets for men with more contemporary designs.

Delicacies were also on display, with the Amerindian dishes; however, the Karrau residents spiced things up a bit by making their pepper-pot with wild hog, deer and even labba (or Urana as the Makushi people call it), quite a treat for outsiders. The drinks too were quite refreshing as there was the obvious piwari drink that Guyanese around the globe enjoy but also potato wine, or ‘fly’ as it is called locally.

Kenneth Benjamin, a mechanic who is a relatively new resident of the village, and who has visited the area on numerous occasions over the last 38 years, said it was “an honour for Karrau to be selected” as it “brings joy and hope culturally and economically” to the residents and the Amerindian people in the village.

A resident of the community, Phillip Henry, also indicated his appreciation for the celebrations at Karrau.

Toshao Cornelius remarked that Karrau is special and is set apart from other villages as it has all or most of the resources Guyana is known to offer, adding that the village is not well known as other Amerindian communities, “but everything the community needs or may need is right here, it just needs to be developed.”

news

13

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Public Works Ministry provides free transportation service for East Coast, West Dem residents - Continuation of service dependent on success of two week trial erated government had taken a decision that it would not support an increase in fares if the price of diesel or gasoline did not exceed Gy$1000.

“I do not believe that

C

A bus waiting to be filled with passengers for East and West Coast, and East Bank trips

abinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon said the free public transportation offered to residents living in villages on the outskirts of Georgetown is set for a two-week trial before a more definite decision is made on its continuation.

The service was officially launched on Monday by Public Works and Transportation Minister Robeson Benn, who told reporters present that government was seeking to ease the

have refused to pay the increase have essentially flocked and taken up residence at the bus parks.

It is because of this that government has decided to intervene by providing free transportation service along the East and West Coast and East and West Bank of Demerara.

Luncheon said that engagements have been held with the organisation representing the interest of minibus operators.

“A report tendered

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn speaking to media operatives at the Stabroek Bus Park on Monday

financial exploitation experienced by commuters.

He had explained that commuters have been expressing concerns over the exploitation, particularly over demands for an increase in fares by minibus operators after hours.

According to Dr Luncheon, minibus operators and owners have thrown down the gauntlet to the government.

“Unilaterally, they have introduced fare increases in Georgetown. Those fare increases have been rejected out of hand by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, and commuters have been urged not to pay the increases,” he said at his post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday.

Consequently, he said commuters who

to Cabinet by Minister Irfaan Ali… the golden yardstick – Minister Ali pointed out that Gy$1000 per gallon for fuel has not been breached and it was the ministry’s contention that therein the basis for increases did not exist. The cost of fuel remained Gy$1000 per gallon. As was said reasoning with the operators, owners and representatives is an activity of little benefit.”

Luncheon added that Cabinet, in discussing the next move, has agreed that over the next two weeks, continued discussions with representatives of minibus operators will be conducted so that it could decide on whether or not the service will continue.

“Continued discussions with repre-

sentatives of operators, a review of the situation as it affects the commuters; the compilation of those reports would allow Cabinet to decide on the continuation of this programme. In essence, would the provision of free transportation continue? We would have to consider the reports of the two weeks compilation of this initiative”.

The fleet of 10 44-seater buses is not intended to stifle the livelihood of minibus operators plying the Demerara routes, but Public Works Minister Benn said government had become weary of the complaints levelled against the operators.

He noted that government is seeking to prevent a situation where commuters are forced to suffer as a result of one-sided actions by the minibus operators.

Minister Benn reit-

situation has arisen.

Some people have taken it upon themselves and are forcing people to pay higher fares, but we will not encourage it. We are prepared to sit down and

have discussions with operators with respect to this problem, but we will not have unilateral position for the public in respect to this situation,” Benn stressed.

14

news

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana ratifies UN Convention on disabilities

G

uyana became the latest country to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is widely regarded as the first international human rights treaty of the 21st century and one of the fastest to be ratified.

“The 150th ratification is evidence of the commitment by the international community to promote and protect the human rights of persons with disabilities,” said Maria Soledad Cisternas Reyes on behalf of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which monitors how states implement the Convention.

In a statement, the Office of the High

Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said “disability rights worldwide have reached a major milestone” with the ratification. About 15 per cent of the world’s population lives with some form of disability, and those persons face physical, social, economic and attitudinal barriers that prevent them from effectively participating in society, according to UN figures.

Persons with disabilities are also disproportionately represented among the world’s poorest, and lack equal access to basic resources such as education, employment, healthcare, and legal support systems.

“This Convention, in force for just six years, has been ratified across

Guyana on Monday became the latest country to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

all regions and cultures, and is on the way to becoming universally recognised. We call on those states still to ratify to do so,” said Cisternas, who chairs the CRPD.

Equal rights

The Convention was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2006 in an effort to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy the same human rights as everyone else. The treaty sets out the obligations of state parties to promote, protect and ensure the rights of all people with disabilities and promotes equal rights in all areas of life.

Earlier this year, Theresia Degener of CRPD had said that people with disabilities have the same rights as everyone to make decisions about their lives, including the right to take risks and make mistakes, a UN Committee has stressed in new guidelines.

“Respect for the free-

dom to make choices should be accorded to all persons with disabilities, no matter how much support they need,” said Degener.

“People with disabilities, including those with psychosocial or cognitive impairments, must be supported in making decisions, and not have decisions made for them, even when it is thought to be in their ‘best interests’,” she had stated.

The Committee also noted that “supported decision-making” is closely tied to accessibility of services, information and communication, set out under Article Nine of the Convention.

In this regard, the Committee details the importance of accessibility in allowing persons with disabilities to enjoy

and realise their human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with others. Persons with disabilities face many barriers, and so “it is important that accessibility is addressed in all its complexity, encompassing the physical environment, transportation, information and communication, and services,” it noted.

Goods, products and services provided to the public, the Committee stressed, must be accessible to all, regardless of whether they are owned and/or provided by a public authority or by a private enterprise.

All new goods, products, facilities, infrastructure, technology and services should be designed to be fully accessible by persons with disabilities.

Tougher penalties needed to curb road accidents – NJASHI president

I

n light of the accident on the Letter Kenny Public Road that left 18-year-old Rena Devi Singh dead, President

NJASHI President, Pandit Suresh Sugrim

of the New Jersey Arya Samaj Humanitarian Inc (NJASHI), Pandit Suresh Sugrim is calling on the Government of Guyana, the Guyana Police and the relevant agencies to enforce stricter penalties on drivers who are involved in accidents on the roadways.

During an exclusive interview with Guyana Times International, Suresh highlighted that ‘enough is enough’, too many lives are lost at the

hands of errant drivers.

“Over the past months, there have been too many deaths on the roadways, the relevant authorities need to enforce stricter penalties for drunken drivers and reckless drivers across the country. This has been happening for far too long; many young lives are snuffed out too early.”

According to Sugrim, this is an issue that affects everyone and those who are entrusted with the law need to be fair and uphold it at all times. The law should not be clouded based on the financial status of the driver or their relatives, because if the tables were turned, they would be seeking justice.

Lawlessness

Sugrim expressed outrage and anger at the level of lawlessness by the drivers and the fact that they get off or are sometimes given a slap on the wrist while the family of those who have died has to deal with the continued on page 22

news

15

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Rohee orders probe into Mazaruni Prison killing … says prison reform ongoing

H

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

ome Affairs M i n i s t e r Clement Rohee on Monday promised that a full investigation will be launched into the stabbing to death of Theon Smith allegedly by a fellow inmate, Akeem Edwards, over a stolen mobile phone on Sunday at Mazaruni Prison.

Rohee admitted that “prisoners are prisoners”, especially the convicted ones who have been sentenced for serious crimes, and the possibility will always exist that there will be plotting and planning and more so, the inmates will have grudges against each other but that does not give “the right to take a life”.

Such incidents, he noted, are most unfortunate when they take place and reiterated that an investigation will be launched to get to the bottom of what transpired. In addition, he added that usually when investigations are completed, a whole host of issues are brought to the fore. He said in light of the recent reports of incidents at various correctional institutions, the government has adopted a strategic plan for the Guyana Prison Service, which was divided into two parts. “One is in respect to the custodial aspects of prisons and the other is with respect to prison reform and corrections.”

The 24-year-old Smith, also known as Theon Branche, was at the time serving a 15year sentence for robbery under arms, possession of an illegal firearm as well as break and entry.

His attacker was serving a similar sentence for the same offences. It was reported that Edwards, armed with a knife, followed Smith and repeat-

edly stabbed him during an altercation. Smith was pronounced dead on arrival at the Bartica Hospital.

Over the past few months, there have been several incidents whereby inmates were either seriously injured or killed following brawls at the various correctional institutions. With respect to the latest incident at New Amsterdam Prison which had left at least four persons hospitalised, Minister Rohee stated that the report has been completed and the recommendations are being looked at, but there are several legal stumbling blocks. He explained that the ministry has not released any information to the public with respect to the inquiry and is expected to do so as soon as possible, noting that the recommendations were deliberated upon by a highlevel team comprising members of the Board of Inquiry, Director of Prison and the Permanent Secretary, among others.

He noted that many of the recommendations that were made by the board of inquiry are in consonance with what is in the standing orders hence as soon as the standing orders are released, the ministry will be in a good position to publicly reveal such.

Orders

As of now, he said, the orders are with Attorney General Anil Nandlall, and there were a few legal matters that have to be sorted out before disclosure is made.

On June 14 last year, 27-year-old Tameshwar Khemraj, called “Rambo”, who is presently serving a four-year sentence for robbery under arms, was stabbed about his body in the New Amsterdam Prison.

Khemraj was reportedly attacked by two brothers, and their uncle.

The brothers are on remand for a murder/robbery which occurred at Hampshire in 2013 during which a businessman was shot dead, while their uncle is serving a sentence for rape. The attack followed an altercation Khemraj had with one of the brothers the previous day.

After the attack, a search was subsequently conducted at the New Amsterdam Prison, uncovering several cellular phones, cutlasses, icepicks and several other sharp weapons.

16

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

news

17

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

PM Hinds lauds Mesoamerican Project …as Mexico celebrates 204th Independence Anniversary

Ambassador to Guyana Francisco Olguín noted that when he arrived in Guyana three years ago, he had a vision of stronger ties between Guyana and Mexico, and by extension Caricom.

He said that the foundations for his vision to

P

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Ambassador Francisco Olguín and Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett share a toast

rime Minister Samuel Hinds on Monday evening lauded Mexico for piloting the Mesoamerican project which he said was important to infrastructural development in Guyana.

Hinds, who was at the time speaking at a function to mark Mexico’s Independence Day at the Georgetown Club on Camp Street, said that the move by Mexico to include the Caribbean under the umbrella of the project was particularly welcomed by the Guyana Government.

The Mesoamerica Project is a multi-billion dollar development plan, formally initiated in 2001 and aimed at promoting regional integration and

development of the nine southern states of Mexico with all of Central America, Colombia and the Dominican Republic.

Only recently a decision was taken to include the rest of the Caribbean.

The project is intended to remedy a lack of investment and stimulate trade in the region by building or improving large infrastructure projects such as highways, air and sea ports, and electric and telecommunications grids.

Hinds noted that the project was imperative to the realisation of infrastructural projects in Guyana such as the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport ex-

pansion Project and the new bridge that is being considered across the Demerara River.

He noted that Guyana like Mexico adheres strongly to the values of democracy, peace, respect for human rights, and sanctity for international treaty.

“For us as small developing country, the only way we can survive in this era of globalisation is by increasing integration in the world economy, greater integration can play a major role, both in terms of seizing opportunities presented by globalisation and safeguarding against your tenant vulnerabilities and challenges.”

Meanwhile, Mexico’s

become a reality were laid in April of this year when Caricom signed on to the Mesoamerican project, noting that it was only the first step and still requires “considerable effort”.

He said “to maximise results we should exercise

our judgment, choose the projects with the highest impact, use our resources wisely, watch debt levels and very importantly coordinate efforts with other Caribbean countries to advance together, keeping the same pace if possible.”

18

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

19

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

20

news

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Govt nixes snap elections …before No-Confidence Vote

W

ith a NoConfidence Motion against the Donald Ramotar Administration looming, government has ruled out the possibility of calling snap elections before the motion is taken to the National Assembly for debate and the inevitable hosting of General Elections that is likely to follow.

This was announced by Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon on Wednesday at the postCabinet briefing. Dr Luncheon, in essence, told reporters that the ruling party prefers to allow the motion to pass through the National Assembly and defend its political record.

“We are summonsed to a trial by the Parliamentary Opposition, addressing charges that lead to a question of loss of confidence – no confidence – and I don’t believe when you are summonsed to trial of that sort – one, you can say you ain’t turning up!

You don’t have a choice,

you have to participate and we will be there to defend the track records of this Administration in Parliament and in the rest of Guyana, regionally and internationally,” the HPS exclaimed.

He went on to say that there is no escape clause for government, as he dismissed the notion that the Administration will counter the likely outcome of a no-confidence vote by opting to call “some snap elections”.

About a month ago, the minority Opposition party, Alliance For Change (AFC), filed a No-Confidence Motion against government and it was accepted by Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman. The motion, which also gained the support of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), which holds a 26-seat majority on the Opposition benches, is set to be debated in the National Assembly when it comes out of recess on October 10.

Illogic

Meanwhile,

the

Cabinet Secretary pointed out that it was not logical to host both the Local Government Elections and General and Regional Elections at the same time. Dr Luncheon noted that the decision of which elections would be held will factor in all sides of the equation into consideration.

“It is Cabinet’s contention that both General Elections and Local Government Elections cannot be held at the same time and, therefore, the decision on the primary attention to be given on either is essentially the basis for the uncertainty,” Dr Luncheon stated, adding that both the Administration and the political Opposition are well aware of those factors that would provide the information which will allow either side to be more inclined to have Local Government Elections as opposed to General Elections as the primary electoral event in any electoral calendar.

In the meanwhile, the

PAHO Director gets tour of GPHC …impressed with diabetic foot clinic

Cabinet Secretary stated the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and other stakeholders seem to be in a state of preparedness for General and Regional Elections as opposed to Local Government Elections, which APNU is pressing for.

On this note, the Cabinet Secretary referred to the letter sent

by Opposition Leader David Granger to President Ramotar, giving him an ultimatum to set a date for Local Government Elections before September 15, or else both local and international actions would follow. The letter was sent to the president on September 9 and he responded seeking clarifications on the contents a few days later. The deadline has passed; no date has been set; and Granger has promised actions will follow.

Dr Luncheon noted that Granger is yet to provide the clarifications the president is seeking on the contents of the letter regarding his position on elections.

Minister of Health Bheri Ramsaran presents a sculpture to PAHO Director, Dr Carissa Etienne

A

s part of the Wellness Week celebrations in Guyana, Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Director Dr Carissa Etienne and other officials were taken on tour of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Following a Health Symposium to mainly discuss the role of civil societies in addressing emerging public health threats held at the Guyana International Conference Center (GICC), the group consisting of Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran,

PAHO Representative in Guyana Dr William AduKrow, Sir Trevor Hassell President of the Healthy Caribbean Coalition, Dr Anselm Henniss Director – NCD/Mental Health PAHO Headquarters among others, visited the GPHC. During this visit, the officials interacted with hospital staffers and were given an in-depth idea of the operations at GPHC. Also present at the visit was GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Khan.

The officials were taken to the diabetic foot continued on page 22

21 USAID educates Guyanese on the importance of Local Govt T NEWS

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

he United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through the International Republican Institute (IRI), last week launched the first in a series of town-hall meetings on Local Government Elections in Rose Hall, Berbice.

The meeting was held at the St Francis Community Development Complex.

The aim of the session was to educate persons about their rights and responsibilities as voters and inform them about the functions of local government, the voting process, and voters’ eligibility requirements, among others.

In an interview with Guyana Times International, Glenn Bradbury, Chief of Party of the Leadership and Democracy Programme, who was also the facilitator of the meeting, said that this was the first of a series of townhall meetings that will be held across Guyana.

He noted that the meetings seek to educate and sensitise the public on local government. He further stressed the importance of holding Local Government Elections.

“It’s an important level of government, because it deals with people’s daily lives, in their communities so whenever they are held, people should be prepared to come out and use their democratic right to elect the people they wish to govern their community, so it is important given the role of local government in those communities – what their responsibilities are – that citizens have that ability to have that level of government to look after their communities and those needs,” he said.

Empowered

Detailed information was disseminated on local government, its functions and the structure. The meeting further highlighted the eligibility of voters, their responsibilities as well as the voting process.

Those in attendance were residents of Rose Hall Town and its environs, notably present were a lot of youths who expressed gratitude to USAID for the opportunity to be educated on local government.

They related to Guyana Times International that they were now empowered to make better decisions and now knew that

A section of those present at the USAID-IRI town-hall meeting on local government

their votes can make a difference. They also expressed a desire for more ventures of this nature so that people can be educated on local government.

The meetings are part of the USAID’s Leadership Education and Democracy Project (LEAD). Only last week, US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Bryan Hunt said that the USAID and IRI were currently in dialogue with a wide crosssection of stakeholders to implement the programme’s activities in

key areas.

Hunt told Guyana Times International that the implementation process is being undertaken in active partnership with a variety of national institutions, including the National Assembly, the Guyana Elections Commission, the Women and Gender Equality Commission, various youth organisations and civil society. He said the programme, on August 15, held consultations with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that are interested in

providing information on civic education and Local Government Elections.

Work plan

According to Hunt, sessions with civil society will include the town-hall public meetings, which will be conducted throughout September in selected communities in Guyana.

The US Embassy Charge d’Affaires said following formal consultation with the parliamentary leadership, an initial activity work plan has been developed. In accordance with that

plan, the USAID LEAD Programme has undertaken preparatory work to provide assistance in maximising the benefits of the Parliament’s redesigned website, enhancing parliamentary structures, and strengthening legislative processes.

He stated that formal seminars, workshops, and training in these and other areas will follow in due course. After months of stalemate and controversy, the Government of Guyana finally agreed to the full implementation of the LEAD Project.

Berbicians revive dormant road safety body - Amid upsurge in road deaths

A

mid a spate of accidents in Berbice, Officer-in-Charge of Traffic in that Division (B Division), Assistant Superintendent of Police Boodnarine Persaud is calling on drivers to practise defensive driving.

So far this year, there have been 19 road deaths from 17 accidents in Berbice, including those of three children. For the corresponding period last year, there were 12 road accidents from which 12 lives were lost, including four children’s.

Over the past 10 years, pedestrians have accounted for the highest number of road fatalities. Between 2005 and 2014, 94 pedestrians lost their lives on the roads in Berbice, while 47 pedal cyclists, 24 passengers, 27 vehicle occupants and 28 drivers also died.

During the same period, 37 motorcyclists also lost their lives on the roads in Berbice, along with four

Elected members of the Region Six Road Safety Association

pillion riders and one Jockey.

The upsurge in road accidents in the region has forced Police and other stakeholders to resuscitate the dormant Region Six Road Safety Association in hopes of raising awareness and arresting the culture of carelessness displayed by most road users in the East Berbice- Corentyne region.

Last week, a multistakeholder meeting was convened at the Jama Masjid Youth Centre, Port Mourant, Ankerville, for the purpose of replac-

ing the former defunct association.

Assistant Superintendent Persaud, while making opening remarks at the meeting, called for all road users, especially drivers, to practise defensive driving.

He noted that since the introduction of control mechanisms such as breathalysers and speed guns, there has been a drastic reduction in road accidents. The Assistant Superintendent sees partnership with members of the public through interest groups, such as road safety associations,

as another mechanism to stop lawlessness on the roadways, through education on safe road use practices.

The Coordinator of the National Road Safety Council, Romona Doorgen, facilitated the reformation of the body tasked with promoting safe and responsible road use across the Number One and Two policing sub-divisions in the region. Those elected to serve as office bearers comprised stakeholders from several key agencies, reflecting an even spread of representation

across the region.

Mustapha Ali was elected as Chairman, Anil Beharry as Vice Chairman, Melissa Punch, Secretary, Omeshwar Sirikishun, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary Treasurer, Michael Itwaru. Eight committee members were also selected: Voilka Jaikishun, Reginald Matthews, Haimchandra Persaud, Narendra Nauth Looknauth, Wayne Simpson, Hemant Narine, Sahadeo Singh and Intikhab Sakoor.

The newly-elected president of the asso-

ciation, in his maiden speech, noted that the main focus is to get the new body functioning and fulfilling its mandate as an educator, advocate and facilitator.

He applauded the new approach by the Officerin-Charge of Traffic in the Division and his ranks, noting the broad membership of the Association with representation from reputable agencies. In the interest of maintaining momentum, the elected body has scheduled other meetings to outline issues that require immediate attention.

22

news

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

National Drug Plan with Cabinet for approval

- As increasing calls made to curb drug trafficking in Guyana

US Scout Leader visits Guyana for annual “Clean up the World” campaign

T

he long awaited National Drug Strategy Master Plan (NDSMP) is completed and has been presented to Cabinet for consideration and approval.

This is according to Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, who disclosed that it was submitted two weeks ago for approval. While the minister is hoping for a timely response from Cabinet, he did note that it will take some time, since there are a lot of matters that are also awaiting Cabinet’s attention.

“We hope that in the not too distance future the National Drug Strategy Master Plan would be approved with possibly amendments and suggestions by Cabinet, so that it would be publicly presented.

Then people could see what are the strategic, tactical and institutional objectives of the government are in so far as the Drug Strategy Master Plan is concerned,” he stated.

Commenting on the funding for the Plan, Rohee said that financial resources will have to be made available to the various government agencies and departments that will be playing an active role in its implementing.

The Home Affairs Minister was at time speaking while viewing the Self Propellant SemiSubmersible (SPSS) vessel, which was found at a creek in the Waini River last month. Authorities are confident that the vessel was built in Guyana to be used for narco trafficking.

Head of the Customs

Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) James Singh

Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) James Singh said that the vessel was more likely destined for Europe or Africa continents. He noted that CANU is working with its overseas counterparts to find a linkage of the vessel to a drug mafia, which are known to use this mode of operation.

The NDSMP comes at a time when calls are being made from all stakeholders for government to implement measures to curb the increasing incidences of narco trafficking in Guyana.

The final draft of the Plan was completed by the Task Force. It will empower the necessary agencies to tackle the drug trade head on and more so, stipulate heavier penalties for those who are found culpable of trafficking in narcotics.

Since the previous Plan expired in 2009, there has been talk about crafting a new plan. The last one was unveiled in 2005 and lasted for five years. The Gy$650 million plan had comprised extensive measures to eliminate the scourge of narco trafficking and its

spin-off effects.

The Home Affairs Minister, and to a greater extent the government, have come in for criticism after the revelation that Guyana had links to the Mexican and Italian mafias.

Concerns were expressed by the Opposition political parties and they called for the National Drug Plan to be reinstated.

In the recent National Drug Report for 2012, compiled by the Task Force, it was stated that CANU had intercepted 103.66 kilograms of cocaine valued some Gy$93 million and 111.564kg of cannabis (ganja) valued in excess of Gy$20 million.

During this period, 33 cases were made out and 36 persons charged.

Further, the Guyana Revenue Authority’s enforcement unit seized 561.78kg of cocaine, valued Gy$504.9 million, for which two cases were made out and two persons were charged.

In total, 151 people were charged for cocaine trafficking and/or consumption, in a total of 139 cases.

PAHO Director gets tour...

from page 20

clinic, neonatal care unit and other areas of the hospital. Dr Eitenne was impressed with the diabetic foot clinic for the job it’s doing in reducing amputations.

Later in the evening, the health officials, and officials from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Prime Minster Samuel Hinds and Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony among others, attended a cocktail reception held in honour of Dr Etienne at the New Thriving building on Lamaha Street.

Dr Kavita Singh, in her welcoming remarks, said the week of activities created history in Guyana as the Ministry of Health, along with the Government of Guyana continues to adhere to its overall mission of providing quality healthcare to Guyanese. She added that Guyana is the 10th country in the Caribbean to launch the Presidential Commission on the Prevention and Control of Chronic NonCommunicable Diseases.

Minister Ramsaran lauded the success of the Wellness Week activities and said the new sys-

tems that have been put in place to combat NCDs are not the end, but rather the beginning of hard work. Dr Etienne congratulated the Minister of Health and the government and added that she will continue to join forces with Guyana through PAHO and provide support where needed. Prime Minister Hinds joined in welcoming Dr Etienne and reiterated that NCDs are an epidemic of current times, and urged that everyone exercises discipline in everything they consume and everything they do. (GINA)

T

Volunteers on trying to remove a piece of tree branch on Woolford Avenue

he United States Scout Leader, Derek Anderson, who is visiting for the annual “Clean up the World” campaign, said that the activities held locally are different from what they do in the US. However, he noted that the experience here is rewarding as he lauded the Scouts Association of Guyana (SAG) for their efforts to clean-up Guyana. Anderson expressed his appreciation to be invited to the country not as a tourist but a scout.

In observance of the “Clean up the World” environmental campaign, the SAG, along with a large contingent of youths turned up on Saturday morning to conduct a clean-up exercise on Woolford Avenue.

This year’s campaign is being held under the theme “Our Place…Our Planet…Our Responsibility” and saw the SAG teaming up with Hand-in-Hand Trust Group of Companies and other international bod-

ies to take part in the activities.

According to a press release from SAG, the insurance company has also donated a number of materials to aid in the clean-up efforts. SAG is calling on other companies to recognise their corporate responsibility and support the organisation in it's efforts.

This is the sixth year that SAG is participating in the campaign which is aimed at inspiring communities around the world to clean-up, fix-up and conserved the environment. This year’s campaign saw SAG cleaning up Woolford Avenue between Camp and Albert Streets, Georgetown, and the SAG head office.

Additionally, SAG groups in Linden, Berbice, West Coast Demerara and Buxton also hosted activities in their respective communities.

Previously, SAG have participated in coastal clean-up, tree-planting and environmental education exercises with the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA).

“SAG has been placing significant emphasis on the development of young people in Guyana over the years. The association has been encouraging parents to have their children become members, pointing out that the values and discipline scouting imparts benefit not only the young members, but the country as a whole,” the release said.

“Clean up the World” is one of the largest global environmental campaigns which mobilise an estimated 35 million volunteers from 130 countries. This is the 21st year the campaign is being held and is being observed in concurrence with the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).

Some of the activities held as part of the campaign includes planting trees, cleaning parks or beaches, conserving water or undertaking environmental awareness raising or education initiatives.

Tougher penalties needed...

from page 14

grief for the rest of their lives.

He said he was moved to tears after reading the article in the local newspaper about the death of the teenager at Letter Kenny, who was just returning from visiting her relatives. He shared it with some of his overseas-based colleagues who also expressed outrage and disbelief at what was happening on the roadways. They are of the view that Sunday night’s protest underscored the pent-up frustration residents have harboured for too long and they just let go, and believe that the protest was justified, as, sometimes drastic measures

are needed in order to be heard.

Sugrim also urged everyone to play a part and be their “brothers’ keeper” by looking out for each other, “as parents we have to instil into our children from an early age the dos and don’ts of driving, more importantly we have to lead from the front as that is what they will see and emulate. We need to stand up and demand that drivers slow down if they are speeding, refuse to travel with the driver if they consumed alcohol and more importantly come out and give evidence in the courts, so that those guilty are put away for a long time.”

For 2014 thus far, 20 lives were lost as a result of 18 accidents in Berbice as opposed to the same period in 2013, when 12 deaths were recorded as a results of 12 accidents, a whopping increase of 67 per cent. The Police Force has come under heavy criticism for the manner in which they deal with the accident cases: many times the case jackets are missing or the matter is dragged out over a long period that frustrates the victims and eyewitnesses who show up to court to give evidence only to be told the matter had been postponed due to some flimsy reasons.

news WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014

23

| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Preliminary probe into maternal death completed T

he Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has completed a preliminary probe into the death of Evita Singh, who died while she was a patient at the medical institution’s Maternal Ward.

Singh died three weeks ago after experiencing complications during her attempt to deliver a full term baby. A senior hospital official told Guyana Times International on Saturday that the preliminary report was completed after several forms of investigations were launched to get to the bottom of the incident, which has resulted in public outrage and concern.

The detailed report is expected to be sent

to Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, after which findings will be made public. From the onset, Minister Ramsaran described the incident as unfortunate, as he ordered the probe. He also said the Georgetown Public Hospital needs to provide a higher standard of service to the public, referring to some of the things that currently occur as “unacceptable”.

The report took approximately seven days to be completed. After the minister would have considered the findings therein, it will be forwarded to an expert committee that will make their recommendations and advise accordingly.

While this is being done, it is highly unlikely that staff would be sus-

Dead: Evita Reno Singh

pended or disciplined, the official said, given the precedent set when matters like these are investigated.

This newspaper understands that the investigation was primarily done with the aim of finding out what transpired from the time Singh was admitted to the time of her death.

However, Singh’s

family stated that they will ensure the young woman’s death does not go unnoticed, as they intend to have the hospital administration release the findings.

Family members also expect disciplinary action to be taken against the doctors and nurses involved.

In this way, they added, that the Georgetown Public Hospital and other hospitals will be pressured to take every step to reduce the high incidence of maternal deaths in Guyana, as they blamed poor medical care for the woman’s demise.

Incidentally, one of Singh’s relatives also died a few days after giving birth, along with her baby. In that case, it was found that the hospital did not have a proper

functioning incubator.

Upon Singh’s admittance to the medical facility, she was placed in the maternity ward where she was treated for high temperature, which was brought under control by Tuesday, September 2.

A few days after her admittance, the nurses reportedly induced labour via the use of Cytotec. It was reported that about six of the tablets were inserted into the expectant mother over a period of two days.

They later claimed that Singh was not responding to the tablets and that there was no movement from the foetus.

This led to the woman bleeding profusely, followed by tremendous pains, Chandra Ramjit, the dead woman’s mother recalled. The pains

were followed by strong contractions, and it was at this time it was understood that they had to perform a Caesarean Section (C-Section).

Singh was taken to the labour room where the nurses attempted to deliver the child, but in the process, the bleeding became excessive.

Eventually, a decision was taken to perform the C-Section, but by the time it was done, the baby was already dead.

During the labour attempt, Singh lost a significant amount of blood and her heart rate had declined. She lost and never regained consciousness. The doctors reportedly told the family that Singh’s body was also rejecting the blood transfusion she had been given.

Amerindian Heritage Month US$12.3M Linden water supply rehab project on track Guyanese youth honour the

past of the first people

I

G

GWI CEO Shaik Baksh inspects works that are part of the Linden Water Rehabilitation Project

uyana Water Incorporated (GWI) said that the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funded US$12.3 million Linden Water Supply Rehabilitation Programme (LWSRP) is progressing as planned.

This was observed during a tour of the civil works by GWI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh, the water company said in a statement.

The Chief Executive Officer was provided with an update on all progress by GWI personnel, contractor UEM Inc and consultant EGIS EAU in association with SRKN. It was observed that the major structures of the new Amelia’s Ward Water Treatment Plant are 90 per cent complete, including seven tanks and a high-capacity reservoir which is capable of producing 57 litres of water per second.

Civil works for the construction of the Wisroc Water Treatment Plant are 90 per cent complete, including booster stations and the installation of transmis-

sion mains. The reservoir, which is capable of holding 3500 cubic metres of water, is 60 per cent complete.

Additional works, including the installation of electro-mechanical components and pipelines, are currently being executed at both water treatment facilities.

The CEO noted that while wells are the primary source of water for the Amelia’s Ward Plant, the facility at Wisroc will utilise freshwater from the Dakoura Creek.

“In 2013, GWI appealed to residents and stakeholders to protect the Dakoura Creek from pollution,” the CEO recalled, “We facilitated several articles in the local press and issued a television broadcast urging residents of Linden to protect this valuable freshwater resource.

Again, we are appealing for all stakeholders to protect the Dakoura Creek from pollution, as this will be the major source of water for the Wisroc Plant.”

The installation of water service meters, which forms a significant component of the

LWSRP, is currently being executed. This is pivotal for the overall success of the programme, since it will encourage conservation of the treated water provided by the new facilities.

The GWI top official further commented on the successful employment of staff from Linden within the LWSRP. “Over 70 per cent of the staff employed under the LWSRP are from Linden,” Baksh stated, “This was a priority, since it was our intention that the programme benefit from the skills and talent available in Linden and that the people of Linden reap benefits in the form of employment from such a large-scale programme.”

It is expected that substantial completion of civil works at both water treatment facilities will be achieved in December 2014. Upon completion, the water treatment facilities at Amelia’s Ward and Wisroc will significantly improve the water service provided to the people of Linden and enhance the overall quality of life experienced in Linden.

n observance of Amerindian Heritage Month 2014, the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, in collaboration with the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, has organised multiple displays of Michael Khan’s adaptation of “Amerindian Tales, Myths and Legends of Guyana 2014”, under the theme, “Honouring the Past of the First People”.

This is the third year in which the event is being held in observance of Amerindian Heritage Month.

The activity is geared to assist patrons to develop an understanding of and respect for Amerindian artifacts, myths and legends. This year, there is a change in the programme, with schools – both primary and secondary– included. The students will have a first-hand experience of the way of life of Guyana’s first people.

Some of the activities over the four weeks of presentations include a conducted tour of the museum and discussions on the artifacts which

are housed there.

The audience is treated to Ole’ Man Pappie’s adaptation of Amerindian stories such as, “How the Cassava came to the Amerindians”, and “the Hole in the Clouds”, which tells how the Amerindians came to Earth.

Another aspect of the presentations involves “Show, Tell and Learn”, where the audience has an opportunity to learn about various Amerindian artifacts such as the Warishi, Matapee, and rain stick, etc.

After that it is art making, where the children are given a chance to express themselves through painting, drawing, bead making and craft-oriented activities.

Apart from that, there are live demonstrations of Amerindian weaving for basketry and decorative use. In addition, there will be a demonstration on how to make cassava bread.

Over the past two years, approximately 500 persons, including children, have benefitted.

Students of the Faculties of Education and Humanities, Earth and Environmental Studies at the University of Guyana (UG) and the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) have also shown an interest in the way of life of Guyana’s indigenous people.

Over the years more of the students have been attending the event and applauding the knowledge being shared through the storytelling, art making and demonstrations.

Some of the schools which were present last Friday are Mae’s, St Gabriels, St John’s College, St Roses, St Georges, Campbellville Secondary, South Ruimveldt Park Primary, Graham’s Hall Primary, Stella Marris, North Georgetown Primary, and Redeemer Primary, among others.

For this month, Ole’ Man Pappie will be visiting schools, telling stories, doing puppetry workshops for teachers, and preparing for “Global Day of Play” on October 10 in the National Park.

Ole’ Man Pappie telling the story of “How the Cassava came to the Amerindians” at 'Amerindian Tales, Myths & Legends of Guyana 2014'

24

News

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

House lot scam…

Minister Ali offers amnesty to whistleblowers H

ousing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali is offering amnesty to persons who were duped in the major house lot scam uncovered recently.

Ali made the promise during a One Stop Shop exercise at the National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, where 500 persons acquired house lots.

The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) last week called in the Guyana Police Force to help probe the scam, which had been running for some time now.

Ali told house lot seekers that all persons who come forward with information would be given a reprieve and walk away from the scam without being prosecuted.

As part of the scam, persons have been collecting money to expedite delivery of house lots to citizens.

In a statement, the CH&PA had said that information was received

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali

that the various players in the scam could not deliver on their promises and moreover, various persons who have been defrauded have since responded to the ministry’s recent public notice.

The scam saw persons alleging that they are relatives and associates of Housing Ministry personnel, including Minister Ali. Some even operated as staff of the ministry, taking people to various housing areas and identifying plots of land that are vacant.

Despite numerous warnings by the ministry against entering into these transactions, persons continue to fall prey.

Minister Ali said thus far some 49 persons have been identified as being involved in the scam, but it does not stop there for the ministry.

“Thus far, 49 persons are under investigation and if you did anything that is illegal to the service of the ministry, I am asking you to give that information to the staff here… our internal system will catch each and every single crook. I can guarantee you that.”

He added: “If you give information, then you will have amnesty, we just need the information now.”

The Housing Ministry, in a recent release, noted that some of the parties to this scam are recent applicants who are being lured on the pretext of an expedited process to access their own land.

Last week, the minis-

Fate of CJIA Control Tower employees still in limbo

try had warned against the illegal sale of land.

According to the Housing Ministry, several scams have been unearthed in recent days, and investigations are currently being conducted.

Culpable

The ministry warned

that persons who are involved in scams of this nature are equally culpable, since they have willingly participated in these illegal activities and must have known that the transactions could not have been authentic.

“We would like to

urge the members of the public to report any case in which they would have paid or were requested to pay or enter into any transaction in relation to any business of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA),” the ministry said.

No one is authorised to collect money for house lots on behalf of the Central Housing and Planning Authority. All transactions related to house lots are conducted at the Central Housing and Planning Authority’s offices, the Housing Ministry said

Tate and Lyle brainstorming with Guyana ways to lower sugar costs

– GCAA Chairman yet to make decision on disciplinary action

C

hairman of the Board of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Hugh Denbow has still not made a decision as to what definitive action will be taken against three employees implicated in the Control Tower fiasco at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in March of this year.

Denbow was furnished with a set of recommendations as to how the matter should be dealt with, including what disciplinary action could be taken following a comprehensive investigation launched into an incident which saw an Air Traffic Control Officer abandoning his post while a Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) aircraft was mid-air.

A senior official told Guyana Times International on Saturday that the recommendations were submitted to the Chairman about five months ago, but he is yet to make a decision on the issue.

Three trained air traffic controllers were initially suspended for more than two months but subsequently returned to work where

Chairman of GCAA, Hugh Denbow

they were given administrative duties.

The official explained that their licences to operate in the Control Tower would have expired; hence the three men will have to be placed under supervision if they are filtered back into the Tower. He added that while the GCAA would like to see the three men taking their rightful positions at the Control Tower, the Chairman has the last say.

He explained that on the night of the incident, the air traffic controller who was on duty would have indicated to his superior that he was feeling unwell and could not work the extra shift,

although the other person who was supposed to take over reported sick as well.

When the supervisor reportedly refused to listen, the young man left the control room. Even at that time, the supervisor who is believed to be a member of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), refused to land the aircraft which was already in close proximity to the CJIA. Several minutes, the official said, had elapsed which caused a delay in facilitating the aircraft’s landing. It was during this period that the supervisor rushed to the control room and landed the aircraft safely.

With respect to the air traffic controller who reported sick, Denbow was reportedly concerned with the manner in which he reported to his supervisor. This publication understands that the air traffic controller sent a text message to his superior rather than calling him.

To date, the Timehri air traffic control tower is understaffed and with the absence of the three qualified Air Traffic Controllers, the existing staff is under pressure, the official stated.

T

President Donald Ramotar meeting with executives of the Tate and Lyle Sugar Company

he top executives of the Tate and Lyle Sugar Company last week met with President Donald Ramotar at his office.

The team of officials, which included Regional Technical Director Colin Turner, Vice President, Trading, Duncan Tate and Social Responsibility Specialist Rafael Vaya, was led by Senior Vice President of Simon Gibbons. Speaking to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Gibbons said that the discussions focused on the long-term relationship between Guyana and the company.

“We buy most of the sugar for the European Union and some for the USA as well, under the US quota, and we talked about the cane breeding station in Barbados,

as well”. The company executive added that they are desirous of seeing lower costs and more competitive sugar on a worldwide basis, “so that we can sell it on and Guyana can make money and we can make money as well”.

It was explained that Tate and Lyle has a very good relationship with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), and the team, who were here on a one-week visit, has been meeting with stakeholders and major players in the sugar industry.

The team also visited the Skeldon Sugar Factory, and according to Simmons, the factory is being turned around, in terms of performance and its faults being rectified. “We know that GuySuCo is gradual-

ly turning that estate around but it is a long journey… but is going in the right direction”.

In October 2010, American Sugar Holdings (ASR Group) acquired the EU sugar refining businesses of Tate and Lyle PLC, namely Tate and Lyle Sugars in the UK and Sidul in Portugal. This was an important milestone, as these operations are now part of the world’s largest cane sugar refining company with operations in North America, Central America and Europe.

The European businesses have approximately 1,300 direct and contract employees (incorporated shares in joint ventures) manufacturing sugar at three refineries and associated manufacturing sites.

News

25

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana rejects call to take sides on Ukraine crisis – Foreign Affairs Minister bemoans Western diplomatic pressure

F

oreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett has rejected the call made by foreign envoys here for the Government of Guyana to condemn Russia’s actions against the Ukraine.

Guyana Times International attempted to contact Minister Rodrigues-Birkett but all efforts were unsuccessful.

However, on social media, the minister said that she noted the comments attributed to the foreign envoys here, which were surprisingly made via a public press conference where they expressed the positions of their respective governments on the crisis in the Ukraine.

“The conduct of diplomacy is ever changing, especially with the advancement of technology.

Yet it is somewhat unusual for Ambassadors and High Commissioners that are based in Guyana to make a demarche on the host government through a media conference, especially when there is easy access to the relevant authorities,” Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said through social media.

She explained that

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

the envoys chose that forum, despite knowing what position the Donald Ramotar Administration already took on the matter.

The Foreign Affairs Minister advised that seven other Caricom countries, like Guyana, abstained, as well as six UNASUR [Union of South American Nations] countries, while two others voted against the United Nations (UN) Resolution on Crimea.

She said that this speaks to the complexity of the matter, which cannot be strictly compared, and or confused, with the territorial situations of

other countries, given the history and geopolitical tenants among other considerations.

“Guyana calls on Russia and the Ukraine to exercise restraint and responsibility, to desist from any act that can lead to heightened tensions and to work to solve differences through dialogue,” Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said, reiterating government’s position.

The minister further noted that the call on Guyana regarding the Ukraine crisis comes “after the world witnessed the disproportionate bombings by Israel

which resulted in the deaths of more than 1700 Palestinians, with more than 70 per cent being civilians and the displacement of thousands of others”.

Despite that being so, Rodrigues-Birkett pointed out that the government has previously expressed concern about the situation in Europe.

“Let me reiterate certain relevant sections of what was already communicated in the media on the government’s position on this matter. As a small state, Guyana is obliged to insist on respect by all states for the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law as a guarantor of international peace and security and

as a bulwark against external threats.

It is a matter of concern that the application of these principles by powerful actors in the international community is often marked by unevenness, inconsistency and double standards,” the minister said.

The Foreign Affairs Minister contended that Guyana has long upheld the principle of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and the prohibition against the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, and against intervention in the domestic affairs of states.

Last Wednesday, British High

Commissioner to Guyana Andrew Ayre; Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles and United States Embassy Charge d’Affaires Bryan Hunt hosted a joint press conference and called for Guyana to issue a statement in condemnation of Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

However, the Western envoys pointed out that, while they would have engaged the governments on the issue, whatever talks were held between the parties, were being treated as a matter of strict confidentiality.

A similar call for Guyana to back sanctions against Russia was made in April this year by the US Embassy.

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Andrew Ayre; Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles and United States Embassy Charge d’Affaires Bryan Hunt

26

NEWS

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Students urged to remain focused, aim for the stars - As NEW GPC INC. honours bursary awardees

T

he Region’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, NEW GPC INC, continues to honour its social responsibility by rewarding children of its staff members for their outstanding performance at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations.

At its annual bursary awards ceremony held in the company’s boardroom, Company Secretary Romeo Seenjan, told the awardees that preparation is key if they are to be successful in other academic pursuits.

“If you want to be successful in life, a good place to start is your schooling. Preparation for school and your exams will no doubt translate into success. You have to be good at preparations in order to become successful. This includes preparing and going to school on time, doing your assignments and homework as required, and laying the foundation for that success,” he stated. With these traits, Seenjan said, any child would be successful.

NEW GPC officials along with the awardees

He urged the awardees to continue working hard, stating that NEW GPC is committed to seeing them succeed.

NEW GPC INC. General Manager (GM), Mr. Ravie Ramcharitar underscored the importance of education, saying that it should be seen as the only way in which a person can develop themself. “If you

want to be competitive, if you want to be up there, if you want to be in the race, then you have to focus on education,” he said.

Ramcharitar added that with all the sacrifices that parents make, it is now up to the children to play their part to succeed academically. “This is the best time to start, nothing should

distract you or take you away from your education… education is and must be your main priority,” he said.

The GM encouraged the children to work hard now, saying this will allow them to lead a comfortable life in the future.

Other speakers at the awards ceremony were Michael Stephens,

representative from the Guyana Labour Union (GLU), and Sherwood Clarke from the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCCW); both of whom urged the parents gathered to continue playing an active and supportive role in their children’s lives.

The four NGSA students who joined the club of NEW GPC bur-

sary awardees are Sushmita Bharat, John Singh, Stayana Browne and Joemain Wray. They each received a cheque for Gy$25,000 along with a hamper containing school supplies.

The bursary awards will last for five years with an additional two years for those students who proceed to Sixth Form. A minimum pass rate of 55 per cent and 99 per cent attendance are required to qualify.

Four other students who were given summer attachment jobs at the company were also recognised at the ceremony.

The summer attachment students were Marvin Scott, Bianca Phillips, Nankishore Rup and Akeisha Cave; all of whom expressed sincerest appreciation for the opportunity as their first step in the working world.

Since its establishment in 2000, NEW GPC INC. has been awarding children of employees for their excellent performance at the Secondary School Entrance Examination (SSEE), now called NGSA.

27

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

28

NEWS

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Fear grows as Chikungunya spreads … Health Ministry says 90 confirmed cases so far

F

ear continues to grow, as suspected cases of the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus rock communities across Guyana. And while the Health Ministry says it is working with every available means to tackle the spread of the disease, locals say they fear the worst.

Although it is not fatal, the Chikungunya virus has proven to be a major health threat to the populace, with numerous persons complaining of the difficulties endured during the illness and after recovery. Investigations carried out by this newspaper found that regions across the country are crying out for help as hundreds of health institutions are flocked daily with patients manifesting symptoms of the virus.

In Region One, while no cases have been confirmed, there have been seven suspected cases.

Over in Region Two, officials said there are no reported cases of the virus in that region.

In Region Three, Guyana Times International learnt that there were no confirmed cases there, but over 300

has been seeking to alleviate the spread of the virus in Guyana.

Official policy

This map represents the estimated spread of the Chikungunya virus across the country. In some of the regions, there were no available data, but regional health officials confirmed that several suspected cases have been reported. As of Tuesday, the Health Ministry disclosed that the confirmed cases stood at 90, although admitting that there were hundreds of suspected cases which were being treated

suspected cases.

While this publication could not obtain the official statistics on the confirmed cases in Region Four, based on information coming out of health centres and private health institutions, around 700 suspected cases have been recorded.

The Chairman of Region Five, Bindrabhan Bisnauth, told this newspaper that there have so far been 11 confirmed cases of the virus there.

Investigations further revealed that close to 130 suspected cases have also been found.

Health officials in Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) have put the number of suspected cases at over 400, although information on confirmed cases has not been forthcoming. The first Chikungunya case in Guyana was found in Berbice.

There is no official information on Chikungunya

in Regions Seven, Eight and Nine although reports claim that there have been a few suspected cases in those areas.

Health officials from Region 10 told Guyana Times International that there have been only four confirmed cases of the virus, and this publication has discovered that some 100 suspected cases have been reported.

Government, through the Health Ministry, said it

Head of the Vector Control Services at the Health Ministry, Dr Reyaud Rahman, speaking to this newspaper on Tuesday, admitted that while the ministry has so far received confirmation of only 90 cases from samples taken in all the regions, based on the number of suspected cases, that number could increase. “I must make it clear that with those confirmed cases, it does not mean that if you have suspected cases, you do not have the disease. But our official numbers is under 90, but It can be more,” Rahman said.

He explained that “a persons with a fever over 38 degrees Celsius, showing signs of joint pain, and rashes” is suspected of having Chikungunya.

He noted that the ministry has adopted a posture not to carry out tests on too many persons with suspected cases of the virus, especially if those persons are coming from areas where the disease is already widespread, as according to him, this is a waste of resources and

Head of the Vector Control Services at the Health Ministry, Dr Reyaud Rahman

these persons are immediately being treated for Chikungunya.

Rahman explained that the ministry’s official health policy in the diagnosis of Chikungunya is that samples must be sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) where they are tested and processed and await further diagnosis. According to him, that test is the only reliable test accepted by the ministry, pointing out that private institutions in Guyana do not have the capacity to carry out such tests. He said private institutions have been reportedly charging exorbitant prices for tests. People, he urged, need to look at that and be very careful and not “pay a lot of money for a test that you don’t really need”.

feature

29

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

After 52 years of nursing, three retirements, eight children, 15 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and performing countless deliveries, Veera Margaret Fraser-Boyal is finally enjoying a well deserved retirement in Georgetown time I was alone but I got the job done…Sometimes we paddled for hours for home visits, people would come and pick me up to make deliveries”, Boyal recalled.

Several years later, at age 55, Boyal felt she was ready to retire, however, there was no one to take over so she was asked to continue to serve in her

A

Veera Margaret Fraser-Boyal

t 73 years old, Veera Margaret Fraser-Boyal is enjoying her final retirement after half a century of hard work and dedication to her community in the Waramuri village, Region One. Even in retirement, Boyal remains alert and in control of her environment.

Before venturing into the medical field, Boyal began her professional career as a teacher. She taught for six months after finishing school but felt unfulfilled: “…

Teaching was not for me,” she disclosed in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

Determined to pursue her aspirations, a young Boyal left the teaching profession in the late 50s after reading an advertisement in the newspapers for a Rural Midwifery Programme.

Full of hope and excitement, she applied and was among a batch of 31 students who passed the exams out of 300 persons that applied.

Upon completing her training, Boyal became a nurse at age 19, upon which she joined the nursing staff as a midwifery student in the hinterland in May of 1961.

In December of the same year, she took another examination and soon after became a qualified midwife in Georgetown.

“Growing up, I always admired the nurses when they came to give us our vaccination in the village.

This greatly inspired me to become a nurse,” Boyal reminisced.

Explaining how her family also influenced

her career choice, nurse Boyal, as she is lovingly called, revealed that her paternal grandmother died hemorrhaging after giving birth to her second child because of poor medical care and facilities. “This also greatly inspired me to become a midwife; so when I saw the opportunity I took it.”

In 1963, this aspiration came to pass as Boyal was admitted to the General Nursing Council of British Guiana as a registered midwife.

In the same year she was posted back to her home village in Waramuri, where she would remain for the next 40 years serving her community to the best of her abilities.

Returning to her village in 1963, Boyal turned her grandparents’ home into a health centre, and there she worked armed with her midwifery kit and a six-month supply of medication until the community health centre was constructed nearly 20 years later!

Over 20 years of home visits, natural deliveries and innumerable patients, Boyal received assistance from Medex Hilary Rodrigues (Kobo).

The duo took up the responsibility of providing the best medical care in Waramuri and the nearby areas of Hiamaracabra and Para. After 12 years working together, Hilary was transferred from the area, leaving Boyal to once again champion the health care of the community by herself.

“It was challenging, yes, since there was no health centre, most of the

position until a suitable replacement was found.

That person was found 12 years after, which permitted Boyal to retire in 2008.

She was then asked to move to Kumaka District Hospital to serve for six months, which is where she ended her midwifery career and retired for the final time.

“Yes, I can say I had a fulfilling career. I have lived to see many of the babies I deliver become doctors [graduating from Cuba] and nurses [being trained at Georgetown hospital].”

Today, Boyal’s daughter, Vanessa, carries on the midwifery legacy in Waramuri, and Boyal’s granddaughter is train-

ing to be a nurse. Proud of her achievements, Boyal enjoys her retirement in Georgetown surrounded by her grandchildren.

“Once it’s your ambition, you go all out,” Boyal said when asked what her advice is to the youths in her village.

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

30

FEATURE

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

F

or years they have lived in thatchroofed shelters and tiny, meagre wooden houses, but today, Amerindians can aspire to own mod-

ern homes through the Government’s Hinterland Housing Project, which represents the first state intervention in housing for Guyana’s indigenous

population.

Financed as part of the Second Low Income Settlements Programme, which is being implemented by the Central Housing and Planning

Authority (CHPA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, with funding from the Inter-American Development Bank, the first phase targeted the housing needs of eight communities, three in Region One: Oronoque, Manawarin and Whitewater; and five in Region Nine: Kwatamang, Apoteri, Central Annai, Massara, and Kataoka.

Housing Minister Irfaan Ali told Guyana Times Sunday Magazine that the second phase will kick off in a month’s time and will include Region Eight. Ali said that he was satisfied with the first phase, noting that the project demonstrates Government’s commitment to developing housing for all communities.

“We don’t only cater for those living in the coastlands, but all our peoples are included in this housing drive,” the minister disclosed.

Before the rollout of the first phase of the project, a pre-feasibility study was conducted in 2009 by an internation-

al consultant contracted by the IDB. The study revealed that the pilot was feasible, but only if it fully involved the community in the development of the project, including the design and construction of their own housing units. To this end, community design workshops were completed in July 2010 and November 2010 in Regions One and Nine respectively, with participation from over 70 residents of the communities being targeted for the intervention. The outcome of these design workshops was finalised designs of the houses that were appropriate to the housing needs of the respective regions.

The pre-feasibility study also found that there was a demand for roofing, since the palms traditionally used to thatch roofs were becoming scarce. The study also recommended that a prepilot test be implemented through the construction of two prototypes, one in Region One and another in Region Nine, prior to the implementation of the pilot in the two re-

gions. Whitewater was selected as the site for the Region One prototype and Kwatamang as the site for the Region Nine prototype, since these areas were easily accessible.

Both prototypes were successfully completed.

The prototype roof was completed in Region One in one and half day during November 2011 by the beneficiary household, while the prototype house commenced in November 2011 and was completed in March 2012 in 51 non-consecutive days. Construction work was executed by a local carpenter from the village, along with a semi-skilled person, who were selected by the village council and paid by the CHPA. The beneficiary household provided three ordinary labourers to complete the team as their contribution.

To date, 192 subsidies have been disbursed – 91% of the total number of subsidies, with 109 two-bedroom houses (500 square feet) completed and 83 roofs replaced. turn to page 31

feature

31

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

from page 30

to realise a project that created employment, empowered beneficiaries and improved their quality of life. It serves as a best practice in addressing the housing needs of hinterland beneficiaries.

Rupununi

President Donald Ramotar pumps water for residents to wash their hands at the Kwatamang Well in the presence of Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali and Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai in 2013

The completion of these houses and replacement of roofs improved the quality of life of 208 families, benefiting approximately 1500 persons.

The Hinterland Pilot has achieved a high level

of success in that it represents a partnership between government and the target group of beneficiaries, with the village councils, the CHPA and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs working seamlessly together

Late last year, President Donald Ramotar handed over the keys to a number of houses to residents of the North Rupununi District, Region Nine, as part of the project. The president lauded the project as a great beginning, noting that it will expand from village to village until everyone in the hinterland has a better quality of life. Ramotar said he knows the housing conditions in the hinterland are not always good, pointing out that he hails from a hinterland village and has travelled extensively.

“One of the main things in having an improved quality of life is having better housing for people to live in,” he noted.

The president said his government wants to do much more for hinterland residents, and much focus is being placed on hinterland education. “I have seen for

One of the homes under the Hinterland Housing Project built in the Rupununi last year

myself, having the opportunity to travel to the parts of the hinterland, the transformation that is taking place and that gives me immense joy in many ways to see our people grasp at education, grasping at opportunity and developing themselves.”

Ali mentioned that the project is a great accomplishment and a symbol of the government’s commitment to ensuring a better quality of life for its people, describing the day as a day of celebration for the beneficiaries.

“These are all investments that we are proud

to make on your behalf, these are all investments we think that you so richly deserve…for us, we are all equal and we all deserve equal opportunity and equal treatment,” expressed Ali. The minister added that the government wants to work with the people hand-in-hand to guarantee they obtain what they deserve.

“In the government, there is a partner that will ensure you are equally treated every single time,” Ali pointed out.

Additionally, Ali acknowledged the quality of work produced by per-

sons who worked on the project, disclosing that the Housing Ministry would like to work with them to take their skills to another level.

“Maybe, we can take you to build some of the homes in housing schemes for the low-income families so that we can build off of the learning experiences of this project,” Ali stated.

The Minister of Housing stressed that his ministry did not want the project to just be the building of the homes, but to be an experience.

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

32

Feature

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

G

uyana is a nation that has a colourful history and is home to several cultures.

For this reason, this richness and diversity of our past, it is critical to preserve our heritage. The relevant organisation, the National Trust of Guyana, is a government

enterprise whose mandate propels its commitment to the preservation and conservation of historic buildings and sites in Guyana. Therefore it aims to enlighten the public about various events, aspects, symbols, landmarks and structures that have moulded

our rich and diverse heritage.

The month of September has been dubbed Amerindian Heritage Month.

Declared by the late President Cheddi Jagan, it has been celebrated grandly, with activities throughout the month

Late President Cheddi Jagan was very fond of Amerindian youths

of September each year since 1995.

While 10 September was chosen as Amerindian Heritage Day, the significance of

that the first Amerindian Member of Parliament, Stephen Campbell, was appointed.

T h r o u g h o u t Amerindian Heritage

Carib, Warrau, Macushi, Wapishana, Wai Wai, Akawaio, Arecuna, Patamona, the majority of Amerindians still reside in the hinterland

Functional baskets at a past exhibition usually held in celebration of Amerindian Heritage Month

this date lies in an historic event in 1957. It was on 10 September 1957

Month various communities engage in activities such as sports, traditional dancing and exhibition of art, crafts and food as part of the customary festivity in recognition of our indigenous peoples.

This year, it is celebrated under the theme: “Traditional Embodiment for Amerindian Development”.

A village is also selected in which celebrations are held to commemorate this auspicious month since not only are they the first people, they have contributed greatly to Guyana’s development. They are credited with naming several places in Guyana including, Essequibo, Moruca, Umana Yana (which was sadly burnt down), among others, including our country’s name ‘Guyana’ which means ‘land of many waters’.

With a local population of approximately 70,000 Amerindians, divided into nine different tribes, Arawak,

Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine, with smaller populations in the other regions.

Regions Three, Four, Five, and Six have one Amerindian community each.

While it may be felt that monuments or structures alone constitute our heritage, this is not so. Our heritage is made up of both tangible and intangible elements.

The National Trust of Guyana, which undertakes to promote and safeguard the nation’s heritage wishes to remind citizens that preservation is a task which requires the cooperation of all Guyanese as our heritage is conserved for the enjoyment of all. The institution encourages the community to take an active role in ensuring the long term survival of Guyana’s patrimony by exercising care and respect at all times when visiting monuments and heritage sites. (National Trust of Guyana)

Feature

33

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Simply the Truth

T

he Guyana Police Force often comes in for great negative criticism from all quarters. Sometimes those negatives are justified; mostly they are not.

My experience has been that for every unscrupulous law enforcement officer, there are five who try as much as they can to resist the temptations that are offered up by the very people who are deeply negative in their condemnation. But many of our cops refuse.

Those that refuse to be bribed are then subject to negative criticisms for following the law which they are sworn to uphold. It is like this: if they take a bribe from some reckless fool, they are condemned for it. If they refuse an exact legal penalty from perpetrators, they are condemned just the same.

These are the men and women on whom we call when there is trouble! We expect them to place themselves in harm’s way for our sake

since that is their job (as we tend to say). They are there, indeed, to serve and protect. And oftentimes, all they want back from us is respect.

Sometimes, even thank you.

We depend on law enforcement officers to maintain some kind of order in the chaos that visits our nation every minute of every day. And that chaos is often of our own creation. This is not only true on our roads and in our communities, but also in our houses.

The domestic violence and child abuse. The rapes within and outside of what passes for marriages.

The drunk and disorderly behaviour everywhere.

These cops often stand between us and the monsters that we can often be and often are.

Every now and then, someone pipes up about “Police training”. And it could be that the government spends some of our taxpayer dollars to improve training facilities and methodologies. It could be so. If they do, then

Professor Daizal Samad

we can find ways to make that money work better.

For instance, we can design a more scientific aptitude test for new recruits. At this point, we have the CXC requirements, and we depend on the intuition of training officers who interview potential recruits. It would take some work to have a psychological evaluation, but it is not too hard to do. This is the start. We interview, choose, and train.

The training needs to be much more than skills

at arms, drills, vehicular training, etc. We do have the “classroom aspect” and much of this is done well. But we could expand our training (without taking away from the normal training and without adding time to the training regimen).

We can have intense sessions on things like oral communication and mannerly conduct; written communication; fundamentals of law; first responder training; conflict resolution and domestic violence; information technology; dealing with survivors of suicide; managing atrisk youth, and so on.

When I was Director of the UG Berbice Campus, we did all of this in a week – for free!

Everyone gained. The greatest beneficiaries were the members of society.

The course programmes still ought to be at UGBC, unless they have been thrown away like so much useless trash. I am confident that the great expertise and experience of the retired cops can be engaged or re-engaged,

even for free!

It does not stop there.

Each and every Police station and outpost must be furnished with ‘connected’ computers.

It allows every station to know what is transpiring elsewhere in the country because the communication links are there! And do remember that our cops will now be trained in the use of Information Technology (IT).

We could also design a modern technologybased tracking system that measures how each and every law enforcement officer is performing: where, how, in what disciplines. This includes current ranks that can be rotated for training upgrades. The rotation could or should be done in such a way that there is not too much interference with regular duties.

With the new tracking system in place, we can now identify officers for advanced training and academic development. I know many cops who are as bright as anything. Let

them perform on the job and up they go!

The rewards for measurable excellent performance on the job (or on academic selfdevelopment) would be immediate rewards: increased salary and promotion. Of course, those who are not up to snuff will be left behind or dropped completely.

However, with this kind of training, upgrade, tracking and reward system, our law enforcement officers will now have tangible personal, promotional and monetary incentives to reach for excellence.

A similar but modified system of training can also be developed for the Community Policing Groups and other security agencies. In many ways, this is all logical and obvious; however, it takes the will to strive to be better.

None of this is the stuff of genius, but we need to have the humility to take on board some of this. Take it all. Modify it all. But let us begin the work.

34

feature

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

H

oused at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, the Amerindian Handicraft and Curio Shop has been in existence since 1996. It provides a marketing outlet for handmade Amerindian craft products, and is instrumental in providing revenue for remote Amerindian villages.

The craft shop’s attendant, Jill Pillay said it was initially operated by Sister La Rose to help in marketing and providing a source of income from Amerindian craft. However, when she resigned from local government she handed it over to the ministry, and it was housed at the Amerindian hostel for a few years. It was operated by a formal committee.

As persons became more aware of the craft shop they brought their

Craft shop at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs provides a network for Amerindian communities craft work to be sold and it grew. In 2000, Phillip Hamilton, then permanent secretary of the Amerindian affairs ministry, stated that all the money garnered must be overseen by the ministry to ensure proper management of revenue and crafts. When the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs was built on Quamina and Thomas Streets in 2005 a section was built for the shop and everything was moved to that location.

Products include fruit bowls, baskets, sculptures, casareep and cassava bread, paintings, cotton hammocks, ornaments and jewellery from St Cuthbert’s Mission, Santa Mission, Pomeroon, Moruca and other villages. Crabwood oil soap comes from the North West district and even crafts from the Monkey Mountain women’s group are sold at

the shop.

Pillay said crafts are bought mainly by tourists, and those who are desirous of ordering craft in bulk can do so early because the products come from remote locations; so to get the crafts early it must be ordered in advance.

The craft shop opens market opportunities for the Amerindian communities, and creates employment and revenue for the villages especially for the women’s groups in those communities that are involved in craft production.

Money from shop sales is plugged into projects in various Amerindian communities. They are basically reinvested in projects that are geared for developing the communities and increase production.

Revenue reinvested is instrumental for those

Miniature clay pottery decorations for the home remote Amerindian communities because they are able to market their craft products

Building castles in the air…

O

…in politics

ne of the staples of Guyanese politics since the PPP/C came into office, has been an explosion in the number of individuals who’ve made a profession of “building castles in the air”. You know? Wool gathering…having their heads in the clouds… just wasting their time making speculations on things they know for sure, will never happen. At least in this lifetime!

Much of this castle-building takes place in the letter pages of the newspapers – which has flourished along with the “free press” because of the PPP/C’s government absolute refusal to follow the PNC’s victimisation of critics during their dictatorial rule. Take this fella David Hinds. Like most political wool-gatherers, he has the solution to whatever ails Guyana. And he’s not bashful about letting us know – in the aforementioned letters’ pages, of course.

Take his latest bag of wool. The no-confidence motion that the AFC and the APNU say they’re committed to, he asserts, can be used to compel the PPP/C to commit Hara-Kiri. Fall on its sword. Or in the word that’s in the air, commit suicide – political suicide.

Meaning that if they go ahead with their threat to move and pass the no-confidence motion – precipitating elections in three months – the PPP/C would cave in and agree to the Interim Government (IG) he proposes. This IG would include the APNU/PNC and the AFC. This is the CASTLE! And this, of course, would solve Guyana’s problems. Well, not ALL of them, since, Hinds opines for that happy circumstance to come into existence, the PPP/C government has to be removed from office totally. And with an Interim Government, the dastardly PPP/C would unfortunately be there. Albeit in a diminished capacity.

But Dr Hinds probably feels half a loaf is better than none. Or maybe a diminished PPP/C is obviously and literally, the lesser of two evils? So why is all of this just building castles in air??? Well, a castle on the ground would have to rest on a foundation, no? And so too Hinds’ Interim Government Castle. But Hinds builds on a premise that is completely erroneous or non-existent. He claims the PPP/C would buckle under because it doesn’t want snap elections!!!

Can you believe this?? The president had literally begged the Opposition to “make his day” by precipitating snap elections. How much clearer can he get?? Hinds is reading too much into PPP/C’s calls for a clean list.

He’s been hanging out too much with PNC types – who abused the list for avoiding elections. Remember Hoyte in 1990?? …on PNC’s “action” From the above you, Dear Readers, would’ve gathered that David Hinds – part of that diminishing species, a member of the WPA – wasn’t enamoured of Granger’s ultimatum to President Ramotar. You remember that, don’t you??? The one where if the president didn’t announce a date for Local Government Elections, he, Granger would huff and puff till he blew the entire Office of the President away!!

Well the president immediately pointed out that Granger ought to make up his mind. Vacillating on such an important question wasn’t good for his image – which wasn’t exactly in the ascendancy after he so blatantly and flagrantly rigged his party elections. First he’s demanded fresh General Elections that was to come out of the no-confidence motion that he kept insisting he supported.

If he weren’t lying through his teeth on that one, when the heck would the Local Government Elections he’s now demanding, take place.

The questions, one guesses, is first, “How many elections can be held in the next three months?” And second, is Granger ready for either? …in Ukraine If the British would go to war at the other end of the earth because of their ties to the people of Falklands, why would they expect any less nationalism from Russia for Russians in the Ukraine??

Jewellery made from wood and feathers as most of them do not have opportunities to do so. This creates linkages and networks for these villages.

The ministry has

provide training so that these craft products are produced with quality.

The handmade products are made from balata, seeds, tibisi-

Bridal flower baskets plans for expanding the shop to include products from other Amerindian communities. The ministry is also seeking to

ri, bamboo, and other resources garnered from the environment.

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

news

35

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett addresses the 43rd Regular General Assembly meeting of the Organisation of American States in Guatemala

C

Look before yuh leap; tink before yuh talk

O

ld people seh look before yuh leap.

That also mean yuh must tink before yuh talk. Or don’t jump into some ting before yuh know bout some ting. But not plenty people does listen to old people in these times.

A lotta people nowadays does leap and then look. Or talk and then tink bout whah dem talk. That is whah happen to Lall Bachan.

A long time now, Lall Bachan was nutten even though he had wanna be a lotta tings and wanna be like a lotta people.

Finally, Lall Bachan decide he wanna be a lawyer. So he tek a big leap and turn lawyer.

But as usual, Lall Bachan ain’t look before he leap. Now after all dem years Lall Bachan is a lawyer, some how he still wanna be a lawyer.

If only he had hear de old people. What a ting!

Green Bridge got de same problem. He start callin some of de companies in Guyana a national disgrace. That is pot tellin de kettle how he bottom black. Or lil pig tellin mammy pig how she mouth long. Or Joe Hardmouth tellin Green Ham how he old and ugly.

If Green Bridge talkin bout disgrace, de first ting he suppose to do was talk bout he own self.

Green Bridge was a national disgrace when he was a minister and he tek de whole country and mek it into a international disgrace. What a ting!

Is de same ting wid de paper man who had wanna drive not one but two Lexus, and now tekkin taxi fuh go to wuk since de tax man pull he in. Paper man even paste up sticker to tell people to stop corruption when de very Lexus was sheer corruption.

Now paper man got de guts to seh how people tellin lie pun he when every day is sheer lies in de paper man paper.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! That is like paper man tellin de ice man from Annandale how he thiefin current.

What a ting!

a r o l y n RodriguesB i r k e t t was born on 16 September 1973 in the Amerindian village of Santa Rosa, Region One. Her early education began at the Santa Rosa Primary School, after which she moved to Georgetown where she attended a private school.

RodriguesBirkett thereafter left for Saskatachewan, Canada, on scholarship, to pursue

S

studies in Business Administration.

Following her return to Guyana in 1993, she read successfully for a degree in Social Work at the University of Guyana, while simultaneously managing the Amerindian Projects Programme of the Social Impact A m e l i o r a t i o n Programme (SIMAP), a post she held for seven years before being appointed Minister of Amerindian Affairs in 2001. RodriguesBirkett was the first minister to be re-appointed to her position by former President Bharrat Jagdeo in September 2006 following national elections.

On 10 April 2008, she was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, thereby having the distinction of being the first female to be appointed to this post. RodriguesBirkett is married and has two children.

In 2013, the Foreign Minister was presented with the Grand Cross of the Order of the General Liberator of San Martin, the highest order of

Argentina, by the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Argentina the Honourable Hector Timmerman.

Keeping close to her heart the welfare of the Amerindian people, the minister, along with several other officials, met earlier this year with political parties, the private sector, the National Toshaos Council and

the Region Seven Regional Democratic Council on the development of hydropower in the Mazaruni.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs continues to ensure Guyana is aptly represented internationally and is adamant in finding ways in developing her country. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

Over the hill

atiricus was surprised at the humility of GrainJa. How many politicians would publicly admit they were so old and their hands were probably so arthritic, they had to “write slowly”? But here it was GrainJa had so declared!! “What a guy!!!” thought Satiricus.

No wonder that “Donkey Cart” economist was so love smitten with the man, he jumped ship from the KFC to GrainJa’s APANU. Some said it was a case of jumping from the frying pan into the fire…but that was neither here nor there.

Fact of the matter, at long last, here was an honest politician. And if GrainJa could admit to the infirmities of old age…who knows what revelations might lie ahead. Even more than the fairer sex, politicians loathed revealing their age.

GreenBridge, who lusted for GrainJa’s position, but lost, has to be in his 80s – and he certainly looked it! – but were you ever hear him admitting it?? “I’m not holding my breath,” muttered Satiricus.

But GrainJa was “de man” when it came to baring his soul – and Satiricus was so happy to have the purloined secret diary of the man who would’ve made Diogenes finally take a rest. Courtesy of his niece, maid to the Opposition.

Dear Diary, I must tell you that I feel soooo much lighter now that I have admitted I am an ooooold man. I remember that poem I had to learn as a child back in the 1940s: “My hair is grey and it is with years/nor grew it white in a single night. My back is bent and it is not with toil/ but rusted with a vile repose.” This is me, Dear Diary.

And it is not only writing that I have to do slowly. Have you heard me speak lately?? That damned whippersnapper North Ton, always tried to finish my sentences when we debated, because I just couldn’t get the words quickly enough.

But I tell you, Dear Diary, what makes my years weigh most heavily on me are the secrets I had to carry all these years. You think lead heavy?? You should try carting around secrets. Especially the deep, dark secrets I had to carry. They are heavier. Now that I have admitted that I am so old I can barely write, I will spill my guts if they ask me to testify at the CoI. Didn’t my old pastor always tell me that “confession is good for the soul”? And after all I have done, God knows I need something to help my soul.

36

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

This week's Crossword

J k es Satan

People were talking in their church pews. Suddenly, Satan appeared at the front of the church. Everyone started screaming and running for the front entrance, trampling each other in a frantic effort to get away from evil incarnate.

Soon everyone had left the church except for one elderly gentleman who sat calmly in his pew without moving, seeming oblivious to the fact that God's ultimate enemy was in his presence.

So Satan walked up to the old man and said, "Don't you know who I am?

The man replied, "Yep, sure do."

"Aren't you afraid of me?" Satan asked.

"Nope, sure ain't." said the man.

"Don't you realise I can kill you with a word?" asked Satan.

"Don't doubt it for a minute," returned the old man, in an even tone.

"Did you know that I could cause you profound, horrifying, AGONY for all eternity?" persisted Satan.

"Yep," was the calm reply.

"And you're still not afraid?" asked Satan.

"Nope," said the old man.

More than a little perturbed, Satan asked, "Well, why aren't you afraid of me?"

The man calmly replied, "Been married to your sister for 48 years."

Automatic radio

This week's Puzzle

A lady bought a new Lexus. Cost a bundle. Two days later, she brought it back, complaining that the radio was not working. "Madam,” said the sales manager, "the audio system in this car is completely automatic.

All you need to do is tell it what you want to listen to, and you will hear exactly that!"

She drives out, somewhat amazed and a little confused. She looked at the radio and said "Nelson". The radio responded, "Ricky or Willie?" "Willie," she replies.

Soon, she was speeding down the highway to the sounds of "On the road again." The lady was astounded. If she wanted Beethoven, that's what she got, if she wanted Nat King Cole, she got it.

At the traffic light, her light turned green and as she proceeded through the intersection, out of the corner of her eye she saw a small sports utility vehicle run the red light and head right towards her vehicle. She swerves out of his way, narrowly missing a head on collision.

"JERK!" she screams! and from the Radio ..."LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES ..."

Church announcements

Actual announcements taken from church bulletins show how a letter or wrongly phrased sentence can make all the difference: “The rosebud on the altar this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Rev and Mrs. Julius Belzer.”

“Tuesday at 4 PM there will be an ice cream social.

All ladies giving milk will please come early.”

“8 new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.”

“The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge -- Up Yours.”

Good fairy

A man and his wife, now in their 60's, were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. On their special day, a good fairy came to them and said that because they had been such a devoted couple, she would grant each of them a very special wish.

The wife wished for a trip around the world with her husband. Whoosh! Immediately she had airline and cruise tickets in her hand.

The man wished for a female companion 30 years younger ... Whoosh! Immediately he turned ninety.

Gotta love that fairy!!

I can hear just fine!

see solution on page 46

Three retirees, each with a hearing loss, were playing golf one fine March day. One remarked, "Windy isn't it?"

"No," the second man replied, "it's Thursday."

And the third man chimed in, "So am I. Let's have a beer."

feature

37

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

“A Bitter Lime” heads to Guyana for filming

A

s the cast and crew are concluding the first leg of filming for the movie “A Bitter Lime” in Los Angles, USA, the excitement is building for the final leg of filming to be shot in Guyana. This segment of production is expected to last for approximately three weeks.

In Los Angles, as part of the crew is Guyanese Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts who is the Production Manager. She flew to LA to lend her expertise to the production and to garner invaluable knowledge about the film industry.

Roberts who is a top graduating student of the University of the West Indies (Barbados) in film production is elated to be part of the team which is spareheaded by Australian Director Max De Bowen.

Just over two months ago, De Bowen was in Guyana scouting for locations and the cast of supporting

roles for the film which is a relationship-based drama with its main focus on escapism; a couple who share a fantasy of escaping life’s problems by leaving their life in America and running away to an exotic faraway place (Guyana) only to realise that their problems lie within them.

Apart from the production team that consists members from Canada, Los Angeles and Singapore, the Guyanese cast and crew will feature actors such as Kirwyn Mars, Mark Kazim, Michael Ignatius, Chris Gopaul, Leon Cummings, Shameeza Wong, Vanya Persaud, Gerrard Gilkes, Zoya Moore, Abeena Gomes, Kijana Lewis, and Mdala Richmond.

Dancers Meleesa Payne and Fiano Spencer will also join the cast as well as Miss Guyana World 2013 Ruqayyah Boyer and Heatwaves Band lead singer Tennicia De Freitas.

Ossie Nedd is also included in the team along with make-up artist Renee ChesterThompson (Bromeliad. rnc), wardrobe by Keisha Edwards (ShaSha Designs), set designer Neilson Nurse and hair stylist Carmalita Flue.

The inspiration of the film was garnered from classic mid-century Noir films such as “Too Late For Tears”, “Kiss Me Deadly”; 80’s thrillers, such as “Body Heat”, “Blow Out”; and psychological thrillers, such as “Birdy” and “Straw Dogs”. The film also twists the concepts in a contemporary world–starting with cold, formal American scenery and moving into an exotic jungle city (Georgetown, Guyana) virtually never seen in film before.

“A Bitter Lime” also shows a diverse world, exposing simultaneous beautiful and insanity. This will be one of many films to be shot in Guyana over the next three years.

38

feature

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Government mulls ways to teach Amerindian languages in schools

By Svetlana Marshall

R

ecognising the importance of cultural preservation, the Government of Guyana, through the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, is earnestly working towards

the implementation of a policy that would allow the teaching of Amerindian languages to be weaved into the public education system.

Though the initiation of such a policy could take years,

due to the complexity of Amerindian Languages, the Amerindian Affairs Ministry has been silently working behind the scenes. In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, the Amerindian Affairs

Minister Pauline Sukhai holding a book on indigenous languages, which was compiled recently

Minister Pauline Sukhai said the stage is being set. She explained that in 2013 a Language Revival Programme was launched in Capoey, Region Two, where 80 indigenous students are being taught the Arawak language. They will be graduating later in the year.

Though Guyana is known for having nine indigenous nations, previously called tribes, attention is being given to the Arawak language due to its fragile state.

“I would advise that the other languages like the Patamonas, Arekunas, Wapishanas, Makushis and the Wai Wais are spoken by the young and old in their various communities and by the nations,” Minister Sukhai explained.

It was further explained that the Arawak, Akawaios and the Carib languages are the most at risk languages. The Caribs are known for speaking their language

but there are few Carib settlements remaining in Guyana.

Baramita, Region One, is the largest Carib village, but there are scattered settlers of Carib nations in Moruca and Wallaba, among other communities, but they do not speak the language fluently. “So these are the three languages we are focusing on...With children being taught, they have the responsibility to pass it as the population ages.”

In addition to the 80 students in training, Minister Sukhai said the government has budgeted monies to be spent in other villages to aid in the preservation of the at risk languages, but this aspect has been hampered with the Opposition dominated National Assembly moving to disapprove $1.1 billion for Amerindian development.

Additionally, the government with international support, such as funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), is investing heavily to produce Amerindian dictionaries and other booklets. “Short Dictionary of the Warao Language”, “Twenty-eight lessons in Loko (Arawak)”, “Arawak English Dictionary”, “Short Dictionary of the Warao Language of Guyana” and the scholars “Dictionary and Grammar of the Wapishana language” are among materials produced. Bibles in the Patamona and Akawaio languages, in addition to over 400 story books in indigenous languages, have also been acquired by the Amerindian Affairs Ministry and the Culture Ministry.

“Approximately ten years ago, the government introduced a bilingual approach, experimenting on Wapishana language but at that time, the level of materials was not developed and so the programme was not successful. So that is why

we are doing it in different stages before we introduce them in schools,” the minister explained.

She added that the languages are being taught in small groups as the Amerindian Affairs Ministry acquires the requisite educational materials that would allow for effective teaching in schools.

The Amerindian Affairs Ministry’s M a n a g e m e n t Development Officer Alexi La Rose, who is from the Arawak nation, in the village of Santa Rosa, acknowledged that there has been a significant decline in the Arawak language, but said through the intervention of the government it is being revived. According to La Rose, the village of Wakapoa is one of the strongest Arawak speaking villages in Guyana.

“Because of that we build on their strength by sending villagers from Wakapoa to other villages where they can teach the Arawak language, and that is how we are resuscitating the language at the community level,” La Rose reiterated.

She said that the Community Support Officers (CSOs) were also identified to be teachers of the language, but this initiative has been in the sideline due to the Opposition’s objection to developmental funds for the indigenous population.

“The CSOs are the persons who are on the ground and working on projects…one of the things they are working on is the preservation of culture, so it was decided that they should be taught so that they can have lessons with smaller batches on the ground,” La Rose explained.

La Rose’s view was supported by Jude Da Silva, who is the Amerindian Affairs Ministry Programme Coordinator.

The Principal Regional Development Officer Anil Roberts, who hails from Anai, North Rupununi, Region Nine, pointed out that his district is populated with the Makushi people who are known for preserving their language. He explained that the Makushi language is being taught by the Makushi Research Institute, which is made up of a ‘Lady’ from all of the 14 villages within the district. The institute has a mandate to revive the Makushi culture and as such its members have been holding teaching sessions with both the young and the old. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

feature

39

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

C

Cassava bread

assava, or manioc (Manihot esculenta), is described as a root crop native to tropical America that is now consumed by millions of people throughout the tropics, and is used in food preparation in many industrialised processes.

Cassava is an exceptional producer of carbohydrates, and a plant better able to tolerate seasonal drought than other major food crops.

The cassava plant is also better able to tolerate poor soil conditions than most other food plants.

It can grow in extremely poor, acidic soils because it forms a symbiotic association with soil fungi.

Both the roots and leaves of the cassava plant can be toxic to consume.

The toxicity of cassava is

due to the presence of cyanogenic glucosides (compounds of cyanide and glucose), which liberate hydrogen cyanide (HCN), a potent toxin, when the plant tissue is damaged.

Varieties referred to as “sweet” or low-cyanide, have low levels of cyanogenic glucosides in the flesh of the root and can be peeled and cooked like other root vegetables. Those referred to as “bitter”, or high-cyanide, have higher levels of cyanogenic glucosides throughout the root (peel and flesh) and require more extensive processing before they are safe to consume.

A number of different processing techniques are used (grating, fermenting, sun drying), all of which serve to dam-

age the plant tissue and hence cause the liberation and volatilisation of HCN. The potential toxicity of cassava foods depends on the effectiveness of processing and preparation techniques; high-cyanide roots can be processed to remove all most all traces of cyanide-containing compounds. Many farmers prefer to cultivate the high-cyanide varieties for reasons that are not entirely clear.

There is no evidence of acute or chronic cyanide toxicity associated with cassava consumption by Amerindians for whom cassava is a traditional dietary staple, even though some groups rely on varieties of cassava with very high cyanide content.

Cassava was domesticated sometime in the distant past, maybe five thousand years ago. Exactly where is not known, but the current consensus is that domestication took place somewhere in Central or South America, perhaps along the southern border of Brazil, where wild relatives of cassava are currently found.

Cassava is typically grown by small-scale farmers using traditional methods, and farming on marginal lands not well

Farine (dried form in bag; soaked in water to eat - blue and white plate) and tasso

suited to other crops. To harvest the plants, farmers typically cut off the top three-quarters of the plant, and then pull up the roots and separate them from one another.

Cassava roots are prepared into an amazing variety of foods. Traditional preparation techniques vary by region, and by ethnic group within a given region.

For Amerindians, the

most common ways of preparing high-cyanide cassava is as bread. The bread is large, round, thin, and flat, made by peeling and grating the roots, and then sieving the grated mash to separate the liquids. The dried cassava is then cooked on a hot griddle and left to sun-dry.

Farine is another cassava product made by soaking the roots of yel-

low-fleshed, high-cyanide varieties of cassava in water until they ferment.

The roots are then peeled, grated, mixed with fresh grated roots and the mixture allowed to ferment for a week or more. The mash is then dewatered, sprinkled onto a hot griddle, and roasted while being stirred. The resulting product is a dry granular meal that can be stored almost indefinitely.

Cassava is also used to make an alcoholic beer, from both low-cyanide and high-cyanide cassava.

With low-cyanide varieties it is prepared by peeling, cooking, and mashing the roots, then adding water and some masticated roots and allowing the mixture to ferment. With high-cyanide varieties it is prepared from manicuera (the cooked juices) and very thin bread, some of which is chewed, and other cooked roots or tubers.

In our national cuisine, low-cyanide cassava is used as a vegetable (boiled or fried), and in some Amerindian communities, farine is part of traditional dishes like farine and tasso (dried broad strips of salted beef) or more recent farine and egg. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

40

feature

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The versatile Ite Palm

F

Sandals made from the Ite Palm on exhibition at the Walter Roth Museum

rom a refreshing beverage to a tasty delicacy, the source of a staple to material for clothing, shelter and jewellery, the Ite Palm has truly been the tree of life for the indigenous society, providing all the necessities of daily living.

Upon entering the Walter Roth Museum, just to the left of the entrance, one can find an interesting exhibition on the Ite Palm. Several items created from the by-products of the palm are displayed, coupled with the ecological and historical background of the tree in English and Portuguese respectively.

Before the Arawaks brought cassava to Guyana, the wonders of the Ite Palm were explored by the Warrau tribe. “To the Warrau, the Ite was called the ‘tree of life’ and we can see why with its benefits and the fact that just about every part of the palm can be used,” explained archaeologist Jennifer Wishart in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

Sitting in the cozy gallery of the museum, surrounded by a beam of natural light, enveloped by a cool breeze, Wishart stated that the palm, scientifically called Maurita flexuosa and is generally known as the ‘Morichi’, can be found growing in moist acidic soils in the North Western regions along the coast and in the interior savannah of Guyana.

A wide variety of market and household products, as well as various environmental, ecological and economical benefits, can be derived from

the tree itself. Even the by-products of the tree are also be used as a good source of protein and starch.

“The tree provided a source of starch before cassava because the Arawaks were the ones who brought the knowledge of cassava here as the Warrau were already using their Ite. That is why they are called Arawak meaning the ‘cassava root’ in Warrau,” noted Wishart.

According to Roxanne Skeete, a resident of the Barabina Village, “when the fruit is in season it is used for several purposes around the village. The drink is very tasty when chilled and the otocumba [tacuma worm] is used in tumapot (pepperpot) or is fried to be eaten with bakes or cassava bread”.

Even left to rot, the tree proves its worth. “In event the dugout tree trunks are left to rot, the Rhyncophorus palmarum beetle comes and lays eggs in the holes. These larvae that feed off the tree trunk develops into the otocumba worms, which are prepared as a great delicacy”, stated Skeete.

“The tacuma worms come from the fallen palm trees. We would dig out holes in the trunk, cover it with the leaves from the tree and let it rest for about six weeks.

Within the six weeks we check it constantly. When we hear them buzzing, we take the axe burst it open and take all you can get,” Elysha, the young assistant from the local indigenous restaurant 'Tuma Sala', explained.

(Excerpt from Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

41

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

42

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

feature

43

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

W

hether embraced by the fraternity of the Baha’i faith in Israel or surrounded by the picturesque beauty of Finnish landscapes, there is no place like home, the native Amerindian village of Santa Rosa in Region One, for Alexi LaRose. An educated, hardworking professional of Amerindian descent, Alexi, after years aboard, returned home to promote her culture and give back to the community through hard work and dedication.

Florence Alexi LaRose-Fedee is advanced in her field, proud of her culture, and full of the zest and drive of youth. She returns to Guyana to give back the only way she knows how - by applying the knowledge she acquired after completing her Master’s in Development and International Cooperation at Jyvaskyla University in Finland to her daily work.

Born and raised in Santa Rosa, Region One, Alexi, as she is fondly called by her friends and family, began her career as a Management Development Officer at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs focused on development of Amerindian communities.

After completing her secondary education at St Joseph’s High School, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from the University of Guyana and her Master’s in Finland, and spending two and a half years involved in voluntary service in Israel, Alexi is here to stay.

“I came back home to give back to my people, and this ministry provides a direct way for me to do so”, LaRoseFedee told the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

“Elevating oneself should not be seen as personal but as a way to elevate people as well.”

She explained that her passion for culture was imbedded at an early age by her grandfather, Aloysus LaRose, also known as Uncle Bull, who was one of the best violinists in the Moruca area in his time.

“Since childhood, culture was always a big part of my life because my grandfather was one of the best violinists in Moruca. So growing up, we were in a culture

Santa Rosa as the largest Amerindian village in Guyana.”

As an effervescent and resilient woman of Amerindian descent,

Florence Alexi LaRose-Fedee

group and used to dance, sing and so on.”

For Alexi, particularly in terms of this year’s theme “Traditional Embodiment for Amerindian Development”, culture is integral in all things because she sees it as a part of everyday life, which is the reason for her passion for the indigenous heritage.

Working for the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs allows her to appreciate and explore the Amerindian culture even more, having travelled to all ten administrative regions of Guyana and being responsible for the management of Region One. “Yes it’s challenging as everyday new issues arise, but I strive to rise to the challenge,” she declared.

Of the three subsidiaries of Region One (Moruca, Matarkai and Mabaruma), Alexi manages the development of the 79 villages located in the area and finds solutions to all their issues.

Growing up as the only girl with six older brothers has prepared her for life’s daily challenges.

Having travelled the world, elevating herself through tertiary education, achieving professional success and happiness in her marriage life, Alexi outlined the important things in life.

“Life is much more important when you find a bigger purpose…serving and making contributions in

your daily life.” She added: “Culture may not define who you are but it gives you foundation, grounding.”

So what is next for Alexi LaRose-Fedee? She spoke enthusiastically of the language revival project to be launched in her home village of Santa Rosa (the Arawak Revival Project) and White Waters (the Warao Revival project).

“Culturally these villages are very weak in the language. You hardly find people speaking the language. So it is important for us to get in touch with ourselves, particularly for

Florence Alexi LaRoseFedee has risen to greater heights in her profession, education, and personal fulfillment, and is using her knowledge

in developing numerous Amerindian communities. Surely, this makes her a woman of worth!

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

44

feature

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jamaica’s Freddie McGregor takes 'jerk' to Long Beach

J

Freddie McGregor

erk festivals seem to be a hot item-as far as Jamaican culture is concerned--in the United States these days.

Several major cities including Atlanta, New York, Fort Lauderdale and Philadelphia have events showcasing spicy products. Long Beach in southern California has

joined the mix.

The Long Beach Reggae Music Jerk and Food Festival is scheduled for September 28.

It is the brainchild of singer Freddie McGregor whose Big Ship Music label are promoters.

"I'm very surprised at the sudden interest in the States for Jamaican jerk foods. I headlined

the Atlanta jerk fest two weeks ago and we saw over 20,000 people in attendance," he told Jamaican media. "I guess people like familyfriendly events."

McGregor said he has been "looking at that market for sometime now" but started planning late last year after Long Beach was con-

firmed as the show's site.

Like established jerk events in Florida and New York, the Long Beach show is complemented by live music.

Roots acts like Johnny Osbourne, U Roy, The Abyssinians, and Admiral Tibet, popular in the Golden State, dominate the line-up.

(Jamaica Observer)

45

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

New York, New York “N

ew York is the meeting place of the peoples, the only city where you can hardly find a typical American.” – Djuna Barnes New York had always been a looming presence in my life. My dad had lived there for over 20 years after high school before returning to live in Guyana. With almost literally all his relatives up there, he’d visit two or three times every year, sometimes with us in tow.

Skyping with relatives from New York made allusions to the city redundant. But I hadn’t visited since 2005, when we’d spent most of the time up in Cape May, on the Jersey shore, at a family reunion.

The following year, for some reason, the US Embassy decided I either presented a threat to the national security of the US, or that I’d abscond and sponge off its largesse and denied me a visa. I was 10 and had done well at the Common Entrance and the extended family thought it’d be fun for me to join them at the annual reunion.

By Anu Dev This year, when my parents decided that the entire family had to go up to New York (a cousin was tying the knot), I discovered the US had taken me off their “undesirables” list.

We were going to spend a month – with the wedding as the cap on the vacation. The icing on the cake, so to speak. My parents insisted that my brother and I plan the vacation – down to booking theatre tickets, hotels, trains and the whole shebang.

The Internet and credit cards are really fantastic human innovations!!! It became a vacation to bring to life the New York of books and movies that my brother and I consumed like candy! I’d done the tourist bit with the Statue of Liberty, the World Trade Centre (saw that a week before it came tumbling down), and the boat ride around Manhattan, etc... so that was nixed.

Interestingly enough, while we have hundreds of thousands of Guyanese in New York, they’re mostly in Queens (Indian Guyanese) and Brooklyn (African Guyanese) – and it doesn’t appear that the twain meets very much – if at all. But most of the action we wanted to see was in Manhattan – the “City that never sleeps”, the “Big Apple”, “The City that’s so nice – they had to name it twice” – New York, New York!!

And we weren’t disappointed. My dad had worked for years at Broadway and 40th Street. And we discovered this was as close to the heart of the City as you can get – Times Square. Was there a movie in New York made that didn’t showcase the glitz, glamour and glory represented by the neon lights of Times Square? Not to mention the ball dropping from the Times Tower at the moment of “New Year”. It didn’t disappoint.

My dad reminisced as to how squalid and tawdry Times Square and 42nd Street had been in the 70s and 80s....but as we looked around, that was definitely a time and place that was no more.

It gave me hope that maybe Georgetown can be restored to its former grace and charm – which is definitely history to me.

For the “weekend on the town”, hanging out in and around Gramercy Park (and just freaking out about the millions of books in the grand New York Public Library just behind), the Lion King at the Minscoff Theatre, dinner at Buca di Beppo (avoiding the stuffier joints on 45th St “Restaurant Row”), and rounding it off sleeping and having breakfast at the Times Square Hyatt, prepared my brother and me for the IMAX experience at the 42nd St AMC – Guardians of the Galaxy.

Our parents were good sports and fell into line. They might have even enjoyed it!!!

46

history

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

T

he word “Amerindian” is said to be a contraction or combination of the two words “American” and “Indian”, to describe the original inhabitants of the Americas, the continents known as the “New World”.

Early Europeans, seeking trade routes to India, claimed to have discovered North, South and Central America, and labelled them the “New World’. It was in this “New World” that they also discovered the original inhabitants whom they named “Indians”, believing that they had arrived in India.

However, the term “American Indian” was later coined to distinguish the indigenous peoples of the Americas from the original inhabitants of India, also known as “East Indians” today.

Guyana’s indigenous population is divided into three linguistic groups: Arawakan, Cariban, and Warauan.

The Arawakan family is made up of two nations – the Lokono Arawaks and the Wapishanas.

The Cariban nation is made up of six groups: Akawaios, Patamonas, Arekunas, Makushis, Caribs (Karinya), and Waiwais. The Warrau nation is the only lin-

guistic group inhabiting Guyana.

This adds up to nine indigenous nations inhabiting Guyana to date.

G u y a n a ’ s Amerindians are estimated to have arrived on these shores some 12,000 years ago, though there is some scholarly debate as to which nation first arrived. The general consensus however, favours the thought that the Waraus were the original inhabitants.

The Arawaks later followed, then the Caribs.

Dispersal

As with most tribes, each nation dispersed itself throughout the vast

territory of Guyana.

However, with European and subsequent arrivals, many may have also retreated further into more remote interior locations.

The Patamonas of Guyana are now mainly concentrated in the North Pakaraimas, though few can be found at Monkey Mountain in the South Pakaraimas, and at Mahdia and Tumatumari in Essequibo.

The Waiwai, apparently arriving from Brazil during the late 19th century, can be found mainly along the upper Essequibo River.

Also arriving during the 19th centu-

An Amerindian hunter circa 1924

Warrau tribesmen testing a wrestling shield (n.d.)

ry, the Arekunas occupied upper and central Kamarang River, and are now more concentrated at Paruima.

Though they are said to be associated with the Middle-Indian period - 8, 400 years ago, the presence of the Warraus is said to have been first recorded in the 1670s.

They live mainly on the low-lying coastlands, between the Barima and Pomeroon rivers and their tributaries.

Arriving in the early 18th century from the Rio Negro area of Brazil, the Wapishana are located in the Rupununi. In a 1993 census, their numbers were recorded at some 7,000.

Calling themselves kapon, meaning “sky people”, the Akawaio nation live on the North Pakaraima plateau along the Mazaruni, Kmarang, Kato, Ataro and Kukui rivers. An estimated 4,000 Akawaio inhabit Guyana today, while

many migrated across the border to Venezuela in the 70s when there were plans to flood the Upper Mazaruni District for a hydro-electric site.

The Makushis of Guyana settled in the South, Central, and North Rupununi Savannahs, inhabiting those areas since some 400 years ago.

Arriving after the Waraus some 3,350 years ago, the Arawaks first settled at Hosororo Creek on the Aruka River. They also inhabited the Corentyne River some 2,000 years ago along the coastland regions as food producers.

The Caribs, arriving from the mainland of northern Venezuela, are labelled as the “war” tribe, and it is unclear where they first settled, though there are Barima Caribs in Guyana. Like most nations, they too settled near creeks or rivers. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Amerindian men using sticks to start a fire circa 1925 (Photo from R H Carr family album)

FEATURE

47

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Times Notebook

Nurture FDI to support development

African film fest comes to UWI

F

or almost all of our 48 years since Independence, politicians and the experts have argued that Guyana needs foreign investors to come in and drive the development of our country. There is consensus that Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) are prerequisites for rapid development in any of our Caribbean countries.

Up to 1992, Guyana’s post-Independence history was one of virtually no investment. Since 1992, investments have grown significantly. This augurs well for Guyana, as it prepares to celebrate 50 years of Independence.

But Guyana is faced with a wicked conspiracy to discourage investors from participating in our development. There is a deliberate anti-Asian phobia being promoted by certain sections of our country. This group includes politicians from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), media houses, such as Kaieteur News and Stabroek News and certain anti-government commentators.

Worrying development

Their targets are investors from China, but Indian investors have also been targeted. This is a worrying development and such Asian phobia is detrimental to Guyana’s development.

The biggest investors in the Caribbean today are from China and India.

China’s investment in the Caribbean in 2012 surpassed US$500 million. Guyana, Suriname, Cuba, Jamaica, and other countries are important destinations for Chinese investment. The Chinese have become significant investors globally.

Why then should Guyana discourage Chinese investors?

Government would be reckless to ignore investment from the second largest economy in the world, which is set to overcome the US as the largest in the coming decade. With its economic ascent, China has amassed considerable reserves from increases in exports and capital inflows, and has managed to invest more than US$74 billion in FDI, including more than US$15 billion in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The AFC and APNU are pushing a dangerous direction for Guyana when they discourage investment from places like China and India. Rejecting investments has led to Guyana under-performing in the past and this is the direction Guyana must not return to. We demonstrated between 1968 and 1992 that without FDI, development is not possible.

Opportunities for development

Chinese State banks and the Government of China have also provided grants and low-interest loans for various countries. Must Guyana turn its back on these opportunities for development?

Who will replace these investors and that which China provides? The AFC and APNU must tell our people how they propose to replace the grants, loans, and investments.

Western nations have been generous in giving grants and loans for important projects. America prefers to give us grants for strengthening democracy, which is important. China prefers to give a grant to build a ferry or build a convention centre. Both approaches are important and are of benefit to Guyana.

The debate can be put into perspective by examining the policy option with the Amaila Falls Hydro-Electricity Project. Government believes that the hydroelectricity project must be financed through Private Sector ownership driven by FDI. It is this policy option that led government to seek FDI from China, India, Europe, America, or any other place. The Chinese have stepped forward and have embraced it in this important investment of more than US$800 million.

APNU and the AFC have rejected the notion that a large project like Amaila needs to be driven by FDI. They believe that Guyana does not need the Chinese to invest in Amaila. The policy direction that APNU and the AFC prefer is that the local Private Sector must finance the construction of Amaila through government.

On the surface, this appears as an attractive option. But the funds, more than US$800 million, must be taken out of the local financial market. This will cause the exchange rate to soar to more than $300, and drive the cost of living up so high that Guyana’s standard of living will deteriorate, businesses will collapse, interest rates will go sky-high, and local bank loans will be almost impossible.

Also, Guyana’s international debt will not be serviced so the country will return to the pre-1992 period.

What if it was an American investor who proposed to finance Amaila? Would the Opposition Leaders like Granger and Ramjattan and others oppose such FDI? We do not seem to be opposed when investors from America (like the GT&T owners) or from Great Britain (like Digicel owners) come and own profitable businesses. We never seem to suggest that these should be replaced by local investors.

APNU, the AFC and many others seem bent on stopping development in Guyana. They see the investment portfolio growing in Guyana and this bothers them. We must reject the efforts of those among us who want to create barriers to development through Asian hysteria.

T

University of the West Indies, Mona (Jamaica Observer photo)

he Faulty of Humanities and Education at University of the West Indies, Mona, is set to host the E Desmond Lee Africa World Documentary Film Festival from October 2-5.

Over 20 documentaries made by filmmakers in Africa and African Diaspora communities will be screened at the Neville Hall Lecture Theatre.

The documentaries cover a wide range of subjects and reflect

the diversity of interests, concerns and cultural expression in the African world. These films counter the notion that black communities are characterised primarily by poverty, war and violent conflict.

‘True Somebody: The African Soccer Dream’ by Stephen Latty documents a vital time in African soccer and shows how the extraordinary success of African players competing in European leagues has inspired a

surge of soccer passion throughout the continent.

Some of the films are upbeat stories celebrating the resilience of the human spirit, creativity and the artistic sensibility: ‘Asni, The Life of Asnaketch Worku: Courage, Passion & Glamor in Ethiopia’, by Rachel Samuel, is the story of the extraordinary Ethiopian artist, Asnaketch Worku, who is a cultural icon in Ethiopia. ‘Saya: Dance and Survival in an AfroBolivian Village’, by Beret Strong and John Tweedy, shows how the Saya dance troupe in Bolivia, celebrates and preserves their African cultural heritage.

‘Sahel Calling’ by John Bosch looks at the aftermath of events in 2012-2013 in Mali when radicals used violence to control communities. ‘Move’ by Theodore Collatos is the story of the Chicago-based Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre.

(Jamaica Observer)

48

hollywood

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling welcome a baby girl

A

ctors Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling became first-time parents last week when the Latina gave birth to a baby girl, the U.S.

Weekly has reported.

Mendes, 40, and Gosling, 33, have had a romantic relationship since they acted together in the 2011 film, 'The Place

Beyond the Pines'.

The couple is known for their discretion, even about her pregnancy, which she went so far as to deny on a television programme last February.

In 2009, when she was in a relationship with producer George Gargurevich, Mendes told Efe news agency that tying the knot was not in her plans.

"I do not see myself getting married. I am 35 years old but I feel like a kid. In the 60s and 70s, at my age, you were finished, but I feel like I am still growing. As for babies…no, not now," she said. (TOI)

J

oan Rivers’ personal doctor had reportedly clicked a selfie while the comedienne was under anesthesia.

The picture was snapped in the procedure room right before the physician was about to perform an unauthorised biopsy on Rivers' vocal chords, which had lead to her cardiac arrest, the CNN reported.

The news was revealed by a work-

A

ctress Hilary Duff can't really remember life without her two-year-

A

lan Turing's biopic 'The Imitation Game' has won the People's Choice award at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The drama about the British code breaker who helped decrypt the Enigma machine during World War Two stars

'Sherlock' star Benedict Cumberbatch, the BBC reported.

Director Morten Tyldum said that it was "an amazing honour" to win the prize and for film fans to support the 'Imitation Game' means a lot to him, the entire cast and film-making

team.

Turing was credited with bringing about the end of the war and saving hundreds of thousands of lives after decoding German Naval messages and is also considered to be the founding father of the modern-day computer. (TOI)

Alec Baldwin, Danny Glover set to join upcoming movie 'Andron'

A

lec Baldwin and Danny Glover are set to star in AMBI Pictures' upcoming sci-fi/ action film 'Andron.'

According to the Hollywood Reporter, AMBI, a newly launched film production and finance company, has been owned by Andrea Iervolino and Lady Monika Bacardi.

'Andron' begins when a group of young men and women awake in a dark, claustrophobic maze. They don't remember who they are

tests in a mysterious and bizarre place. Out of necessity, they struggle to form a bond to survive.

(TOI)

on September 4, 2014, was being treated.

(TOI)

old son Luca and says he has changed her completely.

The ‘Chasing the

sun’ singer credits Luca, her son with estranged husband Mike Comrie, for changing her priorities and outlook on life.

"I feel like I don't even remember who I was before I had him," femalefirst.co.uk quoted her as saying.

"He's taught me about patience, which I didn't have before.

Being in this business since I was 12, I constantly was busy and on the go. I think having him has helped center me and calm me down and make me realise that the little things are important," she added.

(TOI)

J

ennifer Garner has revealed that she and her husband Ben Affleck have a "very mindful" marriage.

The 42-year-old actress admitted that she's not interested in being courted by the 42-yearold actor on a regular basis and believes their relationship works because they allow for both family and personal time, Contactmusic reported.

She said that they are definitely in a very mindful place where they are making an effort to be together, do things at the same time and be loving towards each other. (TOI)

Marriage isn't the golden ticket: Kate Hudson

A

or how they got stuck in the black labyrinth. The group must learn to decipher codes, understand the signals and beat the

er at the Manhattan's Yorkville Endoscopy, where Rivers, who died

ctress Kate Hudson says she and her beau Matthew Bellamy are in no rush to tie the knot because they don't believe marriage is the "golden ticket" to a successful relationship.

The 35-year-old actress has been engaged to Bellamy for over three years and wants to savour the moments, re-

ports femalefirst.co.uk.

"We're working, it's a long engagement. I think the best part is that knowing you're working towards the idea of a commitment that is hopefully as long of a stretch as you can pull it--and forever seems beautiful," Women's Health magazine quoted Kate as saying. (TOI)

bollywood

49

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Deepika Padukone: I don't expect to be star all my life

A

fter giving hits like 'Chennai Express', 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' and 'Race 2' in 2013, Deepika Padukone has become one of the most sought-after actresses in Bollywood. She says she feels secure, but is also aware that her stardom isn't going to last forever.

When asked if she is afraid of losing her stardom, she said: "No, not at all. I know my stardom isn't going to be all my life. I am secure about my work, but I don't expect to be a star all my life. It's

practically impossible and if anyone thinks like that, they are delusional."

The actress, who is being applauded for her

performance in her new film ‘Finding Fanny’, said it's very "rare" that she is happy with her work.

(TOI)

I believe in fairytales: Sonam Kapoor

V

ivek Oberoi had earlier cancelled his birthday plans for the promotion of the Mega Blood Donation Drive.

Apparently, Vivek wants to spend some quality time with his wife and son since he was busy with blood donation campaign on his birthday.

Vivek is now planning to make a short trip to Mauritius with his family before the shoot of his upcoming movie, 'Bank Chor'.

Vivek, who always celebrates his birthday with cancer patients at CPAA (Cancer Patients Aid Association) on September 3, couldn't

J

ohn Abraham's passion for bikes is well known. Recently, when he was in the capital for a biking event, Delhiites weren't surprised when the actor spoke incessantly about his love for the mean machines.

As he took a pause, he said, "You know I should stop now. When it comes to bikes I can keep talking about them."

Talking about his first bike, he said, "I cried when I sold my first bike. It hurt me a lot."

When a fan asked him to "send a message to encourage the female pillion riders who are not comfortable wearing helmets", the actor asked him not to assume things.

He said, "Apart from what the law says, I think females are quite sensitive to understand that in a road accident the pillion riders are the first to get hurt. They do wear helmets."(TOI)

A

celebrate with them this year as he was committed with blood donation drive. But now he

has decided to celebrate with them on September 13, 2014 and then leave for Mauritius. (TOI)

ctress Sonam Kapoor, who will be seen in the role of a clumsy girl, who falls in love with a Prince in her upcoming film 'Khoobsurat', says she is a believer of fairytales in real life.

The 29-year-old actress said she did the Disney movie because she believes in happy endings and even though the concept of a fairytale does not find many takers today, people should hold onto it.

"The reason I did ‘Khoobsurat’ was because I just believe in

a happily ever after...I am a strong believer of fairytales and think at the end everything will

be good. We should not let that feeling go from our lives," Sonam told reporters. (TOI)

that they will promote Shah Rukh's ‘Happy New Year’ on the reality show, the Bollywood Badshah said he try his best to utilise the platform.

When asked about Salman's comment, Shah Rukh said: "The marketing is part of the production and whatever we are asked to do, we will do it.

We would only be happy to be going wherever we

are invited.”

He added: "Everybody is very courteous and gracious and so is Salman bhai. We love that he thought we should come there. If we have the scope and time, most certainly we will go there. If we don't have it, please don't take it seriously and say that we avoided it. It just needs to be done when it needs to be done.” (TOI)

Akshay Kumar determined to make martial arts compulsory in school

A

kshay Kumar has always been passionate about martial arts and attributes his own life's success completely to it. It is his dream to make martial arts compulsory for students in school, so that they can learn the art of self-defence.

Talking on the importance of it, he said, "Do you know that when the attacks of 26/11 happened at Leopold Cafe, there were 11 foreigners at that time, but not

even one of them got injured as the moment they were attacked, they lay down on the floor, whereas the Indians did not know what to do and therefore got killed.

When a grenade attack happens, it is the splinters that fly from it that hit you and kill you, but if you lie down on the ground, you can get saved. That is why countries like China, Hong Kong and Singapore train you on how to deal with difficult situations

like fire, floods, attacks and even earthquakes.

It is my dream that one day martial arts becomes compulsory in schools for every child." (TOI)

Priyanka Chopra: I was very good in arts and craft

P

riyanka Chopra, who attended a recent event in Mumbai, said that she was very good in arts and craft.

Speaking at the event, the 32-year old

actress said: "I used to come first in arts and craft. I am also very fond of it. I can't stitch so well but I definitely know how to do it.

I can't stitch clothes. I have studied in a con-

vent school, so it was compulsory for them to teach us. I was very good in arts and craft."

Chopra, was recently seen in the movie ‘Mary Kom’.

(TOI)

"E

verybody is courteous and gracious and so is Salman Khan," said Shah Rukh Khan reacting to the former's friendly gesture.

The two are known for their infamous rivalry, but now both of them seem to be holding out an olive branch to each other. If Salman was gracious enough as the host of ‘Bigg Boss 8’ to say

50

Sport

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

ASK-G does Guyana proud at Caribbean Championship A

SK-G (YMCA) returned to Guyana with a total of fifty medals after competing in the 1KD Caribbean Karate Championships in Trinidad and Tobago recently.

Twenty-four (24) karatekas from the ASK-G YMCA Dojo came up against the best from several Caribbean countries, including hosts Trinidad. They competed in the team and individual Kata, Kumite, Embu and Bunkai. Of the 50 medals won, 16 were gold, 24 were silver and 10 were bronze.

In the adult male category, both Patrick Cheeks and Keith Beaton lost in the second round of the individual Kumite in close encounters that could have gone either way.

The trio of Patrick Cheeks, Keith Beaton and Roger Peroune won silver medals in the team Kumite and Shane Rahaman replaced Beaton in the trio to win

silver in team Kata.

They lost to Barbados in the team Kumite and Trinidad in the team Kata. In the individual male adult Kata, Roger Peroune placed third with point one of a point separating first and second and second and third respectively.

In the Individual Male 17-19 category, Shane Rahaman won bronze medals in both the Kumite and Kata events.

In the Female Individual Adult Kumite, reigning champion Nathalie Gibson of Guyana lost in the final to Adanna Moore of Grenada, a title she has held for the past four years.

The Female 17-19 Individual Kata saw Kristina Cheeks and Lakeisha Pearson securing first and second respectively for Guyana.

Lakeisha created history by being the first female karateka of the ASK-G from Linden to secure a medal at this level of competition.

The ASK-G representatives proudly display their medals

Guyana’s Kemo Cornelius, Shane Wilkinson and Nixon Cheeks easily captured gold in the Boys 1416 Team Kata, which they repeated in Team Bunkai and Team Enbu.

Cornelius then won gold in the Individual Kata and Nixon Cheeks got gold in the Individual Kumite. This made them the most decorated ath-

letes from Guyana, having both won four gold medals each.

The 14-16 Female category saw Leah Shariff, Kelly-Ann Fortune and Theresa Sampat winning gold in the Team Kata. They placed second in the Team Bunkai with Leah placing third in the Individual Kumite. Theresa Sampat then won gold in the

Individual Kumite (1113 category) with KellyAnn Fortune placing second.

ASK-G’s Medharishi Ramdhani teamed up with GKC’s Aubrey Bettencourt and Kenrick Cheeks to win silver in the Team Embu and Bronze in Team Kata and Team Bunkai in the Masters division.

Medharishi also won

bronze in Individual Kata Masters division.

The other outstanding performances were in the Male 8-10 age group with Daniel Jailall, Aryan Singh and Jordan Fae Kong winning silver in both team Kata and Bunkai. Guyana is now preparing for the World Championship scheduled to be held in Toronto, Canada, in 2015.

Committee finalised to oversee Albion floodlights

F

irst VicePresident of the Berbice Cricket

Board (BCB) Anil Beharry will head a sixman committee, which

will oversee the business of the recently installed floodlights at the

One of the newly-installed floodlights at the Albion Sports Complex

historic Albion Sports Complex.

Republic Bank, Rosignol Branch Manager Imran Saccoor was appointed ViceChairman and will also function in the capacity of Secretary and Public Relation Officer.

Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Region Six Imran Ally will serve as the Assistant Secretary, while Human Resource Manager, GuySuCo, Albion Estate Vemen Walter is the committee’s Treasurer.

Development Officer, GuySuCo, Albion Estate Pawan Baldeo is the Assistant Treasurer and Region Six Sports Officer Omesh Srikishun will serve as the Organising Secretary.

Forms related to the terms and conditions, fees and others details for the uses of the lights are available from members of the committee.

The committee will like to inform the public that they only have control of the lights and not the cricket ground.

It means then that for

any event, prior approval must be sought from Albion Estate for the use of the ground.

In an invited comment, Chairman Anil Beharry congratulated his team and thanked the Regional Chairman and Sport Minister for the trust and faith they have shown in the committee to run such an expensive and historic facility in the county of Berbice.

He added that his team is a group of hard working, committed and capable persons and assured the Government of Guyana that the lights will be run like a professional business and will sustain itself financially.

The ground, described as the ‘Mecca of Cricket’, locally has contributed to the honing of several renowned batsmen saw the erection of six towers with 17 luminaries on each pole, totalling 102 -1500 watts bulbs being powered by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. The lights were mounted by Musco Sports Lighting of Iowa, USA; the same company that had installed the lights at the Guyana National Stadium.

The Albion ground has been the venue for first class cricket matches with five One-Day International games being played from 1977 and 1985.

SPort

51

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

JFIS Second Division Hockey League…

‘Hikers’ edge ‘All Greys’ 4-3 in thrilling final A fter a long delay due to the unavailability of grounds, the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) managed to stage the final match of the 2013 John Fernandes Insurance Services (JFIS) Limited’s Second Division League.

On Monday last, points leaders ‘All Greys’ faced second place ‘Hikers’ in a winner-take-all final match.

The two sides had crossed swords in the first round of competition, which ended in a stalemate, and it would now come down to the wire in a fitting final match of competition to determine who wears the crown as 2013 Second Division champions.

As was predicted, the ‘All Greys’, featuring aging stars of yesteryear, sat back in defence and absorbed an onslaught of attacking manoeuvres from the youthful ‘Western Union Hikers’ in the opening minutes of play.

With the ‘All Greys’ seemingly playing the rope-a-dope made famous by boxer Mohamed Ali, the ‘Hikers’ ap-

Kerensa Fernandes, representing JFIS, presents the shield to members of the victorious Hikers team after their win on Monday

peared to run out of ideas and seemed vulnerable to the occasional All Greys’ counterattacks. It was a battle of attrition as a draw would see ‘All Greys’ capturing the trophy and the Hikers seemed less and less likely to penetrate

the tight ‘All Greys’ defence marshalled by former national full back, Ivor Thompson.

After 24 minutes of pressure from the ‘Hikers’ however, the ‘All Greys’ defence finally cracked as a loose rebound fell into the path

of Aroydy Branford, who smashed his shot into the high right hand corner of the goal.

The ‘All Greys’ seemed to emerge with renewed enthusiasm in the second half of play and enjoyed a greater share of possession than

they did in the first. After seven minutes of play in the second half, ‘All Greys’ Captain would breathe new life into the game with an accurate penalty corner strike in the near post to draw the score level at 1-1.

Aroydy Branford,

who produced an MVP type performance on the evening, received a pass high on the right side of the ‘All Greys’ goal area in the 46th minute and swiftly dodged left before slipping the ball past the advancing goalkeeper Rawl Davson who, up to that point, was having a stellar performance himself.

With the ‘Hikers’ enjoying a 2-1 lead, former national captain Alan Fernandes scored possibly the goal of the match as he eluded several defenders and finished with a diving reverse stick effort to draw the score level at 2-2.

Despite another well placed goal from Gavin Hope for ‘All Greys’, the top class performance from Branford would see him register two more goals in the dying minutes to pull of the Hikers victory.

The defending champions ‘Western Union Hikers’ retained the trophy and Kerensa Fernandes was on hand to make a presentation of the shield to the victors in the ceremony that followed the final match.

GSSF receives steel donation for upcoming tournament “By maintaining consistent challenges from year to year, the competition lends itself to the

From left: Ryan McKinnon, Michael Blake, Vidushi Persaud, Kevin Jaikaran of Ken’s Mufflers and Pravesh Hary from Doc.com Pharmacy

W

ith the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) set to host the first steel challenge match; the GSSF received a donation of grade steel targets and stands from Doc.com Pharmacy on Wednesday.

At the handing over ceremony, GSSF Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer Ryan McKinnon related the importance of following the rules of the game.

“We at the GSSF will continue to strictly follow guidelines set out by our affiliate bodies and pro-

vide the relevant safety training to all our members so that our matches will be at the highest international standard.

"Our match officials have international certification and experience in administering such competitions,” McKinnon stated.

Managing Director of Doc.com, Pravesh Harry noted, “I’m pleased to support the GSSF and the role they play in promoting competitive shooting both locally and internationally. I will continue to help them whenever I can in their ventures.”

Meanwhile Ken Muffler’s on the East Coast of Demerara will facilitate the fabrication of the targets and various target stands.

Vidushi Persaud, President of the GSSF highlighted that the new format of shooting is sure to bring excitement to the fans.

‘Steel Challenge’ matches are fun for both competitors and spectators. This shooting sport and its rules are easy to understand, fast shooting, reactive targets sounding the hits and the time is the score.

notion of setting – and breaking – speed records, which greatly adds to the excitement for all.”

The event will be hosted at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Timehri Ranges.

52

Sport

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Prolific Chanderpaul moves to number 3

V

Shivnarine Chanderpaul kisses the turf after scoring his 30th Test ton on Tuesday last

eteran West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul has returned to the top three of

the ICC Ranking for Test batsmen following his outstanding performance against Bangladesh in the second Test in St

Lucia, which finished on Tuesday.

The Guyanese scored 84 not out and 101 not out, his 30th career cen-

tury, to end the series as the second highest rungetter with 270 runs.

As a result, he jumped two places and has leap-

frogged David Warner of Australia and Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka into third position.

The batting table is headed by Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka, who leads South Africa’s AB de Villiers by 27 ratings points.

During the series, Chanderpaul became the second batsman – with a minimum qualification of three innings and 200plus runs – to remain unbeaten in a Test series.

He scored 270 runs from three innings without being dismissed. South Africa’s Jacques Kallis was the first batsman to achieve the feat.

Chanderpaul’s batting average against Bangladesh is now a staggering 145.9, which is the highest for any

batsman with at least 10 innings against a single country.

Since 2012, the lefthander’s batting average against the Asian nation is a mammoth 624, with innings of 201*, 1, 150*, 85*, 84* and 101*.

Chanderpaul also became the 11th batsman to score 30 Test hundreds. Among left-handed batsmen, only two others have more centuries – Sangakkara with 37 and West Indian Brian Lara with 34.

The former captain, who has played a West Indian record of 158 Test matches, moved to 11, 684 career runs, just 269 runs away from eclipsing Lara’s West Indian record of 11, 953.

Demerara Bank donates sport gear to NOC D emerara Bank Limited Essequibo Branch on Wednesday donated a quantity of sporting gear to the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) at Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast.

At a simple presentation ceremony hosted at the institution, Branch Manager Anna Abraham, said that it is the Bank’s mandate to give back socially to the various communities within the areas it operates. She said that

both indoor and outdoor sporting and game gear such as dominoes, scrabble, checkers, tennis balls, racquets, net balls, footballs and other items were donated.

Accepting the items was NOC’s Sport Coordinator Mark Dover, who said that the equipment came at an opportune time. He said the institution is presently holding its annual sport competitions and the children would benefit.

The NOC received a donation of sport gear from Demerara Bank Limited. In photo with students of the institution are Branch Manager Anna Abraham and Sport Coordinator Mark Dover

Jasper Renegades beat Guyana Media XI in close finish J

asper Renegades prevailed in a tense finish over Guyana Media XI on Sunday last at the YMCA ground, Thomas Lands, winning a feature 20/20 hardball game by three wickets and eight balls to spare.

Playing in front of a small crowd, the Guyana Media XI posted 1177 after skipper John Ramsingh called correctly at the toss and immediately decided to take first strike on a woefully unprepared wicket offering uneven bounce.

In reply, Jasper Renegades closed off a tough run-chase, achieving victory at 118-7 in 18.4 overs, with some useful contributions from the top and lower order.

Ramsingh and Shahrukh Imran, who opened the batting for Guyana Media XI, added a brisk 16 in three overs before the latter was caught on the extra cover boundary by Bobby Singh off the bowling of Akshay

Rampersaud for five (1×4).

Ravi Persaud joined Ramsingh and they proceeded to add 19 runs for the second wicket, before Ramsingh pulled a long hop from his opposite number Fabian Ramdatt straight to Eric Sukram at short mid-wicket.

Ramsingh made 16 (1×4).

Rajiv Bisnauth, who dropped down the order to number four after opening the batting the previous three games, and Persaud held the innings together with a fighting partnership of 46 as Jasper Renegades’ bowlers found the pitch to their liking.

Bisnauth was the aggressor from the onset, opening his account with two boundaries over forward square, while Persaud was contented on playing the supporting role. As the partnership progressed, Persaud began to prosper, hitting three sixes and a four before he was caught by Sukhram off spinner Sunil Ramlall for 34 at 81-3.

Ravi Persaud was named best batsman for Guyana Media XI

Keon Blades (01), Bisnauth (13), Avenash Ramzan (01) and Jermaine Neblett (00) all fell within the space of 12 runs as the Media boys slipped to 937, with Ramlall running through the middle order.

It took an unbroken partnership of 24 between Ishaka Jackman (13*, 1×6, 1×4) and Clifton Ross (10*, 2x4s) to take Guyana

Media XI to a fighting total, as Ramlall ended with 4-27 from four overs.

Chasing a target of 118 on a tricky wicket, Jasper Renegades slipped to 23-3 within the sixover Powerplay with fast bowler Neblett removing Ramdatt without scoring and seamer Blades following up with a double strike, trapping both Seon Bovell

(05) and Karran Bissessar (00) leg before wicket.

Opener Kelvin Bovell and Dale LaRose stabilised the innings with a fourth wicket stand of 80, before Jackman disturbed the woodwork of LaRose for 18 (2x4s) at 53-4. Bovell contined to play well and found another able ally in Marlon Thomas, who made a quick-fire 18, including two fours and a six, in a breezy partnership of 27.

At 80-5 in the 13th over, the game was wide open, but Bovell and Sukhram (12, 1×4, 1×6) buckled down and added 21 for the sixth wicket in three overs to swing the momentum Jasper Renegades’ way.

With 18 needed off 18 deliveries, Blades conceded 11 runs off the 18th over, but removed the dangerous Bovell following a smart piece of stumping from Jackman, who donned the gloves in the latter stages of the innings. Bovell made a fight-

ing 33 that included two fours and a six.

Ramlall (06*) and Singh (01*) sealed the win off the fourth ball of the penultimate over, much to the disappointment of the Media supporters, who included sports enthusiast Elizabeth Sunich, who was seen waving a yellow flag with the slogan ‘Rally round Guyana Media XI’.

At the presentation ceremony which followed, Persaud was named best batsman for Guyana Media XI, while Blades was adjudged best bowler. For Jasper Renegades, Bovell copped the best batsman prize, while Ramlall was named best bowler. Jasper Renegades also received a trophy for their winning effort.

Both teams have agreed to have a rematch soon. The teams would also like to thank the umpires, Arleigh Rutherford and Linden Matthews, for their officiating during the game.

Sport

53

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Commander-in-Chief bowls first ball to start off Joint Services cricket tournament

A GDF rank faces the first ball bowled by Commander-in-Chief Donald Ramotar

P

President Donald Ramotar bowling the first ball to start the finals of the GDF versus Police Officers Cricket Competition

resident Donald Ramotar bowled the ceremonial first-ball to mark the start of a Joint Services cricket match on Wednesday, at the Eve Leary Police Sports Ground.

The match, which was the final round of a tournament between the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force which was also postponed for various reasons since 2011, saw the army ranks taking home the winning trophy in the 40-over format of the game.

The president met members of each team before the start of the

eagerly anticipated event and wished them luck, before bowling the first ball, a spin delivery.

The tournament will switch to a 20/20 format for the future and a new trophy will be up for grabs, since the winning team on Wednesday kept the trophy from what was billed as a “grudge match�.

The tournament is one of a series of activities intended to foster camaraderie between the joint services and build a friendship amongst ranks, according to the Government Information Agency (GINA).

54

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

55

WEEK ENDING September 21, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com