Guyana Times International

The Loss of a Literary Luminary

INTERNATIONAL

Cecile Nobrega (1919 – 2013) Page 30

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com ISSUE NO. 171

week ending december 8, 2013

“We are going back to parliament with anti-money laundering bill” – Luncheon See story on page 3

QAII cops Business-ofthe-Year Award Queens Atlantic Investments Inc. (QAII) Technical Coordinator Parmanand Samaroo receives the Business-of-theYear Award (large category) from President Donald Ramotar at the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) 124th Gala Dinner and Awards presentation at the Pegasus Hotel on Wednesday. The award was presented in recognition of the company’s demonstration of good overall performance in the areas of financial growth, customer satisfaction, internal processes investments, employee relations, development and corporate citizenship. Also in photo is Kit Nascimento, the MC for the event (Aggrey Halley photo)

Justice Kennard says Bourda proposal should be pursued

Justice Cecil Kennard

Page 13

NY-based Guyanese rally against closing of Richmond Hill HS annex Page 26

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NEWS

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Policemen in Orange “We are going back to Walk murder case parliament with anti-money should be disciplined laundering bill” – Luncheon – Justice Kennard - says charges should be reinstituted against alleged killer

Freed cricketer, Carlyle Barton

Dead: Shawn Nelson

olice ranks who failed to attend court to testify, as in the case of the Orange Walk shooting incident, which saw the shooter walking scotch free, should be disciplined, if not, face criminal charges.

These were the sentiments of Police Complaints Authority (PCA) Chairman, retired Justice Cecil Kennard on Wednesday during a

telephone interview.

Justice Kennard said it is sad that despite the fact that sufficient evidence was gathered for the case, the police ranks did not show up in court.

“If it is a case where the police ranks all teamed up and decide not to give evidence in the case, then I think that they should be charged with conspiring to defeat the course of justice.”

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continued on page 10

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overnment will be re-tabling the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/ CFT) and the firearms amendment bills, among several pieces of legislation voted down by the combined opposition when the House meets again next Thursday.

Speaking specifically on the AML/ CFT bill at his weekly-post Cabinet briefing on Wednesday at the Office at the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown, Cabinet Secretary, Dr Luncheon said the re-tabling of the bill is the only course open to government after the pronouncement by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) on November 21.

He told media operatives that government will not be daunted by the fact the bill was turned down twice by the parliamentary opposition, who had claimed that the amendments to the bill were incomplete.

“We are not going to let the spectrum of an unfavourable welcome prevent us from going back

again... it doesn’t matter, we are going back to Parliament. If they say we got to put it on the roof, we are going to have to put it on the roof, if they say we got to put it down in the drain, we will put it down… We are interested in having that amendment bill enacted and I can safely say that whatever is presented to us in the context of its reintroduction are obviously interventions that we have to consider,” Dr Luncheon said.

Following the voting down of the anti-money laundering bill by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) last month which caused Guyana to miss the CFATF deadline, the country was blacklisted.

However, Guyana was given until February next year to get its affairs in order and pass the bill as CFATF has warned its members against possible money laundering and financial terrorist risks in Guyana.

Meanwhile, the firearms amendment and evidence amendment bills initially presented by

Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, but snubbed by the opposition, will also be re-tabled.

The APNU and the AFC had indicated that they are not prepared to work with the home affairs minister.

Dr Luncheon said these bills will now be re-tabled by the attorney general.

The Cabinet secretary also disclosed that the government will be introducing new bills such as the Summary Jurisdiction Procedure Bill.

“Essentially that provides, you, errant traffic offenders, with the op-

tion of paying your fines in Georgetown regardless of wherever the offence for which fines were being levied occurred,” he explained.

Also engaging the House’s attention are the three financial papers and the accompanying appropriation bill.

The first financial paper deals with constitutionally enabling the statement of excess provisions; the second paper looks at the Contingency Fund and the advances from that fund; while the third paper covers applications for provisions to meet expenditures for fiscal year 2013.

Meanwhile, there will be the second reading of the Procurement Amendment Bill, which allows government to retain involvement in the process of procuring goods and services.

Dr Luncheon also noted that government anticipates the sitting of the parliamentary select committee dealing with the two telecommunication bills, before the next holding of the National Assembly, to elect a chairperson.

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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.

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EDITORIAL

Cultural respect

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hen The Hindu newspapers, described as one of the world’s largest English-speaking newspapers, pledged to no longer refer to tribal communities in India as “primitive”, it was hailed as significant since the term is still widely being insensitively used in that country and global media to describe certain groups of societies.

The word “primitive” is a word in India’s educational, political and social systems that some have considered necessary to be removed in its present context when speaking of tribal people.

It is often in use when discussing tribes that are considered less technologically and materially advanced, or more traditional than the so-called modern societies. It is in fact, a belittling expression that continues to encourage prejudice toward these traditional groups and does a great disservice to the various tribal communities.

According to the movement “proud but not primitive”, which campaigned for the ban, no media should be using the word to describe India’s tribal peoples, as it is derogatory and dangerous.

Such a word leads to assumptions of their way of life as inferior and out of touch with today’s world, which in turn leads to the thinking that they must be ‘developed’ and brought in line with today’s world.

The movement’s concept of removing words that promote discriminatory behaviours and thinking is not new. In the U. S., certain words that encourage racial stereotyping have also successfully been removed from media and educational systems, as well as in political and most social circles.

As the movement declared, there is need to change the way others think, talk and write about tribal peoples, to ensure their ways of life and rights are respected. Such an approach should be considered not just in India, but around the world.

In Guyana, the removal of the word “reservation”, recently being used to describe Amerindian villages or areas, is also necessary since it encourages the idea of American Indian reservations, of which the squalor of the majority of these is well- documented and acknowledged.

Indeed, American Indians were forced onto areas created and labelled reservations by the American government, after the tribes were defeated in bloody battles that some have later even called genocide – something that has been glorified in the modern Hollywood culture of the U. S. That is certainly not the case here in Guyana, historically or presently.

On U. S. Native American reservations, its government provides housing subsidies, free healthcare and welfare cheques (prompting many outsiders to believe in the “myth of prosperity” which then spreads resentment), leading to the development of what some tribal leaders have called a “culture of dependency” among the tribes within these reservations.

Such an idea is an insult to our indigenous Guyanese who, as the recent Amerindian Heritage Month has revealed, are holding their own as independent communities; receiving benefits from the government just like other Guyanese fishing, agricultural or mining communities, to name a few, do.

If we must imitate Americanisms, care should be taken to understand the context and history of such words since, as is obvious, the word “reservation” is a clear injustice to our indigenous societies here.

Like the word primitive suggests backward societies, “reservation” helps to maintain a dangerous idea that our tribal communities are corralled and depressed, and completely dependent on government. The continuing vibrancy of Guyanese tribes attests to the fact that they are neither depressed nor living in the type of poverty inherent in American reservations.

In fact, as the Rupununi Christmas Fair and the upcoming Rupununi Music and Arts Festival suggest – just two of the many cultural activities among indigenous communities – Guyanese tribal communities are thriving in their dynamic cultures, and their villages are anything but similar to what is a “reservation”, a word being bandied about in some quarters.

As one Indian tribal elder is quoted as saying, “For us Adivasis (tribal people of India), every tree is like a house. That is what the forest is for us. We are not backward, it’s just another way of life.”

On Tuesday, this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations top students, who are currently in Guyana for the regional awards ceremony, paid a courtesy call on Leader of the Opposition, Brigadier David Granger and other members of APNU.

Guyanese Americans following India elections closely

By Vishnu Bisram

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any Guyanese Americans are following the current campaign for assembly elections for five states in India, the last set of elections before general elections (likely in May in the hot summer).

Indeed, Guyanese Americans met with a minister of India last week as well as representatives of the opposition parties to discuss issues impacting Indians in the diaspora. This writer is heading for India this week for the elections – to interview politicians and the public on their prognosis on the outcome.

Observers feel the outcome of the election is a precursor of what may occur in the general election. Dissatisfaction with the Congress at the center automatically translates into votes for the BJP. But there are other factors (like vote splitting, internal divisions, bribery of voters, etc.) impacting on the outcome as well apathy with voters being fed up of politicians who make promises but don’t deliver on them.

In all the states, the most compelling issues are corruption and inflation with people viewing politicians as self serving and arrogant. People generally tend to vote against incumbents but may give the BJP another chance in states it governed because of the scandals that have been plaguing the ruling Congress at the Center.

However, there are concerns that the voting machines being used to cast ballots could be manipulated producing a result that does not reflect the wishes of the voters.

Also, a third party has entered the fray that could up-

set the predicted outcome – the anti-Congress vote is split with the Aam Aadmi party (AAP); it is the first time the party is being tested in an election and it has decided to contest only in Delhi and it has been attracting huge crowds because of its anti-corruption and pro-women position.

Opinion polls show the BJP ahead in all of the states as well as for the national election. In Delhi, the AAP is running second with some analysts saying it could even beat the BJP. Many Indo-Guyanese and other Indian Americans I surveyed are hoping the BJP wins the election with many of them focusing attention on Delhi which votes on Thursday.

Delhi is a small state compared with others being allocated only seven MPs but it is a critical state. In previous elections, whichever party controlled Delhi controlled the national government.

The Congress has been in charge of Delhi for the last 15 years and the federal government for the last ten years.

AAP promises to root out money power and deliver clean and efficient governance in Delhi and devolve power to the local communities. It promises that if it wins, it will take its message nationally.

Delhi has been transformed from an urban-like village to a sprawling, glitzy metropolis with skyscrapers similar to parts of New York. It also boasts a fine network of roads and flyovers and a metro rail service used by almost a million daily.

But traffic congestion is still a problem because it has millions of vehicles and motorcycles on the road. The city used to be plagued by power outages but in recent years, there has

been a steady flow of electricity although businesses still retain back up power generators.

Progress is credited to the Congress although it was the BJP that had laid out the development plan when it governed Delhi for over a decade.

People view politicians in the Delhi state government as self-serving and arrogant, with little interest in the welfare of the people. It is noted that in 1998, the BJP lost to the Congress because of runaway onion prices. And now, it is the Congress’s turn to feel the heat on high food inflation including the shortage of onions.

In India, governments are known to collapse when onions were scarce – a staple in the Indian diet. The late Indira Gandhi was known to campaign with malas made of onion hung around her neck. Her daughter-in-law, the Italian born Sonia, did the same in 1998 against the BJP and won a landslide. The BJP and AAP have made onion scarcity a campaign issue.

The latest poll predicted that the BJP would emerge as the single largest party. The survey placed the AAP on third position after Congress. Analysts, observers and voters I spoke with endorse this projection. The survey also found BJP’s Dr. Harsh Vardhan to be the most preferred candidate for Chief Minister, closely followed by AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal.

People say Sheila Dixit has been there too long and time for a new face. Guyanese who follow the elections say they will be most pleased if BJP wins because it has shown the greatest interest in Indians in the diaspora like Indo-Guyanese.

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“Lots going on” to divide Kanhai’s wealth – daughter

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lmost one month after businessman Deryck Kanhai went berserk and killed four persons, including two policemen and two staff of a taxi service, a close relative on Wednesday disclosed that the man’s string of businesses are at a standstill.

The reason for this is not known, but according to information received, family members are still at loggerheads as to the ownership of the string of businesses.

Guyana Times International understands that Kanhai’s lawyers are in the process of sorting out the shares. An aggrieved daughter, who travelled from the U. S. to attend her father’s funeral, stated that there are “lots going on”, but did not go into detail, stating that she wished not to divulge more on the matter.

Kanhai owned several businesses, including a hotel at Bartica, several dredges, among others. The man’s daughter also disclosed that “mon-

Deryck Khanai

ey is not everything and people have to realise that that they have lost a loved one in the most tragic way possible”.

She reiterated that her family sympathises with the relatives of those who were slain by her father.

Not discussed

Asked whether the family had considered using some of Kanhai’s wealth to compensate the families of those he killed, the daughter said: “It was never put forward by the families as an option. We are poor and I don’t know if or who spoke about compensation… I will have to en-

quire from other family members and only then we can comment, but as of now, we are not thinking about that.”

On November 13, about 13: 30h, Kanhai armed himself with a gun and discharged several rounds indiscriminately at Middle and East streets, Georgetown. As shots rang out, passersby took cover and police ranks raced to the scene.

Kanhai retreated into his home above the taxi service. An initial attempt at storming the building was met by a barrage of gunfire.

Two wounded ranks, Lance Corporal Sherwin Pantlitz and Lance Corporal Michael Forde were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they later succumbed.

Police subsequently stormed the building and Kanhai was fatally shot, bringing an end to an almost three-hour standoff.

A dispatcher at the Crown Taxi Service and a driver were also killed in the pandemonium.

6 news Carol Sooba confirmed as Town Clerk A week ending december 8, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

fter acting as town clerk of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M& CC) for some 16 months, the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry has confirmed Carol Sooba in the post.

Sooba received her confirmation letter on Monday, December 2.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon made the disclosure on Wednesday during his post-weekly Cabinet briefing at the Office of the President.

During her stint in the post, Sooba was bashed by the City Mayor Hamilton Green with support from councillors aligned to the mayor, who claimed that she was not qualified to act in the post.

But despite the criticisms, Sooba told Guyana Times International on Wednesday during an interview that her appointment comes as no surprise.

“To have gone through that I would have expected it to be unconscionable that I should not continue,”

Carol Sooba

Sooba added.

The town clerk said that she was battling many issues, as it relates to her confirmation, having to put up with battles with the mayor and running the administration of the M& CC. However, she said now that she is confirmed, she will focus her energies in helping to fix the many issues affecting the city.

With the primary objective of moving Georgetown forward, Sooba said she will be working to restore the dilapidated M& CC building, in addition to addressing the garbage

problem.

She also expressed a willingness to work closely with the city mayor, once his plans are in keeping with the Municipal and District Council Act. However, despite Sooba’s optimism, a majority of M& CC staff was taken aback as word spread of her appointment.

Earlier this year, Sooba applied twice for the position of town clerk, but Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green who sat on the panel on both occasions said Sooba was the least

qualified.

Initially, six persons had applied for the post including Sooba; however, junior Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker had said no one had qualified. During the ministry’s second attempt, four applicants were interviewed, including Sooba, but the result was no different.

Chase-Green made it clear that the panel did not recommend Sooba for the position, noting that her behaviour during the interview was uncouth.

Now, the deputy mayor is contending that the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry is sending the wrong message to young professionals who are pursuing higher education.

However, Sooba said that Chase-Green was not qualified to sit on the panel. Sooba remained firm in her position that she has the requisite experience, while alluding to the public service rule, stating that after acting in the position for more than a year, it is only fair that she should be given the position.

Barbados marks 47th independence anniversary

Young Barbadians celebrate the country’s 47th independence anniversary (Nation News photo)

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undreds of Barbadians converged at the Garrison Savannah Saturday for the country’s 47th independence anniversary parade, which saw performances from members of the armed and unarmed units.

Governor General Sir Elliott Belgrave, took the salute in an hour-long march-past in various formations by the service groups, moving in keen precision to a medley of marching renditions by the Royal Barbados Police Force Band.

Meanwhile, in his message to the nation on the occasion, Prime Minister Freundel Stuart noted that “the strength of the national character has been tested frequently over the years, but we

have always satisfied the requirements of those tests.”

He added that, “there are many nations older than ours in which democratic procedures are still trying to find a comfortable place” and acknowledged that the global economic crisis has had a severe impact on the island.

“The world has not yet been able to recover from the effects of this stubborn downturn and Barbados, like most other countries, continues to be negatively affected,” Stuart said, noting that the economy, which depends primarily on tourism, international business and financial services and foreign direct investment for its sustenance, was still struggling.

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Vessel busted with cocaine in Ghana was sold – alleged owner reportedly told CANU

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he alleged owner of Atiyah, formerly called Island Princess, which was intercepted in Ghana with over 400kg of cocaine, has reportedly told Custom Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) officials that he had sold the vessel to an Africa businessman months before the bust.

Speaking with Guyana Times International, a member of the drug enforcement unit said he is confident that the accused is not the real owner of the vessel, but rather one of his close associates who owns a fishing business on the West Bank of Demerara.

The official stated that after the boat was intercepted, the alleged owner of the vessel was called in, but initially he told CANU that he never travelled to Africa and claimed that his passport was stolen.

After CANU produced a photo of him in Africa, he changed his story and told the officials that he was there to conduct business, noting that the buyer of his boat had owed him some

money, thus he went to collect it.

With the various stories told, CANU officials have detected several loopholes and have been monitoring the individual.

The drug enforcement official added that another boat called Caricom, belonging to the same group of individuals, was intercepted with cocaine a few years ago in the Caribbean.

The official explained that at least four persons were charged and pleaded guilty for the 400 kilos (880 pounds) of cocaine worth around US$ 50 million. He said that once Ghanaian officials would have charged and remanded the person, it simply means that they have closed the case, and as such, CANU will have to continue the investigations here (in Guyana).

He said the businessman, whose name the fishing firm is registered in is under CANU’s watch as he is believed to be connected to the Ghana bust.

It was reported that the vessel was monitored at sea and intercepted with the illegal cargo by

anti-narcotics officers working with the Ghana Navy.

Reports reaching this publication had suggested that the trawler left Guyana on October 22 empty.

The vessel is believed to have been registered as a fishing trawler in James Town, a suburb of Accra, and part of the boat was customised to haul the cocaine.

This newspaper understands that CANU has been working with its counterparts in Ghana to garner information on the bust.

This publication also learnt that CANU is presently hunting for a Guyanese living in the city in whose name the boat was registered.

Back in 2009, the Island Princess was found drifting off the coast of Grenada by the U. S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) after days of no contact.

At the time the Island Princess disappeared, it was believed that Mahendra “Sunil” Singh, Ryan Chin, Rickford Bannister and Titus Buckery Nascimento were part of the crew.

The bodies of Singh, Chin and Nascimento were later recovered at various locations in the Essequibo River with several gunshot wounds.

Later, Rohan “Jango” Paul, to whom the vessel was contracted, denied

that the vessel had any drug links.

He had offered Gy$ 5 million for information that could lead him to the vessel, which he felt could have clues as to what happened to the crew onboard.

In recent years, Latin American drug cartels have increasingly used West Africa’s coastal states, including Ghana, as transit points for drugs being smuggled to lucrative European markets.

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Christmas Village opens on Main Street on Friday

Reading: It’s a whole new dimension

I President Donald Ramotar (right) and acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali (third left) with other officials inspect the preparations for the opening of the Christmas Village on Main Street, Georgetown on Friday

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ain Street in downtown Georgetown will be transformed into a miniature Christmas Village, shrouded in a unique atmosphere with thousands of lights, holiday trees, and the delicious smell of Guyanese Christmas goodies on Friday. From the grand opening on Friday, all the way through to

December 29, the area along the Main Street Avenue will reflect the original Christmas Village charm, with a holiday shopping atmosphere with more vendors, a Christmas market and an event space.

The Main Street affairs begins at 17: 00h for a spectacular presentation of cultural performances, caroling and

delectable displays depicting the dishes, infusions, creations and colours of the true Guyanese Christmas; these include local fruit juices, mauby, sorrel and ginger beer (compliments of Nicky’s), pepperpot, garlic pork , black pudding, spices (compliments of Mattai’s) and much more! The Tourism Ministry in a release

said Santa and his elves will also be there to usher in the festive season and to connect with family and friends in this season of sharing.

This festive holiday event will also include seasonal musical entertainment on all of the weekends in December, to add to the festive spirit of the season.

After the grand opening, the exhibition along the avenue will be opened from December 13 – 29 and will make available to patrons Christmas black cakes, beverages, arts and crafts and will also feature a children’s entertainment area. There will also be special giveaways, the ministry said.

Guyanese are being urged to come out in their numbers to participate in this annual event organised by the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry with support from companies including Giftland, Courts, GT& T, Ashmins, ANSA McAL, Banks DIH, China Trading and Corona.

According to the subject Minister Irfaan Ali, events like these certainly add a special flair to the Christmas season, and create the atmosphere for Guyanese to enjoy their favourite Christmas delicacies, traditionally sought after during this time of the year.

More importantly, he said, it creates a wholesome environment for family and friends to gather.

Visitors gathering to commemorate and share the Christmas Village spirit can rest assured of safe and secure parking, the minister assured.

By Anu Dev

snap my book shut; take a deep breath and struggle to extricate myself from the recliner I was crumpled-up in for the past few hours. I wander downstairs with that happy glow only reading a really good book can give you. I wonder how many persons in this hitech (read: TV) age are doing this right now. Not too many, I conclude ruefully.

My family doesn’t look at regular TV programming. But we sure take in a lot of movies – some even before they’re released in the States!

With the opening of the Princess Theatres, the moral dilution to share in piracy has lessened a bit! Movies are just another way of telling stories and as with books, one’s enjoyment is heightened if the plot, characters, setting, themes and style are handled with sophistication.

However, many movies are based on books – some of which I’ve read – and these have given me an interesting insight.

No matter how accurate the casting crew tries to be, they rarely ever quite match up to the characters the way I “saw” them in the book. On the other elements of fiction, sometimes so many liberties are taken; one wonders why they still bothered to name the movie after the book.

“P. S. I love you” and “Percy Jackson” are movies that disappointed greatly after reading the books.

The point is, reading compels you to use your imagination to engage the world the writer has conjured and your apprehension through the written word makes that world yours as much as hers. It’s actually a mystery to me as to why persons deny themselves the opportunity to get lost in this act of co-creation that, (in the words of Rafiki of Lion King), makes us “look beyond what you see”.

Reading doesn’t necessarily equate with “oldfashioned” and movies, “modern”. In fact, many new devices like the Kindle and iPad are either designed for reading or have free reading apps available.

The ability to read isn’t the main hurdle in Guyana – we supposedly have a literacy rate of over 90 per cent – an extraordinarily high figure. It is the desire to read that is the problem and one which won’t be overcome unless the act of reading becomes enjoyable.

But that won’t happen if reading is something you’re forced to do for English B or if you believe that “The Chrysalids” – which I did for my CSEC – is as good as it’s going to get. There are some really amazing books out there: books that make you cry, smile or even actually laugh. The examiners of CSEC are heading in the right direction with their new guidelines for literature appreciation and apprehension.

Maybe they will now do something about the selection of texts: “The World of Prose” is as morbid as it gets.

Some of the greatest achievements of humanity are in the form of great works of literature.

And narratives, over the centuries are insightful chronicles, of history in their own right: Plato said they were even superior. The author’s elaboration of a particular concept or her choice of a writing style is inevitably products of her time. In a reversal, we now even speak of the “poetics of history”. There’s a whole world out there, so take time out from vegetating in front of the TV once in a while and enter into new dimensions through reading.

Go on, take the plunge!

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

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The Opposition want power by New GPC proposal for any means necessary cricket academy, stadium

Dear Editor, Do permit me space in your publication to make and share my observations on matters of grave consequence to this dear land of ours, and its peoples. I have no political imperative, but as a patriotic Guyanese, it is my duty to highlight the gross disrespect and contempt being fostered on this noble nation by the one-seat majority in Parliament.

You see, deception is the foundation of military strategy and tactics, which simply means, by any means necessary, and the A Partnerhsip for National Unity (APNU)/ Peoples National Congress/ Reform (PNC/ R) leader, David Granger, and his batman, Joseph Harmon, are both schooled in this.

For example, look at the way he won the leadership of the party, the reneging on the Linden agreement on electricity tariffs with government; touring the Amaila Falls project at government’s expense, expressing his satisfaction with the overall project, then voting against its implementation, relegating hundreds of work-

ers jobless, yet getting in the media and blowing his trumpet about youth unemployment; cutting two years’ budget of the government’s developmental projects, again relegating thousands of workers including his own constituents just to stimulate his super-inflated ego and gross arrogance as his economic terrorism continues, with his batman Harmon who is also afflicted with the same dreaded disease of arrogance; and daring to threaten the banks with not honouring any obligations made by the present Peoples Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C) administration.

When and if they get into government, the supreme leader Granger should hold a parade with his APNU members of Parliament with Harmon as parade commander and he taking the salute with the music of the Everley Brothers “Dream, dream, dream”, playing.

This individual can only dream of being president and commanderin- chief, and continue to perpetrate his economic terrorism on this nation by trying to frustrate

any positive programme the state proposes and implement since the programmes and projects put forward for development are in keeping with their manifesto.

The success of which is like a thorn in APNU’s side, for which there is none that the APNU can project and must hide behind their perception of corruption, for which they can only rave and slander without providing facts and figures when on previous occasions they were given the opportunity of placing their facts and evidence before the nation.

Meanwhile, the parliamentary abuse continues with the stalling of the anti-money laundering bill and firearms bill. It is my feeling that when the Specialty Hospital is built, a special wing must be given over for the known basket cases from APNU, and Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee will still be there to open the new wing to be built.

Meanwhile, dream on Granger and Harmon.

Then awake and cry over the nation’s progress.

Sincerely, Concerned citizen

There is no link between corporal punishment and criminality

Dear Editor, The Youth Coalition for Transformation (YCT) is disputing that corporal punishment in schools is perpetuating itself into violence in today’s society.

Additionally, they are opining that corporal punishment is as equivalent to the tactics used by the Guyana Police Force to control people.

In a recent presentation, YCT explained that the beating of children at home and in schools has resulted in many becoming cultured to the use of violence as a way of being powerful.

They proceeded to state that corporal pun-

ishment is part of a general cycle of violence, and it is a medium of conflict resolution used by the police and many others to achieve power and domination.

I will personally continue to commend the amicable effort that the police are taking to curb criminal activities in Guyana. Many citizens blame the police for the increase in crime, stating that they are incompetent and useless.

However, when they intensify their efforts to address issues, they are still critiqued by those same individuals.

Additionally, it is wrong to make a com-

parison between corporal punishment and criminality. People who fall prey to a criminal lifestyle often have common traits including lack of education, irresponsible lifestyles, come from broken homes and who generally try to find an easy way out of life.

As good Samaritans, we need to express apathy to these individuals and we should also seek to help steer them in the right direction.

Guyana has many opportunities, but it is our responsibility to take that first step to living a good life.

Sincerely, Clinton Reid

The restoration of Jonestown

Dear Editor, A resident from Port Kaituma recently suggested that Jonestown should be restored and it is certainly evident that the idea is slowly but surely gathering momentum. Another individual suggested that the survivors from the 1978 massacre be contacted and taken to the site where they could further share their individual experiences

with us.

As Guyanese, we should show interest in our country’s history and try to understand what our ancestors endured.

Additionally, we should embrace Guyanese history, so as to ensure that it is not repeated.

Jonestown, whether restored or not, should not be forgotten. Presently, the area is now overrun by wild vegetation.

Beneath that entire flora lies the history of one of the most infamous mass suicides, the biography of a cultic figure and a peek into some serious religious psychology.

I encourage all Guyanese to show more enthusiasm as it relates to restoring Jonestown and being able to recapture history.

Respectfully, Jacob Armstrong

should be taken seriously

A section of the historic Bourda ground, the famous members’ pavilion. Now in disrepair, the ground was once the country’s prime venue for international cricket

Dear Editor, I have noticed that the Kaieteur News is particularly critical of the fact that discussions are in progress for a Bourda Sports Academy to be created at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) and the Georgetown Football Club (GFC).

I have looked at the investments made by the NEW GPC INC and, every time I do, I stand amazed at the standards

that the company creates and goes for. I am also always impressed with the insight for investment, and the success that comes about once that company is involved.

The success is continuous, to such a point that it evokes enormous jealousy, especially in opposing political elements, and the weaklings in business. The opposition always sees something sinister with things good for Guyana, and with

any large investment or project. They are so regular in their attacks and criticism, that they become boring and blind to that fact. Or they just do not wish development under this current government?

One, Cobeer Persaud wrote a letter in the Kaieteur News, dated December 4, and suggested that the sale be made public. Well, look, I will support this, but let us be realistic, name any other person or company with the capacity to make the GCC or the GFC something truly magnificent and noteworthy, with an academy for sports.

Some may want the place for the real estate value and investment, but I believe that the NEW GPC/ CPL OPCO can truly make something extraordinary of this project, where it becomes an academy of sport in excellence, and an example in the Caribbean, where Guyana can be also noticed on the map.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan

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"Romancing the Fort" expected to be memorable experience

E

ver thought about a romantic dinner at an old colonial fort in Guyana, filled with live entertainment and good conversations with friends and family, then here is the opportunity. The Tourism Ministry on Saturday will be hosting Fort Island Dinner and Show under the stars of the Essequibo River on Saturday, For only Gy$ 10,000, guests will enjoy live entertainment and lots of fun with special guest appearance and performance by Dave Martins and Friends.

“Nothing rivals the setting and uniqueness of a new dining experience; this exclusive epicurean event combines a generous serving of history and cuisine presented a stone’s throw away from the ruins of the historic Fort Zeelandia – join in Romancing the Fort,” the ministry said.

Almost-private dinner

The fort, which sits high atop a promontory on the grounds of Fort Island, dates to the 1800s, now, by night, it is the backdrop for an almost-private dinner under the stars – only a few tables will be set on

the lawns of the Court of Policy amid native flora and stone remnants of the buildings that once protected the island from advancing marauders.

“It is a spectacular setting, looking out over a vast expanse of the Essequibo River, under a blanket of stars,” Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali opined.

The rocky bluff of the island with its wild vegetation complements the manicured grounds of the Court of Policy, resonating with history, a perfect setting for this inaugural event.

“Book this special dinner for Gy$ 10,000 per person (including return transportation and tours) and you’ll get to spend time amid the ruins with family and friends, soaking up the unique experience while making memories of your own,” the ministry said.

Tickets are available at the tourism and housing ministries and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana.

Those travelling to Fort Island for this special occasion will assemble at the Guyana National Stadium,

The remains of Fort Zeelandia

Providence, East Bank Demerara at 14: 00h and will then depart for Parika to be whisked away for the five hour island experience; returning to Georgetown by midnight.

About Fort Zeelandia

Fort Zeelandia is located on Fort Island, a fluvial island of the Essequibo River delta in the Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara region of Guyana. The current brick fort was built in 1743 for the Essequibo colony, replacing an earlier wooden fort built in 1726, and is among the oldest structures

in Guyana. The fort replaced Fort Kyk-OverAl as the capital of Essequibo in 1739.

From the beginning of the 18th century, the commanders of Essequibo recommended that the location of the colony’s administrative centre be removed as a result of the relocation of the Dutch settlers on the fertile banks of the Essequibo River.

In 1726, it was resolved that a fort should be constructed to protect the planters and the interest of the Dutch West India Company (DWIC).

In 1726, Leslorant, an en-

gineer was sent from the Netherlands to construct a horn work with wooden redoubt and a strong palisade of the northern point of Vlaggeneiland (Flag Island). In August 1738, Laurens Storms van Gravesande, the secretary to Commander Gleskerk, inspected the fort and reported that the structure was falling to pieces.

He recommended to the directors of the Netherlands that a new fort of brick be built to defend the interest of the DWIC. Construction of the fort commenced in 1740 and with the labour

of enslaved Africans, the structure was completed in 1743. Brick was baked on the spot and mortar and trass were imported from Barbados and the Netherlands.

The entire complex was however completed in 1749 as construction was delayed as a result of the shortage of building material and labour.

The completed structure was then christened Fort Zeelandia after the County of Zeeland in the Netherlands, from which many of the original settlers had originated.

The Lozenge shaped design of the fort, submitted by Gravesande, is similar to other forts constructed in West Africa during that period.

Fort Zeelandia consisted of a redoubt of 50 square feet, with walls thick enough to endure the heaviest ordnance.

There were two stories; the lower served as a warehouse for provisions and a safe powder house, while the upper floor housed the soldiers, with a room for the noncommissioned officers.

Twenty portholes, consisting of two and three pounders were found on each storey.

Policemen in Orange Walk murder case should be...

First, he said the police will have to determine if that was the case. He added that this is one of the issues that have been hampering the judicial system over the years, but will take some time to correct unless something drastic happens.

The retired justice also highlighted that another sad affair was the

missing footage of the shooting which was supposed to be presented in court.

Once there is no video evidence presented by the state and more so by the investigating officer, it is a clear indication that the entire proceeding was planned, he added.

However, Kennard explained that the Director

of Public Prosecutions (DPP) would have had the evidence in her possession when she reviewed the case, and as such, should recommend that charges be reinstituted against the shooter Carlyle Barton.

However, there might not be anyone to read the charges to since the cricketer hurriedly left the country.

He said that Barton was charged with an indictable matter whereby he was not required to plead, noting that the charges can be reinstituted.

Appeal the case

He encouraged the family to appeal the case and set up a meeting with the DPP if they are not satisfied with the

outcome. His office, he added is always open to give advice, he said.

Kennard said that a life has been taken and justice must be served.

He said, to date, no one from Nelson’s family has visited his office.

There were rumours that the cricketer would have paid a hefty some to “get off” and soon after it happened, he left the country.

Months after Barton was charged for the murder of Shawn “Red Man” Nelson on Orange Walk, Georgetown earlier this year, he was freed, owing to the absence of witnesses, among them police detectives.

Magistrate Fabayo Azore discharged the case at the preliminary inquiry (PI) stage, saying that a prima facie case was not made despite there being video evidence of the cricketer – Carlyle Barton – when he allegedly shot Nelson, with whom he had a longstanding friendship.

Lack of evidence

Magistrate Azore announced that she was forced to set him free, owing to the lack of evidence since the witnesses failed to show up.

Barton made his first court appearance on May 28 before Magistrate Sueanna Lovell and was

from page 3

not required to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that on May 27 at Orange Walk, he murdered Nelson.

The matter was then transferred to another court where the PI had commenced.

As the PI continued, several prosecution witnesses did not show up to testify, which brought a halt to the proceedings and forced the case to be adjourned.

The entire shooting incident was captured on surveillance cameras and based on the evidence, the cricketer was charged with the man’s death. The surveillance recording that was uplifted from a nearby business was reportedly not presented in court.

On the day of the shooting incident, Nelson had left his D’Urban Street home and was walking to his Robb Street job when he was shot.

He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries the following day. After driving away from the scene, a panicked Barton crashed his car a number of times on his way home. Barton later surrendered to the police in the company of his lawyer.

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Stripping pressie

S

The batch of Berbice reporters for the weekly supplement (from left) Andrew Carmichael, Nafeeza Yaya, Royan Abrams, Alexis Rodney and Shiran Ramnauth

A section of the gathering at the launch on Monday, including B Division Commander Brian Joseph and another senior officer (partially hidden)

Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce President Mark Roopnarine and Chief Executive Officer of the Berbice Regional Health Authority Dr Vishwa Mahadeo

Shiran Ramnauth, a Berbice Times staff, welcoming guests to the launch

atiricus marvelled at the poll fella from New York.

Not because he seemed to be the ultimate globe trotter (imagine the frequent-flyer miles!) but at how he could write about anything under the sun. And even under the moon. Anyhow, Satiricus was intrigued at the jet-setters proposal to strip the president of his powers. And on the man’s second anniversary in office.

Satiricus, like the frequent flyer, was a bit leery about fellas with too much powers. Look at Superman.

If it wasnt for the fear of Kryptonite, he bet mildmannered Clark Kent wouldve changed into something quite a lot different than the caped do-gooder who made Lois Lanes heart go pit-a-pat. Satiricus felt that something had to be done about the president with so many powers.

Even Jagan had succumbed to the temptations of too many powers, claimed the NY fella who was also a pollster. Even though Jagan had criticised the old dictator Burnham for having all those powers, he hadnt stripped them from himself when he was elected.

But the keen observer of Guyana’s affairs had admitted Jagan hadnt used those powers to harm anyone. Like Burnham had done. So Satiricus wondered in his hazy way if it wasnt just a matter of having powers – but the kind of fellas we elect to the presidency and how they used those powers? Then Satiricus remembered a whole deal of presidential power-stripping had gone on in 2000 – with both the PPCEE and PNCEE putting in their two cents worth.

Not to mention everyone who, like the famous pollster, were constitutional experts. At that time, Satiricus, knowing he wasnt in the league with those fellas, hadnt bothered to submit his proposal: that the president ought to be given the power to fly (like Superman).

But Satiricus was still upset at all the powers pressie still had. He tried to think of the ones he would strip.

There was the power to propose projects to develop Guyana. "But hold it," thought Satiricus.

"Nowadays, pressie can propose but he cant dispose!

Look how GrainJa and Rum Jhaat stop all them projects like hydro and the hospital and so on!" "Well, what about the power to tell people to write all kinds of nice things about he and the government?" Said Satiricus to Satiricus in his mind. "Thats a neat power."

If he had that power hed tell the world how he was smart just like that pollster from NY. "But hold it!" exclaimed Satiricus aloud. "GrainJa and Rum Jhaat already gone with that! No Geena... no promo!."

"About the only power left," realised Satiricus, "was to cut ribbons and kiss babies at openings." Maybe they could stop him from kissing babies.

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Health Ministry unveils strategy Rupununi stages 13th expo to tackle chronic diseases

T

he Health Ministry in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO) on Monday launched the Guyana Strategic Plan for the Integrated Prevention and Control of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors strategy 2013-2020.

The official document for the plan was handed over to Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran by PAHO/ WHO representative, Adrianus Vlugman at the launching ceremony which was held at the Roraima Duke Lodge, Duke Street, Kingston.

The plan’s guidelines and policies which when implemented will see a reduction of chronic diseases and related risk factors in Guyana.

Minister Ramsaran said that the launch was significant and forms part of the growing partnership between the ministry and PAHO/ WHO, a long-standing partner of the health sector.

Minister Ramsaran stated that the ministry fully endorses the plan and will be vigorously implementing those policies through various physical and educational programmes. “To make this sustainable, we have to have health in all policies… we must have the whole of government and society’s efforts involved,” Minister Ramsaran pointed out.

Heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases are common NCDs responsible for the deaths of about 36 million people every year due to poor diet, lack

of exercise, smoking and excessive alcohol intake.

Minister Ramsaran added that while the strategy is good, the ministry will be looking at other programmes to ensure that persons lead an active lifestyle. He said that the workplace plays a major role in the daily lives in most persons, and urged that employers make available the

education and recreational activities.

He further stated that the ministry will also be clamping down on the school canteens and enhancing its policy so as to have the students purchase healthier food.

The ministry intends to heighten the strategy by working with larger groups of organised persons such as Qualfon,

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai (third left), Guyana Tourism Authority Director Indranauth Haralsingh (fourth left) and Regional Executive Officer Claire Singh (right) at the launch of Rupununi Expo 2013

A

Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran at the launch of the Strategic Plan for the Integrated Prevention and Control of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases and their risk factors strategy 2013-2020, at Duke Lodge, Kingston

necessary space for physical activities for their employees.

Wellness Warriors Club

The Wellness Warriors Club, which is expected to be launched in a few days time, will be facilitating several physical activities.

Minister Ramsaran said that the ministry is currently looking at land space close to the ministry on Brickdam to establish a wellness park so as to promote physical activities for agencies in that vicinity.

The ministry will also be engaging schools to adopt the concept of Wellness Warriors and to ensure that the country’s youths live a healthy lifestyle through physical

and the banks.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, who gave an overview of the NCDs Strategy 20132020, stressed that a vast multi-sectoral approach is needed to ensure that the policies are effectively implemented.

He said that the plan complements the numerous programmes that the ministry has in place to ensure that the nation’s people are healthy.

Meanwhile, PAHO/ WHO representative Adrianus Vlugman also said that the launch was momentous and that the organisation was pleased that such an event was held as the ministry celebrated its 111th anniversary on Tuesday.

merindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai has commended the private sector and other stakeholders for their support in fostering the continuous development of Rupununi, Region Nine.

Speaking at the opening at the 13th Rupununi Exposition on November 30, the minister said, “More and more, every year the RCCI (Rupununi Chambers of Commerce and Industry) has continued to put quite a lot of effort to ensure business opportunities and the potential of the Rupununi and Region Nine”.

She said it was important to recognise such contributions since it is the stakeholders in the region who must, and have been taking up the mantle of leadership in moving the region to a greater level.

In addition to identifying the RCCI’s role in promoting the region, the minister also praised

the financial sector for its support, more so the banks for recognising the potential for economic activities and opening branches in the region.

“Those are the initiatives which are evidence there is some level of confidence that the Rupununi has great economic potential, and more so, the government continues to support that view, continues to invest in making the environment, to take away some of the challenges to the economy of the region,” she noted.

She spoke of government’s investments in the sectors such as water, electricity and roads that interface with the efforts of the private sector in the region.

She also alluded to the continued impact of the exposition that is annually facilitated by the RCCI with support from the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry.

She pointed out too that “more and more items

that are exhibited at the expo are generally from the Amerindian villages”.

For this reason, the expo is critical since it provides a platform whereby small producers, (from the Amerindian communities) launch or gain new markets for their produce.

Meanwhile, Guyana Tourism Authority Director Indranauth Haralsingh also praised the RCCI and other stakeholders for their continuous annual successful execution of the expo.

Haralsingh noted that the Rupununi is “the heart of Guyana’s tourism product” and has brought about a lot of recognition for Guyana.

The Rupununi Expo affords Region Nine residents the opportunity to witness the creativity of the region, through showcasing its people’s culture, craft and food.

Broadcasting authority moving to sue non-compliant entities

T

he board of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) will soon commence legal action against broadcasters who are in breach of the law, chairman of the entity Bibi Shaddick said.

The chairman disclosed that the board is looking to acquire three attorneys to file lawsuits against the errant broadcasters who have not been issued licences to continue operations beyond the end of this year.

She told media operatives on Tuesday that very soon the delinquent entities could be taken to court, noting that the relevant provisions of the Broadcast Act will be fully implemented.

Shaddick did not state how many media entities are yet to receive their licences, but she did say that the list is long.

She said some of the entities on the list have received approval letters, but have made no attempt to apply for their licences, citing the owner of Tarzie Television Station in Bartica as an example.

She also noted that HGPTV is expected to cease broadcasting on two channels, one of which had been approved for the station to broadcast from Georgetown.

The chairman said the station has since relocated its transmitter to Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara,

GNBA Chairman Bibi Shaddick

where it was continuing to broadcast.

Several stations have been granted approval to acquire licences, despite

the October 31 deadline having passed.

Nine broadcasting entities that have submitted their relevant docu-

mentation for licences to continue operations were recently presented with their licence certificates by the GNBA. Five television stations were presented with their licences, namely Television Guyana Incorporated (TVG), GWTV Channel 2, Pinnacle Communication Incorporated, Multi Technology Vision (MTV) Incorporated and CNS Incorporated. Those receiving radio licences were Radio Guyana Incorporated (RGI) and Telecor, Cultural and Broadcasting Incorporated.

Cable licences were granted to Atlantic Cable and E-Networks.

In addition to these, other entities have been granted approval to ap-

ply for their licences.

These include Movie Star Inc, Star TV Channel 102, WRHM Inc, 21st Century Communications, R a m b a r r a n Broadcasting Systems, HGPTV, NCN TV, NCN Radio, New Guyana Radio, AMG Radio, Wireless Connections, Linden Wireless Communication Network and Pinnacle Communications Radio, Bartica Communications Network (Cable) and Uramco Cables.

Meanwhile, it was also noted that the Guyana Learning Channel will benefit from waiver spectrum and broadcast fees. The channel has been registered as a trust.

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Justice Kennard says Bourda proposal should be pursued

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE

F

ormer Chancellor of the judiciary and sport administrator, Cecil Kennard said he would welcome any well thought out and structured attempt to create a Bourda sports academy and stadium at the facilities of the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) and the Georgetown Football Club (GFC), which will result in resounding benefits for Guyana.

Justice Kennard also sternly criticised sections of the media attempting to undermine the proposed investment by the NEW GPC INC/ CPL OP CO in the venture.

He said that were the proposal to be accepted by the membership of GCC/ GFC, attempts would have to be made to have the investors reconsider their stance.

The comments were made in light of misinformation being carried by Kaieteur News about a proposal that would see some $US30 million injected into the construction

of a world-class stadium and sport academy at the venue.

Both sporting entities are currently struggling to keep their heads above water financially and administratively, as the entire infrastructure is in a state of decline and disrepair.

Kennard is a longstanding member with more than 25 years to the GCC. He is also a member of the board of trustees.

He said that the idea of merging the two facilities and ground is not new and therefore he is not surprised that discussions about pursuing such a course are being given due consideration yet again. “I think this was being discussed prior to the World Cup in 2007 and talks were taking place between the GCC and GFC about a merger, but because the government had gone ahead with plans to establish a stadium at Providence, further discussion did not take place,” he noted.

He said there is need for

Former Chancellor of the Judiciary and sport administrator, Cecil Kennard

new life to be pumped into the facilities that were owned by the GCC, explaining that space and other modern advancements must now be considered.

Kennard said that he would have no objections to any proposal that would benefit the club and sports in general.

Must be condemned

Kennard,

who

is

also

president of the Kennard Memorial Turf Club, said he was shocked when he saw the Kaieteur News report that GCC was being sold. “I think any news paper which is discouraging investors from coming into the country must be condemned. I was disturbed when Kaieteur News gave the impression that the club was being sold,” he said.

Justice Kennard, who is integrally involved in the affairs of the club, also said he immediately contacted club president, Dr Lionel Jaikaran to get assurance that the reports were false. “He said there was no suggestion about taking over the club, nor were there any discussions about selling the club. The investors were prepared to invest to improve the club,” Kennard reported Dr Jaikaran as saying.

Kennard explained that the club has a rich history which must remain intact as he reminisced on some of the “happiest memories” that he has of the entity. “But I will give 100 per cent to any in-

vestor – whether it be an individual or a company which is prepared to invest in the club.”

The retired justice said that as far as he was aware, the annual general meeting of the club which was slated for Monday did not occur because of a lack of quorum. The issue, he suggested, would have been discussed and ventilated at that level to allow for scrutiny of the proposal.

“I am telling you that myself and another trustee Dunstan Barrow had a discussion last evening after the meeting was called off and if the membership of the club is giving the okay, we are prepared to have a meeting to see if this idea of having pulled out will be reconsidered,” Kennard said.

He said that he would urge the membership of the club to give serious consideration to the vision and spirit of the proposal, adding that proposals should be considered on the basis of their merit.

Guyanese participate in Commonwealth youth forum in Sri Lanka

T

Tiffany Daniels and Tricia Teekah at the Sri Lankan forum

he ninth Commonwealth Youth Forum was hosted this year in Sri Lanka, November 10-14 concurrently with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Supported by the Sri Lankan government, Tiffany Daniels and Tricia Teekah of the Interim National Youth Council of Guyana (INYC) were able to join fellow Commonwealth youth leaders, representing Guyana and the Commonwealth Caribbean.

Under the theme: “Inclusive DevelopmentStronger Together”, the first General Assembly at this forum provided a platform for these youths to debate, agree on, and set policies, programmes, and priorities pertaining to the challenges and opportunities young people face.

Recommendations

Over three days, and going well into the wee hours of the morning, the youth of the Commonwealth engaged

in vibrant debates to decide on youth positions on key thematic areas: the post-2015 development agenda; professionalisation of youth work; well-being and economic growth; education fit for purpose; sexual and reproductive health and rights; gender equality; generating quality youth employment; and reconciliation and social cohesion.

These decisions were publicised through a declaration presented to the heads of government by the newly-constituted Commonwealth Youth Council which called upon the heads and the council, as well as the Commonwealth to take some of their recommendations into consideration when developing policies and programming.

Notable among these recommendations was the call for inclusive and relevant education for all young people (specifically girls, persons with learning disabilities and the differently able).

Furthermore, high on the agenda was the importance of the professionalisation and accreditation of non-traditional and non-academic fields, with there being several calls for entrepreneurship and employability skills training which cut across several of these major thematic areas.

As a result, the governments were charged with ensuring that they put mechanisms in place to impart skills to youth which promote job creation rather than just prepare them for job seeking.

The youth leaders also made vital recommendations for the United Nations’ post2015 development agenda to provide platforms for inclusive youth participation in the formulation process, more specifically youth targets for each goal within the development agenda.

Commitment

The Commonwealth was additionally charged with establishing a Commonwealth Post 2015 Monitoring and Evaluation Group to facilitate youth participation in planning and implementation.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government confirmed their commitment to the well-laid-out points developed within a document which reaffirmed their responsibility of investing in young people by placing them at the centre of sustainable and inclusive development, and generating time and capital into

harnessing their leadership and creativity.

The Guyanese delegates seized the opportunity at the forum to engage representatives from youth councils on

structure, programmes and network, to strengthen the Guyana Youth Council, which is only at its infancy stage.

The Guyana team will be working closely

with the elected regional representative, Royden Beharry and the incoming Caribbean Regional Youth Council that will be launched in December in St Lucia.

14 news Guyana Times launches Berbice supplement T week ending december 8, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

he Guyana Times daily newspaper has launched its Berbice supplement which will seek to highlight issues and events in the ancient county.

The supplement titled Berbice Times is a weekly edition inserted in the Monday newspaper.

With this development, the company has established a Berbice branch office.

On Monday, Berbicians and Guyanese on the whole were introduced to the first edition of the Berbice supplement.

Guyana Times is the sister company of Television Guyana (TVG) and Radio Guyana Inc (RGI), which also transmit news countrywide.

The company will

ciety in Berbice, and encouraged them to support what will now be their local newspaper.

Widest spread

Regional officials after the launching of the Guyana Times Berbice edition at the company’s office at LFS Burnham (Coburg) Street, New Amsterdam on Monday

also be heading to Region Five to launch the Berbice Times there,

and has expressed intentions of introducing an Essequibo and hinter-

land supplement, with the aim of highlighting national developments.

Regional Chairman David Armogan welcomed the Berbice Times to the Ancient County, noting that the supplement will advertise Berbice to the wider population and called on its reporters to practise fair and balanced journalism.

The regional chairman said he is not looking for praise, but criticism should be constructive.

Balanced reporting

“When we are doing reporting, we need to be extremely careful on what we are putting in the newspaper… people have a right to fair reporting so that is one of the first things I expect from this newspaper,” Armogan said.

The regional chairman said there are a lot of things happening in Berbice that are not given sufficient prominence, and expressed hope that the Berbice Times will address this deficit.

Berbice Chamber of Commerce (BCC) President Mark Roopnarine, who delivered the feature address, said the Guyana Times daily has already established a presence in Berbice, and with the introduction of the supplement; persons can look forward to in-depth coverage of the region.

On that note, he contended that Guyana Times has created a positive impact on the local print media, calling it a “reader’s digest on larger pages”. Roopnarine also called for unbiased reporting on Berbice. “We would want to advocate that due diligence would be included in your reporting, in your research, in your publishing so that we don’t have issues of biasness and partiality.”

He noted that the supplement will also benefit the corporate so-

Guyana Times Editor Nigel Williams explained that the supplement will cover all aspects of life in Berbice, pointing out that the company’s goal ever since its establishment has always been to provide the widest spread of news coverage on current affairs, features, sports, politics and business.

“Through the Guyana Times, Evening News and most recently Radio Guyana Inc, we have been able to accomplish this task. But life is dynamic and as times change, we must also change and adapt to the changes. We recognised therefore that our current coverage of news in Berbice has been at best routine and one way we thought we could bridge this gap is to dedicate a special supplement which will be produced

by Berbicians, featuring Berbicians and designed for Berbicians,” he said.

Williams noted that the company has a dynamic team of young, enterprising reporters who will ensure coverage of all the angles of developing stories, do the requisite follow ups and break new stories.

Voice for all

Guyana Times General Manager Daniel Singh pointed out that the company’s goal is to provide a medium using all three media outlets for the voice of Berbice to be heard nationwide.

“We believe that Berbice has a lot to show and teach the rest of the country and a lot of opportunities for its business community, if the rest of the country can hear about them. I want to promise you that, notwithstanding what you might have heard, we are here to have all the voices from Berbice heard.

There will be no ‘silencing’ of anyone,” Singh stated.

Professor Daizal Samad, who will be spearheading the operations in Berbice, said while the supplement will benefit all of Berbice, the business sector will benefit more.

He explained that when businesses place ads in the supplement, television and radio, it will not only reach those in Berbice, but throughout the Caribbean.

Professor Samad encouraged the gathering to support the Guyana Times since it will only serve their interests.

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Guyanese give thanks in America

By Vishnu Bisram

L

ast Thursday, Americans of all stripes observed the traditional Thanksgiving Day with family reunions, church services, feasts, and charitable offerings. And Guyanese Americans and other Caribbean immigrants were in the thick of the celebrations giving it their own flavour with their ethnic foods, music, and drinks.

Since their arrival in the U.S. and establishing enclaves, they have experienced a higher standard of living than in their home countries and they have ploughed some of their earnings into the poorer sections of

American society. They used the Thanksgiving holiday to donate to food pantries.

Many volunteered their time feeding the poor or even cooking meals for the poor. Some even donated foods and cash to shelters like the Bowery in downtown Manhattan.

Caribbean people, as indeed most Americans, view Thanksgiving as an occasion for family reunions and big dinners. Relatives normally take turn hosting dinner over the four-day period from Thursday to Sunday. Dinner normally includes the traditional baked or roasted turkey, pumpkin pie,

sweet yams, corn, cranberry jelly, and salad (including sugar beets) with wine and other hard liquor. It is supplemented with traditional dishes including dhal puri, pachounie, phulourie, bara, fried rice, chowmein, and fried channa as snacks and their favourite drinks – mauby and sorrel for the children and Caribbean rum for the adults. For desert, there is black cake, pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, and Indo-Caribbean throw in rasmalai, gulab jamoon, etc. And it is not unusual for them to substitute the turkey with curried duck, chicken, mutton, and goat, etc.

Thanksgiving Day Parade

Thanksgiving Day is usually celebrated with the largest parade in the nation on Fifth Avenue featuring all kinds of magnificent floats and balloons of cartoon characters and a host of Hollywood celebrities and sports stars. Most Guyanese were glued to the television sets broadcasting the parade.

By observing the festival, Guyanese and Caribbean people are participating in a mainstream American celebration in the same man-

ner that they celebrate their own traditional festivals such as Phagwah, Deepavali, Eid, Qurbani, Christmas, etc.

They want to give

thanks for the progress they have made in America, the land that has given them the opportunity to realise their dreams. They are help-

ing to make America a better place to live, sharing their wealth and giving back to the society to which they owe their success.

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NEWS

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High Court trial for Science, technology sectors Soesdyke man who not properly harnessed in killed his children Caribbean – PM Hinds

P

T

John Blanchard and his family in happier times

wo years after a clothes vendor hacked his three children to death in their Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara home, John Blanchard was on Monday committed to stand trial in the High Court for the heinous crime.

The preliminary inquiry was completed and the findings were read

by Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before a packed courtroom.

The preliminary inquiry saw 12 witnesses testifying against the man, including his wife and close relatives.

During her ruling, Magistrate Daly told the murder accused that there was sufficient evicontinued on page 19

rime Minister Samuel Hinds on Friday expressed concern that the science and technology sectors are not being harnessed in the Caribbean.

Speaking at the twoday Caribbean Science Foundation’s third annual science workshop held at the Grand Coastal Hotel, La Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara, he noted that these sectors can be improved at several levels.

The workshop was hosted in collaboration with the Education Ministry and the Caribbean Diaspora for Science, Technology and Innovation.

Hinds expressed concern that while the Caribbean does not share enough of its education for the development of its people, this may be due to the system not being sufficiently harnessed to lead to the development of Guyana and the Caribbean.

He urged that persons in the field engage in closer collaboration, and create improved networking between those at home and in the dias-

Education Minister Priya Manickchand, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Professor Arnoldo Ventura at the Caribbean Science Foundation workshop

pora.

The prime minister also observed that while the workshop would generate in students the realisation and challenge that their contribution would help them advance, there is potential in having revised methods in the presentation of education.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand in her presentation noted that while Guyana is bringing home the science prizes at the regional level, there is a lot more to be done locally and regionally. “As a region, we cannot be satisfied with the level of science, technology and

mathematics education,” she said.

She explained that in Guyana a larger number of students needed to be attracted to the field, to be able to accelerate national policy. Pointing out that science classes need to have the old traditional method of teaching replaced, the minister said secondary school students lose their way because of the way the subject is taught.

She explained that this has been recognised in the draft national science and technology policy, and while initiatives have seen the introduction of the subject in grades five and

six where great results have been recorded, the curriculum is also being reviewed to make improvements.

Micro science kits are being used in 40 secondary schools, with the others slated to receive theirs by the end of 2015. She explained that for the policies drafted to be adopted and to be successful, partners are necessary.

Professor Arnoldo Ventura, of Mico University, Jamaica, said the workshop will stimulate improved understanding, without which chronic and emerging problems will remain unresolved.

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NEWS week ending december 8, 2013

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Parenthood body LIAT promises passengers smooth wants healthy journey during Christmas season conversation L on sexuality IAT is promising customers that it is doing everything to make their journey during the busy Christmas season as smooth as possible. The company in a release confirmed that its modernisation efforts are continuing with five new ATR aircraft being added to its fleet so far and two more are due to arrive in January 2014.

“Even as we continue the transition from the Dash 8 to the ATR aircraft, we are now in a better position to stabilise the schedule during the Christmas peak, traditionally one of the busiest periods for us,” Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Julie

Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsammy with GRPA President Pamela Nauth and Human Services and Social Security Ministry Permanent Secretary Patrick Findlay cutting the 40th anniversary cake on Friday

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he Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) is working to strengthen engagement with schools and community organisations to encourage a shift to a more healthy conversation on sexuality. The organisation in a release said it is seeking to promote age appropriate sexuality education, one that celebrates sexuality and fosters a sexual ethic, which is focused more on personal relationships and social justice rather than particular sexual acts.

“One of the biggest misconceptions that people have of sexuality education is that if you provide this kind of education to an adolescent, they are going to want to have sex earlier.

But this is not the case.

Rather, it has been noted that adolescents and youths who are better educated on these issues are likely to delay their sexual initiation and be better able to make wise choices. They are also likely to not suffer the same consequences as those who lack this vital information and support,” GRPA Executive Director, Reverend Patricia SheerattanBisnauth said.

She expressed this view at the GRPA 40th Annual General Meeting held last Friday at the Regency Suites Hotel, Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsarran congratulated the organisation which was as born out of the womb of the struggle for gender jus-

tice and equality, which began in the pre and early independent era in Guyana.

He spoke about efforts made by the Health Ministry to address maternal mortality and recognised the important role of civil society organisations.

Essential policy

The Health Ministry in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is developing a Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) policy for Guyana. SRH is fundamental to the health and well-being of all persons and essential to a fit and productive society.

It is elemental to a healthy life and has an impact on sustainable development as it affects the most essential of a nation’s resources, its human capital, the GRPA said.

Dr Ramsaran called on the GRPA to expand its services to rural and hinterland communities and to engage in widespread, education and awareness on SRH and GBV. The GRPA was established in 1973 with the primary aim of enabling women to have access to family planning information and services and to lift up this issue as important for Guyana.

Its first executive director and founder, Olga Byrne, holds a significant place in the history of the women’s rights movement in Guyana.

The GRPA has since expanded its focus to include a broader and more comprehensive approach to sexual and reproductive health.

Reifer-Jones said.

She added: “We are determined to get all of our passengers to their destinations as quickly as possible over the holiday season.”

The acting CEO said the company is also working with external agencies as it endeavours to improve the level of customer service of-

fered by its employees.

And with the Christmas holidays approaching, LIAT is placing an embargo on excess baggage from December 3 to January 14, 2014.

Reifer-Jones said high passenger loads during the Christmas season added to the space and weight limitations of both Dash 8 and

ATR aircrafts are key reasons for a return to the seasonal policy.

She said that in order to make flying as easy as possible, passengers should adhere to LIAT’s baggage limits.

“The free baggage allowance for all LIAT services is one piece at a maximum of 50 lbs or 23 kgs. In addition, passengers are allowed one piece of cabin baggage at a maximum weight of 15 lbs,” Reifer-Jones said.

Passengers are reminded that they should arrive at the airport to check-in at least two hours prior to their scheduled time of departure and that check-in closes 45 minutes before the plane departs.

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“Watch De Ride 2” wins Gy$ 1M drama festival prize

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o n a l d Hollingsworth and Sharon Taylor’s “Watch De Ride 2” on Saturday evening walked away with the grand Gy$ 1 million prize at the National Drama Festival 2013 award ceremony.

The big cash prize was sponsored by Digicel. In at second in the Open Full Length Category was “Anybody See Brenda” while “When Chocolate Melts” written and directed by Neaz Subhan earned the third spot.

In the Open Short Play Category, “Before Her Parting” directed by Tivia Collins brought first and pocketed Gy$ 400,000 while “Mommy” directed

by Sonia Yard was placed second and “Farepicker” under the directorship of the Theatre Guild was in

Banks DIH representative Carlton Joao and the cast of "Fare Pickers", who were second runnerup in the category Best Production (short play). They were also adjudged best performing cast

at third.

In the Junior Category, “Creative Burial Ground” writ-

ten by Rae Wilshire and Directed by Nickose Layne captured first place.

“Deep Wounds” written by Melinda Primo and directed by Marissa Primo was placed sec-

ond and “Planned to Perfection” written by Mark Luke-Edwards was in at third.

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony noted that this year’s festival has shown much improvement and encouraged the participants to work around the challenges.

“I think while we, with any festival, we have to keep looking at what we’ve done right and we also have to look at what we didn’t do right, and those challenges I think we have to learn from them and move forward.”

Digicel’s head of marketing Jacqueline James encouraged the actors to develop their dreams and visions as they have laid the foundation.

This year’s National Drama Festival saw the submission of 52 plays, of which 32 were short-listed for the finals.

Man, toddler hospitalised after coal pot explodes

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man and his 18-month-old son are nursing burns about their bodies after a coal pot exploded as the father was about to cook dog food at their home at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara on Monday.

Twenty-three-yearold Kevin Madramootoo and his son, Alex, are being treated at the

Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to information received, Madramootoo, a security guard attached to the Signature Hotel in Queenstown, Georgetown, was about to start cooking the dog food in the yard, with his son close by when the incident occurred. He re-

portedly used gasoline to start the fire and when he scratched the first match, the entire area exploded.

Little Alex received burns to his head, back, and face, while his father was severely burnt on his legs.

At the Madramootoo’s home, his reputed wife, Iyanaha Fernandes, ex-

Kevin and his son, Alex

plained that she was in the bedroom feeding her other child when she heard screams. As she ran out, the woman saw the injuries incurred as a result of the fire.

She said that they were immediately rushed to the hospital. In tears, Fernandes disclosed that the father of her children would cook food for the dogs in the yard, but on the day in question, he ran out of the kerosene that he would use to light the coal pot, so he apparently used gasoline.

Hospital officials confirmed that the man and his son were taken to the medical facility about 14: 00h and were being treated for first degree burns. The child, the official disclosed, is in a more serious state and is being monitored.

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Canadian charitable organisation help dent child mortality rate in Guyana

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he Guyana Help the Kids (GHTK) continues to make significant strides, as it seeks to reduce neonatal and infant mortality rates in Guyana by 50 per cent. Already, the organisation has assisted in the 50 per cent reduction in neonatal death rate at the Georgetown Public Hospital; some 83 babies were saved.

The GHTK is a Canadian-based charitable organisation led by president and chief of paediatrics at Humber River Hospital in Toronto, Dr Narendra Singh.

During an exclusive interview with Guyana Times International, Singh said the organisation is accelerating a series of healthcare programmes in Guyana in a quest to fulfil its objective.

With major emphasis placed on capacity building, the GHTK is providing comprehensive education to local physicians, nurses and other allied healthcare professionals.

Additionally, it continues to secure specialised equipment to raise the bar of neonatal care in the country.

The GHTK collaborated with the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s

GHTK President and Chief of Paediatrics at Humber River Hospital, Toronto, Dr Narendra Singh

Institute of Health Science Education, the University of Guyana, the McMasters University and the Humber River Regional Hospital in Toronto to introduce a paediatric post-graduate residency programme in 2011.

Earlier this year, Dr Clive Bowman and Dr Seepersaud Chatterdeo were the first to graduate with a master’s degree in paediatrics under the programme.

we are providing here,” Dr Singh noted.

Meanwhile, the other doctors in training are utilising the services of specialists from the University of Toronto,

monthly to provide didactic and bedside teaching in keeping with the uniquely developed curriculum.

In addition to the paediatric post-graduate residency programme, the GHTK and Georgetown Public Hospital in March 2012 reconstructed a 24 bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

The facility at the GPH was brought up to standard with the installation of procure monitors, IV pumps, pump monitors and incubators procured from funds (Cdn$ 100,000) raised by the GHTK. Prior to the commissioning, the unit was in dire need of incubators, a machine which

A batch of nurses who completed the paediatric nursing programme at the Linden Hospital Complex. With the nurses are their instructors

McMasters University and other universities in North America.

These specialists have been travelling

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud, who was accompanied by senior managers of the various agencies under his ministry’s portfolio to the meeting with the Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Natural Resources

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neonatal mortality in the country, we have to ensure that all babies that are born in Guyana have access to the best possible service, so we are expanding our programme,” Dr Singh said.

According to him, the GHTK has opened a NICU in Linden and New Amsterdam and has provided essential pieces of equipment.

Meanwhile, a feasibility study is being conducted at the Suddie Public Hospital.

The GHTK is hoping to commission the facility at Suddie in March 2014 and similarly a unit at the West Demerara Regional Hospital by August 2014.

Medical practitioners at the various insti-

High standard

“The examiner, who came from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, felt that the two paediatricians can function independently at a very high standard in Canada and the U.S., so I think it gives some support to the quality of the programme

supports the breathing of premature infants while they are still hospitalised, so they can have a better chance of living.

Natural resources and environmental sectors under review

he Natural Resources and Environment Ministry was recently invited by the chairman and members of the Parliamentary SubCommittee on Natural Resources to examine the management and functioning of the natural resources and environmental sectors.

The meeting, which was convened at Parliament Building, was chaired by Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, and witnessed a presentation by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud, who was accompanied by senior

Critical demand

According to Dr Singh, from the more than 15,000 babies born in the country yearly, approximately 6000 are delivered at the Georgetown Public Hospital, hence, it is critical for the hospital to meet the demands of the neonatal and infant population.

With the inclusion of the four regional hospitals: Suddie Public Hospital, the West Demerara Regional Hospital, the Linden Hospital Complex and the New Amsterdam Hospital, approximately 85 per cent of all babies born in a given year was delivered at the central health institutions.

managers of the various agencies under his ministry’s portfolio.

During his presentation, Minister Persaud reemphasised that the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry was established out of a direct desire to harmonise and better coordinate the natural resources and environmental sectors.

He pointed out that the mission statement of the ministry is to facilitate the effective management and development of Guyana’s resources through improved policy-making, inter-agency coordination, and administration,

based on the principles of environment, economic and social sustainability for the ultimate benefit of all Guyanese.

In an effort to improve governance and management of the natural resources and environmental sectors, several pieces of legislation and regulations are already before the National Assembly, while others are being reviewed, he added.

Further, the natural resources and environmental minister updated members of the parliamentary sub-committee on the developments that are taking place in environmental and wild-

life management, mining and forestry, and protected areas and land administration.

Notwithstanding, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) parliamentarian Joseph Harmon sought to clarify whether it was a conflict of interest to have the environmental and natural resources sectors managed by one ministry. However, Minister Persaud assured the meeting that the current management of the various sectors allows for greater collaboration and coordination. The current dispensation, he said, has improved the level of interaction between several agencies on sharing technical expertise and resources.

The meeting concluded after several clarifications regarding the mandate and management of the ministry were sought by the chairman and members of the Parliamentary SubCommittee on Natural Resources.

As a result, the GHTK is in the process of incorporating the regional health institutions.

“If we want to impact

tutions in which NICUs have been installed, are responding positively to this level of development, Dr Singh said.

High Court trial for...

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dence as she consigned him for a High Court trial.

An opportunity was granted to Blanchard to comment, but he told the magistrate that he will reserve them for the trial. Blanchard, who looked pale when he arrived at the court on Monday, remained silent and nodded his head while the magistrate made the committal.

On October 13, 2011, Blanchard went berserk and chopped his two children and a stepchild to death.

John Blanchard reportedly hacked the three children, two of whom died on the spot while the third remained critical until her death two days after the horrific act.

The act was committed while they were asleep at their house at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara. Dead were his stepdaughter Belika Blanchard Singh, 10; his son Daniel Blanchard, four; and his daughter Joy Blanchard, six.

The gruesome dis-

covery was made at the family’s home located at Dr Charles New Housing Scheme commonly known as “Ivan’s Street”, Soesdyke.

It was reported that the man and his family moved to Soesdyke three months prior to the fatal night. He was described as a dedicated worker who sold boiled corn at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and in the city to maintain his family.

Blanchard was also described by neighbours as a family-oriented man, although he seemed to have frequent arguments with his wife.

Why Blanchard may have wanted to commit such heinous crimes is still to be revealed.

This publication was reliably informed that his wife left their Soesdyke home to go into the hinterland and he did not approve of her decision. It was also reported that the man had made several attempts to save his marriage even after his wife admitted to having an affair with another man.

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Visual Arts Competition 2014 launched

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he Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry on Friday launched the 2014 Guyana Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition at Castellani House, Vlissengen Road, Georgetown. The competition was established to give recognition and support to the creative work of Guyanese in the visual arts, and to provide a source of inspiration to local artists, thereby stimulating the development of the finest expressions of the visual imagination among Guyanese.

The various categories for this competition are painting, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, fine craft and photography.

To be eligible to enter this competition, persons must be over 16 years old and of Guyanese descent.

During 2014, there will also be art sessions including workshops and lectures starting from January for the artists.

The deadline for submission of art pieces will be November 13, 2014.

Frank Anthony congratulated the Visual Arts Committee for working very hard to ensure that the previous competition was successful.

He added that this competition would not have been possible without President Donald Ramotar's support.

Persons should submit their information when registering for the competition as it will be documented in a catalogue, and will allow for recognition of the artists.

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr

“This competition and exhibition in a way

Successful competition

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

Comprehensive event

is a very comprehensive event. It is well thought out and it’s mainly something that we can all be proud of… I think it has earned its recognition,” the minister stated.

The works will be judged by a panel of five from Guyana and overseas. Judges will have a period of three days to view the art pieces to determine the winner.

The competition will award the following prizes in each of the six categories: first prize, Gy$ 500,000 and a gold medal; second prize, Gy$ 300,000 and a silver medal; and third prize, Gy$ 200,000 and a bronze medal.

In addition, a promise award of Gy$ 200,000 and a bronze medal will be bestowed on a young artist (25 years or younger) whose work in the judges’ opinion displays exceptional promise.

Persons can uplift their application forms at the Mash Secretariat, ER Burrowes School of Art, education officers in Regions One, Seven and Nine, and on the ministry’s website www.mcys. gov.gy.

West Berbice rice farmers expect bigger profits this crop

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Region Five farmers pumping water to start the crop

ice farmers in West Berbice are expecting a bigger profit this crop as they have produced the biggest crop in years. Some 90 per cent of the crop there has already been harvested, with some farmers reaping more than five tonnes of paddy per hectare.

West Berbice is predominantly a rice growing area, and prior to this crop, the average yield per hectare was just below five tonnes.

Some farmers are currently preparing their fields for the 2014 first crop while others are ahead of the game; they have already started to plant. Already 20 per cent of cultivation has been completed.

Region Five Chairman Bindrabham

Region Five Chairman Bindrabham Bisnauth

Bisnauth said farmers can expect a bigger profit not only because they have produced more, but also because production cost was slashed.

“Because of the intervention of the president and the minister of agriculture, all our farmers will benefit from a cheaper source of fertiliser.”

Some 5000 tonnes

of urea was made available to farmers at almost half the price they used to pay.

The region has been working with the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary/ Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ ADA) and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to ensure there is full readiness for the next crop.

According to the chairman, the rains most likely would not adversely affect the planting, pointing out that given the expansion of cultivation, the administration cannot adequately provide water to all the farmers during this critical time.

Some farmers have been pumping water into their fields.

GDF rewards 263 ranks with incentives

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Lance Corporal Onika Emanuel receives her incentive from Lieutenant Colonel Ramkaran Doodnauth

wo hundred-odd members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), including several civilian employees, received monetary incentives after being honoured as best soldiers/ workers for 2013.

They received their incentives at the GDF 2013 incentives ceremony held at the auditorium at Base Camp Ayanganna last week.

Those honoured were drawn from all units of the force and includ-

ed, infantrymen, caterers, mess staff, drivers, signallers, office administrative personnel within the force and special projects personnel from the force’s Project Execution Unit.

Members of the force’s various sport teams also received awards for their outstanding performances during the year.

Rounding out the incentive awardees at the ceremony was the hardy 76-member GDF

Inter Services Athletics Championships (ISAC) team.

The provision of these incentives was in recognition of the hard work, dedication and excellent performances of members of the force.

The efforts of many at different levels were recognised.

Congratulating the awardees for their hard work, Chief-of-Staff (CoS), Brigadier Mark Phillips encouraged them to continue striv-

ing for excellence.

Remarking that the force believes in rewarding excellence, he also challenged all others to emulate the high standards of their peers.

He indicated that the focus was on recognising the performances and dedication of other ranks.

Brigadier Phillips, an avid sportsman, lauded the track record of the sporting teams, signalling out the rugby team for high praise for having swept the berth of competitions in which they participated this year. The footballers and boxers also came in for high praise.

Noting that the Christmas season had already commenced, the CoS entreated all the troops to be prudent with their finances.

More importantly, Brigadier Phillips indicated that all ranks were to remember that a heightened security posture will be evident during the upcoming festive season and emphasised that they were to remember that the hallmark of their service was professionalism.

De Met Office and de mayor-fuh-life tekkin advice from de Mook No matter how much people tell de mayor-fuh-life Green Ham that he is de cause of de problems in GT de garbage town, he ain’t tekkin that. No matter how much advice he get from people, he ain’t tekkin that either. De only ting Green Ham tekkin these days is whah dem boys who seh dem is boys does give he. And de chief of dem is Mook Lall. That is who givin de mayor-fuh-life advice and a lotta other tings whah dem boys know bout.

When a Mook could be de boss or de chief fuh any body, yuh know that is blind leadin de blind, aka dotish leadin de paglee. De Mook got two of dem under tight control. Well, may not be tight any more, but control fuh sure. Dem is de mayor-fuh-life and de headitor.

People know a long time that Green Ham ain’t got plenty brains and that he head hard since de PEE-N-SEE days when he was a big one. De whole Guyana know he was and still is a fool, but he was still a big one. But is now people findin out that is not only de mayor-fuh-life head hard. He ears also hard. Old people does call it hard of hearin.

De whole GT flood out and de mayor-fuh-life in front of a mic blamin guvament and blamin people fuh de garbage instead of comin out to clean up some kokers and drains.

So when every body got on long boots, de mayor deh in he green shirt and kickers.

Now de Met Office gettin dotish like de mayor-fuh-life.

When dem tell people rain gon fall, is no rain. When dem don’t tell people rain gon fall, then is plenty rain.

Christmas comin up and Link Show does be till in the New Year. But people want to know if Robbin Robinson bring forward Link Show to Christmas because de Met Office already performin.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling… friend tell friend… mattie tell mattie!

It musbe that de mayor-fuh-life and de Met Office tekkin advice from de Mook! Just when people used to tink was GT alone in trouble, now is de whole country!

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Guyana has come a far way in fighting HIV/AIDS – Dr Singh

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ational AIDS P r o g r a m m e Secretariat (NAPS) Programme Manager, Dr Shanti Singh said Guyana has come a far way since the first AIDS case was recorded in 1987. She made the remark as Guyana joined the HIV global community in observing World AIDS Day 2013 held under the theme “Getting to Zeros – Zero New Infections, Zero AIDS related deaths and Zero Discrimination”.

Dr Singh in a release said NAPS has been privileged to be at the centre of the response.

“We have committed from the very first case that our people will be provided with the highest quality of services and we have dedicated much of our time to fulfilling this promise.

“Indeed, the progress speaks for itself - Guyana has reported universal access to HIV prevention and treatment services, we are well poised to declare the elimination of mother to child transmission, many Guyanese know their HIV status, more than 81 per cent of persons living with HIV are reporting a 12-month sur-

vival, and AIDS related deaths have decreased from almost 10 per cent in 2002 to less than four per cent in 2010. These translated to everyday lives mean that fewer babies are being born with HIV, less HIV infections are occurring and people living with HIV are living longer and healthier lives. We are turning the tide against the epidemic!”

Dr Singh said as Guyana reflects on its achievements, NAPS has acknowledged that the journey is far from over; pointing out that stigma and discrimination remained an issue.

After 26 years, people and especially persons from the key populations are hesitant to access HIV prevention and treatment services for fear of discrimination. This has the potential to increase new infections and AIDS related deaths.

Response

The Guyana HIV response has continually evolved over the last 26 years, moving from an emergency response targeting the general population to now one that requires a more targeted focus on the high risk groups, from an initial verti-

NAPS Programme Manager, Dr Shanti Singh

UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé

cal programme response to one now requiring a more sustained integrated approach and from acute management to now considering HIV as a chronic disease.

“Through all of this, our people have been fortunate to have unswerving and loyal partners who have responded with us at the very beginning and many of whom are still with us. We are grateful for the support of the government and people of the United States of America, for the PEPFAR, USAID and other

programmes, the Global Fund, the World Bank, PANCAP, CIDA and all other institutions and agencies. We are thankful to all of the technical agencies under the UN system - UNAIDS, PAHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and all others.

She added: “We salute our healthcare workers who have despite all the odds have persevered and continue to save lives.”

She said though Guyana has come a far way, it must not be complacent, but must build on the momentum gained in

reversing the epidemic.

“We appreciate that only the combined efforts of our partners, stakeholders, people living with and affected by HIV and every Guyanese will bring us to the end of AIDS.” Meanwhile, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé said families and friends who gather together to remember lost loved ones can rejoice in incredible hope for the future.

“For the first time, we can see an end to an epidemic that has wrought such staggering devastation around the world.

For the first time, we can say that we are beginning to control the epidemic and not that the epidemic is controlling us.

“Few thought that we could achieve the progress which we are seeing today. Progress is clear in the scientific breakthroughs, visionary leadership and precision programming.

The combination of these powerful factors means that people living with HIV can live long and healthy lives, can now protect their partners from becoming infected with the virus, and can keep their children free from HIV,” he said.

Minister Rodrigues-Birkett Pastor calls for rehabilitation programme for ex-offenders honoured by Argentina

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett responds after being conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of the General Liberator of San Martin

by Argentine Foreign Minister Hector Timmerman

G

uyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister C a r o l y n Rodrigues-Birkett on Friday was presented with the Grand Cross of the Order of the General Liberator of San Martin by her Argentine counterpart Hector Timmerman.

In decorating Minister RodriguesBirkett with this high order of the Republic of Argentina, Minister Timmerman paid tribute to the consistent friendship which Minister RodriguesBirkett and the government of Guyana have demonstrated to the government and people of Argentina.

Minister Timmerman expressed confidence that both governments were guided by similar political and democratic ideals and convictions.

The decoration was presented during an official visit paid by Minister RodriguesBirkett to Argentina last Thursday.

During this visit, the foreign ministers discussed areas of bilateral cooperation within the framework of the Argentine South/ South Cooperation Programme.

They signed a bilateral agreement for the “Free exercise of remunerated activities by dependent relatives of diplomatic, consular, administrative and technical staff of their diplomatic missions, consular offices and international organisations”.

They also took the opportunity to exchange views on the activities of several regional organisations of which their countries are members.

Minister Rodrigues-

Birkett also met with the defence and security ministers and officials from the health, social development, agriculture, tourism and industry ministries.

At these meetings, there was an exchange of information on the activities undertaken by both countries within the different sectors and discussions focused on potential opportunities for cooperation.

It was agreed that the two countries will work towards the early conclusion of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in agriculture that would include cattle rearing.

Also, a mission from Argentina will pay a visit to Guyana in December this year with a view to exploring cooperation in the tourism sector. Other areas identified for cooperation between the two countries include postgraduate training for doctors in specialised areas, Spanish language training and military training at Argentine defence institutions.

Cooperation between Guyana and Argentina has intensified since the re-establishment of an embassy in Guyana two years ago.

Minister RodriguesBirkett was accompanied by foreign service officers Heather Seelochan and Jevon Rodrigues.

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r a c t i c a l Christianity M i n i s t r i e s President, Pastor W P Jeffrey is calling on government to establish a formal ex-offender rehabilitation programme in light of the crime situation in Guyana.

Jeffrey, who is also the founder of the organisation he heads, said even with all the resources being spent to outfit the police and expand the prison and the holding cells, the prospects for any abatement in criminal activities, do not look promising.

Recently, Crime Chief Seelall Persaud reported that the majority of crimes are being committed by young people and about a third are repeat offenders.

He also noted that 80 per cent of the persons charged with robbery are below 35; 93.6 per cent of repeat offenders for street crimes are below 35; 74.4 per cent of persons charged with breaking offences are below 35; and 66.3 per cent of persons charged with rape are below 35 years.

“What was not in the crime chief’s report is the statistical fact that more than half of these offenders – due to stigmatisation, lack of after care and other post release services – are likely to perpetuate their criminality for many more years, even as younger

criminals join them.

“What the chief did not say is that most of the street crimes (as opposed to white collar crimes) are being committed by young Black males, which is obvious, in part, by the disproportionate number of Black males in prison.”

parent families,” the report says.

The influx of criminal activities is also putting a strain on the penal system.

The report indicated that overcrowding began to emerge in the 1970s, and at January 2010, prisoners’ population across the five locations – Georgetown, Mazaruni, New Amsterdam, Lusignan and Timehri – was in excess of its optimum capacity by 33 per cent.

According to the strategic plan, one of the weaknesses of the Guyana Prison Service is its “inability to effectively classify and segregate criminals within the prison system because of overcrowding and staffing issues”.

The Guyana Prison Service report, 2010-2015, titled, Towards Renewal and Reconstruction notes that the majority of the inmates, 68 per cent, are within the age group 1635, confirming that more youths are involved in crime.

Moreover, more youths are coming into the prisons for a number of offenses, including those of violence in one form or another. These youths are invariably, functionally illiterate, and in many instances, school drop-outs from predominantly single

This means these young inmates – 16 to 25 – are being exposed to other forms of crimes, from the more seasoned inmates. They then return to society and unleash these new found skills on the community.

According to Pastor Jeffrey, the Practical Christianity Ministries can run the programme.

“We have 10 acres of land with running water from a spring; we have the architectural drawings for the rehabilitation facility we intend to build; the men will have somewhere to go to when they are released.”

Pastor Wendell P Jeffrey

Report

Unhelpful situation

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Over 450 East Coast residents benefit from OLPF

Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill handing over a laptop to a beneficiary of the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) programme at Tipperary Hall in Buxton

D

espite the heavy rainfall last Wednesday, residents of Buxton and surrounding communities gathered in large numbers at the Tipperary Hall, in Buxton to receive their laptops as the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) programme continued distribution in Region Four.

More than 450 beneficiaries from Vigilance, Friendship, Buxton, Annandale and Courbane Park received their laptops.

Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill, who was present at the

exercise, highlighted that this initiative is for Guyanese and that the programme is designed

in such a way that “it is non-discriminatory, everybody that qualifies will benefit… this is for every person who qualifies and that is the nature of the PPP/ C government.”

A five-day training session is also being offered to the recipients to ensure they are able to use the device.

Beneficiaries of this initiative expressed their gratitude to the government for this programme. One recipient, May Glenn said that this initiative is a very good one; and it will prove very beneficial to the children, who are tomorrow’s future.

Evelyn Adams said she was happy that the government was giving out laptops, as it will

aid her grandchildren in their school work.

The current exercise is a continuation of the distribution that commenced in May, and primarily targets Region Four. This initiative is focused on the distribution of 6000 laptops to recipients of the East Coast, East Bank and Georgetown areas.

The OLPF programme was originally launched in 2011, to equip 90,000 families with laptops and to expand the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT). The programme was pioneered by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Proud beneficiaries displaying their new laptops

Ministry undertaking major drainage works in city

T

he Public Works Ministry on Friday embarked on a major exercise designed to alleviate drainage problems in Georgetown, especially in the Lodge, Charlestown, W o r t m a n v i l l e , Albouystown and Queenstown areas.

The clean-up entailed the clearing of blocked drains, and removal of vegetation and garbage from the heavily-blocked drainage canals.

This move comes in the wake of the heavy downpour on November 27 that caused flooding in parts of the city, East Coast Demerara and in Regions Two and Three.

Rainfall, recorded at

Workers cleaning a canal in the Sussex Street, Charlestown area

the Botanical Gardens, measured 128.9mm or 5.1 inches, the highest in the city since 1892.

Public Works Minister

Workers in Albouystown, another area which is being cleaned

Robeson Benn, who was on site at Sussex Street during the exercise, said the ministry has four emergency teams working in particular areas of South Georgetown.

“It’s an additional effort, because we have so much of vegetation and garbage all over the city… barring not much more rain, we anticipate that we will get those areas drained out in three days’ time,” he disclosed.

He said the ministry has installed pumps in Queenstown and Lodge, and it was anticipated that more pumps

would be installed, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Minister Benn added that the ministry will be obtaining two long reach excavators to assist in alleviating the drainage problems in the city, and will be engaging persons to remove impediments, especially scrap iron that causes obstruction to clearing of the drains.

This, Minister Benn said, complements what the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry is doing to address the issue of solid waste in the city.

Simply the Truth

A

GPL and the dark (part one)

s a boy of 15, I lived in Williamsburg, Corentyne, my father having moved house from Rose Hall Town.

Williamsburg is a bridge away from Rose Hall. Our source of electricity was from a Lister generator owned by Sigismond Lewis.

It was spot on — on at 18: 00h, off at 06: 00h. Many people in the area depended on Lewis for electricity. He never failed.

He was also a gentleman, and his wife was a kind person. His daughters were lovely, and his son Brudsy was a source of endless energy. For a modest fee, we had electricity from Lewis.

His kind neighbourliness was free. With lights, my father could correct papers or read, and my siblings could study or pretend to study.

Then came the Guyana Electricity Corporation (GEC), and the woes began.

Now we have Guyana Power and Light (GPL), and our woes continue.

The difference is that we are now in the 21st century, a time when we should take dependable electricity for granted. Not so, not here in Guyana! But let us put this in some kind of context. I lived in New Brunswick (North East Canada) for more than a decade. We never had a blackout. Not even when the temperature dropped to minus 60 (with wind chill). Of course, to compare Guyana with any part of Canada is somewhat unfair, so let us move on.

I moved to Southeast Asia, mostly Malaysia. In five years, we suffered ONE blackout. A severe typhoon hit. We were without power for three long hours. Just once for three hours.

I moved again to Morocco in Africa. We lived in the city of Ifrane, one and a half miles above sea level.

It snowed furiously in winter, though the temperature seldom went below minus five degrees. In my six years there, not one blackout. Not one, way up there in the Middle Atlas Mountains.

After six years, like a rolling stone or nomad, I moved again. This time to the Sultanate of Oman as senior advisor for higher education to the Sultanate.

In my three years there in the Middle East, not one blackout. In the desert.

In that aridity, a mere drizzle creates “wadis” or rivers where roads run. Cars and buses could be swept away. But no blackout.

No blackouts in dozens of other countries where I spent shorter periods. Jordan, Botswana, Swaziland, Vietnam, Laos, India, China, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Dubai, to mention just a few.

Eventually, I returned home to Guyana. Full circle.

To GPL. And I cannot count the number of blackouts in

Professor Daizal Samad

just two weeks.

In Region Six, it is very bad. In Region Five, it is worse. Why so many blackouts? I really do not know. No one knows for sure. There are no explanations. Certainly, no apologies. I know that we pay for darkness. In this country, we take blackouts for granted.

The reasons for these outages may vary. Some speeding car or minibus slams into a pole, or some pole rots and collapses. Why is there no monitoring of the condition of poles? We know that poles do not rot overnight. Or maybe it could be too much sunshine or too much rain. Or there is some maintenance work being done or maybe something blew up because there was no maintenance work done.

We all know of the damage done to equipment caused by on-again/ offagain electricity or by voltage fluctuations. I have a room that I call the GPL graveyard. It is filled with dead fans, dead television sets, dead microwaves, dead irons, and so on. Fridges go bad, as do fans, microwaves, air-conditioning units, pumps and clothes irons, etc. These appliances are expensive. Some people save for years to buy these pieces of equipment – only to lose them in minutes. So people save again to repair the damage, if the damage could be repaired. Food goes bad, and food is expensive.

The frustration grows.

Businesses have equipment blown up. Prices go up as a consequence.

Things become more expensive. Or businesses close their doors. Everyone loses. In this way, the economic engine of a nation falters.

Another day, more frustrations. As I write this, we are enduring another blackout.

This one was from 09:30h to 18: 30h. More than that endured in 30 years in twice as many countries. But I have a small generator, so I am one of those fortunate ones. I have to buy the petrol and oil, however.

Meanwhile, I await my bill from GPL for as much darkness as I have light.

Next article: “The darkness drops again: The mind gets messed up (GPL part two).

News

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Granger calls for 'national approach' to deal with city's garbage crisis

T

he A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is calling on the government to implement a Solid Waste Management Plan to effectively deal with the gigantic garbage problem plaguing the entire nation, but especially the country’s capital city. The call was made by APNU’s leader David Granger on Friday at the party’s weekly press conference.

The opposition leader pointed out that the government should display leadership and move to address the garbage situation, which is affecting the country’s development.

“Guyana has a gigantic garbage problem.

Every part of the country, not only Georgetown, is affected by the garbage crisis. Knolls of rubbish have disfigured the urban and rural landscape. Builders waste, carrion, damaged vehicles, and discarded tyres encumber roadsides and sidewalks,” he said.

Granger suggested that a national approach needs to be adopted and proposed a national solid waste management plan, which will outline targets to reduce, reuse, and recycle solid waste.

APNU’s leader David Granger

“The plan must mandate the selective sorting of reusable waste ‘at source’ in households and business places… must make use of the large quantity of vegetable waste generated every day by municipal markets, farms, restaurants, schools, and the hospitality industry in towns and neighbourhoods,” he stated.

The opposition leader urged collaborations among the government, municipal authorities, corporations, and citizens in order to tame the giant garbage monster.

Politicised problem

Granger explained that whenever he advocates for a particular measure, despite the govern-

ment not indicating that it has paid heed to these recommendations, he usually receives reports that action has been taken by the government to address issues.

He remains positive that it will again take action, stating “the government pretends not to hear but quietly they go about implementing government policies which the APNU has been calling for”.

He went on to say that the government has been politicising the garbage situation, since a few days ago it indirectly cast blame on the APNU for the garbage pile-up. The opposition leader highlighted that one of the major problems the city is facing is its lack of funds, since its budget cannot fulfil its responsibilities. He added that another problem the City Hall is faced with is the lack of cooperation and conflict between the town clerk and the mayor.

Georgetown restoration

APNU has previously tabled a motion for the restoration of Georgetown to the National Assembly and it was passed unanimously; however, the coalition leader pointed out

that maybe the PPP/ C administration needed some sort of an incentive to move forward with the legislation.

The grouping’s shadow infrastructure and development minister, Joseph Harmon, said the mo-

tion was one of the initiatives the APNU has taken to curb this issue. He explained that four subcommittees were subsequently established to deal with the garbage in Georgetown.

He pointed out that he

had meetings with all of the managers in the City Council’s solid waste management system and basically looked at ways to deal with solid waste management, more so now that the rainy season has begun.

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NY-based Guyanese rally against closing of Richmond Hill HS annex

BY VISHNU BISRAM

G

uyanese-American parents and students in the greater Richmond Hill community of Queens are opposing the New York City Department of Education (DoE) plan to close an annex for incoming freshmen (students) of the Richmond Hill High School.

The school is located at 114 Street and the annex is located several blocks away at 117 Street. The school is overcrowded, resulting

in the DoE using the annex for the first year entering freshman class.

However, the city is proposing to use the annex for a new high school and to house the freshman class in trailers at the 114 St location, beginning next September.

Angry parents and students, several Guyanese among them, showed up at a public hearing to voice their opposition to the plan. The students noted that the annex serves as a transitional location for freshmen to adjust from mid-

dle school to high school.

It also increases morale and school spirit, they said. The students say the closure of the annex will hurt them and they feel they need the annex because it helps students develop.

Last year, the city attempted to close the school, along with another high school, John Adams in Richmond Hill because of poor grades and overcrowding and to re-open them under new names.

Restraining order

But

the

teachers

union and parents went to court and got a restraining order allowing the school to remain open, but under a new administration headed

by Guyanese-American principal Ganace. The previous principal, a Jamaican, who was appointed in 2012, was removed this past summer.

Parents complain about the frequent change in principals – three in two years.

The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) treasurer complained that something is always being taken from the students, making them feel like they are not worthy.

Guyanese parents say the plan makes no sense because it takes the annex from Richmond Hill

High School and opens up another school that starts at Ninth Grade, which is the same thing as having the annex serving Richmond Hill High. It is replacing one Ninth Grade with another Ninth Grade. They feel the annex will be overpopulated like Richmond Hill and conditions may be worse.

PTA President Vishnu Mahadeo is an outspoken critic of the plan and is rallying with parents to protest against it.

Right focus

Mahadeo said the DoE should focus on making Richmond Hill High a better school rather than put more students in the school.

He pointed out that the school is nearly twice its capacity and cannot take any more students.

Mahadeo said that the DoE has not listened to the school’s request. He, along with the school, plans on bringing the issue to the attention of the new mayor.

Another Guyanese, who is a representative of District 27 Community Education Council, Mike Duvale, also opposes the closure of the annex to Richmond Hill High. A decision on the plan is expected later this week.

Parents hope that the fight will end once Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio, a staunch critic of Mayor Bloomberg’s education policies, takes office on January 1.

Berbice sex worker ‘choked’ to death – autopsy

A

s investigations continue into the murder of Nandkumar Poonwassie, also called “Darshanie”, who was found dead on Tuesday at Port Mourant, Corentyne Berbice; B Division Commander Brian Joseph on Friday revealed that the police are hunting for a suspect.

The commander added that based on reports and information received, the police have launched a manhunt for

Dead: Nandkumar Poonwassie

the man who is suspected to be from the same village. “We know who the person is, but we have to find him…”

A post-mortem examination performed on the body on the man by Dr Nehaul Singh on Friday at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary proved that Poonwassie was strangled to death.

When Guyana Times International contacted “Dato”, an aunt of the dead man, she explained that the postmortem was witnessed by the dead man’s brother and cousin. She added that after the post-mortem was completed, they telephoned to say that he was “choked” and “dem beat am to he head”.

She added that the police are still working on leads and they are hopeful that the person who committed the act will be prosecuted.

The battered body of a male sex worker was on Tuesday morning discovered on a street in the vicinity of the Day Clean Bar, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice, hours after he left a party at a friend’s house.

Poonwassie at the time of his discovery

was clad in a plaid short pants and a white Tshirt, bracing a metal pipe on the roadside.

A piece of wood with blood stains suspected to be the murder weapon was retrieved from the scene and lodged at the Whim Police Station as evidence.

According to information received, the man, along with friends, went to a party in the area, but he left in the company of a male about 20: 30h, claiming that he was heading home.

Poonwassie, who used to reside at Tain, Port Mourant, was not drunk, according to reports.

His cousin with whom he shares his grandparents’ home did not see him at home after 22: 00h and attempted to telephone him, but the call was disconnected.

Several other attempts to make contact with Poonwassie proved futile.

However, passersby reportedly discovered the man’s body in a pool of blood and immediately contacted his relatives and the police. The man is survived by his father and four siblings.

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The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

Cecile Nobrega (1919 – 2013)

By Petamber Persaud

O

n November 19, 2013, Guyana lost another literary luminary – Cecile Nobrega. She died at age 94; five years after the Bronze Woman statue was unveiled in Stockwell Memorial Gardens, South London, and four decades after the poem that inspired the statue was written by Nobrega in Guyana.

The poem, “Bronze Woman”, was published in Nobrega’s first book of verses, “Soliloquies”.

It is the first poem in the book, and talks about the “stalwart woman-man/ strength in your heart/ and love in your limbs” who prevailed and continues to achieve against great odds.

The Bronze Woman monument, a seven-foot statue of a woman holding a young child aloft, is the physical manifestation of that poem, paying tribute to women of Guyana and the Caribbean who suffered massa-day.

The effects of mas-

Cecile Nobrega in front of the Bronze Woman statue at its October 2008 unveiling

sa-day were still wrecking havoc when Cecile Nobrega was born in 1919 in Georgetown, British Guiana. Born to Imelda and Canon W. G. Burgan, they managed on a “limited stipend”. Her father used to write articles on life in the countryside for the Argosy newspaper under the pseudonym,

Rusticious. Her mother, who learnt music while attending St. Rose’s, was a popular singer of her day and a hit at music festivals.

The influence of music on the life of young Cecile goes a generation back to her maternal grandmother, Husbands, who used to import classical gram-

ophone records through Pradasco Bros. in Hinck Street, Georgetown.

Nobrega talked about one of the records her grandmother brought for her because she was named after the singer of the song “Autumn” – Cecile Chaminade.

Nobrega went on to write and compose

songs, winning a few awards along the way.

Her most popular song is “Twilight”, which opens: “I dance upon the brink of day/And try to keep the night away”.

Nobrega has covered much ground leading to her twilight years; making a name for herself as poet, playwright, compos-

er, potter, social worker, textbook writer and educator. Formally educated at Bishops’ High School, British Guiana, Hockerill College of Education, UK, the Institute of Education, and London University, and informally through one of her hobbies, which was travelling.

As past member of the Women’s League of Social Service, she represented this country at the Conference of Caribbean Women’s Association held in Trinidad.

Incidentally, she was married in Trinidad (1943) to Romeo Anthony Nobrega, a Guyanese who was attached to the Caribbean Forces during the Second World War. She was a member of the International Alliance of Women, UK, and was a member the Guyana Women Artists Association, UK. As a writer, Cecile Nobrega falls within that first wave of Guyanese women writers which included Sheila King, Syble continued on page 37

arts & Culture

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A

iming to spread awareness of the horrific effects of abuse, especially child abuse, Comforting Hearts recently held an art competition encouraging youths to join their voices and talents to campaign against abuse.

This non-governmental organisation, located in Region Six, has been in existence for more than 12 years, and is considered the first established group in the county of Berbice to address the issue of HIV/ AIDS. The idea of forming this organisation came about when 19 persons, trained to be counsellors by the National AIDS Program Secretariat, decided they wanted to do more in the area of awareness/education and counselling for Berbicians either infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. One of its recent activities is an art competition sponsored by the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, the organisation’s executive director Simmone Bailey-Hoyte said that children be-

Staff and volunteers of Comforting Hearts, representatives from Scotia Bank (Berbice Branch) and participants of the competition

tween the ages of 8-11 were asked to submit drawings depicting the prevention of violence and abuse against children. The competition was won by St. Aloysius Primary, located in New Amsterdam.

“Talent recognized from the submission indicated that the students are very creative and thus were able to use their imaginations and express their view of violence and abuse among children. This is the fifth year Comforting Hearts has participated in this campaign by the

Women World Summit Foundation (WWSF).

We are a partner with that organisation,” Bailey-Hoyte disclosed.

The competition was a two-part project, the other a quiz segment, which was exclusively sponsored by Scotia Bank (Berbice branch).

Copping the winner’s trophy was New Amsterdam Secondary School (NAMS).

The student scoring the highest points also emerged from NAMS. In second place was a student from Berbice High School and placing third was

a student from Canje Secondary School. In the quiz competition, 12 students from six schools competed. Winners received monetary prizes and also trophies.

Schools, according to Bailey-Hoyte, were given a tool kit to prepare for the competition as questions were drawn from the booklet. She added that Scotia Bank has pledged their support towards making the quiz competition an annual event.

“The main theme for the quiz segment was, “Prevention of

the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography”.

This theme was chosen by WWSF and not Comforting Hearts. The name of the campaign in which the art segment focused on was, “Prevention of Abuse and Violence against Children and Youth”,” Bailey-Hoyte explained.

Comforting Hearts is also currently implementing the Care and Support Project, Bailey-Hoyte revealed, for people living with HIV. It is funded by the Advancing Partners

and Community which is funded by John Snow Inc. (JSI)/USAID. Additionally, the organisation is also implementing the Peace Corps Vast Grant to build staff capacity, gender based violence counselling for children and youths, and life skills training for youths through Comforting Hearts’ youth arm. Some of its future projects include skills training for the community and construction of a craft shop.

Bailey-Hoyte added that Comforting Hearts continues to provide services in the areas of voluntary counselling and testing, home-based and palliative care, orphans and vulnerable children support (Nutritional enhancement, psychosocial, protection and legal, shelter and Care, Child Care Counselling, health care and education and vocational training), care for persons with other chronically ill conditions such as diabetes and cancer, and care for persons living with HIV and their families (nutritional enhancement, bedside care, health care, economic strengthening opportunities, psychosocial continued on page 40

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BY ALBERT BALDEO, DISTRICT LEADER

P

ublic hearings and community input are lacking in the rollout of the QueensWay project, a proposed public

greenway that will transform the former railroadconsisting of the 3.5 miles from Rego Park and Forest Hills down to Ozone Park.

There are grave concerns advocates for and against this project must

take into consideration before its final draft is put up for a vote before the City Council. Feasibility studies must address the social, economic and environmental impact this project will have on all sur-

rounding communities.

Woodhaven residents, especially those who live in the area of the line that runs parallel to 98th street in Woodhaven, are expectedly concerned about their continued safety and quality of life. The crime issue in Woodhaven and Ozone Park will only be aggravated, even if proposals to build gates and closure of the entrances are implemented, further overwhelming our precincts. These communities do not have a Civilian Observation Patrol, like G-COP in Glendale. We should respect and address the concerns of the 120 households who signed the petition to stop the project, which constitutes an overwhelming majority of homeowners living there.

Decisions must take into consideration the impact the project will have on the livelihoods and families of small business owners that occupy space below and adjacent to the train tracks. Many of these working families pay rent to the City, and provide valuable services like transportation, auto body repair, car wash, bever-

Albert Baldeo

age and food distribution, plumbing, heating and electrical services, taxi services, iron work, fork lift, karate schools and other services-from Atlantic Avenue to Rockaway Boulevard in Ozone Park.

Many have been here for decades.

We need to know the effect the plan will have on PS 65, the Raymond York Elementary School and MS 137, America’s School of Heroes, and other area schools.

Many small business owners in the Aqueduct Flea market were forced to close due to Resorts World’s expansion, and it would be harsh to uproot and destroy others in our area-again. Moreover, any proposal must guarantee jobs and contracts to resi-

dents in the impacted communities.

We should also consider whether the MTA got it right, when its 20-year plan recommended that the rail line from Atlantic Avenue to Rockaway Boulevard should be left as is and eventually be used as a connection for an express line into Manhattan.

Proponents of the QueensWay who compare it to Manhattan’s High Line must research whether continuous sponsorship and maintenance are realistic expectations, given the economic constraints, and the comparative paucity of large corporations and tourism in this area to offset such costs.

None of us want to be saddled with a proverbial “pie in the sky.”

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Fighting Attitudes towards Autism Debunking myths of autism, the Guyana Greenheart Autistic Society strives to bring a hidden issue to the forefront

A

utism is one of a group of serious developmental problems called autism spectrum disorders that appear in early childhood. While there is no cure for autism, intensive, early intervention can make a big difference in the lives of many children with the disorder.

This is the goal of the Guyana Greenheart Autistic Society.

The organisation is a registered non-governmental, non-profit charitable organisation that addresses Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It was registered on September 12, 2010 and is located at 252 Quamina Street, South Cummingsburg.

As no cure yet exists for autism, the goal of treatment is to maximize the child's ability to function by reducing autism symptoms and supporting development and learning.

With that in mind, the Guyana Greenheart Autistic Society’s objectives are to enhance the educational, behavioural and therapeutic well-being of people living with autism in Guyana, and

Students and teachers spreading awareness about autism

to ensure those autistic individuals and their families/caregivers in Guyana benefit from the work of the organisation.

It also aims to motivate its membership and the general public to participate in activities designed and formulated to enhance the self-help skills, educational attainment and participation in society to their fullest individual potential of all autistic persons in Guyana.

Additionally, the organisation helps to develop and enhance educational and therapeutic opportunities for children and young adults through the establish-

Headmistress Andrea Hutson, center, with two teachers and a student at the school

ment and management of the Guyana Greenheart Autistic Society. The society provides individualised targets based on professional assessment and develops appropriate strategies in order to access all types of resources to improve, facilitate and raise the profile of the organization and also the potential of autistic persons in Guyana.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, headmistress and autism special needs educator Andrea Hutson, said through the society they educate and improve the awareness of all families of children and adults with autism, of all aspects of intervention strategies which have proven beneficial in enhancing their potential. They also actively promote awareness of autism among policy makers, the medical and health professions, and the wider public, through media and lectures, workshops, facts sheet, interviews and outreach throughout Guyana.

Hutson said that the society was formed by two parents, Karen Williams and her husband, whose

daughter, Sorsha, is autistic. Sorsha was diagnosed with autism after her father, while watching the Oprah Winfrey Show, recognised she was displaying some of the symptoms associated with the condition.

Sorsha’s parents noticed that she had excellent retention skills and ability to grasp concepts, and so worked with her to channel her energies in the right direction.

By means of this, Karen and her husband decided to open the society and school to help autistic children and their parents.

“The society and the school are housed at one building. Dealing with autism requires a lot of manpower. Being autistic is not a disability, it is a gifted ability. A lot of parents do not realise this and so they live in denial, keeping their autistic children at home.

This is wrong because with early intervention these children can grow up to be successful individuals,” the headmistress explained.

Currently, the school has 14 children from ages 4 to 17. Hutson pointed out that the chil-

dren are not grouped according to age but by their learning abilities.

The school uses puzzles and Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) tools to help autistic children as they are visual learners and will follow what they see.

Hutson also pointed out that there is also the “stringing” technique, where the children are taught how to insert strings in buttons or beads, which helps with the children’s coordination and motor skills.

“Some people say that these children are retarded, but that’s not the case. They are slow learners. With early developmental intervention these children can be helped. There is mild to severe autism. In the severe case there is nothing much you can do for them except teaching them motor skills like combing their hair, brushing their teeth and bathing. With mild autism, which has different levels, early intervention is crucial. These ones start off slow but develop quickly. I have worked with Sorsha who, at first, was adamant in following instructions.

However, with the support of her parents and teachers, she is excelling so wonderfully. She loves writing, although autistic children don’t like writing. We have had many success stories with the other children,” she disclosed.

Of note, the teachers at the school are all trained by overseas professionals to care for autistic children. For instance, Hutson is qualified in childcare management and has worked with the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre.

She is also a mother of five.

As a non-profit organisation, Hutson mentioned that they largely depend on donations from kind-hearted citizens and fundraising activities. The children are also required to pay a small monthly fee.

“For us at the society, our love working with these children has motivated us to keep on doing it. If you don’t love what you do you will never be motivated to give your all in making it successful.

Also, I want parents who may be keeping their autistic children home and are afraid to bring them out, to see that we are not only trained but we are willing to help. There are many famous persons who are autistic.

What we need in Guyana is for more funding to be invested to help care for autistic persons. Guyana Greenheart Autistic Society is happy to accept more children so I’m encouraging parents to visit us and we will guide them through the process,” she pleaded.

For more information on this organisation call 225-8935.

Dutch crew to produce documentary on Guyana

G

uyana’s Tourism Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), in collaboration with Garage De Eenheid, a Surinamese tour company, recently hosted a three-day Media Familiarisation Tour (FAM) with Trishul TBN Broadcasting Network, a Surinamese company.

According to a release from the GTA, the group of four from the broadcasting network participated in a series of tours during their stay in Guyana, including a tour of Berbice (New Amsterdam); a city tour; a visit to Splashmins; and a trip to the Essequibo and surrounding areas.

A short documentary will be created from the trip which will be aired on the said network to help promote Guyana’s tourism industry.

The visitors experienced the country’s rich cultural heritage, its many historical sites in Georgetown and the Essequibo Islands, the country’s flora and fauna, its exotic cuisine, and its pulsating nightlife.

Visitors

Garage De Eenhei, owned and operated by V Premnauth, has been collaborating with Guyana’s Tourism Ministry to bring large numbers of visitors to the land of many waters.

The tour company was recently given a Tourism Special Mention Award–Largest Inbound Operator for 2013, as it brings in 500 visitors on average from Suriname/Holland per month.

“Whether it’s the allure of the food, festivities, or simply the fascinating people, the relationship between the two South American neighbours continue to be further cemented as Guyana’s tourism product takes centre stage,” GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh said.

He noted that in partnership with the private sector, packages and programmes are being designed to increase this already impressive figure.

“We are looking to attract an additional 500 tourists on a monthly basis; to accomplish this, we will capitalise and tailor our packages surrounding very popular and renowned events,” Haralsingh explained.

He acknowledged too that the influx of visitors is as a result of Guyana’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the Dutch-speaking country.

Guyana’s Tourism Ministry is also collaborating with small hotels in an effort to boost occupancy, and already these smaller establishments are operating at full capacity.

In addition, Haralsingh announced that Guyana is currently working to establish a “healthy” crossborder tourism relationship, with particularly, Suriname and Brazil. He said this was being done at the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO) level, and will also promote multi-destination tourism.

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A Pioneering Spirit Motivated by his passion and talent, Warren Douglas returns to Guyana to open a unique winery

W

hen Warren Douglas decided he wanted to produce wines on a broad scale, he chose his homeland Guyana because of the lush fruits here. That is when he started the Pandama Retreat and Winery, which is said to be Guyana’s first winery manufacturing quality wines using only local fruits.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Douglas recalled sitting in his in Charlotte, North Carolina backyard with his wife Tracy, a fashion designer and artist, when a very interesting conversation ensued. Tracy indicated she wanted to start making soap again.

She had manufactured her own soap for several years.

“I remember indicating to her that I always wanted to make my own wine, and I was going to start researching the process. I read everything that I could get my hands on about wine making and decided to invest in the equipment. My first batch of wine was made from North Carolina peaches, and it was a hit with friends and family all across the United States. I continued to make wines and we gave bottles as gifts at parties and gatherings. When Tracy and I decided to move to Guyana to

live, I knew that wine making would be a major part of the Pandama Retreat experience,” he reminisced.

With the proliferation of exotic fruits in Guyana, it did not take much time for Pandama Wines to come into being.

Pandama Retreat Winery was established in 2009. It is located in Madewini, off the Soesdyke/Linden highway.

Now, the winery offers several fruit wines that include pineapple, jamoon, aunty desmond, noni, cherry, malacca pear, duka, carambola and sorrel.

Pandama Wines also offers “Pulse”- a libido enhancement tonic wine made from barks native to Guyana and the Amazon.

It is a real treat and has received rave reviews from ladies and gentlemen alike.

Of note is the boulanger, also known as eggplant or aubergine, wine. Douglas mentioned that according to his research, eggplant is low in fat, protein, and carbohydrates. A 1998 study at the Institute of Biology of São Paulo State University, Brazil, found eggplant juice to significantly reduce weight, plasma cholesterol levels, and aortic cholesterol content.

Douglas has masterfully used eggplant to create a rich white wine. He recommends it to be enjoyed with chicken and other

The Pandama Retreat

Douglas showcasing his wines

white meats.

The connoisseur added that Pandama Winery creates exotic fruit wines of extraordinary elegance and sophistication, and celebrates the tropical flavours of Guyana. The different types of wines are also said to help with many diseases because of the fruits they are made with.

Wines enthusiasts have a choice of enjoying a glass of their favourite flavours in dry or semi-sweet.

The winery recently introduced a line of naturally fermented red and white wine gourmet vinegars. These amazing products, he said, are marinades and tenderizers for all types of meat, fish and tofu.

“Our motivation is stimulated by our passions and our talents. My wife has lived her life as a creative being, using her talents to generate income; combining spirit and prosperity. When we met, she encouraged me to do the same. So here I am making wine with fruits, barks, peppers, herbs and grains. Every day I get to

either make, bottle, sell or have a glass of my passion: wine,” he declared.

Douglas revealed that the local response has been outstanding. Many local and overseas-based Guyanese, who visit regularly, would visit the retreat centre to relax, drink wine and eat fabulous food.

“Our focus is not mass production, but rather providing a quality product that is satisfying to all of our customers. There is a real need for quality local wines in Guyana, both for Guyanese here and in the diaspora.

Pandama Wines has made it to many tables in the United States and the UK during the holiday season, and we intend to keep things moving. Our focus is not mass production, but rather providing a quality product that is satisfying to all of our customers. We are now poised to introduce Pandama Wines to the rest of the world. We are pursuing the necessary export certifications to allow the company to reach as many wine lovers as we can,” he disclosed.

The wines are sold at GMC (Guyana Shop), Bounty, DSL Cash and Carry, Geeta Kings (in Bourda Market) and at Pandama.

To assist with the Christmas rush, Douglas stated that they have joined with seven artists to host a Caribbean Christmas sale at Moray House, December 11-15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Through our recent line of gourmet vinegars, we would like to educate the community about the importance of natural vinegars for their medicinal, cosmetic and culinary uses. We will always gently expand our product lines because we are always growing. In the future we are planning to launch a line of sacred herbal beers,” he revealed.

For information on Pandama Winery visit www.pandamaretreat.com

Barbados to build on Rihanna’s success

B

arbados’ Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley has revealed plans to promote Rihanna’s childhood neighbourhood, Westbury Road, as a site of interest to visitors to the island.

Stating that Rihanna is constantly breaking into new markets and that her appeal continues to be strong, the minister added that he was looking forward to working on an initiative that would see Westbury Road undergo some work in an effort to highlight it.

“I am very interested in working with Rihanna’s management to do something with her hometown where visitors come to Barbados simply to take a photo of where she lived and I believe that we have an opportunity, working along with Rihanna and her management team, to recognise her hometown and to do something to ensure that we can show

This house in Westbury New Road, which attracts a lot of media attention, is where Rihanna grew up. (Nations file photo)

the world where Rihanna would have come from,” he said.

According to Lashley, Barbadian songstress Rihanna is already a legend. He waxed eloquent of the Barbadian pop-queen just after she was presented with the

first Icon Award at the American Music Awards.

Taking the opportunity to speak on Rihanna’s latest accolade during the launch for the Block Draughts Tournament, Lashley stated that he agreed that she was worthy of every honour be-

stowed upon her.

“I believe that Rihanna’s continued success on the international stage, the fact that she has gone out there as a young Barbadian woman and has been a trailblazer for the evolution of popular music and having ex-

ecuted it in a way that has certainly brought attention to her homeland, that is certainly deserving of the highest commendation. As Minister of Culture, I would like to take this opportunity to commend her, commend her continued achievements and to commend her management team as well and to say that I expect that Rihanna will continue to climb from one achievement to another. She certainly has the kind of commitment and she has shown that she has the kind of popular support across the world to be able to do great things.” he said.

Making mention of Rihanna’s explosive worldwide sales and the dramatic growth of her popularity, Lashley also added that he believes that Barbados stands to benefit from the 25 year-old’s success.

“I would also say that Rihanna’s success is really Barbados’ success. I

have to commend her because every time she performs or is involved in any media activity, she always highlights where she has come from in Barbados. Other artistes in Barbados who continue to do well and those who aspire to international stardom, I believe that they too will benefit from Rihanna’s success and she paves a way for many of our emerging artistes to move on to the international stage.”

Explaining that the Culture Industries Bill was passed in both Houses of Parliament and is in the implementation stages towards having it proclaimed in the new year, Lashley also went on to mention that things were looking up for the local cultural industries.

He also said that he hoped that the work would see the island’s cultural development growing by leaps and bounds.

(Barbados Advocate)

Feature

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Star of the week

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Stacy Ramcharan Accountant and Model

By Vahnu Manikchand

H

aving a family with everything did not make life any easier for Stacy Ramcharan as she pushed hard in her studies and worked even harder to fulfil her dreams. At the age of 23, Ramcharan is living her dreams as both an accountant and model.

The second of three children and the only girl, she spent her early childhood days in LBI. However, her family relocated to Bel Air Springs, where she currently resides.

Ramcharan attended Mae’s primary and secondary schools where she wrote her CXC exams in 2005 and gained passes in seven subjects. She then continued her studies at the sixth form level where she wrote two subjects. She then began working at her father’s business part-time as an accountant in 2008 as she began to pursue her studies.

Ramcharan went onto further her studies in CAT (Certified Accounting Technician) at the Accountancy Training Centre, which she is on the verge of completing. The 23-year-old says her next move will be to study for the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) from January.

“I have always had an interest in accounting, and that is why my tertiary academics are geared in that field. I used to work part-time with my dad as an accounting clerk so I developed a liking for it and made up my mind about making it a career choice.”

Growing up with two brothers was a challenging but an adventurous experience for Ramcharan. “They (her brothers) were a bit tough on me and so I was like a tom-boy growing up. I was into sports and did a lot of ‘guy stuff’ with my brothers. We are very close as siblings and as a family too. My parents were always strict with me because I was the only girl, but we are very close-knit.”

As she grew older, Ramcharan began to outgrow the tom-boy lifestyle and quickly got in touch with her feminine side, marking the beginning of her modelling career. “I became interested in fashion and wanted to model, but my father didn’t like the idea because I was young…but I have always had a passion for it deep down as a child and when I got older – after school – my father eventually agreed.”

In her now two-year modelling career, Ramcharan has presented on both local and international catwalks. Her ambition now is to participate in the Miss Guyana Universe competition sometime in the future. “I always wanted to represent my country and be an ambassador for Guyana, and because fashion plays a big part in my life I want to explore all possible avenues in it.”

Apart from the glitz and glamour, Ramcharan also recognizes her social responsibility. She became involved in charitable work while in sixth form and continues to do so. “I make donations to difference orphanages every month. I like doing this because it gives me a sort of fulfilment that, for someone who has a lot, at least I can give back to those who are less fortunate.”

Ramcharan believes that anything can be done with hard work and determination. “If you want to achieve something in life, you have to put your mind and heart into it because hard work and determination always pays off.”

Y

oung pro-athlete Ashley Marie DeGroot is well known for her strategic footwork on the hockey field, both locally and internationally. Ashley started playing hockey in 2007 after being motivated by her brothers, cousins and close friends – all hockey players. She got tired of being an observer in the stands and wanted to get involved. Now 19 years old, Ashley has won many tournaments in both junior and senior levels. She has competed in Guyana, Trinidad, Argentina, Brazil and Canada, and in the U.S. Ashley is also part of her club’s U21 team which competed in Magnolias U21 club tournament in Trinidad, winning four straight years from 2008-2011. To be a star player, Ashley invests time and effort. Through the game, she has built character and team spirit while having lots of fun with her fellow teammates. The athlete views her hockey team as her second family and enjoys the team spirit among her teammates.

Her plan for her hockey career is to continue to compete with her club, wherever that may take her.

Academically, she is currently studying accounts and aspires to be a successful accountant. Her advice for youths is to get involved in a sport that will help them to keep fit, healthy and out of trouble – as hockey did for her.

Dionne Jackson-Miller is Jamaica’s Journalist of the Year

T

elevision Jamaica's Dionne Jackson-Miller walked away with the Journalist of the Year trophy at the Press Association of Jamaica's (PAJ's) National Journalism Awards ceremony last Friday.

The event, which was held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, also saw Jamaica Observer reporter Donna Hussey-Whyte receiving the Carl Wint Award for Human Interest Feature (print), while Jamaica Observer photographer Joseph Wellington took the Errol Harvey Award for Human Interest Photography At the same time, Rashawn Thompson of Nationwide News Network took the Young Journalist of the Year award, while The Gleaner's team of Erica Virtue and Tyrone Reid won the award for Investigative Journalism.

Hussey-Whyte received her award for her Sunday Observer exposé on the plight of Olympian

Dionne Jackson-Miller of Television Jamaica displays the Journalist of the Year Award presented to her at the National Journalism Awards last Friday night.

Observer reporter Donna Hussey-Whyte receives the Carl Wint Award for Human Interest Feature (print) from LIME’s Elon Parkinson. (Jamaica Observer photos)

Olivia McKoy, who was spotted on the streets of Kingston selling bag juices after representing Jamaica in the javelin event for 20 years.

Wellington received his award for his photo entitled 'You maaay think you're bad', which captured a goat on its hind legs about to tackle a dog.

Observer Associate Editor-Special Assignment Ingrid Brown received special commendation for her White Elephant series.

Chief judge Patrick Harley said this year saw an increase in the number of entries—a total of 180 submitted across 24 categories.

The Gleaner won 14 categories with Virtue, Reid and Petre Williams-Raynor tied for the most individual awards—two each.

Veteran journalist, playwright, broadcaster and Observer columnist Barbara Gloudon was inducted into the PAJ Hall of Fame. So, too, was the late Carl Wint.

This year there were four special categories sponsored by UNICEF, Digicel, National Housing Trust and Sagicor. (Jamaica Observer)

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This week's Crossword

J k es Prayer

An Antartian named Babbette finds herself in dire trouble. Her business has gone bust and she's in serious financial trouble. She's so desperate that she decides to ask God for help.

She begins to pray... "God, please help me.

I've lost my business and if I don't get some money, I'm going to lose my house as well.

Please let me win the lotto."

Lotto night comes and somebody else wins it. Babbette again prays..."God, please let me win the lotto! I've lost my business, my house and I'm going to lose my car as well."

Lotto night comes and Babbette still has no luck.

Once again, she prays..."My God, why have you forsaken me?? I've lost my business, my house and my car. My children are starving. I don't often ask you for help and I have always been a good servant to you. PLEASE just let me win the lotto this one time so I can get my life back in order."

Suddenly there is a blinding flash of light as the heavens open and Babbette is confronted by the voice of God Himself: "Babbette, meet Me halfway on this. Buy a ticket."

The battle

This week's Puzzle

A 17th century captain was sailing along with his crew when a pirate ship came over the horizon. The captain says, "Cabin boy, get me my red shirt." So, he gets his red shirt and they victoriously battle the pirates.

Several days later, they spot another pirate ship off the port bow. "Cabin boy," says the captain "get me my red shirt." They again battle the pirates and are victorious.

Later when things had settled down, the cabin boy asks, "Captain, why do you always want your red shirt just prior to battle?" The captain responds, "Well, in case I am inflicted with a wound, I don't want the crew to see my injury and lose spirit." "I see," says the cabin boy.

A few days later, they sight 20 pirate ships in the distance; the captain yells out, "Cabin boy, get me my brown pants."

The border

A border patrol officer is patrolling the border between the United States and Canada one night when a man drives up on a motorcycle.

The officer stops the man and asks, "What do you have in that backpack there?"

The man replies, "Sand."

"Sand?" the officer says puzzled, "Please open the bag sir."

The man opens the bag and there is sand.

"Alright, you may go on your way then,� the officer said with a puzzled look.

The man then drives off into the darkness.

The next week, the same man on his motorcycle drives up to the same station that he did before. He says that there is sand in the bag and, sure enough, there is.

The man drives up on a motorcycle with sand in his bag every week for a couple of months.

The officer starts to think, "This guy is trying to smuggle something and I am going to be the one that catches him."

The next time the man drives up to the station, the officer says, "I promise, I'm not going to arrest you. But just tell me. Are you trying to smuggle something or not?"

"Do you swear you won't take me in?" the man replies.

"I promise," says the officer.

"Well, I am ashamed to admit it but, I have been smuggling something," the man says.

The officer asks curiously, "What have you been smuggling?"

The man replies with a grin, "Motorcycles." see solution on page 46

feature from page 30

The Loss of a Literary...

Douglas, Rajkumari Singh, Celeste Dolphin, B. Zorina Ishmael, Jacqueline DeWeever, Joy Allsopp, Margaret E. Bayley, Edwina Melville, Evadne D’Oliveria and Doris Harper-Wills.

Some of those women were active in the very robust Guyana Writers’ Group. Many of them were talented in more than one genre of writing, but importantly, most of them produced children’s literature, and quite a few were playwrights.

The Guyana Writers’ Group produced “Voices Of Guyana”, a collection of poems edited by Donald Trotman in commemoration of International Human Rights Year 1968. Nobrega was also featured in the first Guyanese anthology of stories, “Stories From Guyana”.

While she was a member of the Guyana Chapter of International PEN, Nobrega represented this country at the PEN Congress in Oslo, Norway. She was also a good ambassador of Guyana on other occasions, including representing the country at the International Children’s Theatre Conference held in London, 1964.

As one of the few

women playwrights at the time, her play, “Stabroek Fantasy”, was quite an achievement. It would be useful to bear in mind that theatre was always struggling, despite the exploits of the British Guiana Dramatic Society, the Georgetown Dramatic Club, and the feats of N. E. Cameron.

As an educator, Nobrega was president of the kindergarten section of the Guyana Teachers’ Union and editor of You magazine for the Parish of St. Sidwell’s in Lodge.

She also taught music and language.

Apart from her first collection published in Guyana, Nobrega had published other books of poetry including, “Japan, The Butterfly”, an ode to that country with which she fell in love through one of her hobbies, which was studying the history of Japan.

Nobrega revealed that was another of her visions: “in the light of what we know today of Japan, the ode can be regarded as a prophesy, written, as it was, over 25 years ago”! Nobrega was a member of the Japan Society, London.

When she migrated to London in 1969, she took with her a solid foundation in various fields of

endeavour on which to build. But it wasn’t easy; not that she ever had it easy. Her philosophy can be found in her poem, “Right to Life”, where she points out: “however great the hurricane/the smiling grass/bobs up its head again.”

The poem, “Bronze Woman” contributes to the shaping of our literature and the Bronze Woman statue is a monumental way in preserving our literary heritage.

Rest in Peace Cecile.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 2260065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com What’s happening: • “An Introduction to Guyanese Literature” is now available from the above contacts and at the National Library. This book is an up-to-date guide featuring significant literary landmarks from the 16th century to the new millennium.

This 150-page book including over 100 photographs is an attempt at bringing to the fore little known facts about lesser known aspects of our literature. The big books, the big authors and the big success stories in Guyanese Literature are also featured.

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F

irst Resort, a new line by Sonia Noel, depicts the easy, carefree and outgoing nature of Caribbean lifestyle, presented in breathing, ecofriendly and caressing textiles that capture the attitude of leisure.

The collection intends to provide ease when choosing an elegant outfit for the upcoming holiday season. Noel fashionably infuses her signature latticing, kaftan silhouettes and versatile wraps, to come up with this irresistible collection for a winning look.

“First Resort is a sophisticated, elegantly casual line, and is perfect for your wardrobe during the Christmas holidays.

It includes breathing fabrics in caftans, ponchos, free-flowing skirts, jumpers and lots more, in various colours, for all body types. I am now offering these stylish, bespoke pieces at a special discount from December 1-15. When you think holiday, think Sonia Noel as your ‘first resort’,” Noel said in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

Notably, Noel’s collection was a huge hit at a fashion event in Suriname last week and at the annual ‘Strut for a Cause’ fashion show at Sandals Grande in St Lucia.

For more information visit Noel’s showroom at 176 Barr Street, Kitty or call 226-3099.

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Simply the Truth GPL and the dark – Part 2

By Professor Daizal Samad

I

n the last column, we explored some of the economical implications of these constant blackouts that plague our nation. I failed to mention that, in four years or so, the University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC) has lost millions of dollars worth of equipment and repairs to damaged equipment.

It was also necessary to buy two large stand-by Automatic Trip Switch (ATS) generators – one for Tain and one for Johns.

But voltage fluctuations still disrupt student experiments and roast equipment. But UG does not pay for it-

self – they do not have that kind of simple business or social sense. So the burden is placed on the backs of taxpayers. Again! I have asked about refunds for damaged equipment. Every person that I have asked simply laughs.

This hopeless, defeated laughter. Several people have asked: “whey yuh come from, Prof?” After all, such a question would only be asked by someone from Mars.

So we all know the financial implications of these blackouts, things that put holes into our shallow pockets. But let us for a moment concentrate on damage other than financial damage.

Financial damage leads to frustration, and

frustration always finds some form of release.

What then are the psychological implications of these blackouts? Why have those great brains at UG, for instance, not done work on this? No conference or seminar or endless meetings. Just hard work, tough solid research.

Here is a scene. A family: a man, his wife, three children. The man is a cane harvester.

The woman cleans other people’s houses.

The children are schoolaged. Both parents are tired, but they are like many other good parents who want better for their children. “Abe pickey nah guh cut cane. And deh nah guh wipe people house! Dem must tek ed-

ucation!”

So they put their noses to the grindstone for a better life for their children. But the woman has to cook. And she asks her man to help with this or that thing: feed the fowls, or put some paint on a piece of wall or repair a fence... the children are with their books doing homework.

Then the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) strikes!

The woman cannot see to cook. The man cannot see to do any chores.

They look upon their children, frozen by the darkness. They both get frustrated. They lash out. And we always hit those closest to us. He hits her, she hits back or defends herself. The children forget about

homework and cower crying in a corner. They scream. It is not a few hours of blackout any more. It is the darkening of futures. Then some group comes and has a seminar on domestic violence. Experts from abroad come and talk.

The politicians come and talk. Teachers come and talk. Lecturers talk. Nice press release with nice picture. Facebook too.

Then they leave, and the real people go back home to what they had before.

The Guyana Police Force is helpless in the face of this stuff. We make them helpless, because we do not really train for this. How about a Special Victims Unit of specially trained cops to investigate, counsel, and prosecute sexual offenders and domestic violence perpetrators?

Meanwhile, the scared children cannot have their homework done. They are now unwilling to go to school.

They act up. The parents become more disappointed and frustrated. The violence gets worse. The noose around the neck of the future tightens.

The result is truancy, poor discipline, dropouts, more frustration.

Professor Daizal Samad

Alcohol and drugs offer brief relief. Suicide rates go up. We look on but see nothing except the stuff in the press.

And our leaders are there in Georgetown squabbling like the children we wish we did not place in darkness.

Of course, this is putting a lot on GPL. But it would not be wise to dismiss any of this. Maybe the wise folk at the top could sponsor some kind of research on this. But research really is done only when people care. It is useless when the reason is to fill a form with stuff.

The classroom becomes a place where the focus is on teachers, a dry and empty place.

This, in my experience, is what prevails at a place like UG. In any university worthy of the name university, they would be fired. Tough love! But love is tough and tender.

Next, look out for “Qualities of a good leader”.

Children’s art competition campaigns against...

from page 31

Young students campaigning against child and sexual abuse

support, psychological support) among many others.

Over the years, the organisation has presented educational television programmes on HIV/AIDS awareness, held ‘street theatres’ (HIV education through the arts), walk-a-thon and bike-a-thon fundraising activities, child abuse campaigns, school HIV and AIDS quizzes and debates and many other activities to spread awareness and help those affected by HIV/ AIDS. “From time to time the organisation faces challenges relating to finances. The reason is that the needs of clients are so great,

and the projects somehow restrict the organisation from providing many of these needs.

Additionally, as funding for projects end, finances in sustaining these programmes are inadequate. The organisation welcomes any contribution from the public and will like the private sector to be more involved in supporting the various programmes of the organization. There is also need for skilled persons in the area of governance, finance, public relations and leadership, who can volunteer their services,” Bailey-Hoyte pleaded.

For more information visit Comforting Hearts NGO on Facebook.

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I

n Santa Rosa stands the well-known Santa Rosa Mission, also known as “White Chapel on a Hill”. It serves now for more than 100 years not only as a religious building but as a significant part of the Santa Rosa community, keeping it together.

In an interview with Jean Rodrigues, a resident of Santa Rosa who has since migrated but continues to contribute largely to the community, the history of the Catholic mission to the Amerindians of Guyana actually began in Venezuela.

Beginnings

Throughout the 18th century, Spanish Franciscans ministered to the indigenous people of territories around the Orinoco. Their mission however came to an abrupt and tragic end when on May 3, 1817, Simon Bolivar’s forces put to death 26 priests and two lay brothers.

The Amerindians fled from the destroyed mission, some seeking refuge in the British held territory around the Moruca River.

The research continues to show that when the Arawaks of Moruca made their appeal for a priest, Providence had provided John Hynes to respond. In a letter written to a Dominican friend on June 6, 1830, Hynes expressed his concern for all the indigenous people of Guiana, saying, “Since my arrival in the colony I deeply lamented the condition of our much neglected Indian population, and sincerely wished to have the power and means of conveying to them the blessings of religion.”

He went on to recount how the Arawaks “hearing that a priest was in the colony, sent a white man (called Hilhouse) to me to say that they were Catholics, ever so long without any spiritual guide, and entreating me to afford them, if it be in my power, an occasional opportunity of assisting at the Divine Mysteries and getting their children baptised.”

Hynes welcomed this invitation with joy, and made arrangements to visit Moruca, setting aside 15 days for the round trip from Georgetown.

Hilhouse describes the historic encounter: “On the eve of the feast of Saint John (June 24,

The renovated 'White Chapel on a Hill'

1830) Mr Hynes reached their settlement in the dark woods and was received by them with many demonstrations of joy and affection.

Muskets were fired as he approached, and on his landing, men, women and children flocked to kiss his hand in token of respect. It being night, the forest was illuminated with wax lights of their own manufacture.”

During a 3-day visit, Hynes baptized 75 children and married two couples.

From this beginning, a mission was developed to other Amerindian communities in the North West.

Another mission centre was opened at Morawhanna, closer to the Venezuelan border, thus expanding the range of communities served by the priests of the North-West district.

Santa Rosa

Moruca had always been especially dear to Bishop John Hynes, and from 1840 until 1853 it had been well served by a much loved and respected resident Irish priest, Fr John Cullen.

With Moruca as his base, this intrepid missionary had made numerous visits to outlying villages, even as far as the Orinoco.

Under his direction a new church had been built in Moruca, which was solemnly dedicated and opened by Bishop Hynes on October 27, 1844. The saint select-

ed as patroness for this church was St Rose of Lima. From that day to the present, Catholics have referred to the Moruca community as “Santa Rosa”.

It is worth recording that in 1847 when the poor of Ireland were suffering the ravages of the potato famine, the Amerindian Catholics of Santa Rosa took up a collection on their behalf, sending $44.88 to the Irish and Scotch Relief Society.

On Cullen’s retirement through ill health in 1853, no resident replacement could be found. For a while the community received periodic visits from Fr. Francis Hayden and Fr. Joseph Fitzgerald OP, based at Abram’s Zuil on the Essequibo coast.

When James Etheridge arrived in 1857 he initially sent Benedict Schembri to Santa Rosa. Schembri arrived in December 1857 to find the church and presbytery in poor repair. He stayed less than a month before returning to Georgetown.

Fr de Bentham, based at Abram’s Zuil took on the care of the Moruca community, continuing the practice of making periodic visits.

Negri, Baldini, Casano and Mesini, all of whom were at various times based at Abram’s Zuil, continued these visits to Santa Rosa.

In November 1876, Marco Mesini was able to increase the fre-

quency of these visits to Santa Rosa, and in 1878 built a new church there. When Fr Thomas Barker arrived to take over Abram’s Zuil in 1888, Marco Mesini was

finally free to move permanently to Santa Rosa, which had struggled for 35 years without a resident priest.

Etheridge did not live to see the new church

built in Santa Rosa.

After celebrating mass on Christmas morning in 1877, he set sail for Barbados. On the evening of December 31, while the ship was still at sea, he died. His body was committed to the deep in the early hours of New Years day in 1878.

Rodrigues mentioned with such rich history, the church continues to play a major role in the community of Santa Rosa. She pointed out that complete restoration of the church took place last year and in September 2012 a commemorative mass was held to celebrate the opening of the renovated “White Chapel on a Hill”. One of its current leaders is Fr. Wilian Montalvo.

She also noted that famous poet A.J. Seymour referred to it in his poem “Names” as “Santa RosaWhite Chapel on a Hill” and that is how it got its name “White Chapel on a Hill”.

For more information on early church history in Guyana visit www. guyanajesuits.org

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Blending heritages Singer, arranger and composer, U.S.-based Guyanese Radha Singh is a music maestro who, embracing many heritages, also stays true to her own

R

adha Singh was born into the world of theatre. She began performing at just three years old, and was a member of the Messenger Group, a music, poetry and drama organization in Guyana, founded by her mother Rajkumari Singh. Rajkumari was a notable writer, political activist, educator, and distinguished cultural leader who received national honours such as the Golden Arrowhead of Achievement.

Under her tutelage, Radha studied diction and performance and won first place in many national competitions for verse speaking and drama.

An accomplished dancer, Radha studied kathak and ballet with her brother, Sri Gora Singh.

In 1978, Radha migrated to New York where she continued dramatic studies at Herbert Berghof Studios, Sullivan Walker and Pace University. She then went on to specialise in voice at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music.

Radha on her guitar

She studied under renowned vocal teachers, Andrew Frierson and Bonnie Kirk.

Though her musical emphasis has been on rhythm and blues, Radha infuses traditional Indian motifs into her music compositions, utilising Indian drums and Vedic hymns with riveting Latin percussion and primordial sounds. Her recording,

“You're The One”, was a hit at the Lincoln Centre’s Out-Of-Doors IndoCaribbean Festival of Music Dance in Damrosch Park.

The artiste’s recorded works were rated and reviewed by DJ record pools across the U.S. She has also performed live in popular New York clubs. As a solo singer and bandleader, she received rave re-

views from Village Voice, Daily News, NY Times, Associate Press, and magazines such as India Abroad and mainstream contemporary journals.

Her theatre credits include: “The Seagull”, “A View from the Bridge”, “Antigone”, “Karna & Kunti”, Sullivan Walker's “Caribbean Woman” and “Godspell”. She also wrote original works and per-

formed in Kitchrie 1998– 2002. Kitchrie ‘03 drama, “Chaykay”, marked her directorial debut.

She received a composers’ commission from the New York Council on the Arts for a collaborative, original sound score for a new work by Pritha Singh, “Women of the Mahabharata” and was director for that production.

In 2006-2009, Radha conceptualized and spearheaded “Art Interpreted”a collage of artistic expression, and a weekly event showcased in New York forums, providing a space and giving opportunities for diverse, multidisciplinary of artists to performed their original works.

Additionally, she has performed in series of concerts with a Jazz and Blues ensemble in New York metro and tri-state, as well as producing and collaborating on a Vedic chants CD with wellknown author, Ayurvedic teacher and spiritual motivator Maya Tiwari.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Radha stated that both her parents were artists and scholars.

“My siblings and I had the good fortune of hearing music, poetry, theatre, and dance from incredible artists who were mentored by my mother.

My mother was my inspiration and my siblings were very supportive and contributed to help develop my artistic expressions.

My first performance was spoken word and drama at age 3,” she recalled.

A notable accomplishment, according to the musician, was at Guyana Festival of the Arts (Guyfesta) in 1975, where she was the youngest to receive the certificate of excellence in verse speaking and dance interpretation of her mother's poem “Per Agie”. This was when Radha realised she wanted to pursue the arts.

“I still write, arrange, sing, produce, record and collaborate with many incredible artists. I released continued on page 45

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legal corner

Spending and the holidays

By Richard Kistnen, Esq.

F

or bankruptcy practitioners, the holidays pose a major concern when trying to prepare a person’s petition and schedules who will be filing for bankruptcy. More often than not, people will spend monies that may be available on gifts for relatives and friends rather than pay off creditors.

While trustees, who oversee and administer bankruptcy cases, understand and appreciate the practice of gift-giving during the holiday season, there is a gray area that could present difficulties. A trustee can seek to recover those gifts, or the monetary value thereof, so as to pay off a share to creditors.

With some planning and conservative approaches, however, a person filing bankruptcy can spend down and make purchases without running afoul of what is allowable in bankruptcy.

First, credit cards MUST NOT be used. Purchases made on credit immediately preceding the filing of a bankruptcy may not be dischargeable.

By using credit when you purport to be insolvent, a trustee may seek to deny your discharge for abuse of the bankruptcy system. Moreover, the creditor may seek to have the debt owed to it deemed non-dischargeable since the debt was incurred while a debtor purports to be insolvent. If you are going to make gift purchases, make them in cash.

Next, you should evaluate gifts as a “want” versus a “need.” If you are buying a gift for your children, for example, avoid making “want” purchases.

If they need clothing or supplies for school, use money for those “needs,” and avoid spending money on “wants,” such as electronics. Electronics are especially difficult because they tend to retain value, and there is a market for them. A trustee can easily demand turnover of a television or tablet for sale. Imagine a friend or relative who received a gift from you and then being served with a demand for turnover - it can easily turn the holidays sour.

Finally, think about larger “need” purchases. Repairs around the house, health insurance, car repairs, education accounts. Maybe not as fun as video games, but purchases like these tend to be the kind that people need but put off. Using money to make these purchases is generally exempt in bankruptcy, so you generally will not be facing a demand for turnover for the trustee.

In conclusion, as the holiday shopping season kicks off, if you are thinking about bankruptcy, do not believe that you can buy what you want and then file bankruptcy after without issues. The bankruptcy system is not to be abused, and lawyers and trustees are there to protect the integrity of the system. If you have questions about bankruptcy, call the Law Office of Richard Kistnen, (718) 738-2324.

health corner

GERD Awareness

By Tisha Boston

G

ERD refers to gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as acid reflux. This is a condition in which contents from the stomach moves backward into the esophagus (food pipe), gradually damaging the tissue lining the esophagus. Researchers believe that this is due to a malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the muscular valve between the esophagus and the stomach. When it opens at the wrong time or does not close properly, acid reflux can occur. Another cause of GERD is hiatal hernia. This occurs when the upper part of the stomach moves up into the chest resulting in the stomach slipping through an opening in the diaphragm.

The diaphragm is the stomach wall that separates the stomach from the chest; therefore, when the stomach slips through this opening, stomach acid flows back up through the opening as well.

People with GERD may experience heartburn and regurgitation (when stomach contents come back up into the throat or mouth); these are the main symptoms. Though anyone can experience heart burn from time to time, especially after a hearty fatty, fried, spicy meal, frequent heartburns i.e., more than twice a week, is an indication of a more serious health problem. Other symptoms include: wheezing, a dry, chronic cough, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, hoarseness, laryngitis (swelling and irritation of the voice box), difficulty or painful swallowing, dental erosion and bad breath, and chest and abdominal pain.

There are certain factors that make GERD even worse; these include: obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and certain medications. In addition, there are certain foods that aggravate GERD symptoms; for

Source: www.aurorahealthcare.org

example, citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, tangerines, grapefruits, etc), chocolate, caffeinated food and drinks, alcoholic beverages, fatty and fried foods, minty foods, spicy foods, and garlic and onions.

Here are some tips to help reduce GERD symptoms during the holiday season from the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: • Eat earlier meals.

• Eat light appetizers and avoid fatty foods like chips, dips, and cheeses, which take a longer time to leave the stomach.

• Remain active, especially during the holiday season where frequent eating is more likely to occur.

• Do not smoke because the nicotine weakens the lower esophageal muscles responsible for preventing the back flow of stomach contents.

• Avoid citrus foods and drinks.

• Use light seasoning when preparing meals and don’t deep fry your turkey.

• Limit your drinks during celebrations.

• Eat slowly and have smaller meals.

• Stay awake and try not to lie down within 3 hours after eating.

• Contact your doctor for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

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from page 42

Blending heritages... three singles with various producers. I was commissioned by the Rockefeller Foundation to compose a full sound score for the play and screenplay “Women of The Mahabharata”.

I’ve performed in U.S. cities, Europe and the Caribbean and in the NY tri-state at venues such as the Lincoln Center to museums, theatres, CBGB's, Bowery Ballroom, NYC. I love performing live,” Radha disclosed.

Of East Indian descent, Radha pointed out that she embraces all genre of music. In New York, she worked with amazing international musicians while developing her own brand - a blend of rock, funk and reggae. The music was well received, which resulted in music management and recording contracts. However, Radha continued to preserve her ancestral music genres such as bhajans, mantras and Caribbean folk songs.

“Technology has changed the arts arena and has opened music collaborations and recordings into an international cyber experience. It’s just amazing! Today, I can work with several writers, composers, musicians and engineers across the globe. I’m about to release a single in collabora-

45

tion with other artists. I'm presently preparing the release of 2 albums: “Raag to Rock”-original songs in collaboration with my sister, Chitra Singh and writer/composer/producer Bonnie Kirk and “The Blue One”- consisting of original songs and cover songs of mantras and bhajans with new music.

I'm currently involved in Rajkumari Centre’s upcoming dance-drama production in December 2013. As well as securing performance venues for my band,” Radha outlined.

She continues to serve at the Rajkumari Cultural Center (an art centre dedicated to her mother) as drama coach, choreographer, and music director, as well as sound and lighting technician on festival, theatre and concert presentations. She also funds development and marketing projects, and teaches and mentors upcoming artists. Additionally, she enjoys teaching yoga and meditation.

“Music is my life. It does for me what it does for everyone. It's food for the soul. From the maverick to the pauper, music is ear candy after a long day.

My days and nights are filled with harmonic frequency. It fulfils me,” she declared.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS EVENT #1 COUNCIL OF MASAAJID USA (CMUSA) AND NUR UL ISLAM INVITE ISLAMIC LEADERS, PROFESSIONALS, GRADUATES AND COLLEGE STUDENTS TO AN EDUCATION CONFERENCE THEME: EDUCATION, THE PROCESS FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT DECEMBER 21, 2013, 10:00 A.M. -5:00 P. M. AT AL IHSAN ACADEMY 130-08 ROCKAWAY BLVD, SOUTH OZONE PARK PRESENTERS: SHAIKH RAFEEK MOHAMED, PRINCIPAL AL IHSAN ACADEMY SHAMIR KHAN, DEPUTY IMAM, BRONX ISLAMIC SOCIETY SIS.DAILA TAHIROVIC, PRESIDENT OF THE FIRST INTERFAITH CLUB, ST JOSEPH COLLEGE LUNCH AND DINNER WILL BE SERVED EVENT #2 NUR UL ISLAM, (NUI), COUNCIL OF MASAAJID USA (CMUSA) IN CONJUNCTION WITH MASAAJID OF QUEENS, BRONX, AND NEW JERSEY INVITE ALL TO A SEERAH PROGRAM ON JANUARY 05, 2013 FROM 1:00 P. M. – 5:00 P. M. AT AL IHSAN ACADEMY 130-08 ROCKAWAY BLVD, QUEENS THEME: MUHAMMAD, A HEALING AND MERCY TO ALL MANKIND IMAM DAUD HAQQ, NIA MASJID AND COMMUNITY CENTER SIS. DAILA TAHIROVIC, PRESIDENT OF THE FIRST INTERFAITH CLUB, ST JOSEPH COLLEGE NADEEM RAMJAN AL MAGHRIB INSTITUTE DINNER WILL BE SERVED

Act Now weekly rates are at their lowest

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S

t. Peter’s Church was originally constructed December 9, 1827. However, it was replaced by the present structure on June 29, 1855, St. Peter’s Day. Prior to the erection of the first church, services were held under a clump of bamboo trees.

On November 25, 1826 as recorded by the pencil minute of foolscap in the vestry book of the parish, a meeting was held in the house of Captain Thierens of Plantation Vissilvalligheid. At this meeting it was decided that a church and parsonage should be built.

A site was chosen on the front lands of Plantation Enterprise, Leguan where the church is still functioning today.

The first church was built at a cost of £400 over a period of six weeks, and was located at the centre of the island. On December 9, 1827 this church was opened for service.

The land for the parsonage and the church was acquired in a rather peculiar manner; through a warrant issued by the Governor: Sir Benjamin D'urban on June 12, 1827, ‘authorizing and requiring in His Majesty's name, John Theirens and Edward G. Boughton, members of the Vestry for

St Peter's Church, Leguan Island, Essequibo today

the parish of St. Peters, forthwith to enter upon and take possession of the said piece of land and to give notice thereof to the proprietor of the said property and to offer him a fair compensation,’ to be decided by ‘two appraisers and an umpire of the chosen lot’.

In September of 1827, Mr John Campbell, proprietor of John Campbell & Co. agreed to sell the six acres of land required for the church. There was one small problem: the

removal of a house constructed by Mr Alexander McRae 'for the reception of persons with the most offensive disease, yaws.'

Nine years later, on August 8, 1836, the transport for the land of St. Peter’s was at last passed. The sum of 300 guilders per acre was paid by the governor, together with 4,000 guilders for repairs and 350 guilders for the sexton.

The church saw bleak times in the 1840s as many residents of the is-

land migrated to urban areas. The cost of maintenance for the first church was enormous and there were calls for the erection of a permanent building.

It was under the guardianship of Reverend F. J. Wyatt (who would later be appointed as Rector of St. Paul in October 1853) that the desire for a permanent church gained support.

Lieutenant Governor Walker laid the foundation stone for the present church on August 1,

Preserving our heritage through pictures

1853.

St. Peter's was constructed at a cost of £2,500, of which £1,000 was contributed by the Colonial Legislature, £100 by the Society For The Promotion of Christian Knowledge, and the remaining sum of £1,400 by private individuals resident on the island. The church was designed by the colonial civil engineer Mr. J. F. Bourne, with contributions by Rev. F. Wyatt and Dr. Boughton.

The church, which is built of brick, was originally covered by a roof of wallaba shingles; this was later replaced by metal roofing. At the left of the north western entrance stands a detached bell tower, surmounted by an octagonal brick spire.

The length of the church is 70 feet, exclusive of the apse. The windows are pointed and are filled with handsome stained glass. The seven in the apse depicts the life of St. Peter, and those in the nave contain flowered quarrels and roses with rich borders. These were imported from England

at a cost of £950.

On St. Peter's Day, June 29, 1855, His Lordship Bishop William Piercy Austin consecrated the building in the presence of the governor, Mr. P. E. Wodehouse, the governor's secretary, Chief Justice Mr William Walker, members of the Court of Policy and other prominent individuals.

With its artistic design and leaning tower, St. Peter’s Church, located on the 10,843 acre island of Leguan is regarded as one of the finest brick structures constructed in Guyana.

This church, with its tiled sanctuary, massive brick work, asphalted floor, architectural rafters, and windows portraying events in the life of the patron saint, testifies to the artistry and craftsmanship of Guyanese builders.

Today, while it stands as an important part of Guyana’s built heritage, representative of an integral chapter of our social and cultural development, sadly, it has fallen into a state of dilapidation, with a roof that is in dire need of repair among other areas.

While the National Trust is charged to promote and safeguard the nation’s heritage, we wish to remind citizens that preservation is a task which requires the cooperation of all and urge Guyanese to take an active role in ensuring the long term survival of Guyana’s patrimony by assisting in one way or another in preserving this brick heritage building. Contact can be made with the Anglican Diocese under whose purview it falls.

[At this time, congratulations are in order for the church and its parishioners on its 186th anniversary, to be celebrated December 9, 2013.]

(Originally published Dec 2010, courtesy National Trust of Guyana)

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Fort Zeelandia (south view) - Fort Island (Photo by L. Hernandez)

Travel & Tourism

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t some 900 ft, the rarely-visited Jordan Falls is a spectacular sight to see. It is not a single- drop falls but cascades down a series of steep steps.

Located some eight miles from the Maipaima Eco-Lodge in Nappi, the falls are not easily accessed. The arduous hike takes roughly five hours; goes up and down many hills, crosses slippery rocks and on many occasions leads through flowing waters.

The return journey does not have to be made in one day since a satellite camp has been built at the base; so unless you are incredibly averse to sleeping in hammocks, an overnight next to the falls should not be missed.

A more leisurely hike can be enjoyed at the falls, which includes more time for bird watching (including the white bellbird) and wildlife. In the evenings, meals are enjoyed on the open rocks where the stargazing is superb.

If you are fit and enjoy a good trek, Jordan Falls is not to be missed. It is definitely one of the most spectacular areas around Nappi – if not in all of Guyana. (Information by Kirk Smock; “Guyana/Bradt Guide”, Second Edition)

Beautiful sunrise at Jordan Falls (Photo by Amanda Castleman)

Cascading waters (Photo by Lynn and Kitch)

Abseiling down the falls

Scenic view at the top of the falls (Photo

by Lynn and Kitch)

Jordan Falls is one of the most spectacular areas around Nappi (Photo by Amanda Castleman)

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| guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘I’ve told Shahid not to meet Sylvestor Stallone’ - Prabhu Dheva

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rabhu Dheva, Shahid Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha recently got candid with Bombay Times during their visit to the office. The following is an excerpt.

Prabhu, you couldn't retain your original title Rambo Rajkumar because of the international Rambo team. Were you upset?

Just the other day,

Shahid was watching Sylvestor Stallone’s ‘Rocky V’ and I asked him to change the channel. I also told Shahid, 'When you go to America, don't meet Stallone'!

Why did you decide on Shahid and Sonakshi for this film?

We needed a new couple.

I visualised them together and felt this would be a good pair.

Shahid, were you nervous at the thought of being choreographed

by Prabhu Dheva?

I was very nervous, especially because there is this one step we do together in the song Gandi Baat. His choreography is very different. While shooting, he saw the monitor and told me, 'Arre, how much energy you've got!'

Prabhu, this is the first time that you are making a Bollywood film which is not a remake of a South film. How different was this experience?

For me, it's not difficult because I have worked in South too. I started with remakes here, now the actors and producers have accepted me. Whether it's a remake or not, it's the same effort, similar energy is put in. (TOI)

‘I will adopt a baby even if I have my own’ - Ekta Kapoor

E

kta Kapoor is emotional about her new Star Plus daily show ‘Ye Hai Mohabbatein’ that started began airing. In a chat with Bombay Times, she talked about love, motherhood and her decision to be personally more involved in television now, as it gives her a chance to be more creative, compared to films. The following is an excerpt, What is your new show ‘Ye Hai Mohabbatein’ all about?

Basically, this show is a beautiful journey of a woman, who falls in love with a child and marries a man who

she doesn't like, only because of the child. We have a lot of women in our society who are considered incomplete if they can't become mothers! It's the ultimate destination for women to become mothers. Of course, it's a beautiful feeling, but the pressure is too much. Many marriages even break up if they are unable to bear a child.

‘Ye Hai Mohabbatein’ is about being a mother without becoming one.

You feel strongly about the issue?

I'm trying in my own subtle way to fight the social prejudice women face if they can't become mothers. Why can't we accept that women who adopt can be great mothers? This step mother syndrome has been so strong in our minds that we automatically assume that if she's not the biological mother, she will be a bad mother. Motherhood is an emotion. It doesn't have to be a natural physical development.

Will you consider adopting a child someday?

Why not? I think having a baby or adopting one are two sides of the same coin. I'll adopt a baby even if I have my own.

Are Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif engaged?

T

o go by the strong rumours and cousin Kareena Kapoor’s alleged declaration of Katrina Kaif as her sister-in-law on ‘Koffee With Karan’, gossip mills have been working overtime to hint at a possible exchange of rings between Ranbir Kapoor and girl-

friend Katrina.

Ranbir and Katrina's relationship had caught the public eye soon after they worked together in the film ‘Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahaani’. What added fuel to fire were the couple's leaked pictures while on a holiday in Spain. Having been spotted together at var-

ious parties and events, the buzz around their romance has been strong for the longest time now.

But what raised eyebrows recently was when rushes of Kareena and Ranbir's episode of chat show ‘Koffee With Karan’ was aired on television. Kareena, known for not shying away from making controversial remarks has allegedly spilled the beans on the latest update in her cousin Ranbir's relationship with Katrina and reportedly called Kat her sister-in-law on national television.

Was this Kapoor’s big announcement of Ranbir and Katrina's engagement plans? If so, do we hear wedding bells in the coming year?

(TOI)

Kareena and Saif to move to a new home worth 48 crores!

L

ive life king size is Saif Ali Khan's motto and who can blame him as his royal blood is used to palatial houses. To live like royalty even in a city like Mumbai, Saif and his wife Kareena Kapoor, have decided to spend a small fortune of Rs. 48 crores to buy a four floor apartment and call it home.

According to a news article in DNA, Saif and Kareena have bought four floors of a building in Bandra opposite their current apartment, Fortune Heights.

Apparently each floor has a 3BHK apartment that covers an area of 3,000 sq feet each and every apartment is worth Rs. 12 crore making Saifeena’s new home worth Rs. 48 crores.

According to the report, architect and interior designer Nozer Wadia who has designed homes for A-list celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and Arjun Rampal has been roped in for the project.

Kareena has taken it upon herself to oversee every little detail of the house with a long list of specifications from husband Saif. He reportedly

wants a swimming pool on one floor, a library for his books on another, gym and a terrace garden as well.

Saif and Kareena have been living together in their old Fortune Heights home for many years now. The couple plans to give it on rent by 2014 as soon as one of the four apartments of their new home is ready.

(TOI)

ness, a Mid-Day report said that around 10:45 pm, both, the cricketer and the actress left Anushka's place and stepped out of the lift on the second floor parking area of the building. Both were casually dressed and the actress

gave him a quick kiss before he left in the car.

The report further says that both looked very happy in each other's company and Virat kept turning back to look at Anushka as the car left the parking area.

Both Anushka and Virat met when they were shooting for a shampoo commercial and bonded very well since then. After that they became "good friends" and meet often whenever the cricketer is in Mumbai.

Well we sure hope that love is in the air for both Virat and Anushka.

(TOI)

Abhishek denies rumours that Anushka Sharma kisses he and Ash are moving out! cricketer Virat Kohli

W

hile rumours have been doing the rounds that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan along with husband Abhishek and daughter Aaradhya is keen to move out of the Bachchan household, Abhishek clears all specu-

lations.

Recently it was reported that Ash was allegedly unhappy with her mother-inlaw Jaya Bachchan, who was keeping a track of her bahu’s movements which did not go down too well with the beauty.

But Abhishek stepped in to clear the air when a fan quizzed him on micro blogging site Twitter.

A fan asked Abhishek about the rumours of Aishwarya being fed up of Jaya Bachchan's constant interference to which Abhishek replied, “it's rubbish.”

(TOI)

I

t seems something is cooking between “just friends” Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma. If reports are to believed Virat stopped by at Anushka's residence to meet her before he left for South Africa.

Quoting an eyewit-

Hollywood

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Pamela Anderson poses Sandra Bullock says life is a nude for Purple Magazine series of painful moments

S

P

amela Anderson was spotted having dinner with photographer Sante D'Orazio while browsing through the latest nude pictures of her at Tao Downtown.

The 46-year-old CanadianAmerican actress is believed to have posed for the latest set of pictures, which are for an upcoming issue of Purple Magazine, after she ran the New York City Marathon, the New York Post reported.

D'Orazio has photographed the ‘Baywatch’ actress in many revealing poses and had also produced an exhi-

bition of photographs of her in 2005 titled, ‘Pam: American Icon.’ (TOI)

Michael J. Fox almost gave up on acting career

M

ichael J. Fox has revealed that he was about to give up on his acting dreams because he was always losing jobs to Matthew Broderick.

The ‘Spin City’ star recalled at the Casting Society of America's annual Artios Awards that in 1982, he was desperately looking for a job as

B

that the bottle simply "never landed on him."

Contrary to what Ryan told Ellen, it wasn't just him and Brit playing the game. "We played with a group," she said, bursting into a giggle fit when Ellen quipped that "Ryan Gosling is good looking, but he's a liar!"

And while the Britney Jean beauty is quite happy with her "love" David Lucado, Ryan has found his way into her thoughts—subconsciously, at least!

During a KIIS FM interview earlier this year, she admitted, "I had a dream about him last night!"

But it wasn't that kind of dream.

"We were just talking, having a conversation," she said laughingly. "I wish it was like that!"

And despite never getting to kiss Britney, Ryan has fond memories of his fellow Mouseketeer. "Britney was a sweetheart," he told The Sunday Times magazine. "She lived right above me, the girl next door. The little girl I used to play basketball and spin the bottle with." (TOI)

Russell Crowe supports Bieber over graffiti dispute

R

ussell Crowe has defended Justin Bieber in his graffiti dispute.

The 49-year-old New Zealand actor wrote onTwitter, “I like Bieber's tagging. Tag on little brother. Tag the world”, Contactmusic reported.

The 19-year-old Canadian pop musician was embroiled in a graffiti dispute in Australia and the area's mayor, Tom Tate, was furious with the singer and publicly ordered him to clean up his mess.

Bieber, who is currently on tour ‘Down Under’, had previously found himself in trouble with the law over his 'tagging' during his South American tour after he was accused of spraying an abandoned

the 49-year-old actress 'Entertainer of the Year' for 2013. (TOI)

‘Paul Walker was a family man and good dad’ - Dwayne Johnson

he owed money, the New York Post reported.

The 52-year-old actor added that he was ready to go back to Canada and work in his brother's construction site.

But his luck changed when he went in to read for ‘Family Ties’, who initially also wanted Broderick, he added.

(TOI)

Britney Spears played spin the bottle with Ryan Gosling

ritney Spears missed out a perfect opportunity to kiss Ryan Gosling—back in their Mickey Mouse Club days.

On the Dec. 3 episode of ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’, Britney opened up about playing spin the bottle with her fellow Mouseketeers in the early '90s and why she only actually kissed Justin Timberlake!

"I didn't kiss [Ryan] though," she said. "The only person I kissed was Justin!"

And just why did young Gosling never got a smooch? Britney explained

andra Bullock, who had a painful split from former hubby Jesse James in 2010, has said that life is a series of disastrous moments.

‘The Blind Side’ star told Entertainment Weekly that when people say that life is good, she always disagrees, Us Magazine reported.

Bullock said that life was full of painful moments, unexpected moments, and things that will break one's heart and that in between those moments, there are times when one savors.

The publication had recently named

building in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

(TOI)

D

wayne Johnson has revealed that Paul Walker was a family man and his top priority was being a good dad to his 15-year-old

daughter Meadow.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the deceased actor's ‘Fast and Furious’ co-star said that he was motivated by

work that allowed him to take care of his family and give him the power and the leverage to help people in need and in crisis, Us Magazine reported.

Johnson added that the most important thing they had in common was the importance of family time and being a great father to their daughters.

The former professional wrestler went on to note that the two talked about their kids constantly which was their "number one topic" and bonded over it. (TOI)

Ex-‘Glee’ star Charice attempted suicide over financial troubles

F

ormer ‘Glee’ star Charice tried to commit suicide by slashing her wrists due to financial problems, her grandmother has revealed.

The YouTube sensation's grandmother, Teresita Relucio, made the revelation during an interview on the Filipino show ‘Showbiz Police’, Radar Online reported.

Relucio asserted that the bank account of the 21-year-old singer, who was branded the "most talented girl in the world" by Oprah Winfrey, had been cleared out. (TOI)

‘Fame has ruined my private life’ - Jennifer Lawrence

J

ennifer Lawrence says fame has ruined her personal life.

The ‘Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ star claims her high-profile acting career has robbed her of her freedom and she regrets not being able to hang out in coffee shops any more without fans hounding her.

She told Spanish website Mujerhoy. com: “My personal life is now ruined.

I've had to create a new one and get used to this new life. It's hard and it takes time, but I'm sure I will get it.

'I'm just mourning my old life. I miss that. I don't want to forget what it's like going to a coffee shop and people looking at me like a normal person. A part of me can't get used to it and it makes me sad.”

The 23-year-old actress---who landed an Oscar earlier this year for her performance in ‘Silver Linings Playbook’--is best known for her portrayal as selfless heroine Katniss Everdeen in

‘The Hunger Games’ franchise, and she admits to feeling just as uncomfortable as her alter-ego when she was first thrust into the spotlight. (TOI)

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Busta Champion of Champions Cup launched … GBC renews sponsorship with EBSC

W

ith the aim of highlighting the rich talent in the ancient county of Berbice and the promotion of sports as an avenue for youths, the Guyana Beverage Company (GBC) launched the Busta Champions of Champions cricket competition on Tuesday at the company’s head office at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

The tournament will be organised by the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY& SC) under the Busta brand. The event is in

its 10th year and is regarded by some as one of the more popular cricket events in Guyana.

At the launch, RHTY& SC CEO/ Secretary Hilbert Foster commended the beverage company for continuing its dedication to sport.

He added that the event this year marks a special relationship between the club and the GBC. “Cricket sponsorship in Guyana is not too popular; we all know the main reasons and for the Busta Company to be on board for ten years is quite remarkable. It

clearly reflects the confidence that Busta has in the organising skills of the club and it also shows the remarkable bond between two outstanding or ganisations,” Foster said.

Representing the GBC, Managing Director Robert Selman, said that the company was pleased to sponsor an event controlled by a committee that displays good organisational standards.

Selman informed the media that his company has confidence in the administration of the RHTY& SC, hence the

Beverage boss, Robert Selman presents a cheque to the President of the Enterprise Busta Sports Club, Karran Ramdhoon in the presence of other club members and staff

Managing Director of Guyana Beverage Company Robert Selman hands over the Busta Champions of Champions winner’s trophy to RHTY&SC, CEO/Secretary Hilbert Foster in the presence of other club officials and staff members of the beverage company (Photos: Rajiv Bisnauth)

continued partnership.

“This club is a model that people should look at and see how they organise their programmes and conduct themselves and if they take one page from this club they can improve the way they operate.”

The Managing Director said the sponsorship is part of giving back to the people of Guyana.

The tournament, as is customary, will consist of eight teams: West Berbice, Blairmont Community Center, Universal Solutions Bermine, Albion Community Center, Young Warriors

Universal DVD, Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets, Port Mourant Karibee Rice and Upper Corentyne.

Matches will be played on a knockout basis and each team will be receiving coloured Tshirts.

The winner will receive Gy$ 100,000 while Gy$ 50,000 will be given to the runner up.

Cash prizes will also be presented to the Man-of-the-Finals, Best Batsman, Best Bowler, and Best All rounder of the tournament.

Although the fixture for the matches has already been finalised, no official commence-

ment date has been set since the Organising Committee is awaiting a break in the inclement weather in Berbice.

Meanwhile, the company also renewed its sponsorship with the Enterprise Busta Sports Club, presenting Gy$ 700,000 to the entity.

President of Enterprise Busta Sports Club, Karran Ramdhoon collected the cheque on behalf of the club in the presence of some other members.

Ramdhoon expressed gratitude to Selman and promised to maintain, and encourage support of the Busta line of products.

Windies U-19s arrive in Bangladesh

D

A 15-member West Indies U-19 cricket team arrived in Dhaka yesterday

haka, Bangladesh - A 15-member West Indies U-19 cricket team arrived in Dhaka on Monday. They will face the Bangladesh U-19 in seven Youth ODIs during their 20day tour.

The last time the two sides met was in October in the Caribbean Islands in a seven- game youth ODI series and which Bangladesh won 4-3.

Bangladesh U-19 skipper Mehidy Hassan Miraz informed the media that the team is ready to carry on from where they left off four months ago.

“We had a very good tour, winning the series.

I believe the good memories will give our confidence a boost and we’re looking forward to the home series that starts in few days,” Miraz told the media on Monday.

The six-day training camp that the 15-member Bangladesh squad have undergone will help the home side, thought Miraz.

The seven- match series will begin with the first ODI at Chittagong’s Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on December 6. The

second game will take place at the same venue on December 8. The third ODI will be held either in Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium in Cox’s Bazar or ZACS on December 11.

The fourth and the fifth ODI will be played on December 14 and 17 at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium and the sixth and the seventh games of the series will be played at Shere-Bangla National Stadium on December 19 and 20. (First published in the Dhaka Tribune)

SPorts

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More Guyanese cricketers recognised for performance in Canada

By Ravendra Madholall

G

uyanese cricketers continue to be awarded for their outstanding performances in Canada.

Just last Saturday, at the Our Own Sports Club presentation ceremony, several notable Guyanese players received trophies, plaques and monetary prizes for their showings in matches during this year.

The event took place at Lucky’s Restaurant in the vicinity of Highway 400 and Finch Avenue, Toronto, where former Guyana under-19 vice-captain Troy Gobin was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy after accumulating 432 runs with an impressive average of 72.00. He also hit the highest individual score, 147 not out against Pegasus in a preliminary round match.

Gobin attributed his success to hard work and commitment and was very thankful to his colleagues, who he said, gave him superb support, during his stay at the crease, on a number of occasions.

Meanwhile, ex-Guyana first-class batsman Shivnauth Seeram, who is also captain of the team, played a pivotal role in his team’s outstanding success, grabbing 17 wickets while another veteran player Mohan Singh captured 17 wickets during the season.

Seeram, who is the brother of West Indies “B” team and Guyana batsman Rabindranauth Seeram, had fascinating figures of 4-11 and 4-17 in two different games. Ben Loknath, who took a hat-trick, was also brilliant with the

ball as he grabbed a 4-9 houl.

Former Demerara Inter-county softball skipper Mahendranauth Parasnauth, just back from Guyana where he represented New York in the Open Male category of the Guyana Softball Cup 111, received the prize for the most economical bowler for his team and the tournament.

His elder brother, Rabindra Parasnauth, also chipped in with an award for his 4-18, in a game.

Essequibo’s Jaimini Singh, who toured with the Guyana squad in 1989, was another special awardee for his 106 not out against Little’s Sports Club. Since his migration to Canada, almost a decade ago, the left-hander has been very consistent with the bat, having registered a plethora of plucky half-centuries.

Special incentive prizes were presented to Teddy Hussain, ‘Ultimate Player’ Loknath, ‘Mr Versatile’ Seeram, ‘Mr Tidy Clean’ Terry Ramraj, ‘Mr Early Bird’ Bhagwandas Budhoo, ‘Mr Behind The Success’ Ed Pestano, Chate Persaud and Jagnarine “Rambo” Ramdin.

Two of the club’s main sponsors, Extrudex and Iagjit & Jatinder Singh–Century 21 were honoured with plaques and gratitude was expressed to them for their continued support over the years.

The Masters 20-over tournament was once again run under the auspices of the Ontario Softball Masters Softball League. Our Own Sports Club defeated Guyana Sports in the championship played at the Scarborough ground.

Guyana has the capacity to produce world-class cricketers... from back page

He said that the local cricket administrators must work together in the best interest for the development of the game to ensure the careers of several talented young Guyanese be better.

“Any structure that would allow the talents of Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Joe Solomon, Roy Fredericks, Clive Lloyd, Lance Gibbs, Alvin Kallicharan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, just to name a few, to not prosper must have much inherent good; there is no need to destroy this to create a new mechanism”.

Better administration

Meanwhile, Director of Sport Neil Kumar said that there is urgent need for better administration of the game locally.

Kumar indicated that since Guyana has an extremely rich history in the game, there should be a general effort to resolve the outstanding issues that continue to affect the game.

Acting President of the GCB Faizul Bacchus provided an overview of Guyana’s cricket in 2013 and told the gathering, that the board has a comprehensive programme for the New Year in an

effort to improve the ailing standard of Guyana’s cricket.

GCB Secretary and WICB Director, Anand Sanasie, provided the closing remarks.

Awardees

West Indies A team middle-order batsman Leon Johnson was named Cricketer-ofthe- Year. On the distaff side June Ogle won the Female Cricketerof-the-Year award while the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club was voted Club-of-the-Year.

V e e r a s a m m y Permaul won the Senior Regional Cricket-of-theYear, while Christopher Barnwell collected the trophies for Outstanding Performance in Regional T20 and Senior Domestic Cricket.

T a g e n a r i n e Chanderpaul was named Junior Cricketer-ofthe-Year and received the Roy Fredericks trophy. He was also named Most Valuable Player in the Regional Under-19 tournament. The young Chanderpaul, who is currently in Bangladesh with the West Indies youth team also, received two other trophies – in recognition to the selection to the West Indies Under-19

team and to record the Highest Individual score in the Regional Under-19 tournament.

Ronsford Beaton copped the Most Improved Player trophy, while Ronaldo Mohamed received a trophy for outstanding performance in the Regional Under-15 tournament.

Shimron Hetmyer and Gudakesh Motie received award in recognition to their selection to the West Indies Under-19 team. Motie also received the award for being the highest wicket taker in the Regional Under-19 tournament.

Narsingh Deonarine, Permaul, Assad Fudadin and Johnson were recipients of a trophy in recognition to the selection to the West Indies A team.

Special awards were handed out to Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Anand Sanasi, Chetram Singh, Terry Holder, Calvin Roberts, Hardat Thomas and Ryan Banwarie.

Also NEW GPC INC, Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company and Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) were recognized for their outstanding contribution to the development of cricket through sponsorship.

“I'm the best in the Caribbean” - Jamaican Cadine Graham excited at winning MVP Award at Digicel Chelsea Clinic

“W

hen I got the award, I was like, yes! this is another major achievement for me."

Those are the words of Excelsior's High School Manning Cup player, Jamaican Cadine Graham, who was celebrating his success after winning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the Digicel Chelsea Football Clinic oneweek training camp, which ended in Barbados last week Monday.

The camp was held under the guidance of Chelsea's senior international development officer and Digicel Academy head coach, David Monk.

Sixteen-year-old Graham was among three Jamaicans selected to participate in the camp, which included 39 youngsters from across the Caribbean.

Ryan Brown of Glenmuir High and Carru Barrett from Maggotty High were the Jamaicans at the camp in Barbados.

Crafty central midfielder Graham, who led Excelsior to the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Colts Under-16 title last year, believes hard work and dedication were key factors that contributed to him winning the award.

Graham won the ISSA/Under-14 cricket and basketball competitions with Excelsior in 2012. He also led Holy Family Primary to the Institute of Sports football title in 2009.

"It means that out of 39 players in the Caribbean, I am the best in the Caribbean at this stage, and this is a great achievement for me," said Graham, a resident of Rae Town, in Kingston.

"I am very happy for this because I have worked very hard for it. I just did the simple things and I just listened to my coach Lebert Halliman's advice and it paid off," said the soft-spoken player.

The talented Graham, who is an admirer of Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernández, added that he has gained a great deal of knowledge from camp and it gave him the opportunity to display his skills in front of a number of coaches from around the region.

"It was a great experience for me and I learnt a lot from it. I was taught a lot

Excelsior High School's Cadine Graham (front) wards off a challenge from a Campion College opponent during the recently concluded ISSA/LIME Manning Cup. (Jamaica Gleaner photo)

of things by the coaches, including how to get my first touch properly, be patient whenever I have possession of the ball and how to attack the space," Graham said.

Hard training

"It was a week of hard training, but I enjoyed it a lot. The coaches even compared me to Nigel Reo-Coker because of how I was playing," he said.

Continuing he said: "They say they were impressed with my performance because of how I was keeping possession of the ball and not forcing the game when I am in possession of the ball."

Graham, who made a number of the substitute appearances for his school in the Manning Cup and Walker Cup knockout competitions, has now set his sights on securing a spot on Jamaica's Under-20 team.

"I would love to play for the national Under-20 team because I think being the MVP of this camp has taken my game to a new level," Graham said. "I know that I have the abilities and the skills that will be required to make the Under-20 team."

Graham currently represents Rae Town in the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association youth leagues and he hopes to become an accountant.

(Jamaica Gleaner)

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Yaya Toure named 2013 BBC Hope turned to despair when GCC/ GFC merger was shelved, African Footballer-of-the-Year says veteran journalist – encourages NEW GPC INC/ CPL OP CO not be deterred from providing alternative facility for youths

F

eelings of hope turned to despair when veteran journalist Alan La Rose learnt that the NEW GPC INC/ CPL OP CO withdrew its plans for the Bourda sports academy at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC)/ Georgetown Football Club (GFC) due to misconceptions in a Kaieteur News article last Saturday.

He indicated that the possible development for a sporting facility to “benefit inner city youths” resulted in the idea being shelved, due to reportage in a section of the press.

In an interview with Guyana Times International Sport, he also indicated that that it was heartening to see that Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop, Executive Chairman of Queens Atlantic Investment Inc (QAII), was pushing for this sort of developmental infrastructure, despite some disparaging comments leveled against him in a section of the press.

“It was a delight to see a Guyanese coming out in the wake of all that is being said and to see that he is still giving back. And in a day or two the hopes were dashed,” La Rose stated.

He however suggested that if the Bourda sports academy does not materialise, Dr Ramroop should not be deterred from offering youths a facility that will aid in their development.

“I am humbly suggesting to Dr Ramroop and his powers that be that he can still make that provision for inner city youths and Guyanese at another location.

“It could provide so much for Georgetown residents. If you go in the morning to the Cuffy Square (1763 Monument site), for example, you will see the number of people there looking for an outlet to exercise, especially since this government has been priding itself on healthy lifestyle living, and that is to provide facilities for citizens.

"So maybe Dr Ramroop, in his wise mind, could look at another location which is ideally located to provide for inner city youths something that is long overdue,” the Masters footballer opined.

La Rose however insisted that despite all of the opposition that Dr Ramroop has received, “none has come forward to offer any (facility for the

Alan La Rose

youths).

He believes that all should embrace the initiative of the NEW GPC/ CPL OP CO, echoing the sentiments of legendary West Indies and Guyana captain Clive Lloyd, who spoke this publication on Sunday.

La Rose also lamented the poor state of football in Guyana, stating that despite a yearly subvention from FIFA, there are no proper facilities for the sport to ensure players excel beyond a certain level.

Further, he stated that other facilities would have been built but football is without “a home”.

Meanwhile, the principals of the NEW GPC INC/ CPL OP CO had proposed a plan that addressed these issues: (1) The world class stadium, with all its amenities, would have returned international cricket and football to Georgetown along with an economic resurgence; (2) The financial structure of the endeavour would have ensured that GCC and GFC share in the profits generated, which would have enabled these clubs to return to their glory years. (3) The principals of Limacol are particular proud of their proposed cricket and football academy. The youths of Georgetown, as with any city in the world, need positive outlets for their energy.

Y

aya Toure has won the 2013 BBC African Footballer of the Year award.

The Ivory Coast and Manchester City midfielder, who had been nominated in each of the past four years, beat PierreEmerick Aubameyang, Victor Moses, John Mikel Obi and Jonathan Pitroipa to this year’s crown.

The 30-year-old told BBC Sport: “I think I’ve been nominated for five years in a row and finally winning the award is amazing.

“It’s a fantastic achievement because I don’t think there has ever been as many quality African players in toplevel international football as there are now: Aubameyang, Pitroipa, Mikel, Moses, Salomon Kalou, Gervinho... we have fantastic players.

“I also think African football is improving and that means a lot to us.

And as an African, I’m very happy.”

The shortlist for the award was drawn up by 44 football experts across Africa, who based their choices on players’ skill, technical ability, teamwork, consistency and fair play.

A record number of fans then voted for their favourite either online or by text message. And those fans have considered Toure to be the standout African player over the past year, in recognition of the Ivorian’s displays of power, pace, creativity and goals.

Toure said: “Thank you to all the fans around the world who continue to support me. It shows how much fans love you and appreciate your job as well.

“It’s something special because it’s not the vote of

Yaya Toure

the manager or the club or the captain of the national team, it’s just the fans.

“When you have a lot of fans behind you, it’s always amazing. And I’m very happy as it is the fans who have given it to me - so I’m very appreciative.”

While 2013 was not the most successful in terms of silverware for Toure - he did not manage to win anything with club or country - he still impressed hugely with his consistently high level of performances.

And after the disappointment of failure to defend the Premier League title with City, Toure came back stronger at the start of the new season and has added a new dimension to his game in the form of free-kicks.

He curled in a sublime effort against Newcastle United on the first day of the season and repeated the feat against Hull in his side’s next home match.

Toure has scored four times direct from a setpiece so far in the league this term in a total of seven goals for his club.

In 2013 to date, Toure has found the net 13 goals for club and country - a

very respectable figure for a midfielder.

Allied to his clinical finishing, Toure’s drive and leadership have helped City to fourth in the league table.

He was also a key figure in Ivory Coast’s successful qualification for next year’s World Cup finals in Brazil.

The Elephants needed to shrug off a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations Campaign earlier in the year - they lost in the quarter-finals to eventual winners Nigeria - and Toure has been inspirational.

Off the field, Toure has led the fight against racism after suffering abuse during a Champions League match against Russia’s CSKA Moscow in October - demonstrating a strength of character to match his sporting ability.

The unsavoury episode might have affected the form of lesser players, but Toure has been exceptional ever since.

And in the fifth consecutive year he has been nominated for the BBC African Footballer of the Year award, Toure has finally been voted the best player on the continent.

(BBC Sport)

Boxers ink contracts for historic ‘Linden Showdown’

A

ll doubts have been removed and it’s now official. Professional boxers appearing on the Guyana Boxing Board of Control’s (GBBC) ProAm boxing card slated for Boxing Day (December 26), on Friday inked their contracts at the office of Abdool and Abdool Insurance Company in Georgetown.

The card will be staged at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground in the Mining Town of Linden for the first time, featuring four professional and a similar number of amateur fights.

Those boxers who

Professional boxers appearing on the Guyana Boxing Board of Control’s (GBBC) ProAm boxing card slated for Boxing Day sign their respective contracts on Friday

have affixed their re-

spective

signatures

to the contract docu-

ments at Friday’s signing ceremony were Derick Richmond, James Walcott, Cassius Matthews, Kishan Simon, Kelsie George, Romeo Norville, Shondell Parks and Shelly Gibson.

Richmond will don gloves against Walcott in the main encounter, a 12-rounder for the vacant Super Middlewight title of Guyana; Matthews will be coming up against Simon in a sixround Junior Welterweight contest; George will battle with Norville in a four round Super Middleweight fight and Parks and Gibson will match gloves in their four-round

Heavyweight showdown.

Apart from the four professional fights, there will also be four amateur bouts on the card, but to date the names of the boxers have not been released. All the amateur fighters will be from Linden.

Meanwhile, speaking at Friday’s signing ceremony, promoter Omo To La Goulding said the card is being held in an effort to create opportunities for young boxers and also the promotion of the sport locally.

Further, he said that once next month’s card is a success, promoters are willing to host a card quarterly.

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Canadian team Revamp, GCC Tigers and Hickers win DMW titles in Guyana

C

Local side GCC Tigers after winning their title on Sunday night

anadian team Revamp Hockey Club completed their domination of the men’s division of the Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival in Guyana on Sunday evening by beating Trinidad’s Queen’s Park 4-0 in the final at the National Gymnasium, Georgetown.

In addition, the vociferous crowd was appreciative of the fact that local national champs, GCC Tigers, defeated Malvern of Trinidad in a more competitive and highly entertaining Digicel ladies’ final. In an all-Guyana Carib veterans’ final, Hickers out classed GCC 7-4, leaving Guyana with two of the three grand prizes that were at stake.

Most Valuable Player in the men’s division, Canadian international Jonathan Roberts, scored two of Revamp’s goals to lead his side to the convincing victory over a young energetic Queen’s Park. Fellow international Micah Texeira opened Revamp’s account through a well-executed penalty corner in the first half.

Roberts score his first of the match five min-

utes into the second half and went up by three when Jewan Bath found the back of the net with a penalty corner strike three minutes later.

Queen’s Park were more competitive than the score suggests, but men’s goal keeper-ofthe-tournament Pradeep Koonar, thwarted several of their attacks to maintain a clean sheet.

Roberts then sealed the deal for Canada with his second goal in the closing minutes.

When Malvern and GCC squared off in the final, striker Kerensa Fernandes set the pace with a neat deflection off a penalty corner pass to score the first goal for the Tigers three minutes into play.

Ladies’ competition

Leading goal-scorer Krezia Layne, managed to produce a rare penalty corner goal for Malvern against the tournament’s top goalkeeper and ladies MVP, Alysa Xavier in the sixth minute.

GCC’s Trisha Woodroffe however answered one minute later with a similar penalty corner strike for GCC to maintain their one goal lead at the half.

Five minutes into

the second half, captain Sonia Jardine produced a moment of brilliance in eliminating the defence down the right flank before drawing the goalkeeper and sliding her pass to Fernandes, who scored her second of the match.

At 3-1 down and time against them, Malvern opted to withdraw their goalkeeper from the court in preference of an extra field player.

The tactic changed the complexion of the game as the Tigers defence struggled with the additional pressure.

The risk however, left Malvern vulnerable in defence.

Aliyah Gordon, pounced on a loose ball after a goalmouth scramble to score her first goal of the match four minutes from full time.

Layne managed to pull one goal back for Malvern in the dying minutes but it was too late as the Tigers would hold out for the 4-2 victory and fourth title of the Festival.

The Carib veterans’ final saw the younger Hickers outrunning an aging GCC with the game all but decided at 4-1 by half time. The ad-

dition of Jerazeno Bell to the defending champions, Hickers, side put the game beyond GCC’s reach as Bell himself would score two of his team’s first half goals while Amanda Garnett and James Mentore notched the other two.

GCC’s Alan Fernandes was on target with the first goal of the game in just the fourth minute but it was all Hickers for the rest of the half.

The second half belonged to former national captain and Hickers midfielder Devin whose athletic ability made him a menace for the GCC de-

fence.

Munroe would be first to score in the second half of play before GCC would finally come alive through a Damon Woodroffe penalty corner and a Philip Fernandes field goal. Munroe then scored twice more to complete his hatrick before GCC’s Alan Fernandes scored his second of the match in the very final minute. The 7-4 victory saw the Hickers retain the veteran’s trophy.

Canada’s Jonathan Roberts and Pardeep Koonar, both of Revamp HC, were voted MVP and best goalkeeper of the

men’s competition while Queen’s Park’s Nicholas Wren was highest goalscorer.

GCC’s Alysa Xavier was the recipient of both the MVP and best goalkeeper awards for the women while Malvern’s Krezia Layne was highest goal- scorer.

In the veteran’s competition, Jerazeno Bell, making his veteran debut was voted MVP with Azad DeAbreu also of the Hickers being selected as Best goalkeeper.

GCC’s Philip Fernandes was the highest goal-scorer.

Veterans champions Hickers with their title

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NEW GPC INC onboard with K& S football A s part of efforts to fulfill its corporate mandate, NEW GPC INC. on Tuesday aligned itself with the Kashif and Shanghai Secondary School football tournament, which is set for a grand kickoff shortly.

NEW GPC INC., located at Farm, East Bank Demerara, has been onboard with Kashif and Shanghai for a number of years, and now that the organisation has switched from senior to schools football, the entity has strengthened its alliance by sponsoring the third place prize to the tune of Gy$ 500,000.

Speaking at a simple presentation ceremony at the K& S office on Irving Street, Marketing Manager of NEW GPC INC., Trevor Bassoo, highlighted the company’s pleasure at being able to support not just the development of football, but youth development.

“We believe that this is the right level to invest, because you’re not just investing in sports but you’re investing in the youths and the development of youths in Guyana,” Bassoo related.

He added, “Team

750,000, Gy$ 500,000 and Gy$ 250,000, 25 percent of which will used for a project at those schools.

The Most Valuable Player will be the recipient of a laptop, as well as a one-month stint with a top club in Trinidad and Tobago.

Admission to the games will be Gy$ 500 and the participating schools are Wismar/ Christianburg, Wisburg, New Silver City and

Lodge, East Ruimveldt, North Georgetown, Queen’s College, Dolphin Secondary, Charlestown Secondary, Christ Church and Queenstown of Georgetown; Waramadong Secondary of Region Seven; Leonora, Stewartville, Uitvlugt and Patentia of West Demerara; Bladen Hall, President’s College, Ann’s Grove and Annandale of East Coast Demerara; Ash Education Trust of

Manager of NEW GPC INC., Trevor Bassoo (second right), presents his company’s sponsorship to Kashif Muhammad in the presence of Aubrey “Shanghai” Major (left) of the K&S Organisation and Marketing Associate of NEW GPC INC Livasti Bhooplall

GPC is a strong advocate of sports and the development of youths and we believe that the Kashif and Shanghai initiative here will help to develop youngsters and more importantly keep them out of trouble.”

Bassoo, who was accompanied by Marketing Associate of NEW GPC INC. Livasti Bhooplall, also committed his company’s continued sponsorship of the event.

Director of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, Kashif Muhammad, in accepting NEW GPC’s sponsorship, lauded the entity

for its annual investment in football, and sports in general.

Muhammad noted that NEW GPC INC. has been a long-standing corporate partner, and the organisation is enthused to once again have the company on board.

He also informed that all the logistical arrangements have been falling into place, and the feedback is that all the schools are in intense preparation mode.

The champion school will pocket Gy$ 1.2 million, 75 percent of which will be used to finance a project identified by the

Kashif Muhammad donates 100 tickets to the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, in keeping with International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2013. The theme is “Breaking Barriers: Opening Doors For An Inclusive Society And Development For All”

school. The second, third and fourth placed finishers will receive Gy$

McKenzie High School of Linden; St George’s,

Berbice; and Friendship of East Bank Demerara.

guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

week ending december 8, 2013

Guyana has the capacity to produce worldclass cricketers, says WICB director

June Ogle collects the Female Cricketer-of-the-Year trophy from Director of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Baldath Mahabir

By Rajiv Bisnauth

D

irector of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Baldath Mahabir believes Guyana has the capacity to produce top class cricketers, especially batsmen. Mahabir made the comment on Tuesday evening during his feature address at the 16th Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Awards ceremony that took place at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) pavilion.

GCB Secretary and WICB Director, Anand Sanasie hands over the Cricketerof-the-Year trophy to Leon Johnson (Photos: Rajiv Bisnauth)

“Guyana has the capacity to produce top class cricketers, especially batsmen. Your country and its people have the talent and passion to excel, these raw uncut cricketing genes exist in every village in Guyana, sit with your stakeholders and plot your short, medium and long term development plans; find the genes, polish them and empower them, fill them with self belief and self esteem and explore Guyana talent to the world,” the WICB director stated.

He said the authorities should acknowledge cricket for what it is, since the sport has the ability to be a huge agent of social, as well as, economic transformation.

“Allow the game to strive and prosper; do your best to provide an enabling environment that will allow this game to flourish,” Mahabir said.

The WICB director spoke about the importance of history and the need for unity among local cricket administrators. continued on page 51

Guinness Street Football-Georgetown leg…

Four doubles highlight latest round A

ction in the Georgetown leg of the sixth annual Guinness Street Football competition continued on Tuesday evening with another eight teams recording victories at the National Cultural Centre tarmac. Highlighting the latest round of play were doubles from Quason Winter of Stevedore Housing Scheme, Nigel DeCamp of Norton Street-West, Jermaine Scott of Bent Street and Shem Porter of Alexander Village.

In the opening game of the night, North Sophia defeated Festival City 3-1 on penalties after they played to a nilall draw, while North East La Penitence outplayed Back Circle 3-0 with Calvin Moore (fifth minute), Carl Tudor (20th) and Alwyn Moore (30th) being the goal scorers.

Stevedore Housing Scheme

Shem Porter

Devon Millington

won 5-4 on penalties against Norton Street-West after a three-all stalemate at the end of regulation time. Winter scored for Stevedore Housing Scheme in the 10th and 11th minutes, while Fitzroy Witherspoon

scored in the ninth.

DeCamp was on target for Norton Street-West in the seventh and 21st minutes, with Dillon Legal adding the other goal in the 24th minute.

The match between Berlin

Massive and North-Last Entrance was also decided on penalties with the former winning 3-2 after a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation time.

Devon Charles gave Berlin Massive an early lead after just 44 seconds, but Shawn Goodluck and Orin Massiah pushed North-Last Entrance into the lead with two unanswered goals in the first and fourth minutes.

However, Sherwin Cadogan ensured Berlin Massive equalised and forced the game to penalties by scoring in the 15th minute.

Broad Street needled Laing Avenue 1-0, while Tucville had a similar result against Riverview.

Jimmy Gravesande and Dennis Edwards netted for Broad Street and Tucville respectively, both in the ninth

minutes.

The Bent Street boys were 4-2 victors over Durban Street with Scott’s double in the first and fifth minutes leading the victory charge. Desmond Cotton (20th) and Michael Stuart (24th) contributed to Bent Street’s success.

Chris Galloway and Jamal Nicholas scored for Durban Street in the ninth and 14th minutes respectively.

In the final game of the evening, Alexander Village and East La Penitence played to a 2- 2 draw, and in the penalty shootout, Alexander Village emerged 3-2 winners.

In the game, Porter scored in the 22nd and 24th minutes for Alexander Village, while Jermaine Weekes and Devon Millington found the small goal in the 10th and 23rd minutes respectively.

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