Guyana Times International

INTERNATIONAL

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You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com ISSUE NO. 218

week ending November 23, 2014

US-based Page 7 company expresses interest in Page 17 Guyana’s oil - General Elections could be called soon and gas sector Courts parent Page 3 Private sector company commissions slams authorities US$6M distribution over flooding centre in Guyana Page 18

A view of Camp and Quamina streets in Georgetown on Thursday

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Courts parent company commissions US$6M distribution centre in Guyana - testimony to confidence in the economy

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nicomer Guyana Inc, home of the Courts and Lucky Dollar brands, has commissioned a new multimillion dollar distribution centre on Wednesday at Eccles Industrial Site, East Bank Demerara.

The 60,000 square feet facility has the capacity to offload 18 trucks or containers simultaneously and can house about 20 containers in the compound.

The distribution centre sits on four acres of land and replaces the warehouse that was located in Montrose, East Coast Demerara.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Unicomer Guyana Inc Managing Director Clyde de Haas said the expansion was necessary to facilitate growth in business as the company had outgrown the previous facility.

He noted that a lot of burden was taken away from management with the establishment of the facility and now they can channel their attention towards providing bet-

ter services to the customers.

“We are able to focus on our primary function as a retailer and that is making sure that customers are getting the five-star service and simultaneously with that we have now is proper logistics function. This is not a warehouse anymore, it’s a distribution centre and we have a proper logistics function whereby the planning of the incoming stocks, the planning of the out bond stocks is all being done in a manner that is simple flow and things are not going against each other,” de Haas explained.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by several officials of the Unicomer Group including the Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President Guillermo Siman, who stated that the US$6 million investment in Guyana is reflective of the company’s confidence in the country’s economy and expressed gratitude to the Government for embracing the drive of the com-

The 60,000 square feet distribution centre at Eccles Industrial Site

pany.

“We look forward to our continued participation in the development of this country by fostering investments, generating employment and facilitating international trading and commerce by being a good corporate citizen in Guyana,” the Vice President stated.

The mega distribution centre currently provides employment for 50 persons and the number is expected to increase in the near future.

These persons underwent training sessions

in order to effectively operate the new stock picking machines and mechanised facilities in the warehouse.

President Donald Ramotar said Guyana has been making significant investments in developing its human capital.

“We have been investing heavily over the recent years. We want to provide for Government and for the investors as a whole, a workforce that is highly educated and second to none in the world,” he stated.

The President added

that grand partnerships such as these between Government and private sector are crucial in order to transform Guyana into a modern and developed society.

He pointed out that his administration is focused on achieving this as he referred to the billions of dollars that is being plugged into the social sector every year.

The President spoke about the strides made in the education sector, noting that Guyana is on the verge of attaining Universal Secondary Education.

G e o r g e t o w n Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President Lance Hinds recognised the contributions of the company to the local private sector and encouraged it to continue fulfilling its corporate responsibilities.

Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali stated that Unicomer Guyana Inc has played a key role in the development of the private sector.

The Unicomer Group has been serving Guyanese for the past 20 years.

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Excessive rainfall resulted in flooding in most parts of the coastal areas in Guyana. A scene in Georgetown on Thursday

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

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EDITORIAL

The spirit of Parliament

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ow that a week has passed since the President prorogued Parliament, the major source of the Opposition’s angst appears to be their claim that the President “didn’t play fair”.

While they had to concede that the power of prorogation is a Constitutional prerogative conferred on the President, they are making all sorts of arguments as to why he ought not to have exercised it. He violated the “spirit of Parliament”. But the arguments all boil down to the issue of fairness – ultimately a moral question.

But as with all such questions, the context in which the issue is played out is crucial in determining what is “fair”. The institution of Parliament evolved over many centuries in England as the Monarchy was forced to concede more and more powers to the representatives of the people. But those powers did not just devolve to “the Legislature”, but to that body AND the Cabinet.

The power to summon, prorogue and dissolve Parliament, however, has been retained in all Westminster-derived governance systems and it was placed in the Cabinet. Even in the UK, where “Parliament is supreme”, the Queen exercises these prerogatives upon advice of the Prime Minister – the Head of the Cabinet. In Canada, the Governor General as the Head of State has never refused the request of the Prime Minister – the Head of Cabinet – to prorogue Parliament.

The reserve powers were retained for a purpose, and a more appropriate question that should have been asked in Guyana today is “under what circumstances” ought the prerogative of dissolution be used by Cabinet, and for what length of time. These larger questions concern the ultimate goal of “Parliamentary Government” to be coterminous to “responsible Government”. This is what the “spirit of Parliament” is all about.

By denying the President, our Head of State, the right of prorogation, the Opposition would abolish the separation of powers, declare Parliamentary sovereignty and assume the powers of the Executive and perchance the Judiciary.

“Absolutism” can be exercised in an institution as much as by an individual. The President exercised his power of prorogation, as he explicitly and repeatedly stated, to offer another opportunity to the Opposition to play a constructive role in responsible Government.

He specifically invited the Opposition to participate in a plan of work to implement programmes and pass necessary legislation to move the development of the country.

The President also placed an outer time limit on the period of prorogation, with dissolution and elections even before then, should the Opposition refuse his offer.

In these circumstances it is impossible to agree with the Opposition that the President has “abused” his reserve power. In Canada, where the question has been debated extensively for over a century, the consensus is that the Head of State should only deny a request for prorogation in “the most exceptional circumstances”.

But the Opposition is also being quite disingenuous in invoking the spirit of Parliament and “fairness” to facilitate their assault on the Executive. From the beginning of this 10th Parliament, the Executive conceded that the new Parliamentary dispensation, the country was now in “unchartered waters” and that the Executive and the Legislature should be circumspect in their actions to deliver “responsible governance”.

But it was the Opposition that figuratively kicked sand in the Government’s face. They unilaterally not only appointed their own Speaker, but broke Parliamentary practice to also seize the Deputy Speakership. Refusing to concede that by the rules of the Constitution, which gave them the powers they were flexing, that same Constitution created the Executive and adumbrated its legitimate powers.

The Opposition took over the majority membership and chairs of all Committees in Parliament. They could then or kill every piece of legislation the Government wanted for the benefit of the country – such as the Telecommunications and AML/CTF Bills. Fairness?

Spirit of Parliament?

The Opposition should be ashamed to invoke these hallowed principles.

Cancer treatment too costly in Guyana – Cancer Institute G

uyana has all the modalities to treat and detect the different types of cancer, but the average Guyanese can hardly afford to utilise them.

This is according to Dr Raveendranath Raghuram, a representative of the Cancer Institute Guyana (CIG) in a recent interview with Guyana Times International.

He noted that Guyana facilitates surgeries, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy at both private and public institutions, but the cost for these are very high.

“We have experienced surgeons at GPHC [Georgetown Public Hospital] and private sector performing surgery, chemotherapy could be given at Cancer Institute or GPHC and at Cancer Institute; we are having the state-of-art radiation therapy linear accelerator (Linac) machine to treat the cancer with high dose xray beams. Hormone therapy is using medicines, patients buy them at drug stores and some hormone therapy medicines; for example Tamoxifen is available at GPHC and given free to breast cancer patients.”

The major expenses of a cancer patient includes costs for diagnosis and treatment in hospital, clinic visits, medicines, tests and procedures, home health services, and services of doctors and other professionals such as counsellors.

This can be burdensome on patients.

The average Guyanese cannot afford to spend that much.

If the average Guyanese pours all their money into cancer treatment, then they may be neglecting other critical as-

Representative of the Cancer Institute Dr Raveendranath Raghuram speaking at an event last Saturday

pects of life such as food, clothing and shelter.

“Cancer treatment is expensive because these high-end machines are huge investments and need high maintenance by highly qualified engineers specialised in this field and each one of them require periodic check up and quality assurance daily, monthly, quarterly and annually,” Dr Raghuram said.

Assistance

On the other hand, there are several organisations and initiatives in Guyana that financially assist persons living with cancer.

For example, there is the Health Ministry and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), which pay a share of the cost for treatment of patients.

There is also the Periwinkle Cancer Club, which recently received a generous donation from Junior Chambers International (JCI), to assist them with their creditable work.

The Periwinkle Cancer Club provides food hampers and other assistance to persons

who are terminally-ill. Club representative Andrea Joseph said the money they received from JCI will most likely go towards assisting two young cancer patients ages 10 and 13.

Dr Raghuram said Guyanese cancer patients get adequate help in this regard. He noted that surgery is done free of cost at the Georgetown Public Hospital and the costs of services such as CAT (Computerised Axial Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are subsidised for patients.

However, Dr Raghuram told GTI that much more has to be done for patients living with cancer.

“Cancer patients in Guyana need support from the Government, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and all other organisations to live their life to the fullest extent.”

He highlighted that cancer patients need expensive treatment, not only at the initial stage, but for the rest of their lives, especially if they are to continue living life to the fullest.

“Also they need the support of family and friends during this difficult hour of their life, rehabilitation and proper support at workplace, psychological support to help them to fight this dreaded disease; more so a national comprehensive cancer policy.”

The Cancer Institute of Guyana offers pap smear for cervical cancer, mammogram, ultrasound and Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) for breast cancer, Clinical Direct Rectal Examination (DRE) and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) testing for prostatic cancer, among others.

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jonestown Massacre: Elderly, children were reportedly killed first

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uesday marked the 37th anniversary of the mass murders and suicides of 918 people at Jonestown and at a nearby airport in Guyana.

Most were followers of People’s Temple founder Jim Jones, or their children — many from the San Francisco and Los Angeles areas — tricked into drinking poison or convinced

by Jones’ lieutenants to take their own dose.

The dead included Republican Leo Ryan of Northern California, shot to death at the airport while leaving Jonestown, the only US Congressman assassinated in the line of duty.

Also killed were former KNBC 4 reporter-anchor Don Harris, then a correspondent for NBC News; NBC cam-

eraman Bob Brown; and San Francisco Examiner photographer Greg Robinson.

Tim Reiterman, a reporter for the San Francisco Examiner and later for the LA Times, and NBC audio technician Steve Sung were wounded.

Current Bay Area Congresswoman Jackie Speier, a Ryan advisor at the time, was also wounded.

James Richardson, a former Sacramento Bee political writer and UCLA Daily Bruin reporter, is now an Episcopal priest in Charlottesville, Virginia.

He argued in a piece for the Washington Post that everyone should immediately stop saying “drank the Kool-Aid”.

And not just because the tainted drink may ac-

Victims of the Jonestown massacre in Guyana in 1978

tually have been grape Flavour Aid. “Some of us knew the victims. I grew up with one of them,” Maria Katsaris.

The first news reports made it sound like those who died in Jonestown did so by mass suicide, drinking cyanide-laced drinks (hence the offensive expression).

“It’s not true. The first murdered at Jonestown

were senior citizens, children and babies; the poison was squirted into their mouths. Others thought they were participating in a drill,” she said.

Jonestown was the demented brainchild of huckster Jim Jones, a self-appointed charismatic pastor who founded the Peoples Temple in San Francisco. The Peoples Temple attract-

ed poor city-dwellers (particularly AfricanAmericans), and young white children from the suburbs, like my childhood friend Maria.

By the 1960s, the Temple had become a political force in San Francisco, turning out busloads of volunteers to walk precincts for favoured politicians. Jones was so powerful that Vice President Walter

Mondale and first lady Roslyn Carter met with him. Governor Jerry Brown and Willie Brown, who would become the Assembly Speaker and a Mayor of San Francisco, appeared at an honorary dinner.

But Jones’s world was about to crash. Reporters began investigating the Peoples Temple over allegations of abuse and intimidation. Increasingly paranoid, Jones fled with hundreds of his followers to Guyana.

Relatives of those at Jonestown contacted Congressman Leo Ryan with reports that their loved ones were being held against their will.

Ryan went to Guyana, taking with him a small party of aides and journalists, but that factfinding mission quickly turned catastrophic.

Missing school teacher case: More delays in DNA results

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t has been almost three months since DNA samples were sent overseas to be tested to verify if the skeletal remains found at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown were those of missing schoolteacher

Nyozi Goodman.

A senior Police official told the Guyana Times International on Tuesday that the results of the test are expected to be collected during this week or early next week.

From all indications, the

results are ready, but the official could not say why there was a delay in their release. It was also unclear why the findings were not emailed or sent via fax.

The senior rank also indicated that DNA sam-

ples from the headless corpse believed to be that of former MFK Trading boss Mohammed Khan are supposed to be taken to the overseas forensic laboratory shortly.

Recently, Crime Chief Leslie James told

GTI that the Goodman’s DNA results were initially supposed to return to Guyana one month after they were sent. He added that once the results are back, the public will be updated.

This is the first time

that the Guyana Police Force has used a laboratory in Trinidad to perform the DNA testing, which is essential in unveiling the identity of the skeletal remains.

The 36-year-old continued on page 10

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyanese in the Diaspora The President has rescued the nation are confused about message by proroguing the Parliament being sent by the Opposition Dear Editor, Guyanese I spoke with in the diaspora are confused about the message being sent by the opposition on recalling parliament. Most Guyanese I spoke with support the call by the opposition that the President should revoke “the proroguing of parliament” and recall the legislative body to act on the important issues – ChikV, ebola, telecom, budget, etc.

They prefer that the parliament not be dissolved now and that the parties address the peoples’ business at hand. But the opposition is sending a confusing message.

The opposition is rallying for the recall of parliament and at the same time it says if the parliament is recalled, it will bring down the government as the first order of business. So what is the point in recalling parlia-

ment – just to have the satisfaction of voting out the government? Which leader would recall parliament to have himself voted out of office when he could simply dissolve parliament – the effect is the same?

The opposition has the majority and can vote out the government at anytime. The President cannot stop that act if the opposition so chooses; he can only delay it as he has done by proroguing parliament or he can dissolve parliament to avoid the no confidence motion.

President Ramotar has indicated he is willing to dissolve parliament and call fresh elections if that is indeed what the opposition wants. A no confidence motion leads to early elections.

The President has urged the opposition to

reconsider their planned move and has called for dialogue on a way forward short of voting out the government. The President has made his intention clear – discuss issues at hand or have an election.

So if the opposition wants elections now, instead of calling on the President to recall parliament to vote against him, then the opposition can simply urge the President to dissolve parliament and face the electorate. Ramotar is likely to return as President and could have a majority. In such a case, the opposition would have gambled and lost badly.

It is also conceivably possible that the PNC could win a plurality with the minority AFC joining in a coalition government.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

PPP/C committed to meaningful dialogue, but prepared for General Elections

Dear Editor, The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) reiterates its full commitment to engaging in meaningful dialogue with the political Opposition, premised on moving our country forward.

History is replete with examples of our Party initiating dialogue in an effort to ensure that the interests of Guyana and Guyanese are enhanced and advanced. Having restored democracy in 1992, the PPP/C has always committed itself to and reached out for dialogue.

With regard to the current political situation, we believe that the Opposition has a responsibility to its constituents and Guyana to so engage.

Further, we believe that dialogue should not be confined to just the reconvening of the 10th Parliament, but must include other issues of national importance in an effort to derive solutions on the way forward. The people of Guyana deserve nothing less at this time of unprecedented prosperity.

The PPP/C is not unmindful of the Opposition’s seemingly inflexible position of having closed the door to dialogue.

We believe that such a position is most unfortunate and smacks of irresponsibility, especially at a time when the political situation requires political maturity and statesmanship on the part of the political parties.

Over the years, and cognisant of the need for politicians to demonstrate an acute sense of responsibility, our Party and the Government have always taken reasonable positions with regard to national issues.

This position remains our primary focus during this period of the prorogation of the 10th Parliament, which was done within the confines of the Constitution.

Having continuously extended the olive branch to the Opposition, we once again urge them to be responsible in their actions and to put the nation and its people first.

Our Party has always ensured that its doors remain open to accommodate dialogue. This position has not changed.

Our Party can only hope that the Opposition will swiftly come to the realisation that dialogue is the most sensible and appropriate mechanism to achieve the reconvening of the 10th Parliament.

As we continue to advocate for meaningful dialogue, our Party wishes to remind that it is prepared for General Elections.

This position is nothing new given the frequency with which it has been articulated.

We believe that by reminding about this, it puts to rest the Opposition’s claim that the prorogation of Parliament was premised on the PPP/C buying time.

Submitted by PPP/C, Freedom House

Dear Editor, It borders on political blasphemy, to say the least, that religious lineage in Guyana, including known persons and entities, arisen from a comatose state, and has entered the annals of Guyanese’s politics at this late stage, bemoans the legal and constitutional action of President Ramotar as the primordial detonation that punctured democracy as they see it.

To the contrary, President Ramotar must be applauded for his foresight in safeguarding and rescuing Guyana’s fledgling democracy, through the instrument of prorogation of Parliament from the cabals of the minority exploits for their own political means It is within the discretion of the Guyanese President to invoke any constitutional provisions as he sees fit. That is not debatable. It is not unconstitutional; it is not undemocratic. To say that the prorogation instrument embedded in the constitution is not meant to be evoked, purported by Speaker Trotman, is political asinine, and an illogical reasoning to surmise.

The action that necessitated the Presidential Decree is keeping with tradition of the President’s political party in safeguarding and championing the cause for democratic, social and economic justice long before any religious entity was vocal against the naked exploitation of the Guyanese people. Proroguing Parliament was just an extension of that steadfast commitment.

The political mandate has been the President’s even with a new dispensation. The facts are indisputable. Since 1992, the President’s political party has repeatedly been anointed by the moral majority of the electorate to hold the reigns of political power and they should be granted that opportunity to govern uninterrupted.

Conveniently, since the dawn of the 2011 General Elections, political deviance has been the cornerstone of the Opposition. Chiefly the People’s National Congress, (PNC) who has become the political midwife for the Alliance For Change (AFC), as a combined opposition, sought to function outside the parameters of Parliament in the sole interest of deposing the ruling party. It is ironic that the Opposition now mourns for Parliament as a stage to raise their black flag of fear.

Failed at their own planned political deviance to cease power, the Opposition now seeks to usher in their brand of backdoor politics, through employing a strategic vote of no confidence. Under the disguise of being guardian of the treasury, and illegal spending, they plot a course of constitutional assault and got juggernaut back into political barracks.

Why prorogue now? The President’s political foresight recognized the urgency of now, placing the nation’s interest over individual and party’s interest, and acted decisively by proroguing Parliament to halt the unwarranted opposition’s orgy of obstacles from further disenfranchising the moral majority party from exercising its political mandate to govern; stemmed the tide against economic development retardation; and in so doing, the president also stopped the planned abortion of democratic values and principles. All within the confines of the authority granted.

Perception is not reality. The Opposition’s sermon of political hypochondria is a cocktail of innuendoes.

Personal liberties have not been abrogated; the moral majority party, coupled with a prorogued Parliament extension, continues to guarantee the rights of the people; personal freedoms have been safeguarded; democratic institutions still enjoy freedoms; the media speak without restraints; the Opposition roams without infringements; thus, prorogation has rescued the nation.

In a democracy, the role of religious entities is indispensible. However, the church in recent times has drifted into silent abstinence. Thus, the church’s sermon, for the most part, can be viewed as disingenuous at this junction. The bigger questions that beg to be asked of the church, where were their concerns for social and economic justice when the whirlwind of anti-democratic forces unleashed their political brimstones and arrested Guyana’s economic development that would bring about greater social and economic benefits for the masses?

Where was the church’s eloquence of pronouncement when the Opposition choked the financial lifelines for economic developmental projects, and deprived the Guyanese people of the opportunity to elevate their standard of living?

Furthermore, it would have been a confession of epic proportion if the church had publicly pronounced its concerns for the political and economic sabotage against the Guyanese people and their moral majority government. These were the daily bread fed to the Guyanese people by a spiteful Opposition.

President Ramotar acted in the sole interest of the nation, given priority to issues of greater importance, and acted within the parameters of the powers and authority granted. Our personal grievance about the constitutional instrument is not the issue. Does the President have the right to evoke such a provision? The answer is a resounding yes! Democracy has been rescued not aborted.

Yours truly, Fiauze Ali

An appeal for media PSAs

Dear Editor, By now the media is aware of the ongoing suicide prevention and related issues campaign launched in September by The Caribbean Voice and its many strategic partners.

Since then we have been heartened by the focus given to these social ills by all the media in Guyana and we hope that combined efforts of the NGO sector and the media will push the government into more extensive and intensive action, while catalyzing the critical change we all de-

sire relating to all forms of abuse and violence, suicide and other mental health issues, rape, incest and other sex-related issues, alcoholism, drugs and other forms of substance abuse, relationships issues and so on.

While we await those outcomes, however, we pledge to continue with our own activism and to foster the activism of our partners.

At the same time we are appealing to the media to step up its own contributions by publishing/broadcasting daily/regular public service announcements/

ads that can impact public consciousness.

To this end, we offer two suggestions for suicide prevention: suicide is not the answer and suicide prevention is everybody’s business!

Of course we are fully aware that media may have alternatives so it does not matter whether you use our suggestions; what matters is that you do publish/broadcast slogans and other messages/ads that can create a positive impact.

Yours truly, Bibi Ahamad

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

US-based company expresses interest in Guyana’s oil and gas sector

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high-level team from HESS Corporation on Wednesday met with Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud to discuss collaboration in the oil and gas sector.

The team included Tim Chisholm (Hess Exploration Vice President), Michael Dalkin (Hess, Environmental Manager), and Mark Johnson

(Senior Commercial Manager Exploration International).

The Minister was accompanied by acting Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission Newell Dennison.

Hess Corporation is a leading global independent energy company engaged in exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. The company has a global portfolio

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud and acting Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission Newell Dennison meeting with the team from HESS Corporation

AWOL rank caught in robbery stable

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he second bandit who was run over by a car in his bid to escape following a robbery at La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Tuesday remained under guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Kevin David of Agricola, East Bank Demerara, a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard who was Absent Without Leave (AWOL) for more than three months is expected to be charged once he has been discharged from the medical facility.

News of David’s death flooded the air on Wednesday afternoon,

but hospital officials confirmed that the man is in a conscious state and out of danger.

His accomplice, Trelon Munroe of Tucber Park, New Amsterdam, Berbice succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday evening.

He reportedly received a number of injuries after the relative of the robbery victim slammed into him and David with a motorcar while chasing after them.

Munroe was reportedly stuck under the motor car while David received injuries and was lying a short distance away.

Both men were picked up and taken to

the Georgetown Public Hospital where Munroe subsequently succumbed and David admitted under guard. When contacted on Wednesday, relatives of the dead man in a telephone interview told Guyana Times International that he had left home a while ago and was not keeping in contact with them. They claimed that they were not aware of the activities he was involved in, noting that he was a reserved person.

They only received the news of this death via the Internet. The relatives of David remained tight-lipped on the issue.

However, the man’s preg-

nant girlfriend said she was under the impression that he was working in Georgetown.

The two men were captured around 12:30h on Tuesday after they attacked and attempted to rob Jasdai Persaud of Cheery Field, LBI, ECD and her husband of Gy$750,000 after trailing them from a city bank.

According to reports, as the couple arrived home, the husband went to attend to an urgent matter, but it was during this time, a black CG motorcycle with David and Munroe pulled up in front of their house.

The pillion driver re-

portedly got off the motorcycle and entered Persaud’s yard where one of them held her at gunpoint, demanding the money from her. The woman complied and it was while returning to the waiting motorcycle, he was confronted by the victim’s husband.

The confrontation led to a scuffle between the two men but the bandit discharged a round clearing the way for them to escape. The man with the bag of money then jumped on the motorcycle and sped away from the scene.

In response, a relative of Persaud who was close by gave chase, result-

in onshore, offshore and exploration and expertise in deep water drilling ventures.

Discussions were centred on anticipated investment and collaboration with ESSO in their deep water offshore concessions.

Minister Persaud welcomed Hess Corporation’s presence and indicated support for any joint venture effort which could materialise.

Injured GDF Coast Guard Kevin David

ing in a collision between the two vehicles. The robbers fell off their motorcycle with received injuries. According to Police, a quantity of the stolen cash along with a .32 revolver and four live rounds with a spent shell were recovered.

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Passengers slam “rum drinking crew” on Essequibo ferry – captain took wrong turn, boat still in bushes

By Indrawattie Natram

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ays after the Essequibo Ferry Sabanto ran aground on Wakenaam, persons utilising the Essequibo Ferry service between Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam)

and Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) have condemned the sale of alcoholic beverages on the vessel. Commuters alleged that many times persons are seen drunk on the ferry and ferry workers are usually in-

toxicated.

“We are comfortable with the service: it is fast, it encourages business trade, but why employ reckless captain and workmen? We usually feel unsafe seeing them drinking,” one passenger said.

Essequibo Ferry Sabanto remains struck in the bushes it ran into

The Sabanto, which plies the Supenaam/ Parika route along with its sister vessel the MV Kanawan ran aground on Wakenaam Island on Monday around 00:35h, causing approximately 120 passengers and vehicle drivers to become stranded. It is believed that the captain took too narrow a turn and crashed into the island.

Passengers were rescued by speedboats, but had to pay an additional cost of Gy$1000. They are of the view that the entire incident could have been avoided: “Big wide river, the captain didn’t see bushes in front of him?” one passenger questioned.

The Transport and Harbours Department

(T&HD) is currently investigating the circumstances which resulted in the incident.

The vessel remains struck in the clump of bushes with vehicles on board as T&HD officials were unable to extricate it from the forest. This newspaper was informed that efforts were made to haul the ferry out, but to no avail.

The owners of the vehicles that are on board are calling on the Public Works Ministry to urgently devise a plan so that they can retrieve their vehicles.

Meanwhile, the other Essequibo ferry, MV Kanawan is in full operation along with the Malali, working as scheduled.

As a consequence of the ferry mishap, more persons have been utilising the speedboat service from Supenaam to Parika and vice versa.

Speedboat owners have reported that their boats are being filled faster.

“We are not happy the incident happened, but our work is faster, boat loading much quicker as persons rushing to use this service; when the big boat is being loaded; we face it hard to get our boat to load,” one speedboat owner said as he summed up the situation.

The T&HD, in a statement released after the incident, said it sincerely regretted the inconvenience caused to commuters.

Colwyn Harding recovering from surgery

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olwyn Harding is slowly recovering after a major surgery which was successfully completed at the St Joseph Mercy hospital on Saturday.

Colwyn Harding

Harding was removed from the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital after the two million dollar surgery resulted in the removal of the colostomy bag from his stomach.

He was rushed to the hospital after complaining of being unwell and experiencing severe stomach pains over the past few days. Some of his intestines also began to protrude from a part of his body.

Speaking with the Guyana Times International on Tuesday, Harding explained that he has been wearing a colostomy bag since the surgery he underwent last year at the Georgetown Public

Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

He said that this bag had allowed him to pass out excrement, as he was unable to do so through normal means since November 2013.

Harding explained that despite the insertion of the bag, he continued to experience a significant amount of pain and discomfort.

He said that when it became too much and unbearable, his mother decided to seek medical assistance at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital.

While at the private medical institution, the doctors there explained the seriousness of his condition and the fact that a risky surgery was the only way to achieve results and relief.

The surgery took about eight hours.

The young man says the worry now is the hospital fee.

He shared with this publication that he had to be prepared for surgery and that would be a charge, as well as the surgery and his stay at the hospital.

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana eases travel restrictions on West African countries

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ith effect from Wednesday, Guyana has reduced travel restrictions to West African states following the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus.

In response to the Ebola epidemic which has ravaged sections of West Africa, the Government had placed a total a restriction on West African States.

But on Tuesday, Cabinet took a decision

to “ease” the restriction.

Head of the Presidential, Dr Roger Luncheon made this disclosure on Wednesday while addressing reporters at the Office of the President.

He pointed out, however, that restrictions remain intact for four countries: Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Mali. It was also explained that the decision was taken in consultation with the World

Health Organisation (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

The decision was taken by Cabinet days after Prime Minister Samuel Hinds represented Guyana at a Caricom Ministerial Forum on Ebola.

According to Dr Luncheon, the meeting addressed Ebola and its significance, principally to the region and the

comprehensive mechanisms put in place to address its vulnerability.

In September, Guyana placed restriction on the issuance of visas to nationals of Ebola-hit West African countries in an effort to stave off the virus that has killed over 4 000 people. Embassies and consulates abroad were instructed not to issue visas to nationals from West African countries.

Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea are the three West African nations to have reported the highest number of Ebola cases. According to online news reports, the death toll from Ebola will rise this week to more than 4500 people from the 9000 infected and the outbreak is still out of control in the West African nations.

In recent months, Guyana has beefed up

public awareness on the deadly Ebola virus. The Government through the Health Ministry has heightened surveillance at the main ports of entry, in particular at the Cheddi Jagan and the Ogle International Airports.

Additionally, some 1600 medical personnel are being trained to combat the disease should an outbreak occur.

Berbice murder Climate resilient strategy being developed trial aborted A

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Murder accused: Krishna, called “John”, 50, and his son, Romel Krishna

murder trial at the Berbice Assizes was ended in dramatic fashion on Tuesday when Justice James Bovell-Drakes upheld an application for the court to abort the trial.

On trial for the July 27, 2011 shooting of Shawn Fraser were Krishna, called “John”, 50, of Alness Village, Corentyne and his son, Romel Krishna, 24.

The court had taken a break when Attorney-atLaw Mursaline Bacchus who was representing Krishna, Attorneys-atLaw Kim Kyte-John and Tonya Clements who were representing Romel Krishna along with Prosecutor Renita Singh were summoned to Justice Bovell-Drakes’ chambers.

After a while, the two accused; the foreman of the jury; another juror, who is attached to a commercial bank; and a close relative of the two accused were also called in.

After 14 minutes,

they emerged and Bacchus made an application for the trial to be aborted. In his application, Bacchus said the information brought to the court’s attention would affect a fair trial. As such, he said he was constrained from continuing with the trial. The prosecution also concurred.

Justice BovellDrakes, in referring to the application made by Attorney-at-Law Bacchus, said that as a result of information that was brought to the attention of the court, the conference was held.

The trial was then aborted.

The two accused have been remanded and await another sitting of the Assizes to have the matter heard again.

This is the second trial for the two accused. In October last year, a trial was also aborted after it was brought to the attention of the court that a family member of the deceased had contacted a member of the jury.

Climate Resilience Strategy and Action Plan (CRSAP) is currently being developed by the Government of Guyana through the Office of Climate Change (OCC), to provide a comprehensive framework for addressing climate change adaptation and resilience in Guyana.

The framework will help Guyana to address direct and indirect impacts associated with extreme events, as well as emerging, indirect, slowonset climate impacts and hazards.

The project is being developed in partnership with Conservation I n t e r n a t i o n a l Foundation Guyana (CIGuyana) with support from the Kingdom of Norway.

Acclimatise, a UKbased consultancy group has been contracted to develop the CRSAP. According to a release from the Office of the President, the inception meeting for the project was held during the first week of November 2014, and in the following weeks ahead, a “Stocktaking for National Adaptation Planning” session and other stakeholder sessions will be held.

The CRSAP is especially timely given that Guyana has already begun to feel the devastating impacts of climate change such as hotter days and more intense rainfall.

In recent years, the country has experienced extreme weather

A scene of flooding in Guyana

events that have resulted in high levels of flooding along the coast and in some inland areas. It was close to a decade ago that Guyana experienced the highest rainfall record since 1888, which resulted in the severe flooding in the country’s history.

In his address at the UN Climate Summit in September 2014, President Donald Ramotar alluded that “as a low-lying coastal state, we are particularly vulnerable to devastating climate change impacts.

Adaptation activities and building resilience to improve our ability to cope are indispensable elements of our climate strategy”.

Making the economy resilient to climate change and reducing Guyana’s vulnerability and exposure to climate change is one of the key goals of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). Climate change adaptation and resil-

ience building were identified as priority under the LCDs projects and a series of measures were identified.

The release said CRSAP supports this vision and will, inter-alia, help to identify current climate risks and determine options for building resilience and adapting to climate change. In addition, the CRSAP will help to prioritise adaptation and resilience projects.

The CRSAP is a key project that is being funded under the Guyana–Norway agreement. The agreement continues to make significant progress and in October 2014, Guyana earned US$35 million as its fourth performance based payment under the partnership.

This brings Guyana’s total earning to US$150 million since the Partnership started in 2009. These earnings are being channelled in priority investments, like

the CRSAP, which aim to help Guyana achieve its long-term developmental goals.

“Climate change is a key defining issue of our time that will get worse if countries do not take action now. At this stage, many of the most vulnerable countries of the world are moving towards the development of National Adaptation Plans and Projects to help them cope with the impacts of climate change – the CRSAP is especially timely in this regard,” the Office of the President said.

At the upcoming, United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in Peru in December, countries including the most vulnerable to climate change like Guyana will continue to call for greater global action to address climate change and for increased support for the very important issue of climate change adaptation.

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Trinidadian team to finalise agriculture land deal with Guyana soon

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rinidad and Tobago Agriculture Minister is expected to lead a delegation to Guyana before the end of this month, with the hope of finalising the agriculture land deal between the two Caribbean nations.

According to Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, his ministry is currently working out the dates for the delegation to travel and meet.

During that meeting, it is expected that the two ministers will conclude where the visiting team’s interests are, and will allow for both countries to decide on the locations for the land.

“The land will most

likely not be at one location, given the fact that the location of land will depend on the crops they are interested in.”

Minister Ramsammy said he was happy to see that very critical steps were being concluded now under this deal.

“It is important for people to realise that while these two governments made that agreement under the Jagdeo Initiative, we are strong in ensuring that the two governments play a facilitating and accommodating role for the private sector.”

The Minister pointed out that the economy of Guyana at this time is driven by the private sector.

“All of our governments have persisted with the notion of the private sector driving the economy.

Agriculture has always been almost in control of the private sector…and therefore this agreement is focused on utilising the private sector to take advantage of the initiative for us to advance Guyana and CARICOM’s agriculture.”

The Minister pointed out that this project will pattern the Santa Fe rice project in Region 9, which can be considered the first and largest agriculture project under the Jagdeo Initiative.

In the interim the Minister said, he has been advised that the

Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

Trinidadian partners have already sought to mobilise investors to utilse the ten thousand acres of land that Guyana had agreed and continue to have interest for Trinidad to develop.

“The two ministers have been meeting over a period of time that resulted in the MOU in early 2013. This MOU has been featured in the budget debates in Trinidad in 2013 and 2014. There are a number of things we have done as part of that agreement.”

Further the Trinidadian government undertook to mobilise its private sector to come to Guyana and make use of the land provided as it was partly intended to produce crops for products which that country at present imports from outside the Caribbean.

“The intention is to use Guyana as an export base to Trinidad and

Tobago so whilst technically it will still be importing, it would be doing so from businesses owned by Trinidadians, and therefore retain the regional movement of integrating the economy.”

Last September, Guyana and Trinidad signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the release of land to investors and farmers of the twin island republic.

The agreement addresses several areas including programmes and activities, core areas of cooperation, monitoring and coordinating mechanism, mutual responsibility, commitments and rights and obligations.

(GINA extract)

Follow-up meeting on Caricom-Japan Summit a success

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he just concluded Caricom-Japan Meeting of Foreign Ministers, in which a joint statement of areas of cooperation was issued, builds on the momentum of the successful First Caricom-Japan Summit of July 28 in Trinidad and Tobago.

The meeting, held on November 15, in

Tokyo, Japan, resolved to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Caricom and Japan.

It agreed to cooperate in various areas under three broad pillars: cooperation towards sustainable development, including overcoming vulnerabilities particular to small island states; deepening and expand-

ing bonds founded on exchanges and friendship; and cooperation in addressing challenges at the international community.

Japan’s Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida indicated his country’s intention to give “utmost consideration” to Caricom’s concerns on the issue of graduation

from concessionary funding based on the narrow measurement of GDP per capita, and to the value of expanding this measurement to include a vulnerability index.

According to him, the importance of assisting the community from perspectives other than those based on per capita income was recognised; and his country would extend its cooperation towards overcoming these vulnerabilities, utilising Japanese technologies and expertise in fields such as disaster risk reduction, countermeasures against environmental degradation, climate change, renewable energy, waste management and fisheries.

With regard to cooperation in addressing challenges confronting the international community, particular attention was paid to United Nations Security Council reform where the two parties agreed to work together to achieve con-

Japan’s Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida

crete outcomes during the 70th anniversary of the UN in 2015.

Mainstreaming disaster risk reduction in development planning and international cooperation as well as to the Post-2015 Development Agenda, climate change, and international peace and security would also be given attention.

Since 1993, Caricom and Japan have enjoyed friendly relations and this year, 2014, has been designated the CaricomJapan Friendship Year to observe two decades of relationship in diverse fields.

Commenting on what could only be described as a frank, meaningful and results-oriented meeting, Chair of the Council for Foreign and Community Affairs Carolyn RodriguesBirkett, Guyana’s Foreign Minister said, “every expectation” that the dialogue would “lead to a further consolidation and enrichment of a long-standing and much valued Caricom-Japan partnership was met”.

The Community Strategic Plan identifies effective foreign policy coordination as an important enabler in building the Community’s resilience by positioning the Community in the global arena; facilitating cooperation and strategic alliances with likeminded countries and groups; promoting and protecting the interest of Caricom and other small states to reduce vulnerability and to leverage resources for regional priorities.

Missing school teacher...

from page 5

Goodman was last seen on July 6, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, sending off with another teacher her school’s basketball team whom she had accompanied to the National Schools Basketball Championships.

On July 24, a female body suspected to be that of the missing teacher, of William Street, Kitty, was found in an advanced stage of decomposition. As a result, local pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh had to be taken to the scene to perform the post-mortem examination, but after more than

Missing school teacher Nyozi Goodman

30 minutes of examining the remains, he declared the cause of death was inconclusive. However, he reportedly found signs that the woman might have been stabbed.

Owing to the state of

the body, relatives could not positively identify the body as Goodman’s, hence DNA samples were taken. One of Goodman’s brothers had told reporters that there was no flesh on the body and the only way the woman could be identified was by a bad tooth in her mouth.

The main suspect in the schoolteacher’s disappearance, Royston Waldron, was shot dead

by Police in a shootout a few days ago. The man was also implicated in the disappearance of Police Constable Patriena Nicholson. He reportedly dated both women.

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11 Guyana’s rice harvest likely to exceed 620,000 tonnes H WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

arvesting of the current rice crop is expected to end in less than two weeks, but the preliminary forecast is that the country will register a record production of more than 620,000 tonnes, a significant increase over last year’s bumper crop.

Rice production in 2013 recorded 535,555 tonnes, following the 2012 production of 422,000 tonnes.

Production, currently stands at 618,000 tonnes of rice with only “small pockets of areas” in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) remaining to be harvested, Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) General Manager Jagnarine Singh explained.

Singh clarified that these are small farmers who “sometimes go too late”.

In October, the industry broke two records: production, which touched the 600,000-tonne mark and the highest quantity of export. The export volume exceeded 70,000 tonnes, bringing the total number of tonnes exported by October month-end to over 400,000 tonnes.

It is anticipated that Guyana will export over 500,000 tonnes of rice for 2014.

In 2013, export amounted to about 395,000 tonnes, approximately, 58 per cent of which was exported to Venezuela with other significant buyers being Europe, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean countries.

This year’s rice production will be way above the target projected.

“Somewhere down we were talking about less than the 500,000 tonnes,

ed growing a little bit; 88,000 acres in the last two years ago,” he said.

On average, there has also been an increase in yield, from 4.5 tonnes in 2013 to 5.3 tonnes per hectare in 2013, Singh said. Individually, farmers are realising about six tonnes of paddy per hectare.

The continued record production is a result of the new varieties and the technological packages

developed by the GRDB and made available to the farmers, Singh noted.

In addition to that, having the new varieties and benefitting from technology transfer packages such as farmers’ field school, and the extension programme, farmers also continue to benefit from the provision of adequate drainage and irrigation.

Government spent

a lot in this regard as part of its risk management to protect farmers against losses, Singh pointed out.

Rice, one of the main staples internationally, has been a highly productive crop in Guyana with 2014, 2013 and 2012 being among the highest yielding years. Rice yield for 2013 surpassed the targeted production of 413,031 tonnes, by 28.17 per cent or 116,353 tonnes.

More than 200,000 acres of land was cultivated in 2013, making it also the first time, cultivation acreage exceeded 200,000.

Yield overall was five tonnes per hectare again, for the first time in Guyana’s history. In 2010, the yield was about four tonnes per hectare.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, yield was between two and three tonnes per hectare.

Prime Minister Hinds delivered words of advice to the newly-appointed Commissioners, and urged them to be ready for all challenges that lie ahead, noting that operating in such a capacity as this is almost unnatural. He pointed out issues they have to deal with such as land dispute, which in Guyana is a particularly challenging area.

The Prime Minister also congratulated the Attorneys in their new posts, noting the impor-

tance of their job.

“It is necessary that people take up the challenges of offices in a society if it is to do well. I want to commend you for accepting this position in our country, congratulations and thanks.”

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh also offered his congratulations to the Attorneys on this bold step.

An elated ChandraHaniff expressed gratitude for being given the opportunity to serve

Guyana. She committed to serving to the best of her ability. “I would like to reiterate my commitment to ensuring that the judiciary remains transparent, fair and highly efficient.”

Pierre reaffirmed that she will do her best to function in her new position as Commissioner of Title. “I will do my best, endeavouring to uphold the office and perform my duties efficiently, confidently, and as the oath said, without fear or favour.”

Rice being loaded onto a vessel for export during this year

and even in a revised target we would have gotten 607,000 tonnes,” Singh said.

He explained that this revised target was done in August based on what the Board was observing.

The GRDB General Manger noted that the continued increase in production reflects an increase in acreage.

“We would have seen the acreage cultivat-

Two Land Court Judges sworn in

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Nicola Pierre receives her document of appointment to her new position as a Commissioner of Title from Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh looks on

ttorneys Priscilla C h a n d r a Haniff and Nicola Pierre were on Wednesday sworn in as Commissioners of Title (Land Court judges) by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds at the Office of the Prime Minister. They will be involved in granting of prescriptive titles.

Attorney Pierre boasts a Certificate of Legal Education at Hugh Wooding Law School, Bachelor of Law

studies at the University of Guyana, and 16 years of work experience which includes legislative drafter, lecturer at the University of Guyana (UG) and Attorney-atlaw in the Chambers of Oliver Valz, SC. Chandra-Haniff also obtained her Certificate of Legal Education from the Hugh Wooding Law School, a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from UG, and has eight years of work experience ranging

Priscilla Chandra-Haniff receives her document of appointment to her new position as a Commissioner of Title from Prime Minister Samuel Hinds

from Attorney to lecturer at UG.

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Rohee to GECOM: Prepare for “any eventuality” - elections could be called early next year

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s the general anticipation of imminent elections continues to permeate Guyana, General Secretary of the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on Monday warned the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) that it should be prepared for “any eventuality”.

Rohee who was at the time speaking to journalists at a PPP/C press conference noted that it is within the ambit of the law and GECOM’s mandate that it be prepared for elections, hence the entity should get its house in order.

“In light of the possibility of early elections being held, the party urges GECOM to get its act together and be prepared for any eventuality” said the PPP/C General Secretary.

Further, Rohee called on GECOM to conduct another cycle of continuous registration and launch a countrywide

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally

voter’s education programme.

The voter education is generally used to describe the dissemination of information, materials and programmes designed to inform voters about the specifics and mechanics of the voting process for any particular election.

It involves providing information on who is eligible to vote; where and how to register; how elec-

tors can check the voter lists to ensure they have been duly included; what type of elections are being held; where, when and how to vote; who the candidates are; and how to file complaints.

In every election, voter and civic education programmes are necessary to ensure that all constituents understand their rights, their political system, the contests they are being asked to

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

decide.

For an election to be successful and democratic, voters must understand their rights and responsibilities, and must be sufficiently knowledgeable and well informed to cast ballots that are legally valid and to participate meaningfully in the voting process.

Voter and civic education are even more critical in post-conflict

countries, where political situations may be volatile and where elections may have an unprecedented impact on countries’ future.

Rohee noted however that at the last elections there were enough spoilt and rejected ballots to raise eyebrows hence, it is important that GECOM embark on this aspect of the elections process as soon as possible.

Rohee said “rejected and spoilt ballots are a reflection that voters need continuous education especially in the rural and hinterland communities”.

Over the last weeks the PPP/C has raised several concerns with respect to GECOM’s operations and has made several suggestions to the entity with the overall aim of ensuring that it is able to deliver free and fair elections when called upon to do so.

But Rohee noted that while these concerns have been repeatedly raised by the party, it has seemingly inspired a slew of harsh responses from the Commission’s Chairman.

“The PPP/C as of recent has been on the receiving end of the GECOM Chairman’s verbal attacks. These issues if resolved will pave the way for free and fair elections in Guyana,” said the General Secretary.

Trio accused of Ganja decriminalisation brings trafficking cannabis 'war on drugs' to Jamaica remanded

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Julius Joyce

Ziggy Webster

wo men and a woman were arraigned on a possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking charge, and remanded to prison by Magistrate Ann McLennan when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday morning.

Julius Joyce, of Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown; and Ziggy Webster and Latoya Osborne of Nonpareil, East Coast Demerara, all pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged that on November 14 at Lot 154 Middle Road, they had in their possession 257 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The court heard that the three defendants were allegedly caught parcelling off the drug in a house when the Police

made a surprise raid.

Attorney-at-Law Paul Fung-A-Fat, who represented Webster and Osborne, told the court, in his bail application, that Osborne was three months pregnant, there was no evidence against his clients, and many persons had access to the home.

Joyce, who represented himself, stated that he was at home sleeping when he got the phone call from a friend telling him to come by and visit him at the said address.

He noted that after he went, about half an hour later, the Police came.

The defendant claimed that he did not know anyone who lives in the house.

The trio will return to court on November 24 before Magistrate Judy Latchman.

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaica’s decriminalisation of ganja has placed the island in the centre of activities related to the 'war on drugs', ahead of the critical United Nations General Assembly (UNGASS) where fire works is expected when the issue is discussed in 2016.

Last week, two of the leading organisations preparing the ground for changes in the rules governing drug control, spent several days in Jamaica and addressed a symposium on "The International War on Drugs: The Road to UNGASS 2016" held at the Mona Visitor's Lodge in Kingston.

Hannah Hetzer, policy manager, the Americas for the New York-based Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) said Jamaica was now one of the countries the world was looking at after two major developments -the decision by the government to decriminalise small amounts of ganja and the Mario Deane case in which the young man was jailed for having a ganja spliff and subsequently beaten to death in a cell at the Barnett Street police station in Montego Bay, St

ROLLES…international drug control is going through puberty HETZER… the world is looking at Jamaica to be a pioneer in drug reform in the Caribbean

James.

"The world is looking at Jamaica to be a pioneer in drug reform in the Caribbean," Hetzer told the Jamaican media, underscoring the country's important role in the Caricom Commission now studying marijuana reform.

"We are seeing an increasing momentum towards drug policy reform in the Americas, especially where marijuana is concerned," said Hetzer who worked on the successful campaign to get ganja legalised in Uruguay, the first country to do so. In this regard she credited developments in the U.S. where up to last week the

states of Alaska, Oregon and the District of Columbia (Washington DC) had joined Colorado and Washington in legalising medical marijuana.

She argued that the Caribbean, led by Jamaica, could get in "the forefront of a trend in a world in which legalisation was becoming the preferred option to prohibition". Jamaica could also emerge as a leader in medical marijuana research, she said, adding that products from ganja were being used to treat various medical conditions including epilepsy; multiple sclerosis; nausea; chemotherapy and post traumatic stress disorder, among others.

Visiting Jamaica for the occcasion also were: Scott Bernstein, Open Society Foundations; Wanda James and Jeff Wells, Cannabis Global Initiative; Lisa Sanchez, Mexico Unido contra Delincuencia and Pien Metaal, Latin America Drug Law Reform. Big guns from the Jamaican ganja lobby and the UWI in attendance included Paul Burke; Delano Seiveright; Dr Henry Lowe; Dr Lloyd Waller; Dr Donna Hope; Dr Suzette Haughton; Nikky Hanson; Dr StacyAnn Wilson; Dr Chris Charles; Clyde Williams; Dr Andre Haughton and Dr Kadamawe Knife.

(Jamaica Observer)

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news

WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Entrepreneurship spirit alive in Guyana – Private Sector head – another supermarket opens in Georgetown

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eorgetown residents have a new supermarket at their disposal, the Real Value shopping centre, which opened on Saturday at Church and Thomas streets.

Speaking at the grand opening, acting Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali urged the owner of the supermarket to sell local produce as it will be a stand out compared to the others.

According to the Minister, the new supermarket shows investors’ confidence in Guyana, regardless of the many challenges confronting them.

The Minister said the Government is investing more in tourism, not only to improve occupancy, but to improve increased consumption.

He also disclosed that very soon an international chicken franchise and bank will be bringing

their services the country.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin congratulated the young business owner Jason Wang and encouraged him to remain focused and continue to operate within the laws.

The Ambassador said he is proud of the relationship shared by the two countries and is pleased to celebrate the launching of a new busi-

Inside the Real Value Supermarket, Church and Thomas streets, Georgetown

Chinese Ambassador Zhang Liming cutting the ribbon at the opening of the Real Value Supermarket on Saturday in the presence of acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ally

ness.

Wang said he has no doubt of the support from the Guyanese community, noting that they have already been showing their loyalty and hope that it continues so that his business will be successful.

Also addressing the opening, Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Ramesh Persaud told the gathering that the opening of the new business signals that entrepreneurship is alive and that investors have confidence in the local economy.

He said while many may feel jealous of this accomplishment, he urged the young entrepreneur to remain focused and to always remember that the market will not wait on him to go after them, but he will have to find ways and means to go after the market.

On the other hand, Persaud highlighted that increased capital and innovative market intelligence are the two most challenging business models and competing factors.

He noted that they

are other big businesses in Guyana and to gain the attention of customers, new strategies need to be implemented and he is sure that with the knowledge of the entrepreneur, the business will definitely grow.

He added that Guyana is open to investors, regardless of where they come from.

He said as long as the business is legitimate and is in compliance with the law; the Public Sector Commission will support it and make sure that it does not become a victim to any political process.

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Opening of Marriott (Guyana) set for February 2015 G uyana’s first-ever Marriott Hotel is now planning a February 2015 opening, according to the property’s Web site.

The Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown, located in the country’s capital, includes views of the Demerara River and the Atlantic Ocean.

Upon completion, it would be the first major branded hotel in the South American country.

The US$51 million project broke ground in November 2011. The world class hotel, the Marriott brand, is another model of PrivatePublic Partnership investment.

Undoubtedly, the US multimillion investment featuring all modern amenities is testimony of investors’ confidence in the economy, and fortifies Guyana’s thrust of becoming a premiere tourist destination.

The project under the management of Atlantic Hotel Inc (AHI), a receiver company, when become operational, will add to the existing pool

The Marriott Hotel which had been planning a December 2014 opening, has pushed back its opening date to February 2015

of top class local hotels and demonstrate that the Private-Public Partnership models of development can work in Guyana.

The principal investors in AHI (Marriott Hotel Guyana project and Entertainment Complex) are the National Industrial and Commercial

Investments Limited (NICIL) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI)registered ACE Square Investments Limited.

ACE Square Investments Limited has acquired 67 per cent of the equity of AHI. Ace Square Management Limited’s beneficial shareholders are the same as ACE

Victoria resident admitted to Bar

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Zanna Frank being sworn in as an Attorney-at-Law

anna Ananza Frank, 32, of Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara was recently admitted to the Bar following a petition by Attorney Lyndon Amsterdam before Justice Nareshwar Harnanan.

“I would like to say thank you to all the teachers and lecturers of the various institutions I attended who helped me along my academic sojourn, especially the Registrar of the University of Guyana, Mr Vincent Alexander for his mentorship. I express gratitude to my family, friends and church members, who loved, guided, prayed and assisted

me throughout my journey. Thanks to my parents Lloyd and Jewel Frank for my upbringing and the foundation they afforded me. Special thanks to Mr Reginald Lowe for all his support, guidance and assistance given through my legal studies.”

Being a former student of the Victoria Primary School, she wrote the Secondary School Entrance Examinations (SSEE) and was awarded a place at Bladen Hall Multilateral Secondary School, but was later transferred to St Rose’s High.

Frank was a teacher at the Cove and John

Secondary School for seven years. In 2005, she attended the Critchlow Labour College to pursue a Certificate in Industrial and Social Studies and then the University of Guyana (UG) where she successfully read for a Diploma in Public Management.

She later pursued a Bachelor’s of Law Degree at UG. Upon completion of her law studies at UG, she enrolled at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago, where she obtained her Legal Education Certificate.

“I am honoured to be a part of such a noble and distinguished profession,” Frank said.

Square Investments Limited.

The beneficial owners of the shares in ACE Square Investments Limited, and the owners of the shares in ACE Square Investments Limited, through a BVIregistered holding company, Big Splendor Limited, are Hong Kong businessmen, Victor

How Chung Chan and Xu Han. The Government is the minority partner with 33 per cent (US$4 million) of the overall equity in the project.

Recruitment for the entertainment complex staff has already begun and overall, both the hotel and the entertainment complex are expected to employ between 400-500 Guyanese.

The project is expected to provide a 197-room Marriott Hotel, the largest conference/banqueting facilities in the country, bar/restaurants of a modern hotel, a promenade connecting the existing sea wall to the pier, and an entertainment complex with a casino, night club, and a separate restaurant from the hotel.

Guyanese eagerly await the completion of the flagship hotel, which will complement Georgetown’s historic architectural splendour.

Visitors will marvel the picturesque views of the Demerara River meeting the Atlantic

Ocean and enjoy a charming welcome to nearby Georgetown’s central district with its various attractions.

In fact, the local brand of the luxury hotel cannot wait to begin operations in Guyana, and has summed up the experience of what it has to offer.

“Witness a breathtaking sunset by the pool bar and grill or re-energise at our state-of-theart fitness centre. Stay connected and entertained with Marriott’s plug-and-play system, 42-inch flat panel TVs and high-speed Internet.

Plan meetings effortlessly, with over 8,600 square feet of flexible meeting space. Whether hosting an intimate event for 10 or a largescale affair for 700, our Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown can easily accommodate your needs. Book one of our 197 guest rooms or suites with views of the ocean or Georgetown’s city lights. Treat yourself to a spot; full of light, full of life and full of energy.”

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

17 No thanks! Opposition refuses President’s invitation for talks news

WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

- General Elections could be called soon

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he combined Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), have rejected President Donald Ramotar’s invitation, issued via a letter on Tuesday, for talks following the prorogation of Parliament.

General Secretary of APNU, Mr. Joseph Harmon, told the media on Wednesday that the main Opposition considered the President’s invitation during a meeting of its Executive Council and their position is that there will be no talks.

“We have said this before and our position remains the same, APNU will not engage the President in talks unless the prorogation of Parliament is lifted.”

The AFC Leader, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, echoed similar sentiments.

In an invited comment, Mr. Ramjattan said that his party has not received a letter from the President.

“I have not received a

letter and I do not think I want to receive a letter. If a letter does come, I will have to pull a ‘Janet Jagan’ (the late former President of Guyana) and throw it over my back,” he said, referring to Mrs. Jagan’s rejection of a court order preventing her coronation as President, which she threw over her shoulder at a ceremonial event at State House after the 1997 elections.

The combined Opposition’s rejection of President Ramotar’s invitation comes after the Head of State has, as recently as last Friday, expressed optimism that the combined Opposition will reconsider their ‘first position’, in which they rejected the possibility of talks.

FINAL POSITION

Meanwhile, Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon, told the media that the rejection of the President’s invitation to APNU and AFC for talks will be considered the combined Opposition’s final position on the matter.

Dr. Luncheon, speak-

ing on Wednesday at his weekly post Cabinet press conference at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, added that no agenda was set for the proposed talks, given the Opposition’s stance, but an invitation was made in earnest and once this is responded to the “when, what, where and how” will be addressed.

“We stand ready to engage the Opposition,” he stressed, adding that “goat ain’t bite” the current Administration and it can “pull the plug” on the 10th Parliament, via dissolution, if efforts to engage the two Opposition parties fail.

President Ramotar has repeatedly stressed that he has no intention of re-proroguing Parliament.

In proroguing Parliament last Monday, he was also emphatic that the move to prorogation was intended to pave the way for greater dialogue among political parties, while keeping the 10th Parliament alive.

President Donald Ramotar

Opposition Leader David Granger

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

The effect of ending the first session of the 10th Parliament via prorogation is the termination of the business of the National Assembly.

As a result the AFC sponsored no-confidence motion was not considered. Also, APNU had, prior to Monday, signalled its intent to support the push through of the motion. Had it not been for the proclamation to prorogue Parliament, if the no-confidence motion was passed, Guyana would have been headed to early general elections within three months.

lighted that in the face of political gridlock, which has characterised the 10th Parliament, the President had three options: dissolve the Parliament and move straight to early general elections; allow the AFC no-confidence motion, a debate that the Government would have won, even if it lost the vote with its minority in the National Assembly; or prorogue Parliament and allow for dialogue in the interest of the nation.

“The President chose prorogation,” he said.

Responding to a question, the HPS acknowledged that there may be a sentiment in some sec-

tions that a resort to prorogation could translate to the scoring of “political points” for the Government, to say that the Government made every effort to engage the combined Opposition.

However, he made it clear that this does not reflect the “fundamental aspirations” of the Guyanese people. “There is an interest in having this problem (political gridlock) solved,” Dr. Luncheon said.

The prorogation is constitutionally provided for in Section 70 (1) in the laws of Guyana and can last up to a maximum of six months.

Dr. Luncheon high-

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Private sector slams Guyana’s private sector, authorities over flooding labour unions offer to - calls for national inquiry on mediate in political crisis governance problems

T

he Private Sector Commission on Thursday slammed the authorities over rainfuelled flooding that has gripped the city and it declared that its confidence has been further diminished in the effectiveness of big ticket items such as the Doppler radar and the Hope canal.

The PSC statement follows: Rainfall has once again resulted in major floods in the City of Georgetown and the Coastal Plains of Guyana and the business entities and poor households will once again suffer hundreds of millions of dollars in losses.

While the quantum of rainfall may have been unusual for the time period it fell and natural causes will obviously be blamed as in the past.

The PSC is concerned that once again it seems that the leaders of the nation have been caught off guard. The alert mechanisms, forecasters and administrators both in

central and local government have disappointed us in their proactivity and reaction to this development.

This situation is unfolding even after the millions being spent on the Doppler weather stations, hundreds of millions spent on drainage and irrigation annually, billions spent on the significantly delayed Hope Canal Project and the billion dollars currently being spent on the cleanup campaign. Our confidence in the effectiveness of these programs has been further diminished.

The PSC is calling on the Government, both central and local to provide urgently, the necessary assistance to ensure: 1. That the areas affected are drained as soon as is practical. (The Private Sector will explore opportunities to assist).

2. Support provided to aid clean up and recovery of households affected.

3. Adequate sys-

tems are put in place to facilitate advisories being sent out to the public with regard to the expectations of the next few days.

4. Assessment of damages for possible financial assistance to aid recovery of those affected and uninsured must be considered.

5. Medical advisories are sent out so that additional disasters are not ignited.

The PSC also calls on members of the public to allow the spirit of goodwill and friendship to prevail at this time so that communities can work together to overcome this problem.

The PSC is of the view that the flooding is as a result of both a natural phenomenon and a governance problem. For the governance problem, a national inquiry must be done this time to ensure that the true causes for the various lapses in the systems can be identified so that our alert and reaction processes can be improved in the future.

I

t’s early days yet, but Guyana’s Private Sector and several labour organisations have expressed a willingness to serve as mediators in the ongoing conflict and parliamentary dispute between the government and opposition that led to Parliament’s suspension on Monday last.

These organisations have also expressed support for dialogue as a means of settling the differences between the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), the Alliance For Change (AFC), and the main opposition parliamentary party A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Ramesh Persaud said discussions concerning the mediation of possible dialogue between the opposition parties and Government were held during a recent stakeholders meeting with President Donald Ramotar.

He said that the

GMSA Chairman Clinton Williams

Commission is willing to serve as mediators since it strongly believes that there is an urgent need to bring an end to the ongoing conflict between the three parliamentary parties.

In fact, Chairman of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Clinton Williams expressed dis-

gust at the current situation.

“We don’t like what is happening”, Williams said with regard to the current state of affairs.

He said his organisation believes that compromising is to only way forward and is willing to mediate any future dialogue between the two rivalries.

M e a n w h i l e , General Secretary of the Federation of Independent Trade Union of Guyana (FITUG) Kenneth Joseph also said his organisation is willing to mediate.

He too believes that there is need for compromise between the political parties to move the country forward.

On November 10, President Ramotar proclaimed a prorogation of Parliament to allow more time and space for dialogue between the Opposition parties and Government.

The Opposition parties in response are adamant that there will be no dialogue.

news

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

New GPC affirms number one spot in the Region T

he United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) recently completed a comprehensive current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) inspection of the NEW GPC INC facility located at Farm, East Bank Demerara.

The inspection was conducted from September 1 to September 4. NEW GPC currently exports Over-the-Counter (OTC) drug products and dietary supplements to the United States market.

The inspection culminated in continued clear-

ance for the company to export its products to the United States.

The US FDA periodically inspects foreign companies that export product to the United States to assure compliance to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 21, Parts 111, 210 and 211. Compliance to these regulations is essential in assuring that only safe and effective products are manufactured and exported to the United States.

The recent inspection of the NEW GPC facility covered many areas, which may have includ-

ed procedures for procurement, inspection, testing and approval of materials, requirements for manufacturing equipment, product specifications, warehousing, storage conditions, stability of products, and management of product traceability after distribution or sale.

Additionally, various systems established to drive continuous improvement were examined, such as training, complaint handling, and changes related to products and systems.

The final inspection report supported and

Testing in the quality control laboratory

Production of Nutrophos in plant

validated NEW GPC’s compliance and commitment to US regulatory standards, assuring safety to all users of its products.

In an effort towards continuous improvement and excellence, the company is focused on expanding the Quality Assurance and Quality Control Departments by investing in state-of-theart testing equipment.

The new instrumentation is being used to test incoming compo-

nents, raw materials and finished drug products conforming to the British Pharmacopeia and the United States Pharmacopeia.

“The company is proud to meet or exceed the requirements of all of its international importers, in the United States, as well as other global markets,” NEW GPC General Manager Ravie Ramcharitar said.

“With global standards becoming increasingly rigid, NEW GPC is

committed to making future capital investments in its manufacturing and inspection facilities to maintain compliance,” he said.

“The NEW GPC Board of Directors thanks the management team and staff for maintaining the high standards necessary to be considered a world class facility. NEW GPC would also like to thank its loyal customers for their continued support,” he added.

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana banks Resumption of Parliament will on hydro not solve Guyana’s problems power to boost – human rights body economy

W

T

he Guyana Government plans the construction of a hydroelectric plant in Amaila Falls as part of a push to harness the country’s up to 7000 MW in hydropower potential, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said Monday to mark the start of the Caribbean Community’s annual Energy Week.

Hinds said in a statement that the Amaila Falls Project is in line with the low-carbon development strategy pioneered in 2010 by then-President Bharrat Jagdeo.

That approach entails “promoting economic development by protecting the country’s tropical forest to aid in addressing global climate change,” the Prime Minister said.

“Guyana’s hydropower potential is estimated to be over 7000 megawatts, and in addition to the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, development of other hydro power sites is being pursued,” Hinds said.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds

He also mentioned the Memorandum of Understanding Guyana signed with Brazil looking to explore “low impact options for the development of the Mazaruni River and the export of energy” to the Brazilian market.

Caricom Energy Week is intended to “increase awareness” about economic and sustainable development in the Caribbean region. (Fox News)

hile the Government and Private Sector continue to apply pressure on the Opposition for dialogue with the Executive so that Parliament can be resumed as early as possible, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) says that this will not solve the political stalemate.

GHRA said that if Guyana’s legislators return to Parliament there will be little difference when compared to the situation that has plagued the National Assembly for the past three years and ultimately resulted in the prorogation of Parliament.

“If the widely sought unconditional return to Parliament is achieved, the depressing likelihood is resumption of the turgid, unproductive process we have witnessed for the past three years, with the No-Confidence Vote and prorogation scenarios

lurking continuously in the wings,” said GHRA. It noted that while this scenario also holds the possibility of a successful Vote of NoConfidence taking place which will catapult Guyana into General and Regional Elections, it would occur under the “same rotten electoral system which has bedevilled political solutions in Guyana for the past 60 years.”

In a release issued to the media on Monday, GHRA contended that “the current political impasse is the result of neither Government nor Opposition having accepted the implications of minority Government, and continuing to view themselves as the sole representatives of the will of the people. The result has been three years of fractious, fruitless infighting. Similar inflexible posturing is evident in the post-prorogue period.”

The organization underscored that this situation has generated

“public annoyance and bewilderment over how to set about rectifying the crisis. In stable democracies what is transpiring here could be absorbed without major cost.

“In our brittle political culture, however, such tactics become threatening and destructive.”

With this in mind, the GHRA put forth two proposals that the political actors in Guyana could consider on moving Guyana out of its current state.

These two proposals rest on two premises, the first being that the current problem is not episodic, it is systemic, rooted ultimately in the failure in 2001 to complete constitutional, particularly electoral, reform.

The second premise is that victory for one side of the political divide alone will not generate a long-term stable solution.

“Much of the work of reform was already

completed and approved by the Constitutional Reform Commission in 2001 for complete implementation by 2006.

“When that deadline passed, complete implementation, including constituency boundaries, was enshrined in a Memorandum Of Understanding ratified formally by the major political parties and the Governments of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union for implementation in the 2011 elections, which became a second failed deadline.”

A second proposal relates to the role civil society might play in the constitutional reform process. This aspect of the proposal is that a civic constituent assembly that would be implemented “to support and accompany the parliamentary reform agenda in terms of expertise, developing proposals, and conducting popular education around the reforms”.

NEWS

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Arson suspected in Robb and King streets blaze - two dead, one hospitalised

By Jomo Paul and Bhisham Mohamed

T

wo young girls are now dead, their father hospitalised and business owners counting their losses after fire engulfed a Robb and King streets, Georgetown building which housed several different businesses.

Dead are Theresa Rosario, 12, and Clarissa Rosario, 15, a St John’s College student while, Cyril Thomas, 68, is a patient at a city hospital nursing first degree burns.

This publication understands that after the man became aware of the fire, he jumped through a window, but not before getting burned.

The fire which is suspected to be arson started approximately 02:00h on Monday morning and quickly engulfed the entire building while threatening nearby businesses.

According to reports, the building is currently the subject of a dispute between Thomas and another individual who has only been identified as “Buddy”.

Guyana Times International understands that the occupants of a motor car which was parked outside of the building hurled several explosives at the building and subsequently drove away.

The fire quickly engulfed the lower flat of the building, making its way to the top flat of the wooden structure.

By the time firefighters arrived at the scene, little could be done to save the top flat of the building.

The charred remains of the two young girls were later removed from the debris.

GTI was made to understand that the girls could have been saved.

According to one man who was hesitant to give

Rosemary Horatio

his name, the firemen seemed to be unaware that the two girls were in the building when they arrived at the scene.

It was only after extensive inquiries they were informed that two persons were trapped in the building.

Meanwhile, the mother of the now dead girls explained that she received a call inform-

ing her of the horrific incident sometime around 05:00h on Monday.

A grief-stricken Rosemary Horatio was seen in tears and bewilderment as firemen combed through the wreckage for clues.

She explained to GTI that when her eldest son called to tell her of the incident, she immediately rushed to the scene.

However, she did not immediately know that her daughters were trapped in the building since she was informed that her reputed husband got out of the home.

The woman further explained that as far as she is aware, there is an ownership dispute between Thomas and some other individuals whom she identified.

She explained that several times in the past, Thomas would have received threats from the very individuals who repeatedly told him they would burn his house to ashes if he did not accede to their call for him to relinquish the property.

“They have problem with people and the building and the person always threatening that they gon burn the building down.”

The woman explained that she was taken to the Brickdam Police Station where she was informed that someone was in cus-

tody assisting the Police with their investigations.

However, efforts made by GTI to confirm this proved futile.

The Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire.

The building was once occupied by former People’s National Congress (PNC) Home Affairs Minister Jeffrey Thomas, who is also reportedly involved in the dispute.

A few years ago a fire of similar nature gutted the building; however, over the years, the building was restored.

The building once housed the A-Z Scrap Metal and Crescent Cycle stores and up to the time it was flattened by the blaze; it had an ice-cream parlour and an electronics store.

The owners of those establishments were unavailable to comment on the disaster.

Govt working to implement non-legislative requirements of AML regime

T

he British High Commission, in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, is currently hosting an Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Asset Recovery Training Programme.

The two-week training programme was opened on Monday at the Bank of Guyana in the presence of British High Commissioner Andrew Ayre; Head of the European Union Delegation, Ambassador Robert Kopecký; Attorney General Anil Nandlall; Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Paul Geer; and Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Sydney James.

In delivering the feature address, the British High Commissioner said the training programme provides Guyana with another opportunity to address money laundering and the recovery of assets. As he underscored the importance of fighting crime, Ayre said asset recovery creates a dent in the criminal economy. “Criminals find their working capital disappearing, their fellow crooks lose confidence in them, and they have to dream up new ways of hiding loot from investigations,” he said.

“Asset recovery de-

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall shaking hands with British High Commissioner Andrew Ayre, in the presence of the EU Delegation Head Robert Kopecký, the UK facilitators and FIU Director Paul Geer

ters criminals. Criminals used to think of prison as an occupational hazard, when caught for the crime, do the time – but secure in the knowledge that when they emerged through the prison gates, they could carry on where they left off and return to their comfortable lifestyles. Our experience indicates asset confiscation is a greater deterrent,” the British High Commissioner explained.

Asset recovery

It was further explained that the recovery of assets links criminals and criminal enterprises.

“Tracing stolen money often leads to people whose involvement in crime was previously unsuspected. Seizing cash at the border has led to the

identification of individuals engaged in crime.”

According to the High Commissioner, the recovery of assets also allows the public to see that criminals do not get to keep the fruits of their illicit activity. Pointing to a review done in the UK, he said one survey suggests that 80 per cent of people think that sending criminals to prison and confiscating their wealth are equally important goals of the criminal justice system.

The UK, through the Caribbean Criminal Asset Recovery Programme (CCARP), has been conducting extensive work across the Caribbean with the intent to build capacity and capability through the

monitoring of financial investigators, prosecutors and magistrates in their roles under the relevant Proceeds of Crime and Money Laundering Legislation.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Nandlall, in delivering brief remarks, outlined the progress being made by Guyana, despite its inability to pass the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill. In light of the challenges facing Guyana, it has been placed under the supervision of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The country was identified as a jurisdiction with strategic AML/CFT deficiencies due to its constant failure to meet in full its international obligation to

FATF/CFATF by passing the legislation.

As a result, Guyana, in collaboration with FATF, has established an action plan, which is divided into two broad categories: legislative and non-legislative requirements.

Minister Nandlall said in the absence of the AML/CFT Amendment Bill, the Government was swiftly working to implement the non-legislative measures.

Continuous training is being facilitated as part of the menu of measures, he pointed out, noting that the ongoing programme is the first in a series of programmes or workshops that would be executed with support from the international community.

Additionally, he reported that a National Task Force, with key institutions such as the Guyana Police Force; Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU); the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA); Bank of Guyana; SOCU; FIU; Finance Ministry; Home Affairs Ministry; and the Director of Public Prosecutor (DPP), has been established to “police” the AML regime in Guyana.

Additionally, preparations are well underway for the implementation of a National AML/ CFT five-year plan.

Preparations are also being made for the provision of periodic reports showing typologies and trends.

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

AFC makes strong case for constitutional change

A

lliance For Change (AFC) Chairman Nigel Hughes said constitutional reform was a priority on his party’s agenda, as he addressed the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) organised rally at the Square of the Revolution, Georgetown on Friday evening.

Speaking to the large, mainly APNU crowd, Hughes warned that the Constitution in its present form was troubling, contending that the lacunae in it must be addressed in a proper manner.

However, even though this has been the major plank of the AFC for over a year, it has resolutely refused to give specifics of what change might create a better Government system.

Hughes was at the time supposedly addressing the move by

President Donald Ramotar to prorogue the National Assembly for six months.

to the Opposition would be heeded, but it went ahead with its anti-developmental stratagem that revolved around the No-Confidence Motion.

New cry

However, in the past year as it went around the country preaching “constitutional change” as a panacea, the AFC never once mentioned the need to change Article 70, which gives the President the prerogative to summon, prorogue and dissolve Parliament.

The President’s prorogation of Parliament came on the day the combined Opposition, the AFC and APNU, had intended to pass a No-Confidence Motion against the Ramotarled People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

Though the move took the wind out of the Opposition parties’ sails, President Ramotar in-

“Real enemy”

AFC Chairman Nigel Hughes addressing the gathering at the Square of the Revolution on Friday

sisted that the proclamation was made so that the Opposition would not stall development.

In an address to the nation on Monday afternoon, Ramotar said: “Consistent with my earlier position and in accordance with powers conferred on me by Article 70 (1) of the Constitution

of the Republic of Guyana, I earlier today issued a Proclamation proroguing the 10th Parliament.”

The President also said that though the decision to prorogue the National Assembly was taken, it was not the original plan. He had hoped that his earlier warnings

However, Hughes said: “Our real enemy is the Constitution in its present form. It legitimises the fangs of dictatorship … we will have no other choice but to reform. This has got to be the end game. It has to be the last straw.

Something has to give … constitutional change is the only way to stop this vicious cycle.” But, he offered no details of what alternative constitutional arrangements the AFC would make.

He explained to the crowd that it was part of the fundamental pillars of AFC’s approach to deal with Guyana’s current “quagmire”, contending that the mass-

es were now recognising the lacunae present in the Constitution.

“The current constitutional arrangement is one of the biggest blights to our unity, good governance and our prosperity… how has Guyana sunk so low? Each day, it is a cycle of new lows, compliments of the Constitution… history, our children and our future screaming deafening decibels for courageous souls to confront and destroy the albatross around our necks.

It is time to get this monkey off our back,” the AFC Chairman declared.

Hughes also called on the international community to intervene and ensure that there is consensus between the political parties in Guyana, so that Guyana returns to the path of development.

Multi-million dollar Davis Memorial Antigua commits to helping Hospital dental clinic opens Jamaica increase shipping revenue tion, health, housing and water… and that is where we are going,” the President explained.

Exceptional service

T

President Donald Ramotar addressing the gathering at the celebrations on Sunday

he Davis Memorial Hospital (DMH) on Sunday commissioned a dental clinic at its Durban Backlands, Georgetown location, with the aim of broadening the service it provides to the public.

The new clinic was commissioned

by President Donald Ramotar. It will be managed by two dentists.

The facility has three rooms, two of which were specifically designed for treatment and the other for hygiene services.

Additionally, the hospital was the recipient of approximately 200 dental kits from two overseas universities.

Delivering the feature address, President Ramotar recalled memories he had of the medical institution, particularly when it was first opened.

On behalf of his Government, he thanked the staff and management of DMH for the excellent service they provide to the Guyanese people and for now introducing a new service

at the facility.

“We will continue to work very closely with you, so we can continue to enhance the quality of health services for all the people in our country,” the President assured.

The Head of State pointed out that while health was seen as important, dental health has not been given the due recognition it deserves.

“In my view, it has possibilities of preventing many of the other sickness that people developed later on and from that point of view, I would love to see us doing more to lift the

consciousness of people on the importance of health,” he stated.

President Ramotar went on to say that his Administration has been in sync with the development of people since the bulk of its annual budget goes to the social sector, so that they can touch the lives of as many people as possible.

He added that the clinic is a wise investment as Government believes that the most important factor for development of any country is the quality of its people.

“There is no better way in enhancing the quality of people than by investing in educa-

Meanwhile, DMH Chief Executive Officer Beverly BraithwaiteChan said that with the addition of the dental clinic, patients of the hospital can look forward to “exceptional service from our highlytrained dental staff”.

Following the ceremony, President Ramotar along with hospital officials and the Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church members were given a tour of the facility.

The commissioning of the dental facility comes as the institution celebrates 60 years of offering health services to Guyanese. As part of the celebration, DMH has planned several activities throughout the month of November.

These include dental outreaches in schools and the special communities to help children become more dental hygiene conscious.

The dental clinic at the Davis Memorial Hospital in Durban Backlands, Georgetown

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne says his country will collaborate with Jamaica to increase the Caribbean region's market share of the lucrative global shipping industry, through ship registration services.

Browne pointed out that although the Maritime Authority of Jamaica's (MAJ) counterpart agency in Antigua was contributing in a significant way to that country's treasury, through ship registration, he would like to see the contribution increase exponentially and as such, collaboration with other Caribbean territories would be explored.

"I am quite sure we can continue to co-ordinate our efforts and I'm sure that there are many opportunities to be exploited for our mutual benefit," he said.

The prime minister was speaking during a visit to the offices of the MAJ on November 13, ahead of delivering the keynote address at the Caribbean Maritime Institute's graduation ceremony at the Jamaica Conference Centre.

Meanwhile, Director General of the MAJ, Rear Admiral Peter Brady, said Jamaica looks to Antigua and

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne

Barbuda for expertise in ship registration, as that country currently holds the number two position in the Caribbean behind the Bahamas.

It was further explained that under the Maritime Authority's developmental mandate, the ship registry is to be used as a means of generating income for the economy.

Jamaica currently has 145 international vessels on the register and 833 domestic vessels.

The top three Caribbean registers are included among the top 35 in the world.

They are the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda and St Vincent and the Grenadines. With that distinction, however, the Caribbean region collectively accounts for just six per cent of the global fleet. (Jamaica Observer)

news WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014

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| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Stakeholders slam Roopnaraine for attack on press freedom

P

resident Donald Ramotar has chastised A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) Co-chair, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine after he called on the coalition’s supporters to boycott state media houses namely, the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Guyana Chronicle.

The call was also extended to the privatelyowned Guyana Times.

According to reports, Dr Roopnaraine urged the hundreds of Guyanese assembled at the Square of the Revolution, for an APNU rally on Friday evening to squeeze those media entities financially through a boycott so they would be destroyed.

He also reportedly called for them to be burnt.

Dr Roopnaraine is quoted as saying, “We understand the manipulation and the nastiness of their threats and

we will act on it… do not buy the Chronicle or the Guyana Times and when you see Channel 11 comes on, change it.”

President Ramotar, in an invited comment, told Guyana Times International that he thinks “it is a pity” that the remarks came from Dr Roopnaraine when he represents a party that claims to champion the cause for press freedom.

The President, who is also the Information Minister, explained that it is very sad that Dr Roopnaraine has taken that stance with respect to the coverage of issues

by Guyana Times.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Anil Nandlall said Dr Roopnaraine’s remarks with respect to the free media is unwarranted and quite “unfortunate”, noting that it can only be considered an attack on the freedom of the press.

“It is quite regrettable that a senior politi-

receive that information.

That is the essence of freedom of expression.”

Raise your voices

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

APNU Co-chair, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

cian like Dr Roopnaraine and the major Opposition in the country continue to make such unfortunate statements regarding press freedom.

Press freedom is a constitutional, guaranteed fundamental right and an integral pillar of our democracy, this call can only be construed as an attack on freedom of the press,” Nandlall told Guyana Times International.

Nandlall, who has

been an avid supporter for press freedom in the past months, noted that the press has a guaranteed right to publish articles that are accurate and go hand-in-hand with established journalistic ethics.

“The attack is not only against a State media, but a private media as well. The State is entitled to disseminate information about public business and the public is reciprocally entitled to

Valerie Lowe a repetition of Gomattie Singh?

V

AFC Executive Member Valerie Garrido-Lowe

alerie GarridoLowe continues to achieve notoriety for the role she played in the collapse of The United Force (TUF) and her decision to abandon the party that nurtured her in politics and join the Alliance For Change (AFC).

Garrido-Lowe wanted to be TUF’s Presidential Candidate and Leader at the last elections but when she lost a battle with then party member Manzoor Nadir, she saw opportunities in the AFC camp.

But apart from becoming one of the AFC’s parliamentarians, Garrido-Lowe has been continuously overlooked for key appointments, assignments, and positions within the country’s smallest parliamentary party.

When Guyana Times International inquired from one of the par-

AFC General Secretary David Patterson

ty’s top Executives as to whether Garrido-Lowe was nominated to serve in any major capacity at the AFC’s Convention set for December 6, he responded in the negative.

In fact, the AFC Executive who asked not to be quoted stated, “Lowe is practically invisible within our party.

No one really pays her any mind”.

This newspaper tried several numbers to get in contact with Lowe to clarify what role she saw herself playing within the ever-changing AFC, but to no avail.

“I think that she is just an MP for show and the party will take actions to ensure that she is removed from its leadership the next time around. We need people that are effective and that will play an integral role in reshaping the political landscape here.

She does not fit the cap,” the source explained.

Garrido-Lowe, a usually vocal politician and activists, appeared to have lost her voice and independence since joining the AFC. She is not given any major roles in Parliament except to ask a few questions here and there while her fellow parliamentarians are actively engaged in the debates in the House.

“I am not aware that she has been nominated for any position that empowers her within the party,” the Executive said.

Many feel that Garrido-Lowe is being sidelined in the same manner as Gomattie Singh was for then AFC Member Chantelle Smith, who eventually resigned.

Singh, who had helped the party pull a number of votes in

Berbice during the 2006 General Elections, had told the media that she was promised a seat in Parliament and several other positions which she never got from the AFC. She contended that she was sidelined by party leader Raphael Trotman so that his “friend” could get the seat in the House.

Garrido-Lowe, who helped the AFC won a significant number of Amerindian votes in the 2011 General Elections, appears to be another woman being sidelined by the party.

The AFC last Thursday announced that its long-awaited Biennial Congress will be held during the first week of December.

The party’s General Secretary David Patterson made the announcement at a recent press conference.

Patterson told the media that the party had reasons to defer the conference, which was originally scheduled for October 20 last, because of the No-Confidence Motion.

Patterson had told GTI that the failure of the President to announce a date for the reconvening of the National Assembly was the reason for the postponement.

According to him, several items on the agenda were linked to the successful passage of the No-Confidence Vote.

The Minister called on those persons who would have freely called for freedom of the press to be respected in the past to sound their voices at this present time since it is only right for them to do so.

“Is it that the Opposition construes freedom of expression to embrace media outfits that report in favour of them as the only media outfit entitled to free expression? Are they saying that only one set of political views must permeate this land,” questioned the Attorney General.

At the Opposition “rally” at the Square of the Revolution to protest President Donald Ramotar’s prorogation of Parliament to salvage the last hope of crafting a programme to move Guyana out of the

politics of conflict, Dr Roopnaraine of the WPA called for citizens to boycott Guyana Times.

From what was said

by Dr Roopnaraine, it is clear that though the democratic tradition demands competing views be expressed through the press so that citizens can make informed decisions, Dr Roopnaraine would now stifle views that differ from his.

This is a most ironic position to be expressed at an event organised

by Dr Roopnaraine’s new political comrades to complain that the President’s prorogation of Parliament stifled the Opposition’s “democratic right” to express their views through their “noconfidence” motion.

The few hundred supporters of PNC/APNU – and possibly some from the AFC – gathered under the shadow of National Hero Cuffy, cheered Dr Roopnaraine’s call to stifle freedom of the press.

New British High Commissioner to Guyana appointed

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Outgoing British High Commissioner to Guyana, Andrew Ayre

new British High Commissioner has been appointed to Guyana from the United Kingdom and will be assuming his post soon.

This was announced by Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon on Wednesday last at the post-Cabinet briefing.

Dr Luncheon said approval was given by Cabinet for the appointment of “His Excellency James Gregory Quinn (who) would now assume the post as High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to the Republic of Guyana”.

High Commissioner Quinn will be replacing current British High Commissioner to Guyana, Andrew Ayre, who has been serving in Guyana since 2011.

High Commissioner Ayre had presented his Letters of Credence to former President

Bharrat Jagdeo in September that year and had outlined his immediate priorities in areas of social sector improvements, security strengthening, and tackling climate change.

High Commissioners from Britain have been serving in Guyana since the country’s Independence in 1966. The UK High Commission is tasked with developing and maintaining relations between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Guyana, along with the Republic of Suriname.

The Commission deals with a wide range of political and commercial issues of interest to the United Kingdom.

Additionally, it provides consular assistance to British nationals in Suriname through the honorary consulate in Paramaribo.

24 News TT government to re-examine social programmes P

WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: President of the TT Contractors Association (TTCA) Mikey Joseph says government should re-examine its social programmes and the impact they have on the labour market. He made the comment during the TTCA’s 46th Annual Awards and Banquet ceremony at the Hilton Trinidad, Port-ofSpain, on Saturday, as he complained that some of these programmes were only contributing to the dwindling labour supply.

He added that it makes no sense for the government to boast about full employment on one hand when contractors continue to have challenges in sourcing labour. Offering a solution, Joseph suggested that technical and vocational skills be taught at the secondary school level. “We are of the view that technical/vocational education and training should be implemented in all secondary schools if we are to have a knowledge-based, skilled and innovative society.”

Overall, Joseph called for an entire package of legislation to be implemented so the construction industry can be operated efficiently. The legislation includes: the Procurement Bill, a na-

Diamond-Grove Housing Scheme a bustling, thriving community in Guyana

Contractors Association President Mikey Joseph, left, presents the Contractor of the Year trophy to John Connon, managing director of NH International, at the Annual Contractor Awards and Gala Banquet hosted by the TTCA at the Hilton Trinidad, St Ann’s, on Saturday.

tional building code, contractor registration and licensing legislation and a lien act.

Referring specifically to the Procurement Bill, he said there was need for it to be reintroduced in the Parliament, passed and assented to. While the bill is not perfect, Joseph said it “is a very unique piece of legislation that was developed in large measure, by the citizens of this country through civil society and the private sector, who have contributed over 70 per cent of its contents. “The bill has already been through both Houses of parliament in the last sitting and was fully accepted in the Senate so

there should be no reason for this legislation to fail at this point,” he said.

The procurement bill includes a section for public money, according to joseph it states: “The Bill will require that all parties to a transaction involving public money for the acquisition of property and services or the disposal of public property to ensure that their conduct, processes and documentation conform to the objectives of: • Economy, efficiency and competition, • Ethics and fair dealing, • Promotion of national industry and • sustainable development. (TT Guardian)

The Diamond/Grove Housing Scheme has been transformed into a bustling community

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hat was once a dense sugarcane field and swamped area is now a beautiful and thriving community.

The Diamond-Grove Housing Scheme is located approximately 11 miles from Georgetown and is home to over 40,000 people from all walks of life.

The community has seen an explosive growth in the number of people, houses, and businesses over the past decade.

On its journey to ‘Township’, diverse businesses have sprung up throughout the community, such as small grocery outlets, Internet cafes, minimarts, video game shops, barber shops, taxi services, and Chinese restaurants, among others.

There is also the popular G3 building at the entrance of the scheme which accommodates a pharmacy, an auto sales dealer and a state-ofthe-art gym. Practically everything you need, you can find it in this community.

The community also has its own Police Station, Fire House, and public and private schools from primary to secondary schools.

It has definitely undergone a rapid transformation from a quiet neighbourhood to a bustling hub of activity and commercialism.

Residents no longer need to rush to the capital city to do their banking transactions. Three commercial banks have opened their doors for business in Diamond.

In addition to the

banks, there are many other developments including a gas station and food court, a Courts branch, supermarket, general stores, small boutiques, technological stores and a Moneygram outlet, to name a few.

There is also the Diamond Diagnostic Centre which serves as a great relief for residents who used to travel to Georgetown to seek medical attention.

Significant development

Shawn Hamid reminisced when he was a little boy residing on the outskirts of the popular cane field. He spoke in awe of the drastic transformation he witnessed throughout the years.

“When I move into this scheme in early 2000, in here didn’t had water or light or roads.

Up to Second Bridge had road, everywhere else was track,” Hamid said.

Hamid, a taxi driver in his 40s, was proud to say he was the first taxi driver in the scheme when it opened.

Indeed, when the community initially saw its first few houses, the infrastructure was in a terrible state. The roads resembled those “bush roads”. They were basically mud tracks, with numerous potholes.

Mohanie Keyman who has been living in the community for over 13 years said the roads have really improved since she moved in.

“When we move in here, we were the third house to put up in Avenue B and the roads really improved.”

Nevertheless, there are still several streets

that need maintenance.

Taxi drivers have complained about the appalling conditions of the roads, particularly through 6th, 11th, 17th and 19th avenues.

“It not fair, we driving through them road and then if we car damage, who gonna pay for it. And we paying we tax, car parts expensive you know,” one of the taxi drivers cried.

Sharmilla, another resident who resides a corner away from the tarmac, mentioned that her street was in a terrible state due to the many trucks bringing in materials to build homes.

However, the matter was resolved after a team from the area raised the concern with the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

But while the new Diamond-Grove Housing Scheme has seen so much progress in a short time, residents in neighbouring Caneville appear to be the treated as the step child.

Caneville is the neighbouring village just off the shoulders of the Diamond-Grove Housing Scheme, which has been in existence for “donkey years”.

Residents there have been calling on the local authorities to fix the poor roads, clean the drains and arrest the indiscriminate dumping of garbage in the waterways.

But NDC officials say that residents also have a role to play in keeping their community clean as they grapple to fix other problems.

News

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“It’s not our party’s policy to boycott businesses” - Granger

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pposition Leader David Granger has disassociated A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) from calls made by coalition member Lurlene Nestor for supporters to boycott businesses not compliant with the coalition’s “mandate”.

On Saturday, Nestor called on supporters to boycott businesses if they fail to take an anti-Government stance on the move by President Donald Ramotar to prorogue Parliament.

Granger, in a response on Sunday, told Guyana Times International that APNU has taken no such

decision. “It is not a policy of the APNU,” he said.

Questioned about the likely impact such a call may have on the coalition, Granger said he cannot respond to every statement made on social media, maintaining that Nestor’s call was inconsistent with the position of the coalition.

Nestor, a former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Member of Parliament (MP), had announced that APNU had begun an operation under the slogan “Operation SusOut and Boycott”.

On her Facebook page, she explained that the coalition will be ask-

APNU General Secretary Joseph Harmon

PSC Chairman Ramesh Persaud

APNU Leader David Granger

ing businesses across Guyana to place banners or placards on their premises that would read “We say no to PPP/C Dictatorship”.

She noted that failure to erect the slogan in a prominent place would result in an immediate boycott orchestrated by APNU. “We give them by Monday to get this notice up, failure to have this visible notice will result in us not buying from them, we did it before and we can do it again… we talking to the big ones from Courts, Bounty, Banks, DDL, Fish Shop, all market stallholders and vendors, all businesses on Regent

Street, Water Street. We talking to every business from the largest to the smallest,’’ she explained.

Speaking for herself

APNU General Secretary Joseph Harmon also distanced the coalition from Nestor’s statement, contending that the APNU member was speaking for herself.

“That is not the official position of the party,” he told GTI. Though attempts are made, he said, the party cannot, at all times, curb some of the enthusiasm expressed by members and supporters.

The matter surrounding Nestor’s calls to boycott the commercial sec-

APNU member Lurlene Nestor

tor will be discussed in full during the coalition’s shadow Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Harmon said.

Local businesses have strongly condemned calls by the APNU politician for its supporters to boycott their businesses.

In a strong response, Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Ramesh Persaud expressed disgust at the call, saying that it would be an attack on businesses.

He said the Commission will not stand idly by while sections of the business community are victimised or punished because of their political affilia-

tions and choices.

“We will not stand idle and allow our businesses to be victimised by the political process; we will take all legal action necessary to protect our businesses,” he said.

Meanwhile, Head of the Mahaica Chamber of Commerce, Chaum Basdeo, in an invited comment, said: “Businesses have to remain neutral and not be caught in politics. We have to be careful of the line we thread on.”

A representative of Georgetown Chamber of Commerce said the Executive will discuss any possible threat to businesses and private investment.

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Sir Shridath Ramphal presents Glimpses of a Global Life at OAS

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he 58th Lecture of the Americas of the Organisation of American States (OAS) welcomed the launch of the book Glimpses of a Global Life, the memoirs of former Commonwealth Secretary General and Foreign Affairs Minister, Sir Shridath Ramphal and paid tribute to the life and work of the Guyanese politician, considered an expert on good governance, integration, economic development and social justice in the Caribbean and elsewhere.

The OAS Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin, who delivered the welcoming remarks on behalf of Secretary General José Miguel Insulza, highlighted some of the major contributions of Sir Shridath Ramphal to the history of his country and the region, and assured that “the OAS is very pleased to be part of the launch of this longawaited publication”.

About the book, the OAS senior official said that it is laid out “carefully and with humility.

From my perspective,

this is not just a memoir with personal insights; it’s also a commentary of an insider’s perspective on pivotal events that have shaped the world and the Caribbean in recent decades”.

Ambassador Ramdin recalled that the impact of the work of Sir Shridath Ramphal was “very substantive” and said that his legacy “is real, because he is not only the man of the Caribbean who prioritised regionalism, he is the man who worked shoulder to shoulder with world leaders debating methods of foreign affairs and diplomatic relations; the man who formed a modern community of nations and made concrete and meaningful contributions to topics such as world trade, the apartheid and conflict resolution”.

“His memoirs are sorrowful and at the same time diplomatic enough to give us an idea of the reality behind some of the most important challenges in the recent history of the diplomatic world; the lessons and perspectives contained

give us entitlement to all UN documents and to be represented in an observer capacity at all UN meetings”.

Warmly received

Sir Shridath Ramphal

in this book are noteworthy and greatly appreciated,” he concluded.

In his presentation, Shridath Ramphal said that “there is so much I could have written about, so many others who shared my global journeys that I should have written of. Alas, it would take another book to do so; it must suffice to plead that these are ‘glimpses’ only and to hope that in their own way they conjure up, especially for those who shared them”.

Integration efforts in the Caribbean occupied much of his memoirs, explained the former Foreign Minister of Guyana and said that his book evokes the am-

OAS Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin

bivalence and the steps in the formation of the West Indies Federation, its collapse, and the work of the West Indian Commission in charting the course for the region’s integral development. His presentation included quotes related to such events and to the efforts to promote the community of nations in the Caribbean as an entity with a global relevance.

Continuing with this narration, he said that “in March 1976, I discussed with the Permanent Representative of the Commonwealth at the UN the idea of requesting observer status for the Commonwealth Secretariat at the United Nations General Assembly, this would be symbolic of our internationalism, but on the practical side, it would

The idea was warmly received, cites Shridath Ramphal in his book, “it was consummated by a General Assembly consensus resolution, because the world had begun to see the Commonwealth not as an empire club, but as a global asset in the world’s search for a new way forward”.

The book also details the processes that led to the recognition of the former Minister and his election as the second Secretary General of Commonwealth, “from my small perch in Guyana I had by 1974 come to the notice of the international community in a very positive way” explains the text that continues to describe that “ a substantial element of this good opinion was a reflection of the standing Guyana itself was acquiring in all international theatres, especially as a reliable and effective advocate of the causes of developing countries, but it went beyond economic issues; I earned respect for Guyana´s principled positions, Guyana was recognised as being progressive but not extrem-

ist,” he said.

The book launched at OAS headquarters in Washington, DC shows the role played by the Commonwealth to help end the Unilateral Declaration of Independence of Southern Rhodesia which led to Zimbabwe’s Independence, the assistance provided to the struggle against apartheid and the release of Nelson Mandela.

“The leadership that we exercised in the areas of South Africa and the restructuring of global economic relations played an important role in the perception that the international community had on us,” said the former Secretary General of the Commonwealth.

The Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, George Alleyne, offered the introductory remarks on the presentation and spoke about the major contributions made by Sir Shridath Ramphal in the advancement of freedom, independence and good governance.

“His roots are in Guyana, but his trunk is Caribbean and his branches spread all over the world, there are testimonies of the values of those branches wherever he set foot or had given a voice,” he said.

Speaker Trotman asks Commonwealth to intervene in Guyana’s crisis

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he Speaker of the National Assembly on Friday urged the Londonbased Commonwealth Secretariat to intervene in the dispute spurred by the President’s decision to prorogue Parliament.

“The Guyana Parliament, as a Member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, urges you to use your good offices, together with the entire weight of the Association, to intervene so that we could have a return to normalcy,” Raphael Trotman wrote in a letter to Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma.

“I invite you to send a delegation to Guyana to engage all sides of this disagreement so that this unhealthy situation may be brought to a speedy and peaceful end,” Trotman continued.

President Donald Ramotar prorogued

Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman

Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma

Parliament earlier this week, putting himself in a position to effectively run the country alone for the next six months.

Though Guyana’s Constitution gives the President the authority to prorogue Parliament, “the framers of our Constitution could never have intended that such authority would be used arbitrarily, or as a shield by a … Government against the majority of the elected members of Parliament,” Trotman told the Commonwealth.

“There is grid-lock as the majority of Members of the National Assembly are indicating that there will be no dialogue with the Executive unless or until there is revocation of the prorogation and a resumption of sittings of the National Assembly,” the Speaker said.

He noted, however, that “the President has indicated publicly that he is prepared to re-convene the Parliament if accommodations could be arrived at; presumably after dialogue.”

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FEATURE

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Santa Fe Mega Farm: A success story – scope of operations to be further expanded

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g r i c u l t u r e Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy on Sunday witnessed the loading of harvested rice from the Santa Fe Mega Farm investment which was then transported to Brazil. The cargo rice was first processed at the Santa Fe Mill which was constructed by the investors.

This is the third time the Simpson family of Barbados is successfully harvesting rice which is being used to supply the local Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) market as

well as Brazil.

For 2014, more than 8000 tonnes of cargo rice was exported to Brazil.

Santa Fe Inc investor, Sir Kyffin Simpson is adamant that the investment at Santa Fe since its inception continues to be a favourable one and committed to ensuring additional growth in the Hinterland region.

The project modelled its cultivation on techniques used in Brazil as well as that in Guyana and utilises a Brazilian expert to guide the process.

“There continues to

be progress every time I visit Santa Fe… such success is a model which shows what can be done in savannah lands,” the Agriculture Minister said.

The Agriculture Minister alluded to the fact that there continues to be tremendous potential for agriculture development in the hinterland which thus far has largely remained untapped.

Since its inception, the project has also welcome successful harvest of not only rice but cash crop and the production/rearing of piglets, cows and

Inside the rice factor at the Santa Fe Mega Farm, Region Nine

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy with others at the Santa Fe Mega Farm, Region Nine

sheep as the investors begin a modern Cattle Industry.

Minister Ramsammy praised the Santa Fe investors for buying into the idea that Savannah agriculture does not need to be limited to cattle.

The project first started with 120 acres of rice.

However, the Simpson family who are also the owners of Sol Group realised this was not enough and has since significantly expanded their operations.

To date, the Santa Fe Project is not only equipped with a certified mill to process the paddy, but the necessary infrastructure such as drainage and irrigation canals and a pump system.

The project is also set to utilise the savannahs for soya beans and corn cultivation which will significantly aid the Caribbean in reducing its imports of the said commodities and allow for trade and expanded markets within the region.

The project is being managed and supervised by Guyanese Richard Vasconcellos. Of the 60 employees, 57 are Guyanese from Region Nine.

The Agriculture Minister was accompanied

by Agriculture Ministry Permanent Secretary George Jervis; National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Oudho

Homenauth; Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) Chief Executive Officer, Dindyal Permaul; National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Chief Executive Officer, Lionel Wordsworth; Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) Deputy General Manager Rickey Ramraj; and Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) Board, Deputy Registrar Suresh Singh.

The Santa Fe team included the owner Sir Kyffin Simpson, Chairman of Santa Fe Board of Directors, Ronald Hardford, President of Itikawa Arroz (rice), Nelson Itikawa and Guyanese Director Richard Vasconcellos.

feature

For the love of spiders

- Jo-Anne Nina Sewlal instructor in zoology at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine

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ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Most two-yearolds run away from spiders, but Jo-Anne Nina Sewlal was playing with them at that age. Now an instructor in zoology at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, she’s sought after by international Web sites to share her expertise in the field of arachnology.

Sewlal has been featured on the popular site livescience.com in recent months, as she shared her knowledge on Black Widow spiders for an article on types of spiders and spider facts, published on November 4.

Last year, Sewlal discovered five new species of spiders in Trinidad which she intends to document. Without flinching, she shared a story, smiling, about a room she stayed in once where there were tarantulas crawling on the ceiling.

She hasn’t named the five new spiders which she discovered throughout the island and did not want to reveal exactly where they were found while researching for her thesis, and pursuing her doctorate. She believes the discovery is important because it could help boost TT’s eco-tourism market for nature lovers.

Sewlal usually goes into deeply-forested areas to find the spiders for her research.

Her love of spiders began as a toddler when she was staying with her grandmother in Point Fortin. She was mesmerised by a house spider that was coming

Dr Jo-Anne Sewlal has been featured on the popular site livescience.com. Last year she discovered five new species of spiders in Trinidad which she intends to document.

down from the roof on a silk thread.

“My grandmother was fearless with animals. She was cleaning one day and a spider dropped down on a dragline of silk, so I was looking at it and she went on to explain that if you touch it, it would go back up and if you give it a little time it would come back down. So she left me playing with it and it was basically like an automatic yo-yo,” she said during an interview with the TT media at the Department of Life Sciences.

Sewlal would forget her fascination with the creatures for a while when she attended secondary school at Princes Town West Secondary.

However that first interaction at her grandmoth-

er’s house would still inspire her to study zoology and last year, she graduated with a PhD. She decided to specialise in arachnids in the Eastern Caribbean after she met now-retired professor of entomology Dr Christopher Starr.

“UWI had just finished hosting the American Arachnological Society meeting. That was the first time it was held outside of America and the host, Prof Starr, came with a poster...a spider with a rasta cap.

He was explaining about spiders and that there’s nobody doing work on spiders and their ecological importance.”

Sewlal initially began to study birds, but soon realised she did not have the same enthusiasm for continued on page 35

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FEATURE

WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

O

ften times the words ‘nun’ or ‘sister’ is used interchangeably to describe a member of a religious community of women who has voluntarily decided to dedicate their life to serving all other living beings.

These women voluntarily choose to leave mainstream society and live their lives in prayer and contemplation in a monastery or convent; typically one living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

This life might either be a contemplative and cloistered life of meditation and prayer for the salvation of others or an active vocation of both prayer and service, often to the needy, the ill, the poor and or the unedu-

Sister Roslyn Bacchus, a temporary professed

cated.

In an effort to understand the life of a nun, the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine spoke to a young Sister of Mercy, Sister Roslyn Bacchus, who recently took her first vows and is well on her way to fulfilling her dream of becoming a nun.

In defining a nun, Bacchus stated it is “… someone who gives their all to God and the people of God, whether it be the community or the environment…to show love, compassion and mercy to all”.

On an average day Bacchus wakes up at 5:45 to conduct personal prayers asking God to continue guiding her on the right path, as well as prayers for family and

friends. After personal prayers, Bacchus would then join Sister Julie at 6:30 among others for community prayers.

“At 6:30, we have our community prayers where we pray for a better world, especially better leaders in our communities, country and the world – this is including the poor, the ill and the afflicted. And finally at 7:00 we attend mass,” Bacchus outlined.

Thereafter, all nuns will conduct their individual tasks or “ministries” whether it is school, studying, service and so forth.

“Morning activities depend on the duties of the nun, for me I am studying [so] it would be different for me. After mass I help where ever help is needed [with the boys of the Bosco Orphanage], but since I am attending Cyril Potter College of Education to become a professional teacher I would prepare to attend school. So my mornings are basically routine,” she disclosed.

Hence, the average week day of a nun entails greetings, prayers, mass,

the execution of their respective ministries, and helping each other as best as they can.

“Weekends, particularly Saturdays, begins probably a half hour lat-

On Sundays there is mass after which Bacchus spends a little more time with the boys of the Bosco Academy.

“I enjoy their company, because during the

pretty woman, revealed that persons constantly question her choice of becoming a nun, but it is something she always wanted to be.

“Being a nun is joy-

The Sisters of Mercy takes the three traditional vows plus a fourth

er but involves a lot more work with the boys of the Bosco Orphanage, since I administer money to them for their daily activities and travels.

Also, I usually take the younger boys to the convent to keep them entertained whether is it’s with a movie or games,” she pointed out.

week there is not much time with my studying, research and projects…

I think Sunday is a day of quiet and recollection on how the week went for me; to reflect on all the positives and a little of the negative things, to better it in the [next] week,” she disclosed.

Bacchus, a young,

ous. I enjoy working with God’s people. My life as a nun is filled with love and compassion for God and his people…I enjoy being myself wherever God takes me. It’s like a marriage. Sometimes you may feel a little lonely, a little bored, but this continued on page 47

news

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Study underway in Jamaica No word on any to select local crops for Cabinet changes in TT biofuel production

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INGSTON, JAMAICA: A study is underway to select local crops for biofuel production, in an effort to expand Jamaica's sources of energy supply.

Manager for renewable energy and energy efficiency at the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ), Dr Peter Ruddock, said the company is continuing its research to extract biodiesel from plants, so as to reduce the importation of fuel.

Speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) 'Think Tank' recently, Dr Ruddock said the PCJ has signed partnership agreements with Bodles Agricultural Research Station and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute for the experimental cultivation of select crops for biofuel production.

"We are also procuring an oil press, which will press the seeds out to get the oil which we can test," he noted, adding that the company is also in dialogue with the Jamaica German Automotive School (JAGAS) and the University of Technology (UTech).

"I figure that within the next year or two we should have some very good data, which will establish the whole value chain of doing this biodiesel research," Dr Ruddock said.

He said, too, that investigations were being carried out on the locally grown jatropha and cas-

RUDDOCK… within the next year or two we should have some very good data

tor. "We have been trying to get the best strains for Jamaica. The strains have come from all over the world and we want to see which of them will produce the best yields with local conditions," Dr Ruddock said.

Following the selection of plants, he explained that the other phases will be harvesting, extracting the oils, engine tests and establishing a retail market with Petrojam Limited, which supplies the country with a full range of petroleum products.

"That hopefully will displace some of the imported diesel," he added.

According to Dr Ruddock, a biodiesel association, including all the players in the industry, will be established to ensure economies of scale and that the country benefits.

"We have had a number of meetings involving

people from the universities, the players in the fast-food business, anybody who has an interest in biodiesel, so that we can get the economy of scale," he said.

The PCJ manager noted that benefits and savings will be derived, once biofuel is produced locally. "If it is locally produced versus being imported, I recognise that we could have some savings that could be derived, even if it is just the saving of our precious export dollars," he added.

The PCJ is responsible for undertaking the development and promotion of Jamaica's energy resources in support of the National Energy Policy and Vision 2030, the country's long-term national development plan which aims at enabling Jamaica to achieve developed country status by 2030. (Jamaica Observer)

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Some of the members of the Cabinet at the retreat held in Tobago

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: There was no confirmation last Friday on whether any changes to Cabinet portfolios or other government framework would be undertaken as a result of Friday's lengthy government retreat in Tobago. The Cabinet met at a private session at the Magdalena Grand Hotel to assess its status and future direction as TT moves towards a general election next year. Members met in the morning and

began a second session from 3.30 pm into the late evening.

Participants also included former ministers such as MP Collin Partap. Communications Minister Vasant Bharath, who said on Wednesday the session was meant to reassses the government's position and see "what works and what doesn't work,” was unavailable to speak about the outcome of the retreat. People’s Partnership officials had said recently some changes to the Cabinet

had been expected after the 2015 budget debate was over, but couldn't confirm if this would happen after the retreat.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar opted out of a CCTV launch at Scarborough where she was scheduled to speak last Friday, in order to attend the evening retreat session. National Security Minister Gary Griffith, who attended in her place, spoke briefly and returned speedily to the Magdalena session. (TT Guardian)

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The Shaping of Guyanese Literature Dead Poet Society Two

‘Expressions’

By Petamber Persaud

‘E

xpressions’ is a new poetry forum. This new platform for poetry aims to extend the landscape of Guyanese literature and to heighten the appreciation of poetry. What started tentatively in May has now become a smooth mechanism of poetry excellence.

And most of the credit must go to the producer, Gem MahdooNascimento, whose work could be better understood through the sentiments expressed in the poem, ‘The touch of master’s hand’ by Myra Brooks Welch.

The poem tells the story of how an old battered violin on auction couldn’t raise three dollars, but after a tune was played on it by a master, it went for 3,000 dollars.

‘Expressions 2’ was staged at the Theatre Guild on 9 November 2014, where a number of poems written by writers who have passed came alive in the performances. One such poet was Martin Carter, who was the poet ‘laureate’ of Guyana.

Carter initiated a number of issues and started an ongoing dialogue by way of his prose and poetry in the manner and with a purpose of a consummate artist, going further than most writers of merely acting as a mirror of or a barometer of the society.

In a letter introducing the first issue of the ‘New World Quarterly’,

Martin Carter (1927-1997)

Carter harped on the need for “serious examination of ideas and objectivity”.

Many of those socio-political issues relevant locally and universally revolved around a central theme of “all are involved”.

This ‘all are involved’ theme is married to the essential Martin Carter - his conjunctions.

Martin Carter was born on 7 June 1927, in Georgetown, British Guiana. His father, Victor Emmanuel, was an avid reader and his mother, Violet Eugene Wylde, loved books and enjoyed reciting verses.

In 1953 he married Phyllis Howard, a union lasting some

Late president, Dr Cheddi Jagan (right) inspects the Order of Roraima on Carter

four decades, even though many times during a night he would disturb their sleep because he found a right word or phrase to insert in his writing.

His ‘Poems of Resistance’ (1954), some pieces which he wrote while incarcerated by the British for his radical political affiliation, established his Caribbean and international rep-

utation.

In 1989, ‘Selected Poems’ won the Guyana Prize for Literature in the category of best book of poetry.

Twice he was honoured by the government of the day: in 1970 he received the Cacique Crown of Honour and in 1994 the Order of Roraima.

Martin Wylde Carter died at

his home in Lamaha Street on 13 December 1997, amid political turmoil.

On the evening of ‘Expressions 2’, two poems were performed in tribute to Carter’s contribution to poetry, keeping his work alive in our consciousness.

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

Feature

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sleeping through the rains

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I

By Anu Dev

n the judo-Christian notion of “heaven”, apart from the harp-strumming angels, the landscape is all lush and green with flowing rivers and luxuriant vegetation- at least that what I derived from growing in a Christian-dominated country.

I quickly concluded that Heaven was what you didn’t have and absolutely wanted. For me as a Hindu who doesn’t have to believe in “heaven” or “hell” and all that, I’m free to put my own spin on the concept.

For me heaven is a very rainy place. I just love the rain. To be more specific, I love the rain when I’m in bed. Really! So I guess heaven is a rainy spot with a comfy bed in a snug home and a roof that doesn’t leak. Some of the most pleasurable moments of my life have been waking up when the rain’s just started to fall and then burrowing down into the sheets for a little more of that sweet slumber.

So as you can imagine, I really hate having to get out of bed to go to class when it’s raining. It’s cruel and inhuman punishment, I think.

I mean, lying in bed, sometimes in that inbetween reality connecting the dream-world with this harsh one here: isn’t this when you have your most creative ideas? The only problem is that we don’t remember anything when we’re roused.

But we do retain that feeling of thinking “deep thoughts”. Not too coincidentally I’m studying the brain in school right now.

The rains have arrived over here in Trinidad.

This means that every morning, when I look outside I’m greeted by the complete opposite of a sunny Caribbean paradise. It takes me probably at least 3 tries to get out of bed on those mornings.

I’d try to get out of bed, only to be hit by a blast of icy coldness and I’d have to retreat back under the covers, to think about whether going to class was worth possibly catching hypothermia.

Invariably, the rational part of my mind wins over and I reluctantly stumble out of bed, get ready and bundle myself up in my coat, boots and about 15 layers of clothing. And then I get to class and still end up freezing, and I start to wonder whether that “rational” part of my mind is actually more masochistic than rational. What happened to all the “facts” I learnt in Geography about “tropical weather”??

As I wade my way back home through flooded pathways and torrential downpours, I start to reevaluate my life and think about the things that really matter- like a nice hot cup of coffee, a hot water bottle and a blanket. Those thoughts help to get my through the storm. When I get home, it’s a struggle to extricate myself from the gazillion layers of clothing I’ve swathed myself with.

As I flop down onto my bed wearily, after grabbing a hurried bite…and burrow between the sheets. Thoughts of equating hell to going through all of that for a one-hour lecture recede.

I guess it’s kind of worth going through all of that for the aftermath, when you put some coffee to brew, curl up under a blanket and just sit listening to the rain falling… and falling… and falling.

he Public Buildings, commonly referred to as the Parliament Building, is the building in which the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana and its Committees meet.

The Public Buildings is considered to be one of the finest architectural structures in Guyana. Located in the heart of the capital city of Georgetown, close to Stabroek Market and the Demerara River, the two-storied brick building features a low dome, two wings and a portico. The building was constructed in 1832 according to the plan of architect Joseph

Parliament Building

each other across wooden tables.

Members of the party obtaining the most votes in a general election form the government and sit to the right of the Speaker.

of the local greenheart wood, a gift from Willems Timber and Trading Company Limited. The table was in the centre of the Parliament Chamber when it was used by the

Parliament chambers where portraits of Arthur Chung - Guyana's first executive president, L F S Burnham - Guyana's first appointed president, and Dr Cheddi B Jagan - Guyana's first elected president, are hung

Hadfield and was formally handed over to the British colonial legislature on 5 August 1834.

Over the years, the building housed the Parliament Chamber and various public administration offices and ministries.

Today, most offices in the Public Buildings relate to parliamentary matters and are directed by the Clerk of the National Assembly.

However, there are still limited facilities for Members of Parliament.

The Parliament Chamber, the room in which debates of the National Assembly takes place, is located on the top floor of the eastern wing of the building. The Chamber is arranged according to the Westminster tradition, with government and opposition members facing

Members of the opposition parties sit to the left of the Speaker. Members of Parliament sit in assigned seats, which reflect to some extent the party’s hierarchy. There is a public gallery behind a rail, opposite the Speaker’s chair, with a seating capacity for 72 persons. Seating is also available for the media and for special guests.

Adjacent to the Parliament Chamber is a Lobby where Members of Parliament can discuss matters privately and make telephone calls.

Behind the Lobby, there is a Committee Room where Parliamentary Committees meet and where refreshments are served to Members during a suspension of a National Assembly Sitting. In the centre of the Committee Room is a large table made

A section of the beautiful ceiling in the Chamber

gift from the Government of India; a table and three chairs for the clerks; and a Sergeant-at-Arms’ chair, an independence gift from the British House of Commons; two paintings of Arthur Chung, Guyana’s first ceremonial President (1970-1980) and of Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, Guyana’s first executive President (1980-1985); and a gilded clock, depicting the rays of the sun, a gift from the Demerara company Limited (1954).

The Members of Parliament lounge area which formerly housed the Registry Department has been converted to a modernized lobby, kitchenette and offices for Members of Parliament. The renovation commenced in 2004 and was completed in 2005.

On the upper floor, four

The main stairs curve around massive columns

British Colonial State Council in 1953 and then by the Senate from 1961 to 1964. It was moved to the Committee Room when Guyana’s Legislature again became unicameral (consisting of a single legislative chamber) in 1964.

One of the most striking features of the Chamber is the ceiling, coffered and painted in 1875 by the Italian artist, Cesar Castellani. The chamber also features an elaborately carved Speaker’s chair made of teak wood, an independence (1966)

new rooms were constructed for use by Chairpersons of Committees and two large offices for use by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and the Leader of the Opposition Party, respectively. On the lower floor, a large lobby was created for Members of Parliament dining room and a kitchenette for the preparation of meals and snacks during sittings of the National Assembly and Committee Meetings. from (Information Parliament of Guyana Facebook page)

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Ebola treatment centre in Jamaican judge elected to Jamaica near completion International Court of Justice

K

K

Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, St James

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Construction of the Ebola Treatment Centre at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James is “progressing smoothly” with the facility expected to be completed in a few weeks, the Health Ministry has reported.

Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr Kevin Harvey who toured the site on Saturday indicated that he was pleased with the progress of the construction.

Dr Harvey was accompanied by representatives from the Jamaica Defence Force, Civil Engineers from the Ministry of Health, the Director of Health

Systems Planning and Integration in the Ministry of Health and the Pan American Health Organization.

The Treatment Centre is a four-bed facility which includes other areas for triaging, sanitizing of patients and staff and sterilization of equipment and supplies.

Dr Harvey said the next step will be to provide training for the staff who will be working at the Treatment Centre as part of preparation for any possibility of Ebola reaching the island.

“The staff will be trained as part of the exercise to be conducted by the Cuban experts who are slated to be in the island this month. The

Western Regional Health Authority will also be assigned some of the Cuban health care workers who are slated to arrive in the island this week and who have been trained in Ebola management in Cuba,” Dr Harvey said.

A temporary Ebola isolation and holding area has also been established in a building on the compound of the facility. The area has already been equipped.

The Treatment Centre in the Western Region is one of two that have been established in the island to manage any possible case of Ebola. The other is located at the National Chest Hospital in Kingston.

(Jamaica Observer)

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaican jurist, Patrick Lipton Robinson has been elected on Monday to serve as a judge in the International Court of Justice.

His nine-year tenure begins in February 2015.

His eventual election broke a deadlock in the United Nations General Assembly and the fifteenmember United Nations Security Council.

Both bodies are required to record a majority vote for the winning candidate.

However, over the course of the elections, Robinson consistently received more than a twothirds majority of votes in the General Assembly, while Argentina’s candidate Susana Ruiz Cerutti received the required majority in the Security Council.

The deadlock between the Security Council and the General Assembly was ultimately resolved following Cerutti's withdrawal last Wednesday.

This allowed for Robinson election.

He received a total of 185 votes in the General Assembly and 15 votes in the Security Council in the elections on Monday.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has congratulated Robinson.

"Judge Robinson’s elevation to this high office marks a histor-

Jamaican jurist, Patrick Lipton Robinson (UN.org photo)

ic moment, not only for Jamaica but for the entire Caribbean," she said.

"The overwhelming support that he received throughout the rounds of voting from the UN membership is a reflection of the excellence of the Jamaican candidate, and the high regard with which the country is held in the international arena.”

Foreign Affairs Minister AJ Nicholson, said the "impressive outcome" is an indication of the level of respect that Jamaica enjoys for its "principled and bal-

anced foreign policy" and the result of an effective and strategic campaign waged by the Foreign Ministry and its overseas Missions.

Robinson is the only Jamaican and the second Caribbean national to serve on the International Court of Justice since its establishment 70 years ago.

Judge Robinson will join four other candidates from Australia, Morocco, Russia and the United States of America, who were also elected to serve on the Court. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Man steals woman's phone in Jamaica, demands sex or Ja$8,000

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: A man who stole a university student's cellular phone and demanded that she have sex with him or give him Ja$8,000 in exchange for the return of the device was Monday sentenced to six months in prison.

Thirty-eight-year-old Nigel Henclewood of South Avenue, Kingston 3, was sentenced by Senior Magistrate Judith Pusey after he pleaded guilty to simple larceny and extortion in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court.

The court heard that he told the complainant that she should not stress herself if she could not find the money to pay him as she could give him "a little piece" and spend the night in exchange for the return of her iPhone 4s, valued at Ja$70,000.

Henclewood's co-accused, 24-yearold Massara Williams of North Arena, Kingston 3, also faced similar charges but pleaded not guilty and was remanded for trial on December 8.

The men were held in a sting operation on November 8, sometime after 4:00 pm at a wholesale in Cross Roads, Kingston and were initially charged with larceny from the person and possession of an offensive weapon.

The complainant told the court last Friday, when the matter was first mentioned, that her phone was stolen at

Taylor Hall on the University of the West Indies' Mona campus.

She said when she called her phone a man who, turned out to be Henclewood, answered and told her that he wanted Ja$15,000 to return the phone after telling her that she would have to give him "a ting" because the phone is expensive.

The complainant said she later contacted the police and plans were made to arrange a sting operation.

The complainant said she called back Henclewood and told him that she only had Ja$8000 and he told her, "Mi nuh wah put yuh through nuh stress, you can give me a little piece and you can sleep over and spend the night".

On Monday, before the sentence was handed down, Henclewood told the court repeatedly that Williams was not involved but the magistrate told him to worry about himself as he was not Williams' lawyer.

When asked why he should not be sent to prison he said, "I was on the campus doing some business and I saw the phone under a chair, no one was near to it".

"It's not yours, leave it alone," the magistrate said, before handing down the sentence of six months each on the two charges. The sentences are to run concurrently, so he will only spend six months in prison.(Jamaica Observer)

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Simply the Truth

S

DIS

atiricus was so proud of the Naga Man. Here it was this man was singlehandedly proving that life begins at 70. He’d already hit 65 when he entered law school, with his youngest daughter two years ahead of him. The older one, of course, had already been admitted to the Bar and was practising.

Satiricus would give those folks any credence who said Naga Man used to cog from his daughter back in Constitutional Law class when they both ended up in the same class.

Yes, sir!! The Naga Man never let age hold him back.

In fact, his motto was, “Doah hold me back, Doah hold me back!!” Which always sounded better when you’re clinking glasses. Anyhow, the Naga Man was waxing righteous about the dastardly deed Prezzie had done.

The folks who’d been bussed in from far and wide had been waiting for lunchtime so that they could be fed. Finally, Naga Man ended his peroration by announcing dramatically, that the PPEE had “dissed” the Parliament and the people of Guyana!!

At first Satiricus was aghast: he thought he’d heard “the PPEE has pissed the Parliament…” But then his media Budday listening in said it was actually “dissed”, Satiricus’ esteem for the Naga Man shot up into the stratosphere.

Here it was, he was at least 40 years younger than the Naga Man and he couldn’t keep up with all the new slang. And Naga Man could so easily talk about “dissing” and all that. When did Naga Man become such a hood rat??

So he leaned forward to listen to the rest of Naga Man’s rant on the PPEE. “Yeah, blood!! The PPEE be dissing us, man. We can’t take it no mo’. We ain’t gonna be nobody’s bitch!

Yeah dawg, we gotta get real hardcore and get down on them n****!!”

That’s when the crowd got all silent and all. Very silent. Naga Man slunk back into Parliament. Once again he didn’t know when to stop.

Rum Jhaat can’t mek up he mind

R

um Jhaat is a man who does change he mouth from one minute to de other. One minute he seh he and de whole of de KFC gon join wid Green Jah and de whole of de HAPNU. Next minute he seh he never seh so, and that he not a part of any ting whah does join wid something else.

One of Rum Jhaat 7-Owe-4 pardna seh he not sure if de problem is that Rum Jhaat don’t wanna join up wid any ting, or he ain’t got nutten to bring to join up wid.

One minute Rum Jhaat seh he gon join de protest and de next minute he seh he ain’t gon be part of the protest. Now Rum Jhaat seh although he was never part de plannin fuh de protest, he still supportin de protest.

Rum Jhaat sound like de kinda man who just can’t mek up he mind bout whah he want from whah he ain’t want. Some body seh that is because Rum Jhat ain’t gotta mind of he own and he can’t even mind he own business.

De one ting Rum Jhaat know fuh sure whah he want is dem bottles whah does disappear in he hand at 7-Owe-4. That is de one ting bout which Rum Jhaat does never change he mind or he mouth. And if yuh know Rum Jhaat, he does change he mind bout a lotta tings.

Rum Jhaat change he mind bout de P-P-Pee/C, so he tek up with de KFC. Now he wanna change back he mind, but he still got two mind, so he can’t mek up he own mind. But whah he ain’t know is that de P-P-Pee/C done mek up dem mind bout he, and that mind ain’t gon change.

It got to be that Rum Jhaat and Khurshi* got de same kinda mind. Because one day Khurshi* talk he mind and seh he friken de paper man like cat, and de next week he seh that had to be only in de reporter mind.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Thank de almighty fuh phone recordings!

Eshuana Wilson T

his journey back home was triggered by two things: the departure of Navin Chandarpal, and the impending arrival of a child. The first was an exercise in grief; the second began as an exercise in worry.

The father, who is very much as a son to me, called me on November 1 to say that his wife was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital. I was in St Lucia. I immediately called two of our fine medical doctors, both of whom I knew were stationed at NA Hospital, to alert them that my family was there in the maternity ward.

It was not crude or rude, nor was it loud. It was a polite request for service, and it was delivered.

Driven to the hospital on Wednesday, we met with the doctor in charge. There was such grace and kindness from Dr Sharma! And I thought that if any of the 20 medical doctors that I had graduated just a few days before in the “White Coat” ceremony could emulate this, then the future is assured.

The White Coat ceremony was the first that I had attended, although I have attended and participated in hundreds of convocation ceremonies on five continents.

It was strange that I was the person who put white coats on doc-

Professor Daizal Samad

tors who would now make people healthy and save lives.

I was taken with respect and without fanfare to the maternity ward. I saw the two attending doctors, their young faces wrinkled with worry. There were deaths, tragedies. The night before, there were 41 admissions into the maternity ward alone. So it was worry and sheer exhaustion that lined the young faces of these doctors.

It was the same for the nurses, this overwrought look, this sense of being overwhelmed. There were mothers suckling newborns, and mothers-to-be wincing in pain.

There were dishevelled beds,

and visitors within and without the maternity ward were on cellphones using the filthiest language to friends.

As usual in the general population, there is no sense of protocol, no order, no structure. We follow our leaders well indeed. In the maternity ward itself, there were only two fathers or would-be fathers around.

We discussed matters of natural dilation, induction, even C-Section. The mother had told me clearly: “This baby will not come until you come to see the Mom!” It was a joke, of course. But it happened that way.

The next morning saw the birth of Eshuana Wilson, daughter of Sergeant Marx Wilson and Samanta Wilson of Rose Hall Town. The baby is doing well, as is the mother. Great blessings indeed.

It is a measure of the doctors, especially Dr Sharma, who called on several occasions to enquire. I am at a loss as to how I can even begin to repay these good people for their service. “Thanks” seems so feeble.

But thanks is what we have, and thanks is what we give. And we give thanks to the heavenly powers that bless us with life and love, pure, new and continuing.

For the love of spiders... them, especially after seeing the scratches that her supervisor had to endure when trying to trap them for research.

While going through her options she noticed that the spider section in the manual she had to choose from was very small and her love of the creatures helped her to cement the decision.

Sewlal admitted that a lot of people are shocked by what she does for a living but said after she teaches them about spiders they are usually happy because she is able to help them understand which spiders pose a threat to human health. She is also able to help people understand that spiders are not scary and added that people just need to understand how spiders think.

Trinidad may not have any seriously deadly spiders, but this is why we need to protect our borders especially when importing things like fruits and vegetables, as new species could be introduced if there are not proper quarantine facilities, she said. Sewlal says there are at least 53 spider families in TT and about eight more could be discovered, based on those found in Venezuela.

Sewlal also finds time to educate people about

biodiversity throughout the Caribbean.

“One of my other passions is public awareness, so when I go to the other islands I always tried to get an interview done by the mass media, to let them know first of

all that I’m not nuts, because they will see me with a net, and what I am doing and how it is going to contribute to their biodiversity. So I just use whatever I can to help educate people,” she said. She also edits

from page 29

the Environment Tobago Newsletter.

Sewlal just cannot explain her love of spiders and why she is so comfortable with them but vows she will never stop learning about them.

(TT Guardian)

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

This week's Crossword

J k es

Jamaica

A blonde gets on an airplane and sits down in the first class section of the plane. The stewardess rushes over to her and tells her she must move to coach because she doesn’t have a first class ticket. The blonde replies, “I’m blonde, I’m smart, I have a good job, and I’m staying in first class until we reach Jamaica.”

The disgusted stewardess gets the head stewardess who asks the blonde to leave. The blonde yet again repeats, “I’m blonde, I’m smart, I have a good job and I’m staying in first class until we reach Jamaica.” The head stewardesses doesn’t even know what to do at this point because they still have to get the rest of the passengers seated to take off; the blonde is causing a problem with boarding now, so the stewardess gets the co-pilot.

The co-pilot goes up to the blonde and whispers in her ear. She immediately gets up and goes to her seat in the coach section. The head stewardess asks the co-pilot in amazement what he said to get her to move to her correct seat.

The co-pilot replies, “I told her the front half of the airplane wasn’t going to Jamaica.”

Fishing License

This week's Puzzle

A couple of young boys were fishing at their special pond off the beaten track. All of a sudden, the Game Warden jumped out of the bushes.

Immediately, one of the boys threw his rod down and started running through the woods like a bat out of hell. The Game Warden was hot on his heels.

After about a half mile, the young man stopped and stooped over with his hands on his thighs to catch his breath, so the Game Warden finally caught up to him.

"Let's see yer fishin' license, Boy!" the Warden gasped.

With that, the boy pulled out his wallet and gave the Game Warden a valid fishing license.

"Well, son," said the Game Warden, "you must be about as dumb as a box of rocks! You don't have to run from me if you have a valid license!"

"Yes, sir," replied the young guy, "but my friend back there, well, he don't have one."

Return to class

It had been snowing for hours when an announcement came over the intercom: "Will the students who are parked on University Drive please move their cars so that we may begin snow ploughing."

Twenty minutes later there was another announcement: "Will the twelve hundred students who went to move 26 cars please return to class."

The Bible

see solution on page 47

There was this Christian lady that had to do a lot of travelling for her business, so she did a lot of flying. Flying made her nervous, so she always took her Bible along with her to read and it helped relax her.

One time, she was sitting next to a man.

When he saw her pull out her Bible, he gave a little chuckle and went back to what he was doing. After awhile, he turned to her and asked, "You don't really believe all that stuff in there do you?"

The lady replied, "Of course I do. It is the Bible."

He said, "Well, what about that guy that was swallowed by that whale?"

She replied, "Oh, Jonah. Yes, I believe that, it is in the Bible."

He asked, "Well, how do you suppose he survived all that time inside the whale?"

The lady said, "Well, I don't really know. I guess when I get to heaven, I will ask him."

"What if he isn't in heaven?" the man asked sarcastically.

"Then you can ask him." replied the lady.

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Hicken’s “warning” taken out of context T he Guyana Police Force has defended ‘A’ Division Commander (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) Clifton Hicken after concerns were raised over some comments he made with respect to the prevention of rape in Guyana.

The Police in a release to the media on Tuesday said that Hicken’s comment “has been taken out of context” adding that the Divisional Commander had no intention to, in any way, justify sexual assaults.”

The police noted that Hicken has an abundance of experience which would have led to him making the statement to the reporters on Monday.

It said Hicken’s experience in interviewing “suspects in sexual assault matters, as well as intelligence coming from discussions among elements of criminal groups regarding sexual assaults they would have committed.”

It was noted that in many cases information

'A' Division Commander Clifton Hicken

received has suggested that the mode of dress of victims may have been a contributory factor to the rapist’s selection of victim.

“The Divisional Commander felt obligated to share that information as one of his crime prevention strategies focusing on sexual assault…while the

males in our society ought not to interpret a female’s mode of dress to be sending a particular type of signal, the fact remains that it is happening to some degree.

Since the statement was made, the Police Commander’s comments have attracted criticisms continued on page 44

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Report card suggests Caribbean must work harder at exports

B

RIDGETOWN, BARBADOS: Exports from the Dominican Republic and Jamaica to Europe are trending up, but the Caribbean as a whole has earned a less than stellar report card from the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA).

Pamela CokeHamilton, executive director of CEDA, assigned grades ranging from a B- to an F in giving the report card on various areas of export-related performance in the region at the Caribbean Exporters' Colloquium 2014 held last week in Bridgetown under the theme 'Building Economic Resilience in the Caribbean'.

Coke-Hamilton was incisive in her presentation Tuesday to the event's first session titled 'Making the Grade: An Examination of the Region's Export Performance'.

For overall economic performance, the region earned a B- grade with economic growth offset by high fiscal and external debt.

Economic growth for the region is projected

at 2.5 per cent for 2014, down from three per cent in 2013, Coke-Hamilton said. Regional GDP for the area was US$132 billion, with the Dominican Republic having the largest share, followed by Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Barbados.

Total exports for the region stood at US$51 billion, with services representing 62 per cent.

Other grades included a B- for conformity to international standards and a sub-par D grade for innovation.

Export diversification is another concern.

"We still rely on what we did 50 years ago, and we have to get beyond that," Coke-Hamilton said.

The role of the private sector in the Region's economic development earned a C grade.

Branding and intellectual property rights, as well as access to finance both earned C- grades.

"Our banks tend not to ascribe value to an idea," Coke-Hamilton said. The result is that businesses need to look at non-traditional providers for capital and investment.

For global logistics and shipping, the region

James Moss-Solomon participating at the Caribbean Exporters’ Colloquium 2014 in Bridgetown, Barbados last week.

performed at a satisfactory level with a grade of C+ with easy accessibility from the Region to locations like Miami, New York, and London.

But the worst-performing area was intraregional logistics and shipping, which received a failing grade of F. "If we don't address it, everything else becomes, frankly, theoretical," Coke-Hamilton said.

But despite the mediocre report card, the Region may have a brighter future, according to panellist Ashish Shah, director of the division of country programmes at the

International Trade Centre.

"I stand convinced that the turning point has come. The report card is a very good C, in my view," and could soon improve to a B+, Shah said.

"To succeed in trade you have to be able to compete and be able to out-compete your competitors," Shah said, adding that the focus on small and medium businesses (SMBs) is most important.

Professor Victor Bulmer Thomas, honorary professor at University College, London and profes-

sor emeritus of London University, noted the danger of looking at Region-wide statistics, as they are heavily influenced by the performance of one country.

"Everything is about Trinidad and Tobago," Bulmer Thomas said.

He analysed 27 individual territories in the region by looking at their economic performance.

The top-rated country for the Region, he said, was Cuba, which received a top score of five, followed

by Haiti at four.

Cuba benefited from having access to all sorts of special arrangements, Bulmer Thomas said.

One example was that the country gets Chinese tourists "in numbers that other countries can only dream of".

The export-led growth message had been received "loud and clear", across the Region, Bulmer Thomas said.

But there has to be a "much greater effort" put into the measurement or metrics.

Other participants in the session included Ambassador Mikael Barfod, head of delegation of the European Union to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, who moderated the discussion, and Vassell Stewart, president of the Caribbean Agricultural Business Association.

The day had a total of four sessions. The second session was titled 'Clearing the Hurdles: Key Issues Affecting Caribbean Private Sector Competitiveness', while the third session was 'The Role of the Private Sector in Regional Economic Development'. The fourth session was 'Branding and Intellectual Property Rights The Counterweight to Volume'. (Jamaica Observer)

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WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Celebrating Samuel Selvon’s greatness in TT

Missing in action …at Cuffy Square uffy’s the national hero of Guyana. So you’d think fellas trying to lead this nation would give him due respect, no?? So as your Eyewitness scanned the crowd at the “Damp Squib” at the great man’s feet on Friday night, he was desperately looking for Ramjattan and Nagamootoo. “Desperate” because he’d predicted that the dyspeptic duo would be no-shows. And he so wanted to be proven wrong.

This Eyewitness accepts this country has a “race” problem – when it comes to politics – that is, especially voting. So for two fellas – who swear their party has “solved” the race problem – to at least show up would’ve given the anxious Eyewitness some hope. But even though your faithful Eyewitness waited to the bitter end – and Lord knows, Granger was bitter – he could see neither hide (“thick”) nor hair (“dyed”) of the men who would be “President”.

They sent their token “Brothers” to represent them – Hughes and Patterson. Owww man!! Later that night, as your Eyewitness trekked home, he saw the two miscreants hunched over a “large” in a rum-shop on the East Coast. The young and nubile waitress was serving them fried Banga Mary with pepper-sauce. It was that kinda place. The Eyewitness doesn’t like to gloat but he was proven right – once again – on these two wankers.

Their bottom line is that they’d rather stand with their pants and buktas dropped to the ground on Water Street (we know…we know…the image is gruesome!!) to avoid being caught in the same frame as Cuffy. That Granger and the other biggies of APNU would be on stage in front of “their” constituency just sealed THAT deal!! Their token Brothers had to do the dirty.

But the question must be asked: How can Nagamootoo be the Presidential Candidate of a “multiracial” party, when he refuses to speak to an audience at the Square of the Republic?? We’d echoed Burnham’s question on Portuguese scorn for his constituency, on the duo’s relationship with Granger: “Do we have Kuh ko beh??” So does Cuffy have Kuh ko beh for Ramjattan and Nagamootoo??

We’ve heard that they don’t want to be in the same picture frame as Cuffy because it won’t sell in Berbice. Let’s assume that’s true. But aren’t leaders supposed to LEAD followers?? Especially out of their prejudices??

But even the Brothers sent to the rally by Nagamootoo and Ramjattan didn’t show much “brotherly love”. Like the picture on the old gramophone records, they seemed to be following “their masters” voice”. I mean here was Brother Granger waxing all eloquently about an APNUled government (a man his age, is allowed some delusional lapses), while Hughes was marching resolutely to the beat of a “National Front Government”.

Now Hughes and his better half had been delegated (relegated??) to negotiating for two days on the AFC’s participation in the…ummm…rally.

Echoing Trotman who preceded him as the token Brother in the AFC, Hughes had always stood for the rational choice of the AFC going into a pre-electoral alliance with APNU. Until he disgraced himself over Sithe and then had to crawl back with his tail between his legs on Ramjattan’s terms.

Said terms being – as we can see by now – breaking the “race rotation” leadership that was the foundational bedrock of the party.

And treating APNU and its constituency like they have Kuh ko beh! …on OP March threat There’s nothing like an old revolutionary, who’s locked into his memories of the “radical” days of yore. On Friday, Roopnarine threatened to “March on OP”. Is that like when he’d marched with Hoyte during “slow fyaah…mo’ fyaah”?

He should chat with Benschop and Bynoe.

C

P

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: The life and work of one of TT’s most famous writers, Samuel Selvon, who died 20 years ago, was celebrated on Saturday at the NGC Bocas Lit Fest South.

For the second year, the Bocas Lit Fest South was staged over two days at the Southern Academy for Performing Arts (Sapa) in San Fernando.

Professor emeritus Kenneth Ramchand spoke about Selvon’s indelible contribution to literature in his presentation, The Other Selvons.

It was Ramchand who found a Canadian publisher to republish An Island is a World in the early ’90s.

When Selvon came home to write his autobiography, Ramchand showed him an advance copy of the reprint which moved Selvon to tears. He told Ramchand: “This is the real me. That is my favourite

Errol Sitahal in character as Sookdeo from A Brighter Sun at the Bocas Lit Fest South on the weekend.

novel.”

Selvon, however, died before

completing his autobiography. (TT Newsday)

40

feature

WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Natalie LueFung doesn't look like someone who has ever had to struggle. In fact, her coiffed tresses, perfect nails, effervescent smile and regal demeanour scream privilege.

But the entrepreneur and success coach will tell you that she didn't always have it together; in fact, as a youngster, she grew up in foster homes and faced homelessness.

"I was homeless at 15 and I had my first child at 16. I would go to my friends' houses and stay until night then sleep over because I had nowhere else to go," she told the Jamaican media.

Born in Kingston,

Lue-Fung became a child of the system early, spending her pre-teen years with her first foster family in St Andrew when her parents couldn't care for her.

With an above-average IQ, Lue-Fung has earned over 40 scholarships, has three university degrees from Morgan State University in Baltimore, USA, and is a successful businesswoman, leading over 3,000 people across different states in the U.S. and other countries in the world with the company, Skylife, a travel club focused on network marketing.

The success coach, a past student of The Queen's School and Immaculate Conception High, is a professional

tourist who works hard for her money, and with her network marketing company, manages to travel as often as five times each month.

"If I'm going to live, I'm going to live a full life. The travel club existed long before me.

It's been in existence for nine years. There are registries in the US as well as other parts of the world, so I registered in Maryland where I was a consultant in my regular job. I was senior manager of a partnership, then I saw an opportunity to travel with my kids. It was an opportunity for them to travel and make money as well, so I started building," Lue-Fung said.

"I was trained on how to dress, walk and dine.

I needed spiritual coaching and lifestyle coaching and now I want to help people to manage the negativity around them, and leverage negative influences to get positive outcomes."

Lue-Fung will host a local seminar in January called Women Who Win, which will be put on by Women's Improvement Network.

Her advice to women undergoing challenges is to simply keep overcoming and proving people wrong.

"Don't enter into transactional relationships, because you place a value on yourself that will be hard to get out of.

Don't sit down waiting for someone to give you a fish; you will likely be helped if you ask some-

Natalie Lue-Fung

one to show you, rather than beg. Everything in the universe is conspiring to take you to the next level," she said.

She added: "Don't go out there seeking someone to tell them how sad your story is. Don't sit and talk about yourself and your story, because it may just be the first chapter. If I had done that mine would end up being about whining. Look at things you want to achieve and that's your next chapter.

There is never going to be a time when I'm not overcoming a challenge or going to another lev-

el, because I want more.

I'm appreciative but I want more."

For her success, she thanks her foster mothers Henrietta (June) Daley and Sheila Lutjens, "as even when I didn't have the strength, they pulled me along".

She maintained that failure is never an option and if you accept negativity from people, then you have failed yourself.

"Be flexible and get up with an attitude knowing you're going to win, because you were meant to win," she said.

(Jamaica Observer)

Ras Bobo Naturall chants positivity Bobo Naturall

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Migrating to Jamaica was an easy decision for up-and-coming reggae singer Bobo Naturall. In fact, the St Kitts-born artiste said he grew up on a diet of Jacob Miller, Bob Marley and other of the genre's stalwarts.

He now calls Bull Bay in St Thomas home.

"Jamaica is really the home of reggae music, so the decision to come here was not very hard. After doing several shows in New York, I knew that the time was now. I had to come to Jamaica and put in the grass root work if I wanted to be recognised in the business," he said.

Bobo Naturall is currently promoting his four-track EP Love and Live. The self-produced set was released in June.

"It's cultural, conscious, positive, and uplifting," he said, of the project.

In addition to the ti-

tle track, the EP comprises Rastafari Loving, Dread Natty Dread, and Everything's Irie.

The 40-year-old said there is a need for positive music as it impacts society.

"More positive music can uplift and build the youths instead of the constant overload of inappropriate, negative, violent utterances.

Musicians should understand that music teaches the nation whether it be good or bad, so it is the responsibility of ones and ones to sing music for Jah," he said.

Bobo Naturall, who spent part of his years in Brooklyn, feels it is only a matter of time that he will get his big break.

"I'm serious about my music. Hardworking, ambitious and motivated. Is like Jah speaking to I. Coming forward to Jamaica and sitting in, really giving me a strength," he said.

(Jamaica Observer)

travel & tourism

41

WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Enjoy a quiet and scenic tour of Mahaica, a community on the left bank of the Mahaica River; some 26 miles from the city.

Mahaica backdam

Mushrooms or toadstools - better known as “jumbie umbrellas� grow on a fallen log in the backdam

Casting for lunch

Abundant fruits make meals easy to come by for this butterfly

Mango trees, cherry trees, coconut trees and many others reflect the agricultural aspect of Mahaica

42

arts & culture

WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

A

“case of visual and verbal imagery engaged in dialogue” is the description of Stanley Greaves’, AA, latest series of 24 paintings being exhibited at Castellani House.

A mirror of the literary mind viewed from Greaves’s prospective, the series proves a complex one as described by the artist: “The paintings showed the evolution of visual language where visual complexity, illustrative mode in the earlier series was shunned in favour of presenting a single dramatic moment or image as symbolic interpretation.”

In a drive to connect with his surroundings by committing visual memory and experience of co-

lours, textures, shapes and forms in images created in his paintings and sculptures, Greaves sought to “create paintings based on reading novels to deepen” his experiences.

According to Greaves, novels written by Sir Wilson Harris, a Guyanese author, have “provided [him] with a link to understanding the nature of the impact of the landscape on life forms and its impact on [his] own way of seeing/sensing the place of things/events in [his] work and by extension in [his] cosmos”.

The series was accomplished by reading novels and in reacting to “text painting until the end”.

While reading, Greaves

would make notes about possible themes, themes that presented him with an image (but not a complete composition) which would develop as he painted.

A semi-abstract approach was thus utilised moving away from “detailed planning to a more organic” style where “intuition provided direction and drive”.

“I [would] begin with an image, which as it developed, provided clues for composing the rest…,” Greaves explained.

Work on Dialogue with Wilson Harris originated in the 1960s, however, intensive work was not done until 2011 while reading the several novels and relating events,

which allowed for the completion of the series in 2014.

Very talented in several areas, Greaves studied art in the Working Peoples’ Art Class led

by E R Burrowes, after which Greaves taught for a few years at the Sacred Heart Primary and St Stanislaus Secondary Schools.

Greaves later left to study art at the University of Newcastleon-Tyne, where he graduated with a BA (Hons) in Art and a Diploma in Art Education. Greaves also attended Howard University where he gained a MFA and helped design the first Arts and Craft Syllabus for the Caribbean Exam Council.

Arawak Bowl of Numbers (2013)

Notably, the artist is known for his work across several art disciplines where he has won prizes nationally, regionally and internationally.

Not to mention, his poems where he has linked poetry to art just as he linked literature to art in Dialogue with Wilson Harris.

Dialogue with Wilson Harris, celebrat-

ing the 80th birth anniversary of Greaves, is currently ongoing at Castellani House, located on Vlissengen Road.

The exhibition will continue until 29 November 2014. Admission is free.

Gallery hours are 10:00 to 17:00 on MondaysFriday and 14:00 to 18:00 on Saturdays; the gallery is closed Sundays and holidays.

Georgetown To Omai (2011)

Dialectic of Progress (2013)

feature

43

WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

P

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Just imagine feasting on aromatic barbecued meat, curried coconut crayfish, or even sauteed worms. On the side, you might try cassava bread, savoury farine “rice” or plantain pastelles.

And for dessert, perhaps some sweet cassava pone, washed down with delicious, creamy, hot creole cocoa, or local fruit wine.

These are just some of the recipes in a new book called Kunuwaton, which celebrates the Amerindian influences in TT cuisine. The word “kunuwaton” means culture in the Karina language of one of Trinidad’s First Peoples.

The book is by Dr Satnarine Balkaransingh, with recipes

by Jassie Singh and Ricardo Hernandez.

The book takes us on an educational journey to the culture and cuisine of some of Kairi’s (Trinidad’s) indigenous Amerindian descendants—the Santa Rosa First Peoples of Arima.

“We are spiritual beings with a human body, and to deny this is to deny yourself the essence of your being, and therefore your good physical health and sound mind,” says medicine man Cristo Adonis, who says all good health must first be based on a spiritual approach—and an understanding of local herbs and the specific needs of individual patients,

First Peoples of Santa Rosa chief Chief Ricardo Hernandez, left, helps prepare cornmeal to make pastelles for the cookbook Kunuwaton. PHOTO: W WATSON

among other necessary knowledge.

The book Kunuwaton shows the Amerindian roots of many dishes which we might have otherwise ascribed to other cultures. It also shows how Amerindian tastes mixed with Spanish, African, East Indian and other influences to produce some of our favourite local dishes. In recipes like stuffed arepas, for instance, or pastelles, both Spanish and Amerindian influences are there.

We learn that the precursor to pastelles was probably the early Amerindian “tamales” or corn-paste pies, stuffed with any variety of meats and vegetables, and made by resourceful Amerinidan women as a portable, convenient fast food for their menfolk on warring expeditions in canoes.

There is a saltfish and tomatoes dish, which many may have previously ascribed to the African peoples brought here, rather than to the Amerindians.

As for barbecue—the current First Peoples “pyai” (medicine man) Cristo Adonis shares his recipe for authentic Carib “boucaneed meat” on page 71; and there’s another more recent barbecue recipe, involving slow roasting for up to six hours over an open pit.

There are recipes for roasted tomato salsa, stewed beans, and even stir-fried worms— which are really the larvae of bumblebees.

And the book teaches us that all of our root crops—cassava, yam, potato, sweet potato, tania, dasheen and eddo—have been worldwide staples in First Peoples’ diets for a long, long time.

They knew how to farm sustainably, and lived from cultivating the natural abundance of Kairi (Trinidad), with no imports except for goods they traded with mainland and other Caribbean island Amerindian tribes.

The author, Dr Satnarine Balkaransingh, is an economist by training but is better known as an Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and cultural researcher.

He is the current artistic director of the Kathak Kala Sangam, an Indian dance/music/singing group formed in 2009. Dr Balkaransingh has done much research into links between TT festivals and those of India.

His new research interest

into the Amerindians or First Peoples, he says, was sparked by work of the late Peter Harris.

Peter Harris was a senior research scholar at UTT’s Academy for the Arts from 20062010, who was working on a history of the First Peoples when he died, says Balkaransingh— who was clearly much moved by this research.

Balkaransingh also met Patricia Harris, whom, he says, is “the most knowledgeable academic on the Santa Rosa First Peoples community.”

He consulted her on the rituals and festivals in the book.

The book’s recipes have all been developed by chef Jassie Singh, with lots of input from Chief Ricardo Hernandez, Merlene Hernandez (the Chief’s wife), and other members of the Santa Rosa First Peoples community, explains Balkaransingh in the book’s acknowledgements.

Whether you’re interested in experimenting with specific recipes, or just curious about TT First Peoples’ culture, Kunuwaton is a friendly place to start.

Kunuwaton—Culture and Cuisine of the Santa Rosa First Peoples of Arima, Kairi

by Satnarine Balkaransingh, Jassie Singh and Ricardo Hernandez will be available at local stores including Nigel Khan in Trincity Mall and Jadoo’s in Arima. (TT Guardian)

44

NEWS

WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Hicken’s “warning” taken out of ...

from page 37

from A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) and Red Thread.

Members of the general public have also taken to Facebook to vent their concerns with respect to the remarks by the Commander.

The APNU in a statement to the media said that Hicken’s comment “sends a message to victims of rape that they were somehow responsible for the violence met-

ed out to them”.

“These remarks attributed to a senior Police Officer show clearly the need for education at all levels of the force to sensitize ranks on this most heinous crime.

“Police Officers must be educated to know that rapists are not overcome with sexual desire or that a woman who is raped may have dressed too seductively or ‘asked

for it’ in some manner” said the release.

Red Thread reportedly said that the comments made by the Commander are reflective of the urgent need for the implementation of the sexual offences Act of 2010.

The organisation said, “For Mr Hicken to suggest that how women dress may be a trigger for rape indicates a serious failure in the train-

ing which has purportedly been done with the police. The inclination to blame the victim is a weak and lazy response to a serious crime, and it is unacceptable in the responses of the police – more so a senior policeman – tasked with investigating these offences.”

These comments reportedly came after Hicken told reporters on Monday that “we are

speaking about preventing somebody from committing an offence and yet we are creating an atmosphere in terms of our society which seems to be the norm now”.

“When we are within our partnership programmes we advocate for the young females who seem to be vulnerable within a certain age group that is moving from around 13 to 18 16 to 18 and we always

try to embrace an attire that would be accepted morally and not to have yourself in an attire that you create this type of look, reminiscing look by the opposite gender and that is a work in progress for you.”

According to data from the Police, last month alone, 11 persons were raped; representing a 31 percent increase when compared to the statistics for 2013.

45

Times Notebook

WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

M

Wanted: Responsible politicians

ore than anything else at this time, there is an urgent need for responsible politicians in our country. Some politicians over the last several months have been irresponsible, promoting mayhem in Guyana.

Guyana needs politicians who would support dialogue and negotiation, no matter how demanding and frustrating the process maybe. Guyana does not need politicians who reject dialogue and negotiation and promote disharmony and violence in the streets.

Our country has made significant strides in the last two decades, having fully recovered from the debacle of the 1970s and 1980s. Guyana has achieved a period of sustained, unbroken economic growth that is the longest period of growth for any country in the Region.

Guyana encourages robust and even boisterous debate, and disagreements between Government and Opposition are seen as part of the democratic process. But these disagreements should be resolved through intense dialogue

and compromise.

Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, on behalf of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and with the critical support of the Alliance For Change (AFC), called on people to boycott the Guyana Chronicle, NCN and the Guyana Times.

There has been loud talk about the freedom of the press. Can anyone explain to us how the boycotting of any newspaper, radio station or television station promotes freedom of the media?

The Government and its officials have been targeted by Kaieteur News, a newspaper that scandalises people’s reputation, often without any justification, and often using innuendoes and lies, but we have never heard anyone calling for a boycott of the Kaieteur News.

Threats Staff members of the state media and the Guyana Times, a private media operation and the most balanced of all the media houses in Guyana, have been subjected to the most glaring intimidation and threats in the continuing war being waged

against any media house that will not tout the line of the Opposition. Dr Roopnaraine, APNU and the AFC have adopted a retrograde, repugnant and shameful position!

Opposition Leader David Granger openly demanded that President Donald Ramotar had better recall the Prorogation Proclamation or there would be ‘Armageddon’ in our country. The “fire and brimstone” threat by Granger was also intoned by his senior party member and shadow cabinet member, Carl Greenidge, who reminded the President that King James was beheaded for proroguing Parliament in the UK more than 200 years ago.

Is Mr Greenidge serious in his veiled threat to behead President Ramotar?

Mr Khemraj Ramjattan said that the President and the Government are inviting bloodshed in the streets of Guyana. The question that the majority of people in Guyana are asking is if the Opposition has proclaimed that intimidation and threats and the incitement to violence constitute its preferred strategy, choos-

ing confrontation over conciliation. Has it definitively declared that dialogue is dead and confrontation is the way forward?

It was distressing and a reprehensible act for the Opposition to threaten foreign investors by proclaiming that all agreements will be reopened once it takes hold of the Government.

The President has been remarkably calm in the face of an Opposition that has been adamant in rebuffing him at every turn.

Yet, confronted by the combative declaration by Granger and Ramjattan that the joint Opposition completely rejects dialogue, the President’s affable and firm response is that he believes that the Opposition’s declaration is merely its first position in an expected negotiation.

Wipe the slate clean We fervently pray that the President is right and that the Opposition joins him in a negotiation to end the parliamentary impasse. We hope that the declared intention of no negotiation by the Opposition is just posturing and that it too will adopt a conciliatory attitude just because it

APNU Chairman and Opposition Leader David Granger

is for Guyana.

The President has declared that the prorogation was meant to wipe the slate clean and for every side to restart dialogue with a renewed interest to serve the welfare of our people. The position of the President in not going along with the drop dead behaviour of the Opposition, which would have meant elections by February, ruining both Christmas and Mash, and curtailing the life of a Government that was elected, is a mature and responsible one.

The President has declared that should negotiation fail to bring about conciliation and agreements, he will dissolve Parliament and there would be elections. The President has been frank and definitive – the prorogation was intended to give dialogue one more

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

chance. The Opposition has been equally definitive – no dialogue, and mayhem.

There is a bunch of 33 power-hungry people who have assumed unto themselves the power of God to end Parliament and the life of a Government two years before the statutory end of its term of office.

The President has used the instrument of the Constitution, the supreme law of the country, to urge cooler heads and a mature process of dialogue, to salvage the programme of progress and prosperity, failing which he will dissolve Parliament and call for elections.

This is the way forward and Guyana should stand with the President.

Readers are invited to send their comments by email or Facebook to times.notebook@gmail. com

46

feature

WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

D

argan House is said to have been named after Patrick Dargan, a barrister who decided to dedicate his life to defending the poor classes against the planters and colonial authorities of British Guiana.

Born in 1850, Dargan, who was described as a “coloured”, became known as the “Defender of the People” and was honoured in the 20th century with a large painting of his image alongside other notable Guyanese on the domed ceiling of the GBTI bank Water Street location here in Guyana.

Dargan also spent his time running for political office, advocating “free and liberal education” for everyone in British Guiana society,

and that civil servants should be hired “based on competitive examination” rather than social standing – this at a time when class and social segregation were practiced.

While he did not gain a seat in the 1891 election campaign to fill three newly created seats in the Court of Policy after a new constitutional arrangement that same year, he campaigned again and was elected in the 1897 election along with Andrew Benjamin Brown, a black candidate.

Dargan also published a newspaper called “The Creole”, which was often referred to as “Tribune of the People”, as it maintained his advocacy and voice for justice and equality for the poor.

Dargan House, which currently houses Guyana National Commission for UNESCO

Patrick Dargan is reported to have died in

1908, after which his wife and three daugh-

ters moved to the UK. Dargan House is described as “a splendid example of the traditional colonial architecture” and was built

around 1880. Located at Robb and Oronoque streets, the building now houses the Guyana National Commission for UNESCO.

Boycott is the new word

B Seawall looking east, early 1900s

Magistrates' Court 1900s

oycott is suddenly de new buzz word in Guyana. These days any time any body open dem mouth, that word comin out, especially dem ones who playin politricks. De scholar Poopert usin it. Curlene usin it. Green Jah usin it. Rum Jhaat using it. De Nagga Man usin it.

Rambo usin it. And even de Man Kisser usin it.

Nuff a dem wanna boycott de GTimes, dem wanna boycott businesses in de country, and dem wanna boycott de Guvament. And dem public servants always wanna boycott de wuk whah dem gettin pay to do.

Poopert seh he gon boycott GTimes and just like how he boycott Rodney and cut he throat when he join up wid de Pee-Hen-Cee. Some body seh Poopert only behavin so because he vex since Green Jah boycott he way ahead of de next elections. Now it ain’t got nobody leff to boycott poor Poopert.

No Gel Hugly was also vex when Rum Jhaat boycott he and tell de KFC to put Nagga Man as de Presidential Candicate. That was when Pattieson seh he also woulda run fuh de position if Rum Jhaat and Nagga Man didn’t boycott he.

Curlene seh she gon boycott all de businesses and right away Green Jah seh he gon boycott she.

De other day both Rum Jhaat and Nagga Man boycott de APNU rally. And de Pee-Pee-Pee/Cee had boycott de two of dem after de party realise dem was no good.

As soon as Paper Man hear all that, he seh he wanna boycott all he court dates, even de one wheh he rob de Guvmanent over $100 million in taxes, plus de other one wheh he rob de S*ity Council another setta millions. And not too long ago he tell de remigrants to boycott de court.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! But no matter whah he do, Camp Street ain’t gon boycott de Paper Man.

feature

47

WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

P

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Trinidad-born artiste Errol Renaud was honoured in Australia with the Outstanding Contribution To The Entertainment Industry Achievement Award 2014 on November 7.

The award is given by Celebration of African Australians Inc and the presentation ceremony was held at Sydney’s Parliament House, in New South Wales.

Renaud said: “African Australians are honoured for their contribution in various fields to Australia.

We have iconic African Australians in sports, medicine, law and entertainment. Several others are captains of industry, entrepreneurs and celebrities. In addition, many serve the government and the community in various capacities.

“The aim of Celebration of African Australians Inc (Celebrate) is to celebrate, appreciate and showcase the con-

Trinidad-born artiste Errol Renaud 'celebrate'

tributions of African Australians to our collective growth and prosperity. This is a flow-on from the United Nation’s proclamation of 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent.” “In New South Wales, several African Australian legends, superstars and icons will be

honoured by 'Celebrate' this year. In addition to honorariums, 'Celebrate' will also showcase the luminaries on its Web site and its sub-domains.”

Renaud is renowned as a pioneer of Caribbean music in the Australian, Asian and Pacific regions. He initially went to Australia with Amral

Becoming a nun...

from page 30

happens because we are all human beings and we experience human emotions,” expressed Bacchus.

After attending Saturday lessons held by the Sisters of Mercy Convent in Plaisance for the less fortunate in the neighbourhood, Bacchus was inspired by the nuns’ “actions and love for the people”.

“So at a young age I always wanted this, but I was too young when I approached them the first time. I remember one of the sisters keeping a composition I wrote when I was younger outlining why I wanted to be a nun…there are a few sisters who really inspired me, including Sister Julie Matthews, Sister Mary and Sister

Judith,” she recalled.

Bacchus approached the sisters of the convent at the tender age of eight.

Currently, Bacchus is in her second year of ‘discerning’ as a ‘temporary professed’. After entering the convent in 2009, where she became a candidate, she took her first vows in September 2013 becoming temporarily professed, upon which three years of discerning are necessary to ensure this is the path she wants, and only then will she be allowed to take her final vows.

“I was involved in sports, but gave that up.

I represented Guyana with other national players, but my desire to become a nun is stronger than my love for sports,” she declared.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

To completely become a nun, Bacchus will have to take three vows: one of chastity, poverty, and obedience. Then for the Sisters of Mercy, a religious community of nuns, she will take a fourth - the vow of service to the poor, sick, and the uneducated.

“Prayers have been my steady diet, especially praying for change with all the chaos of our country and around the world. As a nun I try to do my best in whatever I do…and I try to reach out in areas of need,” Bacchus mentioned.

The Sisters of Mercy responds to a call to serve people in need and commit themselves to follow Jesus Christ; they profess lifelong religious vows of chastity, poverty, obedience and service to people who are poor, sick and uneducated.

They serve through education, health care, social services and ministries that further social, political, economic and spiritual wellbeing.

Within these ministries they, together with their co-workers and those they serve, endeavour to model mercy and justice and to promote systemic change according to their ideals.

The Community of Mercy includes Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Associates, Mercy Corps Volunteers, and Mercy Companions.

Trinidad Cavaliers during their world tour more than 34 years ago.

Renaud has performed in more than 25 different countries in the Caribbean, Australia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, the Pacific, including places like Canada, Germany, India, Japan, Egypt, China, and Cuba for the Festival del Caribe (festival of fire).

Renaud has released six CDs, plus two singles. His new and sev-

enth CD is due for release in December 2014.

He is currently based in Sydney, Australia playing gigs and touring with his band Caribbean Soul. Among the 100 most-influential African Australians to receive honorariums are living legends, superstars and celebrities, icons, including but not limited to sporting heroes, outstanding community leaders and members, leaders of industry and entrepreneurs, profes-

sionals, academics and stalwart scientists.

Renaud said that among the objectives of 'Celebrate' are to honour, recognise and celebrate the contributions of Africans to all spheres of the Australian society, including but not limited to: social, economic, political, and community engagements; to establish honorarium and present awards to distinguished, influential and outstanding African Australians; to acquire properties for the purpose of establishing community development centres, social or business bureaus for purposes that supports the objectives of the association; to organise educational, media and community development projects; to organise exchange programmes for cultural, business, tourism and educational exchange between Australia and Africa; to facilitate training, capacity building and empowerment projects for Africans and African-Australians; and, to collaborate with businesses, professionals, government and non-governmental organisations in order to achieve these objectives.

(TT Guardian)

48

hollywood

WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jolie's 'Unbroken' premiere Arnold Schwarzenegger makes audience gasp in Oz rules out 'Junior' sequel

A

A

ngelina Jolie's movie 'Unbroken,' based on the subject Louis Zamperini, has drawn positive reaction at its world premiere in downtown Sydney, Australia.

The 137-minute film's one particularly shocking maritime moment and the unrelenting visceral wartime brutality that punctuates Zamperini's tale of survival made the audience gasp audibly, Fox News reported.

The often-intense film is based on the international bestseller 'Sea biscuit' by Laura Hillenbrand and is among the last high-profile Academy Award-eligible films to open Stateside.

The project is set to release on Dec. 25 in the U.S. (TOI)

Bill Cosby faces new rape allegations

B

ill Cosby's problem doesn't seem to end as another rape accuser has come forward to blame the actor for drugging and raping her on two occasions decades ago.

Accuser Joan Tarshis posted on a website that it took her about 20 years to admit this to anyone, the New York Post reported.

Tarshis said that but during those

years as she grew into adulthood, she watched Cosby be praised by everyone from Presidents to Oprah to the Jello Corporation.

She continued that it all made her ill despite knowing first-hand that there was something "unbalanced" about the 77-year-old actor.

Tarshis added that she was 19-years-old in autumn of 1969 and Cosby seemed to take a liking to her, and so she was invited back a few times.

The accuser added that she was sickened by what was happening to her and shocked that this man she had idolised was now raping her.

Cosby has been besieged by accusations of multiple sexual assaults during his decades-long career that have resurfaced in the last couple of weeks.

(TOI)

Brooke Shields regrets marrying Andre Agassi

M

odel-turned-actress Brooke Shields says that soon after her marriage to former tennis star Andre Agassi, she realised it was a mistake.

The actress and Agassi split in 1999 after being married for two years, but Shields feels she always had relationship doubts, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"It hit me all of a sudden - I knew I had made a mistake. For the next two years we saw very little of each other.

I was working on my show, 'Suddenly Susan,' and he was playing at various tournaments.

"He alienated me when he lost and was on to the next tournament after he won. We were drifting apart," she wrote on her biography.

Andre confessed he'd been "addicted to crystal meth" since their dating life began, but she says she had always hoped to work things out.

S

he said.

The father-of-five added that he was expecting the movie , which also starred Emma Thompson, to be much better than it actually was when it was released. He said: "I've had great successes and a lot of things that went in the toilet and failed.

There's no science to the whole thing".

"You read scripts and think it's a great idea, and then when you see it and realise that it's not quite how you envisaged it, you move on," he added. However, Schwarzenegger, who will reprise his Terminator character in 2015 in 'Terminator: Genisys', confirmed there will be a 'Twins' sequel.

He said: "They're doing a 'Twins' sequel, to be called 'Triplets'. I've read the first draft. There's rumblings of a new 'Running Man' movie, so it's a great honour to be asked back." (TOI)

is thankful for everyone's patience and un-

derstanding and that she never expected others to take advantage and profit from her condition.

The 28-year-old actress said that she's disappointed with those who lulled her into a false sense of security only to find out they really are only interested in selling her privacy to the media.

Bynes also took to Twitter saying that she is straight up doesn't believe in harming a soul.

(TOI)

Amanda Bynes apologizes for wanting family dead

A

manda Bynes recently apologized for saying earlier that she wanted to murder her father and wanted her family dead because they control her money.

The 'Mean Girls' star said that she is sorry for trusting people who clearly were not her friends and capitalized on her illness, CNN reported. She stated that that she was sorry for any pain she caused her family and others and

Madonna to collaborate with Kanye West for new album

M

adonna has joined hands with Kanye West on one song for her new album, it has been re-

vealed.

An insider spilled the beans that the 37-year-old rapper and American singer hit it off at the 'Keep A Child Alive' ball and have been in touch ever

"I was the one who had supported him unconditionally when he told me (after we started dating) that he was basically bald and had been wearing hairpieces most of his adult life. Why would this have been any different? I would have been his biggest advocate and supporter," she shared. (TOI)

Selena Gomez dines with mystery man inger Selena Gomez was spotted in an allblack ensemble with a mystery in a restaurant here.

The 22-year-old, who is facing a four year rollercoaster romance with singer Justin Bieber, looked happier than ever as she enjoyed the company of a mystery man on Saturday night, reports dailymail. co.uk. The singing sensation wined and dined at an Italian restaurant. (TOI)

ctor Arnold Schwarzenegger says there won't be a sequel to the 1994 comedy ‘Junior’, which was critically panned at the time of release.

The movie, starred the 67-year-old as Alex Hesse - a research geneticist who falls pregnant after taking an unapproved fertility drug, a role which he doesn't want to revive, reports contactmusic.com.

"There's certain movies that we went a little overboard. The fact of the matter is, this is life.

You make movies and do things. Some of the stuff is successful, and some stuff go down the toilet,"

since, the Daily Star reported.

The source continued that West had already written some songs that according to him would be perfect for the 56-year-old singer.

The source added that the 'Stronger' hitmaker wanted to produce some classic songs for the Queen of Pop.(TOI)

L

egendary British rock band Pink Floyd has shot to the top of the British charts with its new album 'The Endless River' after a hiatus of 20 years.

According to the Official Albums Chart, this is the band's sixth British number one. The last time they topped the charts was back in 1995 with live double album, 'Pulse'.

They released their first record, 'The Piper at the Gates of Dawn' in 1967, which reached number six in the British charts. The latest score was announced Sunday.

The album has been created by using 20 hours of unreleased material that the band wrote, recorded and produced with Rick Wright for Pink Floyd's 14th and last studio album, 'The Division Bell'.

Singer and guitarist David Gilmour said the album was a tribute to Floyd keyboard player Rick Wright, who died in 2008. Wright appears on the record

posthumously.

'The Endless River' is the third album after co-founder Roger Waters left the band in 1985. The two previous albums were 'A Momentary Lapse of Reason' (1987) and The Division Bell (1994). Gilmour has announced that this would be the last Pink Floyd album. (TOI)

bollywood

49

WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Kill Dil: movie review Jackie Shroff's wife Ayesha receives threatening messages, files fresh FIR

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tory: A contract killer wants to reform for love; but wait, will the ones who order him to kill, allow him to listen to his dil?

Review: Shaad Ali's Kill Dil is inspired by countless Hollywood movies that showcase

the protagonists romancing the gun. Here too, the two heroes Dev (Ranveer Singh) and Tutu (Ali Zafar) are orphans who are raised by a local Delhi don, Bhaiyyaji (Govinda).

Brought up against the backdrop of bullets instead of lullabies, the

chaddi-buddies drop out of primary school and grow up to become contract killers. With mafia killings being a regular feature of the Indian city underbelly, the trigger-happy twosome goes about their work without remorse. (TOI)

ctor Jackie Shroff's wife, Ayesha has registered a fresh FIR with the Bandra police after she received threatening messages from an unknown number.

"Yes, a fresh FIR has been registered by Ayesha Shroff after she received some threatening calls from unknown numbers," said an officer at the Bandra police station.

Ayesha had earlier this month filed a complaint against her former business partner, actor Sahil Khan, saying that he cheated her of close to Rs.5 crore. (TOI)

Salman Khan thanks fans for Arpita's wedding wishes

Aishwarya Sakhuja: I am not allowed to wear heels with Rohit

A

ishwarya Sakhuja is all set to tie the knot with her longtime beau, TV producer Rohit Nag, on December 5. The actress met Rohit on the set of a show that she anchored in 2008. She was quite impressed that the associate producer had been keeping track of her work. "Rohit knew that I had gone for a beauty pageant through newspapers. He liked my personality and recommended me for a reality show. We later bonded on the set over Govinda films, where I realised I shared a great comfort level with him.

Within three-four months, I decided that he was the man for me," she reveals.

Adding that Rohit was instrumental in bringing a balance in her life, she says, "I have always hated men who flirt, drop cheesy lines, and Rohit was nothing like that. There is never a dull moment with him. Besides, we both come from modest backgrounds. We are aware that we might have highs and lows in our career, so we manage

S

alman Khan has been receiving wishes for his sister Arpita's wedding from his fans and the superstar has thanked them for the blessings.

Arpita's wedding to businessman Aayush Sharma that will take place in Hyderabad Tuesday has created a buzz

to balance things in life."

Since Aishwarya is 5'8" inches tall, she laughs when we ask her about the height issue with her beau. She says, "I am not allowed to wear heels when I am with him, ever." (TOI)

Bigg Boss 8: Gautam Gulati becomes the King

D

ay 58 in the Bigg Boss house will welcome a new era, as a King will rise to his throne. The Bigg Boss house will no more be the same old home of the notorious housemates. Instead, the contestants will find themselves being ruled over by a dictator!

As the contestants finish breakfast, the luxury budget task for the week, 'Gautam City' is introduced by Bigg Boss. As the name suggests, captain Gautam is assigned as the strict dictator of the Bigg Boss house which is now converted into Gautam's kingdom. As his privilege, Gautam is provided access to a specially designed luxurious fully-equipped room through which he will rule the house. He is also given the

special privilege of choosing two royal guards by his side. As per the rules, Gautam is given the authority to handcuff the housemates if he wants to punish them and can also take away their food. The unpopular dictator is also allowed to do whatever he wants in the house and it is a strict rule that no one in the house can address him by name but only as 'Your Highness' or 'Your Majesty'.

To cement Gautam's stand as the dictator of the house, Bigg Boss has covered the house with multiple posters of Gautam all over the house along with a special status of Gautam in his famous shirtless avatar. When the contestants notice the posters and the statue, they are horror struck because the posters depict words such as 'My City My Rule', 'Karo Ya Maro', 'Mera Sheher Mera Kahar' written on them.

But accepting them as a by-product of the task, the contestants become wary about Gautam's moves. A delighted Gautam is over the top and jumps into action as he chooses various tasks to raise the entertainment levels within the house. And that is how Gautam City is formed in all its glory.(TOI)

on Twitter. It is trending on the microblogging site and the big brother appreciates the love from his fans.

"Thank u for all the blessings n good wishes. Wil tweet sm pics frm the wedding later. Arpita n ayush thank n appreciate it," Salman tweeted Tuesday.

Arpita had also shared a photograph of her pre-wedding celebrations.

"Wedding madness from last night (Monday)!,' she captioned the picture in which she is seen getting mehendi done on her hands.

Bollywood celebrities like Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif, Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Dharmendra and his wife Hema Malini, Karan Johar and David Dhawan will reportedly attend the wedding that will take place at Taj Falaknuma, the luxury heritage hotel of the Taj Group located in the old city.

(TOI)

Exclusive: Both of Sunny Deol’s sons to make their Bollywood debut soon

I

t has been known for a while now that Sunny Deol's elder son Karan will make his acting debut. The film is likely to start around mid-2015. However what is truly interesting is that Karan's younger brother Rajveer, who is currently studying acting in London, will also be launched shortly.

Both youngsters are chips of the old block and qualify high on looks.

Don't forget their grandfather Dharmendra was one of the 10 best looking men in the world in his heydays.

A chance meeting with the super-shy Karan gave us a little peek into their world.

The 20-something youngster, who was helping his father in the making of 'Ghayal 2', has stopped work on it and has started taking keen interest in his launch.

When asked what genre of films he is best suited to, Karan, who's often found gesticulating with his hands, displays amazing wit. Smiling, he says, "Besides films and

acting, the Deols have carried on the lineage of short temper. All of us at home are short-tempered people. So, obviously, it has to be action roles."

Besides playing football, Karan has picked up the art of writing poems from his grandfather Dharmendra. "But I don't write in Urdu like him, I pen my thoughts in English and Hindi," confesses the youngster, who, according to his friends, is a very good actor.

"I have seen his acting tapes, he is great with Shakespearan

plays. I have seen him doing a monologue from Hamlet," says a close friend.

Interestingly, Karan's younger brother Rajveer, who is currently studying acting in London, is more like their father's cousin Abhay Deol and is likely to do films that have 'Uncle Abhay's' sensibilties. "Rajveer has Abhay's bent of mind when it comes to cinema whereas my leaning is more towards mainstream. I love all kinds of movies.

Sometimes I go all alone and watch films," concludes Karan. (TOI)

50

Sport

WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Lethal Taylor takes aim at Barbados W

EST Indies fastbowler Jerome Taylor is eagerly anticipating the Jamaica Franchise away encounter versus hosts Barbados Pride in the revamped regional four-day tournament.

The game is scheduled to commence tomorrow (Friday) at the Windward Park in Barbados.

Taylor missed the 13-run victory over Windward Islands Volcanoes last week due to "personal reasons", but replaces fellow pacer Jason Dawes in the squad for tomorrow's clash.

And as the Jamaicans prepared to leave the island on Wednesday, the 30-year-old bowler said he is ready for the battle against familiar foes.

"I'm looking forward

Jamaica Franchise cricket head coach Junior Bennett (right) and experienced fast bowler Jerome Taylor (left) provide tips to young seamer Marquino Mindley as the squad prepared to depart Sabina Park for Barbados on Wednesday. (PHOTO: JOSEPH WELLINGTON)

to this game, and the games against Barbados are usually good. I will try to see how much

I can give a good account of myself so that the youngsters [teammates] can grasp things

as well," Taylor told the Jamaica Observer as the bulk of the squad assembled at Sabina Park yes-

terday.

A victim of back-related injuries in the past, Taylor returned to fourday cricket last season with telling effect, capturing 25 wickets from eight matches to lead Jamaica's bowling.

He said he wants to continue that good form before he joins the West Indies squad in their preparation for the upcoming tour to South Africa.

"It's always a pleasure playing for Jamaica.

This is where I started so whenever I have the time and I'm here and called upon it is a joy to me.

"To leave [for South Africa] on a good note would be very good for me. We are coming off a victory [against the Windwards] so the standard is set and I'm look-

ing forward to continuing that. As an addition I think I could help the bowling unit, and also along with the other senior players, I can guide the younger ones," he said.

The Jamaica Franchise coach Junior Bennett said Taylor has been close to the squad despite not being in the team against Windward Islands Volcanoes.

"He has been training with us since last week and throughout the course of the match [versus the Windwards]. He had warm-ups with the team each morning and he's doing well," Bennett said.

Taylor, who made his first class debut in the 2002-03 season, has taken 261 wickets at 25.90 in 81 matches. (Taken from Jamaica Observer)

Players sign contracts, but Darren Bravo opts out of tour

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ny remaining speculation over the tour of South Africa was removed Tuesday when 14 of the 15 players selected for the Test series signed the controversial match/ tour contracts.

In selecting the squad last week, the West

Indies Cricket Board had given players a deadline of 5:00 pm on Tuesday, and the board confirmed they had received all but one of the signatures.

"The WICB thanks the players for their timely and positive responses and looks forward to a successful tour of South

Africa," the WICB said in a statement.

In a surprise move, however, left-hander Darren Bravo will take no part in the tour after pulling out of the squad for "personal reasons".

The 25-year-old, the younger brother of oneday captain Dwayne

BRAVO... requested not to be considered for the Test series for personal reasons

Bravo, also played no role in Trinidad and Tobago

Red Force's first-round match in the WICB

Professional Cricket League last weekend against Barbados Pride.

In fact, he was left out of the squad named for the first two rounds, with selectors claiming the player had made himself unavailable since his return from the troubled tour of India.

Bravo was a member of the West Indies oneday squad which took the controversial decision to quit the tour of India over a contracts row with their union, WIPA. In recent years, Bravo has become a fixture in the Windies top order, continued on page 53

Players, officials to get outstanding monies soon

A

ggrieved Trinidad and Tobago national players and officials will have their outstanding salaries settled by today (Thursday).

Cabinet approved the nearly TT$10 million for the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation last Thursday, and Sports Minister Dr Rupert Griffith is now expected to disburse payments shortly.

This comes after Trinidadian players threatened to boycott Tuesday night's CFU Caribbean Cup final against Jamaica, claiming they were tired of repeated broken promises to settle the outstanding salaries.

According to a government statement, the payment "will facilitate the clearing of a backlog of expenses related to

Jamaica defender Jermaine Taylor, about to pass the ball to a teammate after getting the better of Trinidad’s Kevin Molino, during the final of the 2014 CFU Caribbean Cup at the Montego Bay Sports Complex on Tuesday night.

the senior men's national team".

However, the released added: "These funds represent an unbudgeted addition to the annual subvention already allocated to the TTFA in the 2015 Budget."

The government

cheque will not only clear the salary arrears, but will also cover salaries for technical staff for the next eight months.

Trinidad and Tobago went down to the Reggae Boyz on penalties in the final of the Caribbean Cup at the Montego Bay Sports Complex.

SPort

51

WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyanese Garraway thrilled to complete Level 11 coaching course

By Ravendra Madholall

T

ORONTO, CANADA: Former Guyana fast bowler Trevon Garraway said he is thrilled to complete the Australia Level II coaching course recently in Toronto which is organised by Ontario Cricket Academy.

The five-day programme was conducted by International Cricket Council (ICC) Developmental Officer for the North American Region, Tom Evans, with assistance from other reputable coaches such as Mathews Betsey, Darren Holder and Steven Ryne.

Garraway, who has featured in 12 First-Class matches for his native country, spanning from 2005 to 2009,

did his Level I since 2008 with the West Indies Cricket Board and is aspiring to complete the Level III soon rather than later.

“Yes, definitely I am thrilled and delighted to complete my Level II certification and it is also an honour to do it with Australian Tom; looking forward now to do the Level III soon,” the 30-yearold Garraway related.

According to the ex-Essequibo senior Inter-county skipper, he always wishes to give back something to the game and feels gaining more knowledge about cricket is also encouraging to become a full-time qualified coach.

“Cricket has given me a lot and I am enjoying playing it still; now I feel privi-

Trevon Garraway

leged to give back to the game; I still want to represent country again too and that is why

I have been consistently playing in Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Canada,” the right-arm bowler informed.

Since his inaugural trip to Canada in 2008, Garraway has played professionally, representing various clubs at the annual Toronto District and Cricket Association Premier and Elite competitions, the Scarborough Cricket Association and Brampton/ Etobicoke League tournaments as well.

The performances were excellent and that propelled Garraway to keep thinking of wearing Guyana’s colours again at the highest level.

Before the commencement of his stint in Canada in early May, Garraway played for Yorkshire Cricket Club in

Trinidad and had done well.

He represented Victoria Park Cricket Club at the Premier Division, but his success was modest.

Garraway’s continued involvement in softball cricket at the Ontario Softball Cricket League annual competition in the East End Conference A category for Gt Bannas Cricket Club is a manifestation of his love and passion for cricket.

“I enjoy my game in Canada again both hard and softball, definitely I would be back here next year to be part of the action; competitions are exciting and stiff and my game is improving in all aspects generally,” Garraway, who plays for Demerara Cricket Club in Guyana, explained.

Reggae Boyz defeat TT to take 2014 Caribbean Cup

M

ONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA: Jamaica were crowned champions of the Caribbean Football Union Caribbean Cup after outscoring Trinidad and Tobago 4-3 on penalties in front of a vociferous home crowd at the Montego Bay Sports Complex on Tuesday.

After neither team was able to find the target during 90 minutes of regulation plus 30 minutes of extra time, goalkeeper Andre Blake gave Jamaica the ideal start in the shoot-out when he saved the penalty of Trinidad and Tobago captain Kenwyne Jones.

Jermaine Taylor, Jobi McAnuff, Demar Phillips and captain Rodolph Austin, who was named man-of-thematch, were on target for the Reggae Boyz, who were winning their sixth title.

Teenager Michael Seaton was the only Jamaican player to miss from 12 yards.

It was a courageous effort from the Boyz, who were the better team for much of the game, as they created the better scoring opportunities, but just couldn't find the tar-

Members of Jamaica’s national senior team, the Reggae Boyz, celebrate after winning the Caribbean Cup on Tuesday in Montego Bay as a dejected Khaleem Hyland, who missed the last penalty for Trinidad and Tobago, makes his way off the pitch.

get.

It was Jamaica's first win since lifting the trophy under the guidance of coach Theodore Whitmore in Martinique in 2010.

The Boyz have now qual-

ified for the eagerly anticipated special edition of the Copa America Centenario, which is the 100th anniversary of the South American Championships. Under a special arrangement, six teams

from CONCACAF plus the 10 South American nations will participate.

The Boyz had earlier qualified for next summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup, and after plummeting down the

FIFA rankings to 113th, their gutsy performance proved the ideal response, giving German coach Winfried Schaefer his first title since being appointed head coach.

(Jamaica Observer)

Kaliese Spencer cops Caribbean Sports Journalists Award

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Commonwealth Games champion Kaliese Spencer and the men's 4x200m team that set a world best at the IAAF World Relay Championships in the Bahamas in May were the only Jamaican winners in the first Caribbean Sports Journalists' Association (CASJA) annual awards.

Spencer, the 400m hurdles champion at the Commonwealth Games, as well as the IAAF Diamond Trophy winner, was named the Top Sportswoman, polling five of the six votes

by a six-member panel comprised of Olympians Tonique Williams and Ato Boldon, former World Cup footballer Shaka Hislop and three track and field journalists from around the Region.

Yarisley Silva of Cuba, the pole vault gold medallist from the World Indoor Championships in Sopot, Poland, ended second in the female vote.

G r e n a d a ' s Commonwealth Games 400m champion Kirani James won the Top Sportsman award by getting three of six votes, edging Jamaican World

Spencer... 400m Commonwealth Games hurdles champion and IAAF Diamond Trophy winner

Boxing Association (WBA) Super World featherweight boxer champion Nicholas

'Axeman' Walters (two votes) and six-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt of Jamaica

for the top award.

The Jamaican men's 4x200m team of Nickel Ashmeade, Warren Weir, Jermaine Brown and Yohan Blake which set a new World best of 1:18.63 minutes won the award for Team of the Year.

Trinidad and Tobago's Soca Princesses, who are one win away from qualifying for next year's FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada was named the Female Team of the Year.

Despite winning gold in the 400m hurdles at the IAAF World Junior Championships

in Eugene, Oregon, and gold in a World Youth best time in the 110m hurdles at the Youth Olympics in China, Jamaica's Jaheel Hyde was named runnerup in the male Rising Star category behind Guadeloupe's Wilhem Belocian, who set a World Junior best 12.99 seconds to win the World Junior Championships 110m hurdles.

Commonwealth Games 400m champion Stephenie-Ann McPherson was also runner-up in the female section to Barbados' jumper Akela Jones.(Jamaica Observer)

52

Sport

WEEK ENDING November 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana’s Jeffrey is new Caribbean motor racing champ on debut

Kristian Jeffrey waves the chequered flag after one of his victories

By Treiston Joseph

G

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Kristian Jeffrey is the new individual champion in the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) group four category after picking up two wins on Sunday during the final leg of the championships at the South Dakota Cirucit.

Jeffrey, who came into the event with the lead, maintained the top pole position with, skilled and expert driving to win the title.

The Stag Beer sponsored driver, won two out of his three races while finishing third in one. Barbadian Stuart Maloney won the other CMRC group four event.

Jeffrey’s final race

was drama filled in the first three laps, trailing Maloney in an intense duel before, Maloney lost control on turn one and came off the track allowing Jeffrey to power away easily.

Earlier in the day, Jeffrey had his luck as well as his car was fortunate to miss a pile up crash that took his father Kevin Jeffrey out of action for the day.

“It’s phenomenal, I didn’t really expect it, I got to give all the praises to my team, the guys have been working everyday 24/7, I also need to thank Stag for coming onboard with me, the support they gave me for this race meet was unreal,” Jeffrey told this publication after his final race that he won comfortably.

Meanwhile Kevin Jeffrey was proud of his son, “I’m really proud of him, I was chasing the championship for a while but now I can live it through him and hopefully this starts a new era,” the elder Jeffrey stated.

Jeffrey along with Mark Vieira will now have a chance to put Guyana’s motor racing on the map when they participate in the champion of champions in December.

In Super Bike action Nikhil Seereeram and Matthew Vieira had even success with both winning on the day.

Seereeram was more successful however, grabbing the important victories in the CMRC category.

(Guyana Times)

GNRA Smallbore Championships to fire off on Saturday T

he Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) Smallbore section’s Annual Yearend Handgun Championships will fire off this weekend at Eve Leary, Georgetown, with the first of two days of competition featuring some of the country’s top shooters.

The .22 Pistol shoot will take place on Saturday at the TSU range at Eve Leary starting at 14:00h.

Participants will battle for supremacy at three ranges – 5, 8 and 12 metres for an overall aggregate of 166 points.

Several of the top handgun shooters will be in contention, according to Smallbore captain Dale Hing.

The action will switch to the Timehri range on November 30 for the threestage Practical Pistol Championships starting at 09:00h.

Among the leading shooters expected to be in contention are Dr Johan DaSilva, Hing, Murtland Smith, Ray Beharry, Gordon Richards, and Harold Hopkinson, who have all participated in the recently-held Suriname Open International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) sanctioned

Dale Hing

Level 111 shooting championships in the neighbouring republic.

Several promising shooters will also be looking to make their mark in the final tournament for 2014.

Interested shooters can contact Captain Dale Hing for further details.

Badree cleared in fixing probe

Young Jamaican athletes benefit from grassroots clinic

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Athletes from central Jamaica benefited from a recent Digicel/MVP Grassroots Athletics Programme major clinic, telecoms company Digicel is reporting.

The major clinic followed three pre-clinics, one in each county, with more than 500 young athletes training under the guidance of the nation's top track and field coaches, a news release said.

"I had a great time at the camp, especially because I learnt a lot more about hurdling," said Marvin Williams from St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS).

"I learnt about the distance between the hurdles and how to properly approach and position my body while going over the hurdle. All of this will help me to be a better athlete."

Similarly, Tavia Thompson of Newell High was pleased with the training she received

P

Samuel Badree

Javon Smith of Spalding High clears a hurdle during a training session at the Digicel/ MVP Grass-roots Athletic Clinic held at the St Catherine Sports Complex in Montego Bay.

in the hurdles, but also expressed renewed interest in the throws.

"I tried the javelin at the Boys' and Girls' Championships and placed eighth, but since getting the guidance from one of the top coaches in the island at the clinic, Coach Linval Swaby, I have been thinking that I want to try again," Thompson said.

Twenty-five outstanding athletes were presented with sneakers from Nike as well as sectional prizes from Digicel and other spon-

sors. Of the 25 athletes 11 were from schools located in central Jamaica, including Garvey Maceo, Lennon, Spalding High, Newell High, STETHS, Vere Technical High, Clarendon College and Munro College.

"These clinics -- being part of our grassroots programme -- were designed to reach our aspiring athletes where they are and hone their skills under the guidance of the best coaches in the country," said Digicel's Marketing Director Peter Lloyd.

(Jamaica Observer)

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: West Indies leg-spinner Samuel Badree has been cleared of any spot or match-fixing allegations, one day after his name was disclosed by the Supreme Court in India as part of the Justice Mukul Mudgal committee report that probed allegations of betting and spot-fixing in the 2013 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Badree on Friday denied the claims outright.

And according to reports out of India, three cricketers (Badree among them) whose names were inadvertently taken by Justice TS Thakur in the 2013 IPL corruption case in the Supreme Court had been cleared by the Mudgal committee.

“It has been confirmed by a reliable source close to the case that the three cricketers were not party to any wrong doing and that their names had been emphatically cleared by the committee report,” the ESPN Cricinfo website reported on Monday.

The story continued: “The names of three current cricketers were taken by Justice Thakur along with those of “non-playing” individuals whom the court went on to issue notice to in regard to findings in the report. There was no context or reference made regarding the reasons for naming the cricketers. Within a few minutes, the cricketers’ names appeared on Twitter and were picked up and flashed by most television news channels across India. The

court then asked the media present to withhold the names and though the names were removed from screens in a short while, by then had already been in wide circulation. “ According to international and Indian media websites, the International Cricket Council chairman N Srinivasan, his sonin-law Gurunath Meiyappan, Rajasthan Royals co-owner Raj Kundra, IPL CEO Sundar Raman along with three cricketers Stuart Binny, Badree and Owais Shah were all named in the report submitted to the Supreme Court. Reports suggested that the names of the three players-three of six named in the reportwere inadvertently released.

On Friday, Badree told the TT media: “I have no part in matchfixing or spot fixing and as a matter of fact, in that season I played one game with Rajasthan Royals and I am very confused about how my name was in that report, especially without even being told about it prior to reading it on the internet this morning. I am waiting for further information because I don’t even know what context my name was mentioned in. I am strongly against any kind of match-fixing or spot fixing.” (TT Express)

53 Nationals open with colourful march past Sport

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The athletes during the opening ceremony Defending champions North Georgetown light the torch

A scene from the march past

By Treiston Joseph

T

he National School Athletics, S w i m m i n g , Cycling and Teacher’s Championships officially came on line with a colourful opening ceremony on Wednesday at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ground, Base Camp Ayanganna.

The ceremony saw all 15 districts clad in their colourful zone uniforms doing the march past while defending champions North Georgetown (District 11) lit the games torch.

A well-choreographed dance by the Lodge Secondary School was also a nice addition to the event.

However, on a more serious note, Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) President Mark Lyte, during his remarks, stressed the importance of the education system becoming more serious about physical education and its benefits.

“There is room for more to be done… schools should have access to grounds, it should not be lower level schools doing physical education…

Players sign contracts, but...

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and averages 43 from 32 Tests where he has compiled 2,311 runs.

However, only last year, he also abruptly left the tour of New Zealand, also for "personal reasons".

The board said it looked forward to his return.

"Darren Bravo wrote to Chairman of Selectors Clive Lloyd and requested not to be considered for the Test series due to personal reasons," the WICB statement said.

"The WICB extends its best wishes to Bravo as he seeks to address his personal matters and looks forward to his return to the game."

A replacement player is expected to be named soon.

Meanwhile, the players' move to sign match tour contracts is a major development, which will now see the threeTest tour of South Africa proceed as planned next month.

The contracts were at the centre of the controversial abandoned tour last month, with players contending the new terms would have resulted in a significant reduction in their earnings.

Following a series of meetings between the WICB, WIPA and the players, it was decided the contracts would go to arbitration.

West Indies will face South Africa in the first Test at SuperSport Park in Gauteng on December 17. (CMC)

there must be a change in the views about physical education,” Lyte stat-

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds declares the championships open

ed.

He noted that the championships played an important role in the life of the young athletes, “The championship has a far way to go, but we must put more emphasis for it to be part of the welfare of our athletes, lest they be lost to the ills of society,” Lyte highlighted.

Deputy Chief Education Officer of the Ministry of Education, Donna Champman, who spoke on the legacy of the tournament and how it can affect the young athletes, highlighted her short- term goal for the mega event.

“I would like our 2015

championships to be held at the new Leonora Synthetic track,” she quipped.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who declared the event open, in his feature address, mentioned that the championships should be Guyana’s calling card.

“These athletic championships is one of the first instances of fostering our youth… it is a challenge to do our best in the spirit of competition and excellence.

“I challenge the GTU and the Ministry of Education to make this best national event that represents us as a people,” Hinds urged.

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