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AML legislation being abused, says Nandlall ISSUE NO. 283

WEEK ENDING february 21, 2016

…as SOCU swoops down on city businessman

See story on page 3

Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela finally accredited Page 8

A scene from the Children's Mash Competition Finals currently being held at the National Cultural Centre in Georgetown, Guyana.

US-based Guyanese, Holly Veal...

A desire serve Another airline joins to for the Guyana market public …to ply New York, Miami routes good Page 7

See feature inside

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

AML legislation being abused,says Nandlall …as SOCU swoops down on city businessman

By Devina Samaroo

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nother city businessman reportedly became the target for yet another of the many money laundering operations being conducted by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), which is controversially working under the auspices of the Ministry of the Presidency instead of being an independent authority like all other law enforcement bodies.

During a press conference on Wednesday, the businessman’s lawyer, Anil Nandlall told media operatives that a contingent of 12 SOCU ranks “unleashed” themselves into the businessman’s home earlier in the day, before the break of dawn, under the pretext of investigating money laundering activities.

“They raided his house; they took away all his ac-

counting records and private confidential information…his grandchildren’s computers and iPads,” the Attorney-at-Law said.

He expounded that the SOCU ranks later “invaded” the businessman’s operations on Regent Street where they also removed documents for the investigation.

“This is a man who has never been charged for any offence,” Nandlall stated, declaring that the Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act was clearly being misused and abused as he had predicted.

Political directions

Nandlall, who is also an Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), further elucidated that he could not help but presume that SOCU was taking political orders since it was operating under the remit of the

geted for SOCU this year.

Opposition MP and Attorney-at-Law, Anil Nandlall

Ministry of the Presidency.

“It is being used as a weapon against the people of this country,” the politician decried.

He insisted that SOCU should be immediately removed from under the Ministry of the Presidency, arguing that until this was done, he would continue to contend that the body was being given political directions.

“The Ministry of the Presidency has no busi-

ness constitutionally, legally or democratically, with the business of carrying out investigations … it is not a part of the executive functions of Government,” Nandlall highlighted.

According to reports, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had explained that the arrangement was only temporary and SOCU would soon be transferred to the Public Security Ministry.

Some Gy$40 million was bud-

SOCU was established in 2013 as a law enforcement agency to investigate exclusively allegations and reports relating to money laundering and terrorism as part of Guyana’s international obligations to strengthen its AML/CFT apparatus. It was expected to work in tandem with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) which falls under the Finance Ministry.

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira recently explained that SOCU was placed under the then Office of the President (now Ministry of the Presidency), since at the time of its establishment, the AML/ CFT amendments were not passed by Parliament.

She added that after the legislation was passed in 2015, SOCU should have been removed and treated as a separate entity, similar to the FIU, and budget-

ed for under the Finance Ministry.

Repeal AML/CFT provision

Meanwhile, Nandlall is calling on Government to immediately make the necessary amendments to the AML/CFT Act to repeal SOCU’s authority to seize cash and jewellery worth in excess of Gy$10 million at places other than ports of entry and exit.

“We warned … (the then) Opposition not to pursue the course to insert that legislation…to give officers the power to enter into people’s home to seize and confiscate sums of money, including jewellery, exceeding Gy$10 million,” he reminded, noting that he had predicted misuse and abuse of that particular provision.

He explained that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) only required that the condition apply to ports of entry and exit.

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Champions!

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EDITORIAL

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Running on empty

any empty promises, a dearth of innovativeness and a void of meaningful policies can characterise the current Administration in office here in Guyana. The result is what everyone from a cleaner to a commissioner can recognise as the stagnation of our economy.

Knee-jerk reactions to occurring situations, fulfilling political sponsorship obligations, along with a determined push to ensure taxes are collected for the national treasury – perhaps to afford the Government’s bloated salaries – appear to be the priority of the coalition Government that leaves Guyana with an empty treasury of ideas and empty ideas for the treasury.

Where is the enthusiasm so many seemed to have had when the coalition came into power, where, despite any meaningful account of its plans for Guyana’s economy, it promised Guyanese a better life?

While it may be too early to say it failed, it is not too early to say it will fail, because APNU/AFC has yet to introduce significant policies and initiatives that show a potential for improving our lives anytime in the future.

And it is the simple things that reveal a lot.

When the gun amnesty was announced, it was hailed by some as a brilliant idea to rein in unlicensed firearms; with gun crimes still plentiful, it is obvious that while some citizens obey the law, others will not.

Now there are calls among some law-abiding citizens to give them firearms as they are being subjected to increasing robberies and are unable to defend themselves and their families, while effective law enforcement remains absent in their communities.

However, attaining a firearm is a study in confusion and futility for many.

When the not-so-novel idea of shutting down businesses by 2am was enforced under the assumption that it would reduce crime and road accidents, that too was considered a brilliant policy by some. To date, its effectiveness remains debateable.

The only thing that is indisputable is the fact that it has hurt many legitimate private businesses.

The uninspiring and bland budget, where there is so much so wrong within that it is beyond the scope of this editorial to discuss, can be an example for future economists on empty measures.

It can be argued that the Ministers of Government bring little to the table to help improve their so-far lacklustre management of their Ministries and by extension the country. Instead, political appointments are made and square pegs fill round holes as the unqualified take over.

Innovation under suppression and partisanship can never flourish for the good of the country. Not only those who openly support APNU/AFC may have ideas – if any at all – but many others can play a part in improving the so-far mediocre initiatives being put forward by Government – many stemming from a severely watered-down version of the previous Government’s innovations.

How much longer can the coalition Government exist on hijacking ideas which it then racks and ruins to become unimaginative policies? How long can it exist without demonstrating to Guyanese that it has a concrete plan for taking Guyana through the 21st Century?

Promises cannot be an acceptable plan; neither can policy plagiarism re-shaped and masqueraded as its own to lure Guyanese into a false sense of security for their future. APNU/ AFC has to do more, much more, to convince those who voted for the coalition – especially the untraditional voters – that it is qualified and confident to run a country.

Otherwise, Guyana is running on empty.

West Indies Under-19s arrive in Barbados following their triumph in the final of the ICC Youth World Cup. (Photo courtesy WICB Media)

International politics and oil prices Dear Editor, The price of oil has fallen dramatically in a very short period of time. While this is having a huge impact on oil producing/exporting countries, those non-producing countries are benefitting significantly.

In Guyana, it is estimated that the cost of generating electricity has dropped from US$0.28 at the beginning of last year to about US$0.09 per kilowatt today.

The explanation/s for the current low oil prices varies.

The talk about the slowing down of the world economy, mainly China, is one prominent explanation.

Another is the over-supply of oil on the world market. The traditional economic axiom – demand is way below supply – thus a fall in price.

At the same time, Iran, the world’s second largest oil producer, is back on the market after sanctions against it were lifted.

Many commentators are predicting the prices will remain low for a long time because supply is high. This is particularly true, since Saudi Arabia, the largest oil producer in the world, has announced that it has no intention on cutting back on production.

Since the Saudis have maintained this stance, the other major oil producers will follow suit for fear of losing their market share.

In the past, when oil prices fell, producers tried to slow down production to allow supply to fall in relation to demand and to push prices up again.

The big question remains: why is that not being done today?

In order to find a true answer to this question, we must not confine ourselves to economics. The answer could be found in international politics and the struggles taking place in the international arena.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the US and their European allies seem deter-

mined not to allow Russia to rise again. Russia’s economy was devastated by the shock therapy it received during in the post-1990s period. Few people thought that Russia posed a threat to anyone and/ or any country.

With a weak Russia, the US reneged on its promise to Gorbachev, the last President of the Soviet Union that NATO would not expand towards the east of Europe.

NATO began to expand and many Eastern European countries joined the alliance. The biggest fear of Russia was being realized. It was being surrounded by NATO forces.

Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and others joined.

Some states called on NATO to station troops in their territories and in the name of ‘peace’, weapons were being put on Russia’s border.

In a bid to advance the ‘circle’ round Russia, NATO forces moved to bring the Ukraine into its camp. By then though, Russia’s economy improved tremendously and this recovery was due to the high price of oil. This enabled the Russian government to boost their military forces.

When NATO moved to take over the Ukraine, Russia was much stronger than it was in the 1990s. It counter attacked.

With a large Russian population in the Ukraine that was being oppressed, there was an attempt to ban the use of Russian language there.

Russia moved to stop the snatching of the Ukraine. It organised a referendum in the Crimea and repossessed that territory after the people there voted to join with Russia. That was the first significant blow that the revived Russia struck against NATO’s expansion programme.

The other significant area is the Middle East. The former Soviet Union had considerable influence in that region.

However, with the fall, a lot

of that influence was lost in that region. In Syria though, Russia inherited a naval base located there from the former Soviet Union.

Since 2011, Syria came under attack when the opposition to the government was supported by international terrorists and financed by the West to get rid of Assad, who did not see eye to eye with the West.

The West did nothing to stop the growth of the terrorists since it was against Assad.

It is a well-known fact that thousands of terrorists passed through NATO territories, including Turkey, to join the notorious ISIS group. No attempt was made to stop the sale of captured oil by ISIS forces across the border to Turkey.

This forced Assad to seek Russia’s assistance.

Russia, having its own interest in Syria, mainly its naval base, agreed to help the government of Syria. This intervention has turned the tide in favour of the Assad administration.

The West was caught flatfooted on this move, since they themselves described the Syrian opposition as terrorists.

Therefore, Russia’s intervention to diminish the terrorist forces should have been a welcome initiative.

However, the West is clearly not happy with this.

They are worried that the one leader standing up for the Palestinians in the Middle East, Assad, is still maintaining his stance.

Moreover, Russia’s influence could increase with a Syrian victory. The Western forces, therefore, are determined to hurt Russia economically and force it to stop helping Syria.

Russia’s economy is vulnerable since almost 20 per cent of its GDP depends on oil exports.

So far, it has not yet transformed its economy to more manufacturing, etc. It is still continued on page 6

NEWS 5

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Essequibo man died from brain hemorrhage – autopsy

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amily members of 23-yearold Navendra Ramdial can lay him to rest in peace now that the autopsy confirmed he died from brain hemorrhage as a result of blunt trauma to the head; an injury family members said he sustained from a fall.

The autopsy was performed by Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh on Wednesday at the Suddie mortuary in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The trauma was as a result to Ramdial falling down a flight of stairs on Sunday night.

Reports indicated that Ramdial, who was an employee of Imam Bacchus and Sons Ltd died tragically while venturing up the stairs of his fiancée’s Queenstown residence.

His father, Polander Ramdial had related that his son left to visit his fiancée at about 16:00h on Valentine’s Day. He said his son, who was scheduled to get married in August, had purchased ice cream and took it over to his

Man pardoned by President jailed again for 18 months … after charged with breaking and entering, robbery under arms

BY KIZZY COLEMAN

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Navendra Ramdial

intended in-law’s home.

The grieving father related he was shocked to receive the news that his son fell and injured himself during the visit.

Navendra Ramdial sustained a deep cut to the back of his head from the fall. He was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police visited the scene following the young’s man death and took statements from those who were present when the incident occurred. Ramdial was the youngest son of his parents.

wenty-year-old Joshua Joseph, one of the youths granted a pardon by President David Granger, was on Wednesday back in court, charged with escaping from Police custody, breaking and entering and robbery under arms.

It is alleged that Joseph while being a prisoner at the Brickdam Police Station on a charge of robbery, he escaped from Police custody.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that Joseph was in Police custody and was being escorted by a Police Constable to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts when he started to behave in a disorderly manner.

He added that he shoved and held on to the said Constable and a struggle ensued, after which he managed to release himself from handcuffs and made good him escape.

He was later arrested on February 15 in the Stabroek area.

Joseph explained to the court that he was

Joshua Joseph and Kestor McPhoy

clad in old clothes and requested better clothing, a request which was denied. He added that the Police Constable tried to push him into the Police van and he resisted and a scuffle ensued. He further added that he fell during the scuffle and his handcuff opened which he saw as an opportunity to escape.

Prosecutor Jones told the court that Joseph was one of the persons who had been pardoned by President Granger, but he could not say what the offence was that he had been incarcerated for.

Joseph pleaded not guilty to an addition-

al charge which alleged that on January 19, at High Street, Georgetown, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Osa Omaree and stole one Sharp 21-inch television valued Gy$35,000, one laptop valued Gy$50,000, one gold chain valued Gy$30,000 and one gold earring valued Gy$8000; a total value of Gy$123,000 and the property of Osa Omaree.

Also it is alleged that Joseph, while in the company of 21-year-old Kestor McPhoy on February 13, at Stabroek, he robbed Felicia Walton of her gold chain valued Gy$60,000.

Both men pleaded not

guilty to the charge and were remanded to prison.

The matter will return to court on March 1.

President Granger after stepping into office in May of 2015 announced that he would be granting presidential pardons to ‘petty’ criminals. He stated that it was his intention to pardon convicts annually who were serving short sentences for minor or non-violent related offences during his time in office.

The President further explained that when these persons are released, they will attend rehabilitative programmes with the aim of developing their skills so they can be reintegrated into society.

Thus far, some 60 youths who were incarcerated have been released.

In September 2015, a 49-year-old woman of Kingley Village, Berbice, was raped by a 21-yearold man, who is allegedly another prisoner granted a presidential pardon.

This was not confirmed as the Guyana Police Force and Prison Service have refused to disclose information as to the young man’s identity.

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Minister Trotman was given the wrong portfolio Dear Editor, It is without a doubt that the Natural resources sector in Guyana is by far one of the more important ones.

I will not contest any statement to the effect that the mining sector is facing problems. It is rather surprising however to see Minister Trotman making irresponsible and inaccurate statements about the Forestry sector recently.

Trotman has spoken about largescale corruption in the sector on numerous occasions. He however failed to demonstrate to the Guyanese people the extent of this corruption. Where is the independent audit report? Where is the proof of this corruption? Upon listening to Trotman, I sometimes wonder if he has any clue as to what is going on in the Forestry sector.

Recently, Minister Trotman made statements to the Norwegians to the

effect that Guyana is doing a fairly good job of maintaining the forest cover. He also indicated that a ban was put on the export of logs so as to curtail the large-scale cutting of logs that was previously taking place and there was a clamp down on logging done by the Chinese.

I will first like to deal with Trotman’s assertions. He indicated that we are doing a fairly good job of maintaining the forest cover but then proceeded to say that there is large scale cutting down of logs and as such, a ban was placed on export. I may be wrong; however these statements are totally contradictory. I will not dwell on the statements made by the Minister because I am of the firm belief that he is clueless.

I appreciate that he is a trained lawyer who may have never had any exposure to the forestry or natural resources sector prior to May 2015.

My question at this time however is whether or not the Minister has access to previous reports and audits done on deforestation. Be reminded Editor that Guyana has been receiving payments from Norway based on its ability to keep the deforestation level at a particular level.

If Trotman was in any way familiar with same, he would know that deforestation over the last 20 years has not exceeded 0.08 per cent (this is less than 1 per cent).

Further a large percentage of that less than 1 per cent is as a result of mining activities and not forestry activities. Forest activity in Guyana is limited at a meagre 500 hectares of Guyana’s forest out of a total 12,000 hectares. This is only one of the many monitoring and verification methods utilised to ensure our forests are protected.

Editor, I am concerned for Guyana.

Minister Trotman is in effect telling the independent Norwegian body that they may not have been accurate in conducting their audits and reports before giving money to Guyana in the past.

I can only hope, Editor, Guyana does not suffer as a result of Minister Trotman’s lack of knowledge and misrepresentation of the facts. The statistics are there to speak for themselves.

The manner in which investors have been harassed and ridiculed is appalling, it is unprofessional and unbecoming of us as a nation which has in the past fostered inclusion. Is this the message we want to send to our investors and the international community?

Sincerely, Tiana David

Govt must come to its AG’s and President’s senses on Wales issue salaries should be taxable

Dear Editor, The support given on any issue to a group or individual, government or non-governmental, is premised on upholding and respecting laws, international conventions, charters, time-honoured principles and the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens/workers. No one must count on me to give support on any matter that borders on the violation and transgressing of these. The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), which I have the honour to represent has consistently taken a stand on these tenets regardless of who forms the government or which non-governmental organisation/ person is affected.

When the APNU and AFC were in opposition and vacillating on issues of national import the GTUC took principled and strident positions. There is no other organisation, including of the APNU and AFC that was more strident in holding the PPP government accountable. This nation is encouraged to examine the GTUC’s record on issues of good governance in this country and holding governments accountable. The GTUC is proud of its record and stewardship.

The GTUC for years has been making a clarion call for the respect of rights and the rule of law. The issue of the sugar industry has the hallmark of a government that wants to control every space, ignore the principle of collective and representative leadership, agencies, and affected stakeholders. Such clearly demonstrate an absence of regard for the Constitution and laws they swore to uphold.

Article 147 of Constitution protects the right of persons to be represented by a trade union of their choice. Section 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act says that so long as there is a recognition agreement between an employer and a trade union, it requires the employer to treat with the union.

Workers at Wales estate are unionised and this must be respected. Outside of trade union representation as in the instance of cane farmers they have formed a group and consistent

with Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution they must be involved in the management and decision-making of this industry which will impact their wellbeing with the proposed closure.

The regional and local governments are too affected because unemployment and loss of economic opportunities will impact residents socially and economically.

This is where contempt continues to be shown by the government in addressing an issue that has serious consequences for this nation. While the government speaks about inclusionary democracy, national unity and social cohesion, an ideal opportunity is in front of them to bring the opposition and other stakeholders on board to address Wales and the sugar industry.

Instead, what we are seeing are acts that border on arrogance and divisiveness. In fact, what Guyanese are witnessing today is a continuation of the Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar style of governance.

Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder is on record dismissing every proposal made by anyone on the Wales matter without even engaging any individual or group. The GTUC has submitted a proposal to the minister and requested to meet with him. Up to the time of writing not even an acknowledgement has been received. This behaviour is a common feature by a number of ministers in the government. The arrogance is further displayed when the minister can be talking through the media and in the National Assembly as to what he will do for workers and citizens without even engaging them.

There is no dispute that sugar is in crisis, it has been a drag on the economy, and something has to be done about it. Arriving at solutions for sugar and the welfare of those who will be affected must be in accordance with laws, rights and time-honoured principles. This is what the government is failing to adhere to and we the people must insist they come to their senses.

Sincerely, Lincoln Lewis

Dear Editor, The 2016 national Budget speech argues that this budget seeks to address inequalities and discrimination with a heavy emphasis on increased taxes/licences and tax collection especially from the persons who are categorised as “self-employed”.

The credibility (and compliance) of this case would be “legitimately” advanced were the President and the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs to pay tax on their “public service” salary.

Another Budget presented in the Parliament and yet another failed opportunity for President Granger to address the issue of his “public service” non-taxable salary along with that of his Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

The argument of “who started it” and “well yall used to get it” can no longer be tenable.

There is no basis for either position to attract a tax-free salary especially when one considers the largesse of the state they receive with all the benefits and their expenses being covered.

It would be interesting to note that had both of them paid tax on their salary of almost Gy$24 million a year each, the treasury would be almost Gy$16 million richer per year 33 per cent of (Gy$48,600,000). That can buy many boots, boats and buses.

Leadership begins by example!

Sincerely, Charles S Ramson Esq MP

‘Because We Care’ grants were equitable Dear Editor, I am happy to have provided some amusement for Allan Fenty (“Stabroek News”, Giving and Telling about it, Feb, 12, 2016) through my last Guyana Times Sunday column.

I had as much fun writing it, and I just wish to reply to his query about my thoughts regarding the PPP/C’s Government $10,000 “Because We Care” grants to parents of school children.

Those grants were a budgeted benefit approved by Parliament and much welcomed by all of Guyana’s parents, Indian, African, Amerindian, Chinese and Mixed alike.

It was never a case of President Donald Ramotar or Minister Priya Manickchand handing out charity, including boats named for themselves, to whomsoever they chose.

This national benefit was always transparent and fully accounted for in its allocation and

distribution to all the parents of children who attended public schools.

Even if Fenty wishes to view it cynically as national bribery, at least the “bribes” were being distributed equitably, and in a country deeply divided by race such equity cannot be easily discredited.

This is in stark contrast to the ad hoc presentation of “gifts” by a Santa Claus president. It’s also as clear as day whose children and which communities are benefitting from the president’s charity.

All skin-teeth and laugh aside, there can be no comparison between the PPP/C Government’s approved grants to all parents and the current style of charitable handouts which are wholly dependent on President David Granger’s personal favour.

Sincerely, Ryhaan Shah

International politics and oil prices...

from page 4

heavily dependent on the sale of its natural resources, particularly oil.

So the NATO countries, mainly the US will use their influence to keep oil prices low.

This is their strategy to damage the Russian economy. Last year, Russia’s economy contracted by 3 per cent and this percentage is expected to increase this year. Will this force Russia to renege on its position in the Middle East and the Ukraine? Only time will tell.

Moreover, it should be pointed out that history has shown that the Russian people are strong and resilient. They have had to bear a lot of suffering in the past and their sacrifices to defend their country have been great.

Russia, therefore, could very well surprise the West, as they have done so often.

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar

news 7

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

10-month-old baby discharged from GPHC

… after being chopped to the head

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he 10-month-old baby that was chopped to his head was discharged from the Georgetown P u b l i c Hospital on Wednesday.

O m a r Jones of Lot 70 Independence Street, La G r a n g e , West Bank Demerara, was rushed to the West Demerara R e g i o n a l Hospital with a chop wound to his head last weekend. His condition was listed as critical.

The toddler was subsequently transferred and admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital. It was reported that an argument ensued between the child’s mother and his 60-year-

old grandfather Geewan Sanichar. The intoxicated man who became angry subsequently threatened to chop the

Omar Jones

child. The mother on hearing this ran to rescue of her child and was also chopped in the process.

Sanichar was subsequently arrested, placed before the Magistrate’s court and remanded to prison.

Another airline joins Guyana market

…to ply New York, Miami routes

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new air transportation service has extended its operations to Guyana with the aim of ameliorating the shortages of flights to several destinations worldwide.

On Sunday, Trans Royale Corp – One Guyana Air Travel, made the announcement of this new venture, which it said will be travelling to Guyana from JFK, New York and Miami, Florida.

The flight operation is a joint venture between Trans Royale Corp — One Guyana Air Travel and Eastern Air Lines Group Inc, a Miami based airline.

According to the air service company, Eastern Air Lines currently flies a fleet of five Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Its latest aircraft delivery was on February 5, 2016.

Aurora Gold Mines will compensate Guyana for environmental damage – Trotman

Aurora Gold Mines

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atural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman on Tuesday said Government was seeking to have recently commissioned mining company Guyana Gold Mines, provide some compensation for the damage it caused to the environment during its operations at the Aurora Gold Mines.

The Minister was responding to questions by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in the National Assembly on Tuesday.

According to him, while Government and the gold company have agreed to make the compensation, he was unable to disclose the actual amount being put forward in this regard.

According to Minister Trotman, the company will be paying the Government of Guyana a figure that it believes is sufficient for the degradation caused by the mine.

He said the compensation will be made to the Kaieteur National Park and would be finalised before June of this year. After 19 years of investment, the Guyana Goldfields Inc in June of 2015 began the production of gold at its Aurora mine location in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The company said that its investment would have seen “massive benefits in royalties to Guyana’s Government… tremendous transfer of skills, technology and science to Guyana… sustain-

able benefits to small business from procurement and communities benefiting from corporate social responsibility partnerships”.

It stated that after 19 years of exploration involving the latest of technologies and over a US$300 million investment, it is finally realising its corporate mission of “Building a First Class Mine; Caring for the Environment; Building Communities and Creating Opportunities”.

During the exploration phase, the company had employed some 150 Guyanese workers, and for the period January 2014-June 2015, Aurora Gold Mines Project (AGM) and the Gurvan Saihan Joint Venture (GSJV) had contributed to over Gy$1.2 billion in Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and some Gy$226 million to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

The benefits to Guyana’s economy, the company said, have been tremendous, noting that it is expected to continue throughout the life of the mine.

The benefits include “Mining Royalty” of eight per cent on gold sales at a price of gold over US1000 per ounce, 30 per cent corporate income tax at a projected value of US$509 million, payroll taxes at a projected value of US$67 million and excise tax on petroleum with a projected value of US$43 million.

“Eastern Air Lines is currently working in assembling a fleet of Next Generation aircraft, and has signed an initial order with Boeing for new 737-800 aircraft with deliveries commencing in April 2017,” the company said.

The airline currently operates chartered services to many US and international cities including Havana, San Jose, Santiago, Nassau, Bridgetown, among many other destinations.

Eastern Air Lines has a long history in airline operations dating back as early as 1930 and was one of the “big 4” carriers in the USA, until the

first Gulf War 1991.

The company said it is very aware of the few choices available in air transportation, however it said the provider has entered this market to render some assistance in this regard.

“One Guyana Air Travel will have a fare structure that will be realistic and economically viable for sustenance of operations and the continuation of services,” the company said.

The schedule will be two flights weekly from Miami with two flights weekly from JFK in off peak, and three flights in peak.

According to the com-

pany, “It’s a small schedule to supplement the market shortage”.

There will be a few flights from May 20 for Guyana’s Independence weekend celebration, however, the full schedule will begin July 1.

The company said its ultimate mission is to work towards acquiring the flagship status as Guyana’s national carrier in the near future.

“The management and staff of One Guyana Air Travel will be working very closely and cooperatively with all relevant authorities and regulatory bodies in acquiring the National Carrier status.

8 NEWS

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana’s Ambassador to Headmaster accused of Venezuela finally accredited touching student’s penis sent

for counseling

Arthur Bernard Chandra

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u y a n a ’ s Ambassador to Venezuela, Cheryl Miles was Wednesday afternoon accredited, several months after she was appointed.

“As of yesterday, she presented her credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela (Delcy Rodriguez). That fulfills an obligation that President Maduro had

Guyana's Ambassador to Venezuela, Cheryl Miles and Venezuela's Foreign Minister, Delcy Rodriguez

given in November last year,” Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge announced Thursday.

Greenidge was at the time responding to questions from opposition People’s Progressive Party Civic front-bencher, Gail Teixeira.

Miles had been identified in November, 2015 to fill the top post at the Guyana embassy in

Venezuela, following the change in government.

Although Miles had relocated to Caracas, she had not presented her credentials at a time of rocky relations between the two countries over that Spanish-speaking nation’s ongoing claim to the Essequibo Region and the Altantic Sea offshore that section of Guyana’s territory.

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p r o m i n e n t Head Teacher has appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts on Wednesday slapped with an assault charge.

Arthur Bernard Chandra, also known as ‘Sir Chandra’ of 23 Abary Street, Bel Air Park pleaded not guilty to the charge which read

that on January 12, 2015 he touched a 7-year-old male at the New Market street school.

Police prosecutor told the court that on the day in question the young man was involved in a fight with another student in the classroom and Chandra was informed about this.

Upon entering the classroom, Chandra as a means of punishment

of the child, held his penis in front of the other students in the classroom and threatened the young man to ensure that his penis never work.

Magistrate McGusty fined Chandra $25,000 and sentenced him to undergo six months of counselling or a default of 2 months imprisonment.

US$3M agreement inked for Cunha Canal rehabilitation

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he Guyana Government on Wednesday inked a US$3M agreement to rehabilitate the Cunha Canal which is part of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy’s adaptation initiatives.

The grant to Guyana is being provided by the Norwegian Government under the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), in partnership with the World Bank.

According to a release from the Government Information Agency, “the project is an important intervention which ad-

dresses adaption to climate change. As such, works will improve Government’s ability to manage water resources in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC)”.

The proposed physical works for the Cunha Canal will include its widening, rehabilitation of the former outlet structure, re-routing the canal to re-establish its original alignment, and construction of a bridge on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) public road where the canal intercepts the road.

Rehabilitation of the caRepresentatives of the World Bank, the Agriculture Ministry and the Ministry of the Presidency at the signing of the agreement

nal will increase its discharge capacity and contribute to reducing the risks of the embankment overtopping.

Signing on behalf of the Guyana Government, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said from the standpoint of his Government, the project represents one small column in the way of greening the economy. While all countries are susceptible to climate change in various ways, in Guyana, flooding is due largely to its low-lying coast and unfortunately, because of the history of its development which sees significant majority of its citizens living along the coast.

“While we look at a longer term option, we

need to bring immediate relief to the citizens and businesses and property… I view this project in that context,” Minister Jordan explained.

It is hoped that substantial progress in the particular area of ‘greening’ Guyana and helping to adapt to climate change will now be seen.

“We’re happy that farmers and various aspects of the population and businesses that cover this wide area that the canal traverses will have some level of relief being brought to them, and I hope in the context of further interventions, both from GRIF and the World Bank, that together these can mitigate the effects over time of climate change continued on page 12

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“Bulldog” released on Gy$60,000 bail for assaulting political activist

Robert “Bulldog” Cromwell

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n independent candidate vying in the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) appeared before Magistrate Dylan Best at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday slapped with an assault charge.

Robert “Bulldog” Cromwell, 48, of Lot 26 Dowdin Street, Kitty, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on February 15, 2016 at Dowdin Street, Kitty, he unlawfully wounded Iqbal Rahim.

The Prosecutor stated that the Virtual Complainant (VC) resided at Lot 236 Dowdin Street, Kitty and was a member of the Mark Benschop

group vying in the upcoming LGE. The Court heard that on the day in question around 17:00h, the VC was putting up flags and posters in favour of Mark Benschop when the defendant approached him and pulled a ladder out from under him, causing him to fall.

As a result of the fall, the VC suffered major injuries to his face and ribs.

The matter was reported to the Police and the defendant was charged.

The defendant told the Court that he had no altercation with the VC and denied that he assaulted him.

He told the Court that he was coming from work when the VC showed him money and told him that Benschop gave it to him.

He added that he then went on his way.

The Prosecutor had no objections to bail, and it was granted in the sum of Gy$60,000. Magistrate Best also ordered the defendant to keep away from the VC. The matter will return to court on March 7.

Mothers’ Union launches suicide awareness programme

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he Diocese of Guyana Mothers’ Union launched a “Depression and attempted Suicide” awareness programme on Tuesday, at the Regency Suites on Hadfield Street.

Suicide is an epidemic within Guyana. The Mothers’ Union has now joined hands with other organisations to fight against depression and suicide in the society.

Patricia Adams, the creator of this programme, explained that members should be gatekeepers by being attentive to individuals around them who display tendencies such as a lack of self-esteem, a contributory factor to suicide. Adams noted that persons who suffered from severe depression eventually had suicidal thoughts.

She explained that committed individuals would be trained to work as mentors for persons with suicidal thoughts.

These mentors, she said, will be targeting persons within their communities who are substance abusers to assist and counsel them, to prevent depression and suicide.

The programme is geared to enable depressed individuals to

Patricia Adams

express their thoughts and feelings to obtain the help needed. This will be done through the use of various activities planned by the Mothers’ Union.

Suicide is a serious social problem in Guyana: according to statistics, it is among the countries with the highest suicide rates.

R e c e n t l y , Government and Non-Governmental Organisations have boosted the fight against suicide. The organisations are offering counselling to depressed individuals with suicidal tendencies. Suicide hotlines are also available to render assistance.

For 2016 so far, at least 12 persons have taken their own lives across the country.

Private Sector says Govt must fasttrack tabling of Telecoms Reform Bill … disappointed over slothfulness in liberalising sector

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h i l e Government has announced its commitment to the liberalisation for the telecommunication sector, there is yet to be any move for the legislation to be taken to Parliament.

This is the concern raised by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Wednesday, which said that it is thrilled at the news that the sector, which has seen a monopolised operation for decades, will be liberalise by the end of this year.

“The PSC is, however, disappointed that the promised telecommunications legislation is yet to be laid in Parliament and urges the Government to estab-

PSC Chairman, Norman McLean

lish and announce specific timelines for when the liberalisation is going to begin and the specific processes that are going to be involved in this exercise”, the Commission said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the PSC,

Guyana’s economic advancement and growth is being seriously handicapped by the country’s limited access to bandwidth and affordable high-speed connectivity.

“The PSC looks forward to a telecommunications bill that will ensure unrestricted and unfettered competition by our telecommunications providers,” the Commission said.

It said the absence of high-speed affordable connectivity has left Guyana behind the rest of the world and, indeed, the rest of the Caribbean.

It prevents domestic and international investment in the creative innovation of ICT services and the employment and productivity that this investment will produce in

every sector of the economy.

“The Private Sector is of the firm belief that technology driven, knowledge-based industries must be the cornerstone of this country’s future… The Private Sector Commission is ready and willing to work with and support the Government, in every way it can, to accelerate the establishment of an ICT sector that will bring our country and the economy into the 21st century.”

GTT, Guyana’s premiere telecommunication company, remains locked with a monopoly in the sector. Calls have been made for the sector to become liberalised so as to allow for more competitiveness and a wider spectrum of options.

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Police hold Kwame Mc Coy in connection with “two serious” offences

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s the Police Force intensifies its investigation into two high-profile offences, including the execution of ex-soldier Courtney Crum-Ewing, former Press and Publicity Officer under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Administration, Kwame McCoy was arrested on Wednesday evening.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times International that the official was arrested and is being interrogated in connection with two “serious offences”.

While he remains tight-lipped about the offences, the head of the Criminal Investigations Department noted that McCoy has joined his colleague, Jason Abdulla and self-confessed death squad member, Sean Hinds as suspects as investigations continue.

This newspaper understands that the men were arrested after new information surfaced in relation to Crum-Ewing’s murder. The other matter, this publication understands, might involve assault.

Blanhum rubbished claims that Abdulla was removed from the Diamond Police Station

Kwame McCoy

and taken to Camp Ayanganna where he was being interrogated.

Jason Abdulla and Sean Hinds were both arrested on Monday evening – Abdulla at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown, where he was employed at the time, and Hinds was arrested while at his home.

Hinds was arrested numerous times in connection with several crimes, but more recently, after his revelation about being a member of the death squad, during which he implicated several high-profile Police ranks in various matters ranging from “hits” to gun possession.

Meanwhile, attempts to contact Abdulla’s Attorney proved futile.

Crum-Ewing, a 40-year-old father of three, was gunned down

execution style on March 10 while urging residents of the Diamond Housing Scheme to go out and cast their ballots during the May 11 General Election An autopsy revealed that Crum-Ewing was shot five times – three bullets to the head, one to the back of the neck while the fifth bullet entered under one of his arms. All the bullets were fired from behind and at close range except the one that hit under his arm and exited his shoulder.

It was also reported that the bullet wound to the back of the man’s neck was at point-blank range and gunpowder residue was found on the back of the collar of the shirt he was wearing.

This newspaper was told that two .38 war heads were removed from the dead man’s head.

Following the death of the man who rose to popularity after picketing former Attorney General Anil Nandlall’s office, Reagan Rodrigues also called “Grey Boy” was arrested and charged.

Nandlall’s former bodyguard, Rajput Narine, was also arrested.

Corentyne schoolboy accident…

Minibus driver remanded

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he driver of the minibus, which slammed into a canter on the Corentyne last Thursday, resulting in the death of a school child, has been remanded to prison on a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

The accused was refused bail when he appeared at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh on Tuesday.

Leon Parhoo, 24, of Lot 27 Number 67 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) was not required to plea to the indictable charge, which stated that on February 12, at Bengal Village, Corentyne, he drove minibus bearing registration number BPP 2259 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Narvin Bachu.

The 16-year-old was killed moments after the accident involving the bus, which was transporting children home from the Regional Schools’ Costume Parade finals, which were held at the Albion Sports Complex, Corentyne.

Eight students, one adult, a conductor and driver were in the vehicle at the time of the accident.

Magistrate Singh also read another charge to the accused which stated that on the same day at Bengal Village, he failed to render assistance to take Bachu to seek medical attention. He

Minibus driver; Leon Parhoo

pleaded not guilty to that charge.

In a bail application, Defence Attorney Krissondat Persaud told the court that while the offence is a serious one, the defence will comply with whatever bail conditions the court deems fit in granting Parhoo his pretrail liberty. He told the court that the accused was in a common-law relationship and has one child.

The Attorney argued that Parhoo had not been allowed to seek medical attention by the Police, as he too was injured in the accident. As it related to fleeing the scene after the accident, Persaud told the court that after the accident, his client along with the conductor of the bus fled the scene because their lives were under theat.

Before the bail application could be considered, Police Prosecutor, Inspector Godfrey Platter objected to bail on the grounds that one person

had died and several others are still in a critical condition as a result of the accident. He said that although the accused fled the scene, he was taken to the Police within 24- hours of the accident.

In refusing bail, Magistrate Singh ordered that the accused be taken for medical attention.

The matter comes up again on February 24 at the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court, when the Police will be expected to present an update on the state of other victims involved in the accident.

Meanwhile, a post-mortem examination performed on the body of Narvin Bachu on Tuesday by Government Pathologist, Dr Vivekananda Bridgemohan revealed that the 16-year-old died as a result of multiple injuries. The autopsy also found that the deceased suffered a fractured skull and fractured spine.

Bachu was a student attending the Skeldon High School preparing to sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) in May. He leaves to mourn his mother, a brother and two sisters.

It had been reported in the media that the driver was speeding at the time of the accident. Victims of the accident had also stated that it was raining and the driver refused to slow down when asked to do so.

Twelve hinterland communities to benefit from sustainable housing project – Govt

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he over Gy$644 million provided for in Budget 2016, will be utilised to expand the hinterland housing project, which will result in improved living environments for low-income families in 12 communities.

The funding which will provide a housing subsidy for the construction of houses and the replacement of roofs in Regions One and Nine will not only support better access to housing, but to improved potable water and sanitation.

According to Minister within the Ministry of Communities Valerie Sharpe-Patterson, four communities in Region One namely, Whitewater, Kamwatta, Haimakabra and Sebai and eight communities in Region 9; Katoka, Kwatamang, Massara, Karaudarnawau, Haiowa, Karasabai, Potarinau and Sand Creek are set to benefit under the programme. It will cater for, either a full house or a roof replacement.

Beneficiaries of the full house replacement in Region One will be presented with a one - storey elevated timber building, whilst those in Region Nine will receive a flat burnt brick building, Minister Sharpe-Patterson said.

Both styles of houses will measure 500 square feet, she said, and they will comprise four rooms, front and back

Ministry of Communities, Valerie Sharpe-Patterson

stairs with zinc roof, guttering, a 400gallon water tank and a pit toilet, she said.

The roof replacement intervention caters for zinc sheets for a house measuring no more than 500 square feet, complete with guttering, fittings and a 400- gallon water tank.

The 2016 expansion of the hinterland housing project is based on the lessons learnt from the pilot project implemented during 2009 to 2015 under the Second Low Income Settlement Programme which saw houses being built.

The Ministry of Communities will implement this 2016, sustainable housing project through a US$3.1M loan financed by the Inter-American Development Bank.

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Govt taking action to $$M budgeted for Botanical address corruption Gardens, Kaieteur Park upgrades concerns – Harmon

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d d r e s s i n g the National Assembly during the Budget 2016 debates, Minister of State Joseph Harmon signalled the Coalition Government’s intention to address corruption. The minister described corruption as an issue that “eats away at the moral fabric of society.”

He listed the rating given to Guyana, over the years by Transparency International’s Index.

These are as follows; In 2006, out 166 countries, Guyana was ranked 121; in 2007, Guyana was ranked 123; in 2008, it was ranked at 126; in 2009, 126; in 2010, 116; in 2011, the rank was 134; in 2012, 133; in 2013, 136; in 2014, the rate was 124 and

in 2015, Guyana was ranked at 119.

It is the Coalition Government’s intention that measures being put in place will help to “correct that perception” the Minister said. He added that this reduction would “provide a quality of public service which would make us proud and provide certainty to all, that we are a country that is serious about doing business.”

The ranking of corruption indices is often used as a determining factor by many potential investors, before they decide to do business with countries. The higher the perception of corruption, the more difficult it is to do business or attract investments from entrepreneurs.

Miner slapped with illegal shotgun charge

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miner was Monday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared before her charged with illegal possession of a firearm along with matching ammunition.

Don Fraser, 26, a miner and dredge owner of Lot 53 Third Avenue, Bartica, denied the allegations which stated that

on February 11 at Honey Camp, Issano Backdam, Middle Mazaruni, he had in his possession one single-barrel 12 gauge shotgun and two matching rounds of ammunition.

According to Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones, on the day in question, Police acting on information went to the accused’s mining camp and conducted a search.

He related that the Police did not find anything; however, they received further information, which led them to conduct a search of a nearby trail just outside the mining camp.

The weapons were found there in a clump of bushes beneath a rotting plank of wood, and the accused reportedly admitted to using it for hunting purposes. He objected to bail based on the seriousness of the offence.

However, Fraser’s Attorney Latchmie

Rahamat, stated that her client has an unblemished record, he is a licensed firearm holder, and on the day of the search, he showed the Officers both the firearm and licence.

She further explained that after they found nothing, the officers left and went to an area outside of the camp where they conducted a search of a trail that is usually used by a number of persons.

She stated that her client never left his camp and there are two witnesses willing to confirm such. According to the lawyer the Police returned shortly after and forced her client to accept ownership of the weapon but he refused.

She alleged that he was also detained far beyond the 72 hours’ detention period. She told the Court that the Police also confiscated her client’s firearm as well as the licence.

The lawyer disclosed that she had contacted the Commander who informed her that Fraser would be released and that he would not be charged, however, contrary to that information, he was brought before the Court.

On these grounds, she made an application for bail which was denied.

Fraser was remanded and the matter transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for February 25.

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s the National Assembly considered the 2016 Capital and Current Estimates for the Natural Resources Ministry, it was revealed that millions were set aside for upgrade works to be done at the Botanical Gardens, as well as at the Kaieteur National Park.

While fielding questions from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Opposition, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman explained that a total of Gy$50 million was approved under the National Parks Commission for the restoration of the Botanical Gardens and recreation park.

According to the Minister, Government wants to restore the facility to its original intent of botany.

“We would like to take it back to a place of botany, where people can come and see the different plant species that Guyana is famous for.

Right now, it is more of a recreational park and not enough is being done on the botanical side, so we are going to change that up a bit,” he stated.

Among the works slated to be done are the construction of a Black Caiman walkway, rehabilitation of the plant nursery, rehabilitation of fencing structures, and improvements to drainage and irrigation structures.

Additionally, he pointed out that the money will also be used to upgrade the National Park, located on Thomas Lands, Georgetown, as well as the Joe Vieira Park, West Bank

Demerara.

Furthermore, Trotman added during questioning by Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira that major upgrade works are also slated to be done at the Kaieteur National Park to attract more visitors, especially with Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary coming up.

“We are going to be putting up some protec-

of contracted employees with the Opposition Chief Whip asking why Forest Officers were stationed at the Ministry and not at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

The Minister explained that this situation was inherited from the previous Administration. He read out one of the contracts, signed by the Ministry

vertisements will be done both locally and internationally.

Moreover, Opposition MP OdingaLamumba had asked the Minister whether the 548 hectares of State land will be assessed and surveyed.

In response, the Natural Resources Minister declared that while this issue is a “vexed” one, his

The Botanical Gardens

tive rails to act as deterrents to persons who have other thoughts in mind. We have already introduced a set of protocols like no alcohol, two guides at any one time, one in front and one at the back for every group. As we prepare for the 50th anniversary, we know that thousands of people are coming home; Guyanese and others and so we want to make sure Kaieteur is ready for them in its full glory,” the Minister noted.

Meanwhile, as the consideration of the Ministry’s estimates continued, Trotman was quizzed on the areas

of Public Service on November 27, 2014, which stated that the employee should be stationed at the Ministry.

Trotman further disclosed during queries from Opposition backbencher Neil Kumar that some Gy$8.95 million was budgeted for the employment of an oil and gas consultant to work with the Natural Resources Ministry.

He noted that this is important given the fact Guyana is embarking on developing its oil and gas sector. The Minister added that the terms of references for these personnel have already been prepared, and ad-

Administration has every intention of preserving whatever lands are left remaining.

Following the near hour-long scrutiny of the monies for the Natural Resources Ministry, the entire Gy$814 million budgeted was passed in the National Assembly and now stands as part of the 2016 Estimates of Expenditure.

This include the sum of Gy$219 million for the Ministry’s Policy Development and Administration; Gy$6.4 million for Natural Resource Management, and Gy$474.5 million for Environmental Management.

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Zinc sheet manufacturing plant established in Linden

Revamping of Teaching Service Commission

GTU to intensify protest actions T

From left: Vladimir Glasgow (left), an RDC 10 Councillor and Rory Chetram

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he Linden community will continue to benefit from the investments of Parika businessman Rory Chetram –a housing scheme and zinc manufacturing plant.

Prime Ministerial Representative to Linden, Vladimir Glasgow met with the businessman late last week and indicated that the initiatives have brought both development and jobs to the community.

During the meeting, Glasgow was given a preview of the businessman’s ongoing projects currently underway in Linden. The housing scheme, situated at Amelia’s Ward, is the first such private initiative in the Linden community.

Glasgow said he met with Chetram in an effort to get an overview of the housing scheme which caters for approximately 32 homes for low-, medium- and high-income earners.

“I’m happy to see investors coming to invest in the beautiful town of Linden and I’m encouraging other investors around Guyana and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) to come

on board and develop this beautiful Region,” he noted.

The housing scheme is expected to have security, a hot spot and gardens.

Chetram is also involved in the manufacturing of zinc sheets in the community which are then sold to wholesalers in and around Linden and Region 10.

This manufacturing section was also visited by Glasgow, who stated that the businessman is also planning to invest in the packaging of cement in Linden.

“So that is also something else on the drawing board, but what it’s doing is creating employment for Lindeners.

He would have explained to me that his customers are the hardware stores in Linden and he tries to have them all set a standard…he’s actually investing in another machine to manufacture more zinc and he has been getting a good response from the community and the Region,” Glasgow outlined.

He added that he welcomed the investment and was encouraging businessmen and women to invest in the community especially those with commercial lands.

Govt, Barama commence contract renewal talks

he Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) has pledged to intensify its picketing exercises until the rule of law within the education system regarding teachers’ welfare is upheld and teachers are treated fairly.

GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald told this publication that the Union was committed to continuing its battle against the Teaching Service Commission (TSC).

The Union had shared that the TSC has continued to ignore its appeals regarding the non- promotion of senior teachers since last year. The Commission had stated it would not be engaging in any negotiations in relation to this matter with the Union.

McDonald stated that this move by the Commission was affecting and frustrating teachers all across the country.

She added that during this time teachers usually looked forward to filling up application forms in anticipation of a promotion, which could not happen because there was a matter in court.

“There will be no vacancy notices going out, so teachers will not be able to fill out application forms,” McDonald said, “So we feel that this is the

GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald

time we have to intensify our picketing action until the Government decides to say something to us, to either remove the Commission or get the Commission to straighten up.”

The General Secretary stated that protest actions would be intensified over the coming weeks, since the TSC was not working according to its mandatory schedule and was ignoring the criteria to be followed within the educational system.

Members of the Union had recently taken up protesting outside the TSC office as a result of several appointments made by the Commission.

GTU President Mark Lyte had told reporters that the Union

would continue to reject the Commission until the new members were removed by the relevant authorities.

He had shared that the Commission’s new members were appointed at a time when the matter was in the court, which imposed a responsibility on the Commission not to make any appointments until a decision has arrived at in court.

Lyte labelled the actions of the TSC as complete disregard for the law.

The Union is once again calling on President David Granger to appoint a new Commission, which it believes should comprise “professional persons”, warning that otherwise its protest would never be over.

US$3M agreement inked for Cunha Canal... from page 8

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Overview of Barama’s Buck Hall operations

iscussions have commenced on the possibility of renewal of the Barama Company Limited billion-dollar investment in Guyana.

Representative teams of both Barama and Government have held discussions of the lumber company’s request for contract renewal of its investment agreement, as the Gy$43 billion contract is to expire in October this year.

The Government’s team comprised persons from the Ministries of Natural Resources, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Business and Public Infrastructure, along with the Guyana Revenue Authority, and the Guyana Forestry Commission.

However, other formal talks on the company’s contract renewal is said to commence later this month.

Late last year, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman visited the company’s Buck Hall,

Essequibo, operations and met with Chief Executive Officer of Barama Company Limited, Choo Siong Liew, General Manager, Mohindra Chand, and Senior Manager with responsibility for Human Resources, Patricia Mingo.

During that tour, Chand had reiterated the company’s determination to continue its operations in Guyana, stating that while they are faced with many challenges, they are committed to never closing its operations.

The Barama Company established its operations in Guyana since 1991 and is one of Guyana’s biggest employers, employing approximately 1000 Guyanese.

Barama’s operations consist of Forest Management, Timber Harvesting and manufacturing of various wood-based products such as plywood, sawn timber, and flooring products.

on Guyana’s economy,” Minister Jordan explained.

While the project was signed by the Finance Minister, it was handed over to Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, as his Ministry will be executing works with supervision by the Office of Climate Change and the Ministry of the Presidency.

Sophie Sirtaine, World Bank’s Country Director, Caribbean Country Management Unit Latin America and the Caribbean Region, said that the project is extremely useful for Guyana.

“Your susceptibility to climate risk is exceptionally high, especially in the coastal areas, therefore the rehabilitation of the canal is a very laudable endeavour that the Government

is embarking upon with us (World Bank)… It’s helpful not only because it supports the economy but… it is also extremely helpful for the wellbeing of the population,” Sirtaine explained.

Ninety per cent of Guyana’s inhabitants live on the narrow coastal plain, which represents 10 per cent of the country’s area. This area of reclaimed lands, much of which lies below sea level, is crucial to the economy of the country, supporting the majority of the population including the nation’s capital, Georgetown, and a large part of Guyana’s agricultural economy.

The Cunha Canal is a network of waterways which links up with the EDWC, a water storage system that provides regional agricultural lands with irrigation water and

urban areas with drinking water. In addition, during times of heavy rainfall, this system provides regional drainage and flood control.

The Cunha Canal is located on the western side of the EDWC and discharges into the Demerara River. Around 1990, the canal was diverted from its original alignment to a smaller discharge channel. This diversion reduced the discharge capacity of the canal and went into disuse soon afterwards.

The discharge through the canal was re-established during the 2005 flood, but with a limited capacity as it is affected by circuitous routing, structural limitations and development between the East Bank Demerara public road and the Demerara River.

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POS Mayor Budget 2016: Govt approves resigns one week Gy$320M for GINA and NCN after 'vulgar – despite slashing budget to Gy$1 for these women' statement entities under the previous Administration

By Edward Layne

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espite slashing the budget of the National Communications Network (NCN) Incorporated and the Government Information Agency (GINA) to Gy$1 while in Opposition, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government in the 2016 National Budget allocated and subsequently ap-

J

Raymond Tim Kee

UST call him “Ray” from now on.

This was the request, according to one local government councillor, made of the staff and officials of the Port of Spain City Corporation after Port of Spain Mayor Raymond Tim Kee tendered his resignation to the chief executive officer of the corporation yesterday.

In accordance with the Municipal Corporations Act, Deputy Mayor Keron Valentine is now set to accept the mayoral chain today, to become custodian of the capital city at age 31.

Valentine, in an inter-

view with the media outside City Hall yesterday evening, said Tim Kee tendered his resignation around 3 p.m. yesterday, following which he held court with his former officers to exchange pleasantries and discuss the future of some of the development projects started under him (Tim Kee).

Valentine said the yesterday's convention was not to facilitate a position on the resignation from the council.

Asked the reasons offered by Tim Kee for the resignation, Valentine said the former mayor “did not go into that”.

(Trinidad Express)

proved a whopping Gy$170 million for NCN and Gy$150 million for GINA, reflecting a more than Gy$50 million increase in their subventions over last year’s allocations.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who holds responsibility for the two State-owned media agencies, defended the increases, noting that in NCN’s case, the

entity was heavily indebted.

He pointed out that while the State broadcaster’s monthly expenses top Gy$50 million, its revenue is just about Gy$30 million per month. He also argued that the allocations were expected to help expand and strengthen the entity.

The Prime Minister also defended the GINA allocation, claiming that the resources would be used to ensure that there is improved performance and capacity at the entity.

It is important to note that while in Opposition, the Coalition partners had said the cutting of NCN’s and GINA’s budgets was as a result of their failure to provide coverage to the Opposition.

However, despite the change in administration, to date, GINA has not been providing coverage to the Opposition, particularly during the current Budget debates.

Director of Public Information (DPI) Imran Khan, who operates out of the Prime Minister’s Office, had said that it was not the job of GINA to cover the Opposition, a stark contradiction to the argument that the APNU/AFC used as the basis for cutting the agencies’ budgets.

The DPI’s public pronouncement prompted President David Granger to intervene and declared that GINA must cover the Opposition in Parliament.

“As far as I am concerned, the Government Information Services, the Government News Agency must cover all three branches of Government – Legislative, Executive and Judicial … [people] have to be better informed and you cannot inform the people by depriving them of information,” President Granger had said.

But despite this pronouncement by the President, GINA continues to ignore the Opposition speakers in Parliament.

Checks of bulletins released by GINA over the past 24 hours revealed that not a single Opposition Member of Parliament was given coverage, except for mentions when the Government Ministers were responding to Opposition questions.

Recently, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee called on GINA to issue an official statement as it related to its policy on coverage of the Opposition.

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Caribbean tourism sets new performance records for 2015

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or the first time since the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) began keeping records, the Caribbean outperformed every major tourism region in the world in setting new arrival and spend records in 2015, while exceeding expectations, reported Caribbean360.com According to the online news agency, international tourist trips to the region grew by seven per

retary general Hugh Riley revealed yesterday in announcing the record performance at a news conference at CTO headquarters, streamed live to a global audience that spanned the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe and as far as Asia.

Riley attributed the growth to improved global economic conditions in the marketplace; a boost in consumer confidence, particularly in the United States; falling oil prices;

within the region, the intra-Caribbean travel recorded its best performance since we started keeping records. In 2015, traffic from the Caribbean market accounted for six per cent of total arrivals into the region, with 1.7 million visits among the various states, an increase of 11.4 per cent over the previous year,” the CTO secretary general said.

The CTO secretary general also announced

Haags Bosch Landfill entrance being cleared

Garbage being cleared at the Landfill

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cent to 28.7 million visits, much higher than the projected four to five per cent growth. Visitors spent an estimated US$30 billion, a 4.2 per cent rise over the US$28.8 billion spent in 2014.

“So 2015 was the second year in a row that the region has done better than the rest of the world, and the sixth consecutive year of growth for the Caribbean,” the CTO’s sec-

rising seat capacity and persistent marketing by CTO member countries and their partners.

The CTO reported growth in all the major markets – the United States, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and South America – with the intraregional market performing better than it has ever done before.

“Despite concerns about the cost of travel

growth in the cruise sector, although at a slower rate of 1.3 per cent, with 24.4 million cruises in Caribbean waters.

He said the outlook for 2016 was positive with tourist arrivals expected to increase by 4.5 to 5.5 per cent, while cruise is estimated to record one to two per cent growth, as summer redeployment of ships continues.

he Mayor and City Council (M&CC) Solid Waste Management Unit and Puran’s Brothers Waste Disposal Service are cleaning the environs of the main entrance to Haags Bosch Landfill.

This collaborative effort aims to remove the garbage dumped on the road way over a prolonged period of time.

On Sunday, acting Mayor and City Council Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis told this newspaper that work had been commenced by Puran Brothers Waste Disposal Service, which is temporarily contracted to maintain the Landfill and its envi-

rons.

Lewis explained that the Waste Disposal Service was presently engaged in cleaning operations at the site. A bulldozer is currently being used to pack waste into the temporary holding cells.

She noted that the Council was in the process of setting up new policies and terms of reference for a new contractor to take over operations at the Landfill.

Provisions will not only be made for the site, but the main entrance.

Additional guard huts will be placed along the roadway to prevent illegal dumping of garbage.

The temporary hold-

ing site will be opened to accommodate garbage from 07:00h to 17:00h on weekdays and from 07:00h to 13:00h on weekends. “It is hoped that with new management, the Landfill Site will meet the necessities of the loan agency, the Inter- American Development Bank,” Lewis stressed.

The Landfill contract was reportedly taken back from BK International as a result of unsatisfactory work at the site for some time.

The Landfill was designed to take in the waste of the entire Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), from Soesdyke to Mahaica.

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

New drug procurement system to take effect soon – Guyana’s Health Minister

By Devina Samaroo

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he Public Health Ministry has introduced a new system for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies with the aim of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the drug supply chain in the country.

This will be complemented with several changes in the bidding documents which are intended to create a more level playing field among competitors.

During a press conference at his Brickdam Office on Monday, Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton told media operatives that the procurement of drugs and medical supplies remained a centralised process (with the exception of minor purchases including medical gases, snake bite kits and small emergency supplies). However, each Region would be responsible for submitting to Central Government a list of the drugs needed and the total sum required to purchase those drugs.

This means that monies will be warranted back to the Public Health Ministry from the Regions to facilitate the centralised procurement.

“The Regional Executive Officers will send the agreed sums to the Ministry of Public Health, and the Ministry of Public Health will pool all these monies and purchase drugs and medical supplies for the facilities across the regions,” the Minister emphasised.

Dr Norton explained that this system would help in determining the total cost for drugs in each Region and would also address the

disease profiles of each Region based on the drugs being sourced.

Additionally, he announced several adjustments that would soon be made to the bidding documents in order to allow other companies to qualify as a supplier.

“We have now a new bidding document where companies that have never participated in the competitive bidding will have a chance to take part in the exercise,” he explained.

For instance, adjustments will be made so that bidders will no longer have to meet the requirement of supplying brand-name drugs, since generic names would be acceptable.

Also, drugs will no longer be required to be packaged in bottles since blister packaging would be up to standard.

Another change in the bidding documents would see candidates having the opportunity to submit proposals for supply of drugs for a specific category – unlike what was required before.

There will also be adjustments in the requirements to be met by suppliers as it relates to the validation of the standards of the drugs supplied.

“For instance, some of the requirements state that the suppliers should have lab facilities to test these medications, and that they should state for the last three years, their sources of drugs supplied as well as the ability to supply these mediations. Adjustments are being made in that respect,” he posited.

Dr Norton disclosed that these changes would soon be made and announced to the public.

AG presents laws for Family Court to National Assembly

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fter months of revision, the Rules of Law for the muchanticipated Family Court have beencompleted and were presented to the National Assembly on Tuesday.

The documents were laid over by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams for the House to review and approve before the official opening of the facility, for which a date has not been disclosed as yet.

The Rules of Law which will govern the

The Family Court building in the Demerara High Court Compound

cess was headed by acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh.

In preparation for the operation of the Family Court, several training sessions were held. Training was done with the staff at the registry and another session was held for members of the Bar and Judges as well.

The acting Chancellor had preLegal Affairs Minister and viously told Guyana Attorney General, Basil Times International Williams submitted the Family Court’s rules to the National that two Judges Assembly on Tuesday would be appointed to the new facility; however, at the time practices and procedures of the Family Court had no decision was made as to been completed a while who they would be.

Justice Singh had notago; however, some “neced that while there were essary amendments” had no judges specialised in to be made. This pro-

the area of family law, there were judges who are knowledgeable in the area.

“All of the Judges have been receiving training, refreshing programmes – in areas of law and procedures relating to the Court, so I would think basically all of our Judges are competent to preside in the Family Court,” he previously told this newspaper.

Nevertheless, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), of which Justice Singh is the Chairman, last year appointed two more female Judges – former Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and former Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DDPP) Jo-Ann Barlow to the complement of Puisne Judges.

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 21

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana-Venezuela border controversy must be settled by the ICJ – Sir Ramphal

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uyanese Diplomat Sir Shridath Ramphal said the signing of the Geneva Agreement back in February 1966, was the only available option of a peaceful resolution to the conflict of Venezuela’s outrageous claims to Guyana and thinks that a judicial resolution now could move Guyana forward with its Independence.

The former Foreign Affairs Minister was at the time speaking on a televised programme recently.

Ramphal, who was also present at the signing of the Agreement 50 years ago, said it was an essential part of the larger picture of Guyana’s Independence. He explained that Guyana was on the cusp of Independence, “we were about to be free and Venezuela… basically tried to stall Guyana’s Independence by agitating its claim to the Essequibo.”

According to Sir Ramphal, who is probably the only person alive today who had witnessed the signing, Britain, Guyana’s then colonial master, had strongly resisted the claims by Venezuela because, “from their standpoint there was no question about Guyana’s move to become an

Independent State.”

He said the British Government arranged for a meeting of representatives of Britain, Venezuela and the then British Guyana, which took place in Geneva on February 16 and 17, 1966. The agreement was then signed on the 17th between Britain and Venezuela.

“The new Government, the Burnham Government, had to be at the meeting because the independent Guyana would inherit whatever would be the conclusions of the meeting,” Sir Shridath recalled.

“It was a maddening occasion (the signing), because this (Venezuela’s claim on Guyana) was something so much of the past, that it should have been of the past and should not have been even in our thoughts as we looked ahead but Venezuela was adamant, was threatening and had to be dealt with and the Geneva agreement was the result,” the renowned Guyanese diplomat explained.

50 years later, on the eve of the signing of the agreement and following the recent renewal of claims of Venezuela’s historical claims to Guyana, Sir Shridat is of the view that

Fresh approach will be taken to local governance - Minister Bulkan

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ith Local Government Elections (LGE) less than a month away, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan emphasised that although this election demands great expenditure, it signifies a venture in good supremacy and admiration for the citizens of Guyana.

This pronouncement was made in the National Assembly during the Budget 2016 debates.

According to Bulkan, there will be 71 councils with the new philosophy of support from Central Government that will dictate the affairs of bodies within the local government.

“Catastrophe conditions which currently characterise towns and villages will be replaced by community revitalisation, in which people are permitted to practise their legitimate right to administer and develop their areas. The fresh approach to community management, he stated, will see partnership, not partisanship, respect not a desire to dominate,” Bulkan stressed.

According to Bulkan, each Administrative Region should be pre-

Communities Minister, Ronald Bulkan

pared to accept challenges offered by the Government and begin to take more tenure of their areas. He explained regions must guarantee that natural and other resources are being used to exert a pull on investments, contribute to raise the standard of living, improve the quality of life, create jobs, and implement development.

The Communities Ministry in collaboration with the Finance Ministry, along with other local and foreign agencies and groups will provide support to Administrative bodies in the development of programmes, known as a Plan of Action for Regional Development (PARD).

Sir Shridath Ramphal

the only way for Guyana to rid itself of this controversy is to have the matter settled by the highest international tribunal, the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“This matter has gone on for 50 years; we have tried all manner of means. They have tried all manner of deeds… they have not produced a shred of evidence, or even an argument that that award must be set aside… It is a legal issue, legal contention, and must be settled by the ICJ,” he said.

“It is a bold and courageous thing to do, but we are so confident that justice is on the side of Guyana that it is the proper thing to do,” he said.

He premises that having closure to the controversy would mean a lot “for the world; for the rule of law; for the sanctity of treaties, which is of importance to the whole world. It would mean everything for relations between Guyana and Venezuela.”

Closure to the controversy would be “an opportunity for true friendship to develop between the peoples of Guyana and Venezuela,” he noted.

As part of 50th anniversary of the signing of the Geneva Agreement, President David Granger is slated to meet with United Nations SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon next week, in New York, where he hopes to further press Guyana’s position for a juridical settlement of the decadesold border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.

The Head of State is also expected to advocate for Guyana at the 27th InterSessional Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) in Belize on February 16-17.

According to the Geneva Agreement, which was made between Venezuela and the United Kingdom of Great

Britain and Northern Ireland on February 17, 1966, just months before Guyana gained Independence, a “Mixed Commission” of Guyanese and Venezuelan representatives would be established to seek “satisfactory solutions for the practical settlement of the controversy between Venezuela and the United Kingdom, which has arisen as the result of the Venezuelan contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 about the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela is null and void”.

The agreement also states that if following the report of the Commission, Guyana and Venezuela do not reach an agreement then the countries must choose “one of the means of peaceful settlement provided in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations.

Guyana, on February 17, will observe the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Geneva Agreement.

On May 26, Guyana will also celebrate 50th Anniversary of Independence.

Nowhere in the Agreement does it even suggest that the 1899 Arbitral Award had been nullified.

Viraat Sabhaa Guyana launched T

he Viraat Sabhaa Guyana has been called upon to take its place in society to enhance lives and foster cohesion. The call was made last Saturday evening by Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally, who pledged Government’s support to the newly formed religious organisation.

The launching ceremony of the Hindu movement was held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Lilliendaal. It has a mandate to support and promote Hinduism in Guyana, while also serving and empowering persons from all faiths, even those who espouse no religious beliefs, to live balanced lives.

Ally congratulated the group on its official opening, noting that its mandate to create a perfect balance for citizens of Guyana, through spiritual and secular sciences, is wonderful.

“I believe your motto, ‘The Universe is one Family’ is quite a neat fit with what the Government of Guyana is advocating. You have a rapidly growing network with initiatives in various aspects of human and social development,” the minister said, referring to some of the outreach programmes the Sabhaa has embarked on over the past months. She

noted that these initiatives were all directed at addressing key social issues, including abuse, alcoholism and suicide.

Minister Ally commended the group for their efforts to date, particularly since its programmes have benefited citizens from all walks of life. “All of

scope for development plans for the religious community.

M e a n w h i l e , President of the Viraat Sabhaa Guyana, Pandit Rabindranath Persaud said the Sabhaa was initiated through the commitment, dedication and support of its devout followers. “In a changing

all could co-exist. The Sabhaa firmly believes that the Universe is One Family and every effort should be made to set and sustain that standard, we cannot ignore the principles advocated in our Sacred Scriptures,” Pandit Persaud said.

He added that the

Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally delivers her remarks at the official launch of the Viraat Sabhaa Guyana

your programmes target a wide cross section of communities, and are not confined to a particular group and that is a welcomed approach because Guyana is a diverse society,” she said.

Underscoring the critical role of religion in human and social development, Minister Ally said Government also recognises its importance to nation building.

With this in mind, she said the Administration is encouraging the various religious groups to interact to provide

world, policies and principles have to be adjusted to accommodate such changes. Old clichés and phrases are uncommon to the modern mind,” Pandit Persaud said.

In 2008, the organisation established itself with the first national Pitri Pasksh programme at the Lusignan Tarmac, East Coast Demerara, which attracted thousands.

“Our motto ‘The Universe is One Family’ demonstrates the deep concern to create a well knitted society in which

organisation is open to work with any other agencies, religious groups, NGOs and the State to enhance opportunities for all.

Recently, a contingent of over 100 ambassadors of the Sabhaa visited the Essequibo Coast for a grand Satsangh (seminar) at the Lima Mandir. Many other Satsanghs and seminars were held in other communities to establish and strengthen its relationship with all members of society.

22 NEWS

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Confusion reigns over agency Trinidad confirms first Zika case responsible for SOCU – established as an arm of the Police Force, F but budgeted for under Ministry of Presidency

BY EDWARD LAYNE

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onfusion over the mandate of under whose purview the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) falls continue to deepen as it was revealed in the National Assembly Thursday that SOCU is being budgeted for under the Ministry of the Presidency and not the Guyana Police Force (GPF), despite being identified as an agency of the force.

A total of Gy$40 million was budgeted for SOCU in 2016.

During consideration of the 2016 Budget Estimates, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) Juan Edghill asked if the SOCU was established under the Guyana Police Force, then why is it funded under the Ministry of the Presidency’s Defence and National Security?

He also requested a breakdown of SOCU expenses, the employees and their salaries and non-salary benefits.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, in response, told the House that this is a temporary arrangement, adding that the Unit will be moved under the Public Security Ministry.

He said for security reasons all the information requested cannot be provided, “I will consult and will provide as much information as available,” he said.

SOCU was established in

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon responding to questions about SOCU’s operation

2013 as a law enforcement agency to investigate, exclusively, allegations and reports relating to money laundering and terrorism as part of Guyana’s international obligations to strengthen its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML&CFT) apparatus.

It was expected to work in tandem with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) which falls under the Ministry of Finance.

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira explained that SOCU was placed under then Office of the President (now Ministry of the

Presidency) since at the time of its establishment the AML& CFT amendments were not passed by Parliament.

She added that having been passed in 2015, the SOCU should have been removed and placed as a separate entity, similar to the FIU and should have been budgeted for under the Ministry of Finance.

It is important to note that while the agency is not under the Guyana Police Force, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan announced last week during the Budget debates that protocols were drafted to bring SOCU’s operations in line with the GPF – totally conflicting the manner in which it was budgeted.

Another interesting utterance is that of Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud who said on January 15, 2016 that he was unaware of the circumstances surrounding the probe by the SOCU of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) into the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), including the identity of the persons under Police surveillance and who gave the order for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to get involved.

Interestingly, President David Granger had made it clear that no politician was giving directions to SOCU, but rather those instructions have to come from the Police Chief.

ears that the rapidly spreading Zika virus would hit the shores of T&T materialized on Wednesday when Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh announced T&T’s first confirmed case. Careful not to identify the victim or location, Deyalsingh said it was a 61-year-old woman who recently returned from a visit to New Zealand.

However, he said New Zealand was not a country with confirmed cases of Zika. He said the case was confirmed by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (Carpha) and an investigation would begin to determine how the woman contracted the virus. He said the woman was at her home recovering. He was speaking at the Penal Rock Road Community Centre yesterday where he oversaw a Rapid Response Mosquito Eradication Exercise aimed at targeting the aedes aegypti mosquito which transmits the virus.

“The way in which she acquired the virus will now be investigated.

Her area will be looked at and she will be looked at to make sure she has recovered properly from the virus.

“She first presented with symptoms on February 10 and the sample sent to Carpha for testing on February 12. It takes a few days to get the results so Trinidad and Tobago has it first official case of Zika,” Deyalsingh said.

With possible deaths and the threat to pregnant women and their babies being born with serious birth defects, Deyalsingh pleaded with citizens not to politicise the issue to cause hysteria. He assured the public that no one would die of the Zika virus, stating that 80 per cent of victims do not show any symptoms.

With increased eradication exercises being done by the Ministry of Health, it is now collaborating with the Ministry of National Security and the Ministry of Local Government bodies. He said the focus was source reduction and that would be done by eliminating the aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

While the Government agencies are doing their part, he said citizens should do theirs by looking out for breeding sites which can be as small as a bottle cap.

(Trinidad Guardian)

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Surujbally fires back - says Govt must first address ethnic hiring comments could concerns of PPP before any cause ‘societal divisiveness’ attempts at dialogue could be successful – Rohee

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally

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n light of recent comments made by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Clement Rohee who accused the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) of ethnic hiring, Chairman of the elections body Dr Steve Surujbally has stated that comments such as these can create “cleavages” in society.

Dr Surujbally was at the time addressing the closing ceremony of a two-day training session for media operatives on Local Government Elections (LGE) on Sunday.

He pointed out that when persons make statements such as GECOM has hired or that its staff is 95 per cent of a particular ethnic group and the media reports it without investigating or verifying to see whether is it true, then it could cause societal divisiveness.

“It is not good enough to be making and allow this nation to be reading statements like you re-

port that can only cause cleavage,” the Chairman stated.

According Dr Surujbally, if this was indeed the case then it would mean that the elections body has lapsed and is bias, which is not the case.

He outlined on the figures mentioned by the opposition: “Those figures would tell you that it is nothing like 95 per cent. Then we have to find out how many people applied of the various (ethnic) groups and of those people who applied, how many actually passed the exam. These are things that will get us to the truth,” he stated, while urging reporters to be cautious with such comments.

He noted that the media as well as politicians should do their part in not only building a togetherness society, but show the same attitude of togetherness in the thrust towards developing Guyana.

Dr Surujbally stressed that the media particularly need to use its resources to convince the citizenry that they are one. “The motto said so – we are one and we cannot allow anybody to create a cleavage. It is more than a cleavage when you are saying that a large percentage of GECOM staff is a net of one ethnic group. What you’re saying is that that majority ethnic group that is within GECOM cannot in fact carry out a neutral position, have a neutral position and car-

G

PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee

ry out with transparency a great election. Now that’s damning to that one ethnic group, how can you accept that,” he questioned.

On Monday last at the party’s media conference, Rohee raised concerns about a distinct “ethnic imbalance” in the staff component at the country’s electoral institution and called on the diplomatic community to pay keen attention to the series of activities occurring on the lead-up to the March 18 LGE Day. “We cannot understand, how when GECOM sets exams that one set of people are failing and another set of people are passing… how are these exams being set in such a way that only one set of people can pass and another set are failing?” Rohee wanted to know.

The General Secretary further pointed out that such imbalance is one of the tools being used to alter the results of the elections in a particular direction.

Photographer killed after vehicle topples into trench

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Dennis Persaud

photographer lost his life in a tragic accident at Reliance Public Road, Essequibo Coast Saturday night after he lost control of his car. Dead is Dennis Persaud, 43, of La Belle Alliance, Essequibo Coast who was driving along the Reliance Public

Road at about 23:30h when the accident occurred.

The father of three reportedly lost control of the car and it toppled off the road and landed in a nearby canal.

This newspaper was told that upon hearing the noise, residents rushed to investigate.

They pulled the severely injured man out of the wreckage and rushed him to the Suddie Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The Police have launched an investigation into the accident.

Speaking with this newspaper, the dead man’s wife Lilawattie Persaud recalled that she last saw her husband at about 20:00h on Saturday night.

She said she was informed about the incident by residents from the area.

Struggling with tears, the woman described her husband as hard working and loving.

Only recently Essequibo Technical Institute lecturer Crisnauth Cassinauth, and Lakeram Persaud lost their lives in a road accident.

overnment’s continuous calls for inclusionary democracy with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition will continue to fall on deaf ears unless it puts an end to the spate of witch-hunting and the persistent racial and political discrimination being perpetrated on scores of Guyanese.

This is according to PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee who reiterated that he does not buy the Government’s public performance in extending the olive branch and will continue to refuse the offer to engage in dialogue unless the Administration adheres to the concerns expressed by the Party.

He was at the time addressing the media during a news conference on Monday at PPP/C Headquarters Freedom House, Robb Street.

In fact, Rohee believes that responsibility lies with the government to put their differences aside and make the first step to work with the Opposition towards the development of the country.

“The onus rests with the Government in the sense that they must stop the witch-hunting and arbitrary and whimsical dismissal of persons they perceive to be associated with the PPP and take cognizance of the demands made by PPP…” Rohee stated.

He posited that the whole issue revolves around trust, and until the PPP perceives a sense of trust and once Government puts measures in place to address the Party’s concerns, the invitation for talks will be making no progress.

“The PPP has said time and again that given the ongoing political, social and economic re-

alities, it is not favourably disposed at this time to engaging at a Party to Party level in political dialogue with the APNU/AFC…” he emphasised.

It was previously pointed out by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo that it remains uncertain exactly what the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Government is offering when it refers to the “national unity talks”.

President David Granger had initially requested the Opposition Parliamentarians to participate in a “National Unity Committee” however, shortly after, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during an outreach in Whim, Berbice, extended an arm to the PPP/C for a “National Unity Government”.

Region 2 REO justifies living at Regional State House – tells RDC no house was available for him BY: INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

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egion Two R e g i o n a l Executive Officer Rupert Hopkinson has told Region Two RDC councillors that there was no house available for him to occupy in the Region and as such his only option was to utilise the Regional State House as his living quarters.

Hopkinson, clerk of the RDC, was at the time responding to a matter raised at the statutory meeting in January, which stated that he is living a luxurious life at the Regional State House.

Hopkinson speaking at the February statutory meeting last week, said when he took office as REO there was no house available for him.

“Most of the Government houses they showed me were bat infested, the REO had no place, I left good circumstances to come here to serve, I lived a good life at Eccles near some of the most reputable Ministers, but the REO cannot live in a bat infested home,” he

Rupert Hopkinson

explained.

He said the only place that could have matched his living standards and lifestyle was that of the Regional State House.

Explaining further, he said whatever luxurious items he purchased for State House belongs to the Region Two Administration and said that they were purchased under proper accountability.

Further expounding he stated: “This is not about Rupert Hopkinson, you can’t have a REO living in a house which is run down, how would that speak of my office?

The REO must live in a decent and modest environment that reflects my

office as well as my standard.”

During this discussion PPP/C councillor Brian Persaud said the onus was on the former REO to find a suitable accommodation for Hopkinson since he knew the region was getting a new REO. Persaud said most governmental officers are living in government houses and he cannot understand why to date there is no house for Hopkinson. Persaud went on to say that the Region Two RDC should assist Hopkinson in locating a house where he could occupy.

The council was informed that the house designated for the Region Two REO is occupied by Dennis Jaikarran who is the serving Region Three REO. Meanwhile, Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt also said the house that was designated for the REO should be given to him. Concerns were also raised about the amount of maids and other luxuries available to Hopkinson at the cost of the State.

24 news

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Dr Hanoman is Govt’s No credible plans for Wales’ workers – GAWU frontrunner for GPHC

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he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), says the Government does not have any credible plans for the development of the Wales Estate after the sugar factory is closed which will result in thousands of workers being thrown on the breadline.

“GAWU remains unconvinced that we are heading in the right direction regarding Wales Estate. The Union is convinced that the right, caring, pro-worker thing to do is to reverse the decision for closure and instead to seek together with the stakeholders a workable plan for the Estate to overcome its difficulties,” a release from the organisation stated.

This statement comes after Agriculture Minister Noel Holder announced that the Guyana Sugar Corporation Incorporated (GuySuCo) and the Government are

currently examining various possible ventures to take place at Wales after the factory closure.

However, prior to these revelations, GuySuCo’s Chairman told media operatives that the Corporation was examining the feasibility of alcohol production and were considering providing that lands to workers for them to engage in farming. “The views from these two authoritative persons vary somewhat, and more significantly they give credence to the widely-held notion that the decision to close Wales Estate was hastily made and not well thought-out,” the release further stated.

The Union has posited that what can be inferred is that there are no credible plans for the Estate and its workers at this time, and that presently the relevant studies are now being undertaken.

“It is numbing to re-

GAWU President, Komal Chand

alise that GuySuCo’s Board Chairman and the Minister of Agriculture could have pursued a decision that would put at risk the livelihoods of thousands of our working people without the necessary critical investigation done. At this time a relevant question arises; what would be the position if it turns out that the identified ventures are not viable? Such a question is even more appropriate if we recall that

GuySuCo in the not-toodistant past has experimented with similar ventures with discouraging results. There is a tendency to forget that projects while seemingly worthwhile on paper and in the board rooms were found so often to be wanting in implementation and in practice,” the correspondence read.

The Union reiterated that the Wales Sugar Factory is capable of surmounting its present challenges, adding that the Union subscribes to the view that the Industry must be re-organised to firstly increase efficiency followed by sustained policies to engage stakeholders as well as modernisation to transition it from the concept of a “Sugar” Industry to a “Sugar Cane” Industry in which the entire sugar cane plant is used to produce many other products apart from sugar to bolster its revenue stream.

GPA, Canadian High Commission host media training on LGE

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ith the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) less than a month away, media operatives were given the opportunity to attend an extensive two-day training session during which they were enlightened on the electoral process.

the LGE electoral process and the Commission’s role. He also fielded queries from reporters on the process since for most of them, it would be their first time covering the LGE. His piece continued with a panel discussion with GECOM

Government and Governance in other Caribbean countries.

On day two of the training, Lowenfield returned to talk about the LGE system and the difference in the upcoming elections. He was joined again by DCEO Persaud.

Later on, Gibbings re-

CEO Keith Lowenfield along with GECOM Commissioners in discussion with media operatives

The training was a collaborative effort of the Guyana Press Association (GPA) and the Canadian High Commission in recognition of the fact that these polls have not been held in Guyana in over 20 years.

It was held on Saturday and Sunday at the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) building at Main and New Market Streets, Georgetown.

The first day saw an in-depth presentation from the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield, during which he spoke about

Commissioners – Charles Corbin, Vincent Alexander and Sase Gunraj along with the Deputy CEO Vishnu Persaud, who engaged the media mainly on elections coverage.

Another panel discussion followed, this time featuring GPA President Neil Marks and Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM) Vice President Dennis Chabrol, who spoke about the Dos and Don’ts of covering elections.

The day’s session ended with a presentation from ACM President Wesley Gibbings, of Trinidad and Tobago.

He spoke about Local

turned to the fore along with GPA representative Julia Johnson and they addressed elections coverage in Guyana touching on issues affecting reporters when reporting on the electoral process.

Closing off the training, Chabrol urged that media entities have the handbook compiled by the ACM in their newsrooms to guide reporters on their coverage of the pre-election, Election Day and post-election process.

Meanwhile, GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally told reporters that his door was always open to facilitate clarifications and discussions with the media, especially

with the upcoming Local Government polls which he recognised would be a first-time experience for many of the reporters.

“You ask questions; you must get answers,” he encouraged.

Additionally, Dr Surujbally extended his appreciation to the GPA and the Canadian High Commission for facilitating the training. He recognised that the High Commission, for the past 15 years, has been supportive of GECOM and its ventures.

Meanwhile, Canadian High Commissioner Pierre Giroux, who closed the training session, said that he saw the training as an opportunity to support the Local Government electoral process since reporters were a medium through which Guyanese would be informed about the LGE. According to Giroux, for there to be a strong democracy in any country, Local Government Elections must be held.

He noted that this process was fundamental to the development of any country.

Moreover, the High Commissioner reflected that this year would be the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Guyana and Canada, adding that his Government was willing to extend support to Guyana in whatever way it could.

Chairmanship – Dr George Norton

F

ormer People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) parliamentarian, Dr Max Hanoman is tipped to become the new Chairman of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Board of Directors.

This was confirmed by Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton on Sunday, who stated that the Government has identified Hanoman as its frontrunner for the position though, he added, the decision was not final.

Dr Noel Blackman, who was appointed Chairman of the GPHC on December 31, 2015, was recently arrested and charged in the United States for illegally writing a large number of prescriptions for a narcoticbased painkiller.

Following the arrest, Dr Norton had publicly declared that he was “disappointed” that the newly-appointed GPHC Chairman has been arrested and charged with illegally issuing prescriptions for a powerful painkiller in New York.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

The New York Newsday reported that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) suspected that Dr Blackman was illegally prescribing vast amounts of oxycodone – 365,000 pills in 2015 – in a drug-dealing enterprise spanning three states. Oxycodone is a narcotic-based medication used to treat moderate to severe pain and can be habit forming even at regular doses.

According to the Newsday, FBI agents took Blackman, 68, into custody after they ordered a Guyana-bound jet taxiing for takeoff with him on board at the John F Kennedy Airport, to return to the terminal.

Dr Blackman, who was under investigation for several weeks, was intent on permanently leaving the United States, according to a tip agents received before they headed him off at the Airport. After the

Dr Max Hanoman

plane returned to the terminal around midnight on Sunday, Dr Blackman was arrested and later charged with conspiracy to distribute the narcotic.

Reports are according to his prescription records checked by federal authorities, the 365,000 Oxycodone pills came from 2487 prescriptions – a marked increase from the 114 he wrote for 3800 pills in 2014 and 63 written in 2013 for 2100 pills.

The Newsday also reported that federal agents with Homeland Security investigators also found US$30,000 in cash stashed in Blackman’s luggage.

Dr Blackman was a Health Minister under the People’s National Congress (PNC) Administration.

According to the Official Gazette of December 23, 2015, “Dr Blackman will perform the responsibilities as GPHC Chairman for the period of one year, effective December 1, 2015 to November 30, 2016”.

Speaking to reporters at Parliament on Tuesday, Public Health Minister Norton said he was “very disappointed” by the actions of the newly appointed GPHC Chairman and steps were being taken to replace Dr Blackman on the medical institution’s Board.

Dr Norton noted also that although Dr Blackman has been charged, he has not been proven guilty.

The PNC stalwart is a registered vascular surgeon in the City of New York and also an Executive Board Member at the World Health Organisation (WHO). Dr Blackman completed his undergraduate studies at Howard University before pursuing his Doctorate of Medicine at Hahnemann University Medical School.

Meanwhile, Dr Hanoman, also a PNC stalwart, is the former Medical Director of the University of Guyana’s School of Medicine and currently operates the Dr Max Hanoman Medical Centre.

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Ramotar says disappointed in Govt’s reaction to Rodney CoI F

ormer President Donald Ramotar believes the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government is sending clear signals that it is preparing to reject the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report.

Ramotar, who had initially launched the CoI into the death of Dr Walter Rodney, issued a statement on Wednesday, registering his disappointment in the way the coalition Administration handled the entire situation.

“I am extremely disturbed and disappointed at the way the APNU/AFC regime has treated the Commission of Inquiry,” he stated.

Given its consistent negative reactions towards the CoI from the inception, Ramotar said he strongly believes the Government is prepared to reject the report.

“Unfortunately from the beginning the APNU/ PNC-led Government showed great hostility to Rodney. They brought the inquiry to a pre-mature end after millions were already spent on this project. They seem uninterested in getting to the truth or afraid to have the truth exposed,” Ramotar stated.

He explained when he established the CoI, his hope was to bring closure

Former President, Donald Ramotar

to the horrible episode in Guyana’s history and heal the wound to the nation’s conscience.

Additionally, he said it was aimed at bringing closure to Dr Rodney’s family.

He highlighted that the circumstances surrounding Rodney’s death has left a gaping wound in the conscience of the Guyanese society and it has also damaged the reputation of our country among democratic and peace loving people in the world.

“In bringing closure, I had hoped that bringing out the truth would have helped to heal many of the rifts that exist in our society,” Ramotar stated.

It is therefore against this backdrop that the former President found the Government’s nonchalant treatment towards the CoI rather insulting and disrespectful.

He made reference to the recent handover

of the CoI report, where President David Granger, due to his busy schedule, was unable to meet with the Commissioners for a formal ceremony.

The initial date set for the handover of the report was postponed after the Commissioners ran out of ink to print the document.

The event was therefore postponed.

However, on the second confirmed date, the President was unavail-

able to meet with the Commissioners and instructed that they leave the report with the Attorney General’s (AG) Secretary.

The Commissioners acted accordingly, however, shortly afterwards, the AG declared that they acted in a “disrespectful” manner. His statements prompted the Commission’s Chairman, Sir Richard Cheltenham to issue a statement ex-

plaining the series of events that transpired.

Subsequently, the President released his own statement, expressing his disappointment in the Commissioners’ inability to deliver the report on the initial date and explained that he had decided to attend prior engagements rather than meet with the Commissioners on the second date, which was tentatively scheduled.

Commenting on this de-

velopment, Ramotar said Government’s behaviour is “unpardonable”.

Dr Walter Rodney was one of Guyana’s most renounced scholars and revolutionary. He was not just a patriot of our country but a man who commanded the respect of the international community. He was held in very high esteem among the fighters for social emancipation in the Region and further afield, particularly in Africa.

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NEWS 27

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘Green and yellowing’ of Guyana

No rationale for Speaker’s ruling - Ramkarran F ormer Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran believes that the parliamentary Opposition should not be deterred by the current Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland’s ruling on the issue of the “greening and yellowing” of Guyana.

On February 9, the National Assembly descended into a state of near chaos after People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament Alister Charlie expressed concerns over the Government’s apparent attempt to brand the country with the widespread usage of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) party colours on national

services.

However, the House Speaker quickly intervened and charged that “green and yellow” are colours of the Guyana flag and, therefore, would not be an object for lampooning. He subsequently ordered that Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira’s microphone be turned off, disallowing her from making a point on the matter.

A huge debate has since taken centre stage in the political arena regarding the usage of the colours green and yellow and more importantly, the Speaker’s ruling on the issue.

Expressing his views on the matter, Ramkarran indicated that there was no detailed rationale for the

Speaker’s ruling and consequently, the PPP/C should not be deterred from mounting a public campaign on the issue.

In his weekly blog “The Conversation Tree”, Ramkarran penned that the word “lampooning” was used in a broad sense, meaning criticising and objecting to, and as a result, people were left to wonder whether Dr Scotland’s ruling meant that no criticism could ever be made of the use of the green and yellow colours at all in the House, or whether criticism of the use of the colours would only be disallowed if it related to the Government’s use of them to paint public objects.

“My understanding of the Speaker’s decision, by

Ralph Ramkarran

his use of the word ‘lampooning,’ without more, is that a wide interpretation is justified. There was no limitation on his decision. The ruling means that there must be no ‘lampooning’ of the colours in the House for any reason. For example, the Prime Minister, a Christian anti-communist, who served for 50 years in a Hindu, com-

munist party, architect of our current Constitution and an initiating voice for the two-term presidential limit, now acknowledging its potential dangers of corruption in the second term, can rise in the House and declare ‘Mr Speaker, I move that the cannons guarding the northern entrance of the Parliament Buildings continued on page 28

28 news

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Cummingsburg Accord: APNU enjoying ‘sweet benefits’, but AFC left in shambles – Commentators

BY DEVINA SAMAROO

O

ne year ago, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) joined forces in unwavering matrimony through the signing of the historic Cummingsburg Accord (Valentine’s Day Accord) with unyielding dedication to change the name of politics in Guyana, with the country’s first ever six-party coalition Government.

However, critics believe that the Administration has fallen short on one too many of its promises and have already forecasted nothing but a bleak future, particularly for the AFC-arm of the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led coalition.

With the honeymooning season over, prominent political commentators and players had lots to say as they reflected on the coalition’s first year together as partners in politics against the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

Economist Ramon Gaskin reminisced that it was only a year ago that the two parties, eager to gain Executive power, teamed up to defeat the longstanding PPP/C Government.

“Without them coming together, the APNU could not have won the

elections alone because the PPP/C is still a bigger party than all of them,” he noted.

But Gaskin highlighted that while the APNU was reaping all the benefits from this sweet victory, the AFC was left in the shambles. “Everyone can see that the AFC lost some grounds in the immediate run-up to the General and Regional Elections in Regions Five and Six… the AFC continues to lose ground among its supporters.

Political Commentator, Ramon Gaskin

They can’t make it on their own now. They would not survive,” Gaskin predicted.

Gaskin expressed that it appears the AFC has been shafted by the PNC-led Government; however, for reasons unknown, they would not complain.

“They could have gotten more but they seem happy.

Nagamootoo,

AFC Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo and APNU Chairman David Granger share a light moment after signing the Cummingsburg Accord on February 14, 2015

Hughes, Patterson and Ramjattan…,” he said.

Gaskin explained that while the Cummingsburg Accord promised a 40:60 split between the two parties, the AFC continues to be left behind. He highlighted, for example, that State boards are made up predominantly of PNC members.

Moreover, commenting on the coalition Government’s performance together thus far, Gaskin rated it as “reasonable”.

He also expressed concerns over the influx of ex-military personnel into high-ranking positions within Government.

Former Government Minister, Dr Henry Jeffrey, also believes the AFC will be completely wiped out if they ever embark upon entering the political arena as a

single entity again.

He believes both sides are well aware of the circumstances and therefore, the AFC will continue to do anything to stay in power while the APNU will remain in control.

“The coalition has placed much emphasis on staying in Government other than political relationships among themselves…

They are set upon staying in Government, so the AFC will bend with the winds to just stay in Government, and the larger party will continue to rule,” Dr Jeffrey presumed.

He explained that one of the detrimental elements between the parties is the fact that there is no political framework in place to determine policies within the coalition.

Also expressing his views on the Government’s effectiveness thus far, the former Minister said he is rather disappointed.

Using the Wales Estate closure debacle as an example, he posited that the Government is only making matters worse for themselves.

At best, Dr Jeffrey would rate their performance as “mediocre”, noting that it appears the Government’s flagship programme

Political Commentator, Henry Jeffrey

is mainly cleaning up Georgetown.

Political Opponent Vishnu Bandhu of the United Republican Party also anticipated doom for the ‘newlyweds’.

Bandhu too shared the view that the AFC component is being undermined and bullied and against that backdrop, he believes there will soon be a rift be-

tween the parties as there previously was with the PNC and The United Force (TUF).

“The AFC is definitely being used. I think there will be a repeat of history like when The United Force coalesced with the PNC and a few months after, the PNC kicked them out,” Bandhu projected.

He added that it appears Minister of State Joseph Harmon has more executive power than the Prime Minister, and concluded that the coalition really has no need for Nagamootoo other than to have him as a “rubber stamp”.

“They just want to show the Indian people ‘oh look we have an Indian person here’,” Bandhu expressed.

Sharing his views on the coalition’s performance so far, the URP Leader said he is particularly discontented with the manner in which the Government is treating the rice farmers and sugar workers.

He also expressed concern over what he deemed as a “heavy racial discrimination” brewing within the Government quarters.

Guyana Times International made efforts to contact senior members of the coalition to comment on their experience working together; however all attempts were futile.

Police unearth 8kg ganja No rationale for Speaker’s... in Berbice minibus

A

man is now in Police custody after traffic ranks discovered eight kilograms of marijuana stashed away in a minibus in which he was a passenger.

According to information received, about 08:35h on Sunday,

the Route 50 minibus was proceeding along a road in the vicinity of Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice when Police ranks on traffic duty pulled it over after their suspicions were aroused by activities in the bus.

The ranks then conducted a search, during which they unearthed a haversack containing

eight kilograms of cannabis sativa. The driver of the minibus and a male passenger were arrested and taken into custody, and an investigation was subsequently launched. Guyana Times understands that during questioning, the passenger admitted to owner-

ship of the narcotic.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum informed this publication that the driver was released soon after the passenger’s confession. He also disclosed that the detained man would be brought before the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court today to answer to the charge of trafficking in narcotics.

be painted in two colours of the flag, green and yellow.’

Alister Charlie, MP, would not be permitted to say, ‘I object.’ The motion would pass with speaker after speaker supporting it and without a single dissenting opinion being permitted,” Ramkarran reasoned as he reminded that the Speaker’s rulings were final. In further explaining his position, Ramkarran proffered that criticisms, in accordance to the Standing Orders, can be made of various officials such as the President, Judges, Members of Parliament and other public officials but only if a motion is tabled for the purpose.

However, the Standing Orders do not refer to the flag or its colours as permissible subjects for a motion.

“It is, therefore, not known, by virtue of the Speaker’s ruling, whether a motion on the issue can be allowed,” Ramkarran stated.

He posited that apart from the absence of specific authority in a Standing Order, a member may object to the motion on the ground that the colours were being utilised by the Mayor, who has an inclination for the co-

from page 27

lour green, and not by the Government.

“In other words, it is not ‘Government business’.

The Speaker would then be forced to reject the motion, as he did with the Opposition’s motion on the rice industry, on the alternative ground that the use of the colours is not ‘Government business’ and that, therefore, the mo-

scribe to it by using the colours.

The PPP/C MP detailed the fact that bridges, sections of public infrastructure and even the bicycles, boats and buses in President David Granger’s “Three Bs” programme were painted in green and yellow.

Some Opposition officials said that the decision

tion does not qualify for debate,” Ramkarran explained.

On this note, he expressed that the Opposition should not be discouraged.

During a recent news conference, PPP/C parliamentarian Priya Manickchand first raised the issue of politicising the country by branding Guyana in green and yellow.

She stated that the Government was forcing its political ideology on Guyanese who did not sub-

by the Government to “paint everything green and yellow” is a return of “vintage Burnhamism” and brings back stark memories of the days when the party was above the State, with the PNC flag being flown over the Supreme Courts and other buildings that housed State entities.

They recalled “the days when the Army and Police were forced to pledge allegiance to the Burnham regime”.

travel & tourism 29

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

King William IV Falls (Photo from dheapsfishingadventures.blogspot.com)

K

Scenic landscape in the vicinity of the Falls (Photo by CraftmaticAdjustableBed on flickr)

ing William IV Falls is located along the Upper Essequibo River, near the Amerindian village, Apoteri.

German-born explorer Sir Robert Schomburgk, who carried out geographical, ethnological and botanical studies in South America and the West Indies for Great Britain, named the falls King William IV Falls in honour of the-then British monarch and first patron of the Royal Geographical Society.

Describing the King William

IV Falls, “The Guiana Travels of Robert Schomburgk, 1835-1844” stated: “…The water descends in two falls, the upper is larger, and may amount to from 12 to 14 feet in height; the water precipitating itself over a ridge of jagged rocks, pursues its way foaming and tossing to the second fall…so the falls from the upper to the lower cataract amount at least to 20 feet...”

A tourist, who recently visited the area (Apoteri village to King William IV Falls), said:

Dangerous rapids for boats (Photo by CraftmaticAdjustableBed on flickr)

“This stretch of water is amazing with no logging, gold mining and no commercial fishing.

Not a piece of trash in sight.

After traveling in the South American rainforests, this is one of the most pristine areas. Water is teeming with fish: even one of your biggest freshwater fish, the Arapaima, along with giant catfish. Cock of the Rock birds, along with jaguar sighting, makes this a special place.”(Photo from barbelblogger.blogspot.com)

The Falls provide an adventure for fishing enthusiasts. The Jau catfish is one of the many fish species caught at the Falls (Photo by CraftmaticAdjustableBed on flickr)

Water cascades through rocks into the Essequibo river (Photo from barbelblogger.blogspot.com)

30 feature

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Working to make better communities

B

orn out of a desire to “give back”, Footprints of Today Foundation aims to strengthen communities and empower people to create a better society.

The organisation was founded by Kiara Trotman and Hayma Singh in January 2016.

“Last year, we decided that we wish to positively give back to our now fractured and enduring society. However, it wasn’t until early January 2016, when we reached out to passionate young people like ourselves, namely Charisma Salisbury, Abigail Mohabir, Stacey Gordon, Saajid Husani,

Travis Trotman, Juke Ross, Sonia Nauth, Lawrence Alleyne, Tracy Shamsudeen, Khawn Rodney, Ravin Singh, and Vickita Nandan, to join us, that we decided to form what now intends to be an impactful non-profit organization,” Hayma said in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

According to Hayma, Footprints of Today Foundation is a holistic, non-profit, volunteer organization that was established to stimulate lifelong learning, advance knowledge and strengthening communities by inspiring and empowering people affected by social

The Foundation's logo

traumas.

Relatively new, the Foundation’s team intends to create content that educates, informs and inspires, while reinforcing youth development.

Consequently, its motto is: “Leave only footprints”, which means “making an impact today for a better tomorrow”.

The Foundation’s objectives are to provide services to the less fortunate. Such services shall include food, clothing and other smaller immediate services; to encourage the participation of all youths in the development of cultural integration; to implement programs that

will enhance educational skills and develop ethical values; to recognize the value of youths of all sex, races and economic backgrounds and to provide opportunities for youths to take up positions of leadership in society; to participate in local and international humanitarian activities, facilitated by a network of other organizations with the same interest and identification of needs and distribution of resources; and to serve as a national and international voice whenever necessary to achieve conflict resolution through dialogue and reconciliation and compassion, rather than by violence.

“Considering the fact that we are a relatively new organization, our only on-going initiative is the ‘Put Your Clothes To Use Initiative’, a drive to provide clothing to the needy. Our plea to the public is to kindly donate their gently-used clothing to the foundation,” Hayma expressed.

A few of the Foundation’s projects are the Rainbow Pack Initiative, which is dedicated to providing basic school supplies to primary school students regardless of their economic circumstances; the WARMTH Initiative, which is dedicated to donating blankets to the homeless; Zero Hunger Initiative, which is dedicated to feeding 100 plus homeless persons every month, starting from March; the Trees for Cities Initiative, which is dedicated to cleaning parts of the three counties and the planting of trees and other flowering plants; Home Sweet Home Initiative, which is dedicated to the repainting or replacement of deteriorated woods of houses belonging to the underprivileged, or other

Kiara Trotman (left) and Hayma Singh

public institutions; Moral Ed Initiative, which is dedicated to creating a curriculum of shared culture and respectful communication with youths as the target audience; and Sew A Future Initiative, which is dedicated to donating basic sewing tools to women of the rural areas. Other projects include the Read to a Child initiative, Remove the Graffiti Initiative, toy drives, and many others.

“Our inspiration stemmed from something as simple as wanting to help others. As friends, we would also constantly talk about how we need not wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. More so, growing up as fortunate children in our own ways, we have been in diverse settings with children who couldn’t afford as much as we did, and then there were those who could’ve afforded much more. Our empathetic natures were sculpted as another motivating factor for this

Foundation,” Hayma noted.

At the moment, the Foundation is funded by its members who pool their resources to ensure the successful execution of initiatives.

“For us at Footprints of Today Foundation, the sense of appreciation that comes from giving is the most impactful of all, because with it comes not only joy for ourselves, but for those who we help. It has also helped us become socially involved and, from that, we have gained new insights into the lives of others. This has helped us as individuals to value traits such as humility and compassion,” Hayma declared. team at Footprints of Today Foundation plans on continuing their efforts of giving back to society and strives “to make positive inputs in the lives of many”.

For more information on the Foundation, visit Footprints of Today Foundation on Facebook.

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘Give the Ball to the Poet’

feature 31

Racism in Caribbean Literature?

he facts of this anthology again: Three (3) poems by three (3) Indian poets out of 90. Not a single one (do we ever need redundancy!) of these three Indian poets have more than a single selection.

By contrast, a staggering sixteen (16) of the other poets have more than one selection; of these sixteen, there are four (4), who are represented with five (5) se-

become entrants/winners, then judges again, then entrants/winners again, then judges again should be abolished and reorganized, as should its Caribbean Award – why should Guyana alone bear the entire Caribbean on its destitute shoulders – and the Committee dissolved and reconstituted in a diversity that reflects Guyana (a la the current Academy Awards diversity).

After almost 30 years, in a country where people of Indian ancestry

lections each (super poets, these are not – and, as if to underscore this, neither Derek Walcott, nor Martin Carter – our greatest poets - are in this group); one poet has four poems; eight poets have three) poems and two poets have two poems each.

Fifty-four (54) poems, more than half in the volume, by sixteen (16) poets, with only three (3) Indian poets included, and several other fine non-Indian poets excluded, is inexcusable.

The exclusion of Cyril Dabydeen, who – like myself – has published more than eight poetry collections primarily with the two most important and established publishers of West Indian poetry in the World (TSAR/Mawenzi in Toronto and Peepal Tree in Leeds – “Home of the best in Caribbean and Black British Writing”!) is incomprehensible.

Cyril Dabydeen has received awards – like me – for his poetry. He has also received the Guyana Prize for Literature; granted, that this prize - like most literary prizes - is a corrupt, self-serving and incestuous one, with judges who

form the largest ethnic group, the Guyana Prize Committee has yet to have an Indian secretary, or Chair. But more on this subsequently.

Of West Indian poets writing today, there can be no question that Cyril and I are among the major and preeminent poets from the region and I didn’t say among Indian poets. Invoking Richards again, who has noted that there wasn’t a bowler that he could not face – a batsman with supreme confidence in himself! This does not mean that Richards did not play his share of injudicious strokes and did not have his share of bad scores and, yes, ducks in international cricket and Test matches.

I have noted elsewhere; there is no poet writing in the English language who is better than I am. I didn’t say I am better than anyone else. This does not mean that there has not been injudicious and even, like Richards, ducks along the way - the same as with any great and prolific artist. I suspect it is the same with Cyril’s work.

Let us look at the facts of this anthology from another angle. There are

By Sasenarine Persaud Part II

T

42 poems in this anthology by Jamaican poets – almost half the anthology – perpetuating yet another fallacy of the region and its culture.

Many outside the Caribbean tend to equate Jamaica, and more specifically Afro-Jamaica and Afro-Jamaican culture as the Caribbean.

That Afro-Jamaicans have been among the most aggressive of West Indians, and, in promoting themselves have, no doubt, contributed; this is also apparent in this anthology. The West Indian editor of this anthology is based at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica.

Perhaps, I should consider myself lucky to be included in “Give the Ball to the Poet” and just be quiet! To be fair, the Chair of the project, the Caribbean Poetry Project (CPP) sought a last minute accommodation. It is easy to forget that only by chance in January 2013 did an acquaintance who heard of the Caribbean Poetry Project (CPP) send me a note asking why I was not a part of this project and why no Indian poet from the Caribbean was involved in this project.

One of the odd things regarding the advisors of the CPP was that three of the seven advisors (all West Indian writers) know of me, have met me, and are aware of my work. I am sure they also know Cyril and/or his work. Was it a coincidence that these three writers/advisors are Jamaican?

Another advisor was a poet of African ancestry born in Guyana.

There could be, can be,

no excuse for the almost total absence of IndoCaribbean participation in this project.

In May of 2013, a note, with a link to a Stabroek News article that the project was in Guyana and Guyana was to benefit from this project found its way into my inbox. The 10 fa-

cilitators of the project in Guyana included the following: “Dr Jennifer Obidah, Director School of Education, UWI Cave Hill; Professor Morag Styles, Chair of Caribbean Poetry Project, Cambridge University; Dr Georgina Howell, Cambridge University; Professor

Mark McWatt, Poet/ Facilitator; John Agard, Poet; Grace Nichols, Poet; Esther Phillips, Poet/ Facilitator; Sam Soyer, Facilitator; Dr Sandra Robinson, Coordinator, Caribbean Poetry project, UWI Cave Hill and Gina Burnham, Project Research Assistant.” continued on page 47

32 feature

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Valentine’s Day 2016

A search for meaning

V

eronika Bozeman asks “What is Love” in her 2015 soulful ballad of the same name for the hit TV series “Empire”.

Years earlier, Eurodance group Haddaway queried “What is love” (1993) in their upbeat catchy hit song title. Even earlier, Howard Jones asked "What is Love" in his 80s pop tune. All three couldn’t have been farther apart in treatment of their rhythm– but the question was the same.

There have been, before and since, songsters who continue to ask the question. It has become an age-old question that neither lovers nor scientists can provide answers that satisfy everyone. Some prefer to describe what it isn’t to hopefully arrive at what it is.

According to a 2012 Guardian UK article, whose headline described love as “…the greatest emotion of all”, “What is love” was the most searched phrase on Google for that year.

Speaking with some academics in the sciences and humanities, the article also revealed that love can never be one

thing to everyone.

Love and the human condition

Humans of all ages are said to have the capacity to give and need love; the same emotion that arguably few know how to give or recognize clearly. Defining what love is tends to vary according to age.

Love remains an elusive emotion to explain, though many would swear they feel love deeply and strongly.

A physical attraction, the desire to form a close bond and remain committed for a long pe-

riod to another person who shares our own values, are powerful forces, at any stage of our lives,that all combine science, spirituality and philosophy into forming ideas of what “love” is.

But love is not just romantic or platonic feelings for another. Among our modern day bards, the late Whitney Huston says of love in her 1985 hit “Greatest love of all”: Learning to love yourself/ it is the greatest love of all…

Love and marriage

new in the sweep of human history—and, in the view of some historians, a leading cause of the institution’s decline. For several millennia, economic security was the sine qua nonof marriage. The institution thrived as an efficient way to divide labour, allocate resources, propagate the species and ensure that someone will take care of you when you get old. Only in recent centuries have love and mutual self-fulfilment come to occupy centre stage in the grand

survey, when asked to evaluate the reasons they got married, some 31 per cent of married respondents said it was for financial stability, while among unmarried respondents, 30 per cent suggested they would marry for financial stability.

However, while many married persons in the survey say that love, making a lifelong commitment and companionship are very important reasons to get married, Pew notes that “when asked if they agree that there is “only one true love” for every person, fewer than three-in-ten (28 per cent) survey respondents say, I do.”

It suggests that although persons continue marrying for what they believe is love, there is some uncertainty even among those who say they married for love.

Going back to Bozeman’s ballad, she asks, “…What is love if you’re not really sure?”

And Howard Jones sings: What is love anyway/ Does anybody love

in her concept of love.

Suzanne, a newly wed, revealed that while she is just two weeks into marriage, for her love is not what the literally millions of singers croon about passionately or “the butterflies in your stomach” feeling; rather it is “caring for someone so much that you put them and their wellbeing above yourself. Love is giving… without expecting anything in return.”

A lawyer pointed out that while the question might seem simple, the reply isn’t, as it is “difficult to articulate the feeling”.

Interestingly, most persons eschewed the idea of what love is as described in romantic literature, Hollywood Romcom movies – and even Valentine’s Day itself; one called it “fluff”, another called it “sappy”, and another used the word idiotic.

One person who viewed it from a romantic point of view however, said, “The answer [to what love is] is never apparent until

“The potency of the link between love and marriage is relatively

New bride Suzanne on her wedding day

marital bargain. But as the trends of the past half century attest, it’s an open question whether a social institution built on love will prove as durable as one built on economic security.”(The Decline of Marriage and Rise of New Families, Pew Research Centre, 2010) In an interview after their royal engagement, Britain’s Prince Charles and his blushing, and at the time, soon-to be- bride Diana, were asked if they were “in love”. “Of course!” she replied; his reply has gone down in history as surely one of the most infamous: “Whatever ‘in love’ means…”

The world hardly needs reminding of what happened to that marriage.

According to the Pew

anybody anyway…/Can anybody love anyone so much that they will never fear/ Never worry never be sad/ The answer is they cannot love this much; nobody can…

Guyanese love

With Valentine’s Day being celebrated worldwide today, Sunday Times Magazine asked several Guyanese this question, to find out what we think of this emotional phenomenon.

One academic referred to her idea of love as selfless: “Love is yearning for and delighting in the well-being of another, and working – even sacrificially – towards attaining that well-being in whatever ways I can,” she suggested.

She was not alone

you've tasted its sweet dreams.” Like the lawyer, the young romantic noted how difficult it is to express what love is since it is “something that cannot be described with one word because it can be expressed in so many ways with so many words.”

Love and Valentine’s Day

While Valentine’s Day has been celebrated since early ChristianRoman times, it wasn’t until the Middle Ages that it became associated with romance. By the 18th century it was customary for friends and lovers to celebrate the day. Today, while many still associate the day with romance, many also use the occasion to express their love to family.

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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t is tough to get most men to “open up” or confide in others – especially women. Some cultures dictate that men should never display emotions, such as crying, as it is a sign of weakness.

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Renne Chester and family

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hotographer Fidal Bassier, who has been married for 13 years, mentioned a quote he and his wife, Hala, live by: “This is a quote other families can also live by: ‘Where there is love, nothing is too much trouble, and there is always time’.”

He added: “I would like to say to my wife that I love her lots and my wish is to see many more Valentine’s together.”

Which is why Sunday Times Magazine commends those men who have contributed their deepest thoughts to this special Valentine’s Day feature on the meaning of love and secrets to a happy marriage.

uyanese singer Renne Chester revealed: “I’ve been married for two years now to Amanda Chester and I’ve found that the following recipe works really well for a healthy and happy marriage. Let’s examine the word ‘love’ first; for me it is to understand that your partner is not perfect and you are not either. Too many people put too much pressure on themselves looking for the perfect guy or girl when the reality is we are all flawed. But there is hope in accepting the good and the bad of that person and working jointly with a relationship goal to make the both of you the right match for each other; and at the end, you’ll find a unique type of love with your print.”

He added: “I believe that one needs to be happy with self first. We do things that jointly make us happy but couples should find activities that individually make them happy. I’m passionate about singing and my wife is passionate about the art of playing steel pan. For others their passion or happiness may be different but I’ve found that when two people are innately happy then the other does not have to bear the burden of constantly doing back flips to make their partner happy; happiness is an inside job. Secondly, my wife is my best friend this really works well for us. We sit and talk and laugh about nearly everything.

Thirdly, you need to communicate with each other. Be extremely open about your feelings on things. Hiding how you feel is like jumping out of a plane without a parachute, eventually the reality of your decision to not openly communicate like the gravity will catch up with you.”

Fidal Bassier and family

We hope that these comments will serve as encouragement to young Guyanese men that it is “okay” to express their feelings, and to show the respect and love that women deserve.

Dmitri Allicock and his wife, Evadney Gokarn and Emily Ramdhani

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adminton Coach and president of the Guyana Badminton Association Gokarn Ramdhani noted: “Love is trust, respect and affection for each other. It is not only a feeling, it is also an action. My secret of a happy marriage is, most importantly, supporting each other and learning to compromise. It is the push and pull of any relationship where trust, understanding and respect must always be there in whatever you do or say.”

O

verseas-based Guyanese researcher, and a regular contributor to this publication, Dmitri Allicock stated: “Love in a marriage is more than just a feeling, but a verb. The everyday wear and tear of life can fluctuate the feelings of happiness, but a commitment to instill a positive approach in your relationship and to treat each other kindly will reduce stress and overcome challenges. Remember to let go of past heartbreaks, not to dwell on the negatives and to forgive. Happiness lies within and in the manner in which we appreciate one another.”

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Dave and Annette Martins

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ward-winning portrait artist M i c h a e l Griffith offered his perspective on love and marriage: “Love is what’s left after you have seen the good as well as the bad in that person and still think they are the best thing that ever happened to you. The secret of marriage in my opinion is looking pass the fights and realizing that it’s just not worth living without that person.”

He then quipped: “I want my wife to know this is forever.

inger and songwriter Dave Martins, popular for songs like “Cricket in the Jungle” and “Not a blade of grass”, commented: “By ‘love’, in this Valentine’s Day atmosphere, I assume you mean marital love, and different people will define that in various ways. Infatuation aside, I see it as the exchange of trust, devotion and affection that takes place between two people, leaving them more fulfilled and joyous together than they would be separately. When two people are bringing that sharing and devotion to each other, forming the most important relationship in the life of each, they’re in a state of love.”

He added: “Priorities differ in people, so the actions that may produce happiness in one couple, may not rate very highly at all with another pair. However, among the essentials I would put the following: open communication at all times, particularly at times of trauma or discord; and willingness on both sides to see the foibles of the partner not as intentional aggravations, but simply part of who he/she is. However, in parallel, there must be efforts, on both sides, to ameliorate these behaviours, rather than blindly saying, ‘That’s who I am; take it or leave it’. I’ve seen several marriages (including one of my own) break apart on that stance.”

Dave went on to say: “It’s not on my radar, but cruising by TBN today, I was stopped by a very casual preacher giving a great marriage talk on the subject “The Power of Positive Communication”. Excellent piece all the way through. It was mainly about the impact on people in a marriage understanding the difference between men and women. It’s something I recommend readers to watch. The website is marriagetoday.com. Click on that site and see for yourself. A lot of it resonated with me big time.”

U

S-based Guyanese Kwasi Fraser, Mayor of the town of Purcellville, U.S., said: “My definition of love is lifting others up above me and caring for them with the only reward for me is witnessing their joy and happiness, which then energizes me to even love more. Courageous communication is what sustains happiness in our marriage.

There are always those moments of ‘silent treatment’ and conversations we rather not have, but we have learned to recognize the need to make them be just for a moment and quickly get back to boldly communicating with each other.

Without courageous communication there is no honesty, no understanding, no passion, no relationship, and no happiness.”

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Michael Griffith's portrait of him and his wife, Karen

So it would be best she takes care of your long-term brain cells.”

Mayor Kwasi Fraser and wife, Angela

Michael Lam and family

ward-winning photographer Michael Lam Told Sunday Times Magazine, “Love is a decision to put the happiness of another person over your own. True love never dies; when you decide to love another, then no matter what happens that love remains what it began as. A happy marriage is one that knows true love.”

34 history

T

he now dormant tadjah festival of Guyana had its origins in the Islamic religion of the Indian Shia Muslims who arrived as indentured workers in British Guiana almost two centuries ago which later came to include non-Muslims.

Ironically, it was this national inclusion,to the disapproval of colonial authorities, whichwould lead to the festival becoming extinct on the local religious calendar today.

The history of the tadjah

The Guyanese tadjah was a procession of mourners marking the anniversary of the assassination of Hussain, who was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammed.

The first month of the Islamic New Year, Muharram, is one of the four sacred months in Islam. The tenth day of Muharram is the day of Ashura, which is considered to be a very important day in the Islamic calendar.

The day is internationally observed to commemorate the assassination of Hazrat Imam Hussain Ali and his supporters at the battle of Karbala.

When Hussain refused to swear allegiance to Yazid, the second Umayyad Caliph, he and his supporters were brutally massacred while traveling from Madina to Kufa.

While some Muslims regard Muharram as the month of mourning, for others it is commemorating the Battle of Karbala.

Muharram, meaning forbidden, is so called because it is considered unlawful to fight during this month.

The Times of India notes that the word 'Muharram' is derived from the word 'haram', meaning sinful.

In India as well as other Muslim

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

territories, tazia (tadjah) processions often mark the occasion of Muharram.

Replicas

According to “Islam, Globalization and Postmodernity” (edited by Akbar S. Ahmed, Hastings Donnan), Muharram rituals were referred to as “Hosay” or “Hosse” (a derivative of “Husain”) in Trinidad to refer to Husain’s tomb replica as well as the event.

Older Trinidadian Shia Muslims used the Arabic word taziyah, meaning “mourning”; “condolence” to describe the mausoleum or tomb replica.

Guyanese (and some Trinidadian) indentured immigrants used the “patois” term tadjah (variously: tajah, tadjieh, tazia, tazzia) to describe the commemorations.

In the book “Islamic Art in the 19th Century: Tradition, Innovation, And Eclecticism”, edited by Doris BehrensAbouseif and Stephen Vernoit, tazia means a model of the tomb of Imam Hussein.

The tazia resulted from the difficulties worshippers had in making the trip to Imam Hussein’s shrine, which led to replicas of the tomb being constructed by those too far away to access the site.

Local historian Lloyd Kandasammy writes that the festival was staged “to commemorate the martyrdom of Hassan and Hussein, the two sons of Ali and the prophet's daughter, Fatthima, who were persecuted and murdered by [the] Caliph.”

Observed in what was then British Guiana, the tadjah would depict “a miniature mosque, made of light and pliable materials: the frameworks of slight bamboo were 'intricately connected wickerwork style and neat-

Broad St looking west circa 1900s

Section of New Amsterdam as seen from the river 1908

ly covered with folded, multi-coloured tinsel paper ornamented with gold and silver trimmings,' The height of the tazzia varied from twenty to fifty feet,” he says. “Within the Tazzia were two small coffins representing the remains of Hussein and Hassan.”

In pre-independent Guyana, the tadjah was taken in a procession along the road while its participants loudly chanted the names of the two martyrs.

The festival also included dance and displays, including re-enactments of the battle and the fall of the brothers, as well as performances from costumed dancers.

Peter Halder, in his article on guyanathenandnow website, states that in British Guiana the festival was eventually assumed by Hindus, to the dis-

Sparta was reported in great detail by the Royal Gazette.

In that same year three other festivals were staged at Sisters Village, Daniels Town and Plantation Leonora.

The Royal Gazette reported that the celebration at Sisters Village resembled a "masquerade band as the revellers marched with martial thread and about one hundred women brought up the rear contorting themselves to the eternal cake walk."

Africans were not the only participants, but Chinese and Portuguese were also integrally involved as they were contracted from time to time to construct the ornately designed tadjahs for the festivals.

In later years the festival continued to dwindle and became heavily commercialised, with little regard for its religious significance. Prizes were

approval of the Muslims.

Reflecting on the occasion, Kandasammy writes, “The warlike demonstrations, which followed the throwing of the Tazzia into the water, soon led to violent attacks against nonIndian groups.

In 1867, two revellers were killed and several others were seriously injured on the East Bank of Demerara when rival processions clashed.

In the 1890s Durguh Pujah, a Hindu celebration, and Muharram came to be celebrated at the same time.

Violence erupted as each procession crossed paths.

There was a discernible decline in the tadjah festivals during the 1880s. Between 1880 and 1890 only Plantation Non Pariel in 1882 staged a tazzia festival.

In 1880 a report in the Argosy newspaper stated “although Indian participation was dwindling, the festivals might remain a local institution owing to the Creoles.”

On April 19, 1873, the first allCreole Tadjah festival at Plantation

awarded by managers of estates for the most colourful and decorative tadjahs in a bid to resuscitate the declining festival.

Eventually, the promotion of the annual celebration was encouraged by the owners of rum shops, which led many to believe that the festivities had degenerated into mere drunken revelry and could no longer be regarded as a religious affair.

On January 19, 1871 the colonial government implemented a series of strict regulations.

The continued threat to the public as a result of the “high” incidence of violence was cited as the main cause for the introduction of this legislation to ensure that “the business of the Tazzia was conducted in an orderly way.”

The regulations also prohibited Tadjah processions from entering 'the precincts of the city of Georgetown and New Amsterdam' Once elaborately celebrated on every estate in British Guiana, the tadjah festival dwindled. The last procession was held in 1917.”

The local processions

35

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Deafening silence…

…from GPSU on contract workers or years and years, Patrick Yarde – President for life of the GPSU – has been jumping up and down about the hordes of “contract workers” the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government hired to perform jobs that Public Service workers were supposed to do.

Cynics said it was because the Union dues to cover his salary and perks were reduced that Yarde was upset. Not to mention undermining his ability to blackmail the PPP/ Civic through strike action.

But last year, in his impassioned testimony to the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) President David Granger instituted to examine the terms and conditions of public service work, Yarde called for the TOTAL elimination of contract workers. And it had nothing to do with his influence or his salary or his perks or such crass matters.

He was thinking totally about the WELFARE OF THE CONTRACT WORKERS!!!

That’s right… Yarde said while contract workers may get three or four times the salaries of regular public service workers, they didn’t have “security of tenure”.

And this made them “vulnerable to pressure” from the political directorate to do “wrong things”. And as a patriot and a man concerned about the welfare of the working class – no matter how well-heeled they were – he had to stand up for what is “right”. Which is to get rid of an iniquitous system that made men and women do “wrong things” just because of filthy lucre.

Your Eyewitness is a sucker for patriotism and sacrifice and you, dear reader, should guess how touched he was at Yarde’s peroration in front of the CoI. And that’s why he’s kinda confused why this defender of the dignity of the working class hasn’t uttered even a squeak now it’s been revealed that CONTRACT WORKERS HAVE SKYROCKETED UNDER THIS GOVERNMENT!!

Imagine that! As Yarde explained, it’s not just about the money – it’s that so many other innocents have been placed in a position where they’ll be forced to do “wrong things”. While your Eyewitness has led quite a sheltered life, he’s heard hints of some of these “wrong things”.

His mind boggles that Yarde hasn’t led his in front of Parliament Buildings waving pitchforks. Or even their pens – which are supposed to be mightier than swords.

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance

F

For Change (APNU/AFC) Government spokespersons aver as to how they’ll be “integrating” the contract workers gradually into the regular public service. But is that a good idea? After all, with all the “bad things” they’ve had to do to earn those super salaries (as high as Gy$1 million/month!!) won’t they corrupt those paragons of virtue (albeit low paid) who fork out their union dues to Yarde and Co? …to strident criticisms?

Folks were beginning to worry whether the Agriculture Ministry (MOA) had closed up shop. What with declaring that rice “wasn’t their business” and claiming not to know whether it was the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) or the Cabinet that had closed down Wales Estate, the concerns weren’t exactly unfounded.

But suddenly we’ve heard some noises indicating that perchance sprouts might have still survived through the MOA’s months of hibernation.

But sadly the noises were only criticisms of proposals and information which concerned citizens had come up with, in an effort to address the concerns of the workers of Wales. The MOA claimed the proposed severance package a past official of GuySuCo mentioned was “too high”. But didn’t offer any figures of its own. It also said the plan by a former Chairman of GuySuCo to form a public company from the Wales assets, weren’t viable.

Without mentioning its own plans that are supposed to be released in October.

The workers should presumably “trust” the MOA and buy their “pig in poke”! …on AUDITS Once again, Jailall Sharma has said nothing about the dozens of audits (already paid for) to find money that either “siphoned off” or “hidden” by the PPP/C. But once again, Jailall has promised to “jail them”. Without the evidence, Jail-all?

Star of the week

F

rom a tender age, Sharima Khan developed a passion for racing cars. Her father, who also races, inspired her to get behind the wheel and onto the South Dakota racing track.

Sharima describes her father as her “biggest fan, mentor, trainer and man behind her success.” Developing an unquenchable thirst for adrenaline, Sharima started racing cars at age 16 and has not stopped since. Her first competition was an Endurance Race, which she drove with her father in 2011. Her last race was Nov. 15, 2015, where she placed second.

Sharima and her father are the Endurance Race 2000cc class champions for two years. The 20-year-old said although racing is “risky and challenging, it is also exciting”. She views it as a “privilege and honour to compete with some of the best drivers in Guyana”. Sharima plans to race regionally and internationally and to make it to the Formula One racing arena. The belle of car racing is grateful to all those who have supported her, especially GUYOIL. (Photo by GFX Factory)

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

This week's Crossword

This week's Puzzle

see solution on page 47

A rose may be a rose… …but when is a Ministry a ministry?

W

hen your humble Eyewitness was in school, his lecturers tried to teach him about a philosophical concept called “nominalism”.

Which is to say – if memory serves him right – there aren’t any things called, say, “chairs” – just particular, individual chairs… or trees or whatever. In other words, there are no “universals”, just particulars.

It seems the APNU/AFC crowd has some nominalists in their ranks. Take their claim that there isn’t any “Ministry of Social Cohesion” – just a “Minister of Social Cohesion”. Which in this case is the person of Amna Ally. On what platform is Minister Ally then Ministering? Can there be a Minister without a Ministry? Some letter writer said there is, in reality, only a “Department of Social Cohesion” within the Ministry of the Presidency. (Which is headed by a Minister of State and not Minister of the Presidency!) But doesn’t that make Ms Ally a Department Head?

But then she’s getting the salary (including the 60 per cent increase!) that all the “Ministers” receive.

Can a Department Head get a Minister’s pay? Your Eyewitness is even more confused than when he was in school parsing the meaning of “nominalism”. But it’s clear he’s not as confused as the members of this government. And it all has to do with this “naming business”.

Take “Prime Minister” Nagamootoo. (“Pleeeease!!”) What exactly in his title gives him the right to interject himself into the end Budget Debate between the Opposition Leader and the Finance Minister? What exactly is he “Prime” of? Is it like he believes he’s the most “important” Minister and so can push himself on other people’s turf? But is he even a Minister?

He should remember, according to nominalism, there are no “universal” thing called “Minister”… just Ministers with line responsibilities and Ministries to help them carry out their responsibilities. So since the “Prime” Minister doesn’t have any line responsibilities, according to the President, he can’t really be a Minister, can he? Is a lamp a lamp if it doesn’t give off light? Nagamootoo’s no Minister.

What your Eyewitness is forced to conclude is he’s actually just a “prime”. In these philosophical matters you have to think outside the box. Maybe “prime” is being used as a verb – Nagamootoo’s been “primed”?

For what? You ask, dear reader? Well, we’ve seen the fella in action during the Budget debate. The man’s definitely primed with hot air, among other things.

The hot air issues through his mouth, whenever he speaks. The other stuff, through other orifices.

He’s full of it! …but can unity be a part or a whole?

Your Eyewitness is also confused about this whole “unity” business the APNU/AFC coalition’s been pushing. After they got into power, they announced “unity” had been achieved with the 11 per cent the AFC was supposed to have delivered to APNU’s 42 per cent. But since their total votes was a tad over 50 per cent someone didn’t really deliver their promise, did they? However, “unity” was declared.

This “unity” was hailed far and wide. In fact when the incumbent US Ambassador Halloway was being confirmed before the Senate, he boasted about the said unity that was achieved in his prospective posting! And he hadn’t even set foot on our dear Mudland, then!

But President Granger soon allowed he was still seeking the government of “national unity” with the PPP, he’d mentioned before the election. Evidently conceding the AFC coalition hadn’t delivered Guyana into that Nirvana/Holy Grail.

But folks thought he might’ve been speaking with his tongue firmly in his cheek: he appointed Moses Nagamootoo to broker the “unity”!! …but can Moses merge the Red Sea? This weekend, Pressie pointed out the PPP’s support base was neck and neck with his and he’s still seeking that elusive “unity”.

But can Moses, “persecuted” by the sea of red, communists in the PPP for not being Hindu, arrange the merger?

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

A

Holly Veal

woman of distinction, US-based Guyanese Holly Veal, a prosecutor, public defender and private defence attorney, recently announced her candidacy for Henry County District Attorney. (Henry County is a U.S. state of Georgia.)

Holly originally hails from Wismar, Linden. She emigrated from Guyana on Dec. 16, 1995 to St Albans, NY. More than eleven years ago, she began her legal career as an assistant public defender. In that capacity she worked tirelessly to ensure that the rights of her clients were protected. Holly then transitioned to prosecution.

She worked as an assistant district attorney and was later promoted to senior assistant district attorney. Holly also served as lead assistant solicitor general. There she sought justice for victims of violent crimes, and prosecuted misdemeanour offenses in Henry County.

Holly has dedicated her life to the practice of criminal law. Consequently, in 2012, she founded The Veal Law Firm, P.C., McDonough, GA. It is a law firm specializing in criminal defence.

The defence attorney holds a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science she obtained from Georgia State University in 2010; a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Law in 2004, and a Masters of Business Administration in 2010.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine Holly said she was motivated to run for the post of Henry County District Attorney by a “deep desire to serve”.

“I believe that my experience as a defence attorney and as a prosecutor gives me a unique perspective and insight that would be an asset to the District Attorney’s office,” she noted.

Holly’s parents, Hugh and Minerva Wilkinson (an engineer and a nurse respectively), laid a solid foundation for Holly. She said that being Guyanese and being an immigrant, having to start life anew in a new country, her family had to work “very hard” to establish themselves.

Veal pointed out that the principle of working hard and staying committed to a goal is something herself and family lived by in Guyana, and they continue to abide by those values.

“A quote from Henry

Wadsworth that my mother has been reciting to me since I was a child that I always remember is, ‘The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their

and desirable place to live by aggressively prosecuting violent crime,” said Veal. “I would send a message to ‘would-be criminals’ that Henry County is not going to tolerate that type of behaviour.”

reflect on how much different they are from the person they were two or three years before. Most will find that they are not the same person and they don’t think the same. As you grow each year you will be

Holly (right) supports organisations that empower women in her State

companions slept, were toiling upward in the night’,” Holly revealed.

If elected District Attorney, Holly is eager to fulfil her responsibilities in prosecuting all felonies that occur in Henry County, which include violent crimes, sexual offenses, drug offenses and major theft offenses.

“As district attorney, I would work hard to make sure that our county remains a safe

Staying true to her roots, Holly visits Guyana whenever she can with her family, husband Lindsey Veal Jr. and their two daughters. Last year was her most recent visit to her homeland.

“I would tell youths to take time to reflect on where they are at that moment in time.

What are your thoughts?

What are your ideas? Who are your friends?” she advised. “Then I want them to

a new person, you will have new ideals, new goals and new friends. While you are growing, in all things you do, stay goal-oriented and strive for greatness in the future. Hard work and education pays off!

In essence, ensure that while you are changing you are setting yourself up for a dynamic, fruitful future.”

Visit Holly Veal for District Attorney on Facebook.

38 news

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

27th CARICOM Inter-sessional Meeting…

Granger lobbies strongly for immediate end of Venezuela’s aggression

P

resident David Granger has once again taken the cries of Guyana regarding Venezuela’s continued aggression on claims that it is the true owner to parts of Guyana’s waters to the ears of his Caribbean counterparts.

He was on Wednesday addressing the 27th CARICOM Intersessional Meeting in Placencia, Belize.

Granger said since his last such pronouncement at the thirty-sixth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community in Barbados in July 2015, much has happened.

He said at that time, Caricom was astonished at the outrageous Decree

Remaining in an Abusive relationship…

Caricom Heads of Government and Caricom Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque at the 7th Caricom Inter-sessional Meeting in Placencia, Belize

No. 1787 – that had been issued by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela extending its maritime zone into the maritime space of many CARICOM states.

“So grotesque was the Decree that it was soon after rescinded. It was replaced by another decree – No. 1859 – equally objectionable to Guyana. The Caricom

Summit was followed, not long afterwards, by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015”.

“I had the opportunity there to present Venezuela’s aggression against Guyana and to call on UN Secretary-General to exercise his powers to bring this Venezuelan aggression towards Guyana to an end by process

of law. He is empowered to do by the Geneva Agreement of 1966 – the Agreement among British Guiana, Britain and Venezuela which allowed Independence to go forward –Independence which Venezuela had tried to block”.

Granger said the 50th anniversary of the signcontinued on page 42

…after Cummingsburg he coalition relationship between the APNU and AFC was explicitly pursued like a marriage between couples. There was the “getting to know each other phase” during the 10th Parliament, when the logic of controlling the Legislature – if they cooperated – pushed them together. APNU was the pursuer, and they went out of their way to please AFC: originally, for instance, they didn’t think much of the AFC’s “no confidence” gambit – but then went along.

The AFC, like most brides, had their last-minute panic attack about whether “they were doing the right thing”: witness Khemraj Ramjattan’s hysterical outburst that his party would be “dead meat” if they hitched up with APNU. So like some modern brides, the AFC insisted on a “pre-nuptial agreement” – which was dubbed “the Cummingsburg Accord”. When that was announced on Valentine’s Day 2015, even jaded cynics exclaimed, “Awww!”

Launching the campaign at Whim, the conservative Berbice birthplace of Nagamootoo, the latter announced: “They are asking whether this marriage between the AFC and APNU will work… We have to make this marriage work because in the first one hundred days in office we have a lot of work to do.”

Well in the first 100 days, not only was almost none of the promises kept – the heart of the Cummingsburg Accord was gutted when Nagamootoo wasn’t allowed to run the house – or in this case, Chairing the Cabinet.

President Granger’s excuse was this “wasn’t allowed constitutionally”, even though Ramkarran – a friend AND a lawyer – disagreed. And this was the start of the abusive relationship.

The Cummingsburg Accord was the first step in any abusive relationship, which is to seduce the victim and make them feel like they are the ones in control. But the APNU knew the power hungry NAGAMOOTOO and Ramjattan were weak. Research shows abusers are drawn to people who already feel powerless in other aspects of their life. Windbags?

The AFC boasted they would walk out if the Accord wasn’t upheld – but they’re still there. Why? Well, there are moments when abusers are kind and the abused party still maintains hope of eventual bliss. Notice the paeans to Pressie??! Studies show that abused women often experience a kind of Stockholm Syndrome in which a victim comes to identify with and become attached to the abuser.

But it’s mainly because the AFC HAS become “dead meat” politically but they have nowhere to go if they get out of this relationship. And like the abused wives of some rich men, they too like the big money, the SUV’s and the titles.

The abuse will continue but the abused Nagamootoo and Ramjattan will stay. …after the elections One of the most dramatic moments in recent political sociology was captured in pictures of sugar workers at Wales protesting the government’s decree to shutdown the estate by yearend. The protestors were practically all Indo-Guyanese even though Wales has one of the most “ethnically balanced” work forces in Guyana. Why weren’t all workers out when ALL were being thrown out on the streets to fend for themselves?

It’s another variant of the reasons why folks remain in abusive relationships. In the case of politicians and their followers who remain with them through all sorts of abuse, there’s an even stronger agreement than the Cummingsburg Accord – the Constitution. If the politicians don’t treat their followers right, the latter can just vote them out come the next elections.

But the politicians know they won’t – hence the continuation of the abuse. They’re like abusive husbands who know the abused wives ain’t going nowhere.

They hate the abuse – but they hate even more the other woman who may take their place. “autonomous” agencies But there has to be something else operating when “autonomous agencies” – constitutionally protected – go along with governmental bullying.

Is it the fear of visits in the heat of the night?

T

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Diddling workers…

I

…in bauxite

n Guyana, as in the Caribbean as a whole, the political class emerged out of the struggle for workers to be treated like human beings. Plain and simple. Brought to provide labour on the plantations, the powers that be defined them as “workers” – like in “worker bees” – who were fulfilled to produce as much sugar as possible. Not “humanely” possible – just “possible”.

Even slavery was justified.

You’d think with our politicians coming out of that crucible, they’d be a bit more sensitive not to jerking around workers, wouldn’t you? Well… not in Guyana. Look at what Trotman, Minister of Natural Resources (operating directly out of the Ministry of the Presidency) just told the beleaguered bauxite workers of Linden. In line with APNU/AFC’s “Manifesto promise” they’ll be putting together a team to look into the “possibility” of establishing an alumina refinery at Linden!!

Well now you know why APNU/AFC still haven’t gotten that “First 100-day Promise” to enact a Code of Conduct for Ministers: THEY knew they’d be lying through their teeth. No Code of Conduct’s gonna permit such blatant whoppers in Parliament. These are supposed to be “honourable” men, aren’t they?? Point is, APNU/AFC knows there ain’t no Alumina Plant on even a two-decade horizon.

Didn’t Bosai promise one a few years ago?

A billion dollar one?

If APNU/AFC were serious about Alumina – which is the Aluminium Oxide left after all the other muck (more than three times more than the Oxide) are leached out as “red mud” – then they’d know that cheap energy is needed for the industrial process. They don’t need no study to tell them that! We once had an alumina plant at Linden. In fact it’s because of all the power needed that the Canadians built a massive generating plant using heavy oil… and were able to give the folks of Linden free power.

So if they weren’t so inept, wouldn’t the government have looked seriously at Amaila Falls to generate power, which could have fired the Alumina Plant?

But basically the politicians in APNU/ AFC are just mamaguying Lindeners – so that they won’t lose out big time, comes the LGE in March? Amaila Falls would’ve been a win-win all around: getting US$80 million from the Norwegians, credits from the “mitigation” funds, carbon credits etc – and making an alumina refinery “probable”.

Not just “possible” – the weasel word, like Trotman was careful to use.

ANYTHING is possible… even levitation.

But something’s only “probable” if the conditions favour it.

By not creating those enabling conditions, APNU/AFC’s denying Lindeners their humanity. …in sugar Responding to GAWU’s claim that

50 workers were already dismissed at Wales, the Agri Minister is quoted as saying they’re “only temporary workers”.

And that’s proof positive APNU/AFC sees another bunch of workers as just worker bees and not human beings. For years and years, sugar workers have been fighting this hettoizing of some workers as “temporary” – a category that is unique to sugar.

Anywhere else, you’re hired on probation and after, say, three months, you’re confirmed in the position with all the benefits and so on. In the sugar industry, you have to wait THREE CROPS!!

And this in an industry that can’t get even a 50% turnout on a regular basis. But

39 because of how they see sugar workers, there’s been no change from the old policy. Which was – that used to be the time it took to “season” new slaves and indentured workers, back in the day.

So why worry about 50 “temporary” sugar workers. They hadn’t even been “seasoned”. …in rice So what else can we say about this government’s attitude on rice workers.

These are folks who created an industry entirely on their own, which today surpasses the sugar industry that dumped them here.

But according to the Government… they’re on their own. Into the abyss.

40 art & culture

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘Good art is not what it looks like, but what it does to us,’ says young artist

P

ossessing a talent for being creative, Andre Jacobus was inspired to pursue art, which serves as therapy and catalyst, to become a distinguished artist.

“Art is one of the few things I enjoy doing.

Also, I am always in the habit of creating stuff, so that is why I decided to take it up,” Andre said in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

The artist recalled that since he was five years old he was already sketching and

was “very much into art books”. Andre credits his father, also an artist, for recognising his potential and motivating him to pursue art.

Although possessing an innate talent for art, Andre sought to get formal training to hone his artistic skills.

He attended the E R Burrowes School of Art, majoring in painting, and graduated from the institution in 2013.

“I love every aspect of painting. Now, I am moving away from the traditional style of painting on canvas and

paper and doing it digitally on the computer, which I taught myself to do. My earlier artworks were all realism because of the scenes I wanted to achieve in my paintings, but most of my works are now fantasy art and surrealism,” he noted.

The artist, who is also known for his skilful capoeira (a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music), said he is inspired by famous artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci and Salvador

"Illustration of Georgetown"

Isha Johnson

I

sha Johnson has a knack for creating unique crafts, which she developed out of a desire to provide beautiful cake boxes for weddings and other events.

With the assistance of the internet as well as her personal ideas, Isha creates her works of art.

“Since a teenager, I’ve always had a knack for craft, and love to be creative and unique. My mo-

tivation to start my business, Memorable Moments, came from few of my staff and friends who, after seeing some boxes I made, urged me to do it as a business, since such service is really not offered here. My boxes are not the generic ones you get here. They’re one-of-a-kind, custom-made pieces,” Isha said in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

Creating unique boxes

Dali.

Andre is fascinated with the endless possibilities of creating celebrated works of art by starting off with a blank canvas, paper or screen.

His most recent passion is animation and digital works, which can Andre doing what he knows best - creating works of art be viewed on YouTube.

The artist plans on what it does to us. My Andre declared.

For more informa“getting better” in his advice to young artists is to just keep loving tion on the artist, email artistry and to someday what you do, which, in a n d r ejacobus1993@ have a solo exhibition of my opinion, is the key gmail.com or check out his work. ingredient because art Dré on Facebook.

“Good art is not what it looks like, but can change the world!”

One of his many digital creations

comes naturally for Isha, who mentioned she constantly tries to hone her skills by practicing and researching.

“This is something I really enjoy doing on the side, because I already have a career – being a manager for a call centre. I’m motivated when I see the satisfaction on people’s faces when they collect their boxes. I would have helped by making their moments memorable,” she expressed.

Isha mainly offers handmade favour and cake boxes in a variety of colours to complement colour schemes and events’ themes. She works along with her clients to provide the best.

Isha also tries to come up with new designs for every customer with the aim of creating unique boxes.

“My plans for Memorable Moments would be to include wedding planning, making bouquets, event decorating and much more, which I have already embarked on. On my Facebook page, I have as my motto: ‘Imperfectly Perfect Boxes’. This is based on my desire to provide people with perfection, but at the same time to know that although my creations are not done by machine, they are just as satisfactory.

I have chosen the name Memorable Moments with the aim of being able to help in making my customers’ moments as memorable as can be,” revealed.

For more information, visit Memorable Moments on Facebook.

"Into the forest"

news 41

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Civil Society to media: Practice sensitivity when reporting suicides explained that the media broadcasts the identities and reasons showing little consideration for the affected families and communities. “This places those suffering in the national spotlight during the grieving process and they are often stigmatised and blamed by the public for From left at head table are Joel Simpson, Schemel Patrick and Jairo Rodrigues

T

he Guyana Equality Forum and collaborating partners; the Global Shapers Community – Georgetown Hub, Prevention of Teenage Suicide (POTS) Guyana, and the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), are urging the local media entities to practice sensitivity and responsibility when reporting on suicides as the unintended glorification of the social scourge can contribute to a spike in the rate of occurrence.

According to SASOD’s Social Change Coordinator, Jairo Rodrigues, the alarming rise in suicide and attempted suicide has propelled the issue of mental health in Guyana to the forefront of public discourse, and while the media must be commended for its steadfast in its cover-

age of the issue in an effort to find solutions, the coverage should be done in a responsible manner that aids in tackling the issue.

“The groups have observed that in the reporting of suicide stories, the age, means, identity, suspected reasons and other factors are expressed in detail in reports published by the local media. Added to this, the use of sensational headlines and the fanfare of media broadcast on suicide as ‘breaking news’ provide unintended glorifications of these acts to persons who are already contemplating suicide. Not only is such reporting irresponsible, but it can contribute to the phenomenon known as ‘Copycat Suicides’. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this may also be happening in Guyana,” Rodrigues re-

vealed.

He explained that the Guyana Foundation, which is the leading Civil Society Organisation engaged in Mental health locally, cites overwhelming evidence from over 50 international studies which indicate that media reports about suicide can possibly trigger an increase in the rate of suicide and suicide attempts.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Health’s Psychologist and Addiction Specialist Caitlin Vieira, has disclosed that in many cases, people do not even know how to complete suicide, but through in-depth reports on incidents of suicides such as methods, locations and quantities, these individuals are unnecessarily exposed to the precarious information.

Additionally, it was

not doing enough or being the cause,” Rodrigues related.

As such, the organisations are urging the media entities to use the coverage to educate the public about suicide; avoid sensationalising suicide, and show consideration for people bereaved by suicide.

42 news

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Granger lobbies strongly for immediate... ing of the Agreement has been on February 17, the Agreement was aimed at bringing Venezuela’s territorial claims to an end. Venezuela’s contention is that the international Arbitral Award of 1899 that fixed Guyana’s boundaries with Venezuela is a ‘nullity’.

“Throughout the past 50 years, Venezuela made no effort to prove its contention; it chose, instead, a strategy of harassment; it chose a course of obstruction of Guyana’s economic development; It chose a diplomatic posture of preventing Guyana from membership of the Organization of American States for 25 years; It attempted subversion of our indigenous people; It resorted to a strategy of naked naval threat by sending a corvette into our Exclusive Economic Zone in 2013”, he told the Heads of Government. He said fifty years of this constant threat to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are too long for any state to sustain. “It occupied our entire existence as an independent State” he said.

The President said Guyana is seeking an end to living under constant threat.

from page 38

“We seek to allow the rule of international law to prevail. Venezuela, however, reasserted its claim to more than half of Guyana by asserting – as its Foreign Minister did last week – that by the Geneva Agreement, Venezuela’s claim of nullity of the Arbitral Award had been acknowledged, if not accepted.

Venezuela might have surmised that, what remained was for its so-called “historical controversy’ to be resolved by diplomacy. Guyana is convinced that, based on its experience over the past 50 years, this would mean only another 50 years of harassment.

Venezuela seems prepared to pursue a programme of aggression under the cloak of peace to avoid a judicial settlement and submission to international law”.

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, in the wake of all that happened last year, has formulated Proposals for The Way Forward under the Geneva Agreement, ending, if necessary, in the International Court of Justice. Guyana has been cooperating with him, he said Only last week, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl

Greenidge said Venezuela was seeking to disrupt the process that could lead to a possible resolution and put the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy to rest once and for all.

He said the most recent declaration made by the Spanish-speaking country through its Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez will cause him to make a formal complaint to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

According to Greenidge, Rodriguez in a statement to the United Nations on February 4, 2015 titled ‘Guyana ratifies its rights over the Essequibo’ said “We affirm the legitimate rights of Venezuela on the Essequibo, is a historic place and we are ready under the Geneva Agreement to prosecute this territorial dispute through diplomacy, international law,” Rodriguez reportedly stated.

According to Greenidge, the statement made by Rodriguez at the United Nations headquarters was filled with “innuendos.” He said the statement misrepresents the facts.

43

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

legal corner

By Rakesh Rampertab, Esq.

M

any homes have what is called a shared or common driveway, which sits between two neighboring properties, and is to be used by both neighbors in an equal and fair manner to drive to and from a road to the back of their properties where, most likely, they have garages.

A shared driveway means both neighbors allow the other to use part of his or her land to access the rear of a house. In many cases, a driveway is approximately eight feet in width, which means each neighbor owns four feet that the other is allowed to use.

Even if one does not have a garage or a vehicle, a driveway must be clear. This is so because what each neighbor has is an easement in the other's four feet of driveway property.

There are different types of easement but this article only concerns the easement associated with shared driveways.

With this easement, one does not own the neighbor's four feet; one only has an interest in it that gives one a right to use it for a specific purpose, namely to drive in and out from a road. Both neighbors have a mutual benefit here. And, unless there is some other factor, it usually passes from one homeowner to the other when each property is sold.

Yet, despite knowing all of this there are neighbors who are troublesome.

Sometimes a neighbor is not as understanding or reasonable, as one would like. Many times, one speaks to a neighbor to desist from committing acts that are provocative and interfere with one's right of way or use of a shared driveway, but nothing is done to end the problem.

Sometimes a homeowner waits, because he or she does not want to spend money to address the problem, or does not want to create problems with a neighbor. This is very risky. This is where

the problem becomes even bigger because a homeowner who sits and waits, is making it more difficult to correct

may pay for a house with a problematic shared driveway, if a homeowner is sitting and waiting, thinking the

But days passed, weeks passed, and then months passed and the problem remains. Summer, fall, winter, same story.

the problem in the future. Generally, one only has so much time to raise the issue with a court.

Worse, a property value is likely to become affected, reducing the price a buyer

problem will disappear or the neighbor will start to behave properly.

Other times, a homeowner actually speaks to a neighbor about a driveway problem and waits for a change that is promised.

Sometimes people do strange things to avoid going to court; for example, some homeowners find themselves running over to neighbors' homes and having to knock on their doors to ask them to

move their vehicles to get access in or out from a road themselves. Eight, nine, or ten o'clock in the night, same story.

This happens when one neighbor parks a vehicle in the actual driveway, and leaves it there. There is no proper or legal solution to this than to seek a court's intervention.

A bigger problem is when a neighbor builds something that physically interferes with the right-of-way access.

The typical example is a gate or fence. A neighbor, who spends money to build a fence or gate, is not going to dismantle them that readily. When this happens the other neighbor should seek a court's assistance to resolve this problem.

Again, waiting to act is often risky. This article is for informational uses only. It is not legal advice. If one wishes to learn more about driveway issues, one may contact this attorney at (917) 943-1336 or rrampertabesq@gmail. com.

44

By Ryhaan Shaw

I

t is time for change, real change. It is very clear that the APNU/AFC Coalition Government which promised that change will not be delivering on their promise. They have already made countless missteps and their unapologetic cronyism, racism and corruptions seem to be exactly what the Granger government intends.

From the very start, the course was set when the AFC was shown the exit door and the powers promised Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo never materialised. The promised constitutional reforms, especially those to temper presidential powers, are also unlikely to happen.

What did happen was a topheavy cabinet of ministers who have given themselves magnificent pay hikes while the rest of the country wallows in the effects of a flattened economy that is likely to continue given the shortcomings of the proposed budget.

Many of us had our doubts, and voiced them, about the PNC being returned to power when they have never admitted to any of their past wrongs but many were just as convinced that a change would be welcomed and fell prey to the PNC/APNU/AFC’s hysteria about the PPP’s alleged cor-

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

ruptions.

Even if some are proven true, it is unclear why the Granger administration feels it can now behave with a similar arrogance and is turning the promised change into an exchange, into a swapping of one corrupt side for the other.

The PPP has also not taken stock of the reasons for their loss at the polls and if they are returned to power they will most likely continue the ping-pong game that is being played by these two political parties.

They might both score wins for themselves but, caught in the middle, the country always loses.

Third parties have proven feckless and always die.

Burnham threw out the United Force. The WPA simply vanished without the moral leadership of Dr Walter Rodney, and the AFC will be unable to withstand President Granger’s slights and rebuffs for much longer. That is, if the party has any dignity to speak of.

Given this scenario, the PPP has every chance of victory for the party and a vic-

tory for Guyana at the next general elections but only if it undergoes real reforms to make it a po-

liti c a l force of t r u e G u y a n e s e unity. This would not be an alien move for the party.

When Dr Cheddi Jagan founded the PPP, he meant to create a party for all Guyanese and the recently published letter written by the late Rory Westmaas in 1953 to the Governor’s Advisory Committee for Detained Persons shows how far the PPP has fallen from its earliest days when it attracted young, bright minds.

Westmaas’ letter bears out that the PPP was once unafraid of intellectuals and intellectual thought.

The split between Burnham and Jagan did divide the country into two opposing realities, Indian and African, and the shift in emphasis to racial hegemony has led to the death of intelligent life in both camps since shoring up racial voting requires only the basest rhetoric.

Guyana can ill afford to continue on this path and the tragedy that is unfolding under President David Granger’s lack of just leadership must serve as a wake-up call. With many voices, Indian, African and Amerindian, already raised in dissent and criticism, the PPP should seize the moment to effect real party reform.

Many would be willing to work with a party that will put country first and bring to life Dr Jagan’s vision of unity.

It would be a bold and courageous move that would give us a real chance to create unity out of division.

To open up the membership to newcomers would take confidence and maturity on the part of the current PPP leadership. It would require statesmanship from all sides since those who join up will have their own political ambitions.

There will be need for negotiation and compromise and this could mark the beginning of a new maturity and progressiveness for our country. The young, especially, are tired of the old politics of race and division. There are injustices that rankle and suspicions to allay but in the absence of any leadership to help us settle scores and atone for past wrongs, perhaps, the most politic route would be for us to share the common ground in order to, first, create the progress we all so richly deserve.

The positivity gained from working and succeeding together might help us to eventually settle our grievances in an amicable way. Fifty years after Independence, a true united political front would give us much to celebrate. And Dr Jagan would approve.

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jubilee and the National Question

B y R avi D ev

I

have always had mixed emotions when thinking about our “independence”.

I am old enough to have experienced first-hand the violent wrenching apart of our peoples that preceded this supposedly blessed state and left it in quotation marks for me ever since.

I was in short-pants as the police fired tear gas to clear “peaceful protesters” squatting on my primary schools steps at Uitvlugt during the 80-day strike of 1962. It was an open secret, known even by schoolboys, that the British and the US wanted the PPP out and that the independence that was to come to Trinidad that year should have then been ours also.

By 1963 we had three schools in the three sections of my village as the madness continued – mainly in Georgetown. But I remember collecting paper “axes” at a UF Rally as they excoriated the “communist PPP” and demanded citizens “axe the tax”.

Then, of course, there was the denouement of 1964, as Cheddi (as even schoolboys referred to him) made one lastditch, eventually futile, attempt to reverse a history written (and funded) by “the best and brightest” of the West.

1964 saw ethnic cleansing in our country even before the

term was invented.

Even then, I had my doubts “independence” could deliver us to the promised land of economic development and political equality, which the politicians had promised could be ours once the “white man” was gone.

It didn’t strike me as likely, given the deepening divisions I witnessed all around me every day in every activity – whether in school or in the wider world.

Everything was defined as “us” and “them”. I found the announced “national” motto, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” rather ironic – even as an aspiration, given the continuation of opportunistic ethnically centred politics.

The rigging of the 1968 elections deepened my scepticism.

We were attempting to achieve an end-state in Guyana that our model – Britain, Europe and the US had achieved only after undergoing, sequentially over many centuries, three massive macro-societal revolutions – centred on national identity, political participation and economic distribution.

That we had inherited a state and not a nation was supposed to be solved by a “motto”. England and the other European states had honed a “national” outlook in their peoples after centuries of often brutal persecutions, inquisitions and pogroms that suppressed expressions of differences.

These methods were rightfully rejected by the time of our independence and it ought not to surprise many that the lack of a ‘national” will has proven to be our Achilles heel in our quest for “development”. What has been surprising is the stubborn refusal by our elites, even in the present when it has been demonstrated even in our putative models that suppressed identities cannot be obliterated and must be given expression.

Our politicians, steeped in Marxist-Leninist lore, defined us as Homo economicus and concentrated on “economic” development as if that could be disjunctured from the need for identity and group worth. The strand of thought that suggested that “man does not live by bread alone” was derided as “backward. Eusi Kwayana became a voice in the wilderness, when he raised concerns about race and identity.

What has also been surprising is that politicians expect us to act as ‘one people’ when in their mobilisation initiatives, they plunge into activities that exacerbate the divide and even spill over into open hostilities.

How were we expected to pull together post-independence after the ethnically directed violence and ethnic cleansing of the early sixties, rigged elections after 1968, ethnically directed “kick-downthe-door bandits” after the seventies?

And in the last decade how can we have “social cohesion” after ethnically directed violence by criminals and state-backed private contractors created killing fields on the East Coast Demerara.

We have called for a truth and reconciliation commission since 1998.

Maybe in the year of our Independence Jubilee, the time has come?

Wear Red and White – Representing our flag

S

atiricus was appalled at the ignorance of his fellow Guyanese. He accepted he wasn’t usually the brightest bulb in the room by any means. But even HE knew what the Chief Talker in the National Talk Shop was talking about when he said “Green and yellow are the colours of the National Flag” – our dear, old Golden Arrowhead. And that the Opposition mustn’t “lampoon” our beloved flag.

Now Satiricus knew lampooning was bad. You can’t go around mocking people using biting sarcasm and wit.

Like those folks who keep saying our Prime Moocher Nagga Man lacks “testicular perspicacity”. That’s terrible!! Or that Rum Jhaat lacks “ocular perspicacity”… that’s even more lowdown.

Satiricus had always thought the Opposition lady, The Sharer, was on the ball. But to his surprise, she was the one who objected when the Chief Talker pulled up her MP. The MP was objecting to the APANU and KFC government painting everything that didn’t move – including the First Dog who’d gotten a tad overweight – but especially the State Buildings with the colours Green and Yellow. Which, he pointed out, were the colours of APANU and KFC. “NOT SO!!” thundered the Chief Talker, “They’re the colours of the Golden Arrowhead!” And to criticise the use of green and yellow was to lampoon our nationhood – not to mention our manhood and womanhood.

The Sharer then became very impudent, in the opinion of Satiricus. She claimed the colour in the Golden Arrowhead was actually “gold” and not “yellow” – hence the name “Golden” Arrowhead and NOT “Yellow” Arrowhead. And to have a “yellow” streak in our flag would mean we’re a nation of cowards. As even if that were true, we can’t very well be advertising it.

The Chief Talker was not moved and implied The Sharer was just quibbling. “Yellow or gold,” he pointed out, “same difference.” The Sharer then quibbled that there were OTHER colours in the Golden Arrowhead.

And this was the source of Satiricus’ disappointment.

The Sharer didn’t know about “synecdoche”?? When you use a part of a thing to represent the whole? Like “wheels” to refer to cars”.

Satiricus hoped The Sharer learnt a lesson and today she’d be patriotic and wear “red and white” – another synecdoche for our flag.

47

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Discretionary funds

S

atiricus breathed a sigh of relief. All the “long talk” was over in the Budget “debate”.

Satiricus really had no time with the first week of this annual ritual. It was just an opportunity for the politicians to “mouth off” and show how much they knew. And even there, they cheated: all excepting a handful of them like Nagga Man, had to read from notes.

But this week was the real deal…who was going to get what, when and where – money that is. And while some philosopher claimed “money can’t buy happiness”, Satiricus was satisfied it could but a facsimile close enough to satisfy most folks. Satiricus wanted to know how well they were treating his favourite politician – the Prime Moocher, Nagga Man. The big bad PPCEE had complained about the fantastic raise the Moocher had wangled for himself – Gy$1.7 million per month! But he breathed a sigh of relief when they didn’t cut that. In the couple of years since Naga Man had completed law school while in his sixties, he was earning multimillions monthly. Just to sign a few papers for NOCIL, he’s gotten Gy$7 million!!

People didn’t appreciate what a huge salary cut he’d taken to serve the people as the Prime Moocher.

Satiricus was also pleased the PPCEE hadn’t cut the Gy$30 million to fix up the PM’s residence on Main Street before Nagga Man moved in. Those rats in the oven had left a terrible stench…even worse that the stench from the $multimillioncontract his friend Rum Jhaat had given to his client Feather Load.

And since the Prime Moocher didn’t have any line responsibility and was only in charge of the State newspaper and television, Satiricus was very happy that the Prime Moocher got Gy$150 million for his TV station – Gy$50 million more than last year.

But why did the PPCEE have to hound him about what he would use the extra money for?

How could he be expected to know about petty things like money? Why couldn’t they trust a man of the Prime Moocher’s integrity?

But that was typical of the petty mentality of the PPCEE that had persecuted Nagga Man for years about his religion. They were upset that Nagga Man allocated Gy$10 million for himself as his “discretionary spending”. So what if he already had millions allocated for “entertainment” and everything he did was paid for by the State?

Did they believe Nagga Man didn’t have discretion to spend the Gy$10 million wisely? Did they think he would blow the whole Gy$10 million on Bush Rum at one back street dive? Satiricus for one, knew Nagga Man knew every Bush Rum haunt in Guyana, and had faith the Prime Moocher would spread the Gy$10 million equitably.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Interview with Dr Patricia Mohammed on Indo-Caribbean Women

By Lomarsh Roopnarine

L

ast year I conducted an interview with Dr Patricia Mohammed on the status of IndoCaribbean women. Dr Mohammed is currently Professor of Gender and Cultural Studies and Campus Chair, School for Graduate Studies and Research at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, and Trinidad.

She is also a pioneer in second wave feminism and the development of gender studies at Tertiary level in the Caribbean and has been involved in feminist activism and scholarship for over two decades in Cultural Studies.

The interview will be published by The Journal of International Women’s Studies (2016). Below are a few paragraphs from that interview.

One purpose of this interview in this column is to bring more visibility to Indo-Caribbean women in the region, whom arguably, have been marginalised in almost every domain of life, including the domestic sphere.

The current regime in Guyana has only a few Indian women in its Cabinet. This is not encouraging to young inspiring Indian women who want to pursue a career in politics.

Lomarsh Roopnarine (hereafter LR): One of the most interesting debates on Indo-Caribbean women is whether or not their indentured experience has led to more freedom than in India or they simply exchanged one oppressed environment for another. In other words, are Indian women better off in the Caribbean than in India?

Patricia Mohammed (hereafter PM): Indian women benefitted from

Dr Patricia Mohammed

migration in many ways.

Many were leaving lives of destitution or in fear of violent husbands and as unpaid and undervalued help in households and perhaps living under conditions that offered them little hope of advancement for themselves and their offspring within their lifetimes.

They were brought into a system that offered advantages of being wage earners in their own right, and being in much shorter supply than men. For the entire period of indentureship to the Caribbean, the female population constituted between 25 to at most 40 per cent of the male population.

The rules pertaining to arranged marriages, dowries and female virginity in India rapidly underwent change as femininity was a more prized commodity and they were able to bargain for greater power in many spheres.

LR: Do you think that women entered into a new caste/class system in the Caribbean?

PM: Migration offered Indians the possibility of challenging the fixed caste system from which they were drawn although there emerged another caste hierarchy mediated by a paral-

lel class system that the migrants would be fitted into in the new society.

Women perhaps had greater flexibility with the caste system as, again, being in short supply, caste endogamy could no longer be binding. At the same time women were also vulnerable as a result of their sex. We are not sure how many women were at risk of unwanted attentions on plantations from overseers and sirdhars (headman on the plantation) but this would have been one of the new threats they faced in the Caribbean, although I am sure there was no shortage of this in India itself.

The difference in the new society was that the family and village network that provided protection was not available in the earliest days of indenture and both men and women were more vulnerable as migrants always are…

LR: What are some newly emerging trends and thoughts on IndoCaribbean?

PM: Even as we speak, there are new groups of Indians entering, under different migration schemes, changing the landscape of what is constituted as IndoCaribbean.

Hajima Degia, a scholar at Cave Hill Barbados, has for instance written about the new migration of Gujarat populations into this society, while in Trinidad, groups of commercial and professional Indians are settling into the society.

So the first thing is that we cannot constitute Indians as a homogeneous group who travelled on the same ships around the same time.

The second trend might be the real class differences, between and among the very wealthy and entrepreneurial class, the professional classes who comprise part of the expanded middle class especially in Trinidad and those who still survive barely above the poverty line. These exhibit vast differences in values, cuisine choices, vacation destinations and so on.

The third trend might be the antagonism again between two ideological groups within the Indian communities, those who feel that they have remained and should remain “authentic” to received values and religious traditions from Indian that have not been tainted by western mores and those who view their birth and presence in a multicultural western society as allowing them to combine the best of both worlds, the home as a safe culturallydefined Indo-Caribbean space, the world as the mixture of many cultures that they contend with on an everyday basis…

The significance of this interview in this context is that it adds to Dr Baytoram Ramharack’s series on the Indian mind as well as providing alternative discussions and discourses on Indo-Caribbean women. (lomarsh.roopnarine@ jsums.edu).

Racism in Caribbean ...

There is no Indian name among these ten persons. But then, Indians have been known to anglicize their names, or have had their names anglicized during colonialism. The three Guyanese poets/facilitators on the team being Agard, Nichols, and McWatt.

Perhaps, a coincidence that this last was the chief judge in the Guyana Prize concluded two months ago in which my poetry collection, and Cyril’s, were shortlisted. These three poets (none Indian) read from their work during this trip to Guyana.

What is wrong with this picture? People of Indian ancestry still constitute the largest ethnic group in Guyana (and Trinidad). We don’t forget and yet we do forget to “let trifles got to trifleland”* All of this is almost as three decades ago.

from page 31

We retreat to our quiet corners. Who amplifies thoughts of the unvoiced? It is said that no one should take anything for granted. No one should feel entitled – except, perhaps, the entitled who say: no one should feel entitled! You give the ball to the poet; he opts for the bat.

That this anthology originated out of the Caribbean Poetry Project at the University of Cambridge in conjunction with the University of the West Indies with the aim of fostering the teaching of Caribbean poetry in the UK and the West Indies is laudable. But teaching and perpetuating the same old biases of what is the West Indies, and who is the West Indies, most certainly, isn’t.

48 Bollywood

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

P

A

bhishek Kapoor’s ‘Fitoor’ might have received a mixed response from critics but the romantic drama has been “appreciated” by cinema lovers for its unique presentation. The director is “encouraged” with the response.

“Fitoor”, released on February 12, features Aditya Roy Kapur, Katrina Kaif and Tabu in the lead roles.

The film’s dramatic love story and visual opulence has received a thumbs up from movie aficionados, thus taking its opening weekend total to Rs.14.11 crore.

The director says he is happy with the response.

“My aim was to create a memorable movie going experience unique to its world and story. I am truly encouraged that cinema lovers have appreciated it for what it is,” Kapoor said in a statement.

“Fitoor” is based on Charles Dickens’ novel “Great Expectations” and is the love story of a poor boy and a rich girl. (Indian Express)

John Abraham starrer Rocky Handsome’s new song stars Nora Fatehi

A

new song from John Abraham’s upcoming film Rocky Handsome has released, which might not sound so new, but what is fresh in the song is Bigg Boss 9 contestant Nora Fatehi.

She is seen grooving to the tunes of ‘Rock

The Party’ number of Bombay Rockers.

Bombay Rockers, who were once a rage, are back in action with this new song of Rocky Handsome.

Prince Narula’s girlfriend Nora is seen getting each step correct tapping her feet on each

beat of the song. Sporting short and sexy dresses, she is seen dancing with the Bombay Rockers duo. We get glimpses of John Abraham when he comes across two dangerous looking men who pass him a phone.

Though the song doesn’t explain much about the movie, we sure enjoyed the dancing and singing.

John Abraham released the song on Twitter: Directed by Nishikant Kamat the movie also stars Shruti Haasan and Nathalia Kaur. It is slated for March 25 release.

(Indian Express)

Shah Rukh Khan shares tale of fan who sneaked into his home for a swim

N

o autograph or photo, a fan once sneaked into Shah Rukh Khan’s house to just have a bath in his swimming pool, revealed the superstar while sharing his favourite story.

The 50-year-old actor plays an obsessive fan in his upcoming drama “Fan”

swam. When the security guard caught him and asked who he was, he said, ‘I don’t want anything.

I just wanted a bath in Shah Rukh Khan’s swimming pool’.

“I found that very endearing and amusing.

When I was called down, I met and hugged him. He

and at a press event of the movie, he was asked about his various fan experiences from sweet to serious.

Shah Rukh said while there are a lot of “intense” stories, his favourite is the funniest encounter he ever had with a fan.

“One night, a person entered the house, he took off his clothes, jumped into my swimming pool and

did not want any photo or autograph,” the “Dilwale” star told reporters here.

When asked if he ever met a fan, whose obsession alarmed him, Shah Rukh said his female admirers never “scare” him and as far as his fan boys are concerned, they are generally sweet and sensitive. The actor said he is a regular person and that is the rea-

son why people identify with him.

“My stardom dwells on the fact that I am extremely ordinary, regular person.

Maybe that’s why my fans are very regular and kind of cool. I am not this aweinspiring, strong muscular man. I have never had fans, who have scared me,” the actor said. Enjoying a dedicated and an insane fan-following from past 20 years, Shah Rukh feels once a star accepts people’s love, he should cater to their obsession.

“I don’t know what is it that they would hold on to me so tight for. When a film of mine does not provide that happiness to fans I take it very personally, it is not about the business it is about how could I go wrong and let down so many people.

Obsessiveness is a big responsibility.

“When someone loves you obsessively and you allow that and you are happy then you have to play along and cater to every obsession,” he added.

(Indian Express)

roduction house Yash Raj Films (YRF) is set to start its own independent VFX division, titled yFX. yFX will have Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and actress Anushka Sharmastarrer “Sultan” as its first film. To be directed

by Ali Abbas Zafar, the film is currently under production.

“The Indian film industry is pushing the envelope with every film and visual effects will play a bigger part than ever before in Indian cinema. Like Hollywood films, Indian films too will become an event by itself which means more effects and larger than life imagery!

“This state-of-the-art facility will be housed

in YRF Studios making YRF a fully integrated studio in every sense of the word,” Akshaye Widhani, vice-president, Finance & Business Affairs at Yash Raj Films, said in a statement issued on the official site of YRF. With yFX, the Indian visual effects industry finally comes of age, observed Pankaj Khandpur, creative director of yFX.

“Visual effects will now be treated on par with all the other critical departments in filmmaking, contributing to the process from day one: from the ideation of the script itself, all the way through to final worldclass execution, thanks to our experienced, skilled and passionate team of designers, supervisors and artists,” he said. (Indian Express)

ilmmaker Karan Johar says he is touched by the story of “Neerja” and feels it is the best performance

standing. Shabana is a legend and there is no actress like her. It is an empowering story. I would want every

by Sonam Kapoor in her career so far.

mother and daughter to watch this film,” Karan told reporters here at the screening of “Neerja”.

“Neerja” is based on a real incident during

the hijacking of the Pan Am Flight 73 at Karachi airport in 1986, where Neerja Bhanot, a flight attendant, gave up her life in order to save 369 passengers.

“It is a fantastic film.

Everyone cried in the film… It is a brave story of a brave girl. I have seen lot of biopics, but very few stories touch your heart and ‘Neerja’ is one such story,” Karan said.

Karan’s next directorial venture is “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil”. As of now, he is looking forward to the release of his upcoming home production “Kapoor and Sons”.

(Indian Express)

F

“The film ‘Neerja’ is Sonam’s career’s best performance, she is out-

P

r o d u c e r Vipul Shah’s “Commando 2” is set to go on floors on Wednesday (February 17). The sequel to the 2013 hit film

“We are very proud to take the film into a sequel. Obviously now we have a bigger responsibility to live up to the challenge of making it bigger and better,” Shah

“Commando” promises more action.

Directed by Deven Bhojani, the movie, which has been described by Shah as “unique, new and magnificent”, stars Vidyut Jamwal in the lead.

said in a statement.

Bhojani shared: “I loved ‘Commando’ and am glad that I am chosen by Vipul Shah and his partners to direct ‘Commando 2’. We have a super talented team of actors and technicians

from India and abroad.

I am looking forward to starting the shoot today.”

Vidyut, who is known for his effortless daredevilry onscreen, said: “Vipul sir is the man who understands action and can make superlative action films. I have seen Deven Bhojani sir’s action serial ‘Pukar’. I was floored and have been seeing the detailed work he has put in. It is excellent.”

Madhu Mantena of Phantom Films, which has coproduced the film, is confident that the sequel “will take things to a whole new level”.

“The action adventure will be a treat for all audiences worldwide and we are ecstatic that the film is going on floors,” Mantena added.

(Indian Express)

Hollywood 49

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Kate Winslet’s ‘Triple 9’ to Priyanka is cool, but plays release in India on March 11 bad even better, tweets

“T

riple 9”, a gritty heist thriller starring Kate Winslet, will release in Indian theatres on March 11.

With plenty of bloodshed, action sequences and witty dialogues, it will keep the fans of this genre deeply entrenched, read a statement from PVR Pictures, which is releasing the movie in

the country.

Directed by John Hillcoat, who is known for his dark and adult oriented dramas, “Triple 9” tells the story of how a group of corrupt policemen are blackmailed by gangsters to perform a near impossible robbery.

In the US, ‘999’ is the highest-priority code police use when one of their own is wounded in

a gun battle. The plan in the movie involves killing a rookie police officer (Casey Affleck) by the crooked officers, but everything goes wrong when the former refuses to roll over and fights back.

The cast features an overspill of talent in the form of Winslet, Gal Gadot, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Woody Harrelson.

Also featuring are TV actors such as Norman Reedus and Aaron Paul.

Winslet features as a cold-blooded mafia boss which is a far cry from her days of portraying the innocuous Rose in “Titanic”. She will be sporting a Russian accent and will be seen dressed in risque outfits.

(Indian Express)

Being gay is harder than being black in Hollywood: Chiwetel Ejiofor

“1

2 Years a Slave” star Chiwetel Ejiofor believes Hollywood still marginalises people because of their sexuality.

The industry has been accused of a lack of diversity following the 2016 Academy Awards nominations, where no African-American actor or director was nominated for a top honour for the second year in a row, but the actor “believes it’s harder for someone to succeed if they’re homosexual than if they’re black.

“I hope this changes (but) I think it’s probably harder to be gay,” he said.

“I think sexuality is still marginalised in a way that is pretty open. I think it’s tough. I think for one’s own piece of mind, for one’s own sense of self and psycho-

logical health, I feel like that’s the horrible thing about ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’… Because it produces a sense of shame, and therefore this sense of being ‘less than’, you know? And I hate that.

I hate that for anybody.”

But Ejiofor, 38, argues that at the same time, a person’s sexuality isn’t anyone else’s business, and if the individual wants to, they should be able to declare their preference without

fear of it affecting their opportunities in life in any way.

“If I hadn’t had the opportunities and the fortune that I have had, of course I would have a very different perspective to that, but I can’t be completely intellectually dishonest about what has happened in my life… It’s a tiny bit more nuanced for me to talk about,” he explained.

(Indian Express)

‘Police Academy’ actor George Gaynes dies at 98

A

ctor George Gaynes, the star of seven “Police Academy” movies has died. He was 98.

The actor passed away on Monday at his daughter Iya Gaynes Falcone Brown’s home in North Bend, Washington, reported Variety.

The character actor is best known for playing Commandant Eric Lassard and the grouchy foster parent Henry Warnimont on the 1980s sitcom

“Punky Brewster”.

Gaynes also starred opposite Dustin Hoffman in the 1982 film “Tootsie,” which received 10 Academy Award nominations.

His other movie credits include “The Way We Were,” “Altered States” and “Wag the Dog”.

The other TV shows he appeared in were “The Defenders,” “Mission: Impossible,” “Bonanza,” “The Six Million Dollar Man” and “Hawaii Five0”.

Born in Helsinki, Finland, on May 16, 1917, Gaynes started his Broadway career in the 50s, starring in the original production of the musical Wonderful Town.

He retired in 2003 and lived in Santa Barbara, California, before moving to Washington to stay with his daughter’s family.

Gaynes is survived by his wife, actress Allyn Ann McLerie, a daughter, one granddaughter and two greatgranddaughters. (Indian Express)

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson

B

ollywood actress, pop sensation and a recognised face in the West now, Priyanka Chopra or we shall call her the Quantico girl, has begun shooting for Baywatch with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.

Priyanka Chopra took to Instagram to announce the commencement of the shooting of Baywatch and posted a video of the two calling each other biggest stars in the world from their shoot location which happens to be at a sea side.

Dwayne, who had originally posted the video was later reposted by Priyanka wrote, “She’s one of the biggest stars in the world. Insanely talented, relentlessly smokin’ and extremely dangerous – perfect for #BAYWATCH. Welcome @PriyankaChopra to our bad ass and incredibly dysfunctional family. Cue RATED R slo-mo running on the beach. We start shooting next

week. World.. #WelcomeToBaywatch.”

The Bollywood beauty also officially announced her being a part of the movie. She wrote, “And it’s time to tell u all officially!! #Baywatch it is @ therock ! Being Bad is what I do best!!!

U better watch out!! #PCinBaywatch” Priyanka will play the villain in the film. Dwayne Johnson also tweeted that she does bad even better. After making the world go gaga over her in the show Quantico wherein she plays the role of FBI agent Alex Parrish, the actress has added another feather to her hat with Baywatch with one of the most desired actors in the world.

Bollywood seems to be blending well in the West with our top notch actresses getting good offers. With Deepika starring opposite Vin Diesel in xXx and Priyanka opposite Dwayne Johnson in Baywatch they make us feel so proud. (Indian Express)

‘xXx: The Return of Xander Cage’ casts Donnie Yen

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artial arts icon Donnie Yen, best known for his role in “Ip Man”, will face off against Vin Diesel in “xXx: The Return of Xander Cage”.

The movie, which also has Bollywood beauty Deepika Padukone, will see Yen play an alphawarrior named Xiang in the hotly anticipated sequel, a release said.

The movie is currently being shot in Toronto and the Dominican Republic this month for Revolution Studios, Roth Kirschenbaum Films,

One Race Films and Paramount Pictures.

Yen is the latest ce-

Kris Wu, Hermione Corfield, Toni Collette and Samuel L Jackson.

lebrity to join the production after Deepika, Tony Jaa, Ruby Rose, Conor McGregor, Nina Dobrev,

“I Am Number Four” helmer D J Caruso is directing “xXx”. (Indian Express)

I am dating: Kate Hudson

A

ctress Kate Hudson says she is dating.

The 36-year-old “Almost Famous” star, who discussed her love life on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” said she is enjoying her singlehood.

“I am dating,” Hudson said.

When DeGeneres asked, if she is in a relationship, Hudson avoided the question with “Ummmm”.

The “Wish I Were Here” actress has been lately linked to singer Nick Jonas. The duo have been spotted go-

ing on dinner dates and walking hand in hand

quite often.

Express)

(Indian

50 sport

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Digicel honours Windies Under-19 T

he West Indies Under-19 squad received Samsung Galaxy Note devices from telecommunication giants Digicel for their brilliant World Cup performance that saw the regional side lifting their maiden title in the tournament.

The squad received the tokens at a special reception held at the Accra Beach Hotel in Barbados on Tuesday.

CEO for Digicel Barbados, Conor Looney, congratulated the West Indies cricket U-19 team on their championship in the 2016 ICC U-19 World Cup at a reception, “Today is a historic day for you, for the sport of cricket, the eight countries that you represent and for the Caribbean people – and as a proud sponsor of West Indies cricket since 2004,

The Honourable Stephen Lashley, Sports Minister for Barbados presented Shimron Hetmyer, Captain of the West Indies U-19 team with a trophy following the team’s victory in the 2016 ICC U19 World Cup Finals. Also in the photo are Conor Looney, CEO for Digicel Barbados, (inside far right) and Michael Muirhead, CEO of the West Indies Cricket Board (far right).

Digicel is delighted to be a part of this celebration

this evening.

“This victory augurs

well for Digicel and for the region in a number of

Heroes’ welcome!

B

RIDGETOWN, Barbados World Under-19 champions West Indies returned to the Caribbean on Tuesday afternoon to a heroes’ welcome, following their triumph last Sunday at the ICC Youth World

Cup in Bangladesh.

They were greeted at the Grantley Adams International Airport here by Barbados Cricket Association president and West Indies Cricket Board director, Joel Garner, along with WICB chief executive

ways. For one, as a brand that supports youth de-

velopment through sports, this is a great motivator for the youths who aspire to cricket beyond national borders.

Secondly, we know that cricket fans will take the energy, excitement and sense of pride from this thrilling victory into the fast-approaching 2016 Caribbean Premier League season.”

Looney continued, “Over the past few weeks, the region was proud to watch your journey in this tournament – a journey that has been exemplified by your grit and determination to win. You are a fine squad of hardworking young men and you are a credit to the Caribbean region.”

The under-19 squad toppled India in the final of the World Cup by five wickets to lift the coveted title.

World Youth champions Windies return home

Michael Murihead.

Legendary West Indies opener Desmond Haynes, Barbados Sports Minister Stephen Lashley and Tourism Minister Richard Sealy also attended the welcome ceremony.

An elated captain

Shimron Hetmyer and Minister Stephen Lashley show off the World Cup trophy during the West Indies Under-19s arrival at the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados on Tuesday. (WICB Media Photo/Randy Brooks)

Shimron Hetmyer said his side had remained confident despite their sluggish start to the tournament.

“I think the turnaround came after the game against England where we knew we had to win the other games to get through,” the Guyana left-hander said.

“I think after then the guys really got serious and really got down to their stuff and that started in the practice from the next day. The guys then did everything in their power to make sure we won the next couple games and, even in the Zimbabwe game, had had some very positive performances.”

West Indies were whitewashed by Bangladesh in a warm-

up three match series before losing their opening match of the tournament to England by 61 runs.

However, they rebounded to crush minnows Fiji by 262 runs before eking out a narrow two-run win over Zimbabwe in controversial circumstances in their final group game, to reach the quarter-finals.

West Indies then produced clinical run chases to beat Pakistan by five wickets and Bangladesh by two wickets in the semi-finals to clinch their spot in the final against previously unbeaten India Under-19s.

Yet again, they strung together a successful chase to win by five wickets chasing a

small total of 146.

Manager Dwain Gill said the confidence level in the squad had remained high throughout the tournament and pointed to the warm-up matches as being key to their preparation.

“It feels great of course being part of a World Cup-winning squad as went there to win,” he noted.

“It started off quite challenging with the warm-up matches against Bangladesh but that is the reason we went there – to get acclimatised to the conditions and see the opposition.”

Family members of the Barbados players along with well-wishers were also present to welcome the squad. (CMC)

sport 51

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Permaul spins Jaguars to comprehensive win over Red Force

By Akeem Greene

G

uyana Jaguars c o n t i n u e d their phenomenal run in the WICB/ Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-day competition, as they defeated the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force by 105 runs on the final day at the National Stadium, Providence, to extend their unbeaten run to 13 matches.

Set 303 for victory, Red Force folded for 197 with West Indies left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul snaring 4-45 to end with a match haul of 9-110.

The Guyana Jaguars ended day three on 2444 with captain Leon Johnson on 111 not out and Anthony Bramble on 39 not out, and declared on the overnight score, affording themselves a maximum of 98 overs on the final day to bowl out Red Force.

In a surprise change to the batting order, Imran Khan was promoted to open the batting along with Kyle Hope (08), but the make shift opening pair did not

Spinner Veerasammy Permaul celebrates the final wicket, as last man Marlon Richards prepares to walk off (Marceano Narine photo)

last long, as in the fourth over left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer disturbed the stumps of Hope to leave the score at 16-1.

It then became 21-2 when right-arm fast bowler Keon Joseph bowled a beauty and rocked back the offstump of Khan for 10.

The wickets continued to tumble as the first innings’ top scorer Yannic Cariah was caught at forward-

short leg by Tagnarine Chanderpaul for nine off the bowling of Permaul.

Captain Jason Mohammed (02) soon fell, caught behind to Permaul, followed by Yannick Ottley for 10 as the Red Force slipped to 75-5 from 26.3 overs.

The incoming Evin Lewis, who tempered his instinct to be aggressive, along with Narsingh Deonarine, stemmed the flow of wickets and

took their side to lunch at 101-5 from 35 overs with Lewis on 16 and Deonarine 39.

Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie struck in the first over after lunch, when he got Lewis to turn a ball off his pads and into the hands of Chanderpaul at forward short-leg for 16 (37 balls; 3x4s, 1×6) to put the Red Force in further trouble at 101-6 in 40 overs.

Wicketkeeper Steven

Katwaroo (19). who played a lovely “insideout” shot over extra-cover for four, later patted an ordinary ball straight back to Motie as the Red Force were further reduced to 127-7.

The left-handed Deonarine weathered a testing spell form Joseph, who was operating on a channel just outside the off-stump, and occasionally tested his fellow Berbician with the shorter ball on a docile pitch. That ploy clearly made the batsman extremely uncomfortable.

The bowling change of Reifer for Joseph at the Media Centre End saw Deonarine easily punching the left-arm seamer straight back down the ground for four to bring up his 46th First-Class half-century from 134 balls with four fours.

Permaul came back into the bowing attack and got Deonarine driving to a full ball outside the off-stump and he it straight into the hands of substitute fielder Robin Bacchus at extra cover.

The 32 year-old

Deonarine who last played for West Indies in 2013 against New Zealand, made 57 off 141 balls with five fours, spending 201 minutes at the crease as the Red Force now were 147-8 from 56.5 overs.

All-rounder Rayad Emrit began playing a series of brutal shots off the spinners in a wildly entertaining innings of 48 from 51 balls, inclusive of nine fours.

Emrit soon hoisted Bishoo to Joseph at longoff to put Red Force at 187-9, as Jaguars were now one wicket away from a massive victory.

Marlon Richards pushed tentatively forward to Permaul to give the spinner his fourth wicket of the innings and hand the Jaguars to the hardfought victory just before tea.

This victory meant the Jaguars are on 101 points and continue to hold a handsome lead over second place Barbados Pride on 82 points. Guyana Jaguars will next play Barbados Pride at the Kensington Oval, starting on Friday.

‘Lady Jags’ Olympics journey comes to a screeching halt

T

he Lady Jags’ journey to the Olympics came to a screeching halt on Tuesday evening after Trinidad and Tobago emerged with a 5-1 win in the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier in Houston, Texas.

Kennya Cordner sent the twin-islanders into the lead as early as the seventh minute, and that goal opened

The ‘Lady Jags’ poor defensive performance quells major momentum

Brendon McCullum names Viv Richards as his favourite cricketer

P

ort of Spain: New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum has named the West Indies cricket legend Viv Richards as his favourite player of all time.

McCullum has described the former West Indies captain as “the leader of cricket” around the world during his time, reports Caribbean Media Corporation.

Richards, who has been dubbed by many as the ‘most destructive batsman of all time’, averages 50.23 with the bat in Tests and 47 in OneDays.

“My favourite West Indies player of all time has to be Sir Viv Richards.

He was the leader of cricket right around the world throughout his time; his charisma, the way he carried himself, the way he led his team

and obviously the way that he played as well,” said McCullum here on Tuesday.

McCullum is among several international players selected to play in the fourth edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) due to start later this year.

The New Zealand wicketkeeper batsman will represent Trinbago Knight Riders, one of six franchises in the CPL.

the floodgates as T&T slammed in another three goals by the 25th minute.

Mariah Shade, Jenelle Cunningham and Ahkella Mollon were the other first half scorers for T&T, while debutant Bria Williams pulled one back for the Lady Jags just before the break.

Upon resumption, Cordner made it 5-1 for

T&T, and although the Lady Jags made several attempts on goals, their efforts proved futile.

The Lady Jags also lost their first game against Canada 5-0, but rebounded to beat Guatemala 2-1.

A draw against T&T would have secured the Lady Jags passage to the next round of the Olympic Qualifier.

52 sport

WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

“Hostile Territory” boxing card…

“Coolie Bully” firm favourite to topple “El Macho”

By Avenash Ramzan

U

nited States of America-based Guyanese, Elton “Coolie Bully” Dharry last fought in Guyana back in April 2013 when he decimated Orland “Pocket Rocket” Rogers in round three of a scheduled 12-round contest for the vacant bantamweight title of Guyana.

The “Coolie Bully” is set to make a grand return to his homeland next week to appear as one half of the feature event on the Guyana Boxing Board of Control/ Giftland Mall’s “Hostile Territory” boxing card, and his opponent, Venezuela’s Felix “El Macho” Machado, could

Felix Machado has suffered eight defeats in his last nine fights

be in a for torrid time, as Dharry is very ‘hostile’ in this ‘territory.’

With all 25 of his fights taking place in either Guyana or the United States, Dharry boasts an unbeaten record in the ‘Land of Many Waters’, winning all 10 fights, including six knockouts.

A flambouyant boxer, Dharry will enter the ring on February 27 on the strength of a 16-bout winning run, stretching back to March 2010 when he stopped Wilmot Hutson in the penultimate round of a fourround contest to begin the streak.

During that time, the 30-year-old Dharry has captured three titles-

Guyana’s bantamweight, the WBC CABOFE bantamweight and the IBF Inter-Continental bantamweight belts. Dharry currently has 19 wins, five losses and one draw.

Machado, on the other hand, is 13 years older than Dharry, and is a former IBF Super Flyweight champion.

With 40 fights to his credit, Machado is vastly experienced, but his career has been spiralling downwards since May 2006. In nine fights since then, the Venezuelan

losses, including seven in his last seven fights, dating back to 2008.

The Guyanese pair of Kishan Simon and Cassius Matthews will square off for a second time, with Simon seeking revenge for his loss against the same opponent in Linden on Boxing Day 2013. The six-round welterweight contest is being sponsored by Lewisons Automotive of Corentyne, Berbice.

In the other fights, Trinidad and Tobagobased Guyanese Revlon

Elton Dharry is sitting on a 16-bout winning streak

pugilist has endured eight defeats, his only win coming against Jose Larreal last February.

Outside of Venezuela, Machado has a record of five wins, nine losses and one draw, while his overall record stands at 26 wins, 13 defeats and one draw.

Given Dharry’s phenomenal streak over the last five years, his unblemished record at home and Machado’s poor win-loss ratio overseas, Guyanese fans could be the ones rejoicing on fight night. The 10-round bantamweight showdown will serve as a warm-up for Dharry ahead of a British Commonwealth fight on May 21.

The main supporting bout will also be a Guyana versus Venezuela thriller, as local boy Dexter Marques will face off with his neighbouring Spanishspeaking rival Freddie Beleno in a 10-round flyweight fight.

Marques, currently boasting six wins on the trot, has a record of 14 victories (5 KOs) and two defeats, while Beleno has 26 wins (15 KOs) and 10

Lake will face Miguel Antoine of Barbados in an eight-round welterweight clash; Imran “Magic” Khan will meet Quincy Gomes in a 135 lbs all Guyanese contest; while Mandessa Moses will collide Anselle Norville in a four-round bantamweight.

On the amateur side, Dennis Thomas and Desmond Amsterdam, who will head to a boxoff in Argentina later this year with the hope of qualifying for the Rio Olympics, will clash in the exhibition contest, followed by Clairmonte Gibson against Dillon Charles in a bantamweight fight.

Nandkumar Singh and Jason Phillips will meet in a junior welterweight bout to round off the amateur segment.

Admission to the venue is Gy$5,000 ringside and Gy$2,000 outer ringside. The card is a collaborative effort of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control and the Giftland Mall, and is the second such partnership between the two entities. (aramzan@guyanatimesgy.com)

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WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WICB wants 'development support' for Cricket

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t. John’s, ANTIGUA - The Caribbean will have an additional set of activities within the next year from cricket as the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) gets set to host a number of regional and international tours.

These tours will include the visits of South Africa and Australia for a One-Day International Tri-Nation series; Caribbean Premier League and the Indian tour in July; England early

next year; and Pakistan thereafter; the cricket calendar is set to be active.

The last economic impact survey done from a tour of the region by England in 2014, reported considerable benefit to three countries in particular.

The upcoming games will be hosted in a few more venues/countries and there is considerable expectation both from the fans as well as from the economies that will benefit.

The overall direct economic impact for the region was estimated at US$59.8 million at an average of US$5.1 million a day spend from the REPUCOM report generated-survey for that period

“and we see where, with proper planning in place, we can generate more revenue and certainly greater interest,” says President, Dave Cameron.

Emphasizing that the preparation of the winning Under 19 team was part of a comprehensive programme, Cameron is calling on Caribbean businesses and governments to “consolidate their efforts and invest in the rebuilding of the overall cricket programme.

Now is as good a time as ever for public and private sector organisations to join forces with the WICB. Cameron noted that “the region is still celebrating with the young men who defined true Caribbean brilliance in executing a carefully crafted win over India in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup and wants the region to rally to show true support. This is the beginning of how we plan to seamlessly transition to the Cricket West Indies brand and the programme will be sustainable with the region’s support.”

The Board of Directors is set to meet the first weekend in March for its regularly-scheduled quarterly meeting. The Annual General Meeting with the stakeholders and shareholders’ representatives will also meet. That group will approve the financial statements for the period, October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015. A full calendar of upcoming events will be announced shortly thereafter. (WICB Media Release)

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