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Gov’t under fire ISSUE NO. 274

WEEK ENDING December 20, 2015

…Private sector, human rights bodies slam APNU/ AFC for “rushing” Bills through Parliament

See story on page 24

Two Guyanese beauty Ambassadors in titlequest this weekend

A Guyanese Christmas

A Masquerade band performing in downtown Georgetown

Brooklyn woman found guilty of murdering Guyanese

Miss Guyana World 2015 - Lisa Punch (left), Miss Guyana Universe 2015 - Shauna Ramdyhan (right)

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Leah Cuevas, 44, right, was charged with seconddegree murder, accused of killing her neighbour Chinelle Latoya Thompson Browne, 28, left, over a dispute about rent and a utility payment.

wo of Guyana’s beauty ambassadors are on separate missions to capture the crowns in the two most prestigious international pageants this Saturday and Sunday.

International vocalist Lisa Punch will first have the opportunity to advance her position in the Miss World 2015 Pageant in Sanya, China on Saturday December 19, having claimed a spot in the top 25, while former Scholar and Foreign Service Officer Shauna Ramdyhan will seek to gain the judges nod in the Miss Universe 2015 Pageant in Las Vegas, USA on Sunday, December 20.

Despite variances in personality and difference in location of competition grounds, both queens are determined to make Guyana proud.

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NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

2 burnt to death in horrific two-car collision at Bath

By Andrew Carmichael

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wo men are now dead and five other persons hospitalised after the cars in which they were travelling ended up in a head-on collision at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice (WCB) on Wednesday afternoon resulting in one bursting into flames.

The dead persons have been identified as Nero Bankay, 24, of Bush Lot, WCB, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Shiv Persaud-Hanoman, 48, of the same village.

The injured are Rookmaine Trotman of Bennett Dam, Rosignol; Nigel Trotz, 34, of 126 Main Street, Cumberland, East Canje; Fiona Rossoul, 32, of Canefield, East Canje; Phyllis Corlette, 41, of King Street, Cumberland, East Canje and Carmen Marks of New Amsterdam.

Trotz, who was one of

Injured: Carmen Marks

The car HC 5367 which was taking passengers to Georgetown

the drivers at the time of the accident, and Rossoul were initially treated at the Fort Wellington Hospital and then transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital for further treatment.

Trotman, Corlette and Marks were also treated at Fort

Wellington before being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

At the time of the accident, Bankay was driving a Toyota MR5 Spyder racing convertible with registration number PJJ 6999, while Trotz was taking passengers from

Rosignol to Georgetown in HC 5367.

When Guyana Times International arrived on the scene, the vehicles were about 33 feet apart; one on the roadway and the other smoking just off the road.

According to one eyewitness, Ramdat

Bicram, he was sitting on a bench when he saw PJJ 6999 swerving into the path of HC 5367, causing the collision.

“The blue car pull brakes and the one that coming from Town run in straight into am. It just ‘hice’ up spin right away round and he start to catch afire.”

According to another resident, “Sackoor” only name given, after he heard the impact, he rushed to the scene and noticed that one of the

cars was already engulfed in flames.

“I was told that people were in the car, but no one could go close to the vehicle because of the flame… The residents formed a bucket brigade and they extinguished the fire,” “Sackoor” said, in about 10 minutes, using two buckets and getting water from a trench about 50 feet away. Shortly after, the Fire Service arcontinued on page 5

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International

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

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EDITORIAL

Economic development plan needed

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t is now clear even to the most rabid supporter of the Guyana Government that it needs some help to craft an economic development programme that would lift us out of the slippery slope to recession on which we are careening.

We repeat the advice proffered before – that the Government adopt without reservations the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) developed by its predecessor and yoke the 17 “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDGs) we signed on to last September. This, of course, would need strong State intervention.

Even though the Washington Consensus made a frontal attack on the idea of an interventionist state starting from 1989, when the chickens came home to roost in 2008, even the US had to jump in feet first to rescue its corporations through massive investments. The sheepish rationale offered was that the failing corporations were “too big to fail” (TBTF). We should not be deterred because the world has now accepted this new paradigm.

After 2008, a much more chastened group of industrialised countries now accept that lesser developed countries would have to go beyond their present frantic “Qualitative and Quantitative Easing” (QE) to stimulate their economies and, in fact, attempt to replicate the role of the State in their early industrialisation.

But this has not been achieved without a fight that is still being waged, of which the UNCTAD 2012 meet in Doha is instructive.

In 2008, amid the debris of the collapsed northern economies, the Accra UNCTAD meet had agreed on the need for an “enabling state” – one that would directly intervene into the economy so that specified goals could be achieved as with the Eastern Tigers during the 20th Century. However, four years later in Doha, the new liberals had regrouped and argued for at most an “effective state” – a trope for the night watchman state.

One of the present tragedies of Guyana is that the politicians in the new Government have not indicated where they stand in this debate. They, therefore, ignore the implications of their waffling for not only achieving the SDGs but to even getting started. Their statements on economic development have been ad hoc at best and reflexively anti-development at worst.

Their evident discomfort is their refusal to accept that whether they look at Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea or post-WWII Japan, development means assisting specific businesses to initiate a process of export-oriented manufacturing. And the creation of a class of individuals and families that inevitably became wealthy, whether it is Mitsui in Japan or Samsung in South Korea.

If they are not historically minded, they can look at modern China and note that one -third of the 1.8 billion persons lifted out of absolute poverty to give the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) some respectability were from China.

In October of this year, China passed the US in the highest number of billionaires sweepstakes 596 to 536. The billionaires in China are not as rich as those in the US, signalling that the gap between the top and the bottom is not as wide.

One scholar offered some characteristics of the development State: “…a set of encompassing institutions where the State is both an initiator of development policies and builder of development institutions…The State provides disciplined support for export-oriented sectors through directed credit and other subsidies. The State also coordinates investment across sectors and within industries. It invests itself in areas where private risk absorption capacity is too low. This is important in building up a national system of innovation in particular. The State also steps in to manage sectoral and macroeconomic crises ensuring a relatively smooth accumulation process to proceed”.

In our country, the Minister directly responsible for “business” always takes time off to criticise the local businessmen for not “investing” without asking whether the Guyanese state – of which his APNU/AFC coalition are in charge for the next five years – was “enabling” that innovation process.

The Mazaruni River Resort was recently opened in Guyana

Gy$15B Mazaruni River resort will boost Guyana’s tourism sector By: Devina Samaroo

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of benefits this development will eventually contribute to Guyana’s tourism product and pledged her commitment to continue to market Guyana: South America Undiscovered.

Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Indranaugth Haralsingh joined in lauding the Baboolall family for their remarkable achievement and encouraged other miners to follow suit and invest in a sector that is sustainable.

airstrip on the island and is in the process of developing the nearby White Water Falls to add to the nature experience.

As a result of these investments, Harmon noted that the real estate value for nearby lands will increase significantly; it will create new employment opportunities for local residents, opportunities will crop up for businesses through the supply of goods and services and the expected flow of revenue will contribute to the economic development of the region.

Regional Chairman Gordon

he suspense is over, the luxurious Aruwai Resort, conveniently located on the Mazaruni River, is finally opened for all and sundry to escape from the everyday hassle of life and enjoy nature at its best at the perfect getaway destination.

Named after one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Mazaruni district, the Gy$15 billion Aruwai Resort White H2O (Water) was officialEconomic benefits ly opened on Saturday afterState Minister Joseph noon in the presence of govern- Harmon in his brief remarks, ment officials, the business community, and friends and family of the visionary proprietor and renowned Bartica miner Chunnilall Baboolall.

The project was approximately four years in the making and even amid the detrimental slump in gold prices worldwide, the Bartica businessman remained steadfast and determined to transform the small insignificant island into a beautiful edifice.

The unveiling of the plaque to mark the official opening of the resort.

(From left to right: Alvin Baboolall, Junior Social Protection Minister Baboolall noted Simona Broomes, Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes, Mrs Baboolall, Mr that it was a chalBaboolall, State Minister Joseph Harmon, Regional Chairman Gordon lenging task, espeBradford, GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh and Kevin Baboolall cially having to diversify from mining to tourism. He expressed sin- focused on the tremendous Bradford also recognised the cere gratitude to former Prime economic benefits this devel- tremendous economic benefits Minister Samuel Hinds who opment will reap for neigh- this investment brings to the had encouraged him to invest bouring communities; and the region. in other sectors of the country. entire country at large.

The luxury resort contains Baboolall thanked his family 38 high-class suites and boasts “It must be the fate that Mr for their support and the gov- Baboolall has in the future of a fabulous pool; and soon to ernment for their contributions this country that has driven come are spas; boutique; gift towards the development of the him to this junction… Another shop and gymnasium. world-class resort.

Vacationers will also enimportant development that Tourism Minister Cathy was a result of this resort is joy exhilarating boat rides on Hughes was in awe as she mar- that it has produced a magnifi- the Essequibo, Cuyuni and velled at the surroundings, un- cent multiplier effect that rip- Mazaruni Rivers and visit able to conceal her excitement. ples through the local commu- wonderful landmarks like Fort She was positive that Aruwai nities,” Harmon said.

Kyk-over-Al and the local minResort had set the standard Already, Baboolall has ing camps, the breathtaking for quality and excellence to constructed a new road from White Water Waterfalls locatthe country’s tourism product. Bartica airstrip to the island. ed right across the river from She envisioned the magnitude He also intends to construct an the resort.

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

2 burnt to death in horrific two-car... from page 3

rived. “When we get the opportunity to go closer, we saw the two persons: one without head and the other one burnt beyond [recognition].”

Reports are that Trotz was the first to come out of the other car and lay on the ground, while residents took the other four injured persons out of the vehicle.

“The other four were in pain and in blood, subsequently people came and rescued them to the hospital,” “Sackoor” noted.

This publication was informed that the Toyota MR5 Spyder is owned by Dr Ishram Indra Persaud and had just come out of the mechanic shop for a test run.

According to Persaud, Persaud-Hanoman had done some work on the car and since he did not have a driver’s licence, Bankay was asked to drive.

Persaud-Hanoman, who is a mechanic by profession, re-migrated from Canada three weeks ago.

Police have since launched an investigation into the accident.

PPP, Govt squabble over cancellation of Ed Ahmad land lease C onflicting reports are emanating from Government Ministers regarding the status of the disputed land which was leased to Edul Ahmad in 2008.

Governance Minister Raphael Trotman disclosed during a postCabinet press briefing on Wednesday, that the lease agreement was terminated since the beginning of this month and that the land was automatically returned and is under the responsibility of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU).

These revelations significantly contradict statements from State Minister Joseph Harmon who, just a week ago, disclosed that Government will be taking steps to revoke the lease agreement between Ahmad and the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, under former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s stewardship; and also to repossess the land.

Having criticised the previous Administration of fast-tracking the lease agreement in 2008, the new Government appears to be guilty of similar practices – having terminated the agreement and allowing the

Edul Ahmad

GPSU to regain responsibility in a matter of only seven days.

Adding to the controversy are statements from the PPP/C, whose members are claiming that the lease agreement was terminated and the land relinquished to the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission since 2009. In a nutshell, the PPP/C is contending that the State Minister, in his haste to “prove corruption” against the previous Administration, blatantly misled the public about the land deal and deliberately lied when he claimed that the land was only now being repossessed.

In fact, during a recent press conference hosted by the Party, Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

posited that Harmon “jumped the gun and got egg on his face.”

According to her, the Minister “jumped the gun because he was so anxious to show the wicked Jagdeo and the wicked, corrupt PPP that he jumped so fast and so high that he got egg on his face. Now he doesn’t know how to get the egg off his face and he’s saying to Jagdeo, you bring the evidence.”

Former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall explained that the reason the project did not materialise was

investor relinquished his interest with the project and handed back the lease and did what was necessary to give back the land to the State.

He did not proceed with the project,” Nandlall disclosed, noting that the land was subsequently relinquished to the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC).

Reports carried in the other daily newspapers also reported that the land was leased for a short period in 2008 and was relinquished to the GLCS one year later.

Meanwhile, in 2008,

ed in court.

Both the GPSU and the Government claimed to have rightful documentation to prove their respective ownership of the property. Government said it owns the land under Transport #1510 of 1974.

The Administration explained that the land was leased for a brief period in 2008 (to Ed Ahmad) and was subsequently relinquished to the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) in 2009.

On the other hand, the GPSU contends that the Union has occupied

The disputed plot of land located at Thomas and Vlissengen Roads

because there was a “misdescription” of the property.

“The investors wanted an area of land not less than five acres… the

Government and the GPSU were in battle for ownership of the land, located on Thomas and Vlissengen Roads. The matter eventually land-

the land for decades and had presented documents to show that it has been paying rates and taxes dating as far back as the 1970’s.

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In support of West Indies should legalising marijuana recall Chanderpaul

Dear Editor, Let’s not fool ourselves; marijuana was made illegal because of economic control of the plant by the USA. America did not have the expertise to mass produce this plant on a scale and quality that other countries did, so in the 1930s they launched an aggressive campaign to make marijuana illegal across the globe through high-level political manoeuvring and “strong arming” other countries. Today, America stands as the leading example for making this plant legal again, now that they have the expertise to effectively profit from it. And for those who do not understand how the US do things, they normally leave it to the states to start the process of legalisation, and then it would be ratified by the Supreme Court.

It has always puzzled me that a poisonous substance like cigarettes can be legal, while we pretend that we are the vanguard of morals by keeping marijuana illegal. We all know that anyone who wishes to smoke the ganja still do regardless. And when I say anyone, I mean from the rich to the poor across all races and cultures. Even many people who are Judges and politicians today would have taken a sample and probably still do. The point here is that if there was any moral decay from this plant, it would have happened already.

And if we use moral grounds to keep this plant illegal, how do we explain its critical role in religion on all continents since before the time of written history? From the Sages and Sadhus in the Himalayas, who smoke marijuana as an unbroken tradition from the time of Lord Shiva to the great kings and queens of Ethiopia and Egypt who set the foundation for this modern world, marijuana was used as a source of enlightenment and healing. In some ways you can’t help but feel that we modern humans are out of our league by having the audacity to make this divine plant illegal.

The most unrecognised irony is that marijuana has always been the base of our most revered and respected messengers of righteousness and liberation

across the globe. Mahatma Gandhi, who was enlightened by those same Sages of the Himalayas, liberated not one but two countries on separate continents in his lifetime and inspired Martin Luther King to lead his revolution in the USA. Through words and sound, we all embrace Bob Marley as the greatest musical messenger of righteousness in our history. We use his music to uplift and inspire; we even use his music in our political campaigns across the world to help spread our messages to the masses. Bob Marley and his fellow messengers of the great conscious reggae music use marijuana as a source of enlightenment. Therefore, it is hypocritical to embrace the goodness of these great people, but banish the source of their greatness.

On an economic scale, marijuana is positioned to be the largest industry in the world rivalled only by information technology. In the first few months of marijuana becoming legal, the State of Colorado collected over US$10 million in tax revenue, a sum that has risen tenfold since. And we can say the same for Washington.

There are untold economic gains for countries like Guyana to not only legalise this plant but to be a major export country to the world. We have the expertise and capacity to harvest this plant on a scale that will dwarf the sugar industry in the future. Holland, Uruguay, North Korea, Chile and Jamaica have all relaxed or made marijuana fully legal and Canada is now paving the way for legalising marijuana there too.

It is time we wake up from 85 years of this outdated American law and make this plant a source of good for our people and country. Are we going to stand aside and watch the world take all the benefits of marijuana for themselves, while we remain under the control of a backward and oppressive law that keeps marijuana illegal?

Sincerely, Malcolm Watkins, CSCP

Corporal punishment should be banned Dear Editor, I refer to Mr Malcolm Alves’s letter: “The debate on corporal punishment” in which he defends its use and this prompts my letter. I fully support a ban and respectfully disagree with Mr Alves.

Firstly, Mr Alves pointed out that 19 States in the United States of America are currently using corporal punishment and these includes Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming. It is to be remembered that 31 States, mostly affluent ones with disproportionately high levels of college graduates have banned it.

Secondly, the odds are that the remaining 19 States will soon follow.

Why cite such an example to stall a ban that will do a world of good?

Thirdly, college graduates are also likely to be of a higher socio-economic bracket; as such they understand the injurious consequences of corporal punishment (both mental and physical) and are more likely to axe it. It is no wonder 31 States have banned it.

Fourthly, it is erroneous to assume that all children in New York City are

wild. Parents from higher socio-economic brackets in New York or elsewhere are less likely to beat their children, yet they are not wild. The fact remains that New York City and the USA at large, have produced most of the leading academics in the world; which includes Nobel Laureates in Science, technology, and finance. Wild children do not become leading academics but highly disciplined ones do.

Fifthly, piles of scientific evidence point to the fact that corporal punishment is indeed bad and this is not propaganda. Our children are hurting.

We need to move forward with a ban.

Finally, corporal punishment (a form of operant conditioning) has been traditionally used but Science has taught us that this is bad.

Why continue to use it? It just does not make any sense. There are safe, effective, cheap and highly feasible alternatives available including – other types of operant conditioning with a focus on reward/reinforcement schemes rather than whacking. Reward/reinforcement schemes have broad appeal and are particularly suitable for a country like ours where poverty soars.

Sincerely, Dr Cecil Dilip Kumar

Dear Editor, West Indies, on tour in Australia for a three-test series, is without its most prolific run scorer Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who has been left out of the team because of underperformance.

Yet, almost all the others on tour have performed worse than Chanderpaul in recent matches. The team lost its two warm-up games performing badly and the test performance is not expected to be any better.

If Chanderpaul were with the team, he would have strengthened the middle order and be a psychological boost to the youngsters to stand up and bat rather than cave in meekly. In addition, his presence would have put fear in opponents troubling them to make various errors to benefit WIndies players’ bowling and batting. Chanderpaul should be immediately recalled to the team to give it a chance down under.

In a news report in the Australian media, Cricket Australia has lamented the weak team touring Australia and absence of star player Chanderpaul on the squad for the three test matches. The name Shivnarine Chanderpal, popularly called Tiger or Chanders, has reverberated in ears of cricket lovers for over 20 years.

The current team on tour is one of the weakest to tour Down Under with no player having any reputa-

tion to trouble the Aussies or stand up strongly to their pace attack. Only Chanderpaul has the reputation to stand up to Australia; he has consistently done it time and again during several tours Down Under as well as in the West Indies.

But this is not to be as Clive Lloyd and West Indies management has decided to prematurely end Chander’s career. He wanted one more chance to end his career and pleaded for it.

But Lloyd and his selectors said no; they don’t want Chanderpaul to break Brian Lara’s record as the highest run getter. It can’t be that he is not in the squad because of poor performance; no one else in the team has performed. He has a greater reputation than the entire team combined.

Attendance at the warm-up game against the Australia President’s eleven was very low and the match ended early with WIndies defeated by 10 wickets. Attendance will not improve by much in the tests without a star attraction to bring in the spectators.

Virtually no cricket analyst gives the WIndies any hope of winning during the tour and the team has started on a losing note. WIndies has not won a series in Australia since 1992.

Yours faithfully Vishnu Bisram

There is need for drastic changes within the security services if crime is to be reduced Dear Editor, The security services – Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force and Guyana Prisons – have all joined in providing information from these agencies that are misleading and, in many cases, outright fictitious. Firstly, the APNU/AFC Government security measures implemented so far have not put a real dent on the serious crimes committed on innocent Guyanese.

Many of these crimes are committed by active members of the Army, Police and Prison Services. These agencies in the eyes of the general public have been lenient with these lawbreaking security men and for sure lost the respect and trust.

There should be more robust rules: for example, once charged, suspension without pay; no bail should be granted to those charged; once convicted, they should be dismissed promptly and they should be treated just like everyone else when charged.

On the other hand, the Government

should set up a Civilian Legislated Agency to review all security services personnel who have committed crimes proven in court or not and implement strict disciplinary measures. For the convicted, they must be dismissed forthwith.

The culture of the security services from top to bottom must change if the unnecessary crimes in Guyana will end. Crimes committed by Police such as stopping a car and seeking a bribe for lunch or you get a ticket is illegal and must stop. Zero tolerance for bribes for getting a birth certificate, passport, driver’s licence, property title, a business licence, a liquor licence, a vendor licence, building licence, and noise infraction in taxi and minibuses, even covering up serious criminal offences. This culture needs immediate attention, action and review every three months to fine-tune corrective measures as they are put in place.

Sincerely, Sheik Ally

Setting the record straight Dear Editor, Commissioner Benn in his response to my last letter signalled that he will not engage in last lick. Indeed, he cannot enjoy the last lick since he has now descended to crass misrepresentation, in an attempt to further his cause. The truth must prevail. His entire last letter is unworthy, since it makes him incredible.

GECOM minutes of the 461st meeting states: “The Commissioner said that he further found it strange that both Commissioners Benn and Shadick, who were on the PPP/C’s Candidate list at the 2015 General and Regional Elections, had not recused themselves from this matter and are now seeking to influence the manner in

which the Petition, in which they have an interest, is being defended.”

That Commissioner is Vincent Alexander. It is pellucidly recorded that I pointed to their conflict of interest as one of my fundamental arguments. What is of further bother to me is that Benn is either a stranger to the truth or a victim of amnesia or lacking in understanding, none of which makes Benn worthy of being a GECOM commissioner.

GECOM’s business must be in reliable and credible hands. Benn failed that test.

Yours sincerely Vincent Alexander GECOM Commissioner

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

What about bonus for sugar workers? UNDP (Guyana) …GAWU Head says GuySuCo workers are also Govt employees

By Kristen Macklingam

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n light of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government’s move to award public servants who earn less than Gy$500,000 per month a bonus of Gy$50,000 in December this year, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is calling for the same to be given to its sugar workers.

GAWU President Komal Chand on Tuesday told Guyana Times International that while this announcement which was made by the Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, is a “much welcomed” one, his Union was imploring that the sugar workers throughout the country benefit from such an act.

“This announcement must also be looked at against the fact that the sugar workers having not been granted an increase in pay for the first time in decades. Secondly, what is also of grave concern is that they have not even discussed with the Union the claim that the Union submitted.

The law and the agree-

A sugar worker in Guyana laboring in the fields

ment between the Union and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) require discussions and negotiations to take place,” Chand said.

He emphasised that regardless of the fact that the sugar workers’ wage/ salary increases negotiations for this year have not been held, it is expected that the bonus which the Government was giving to other public service employees be given to the hardworking sugar workers as well.

According to the GAWU President, this should be done because all sugar workers in Guyana are consid-

ered to be workers of the Administration. “….GuySuCo is the only shareholder of the sugar industry. So by extension, GuySuCo’s employees are, in fact, Government employees,” he posited.

This newspaper was told that the Union was of the view that in light of the 2.5 days which are being offered to the sugar workers as their Annual Production Incentive (API) for 2015, this bonus will be gladly appreciated and much welcomed.

“The API sum will be paid till in March next year, so we feel that the Gy$50,000 should also

be extended to the sugar workers. This is taking into account what has been given to them: is more than unreasonable, it is a token; it is a pittance. So we are calling on the Government of Guyana to also extend that bonus, that sum of Gy$50,000 to every sugar worker,” Chand stated.

If this payment of the bonus being given to public servants is not extended to the sugar workers, this would not bode well as it would appear to be “discriminatory”, Chand said. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy. com)

launches Human Development Report

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nder the theme “Work for Human Development”, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Wednesday launched the 2015 Human Development Report (HDR) at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre in Georgetown.

With special focus on the theme for this year, Finance Minister Winston Jordan told the small audience of diplomats, Government officials and other stakeholders that the Administration was working on alleviating poverty by investing in ideas and projects that could provide meaningful employment for especially the youth.

He said not only did this year’s theme bring into sharp relief the benefits to be accrued to individuals from being employed but also examined other types of work not acknowledged in the traditional work sphere.

“These include care work, voluntary work and creative works such as writing or painting.

These now need to be considered. It is the importance of capturing these non-traditional contributions which allows the

UNDP Resident Representative Khadija Musa

human being to develop and reach his or her full potential. It is this perspective that will act as a cornerstone of sustainable development and will rely on the individual having expanded choices and opportunities for paid work. Further, exercising these choices will create a better world for our people in their immediate tomorrows, as well as generations to come,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, the report noted that the Human Development Index (HDI) in Latin America and the Caribbean still had great disparities, which were yet to be addressed.

In 2014, Guyana continued to rank as a medium human development country with an HDI of 0.636 and a rank of 124 out of 188 countries and territories. continued on page 8

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

New acting CJ vows to APNU, AFC divided address judicial backlog on marijuana decriminalisation

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Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards was on Wednesday sworn in as acting Chief Justice by the David Granger-led A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change coalition Government at the Ministry of the Presidency as Justice Ian Chang proceeds on pre-retirement leave. Also in photo are her husband, Dr Maurice Edwards, their daughter; Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh

upported by her husband and daughter, Appeal Court Judge, Justice Yonnette Cummings-Edwards was on Wednesday sworn in by President David Granger to carry out the functions of acting Chief Justice.

Cummings-Edwards took the oath of office at the Ministry of the Presidency, becoming the second woman in Guyana to be elevated to that post.

She took the oath in the presence of her husband, Dr Maurice Edwards and their daughter; Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams; Minster of State Joseph Harmon; and Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh, along with well wishers and friends.

Justice Cummings-Edwards, who has some 27 years of legal ex-

perience under her belt told the media after her swearing in that she will be tackling, with the help of her colleagues, the backlog of cases within the judicial system.

“I intend to look at the state of affairs right now and I intend to deal with backlogged cases. I intend to deal with matters affecting the judiciary – the smooth functioning of the judiciary and I intend to have all hands on board for us to work together towards having a system that will ensure justice is done,” she told journalists at the Ministry of the Presidency.

According to her, while the backlog of cases is nothing strange for any judiciary, she is of the firm belief that with “all hands on board”, with commitment and cooperation of all involved, there is hope for a much improved system.

“It’s something that has to be handled consistently and by all of us. I intend for all the Judges and myself to tackle the issue”, she said.

Asked about her feeling over the appointment, Cummings-Edwards said “I feel elated and I am honoured, and at the same time, it is a humbling experience”.

The longstanding Judge replaces acting Chief Justice Ian Chang, who goes into retirement in February 2016. However, Chang will soon leave the bench as he must take his retirement leave, which Government said is in excess of one month.

President David Granger, during consultation with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo last week said Cummings-Edwards was the “most suitable person to act in the position.”

UNDP (Guyana) launches Human...

Jordan told the gathering that as Guyana moved forward to 2030 on the path of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), collaboration has to be intensified with regional and international partners to build resilient and sustainable environments that promote growth and development at the community level. This, he said, will cater for the needs of citizens through broad-based participation, empowerment and social

cohesion.

He said this year’s Report cited the need to formulate “an employment-led development strategy”.

Meanwhile, UNDP Resident Representative Khadija Musa at the launch said the new global development report was an ardent call to tackle one of the world’s major challenges, that is providing enough decent work for all.

“Work provides the means to tackle poverty by being inclusive

from page 7

and protect our environment if jobs are green in a green economy. The worth of work is changing more rapidly than ever before. The question is: What are the best policy responses to ensure that the human development benefits from that change?”

She said the UNDP was hoping that the report would generate dialogue and debate on the challenges identified, as previous reports have done.

hile the Alliance For Change (AFC) faction of the coalition government is standing firm that marijuana should be decriminalised, the larger A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) component seems to have a sceptical outlook towards this development.

President and APNU Leader David Granger speaking during his weekly television show Public Interest, disclosed that government is already working towards reducing the frequency of tobacco smoking and therefore the decriminalisation of marijuana would be wholly contradictory.

“We have already taken a position on smoking. The Ministry of Public Health is preparing legislation to deal with smoking so it would be quite contradictory for us to bring legislation to prohibit smoking elsewhere and bring legislation to encourage smoking of another substance,” the President affirmed.

The Public Health Ministry is currently reviewing the Tobacco Control Bill, which will see a ban on public smoking and controls on tobacco advertisements.

On the other hand, Attorney and AFC Chairman Nigel Hughes is vigorously pushing for the laws regarding marijuana usage to be reformed.

In fact, Hughes along with another prominent Attorney Mark Waldron compiled a draft Narcotics Drug and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2015 which seeks to soften the penalties for marijuana possession.

This Bill is expected to be tabled by AFC Member of Parliament Michael Carrington when Parliament resumes on December 17.

Additionally, Prime Minister and AFC Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo had extensively spoken about the need for such reforms.

He stated that the current laws in Guyana were too strict and that these laws needed to be humanised.

“In Guyana, we are not traversing new grounds. We believe that too many people are in our jails today for the use of the drug. I don’t see anyone in jail for tobacco or alcohol and so we have to be careful that we do not criminal-

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams

ise our young people and condemn them to jail for the possession of marijuana,” Nagamootoo had declared during the campaign trail.

This governmental dilemma creates apprehension in the public domain, as supporters and stakeholders alike, await the administration’s formal stance on marijuana decriminalisation.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams had disclosed that government, even amid the increasing calls for a legislative reform, has not yet discussed the issue comprehensively. He noted that wide consultations would have to be embarked upon before government comes to a final conclusion.

The Rastafarian Council, one of the key stakeholders pushing for this reform, is scheduled to meet with the AG to discuss the tabling of the new legislation.

The legalisation and decriminalisation of marijuana is currently a burning social issue worldwide.

In Guyana, groups have come forward and pressed the government for a review of the laws; which they deemed as archaic. This call was recently heightened after local football star Vibert Butts, Guyana’s first World Cup football scorer, was sentenced to three years imprisonment for possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

The law currently stipulates that any person found in possession of cannabis shall be liable to a fine of not less than Gy$10,000 or three times the monetary value of the drug and a minimum of three years’ imprisonment. Trafficking the drug carries a heavier penalty.

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Still no report on Rodney Inquiry

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ven with an extension granted to Commissioners probing the circumstances leading to the death of Dr Walter Rodney, Government has not yet received the final report of their findings.

Up to late Tuesday evening, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams said as far as he was aware, Government had not yet received the final report by the threemember panel which was due on December 15.

Chairman of the Commission, Barbadian Queen’s Counsel, Sir Richard Cheltenham had requested from President David Granger additional time for the Commission to meet to continue further inquiries; however, this was denied.

The team, which includes Jamaican Queens Counsel Jacqueline Samuels-Brown and Guyanese Trinidadian Senior Counsel Seenath Jairam, was instead given another two weeks to complete the final report to hand over to the Head of State.

Head of the Secretariat Hugh Denbow had told Guyana Times International recently that Commissioners dur-

ing their last conference call had indicated that they were having some challenges with time, as they all live in different jurisdictions.

He said the Commission’s Chairman, Sir Richard Cheltenham had written President Granger last month. He could not say, however, what the letter was about, and what concerns, if any, were raised with the Head of State.

Commissioners and lawyers had in July of this year, blasted Government for what they said was the premature end to the investigation into the death of the Working People’s Alliance Leader. The contention was that the move would definitely rob the Commission of a comprehensive, thorough and fair outcome.

Rodney, a founding member of the Working People’s Alliance, died on June 13, 1980, when a bomb said to be planted in a walkie-talkie device exploded while he sat in a car outside the Georgetown prison. His family and members of the party he founded maintained that his death was the mastermind of the then People’s National Congress, led by Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.

President promises full support to Police Force in reducing crime

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resident David Granger on Tuesday announced a contribution of Gy$2 million to the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The money will be divided equally between the Force’s Fallen Heroes Foundation and its scholarship fund.

The President, who himself benefited from a GPF scholarship to attend Queen’s College, made these announcements at the Force’s Christmas Breakfast at the Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown. The breakfast was hosted

by Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud.

President Granger also used the opportunity to declare that while the Force has faced significant challenges, adding that it has ‘turned the corner’ and Government will continue to ensure that adequate resources are provided to ensure the security and safety of Guyana.

“I would like to say, without hesitation, that the Police Force has faced tremendous challenges but right now, on December 15 as we look back, I would say that the Police Force has overcome the most severe challenges,” he said.

The Head of State

President David Granger addressing the Senior Officers and Division and Branch Commanders at the Guyana Police Force’s Traditional Christmas Breakfast, on Tuesday morning, while (at left) Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, (at right) Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan look on

noted that the formation of the National Security Council has been instrumental in ensuring that the Administration is heavily involved in supporting and working with the GPF to ensure that the crime situation in the country is addressed.

The Head of State’s comments come just one day after the Police admitted serious crimes have increased by nine per cent.

Meanwhile, the President has noted that Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan is now obliged to report to Cabinet on the state of the Police Force on a weekly basis.

The President also

said that the Police Force will be given the resources it needs to enable it to make Guyana safe. He added that Government is working to have the Security Sector Reform Plan, offered by the British Government back on the table. “We have great plans for Guyana but those plans will not bear fruit unless Guyana is a safe place and the Police Force is central to the safety of our citizens and the security of our nation”, the Head of State said.

M e a n w h i l e , Commissioner Persaud, in his remarks to the gathering said that the new Administration has cre-

ated “a lot of hope” in the GPF. “I wish to say today that we are very motivated.

Our investments in capacity building, particularly this year, have been paying dividends. We see the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and crime intelligence working together and [they] have been adequately addressing a lot of the high profile crimes that we see in our streets,” he said.

The Commissioner added that Operation DRAGNET, which was launched on December 1, is already demonstrating some amount of success but did not divulge statistics on the success.

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Gy$700M hospital under Proactive approach needed to lessen impact of way for Port Kaituma climate change – Harmon

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ollowing a two-day visit to Region One (Barima-Waini) to assess the public health issues of the Region, Junior Public Health Minister, Dr Karen Cummings, in a statement on Monday, noted that a Gy$700 million hospital was under construction for the community of Port Kaituma.

Leading a high-level team of Ministry officials to the Region last Wednesday, for the visit, Dr Cummings visited the building site of the new state-of-the-art hospital being constructed there.

She was given a full tour of the facility, for which Phase One is being completed.

The Junior Minister was informed by the consulting firm overseeing the project that Phase One is to begin shortly which will result in the hospital being fully equipped with the latest and best medical equipment. The commissioning of this new facility is scheduled for December 2016.

The new Port Kaituma Hospital will house male and female wards, a fully functioning world-class operating theatre, minor operating room, maternal/

Junior Public Health Minister, Dr Karen Cummings

child healthcare facilities, dentist care facility laboratory, infectious diseases centre, pharmacy, radiology department, and modern storage facilities.

During her tour of the Region, the Minister also made several stops in other villages including Mabaruma and Matthew’s Ridge.

At Mabaruma, Minister Cummings met with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and listened to their concerns about the current state of public health facilities in Mabaruma and the Region at large, as well as services currently being offered. It was determined that much work needed to be done to significantly increase the quality of health services being delivered, as well as the nature of public

health infrastructure in the Region.

Meanwhile, at Matthew’s Ridge, the Minister said that she was particularly pleased with the physical infrastructure at the community’s Hospital, which was clean and obviously properly maintained.

She noted, however, that there was an obvious need for the regional administration to work in line with the Ministry in fixing many of the issues affecting Region One in the area of public health. There is a recognisable disconnect between what is seen as priority by the regional administration and what in reality are the pressing matters that are in dire need of being addressed by the regional administration with a degree of urgency, she added.

M

Some of the participants in the CRSAP workshop, including Major General (Ret’d) Joe Singh

inister of State Joseph Harmon said it is imperative stakeholders understand the risks and vulnerabilities Guyana faces as a result of climate change, and take a proactive approach to reduce them as the nation can ill-afford to be complacent.

The minister made this call during his address to participants at the development of Guyana’s Climate Resilience Strategy and Action Plan (CRSAP) workshop, held at Regency Suites Hotel last Monday.

“It is already an established fact that without action now, the impacts of climate change, which is already manifested through increased rainfall and other environmental anomalies, will become more frequent and occur with greater intensity. This will have deleterious effects on every sector of our economy and under-

mine our growth prospects,” Minister Harmon said.

Therefore, he added, the “do-nothing” alternative is not an option for Guyana.

With this in mind, and as a small state; a developing, low-lying coastal state, it is imperative, he added, for Guyanese to understand the vulnerabilities of climate change: “Whilst being aware of the impacts of climate change on our economy are admirable, that knowledge without an understanding of how to reduce our risks as posed by a changing climate is counter-productive and will literally ‘sink’ us.”

He noted that a ‘Green Economy’ would safeguard Guyana’s economic prosperity, ensure its environmental security and foster social wellbeing for all Guyanese: “Additionally, this pathway will also help the country achieve the 2030 Sustainable

Development Goals and other internationally agreed development goals without compromising the environment and our natural resource base.”

The workshop was focused on getting feedback from stakeholders on the Climate Resilience Strategy and Action Plan document. It consolidates work done over the years concerning climate change and identifies key climate risks and priority resilience building actions.

This will be a comprehensive, forward-looking document that will over the next five years, guide advanced projects in sectors that are prone to extreme climate effects such as agriculture, drainage and irrigation, health and sea defence.

Additionally, it provides a set of building actions that will enhance Guyana’s capacity for national adaptation planning and becoming climate resilient.

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Serious crimes jump by 9% – Police – 300 reports of rape; 133 murders; 112 fatalities

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he Guyana Police Force on Monday admitted serious crimes have increased by 9 per cent.

In a statement issued

by Police, it is stated that serious crimes increased by 9 percent at the end of November 2015 when compared to the corresponding period in 2014.

Among the serious crimes policed by the force are murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, larceny from the person, break and enter and lar-

at the end of November this year compared to 238 for the same period last year. Break and Enter and Larceny and Burglary have shown an overall increase of 11 per cent.

At end of November this year, a total of 103 illegal firearms have been recovered by the police comprising 1 submachine gun, 56 pistols, 28 revolvers, 11 shotguns, 6 rifles and 1 pengun.

This compares to a total of 81 that were recovered unto this time last

ceny, burglary, rape, and kidnapping.

A total of 133 murders were recorded at the end of November 2015 in comparison to 130 at the end of November 2014, an increase of two per cent. Of the 133 murders, a whopping 53 were as a result of disorderly behavior; 22 were committed during robberies; 20 as a result of domestic issues; 10 were execution style killing, 27 are yet to be determined, and one comes under ‘other’.

In addition, the report further revealed that 46 murders were committed in A Division while 23 were done in F Division; 21 apiece for B and C Divisions followed by 8 each in D and G Divisions and six in E Division.

The police also stated that at the end of November 2015, robbery under arms overall has increased by four per cent in comparison to the same period in 2014.

The statistics also indicated an increase of 6 per cent in the armed robberies involving the use of firearms; while the figures are almost similar in relation to the number of armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators.

Also, the police recorded 26 per cent increase in reports of rape, with 300 reports

year.

Meanwhile, in relation to traffic, the Guyana Police Force have recorded 112 road fatalities from 95 accidents at the end of November 2015 when compared to 130 fatalities from 121 accidents for the same period in 2014, a decrease of 21 per cent.

Pedestrians have been the main category of road users affected in road fatalities with 40 such persons having lost their lives at the end of November 2015. In addition 11 pedal cyclists, 28 in vehicles, 15 motor cyclists, 14 drivers, three pillion riders and one pillion rider on a bicycle also lost their lives.

Speeding has been the major contributory factor of fatal accidents, having been the cause of 43 of the 95 fatal accidents.

However, traffic enforcement by the police has resulted in a total of 50,715 cases for this year being made against errant motorists at the end of November.

Of this total, 21,576 cases were for speeding, 2206 for driving under the influence of alcohol, 1156 for using cell phone while driving and 2046 for failing to wear seat belt.

Up to Sunday last, a total of four more persons lost their lives from 4 fatal accidents for the month of December.

Mazaruni River accident: Basic safety procedures were ignored

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he lifeless bodies of Captain Roy Roopnarine and Trevor Persaud, the men involved in the Mazaruni River mishap were discovered floating on Monday.

At the break of dawn, the search and rescue team resumed operations after a tiring day of endless searching on Sunday and found the bodies floating at about 05:00h. One of the bodies was discovered in the vicinity of Karrau and another was discovered near Bamford Point area.

The bodies were taken ashore at the Seventh Avenue Beach, Bartica – where scores of curious onlookers had already assembled.

Roopnarine, and Persaud known as “Rope”, both of Itabali, Region 7 (CuyuniMazaruni) went missing following the collision of two vessels along the Mazaruni River on Saturday.

The captain of the other vessel Cleon Fortune, also known as “Tom” is currently hospitalised at Bartica

Scores of curious onlookers assembled at the Seventh Avenue Beach, Bartica

Public Hospital. He is assisting Police with investigations.

Fortune and Persaud were travelling in the same vessel from Itabali to Bartica while the other boat, driven by Roopnarine, was heading in the opposite direction when they collided.

It is alleged that neither speedboats were equipped with lights nor none of the men were wearing lifejackets.

Notably, regulations prohibit boats from travelling on the waterways after dark.

Meanwhile, in

an invited comment to Guyana Times International Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford noted he is disheartened about the accident, especially since the captains should have known better.

“From time to time, we’ve been talking, trying to educate our boat captains about the need for safety. We have been encouraging captains and passengers to wear lifejackets at all times.

But ever so often you see boats plying rivers without lifejackets and it’s disheartening,” he stated.

Bradford explained that traveling at nights is prohibited but if, for whatever reason, there is a need to travel, captains must ensure their boats have lights and that everyone wear the lifejackets.

“Let’s say, maybe when the accident occurred, the injury might not have been enough to kill them instantly and if they had on lifejackets, they could have been rescued. But without lifejackets, if you are rendered unconscious it means that you will go down,” the Regional head explained.

Alleged visa fraudster on bail

A

resident of Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was on Monday placed on Gy$100,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared before her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with unlawfully obtaining money under false pretences.

Sunil Das, 28, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that between 3 and 7 December at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he obtained Gy$500,000 from Deomattie Raynauth by falsely pre-

tending he was in the position to obtain a United States of America 10year visa for her, knowing same to be false.

The accused was represented

by Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat who stated his client has never been in trouble with the law and requested reasonable bail.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones did not divulge the details of the charge in Court; however, he made no objections to bail.

Das was granted bail and is to return to Court on 12 January 2016.

Sunil Das

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Gy$50,000 tax-free bonus Guyana Foundation stepping up suicide prevention programme for public servants – Opposition Leader welcomes decision

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ublic Sector workers earning less than Gy$50,000 per month will be benefiting from a tax-free payment of Gy$50,000 as a Christmas bonus.

Some 30,700 persons, including nurses, teachers, members of the Disciplined Services and semi-autonomous agencies, will benefit from this initiative, which will cost the Government over Gy$1.5 billion.

According to a press release from the Finance Ministry, the payment will be effected in December.

Former President and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, in a media statement shortly after Government made this announcement, said he was very happy that public servants would be receiving the well-deserved bonus.

Given that public servants in 2015 did not benefit from salary increases that were retroactive to January 1 of the year, Jagdeo noted that the Christmas bonus would serve them well.

He, however, questioned the Government’s intention behind this initiative, pointing out that when the new Administration assumed office, it declared that the

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

country was bankrupt.

“Yet Gy$1.54 billion was found to pay public servants,” he stated.

Additionally, Jagdeo said he was extremely disappointed that the sugar workers and rice farmers, who contribute significantly to the growth of the economy, have been once again neglected by the Government.

Also, from an analytical perspective, Jagdeo indicated that the Christmas bonuses would not be of much significance to households because of several adjustments to support measures.

“The measures of support announced by the Administration when matched against other actions taken leaves Guyanese worse off in a net sense. While some

public servants will benefit from the Gy$50,000 bonus, Guyanese have seen the removal of the Gy$1.67 billion cash grant for all public school children, the removal of electricity and water subsidies for pensioners and the removal of other support measures – all aimed at improving the livelihoods of our people,” he stated.

Notably, in the seven months since the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration took office, public servants earning over Gy$50,000 received a 15-16 per cent salary increase while those on the lower end of the scale received a higher percentage increase.

Additionally, the basic salary was increased by roughly Gy$8000.

Also, in those seven months, the APNU/AFC Administration awarded itself a 50 per cent salary increase – much to the condemnation of the general public. Moreover, the Administration increased several benefits and made adjustments to several structures that saw Government officials being entitled to greater sums of money than during the previous Administration.

Govt focusing on developing ICT sector – Business Minister

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usiness Minister Dominic Gaskin has pointed out that having a developed Information, Communication and Telecommunication (ICT) sector is a priority for the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) government.

The Minister was at the time speaking at the opening of GTT’s second flagship store on Saturday. He pointed out that the ICT sector is a critical one for the development of Guyana.

Gaskin made reference to a recent comment by President David Granger who identified information as one of the four pillars upon which his vision for the development of Guyana’s economy will be constructed.

Against this backdrop, the Minister of Business noted that any investment in the ICT sector is well aligned with the direction government wants to proceed in.

Gaskin emphasised the fact that where busi-

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin

ness is concerned the ability to compete internationally, and even remain relevant locally, relies on the existence of a constantly evolving communications sector that can meet the needs of the most demanding industries.

“The growing opportunities for business process, outsourcing for instance, cannot be fully exploited without world class communications platform to support the industry. Our government would like to see the full development of our local ICT sector so that businesses in Guyana can utilise the

full range of services and technology that our competitors in other parts of the world enjoy,” the minister stated.

Prior to its election into Office, the APNU/ AFC coalition had airmarked the liberalisation of the telecommunications and ICT sectors as part of its 100-day plan. However, government is yet to pass the Telecommunications Bill, which was recently revised.

Earlier in the year, State Minister Joseph Harmon was reported as saying the BrazilGuyana fibreoptic cable project was being scrutinised by government since it is “absorbing millions of taxpayers’ dollars.”

The fibreoptic cable project is part of an Information Communication Technology Initiative of the former PPP/C government to bring cheaper internet service to Guyana’s shores from the neighbouring Portuguese-speaking territory, Brazil.

O

ver the past few weeks, the Guyana Foundation has made efforts to continue its mental health and suicide prevention program, by conducting training workshops, community outreaches, and other activities on the Essequibo Coast, in Georgetown, and in the Sophia area.

Late last month, the Foundation commenced a new series of workshops on mental health stigma, domestic violence and suicide prevention. This training built on work previously conducted by the Foundation, and was provided by Lauren Johnson, a GuyaneseCanadian psychotherapist. Johnson is currently in Guyana conducting inspiring experiential work to teach targeted stakeholders practical foundational skills needed to help those in need, and also begin the process of healing their own psychological wounds.

The first interactive training – on mental health stigma – was held in the Boardroom at Suddie Public Hospital on the Essequibo Coast, and was attended by local teachers, police officers, members of the Region 2 Working Suicide Prevention Group, and hospital staff.

This was followed by a powerful one-day domestic violence workshop in Sophia that was conducted at Love and Faith Church in collaboration

Anthony Autar handing over donated items to Dr Ranjiv Singh of Suddie Public Hospital

with Agape Network and a three-day intensive training in Georgetown for volunteers of the Foundation.

Community outreaches were held in Pigeon Island on the East Coast of Demerara, and Devonshire Castle on the Essequibo Coast, while Ms. Johnson was also able to conduct a session at the Queenstown Secondary School in Georgetown.

The Foundation was invited to return to Devonshire Castle later this month to conduct a follow-up outreach for a larger group of residents.

In addition to these activities, the Foundation has also adopted the medical ward at the Suddie Public Hospital.

As part of the initial donation to the hospital, the Foundation handed over a 32 inch flat-screen tele-

vision, two fans, and five large posters of Guyanese images that were donated by local photographer, James Deeges. These items were received by Dr. Ranjiv Singh on behalf of the hospital.

According to Managing Director of the Guyana Foundation, Anthony Autar the foundation is stepping-up its efforts in the area of mental health and suicide prevention because the local needs are too urgent to sit back and proceed with business as normal.

It is imperative, he said, that the people of Guyana are provided with the resources and support needed to develop resiliency and cope with various life challenges – and the Foundation will continue to do its part in this endeavor.”

No benefits for former Region 10 Chairman

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ormer Chairman of the Region 10 Democratic Council (RDC), Sharma Solomon has registered his disappointment after learning that he does not qualify to receive any benefits after serving for three and a half years in that position.

Solomon, who noted that he was just a few months short of the opportunity to cash in on the benefits afforded to former Regional Chairmen, recently brought the issue to the fore before the Linden Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Public Service which was conducted last month.

In his presentation, Solomon had told the Commission that he was informed that had he served in the capacity of Regional Chairman for four years, he would have fulfilled the requirements to receive

Sharma Solomon

benefits as a former Regional Chairman. The revelation, he said, was made by the Permanent Secretary within the Communities Ministry.

He further told Commissioners that he would like to have the issue reviewed, noting that it may be difficult for others who were desirous of providing their services as Regional Chairmen as well as others involved in the Public Service who

may be faced with similar circumstances.

“I would like to take the opportunity to say that I find it very difficult to appreciate … when asked about my benefits after Chairmanship, I was told that there was absolutely no benefit that I would receive.

I found that very disturbing and it had to do, in fact with the time of service …to be told you don’t have any benefits to receive would make it difficult for those who are with the necessary instruments and willingness and ability…If they are concerned that their benefits or their well-being will not be taken care of after service,” he stated.

Solomon served as Regional Chairman on the seventh RDC of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), from January 2012 to June 2015.

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New GPL boss in hot water again …denies allegations of subverting meter purchase process

GPL CEO Colin Welch

By Kristen Macklingam

L

ess than four months after being controversially appointed Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Colin Welch has found himself in hot water after evidence surfaced about his interference in a multimillion dollar contract.

This contact was for the supply of pre-paid meters. Reports are that Welch reportedly asked a supplier to lie about the specifications with regards to the tender for the supply of thousands of prepaid meters valued at over US$4 million. Welch has since denied the allegations saying that it was a set-up meant to frame him.

On Sunday, Director of Public Information at the Ministry of Presidency Imran Khan, via a Whatsapp broadcast told the media that Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson admitted he had received complaints about this particular tender. As such the tender was aborted; instructions were for the process to be ‘set aside’, and for it to be retendered.

According to Khan, this was more than a month ago, with the main complainant (to the minister) objecting to the process.

“Minister Patterson then instructed an independent review of the complaints. All of the main complaints were found to be invalid. The new tendering procedures under a new team have been set in motion,” Khan’s broadcast stated.

In April last, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) closed the bids with Tesco PLC, a British company that won the contract and undertook to supply the prepaid meters to Guyana.

It was stated that Tesco was going to procure the meters from Shenzhen Clou Electronics Company Limited of China to supply to GPL. Subsequently, one bidder raised an objection about the eval-

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

uation and award, claiming that Tesco’s supplier, Shenzhen Clou Electronics Company Limited, does not manufacture the 100-amp meters required by GPL. Another objection raised was in relation to the inspection of the meters. Guyana Times International understands that the almost 30,000 meters had to be certified by an internationally accepted laboratory before shipment could commence. Questions also surfaced over the certification documents which were presented.

As such, the tender board wrote both Tesco and Shenzhen, seeking clarifications.

It was during the waiting period for responses that the controversially appointed Welch allegedly contacted the Chinese company stating that it must also lie about having the 100 amps prepaid meters available in other countries.

The acting CEO of GPL was elevated from Deputy CEO – Technical following the ‘dismissal’ of former CEO Bharat Dindyal in August last.

At that time Welch was accused of forging his credentials. In early August, Welch had clashed with Dindyal at GPL’s Sheriff Street offices after the then CEO overturned a decision to send home two senior staffers.

Prior to that, his actions had landed him under the microscope when he reportedly instructed a metering crew to conduct a search on Freedom House for the purpose of investigating.

Dindyal had confirmed at that time that no metering crew is tasked with investigative works and he, being the boss of Welch, had been unaware as to what were the grounds for such actions.

He had acknowledged there was a ‘trend’ or ‘pattern’ being developed which indicated that Welch had been sending GPL crews to properties of persons who were/are affiliated with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

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Govt attempting Brigadier Phillips warns of tougher to breach Sugar action against corrupt ranks Welfare Fund T laws – Unions

Former First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar

By Kristen Macklingam

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overnment may find itself breaching laws which govern the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund Committee (SILWFC) as it relates to procedures which must be followed for the establishment of a new Board of Directors.

This newspaper was told that the Administration was attempting to establish a new Board although the present Board was still in place. Guyana Times International understands that the life of the

GAWU President Komal Chand

present Board, which is being chaired by former First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar, comes to an end in June 2016.

Reports are the Administration has already requested that nominations be put forward for persons to comprise a new Board.

Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) President Carvil Duncan on Sunday told this publication that quite recently a letter was sent to the Social Protection Minister, Volda Lawrence, notifycontinued on page 23

he recent heightened involvement of ranks from the various law enforcement agencies in illegal activities is an embarrassment to the Joint Services, according to Chief- of-Staff Brigadier, Mark Phillips.

Speaking with Guyana Times International, Phillips said: “It is embarrassing for the Joint Services; and we will deal condignly with any member of the Joint Services who are caught involved in any illegal activities; and even if they are suspected of being involved in such acts, we will ensure that necessary procedures are followed and they will be investigated.”

The Joint Services is made up of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Fire Service (DFS) and Guyana Prison Service (GPS).

According to the GDF Head, the various law enforcement agencies conduct regular training programmes to reinforce the commitment of these ranks, however he noted that there is only so much they can do.

“Law enforcement officials, they have to conduct themselves prop-

GDF Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips

erly. These things are reiterated over and over again during training programmes, likewise in briefing sessions. They have briefing on the operations that they are going on and at all times we emphasise that they ought to be operating within the confines of the law and be on their best behaviour,” he said.

On December 5, a GDF Lance Corporal, Aaron Eastman, 27, of Lot 148 Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was among four persons arrested on Robb Street after they were found with a quantity of illegal firearms and ammunition.

According to police reports, on the day in question ranks on “Operation

Dragnet” stopped a motor vehicle with obscured number plates at Regent Street and Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown, and conducted a search during which an unlicensed sawn-off pump action shotgun and an unlicensed .38 revolver with six matching rounds were found.

The vehicle was being driven by the lance corporal who was dressed in uniform and a hood at the time. Eastman and the three other men were remanded to prison when they appeared in court two days later.

Going back to November 28, a serving member of the GPF was reportedly involved in a robbery on an East Coast Demerara taxi driver during which the car was hijacked.

The Police had reported that the rank reportedly confessed to being involved in the carjacking. Reports revealed that investigating ranks arrested two of the suspects on December 5 in connection with the armed robbery of the taxi-driver at Bachelors Adventure, ECD, the week before.

One of the two men arrested was identified as a Police officer.

According to informa-

tion, the two suspects and a female accomplice had hired the taxi from Mahaica Market for Bachelors Adventure where they held the driver at gunpoint during which they relieved him of his car, cell phone and Gy$18,000 cash.

The vehicle was recovered on December 4 in the vicinity of Stabroek Market, Georgetown, where it was parked.

And back in September, a Corporal and three Constables were placed under close arrest after senior officials within B Division (Berbice) received word of them allegedly accepting some Gy$6 million to release a vehicle carrying cocaine and cash that was intercepted during a road block. Investigators had managed to recover approximately Gy$1 million of the money.

An Assistant Superintendent of Police was also implicated in the alleged corrupt act.

Based on information, Guyana Times International learned that the incident occurred on September 10, but the senior officials in the Division got wind of it almost two weeks later. The four ranks were charged and placed before the courts.

22 NEWS

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Goolsarran’s “audit” lacks Ramjattan’s excredibility and integrity – NICIL employee wins

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he forensic audit report into the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) lacks credibility and integrity, and the recommendations against the holding company is shrouded with biasness and prejudice.

Guyana Times International was able to obtain a report which contained NICIL’s response to the forensic audit which was conducted by former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran on behalf of the Government.

In the report, NICIL is contending that the findings and recommendations in the document are compromised and jeopardised as a result of the prejudicial impacts stemming from Goolsarran being sole-sourced as the forensic auditor of the state entity.

The audit report has recommended criminal and/or disciplinary actions against all those responsible for violations, including failure to properly account for state resources under their control.

But NICIL in refuting the findings stated the audit report does not point to any instance of a constitutional breach. NICIL made the point that Goolsarran, in the report, recognised that from 1991 to 2001, it transferred Gy$3.415 billion to the Consolidated Fund. Between 2002 and 2012, over Gy$12 billion was paid as dividends from NICIL to the Consolidated Fund.

Added to that, NICIL contends that Goolsarran’s position as former Auditor General and now as

Anand Goolsarran

NICIL’s auditor gives him access to information and knowledge about the entity that would have been based on pre-2002 matters and circumstances thereby introducing potential risks for bias and prejudice in the forensic process where there is a conflict with his predispositions and the status quo.

NICIL highlighted that this potential risk for bias and prejudice is demonstrated by Goolsarran’s emphasis on pre-2002 events in his executive summary and his minimal and “sometimes dismissive” reference throughout the report to the audits of the current Auditor General Deodat Sharma.

A second point raised by NICIL is the fact that Goolsarran’s appointment violates the spirit of the “Eligibility Clause” of Cabinet’s Terms of Reference, in

relation to previous audit services provided by the FA on the subject of the forensic audit. “This contention is even more relevant due to the fact that the forensic auditor conducted his audit for a period beyond that verbally communicated to NICIL on 8 June 2015 at a meeting at the Ministry of Finance,” NICIL posited, noting that the period is from 2012 to 2015.

NICIL claims there is no official letter of appointment naming the identity of the forensic auditor but merely a verbal identification.

NICIL highlights also that its contention of potential risk and prejudice is further supported by the forensic auditor’s two-part publication called “Accountability Watch” where Goolsarran, in his personal capacity, opined on several matters involving NICIL and made recommendations in his concluding remarks about what course of action he believes government should take regarding NICIL. These very conclusions were repeated in the recommendations of the report, NICIL posited.

Meanwhile, NICIL opined that the forensic auditor failed to satisfy the main objective of the forensic audit by failing to identify which substantive law, accounting principle or government policy was broken, violated, breached or ignored.

Additionally, NICIL stated that the report fails to distinguish clearly, which matters are legal matters and which matters are policy matters.

court case

– victim secures judgment in full

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Alex Higgins

ublic Security Minister and Attorney-at-Law Khemraj Ramjattan has found himself on the wrong side of the law, having now to pay in excess of Gy$266,000 for the wrongful dismissal of his former employee Alex Higgins.

On Thursday, Justice Diana Insanally ordered the Minister to pay Higgins the sum of Gy$266,000 plus interests and costs after the he (Higgins) was dismissed by Ramjattan

without lawful notice and severance after having worked for over three years as Ramjattan’s legal clerk.

Higgins was represented by Attorney at Law Charles Ramson Junior. Ramson in an invited comment, expressed his hope that this case be used as a message to workers across the country that they have a voice and that they should stand up for their rights. “It is continued on page 26

NEWS 23

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Another Guyanese murdered in Trinidad

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38-year-old Guyanese man was beaten to death outside of his El Socorro home last Friday morning at about 07:00h.

The man’s body was discovered at the back of a home along Mohammed Terrace, El Socorro.

The body was later identified as that of Andrew Garroway. He resided in an apartment near to where he was killed. Police have no official motive for the killing and according to reports, the partially nude body was found with its head bashed in. A blood stained brick was found near the man’s body.

The Police were notified and a team of officers from the Barataria Police Station, North Eastern Division Task Force and the Homicide Bureau visited the scene.

Only last month, Deokaran Sharma Seokaran was reportedly attacked, beaten, robbed and set on fire. The 35-year-old Guyanese man, who lived between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, died while receiving medical attention at the San Fernando Hospital.

Dead Guyanese: Deokaran Sharma Seokaran

According to reports, the man sustained severe burns to 90 per cent of his body. The man was doused with a flammable liquid and set ablaze by three unknown men after they robbed him.

Family members were confused over the attack and want to know if it may have been a case of mistaken identity.

One family member stated that while they could understand the robbery, the dousing with gasolene and setting him on fire after beating him, troubles them a lot.

Seokaran leaves to mourn a young wife and two children.

President outlines vision for Linden

BY UTAMU BELLE

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resident David Granger urged Lindeners and the rest of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) that it is time to build the community’s economy on the pillars of innovation, information technology, investment and infrastructure, emphasising that the “glory days of bauxite have passed”.

He was at the time addressing the official launch of the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) on Thursday. In doing so, the Head of State related that the community must be prepared to take the step to build that new economic structure.

He said while several attempts have been made to repair the damage caused by the decline in the bauxite industry, the Linden Action Plan (LAP) has been implemented in an attempt to create voluntary and educational schemes to assist with the developmental process.

Already, he noted, talks with Regional Chairman Renis Morian have been held to get the LAP initiative afoot.

Apart from the launch

President David Granger

of LEN which saw 40 entrepreneurs benefitting from small business loans, the Regional Youth Award Program also forms part of the initiative.

In an effort to advance and strengthen growth and development in the region, President Granger said government will complete the Linden-Lethem road as soon as possible, however, the relevant infrastructure must be facilitated in the community to give rise to improvement in travel and transportation.

“This is a great re-

gion as I’ve told you over and over again… this is a powerful region, there’s no reason for Region 10 to be poor. You have everything you need to be rich apart from bauxite.

You have timber, you have rich agricultural lands… you have some of the beautiful sites for the development of tourism… Linden is the belly of the country… I want to see this region (become) like a State”, the Head of State noted.

He continued by stating that the region is a unique one, since it has borders with regions 3-7, and also described it as

“well connected and well wired” to the rest of the country.

The President also stated his dream of wanting the region to have its own aerodrome and several other state-of-theart banks.

He said the region has a strong population and therefore is rich in human capital, positing that Linden alone can produce at least two million pounds of breadfruit each year which he said can be used to make breadfruit chips to supply the Caribbean.

President Granger also spoke of the importance of education in moving the community forward, stressing that he wants to see every child in school.

“Anyone who sets up any educational institution, any school or any fund to make sure that every child gets to school will get some help… We need aerodromes so that people from overseas can land straight here”, he said.

The Head of State related too that Region 10 can be a hub for more innovative enterprises, Tourism and also Communication Technology.

Dysfunctional neonatal ICUs finally fixed Govt attempting to...

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hree of the four dysfunctional Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) across Guyana have been fixed and plans are underway to open a similar facility at the Bartica Public Hospital, with a plan already drafted for its construction.

NICUs provide specialised care for premature babies (neonates), who are not fully developed and are unable to survive on their own without the assistance of monitoring equipment, incubators and breathing apparatus. The neonatal period is considered to be the first 28 days of life.

Four of the five NICUs across the country were not functional and were temporarily shut down. These were the Units at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, the West Demerara Regional Hospital, the Linden Hospital Complex and the Suddie Public Hospital. The only functional NICU was at the Georgetown Public Hospital – which was facing several challenges, including a shortage of staff, space issues and the lack of basic equipment.

Some four months after, three of the four inoperable NICUs are now working: the Units at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, the West Demerara Regional Hospital and the Linden Hospital Complex.

Public Health Minister,

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

Dr George Norton explained that the Suddie Hospital was still undergoing repairs, but would be up and running by 2016. He explained that the issues such as a leaky roof and the shortage of general equipment were currently being addressed.

The other NICUs that were closed down had similar problems except for the NICU at the New Amsterdam Hospital, which was shut down because it was infected.

The closure of the Units had severely affected the health care provided to patients in those districts.

Currently, one mother from Berbice is suing the New Amsterdam Hospital for the death of her child which she strongly believes could have been avoided had the

NICU been functional and adequately equipped with the necessary materials and equipment.

The Public Health Minister noted that the Gy$14 million from the Indian Line of Credit that was diverted from the Specialty Hospital Project was being used to upgrade the regional hospitals.

The decision to establish the Units at the regional hospitals was made given the success of the Georgetown Public Hospital NICU. The Guyana Help the Kids (GHTK) Foundation played an integral role in developing that NICU. Through the organisation, paediatric doctors are being trained in post-graduate residency programmes, and nurses in a neonatal nursing programme, while an infection control programme is being established and biomedical support and guidance provided.

Additionally, the Foundation has thus far pledged and donated all necessary equipment for the NICUs, including incubators; open care warmers; infant ventilators; Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines and transport incubators.

By 2017, the GHTK is hoping to have a well-developed neonatal network that would be handed over to the Health Ministry.

ing her of the situation.

“She wants to appoint the Sugar Welfare Board and we are saying that the life of the Board is until around midyear 2016.

So she cannot appoint another Board, what she needs to do is resuscitate the Board, but legally…you just can’t bring the Board to an end and create a new Board,” Duncan explained.

He told Guyana Times International that should the Minister desire to make changes in the makeup of the present Board, she could name a new Chairperson, but could not create a new Board while one was still functioning.

According to Duncan, Minister Lawrence recently sent letters to the Guyana Labour Union (GLU); Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) requesting that they nominate persons for positions on the new Board.

GAWU President Komal Chand told this newspaper on Sunday that in keeping with the regulations of the sugar industry liberalisation committee, the Unions are of the view that only when the life of a Board expires, it should either be renewed or a new Board appointed.

“The fact that the Board is not meeting, workers’ issues like loans, house building loans and other matters concerning sugar workers cannot be addressed.

from page 21

FITUG President Carvil Duncan

These are things that are waiting for a decision to be made.

Further, the employees for the first time are not having their issues with respect to wage increases addressed because the Board ought to be in place to be able to set the guidelines for the members of the Committee that they might choose to bargain with the Union,” Chand added.

It must be noted that SILWFC is a legal entity, which affords sugar workers the opportunity to have interest-free housing and house-repair loans within specific ceilings.

As part of its mandate, it assists sugar workers in the maintenance of proper internal roads and sanitation in their communities.

SILWFC has also been significantly involved in house lot allocation and water subsidies for qualifying workers. (kristenm@ guyanatimesgy.com)

24 news

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Gov’t under fire Brooklyn woman found …Private sector, human rights bodies slam APNU/AFC for “rushing” Bills through Parliament

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he Government is coming under more criticism for its “lack of consultation” on three Amendment Bills that are being taken to the National Assembly today (Thursday) for tabling and passage.

The Private sector commission in a statement on Wednesday, warned the administration about moving ahead in the future with legislation while not hosting consultations with stakeholders.

The PSC is particularly concerned about the amendments to the Antimoney Laundering Bill and being left in the dark about those amendments.

“There is growing concern regarding consultation and we would hope that this latest example will be the last piece of legislation done in this manner. Vital pieces of legislation should and must be brought to the attention of affected stakeholders from civil society and the private sector so that Article 13 of the Constitution is implemented”, the PSC said.

According to the private sector body, it “is as concerned as the Government is that the country should be compliant with international requirements but is equally concerned that all law-abiding stakeholders should be protected.”

And on Wednesday evening, the Guyana Human Rights Association also fired off at the government for the move to suspend the Standing Orders of the Parliament to rush the three

bills through the house.

The human rights body focused specifically on the Terrorism Bill and said the government cannot provide an over 100 page piece of legislation to Members of Parliament two days before heading to the National Assembly with that same legislation for passage.

The GHRA said it “is shocked by and condemns the intention of the Government to suspend Parliamentary Standing Orders in order to rush the passage of the Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist-Related Activities Bill 2015.

This affront to Parliament is compounded by allowing less than two days for Parliamentarians to analyse a Bill of 107 pages.”

It said rushing Bills through Parliament is only acceptable in evident emergencies where seriously adverse consequences are predictable and the Bill in question meets neither of these tests.

It said that in the case of the AntiTerrorism Act, the GHRA, along with others was invited by the AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers to comment on the Draft Bill in July 2015.

According to the body, a GHRA submission which benefitted from local and overseas expertise recommending well over thirty amendments was submitted to the AG but “not one of the recommendations from the GHRA submission has merited inclusion in the draft Bill to be debated”.

Confusion surrounds 2015 uniform vouchers for Hinterland students

Students in several hinterland regions are still to receive their 2015 School’s Uniform Vouchers

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tudents in several hinterland regions are still to receive their 2015 School’s Uniform Vouchers, which were expected to be issued since the commencement of the new school year in September. This was what People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) executive member Gail Teixeira is claiming.

Teixeira, who recently visited Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) said this was among a list of concerns brought to her attention by residents there.

She added there is a similar situation in at least two other interior regions.

“We have done a check in the interior – Regions One (Barima-Waini), [Region]

Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper TakatuUpper Essequibo) so far and no school uniform vouchers have been distributed to any of the schools for the children in those regions,” Teixeira told a news conference last Thursday.

Teixeira said she was informed that the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) government is planning to replace the voucher programme with the distribution of footwear for students.

“There is a new development and that is, apparently the government is changing its position and saying they won’t be giving the School Uniform

Vouchers, they will be giving children school shoes and so schools in Region Nine, teachers are asked to measure each child’s foot to determine what size shoe they will require.

Now this is a logistical nightmare of no mean order,” she stated.

Teixeira said that even with this, there is still a cloud of confusion regarding the so-called footwear distribution programme the government is seeking to initiate.

“This development that we are now hearing about that the school children are being measured at each school to see what the size of their feet are, we are not sure if this is for 2016 school voucher programme or this is for 2015 school voucher programme, because as it is, none of the schools in Region Nine; nursery, primary or secondary; none of the schools in Region One; and none of the schools in Region Eight have received any vouchers whatsoever,” she stated.

Meanwhile, efforts to contact Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine for a response proved futile, as calls to his mobile phone went unanswered.

guilty of murdering Guyanese

Leah Cuevas viciously hacked away at the victim’s neck and torso — cutting off her head — during a dispute over money inside a Brownsville apartment building.

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New York jury has convicted a Brooklyn woman in the death and dismemberment of a Guyanese woman whose body parts were found on Long Island, New York.

Leah Cuevas, 44, right, was charged with

second-degree murder, accused of killing her neighbour Chinelle Latoya Thompson Browne, 28, left, over a dispute about rent and a utility payment.

Leah Cuevas was on Tuesday convicted of second-degree murder in the death

and dismemberment of Chinelle Latoya Thompson Browne, according to the New York Daily News.

Browne’s dismembered body parts were found in Bay Shore and Hempstead in July 2014 after a reported row.

P&P insurance celebrates 30 years of service to Guyana

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&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants last Saturday celebrated their 30th anniversary in fine style with a cocktail reception at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street, Georgetown.

At the reception, Managing Director Bish Panday reiterated his promise to deliver quality service to his clients.

Panday related that achieving such a milestone is of great significance to him and his entity: “We’re 30 today. It may seem like an insignificant number. In our industry that quietly plays its part in the development and wellbeing of our country, an industry of hard choices and even harder challenges… getting to 30 is a significant milestone with much to be thankful for and to celebrate.”

According to Panday the insurance sector plays a great role in the financial sector as well as Guyana’s economy.

He stated it is a challenging sector of business that requires tenacity and hard work, both of which his firm possesses.

He added that over the years, the success of the firm would not have been possible without

P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants, Managing Director Bish Panday

the continued support of their loyal clients, and as such he is very appreciative for their support: “Our clients have become our friends, friends for life. Many of you have been with us from the start so I say a big thank you.”

He disclosed that it has not been an easy journey, and has taken much time and effort to develop the firm to the successful level that it is at. ”Success in our business, in any business for this matter, is the result of hard work, and we have worked hard to build a solid reputation of reliability, quality service and trustworthiness. P&P is always there helping to make it happen with advice and action. In our business, we have always been mindful of the words:

“Give a man value and give a man service and you have a client for life”, he stated.

Panday declared his firm offers clients the best that is available in the market and that the firm backs it up with the service that is second to none in this country. During the course of the evening, tokens of appreciation were given to longstanding clients as well as an employee who recently completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

The firm is known to be supportive of a number of charitable events and sporting activities, and Panday is confident that as the firm continue to grow it will offer the highest standard of insurance and customer service.

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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26 NEWS

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyanese man wins US$750,000 lawsuit against Delta

Rupununi women excited to utilise business training

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former Yankee Stadium employee, who was wrongfully charged for smuggling cocaine into the United States via the JFK Airport after his luggage was tampered with, won a US$750,000 jury verdict against Delta Airlines last Thursday in Brooklyn Federal Court.

Roger Levans was arrested at JFK on 10 December 2010, after Customs Agents found three bricks of the drug in his luggage after he arrived from Guyana.

However, the feds dropped the rap three months later after discovering that his suitcases had been breached intransit.

Levans claimed the lock on the piece of luggage that contained the prohibited substance had been broken and replaced with a ribbon. But Levans lost his job at Yankee Stadium before his exoneration and suffered massive humiliation among friends and family, according to his lawsuit.

He slapped Delta Airlines with a civil case in 2012, claiming they were negligent in failing to secure his luggage en route to JFK. Levans had a “stellar” record as a security guard at

Roger Levans

the famed venue and was “entrusted to guard the executive portion of the stadium” before getting sacked, according to his suit.

The otherwise banal case drew headlines at the time because Levans told agents his luggage contained “cooked rabbit” and other food items before they found the drugs.

Levans testified at the trial that the wrongful bust has permanently polluted his Google search results.

Delta attorneys argued that the airline could in no way be held responsible for the presence of the cocaine and urged jurors to find the carrier not guilty. But after only two hours of deliberation, Levans got an early Christmas gift with the US$750,000 award.

First Lady Sandra Granger (seated, centre) is flanked by from left: Lethem businesswoman Shirley Melville (front row, first left); Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d), Yvonne Smith; Facilitator of the workshop, Wayne Barrow, and his assistant Crystal Baptiste as the graduates (standing, back row) display their certificates

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hirty-two Rupununi women are now much more business-savvy after completing a five-day ‘Self-Reliance and Success in Business Workshop’, held under the auspices of the Office of the First Lady, at the Indigenous Peoples Conference Hall in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo).

The workshop, the third of its kind, aims to inspire and empower ordinary Guyanese women to tap into their entrepreneurial potential and become successful business owners.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony last Saturday, First Lady Sandra Granger said she is pleased with the level of interest shown by the participants and assured them that this is not a one-off intervention: “We will continue to explore other ways to help you as funding becomes available, because we believe that once women progress, nations progress:” The Government Information Agency said the First Lady and her team were catering for a minimum of 20 participants as was done in Good Hope and Linden, but due to the overwhelming response by women of all the subdistricts in the Region, the team worked to facilitate the additional 12, making this the largest batch thus far.

Facilitator of the Workshop Wayne Barrow, from the firm Interweave Solutions, explained that participants have been taught the pros and cons of developing a comprehensive business plan with which they can approach microfinancing agencies such as Small Business Bureau, to acquire loans to start or expand their

business.

Grace Albert, a participant from Wowetta Village, is part of a women’s group that cultivates cassava and produces a number of cassava products including chips and cassareep. After participating in the workshop, she has now mapped out her business plan with short, medium and longterm goals for her group, as well as for her own personal business venture, a grocery shop.

Albert said the group is looking to increase cassava production and will try to get their products on shelves in supermarkets across the country. She explained that women venturing into businesses not only support their families, but also contribute to the maintenance of food security in her community.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Imacuelata Casimero from Aishalton Village, who said she gained significant insight into the preparation of a budget and importance of promoting the services and products she offers.

Casimero and the other participants from Aishalton have chosen to execute a project to benefit the entire community; that is to improve the supply of potable water by January 2016.

This falls under the community development aspect of the two-pronged workshop.

Meanwhile, Wendella Rohlehr, who makes a living by walking and selling Brazilian cosmetics, plans to use the knowledge she gained at the training to expand her current operations, firstly by registering her business and then garnering funds to purchase a vehicle so that she could keep up with her competitors. In the long-term, she plans to build a shop in one of the prime commercial locations in Lethem.

The workshop was funded by the Social Protection Ministry with support from the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry.

Participants were drawn from communities of: Aranaputa, Annai, Aishalton, St Ignatius, Tiger Pond, Karasabai, Culvert City, Parishara, Wowetta, Tabatinga, and Lethem.

Ramjattan’s ex-employee wins... a reminder of the institutional check on power which guards against the unfair treatment of people in this country,” he said.

During an interview with this newspaper shortly after the judgment was made, Higgins said he is certainly happy to know that he is very relieved that the court system worked in his favour.

He noted that a Court Order was already served to the Minister, therefore if a period elapses without payment, he will instruct his lawyer to levy on his property.

Higgins, who hails from Linden, Region Ten (Upper Demerara Upper Berbice) had told this newspaper that following the May 11 Elections, Ramjattan changed and had the em-

from page 22

ployees attached to his private law firm hanging in hyperspace as uncertainty loomed about their continued employment, given his appointment to the Government as a Vice President and National Security Minister.

A series of unfortunate events subsequently unfolded, during which Higgins related that he was insulted, disrespected and humiliated by the Minister- who then refused to pay his severance package.

The young man claimed that Ramjattan told him that he was not entitled to a severance package.

Ramjattan had since denied these allegations, noting that he was not responsible for the young man’s dismissal.

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Agriculture investment talks between Opposition confident Trinidad and Guyana at standstill of doing well at Local

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lthough there have been recent talks between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago about the twin island supplying Guyana with fuel, there is no word about the duo pursuing any deal, which would see Trinidad investing in largescale agricultural activities here (Guyana).

Trinidad is yet to signal its interest in utilising land in Guyana for suitable food production as it had done last year with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration.

In early October, Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Noel Holder had signalled his intention to raise the topic in Mexico during the convening of the International Agriculture Conference.

Minister Holder had told the media that discussions between his Ministry and Trinidad’s Food Production Ministry have been at a “standstill” for months.

However, noting the economic benefits that could be derived from such a partnership between the two countries, he assured that the proposal would have been placed “high on the agenda.”

“We are Caricom partners and so we prefer to have that kind of investment than even investment farther afield, at least the money going out will be within Caricom,” he had previously told the media.

But to date, there has

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

been no feedback about what transpired in Mexico between Trinidad and Guyana with regards to this proposal or what steps either governments will be taking as to the way forward.

One year ago, a number of Trinidadian investors representing over 15 commercial entities from the twin-island republic began scoping Guyana’s economic landscape with hopes of investing in areas such as corn, soyabean and fruits.

The visit in last December by the investors along with the then Food Production Minister of Trinidad Devant Maharaj, was in keeping with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2013 between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.

It must be reminded that this MoU which has since expired, would have allowed the twin-island Republic’s inves-

tors into Guyana for agricultural production, resulting in huge economic benefits for Guyana.

However, to date, since the APNU/AFC government has taken office discussions relating to the MoU and previous discussions between the two countries are yet to take place.

Previously, the Trinidadian Food Production Ministry had expressed interest in utilising 10,000 acres of land in Guyana for sustainable food production, but Guyana was only offering 1000 acres during the initial stage, had the MoU borne fruit.

The expired MoU had addressed programmes and activities, core areas of cooperation, monitoring and coordinating mechanism, mutual responsibility, commitments and settlements, rights and obligations, and scope for termination.

It had also addressed the need to improve food security and reduce the food import bill of the two countries.

The then Trinidadian Food Security Minister reportedly described the venture as a “win-win” situation for both countries; explaining that investors with the finance and technology who have no lands in Trinidad to do large-scale farming can turn to Guyana without affecting local formers and improve infrastructure and create employment.

Govt polls – Rohee

By Kristen Macklingam

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s Guyana continues to prepare for the upcoming and long-awaited Local Government Elections (LGE), the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), is confident it will excel in the 18 March 2016 polls.

General Secretary of the Party Clement Rohee told reporters during a media briefing on Monday the PPP/C is in an “excellent” position for the upcoming polls.

“Unlike the APNU/AFC coalition, which is now in government, the people have judged them upon their record whereas when they were in the Opposition they could have made a lot of promises. Well, they will be judged on the basis of their records short as it would have been. We would be judged on the basis of what we have been calling for as an Opposition Party since we got in Opposition,” he declared.

According to Rohee, the PPP/C is “stronger” regardless of government can “ride on the crest” of the delivery of programmes and policies.

“The Party has its machinery and in the LGE as we did in the General Elections we proved that our machinery was still effective. The fact that we have 32 seats in the National Assembly and the fact that we have seven of the Regions under our control is I think a…manifestation of the

Clement Rohee

Party…” Rohee posited.

The General Secretary also stated that in relation to the works the APNU/AFC coalition has executed to date since it took office some seven months ago, appraising the government, Rohee stated he would issue the administration with an “F” Grade.

He explained that he and the rest of the PPP/C were not grading the government with an “F” merely because the Party is in Opposition but because the performance or lack thereof has been observed by the Party as well as citizens in the country thus far. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

28 news

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Reform necessary for PPP/C to win future elections

By KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

S

cores of residents in the Success and Industry Villages, East Coast Demerara (ECD) turned up to have dialogue with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo last Thursday night at PPP/C community meetings where he lashed out at members of his Party, citing they had become “complacent” and “lazy”.

He stated that coupled with this was the fact that many Party individuals also became arrogant and as a result lost touch with the Party’s “bases”. These failures are what led the PPP/C to be in the position it is at the moment.

According to the Opposition Leader, the Party needs to be re-

built, restructured and reformed to allow major changes which will ensure the PPP/C regains the power it has lost through whatever reasons.

He posited that the PPP/C needs more women and youth involved at all levels and the reconstructed Party will ensure “there is no room for arrogance”.

It was also noted that the older members – stalwarts – who have been functioning in senior capacities of the Party will also “come back” as mentors to the young and new members.

Meanwhile, he explained that the second reason the PPP/C lost the recent elections was because many of its supporters had believed the “promises” made by the

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

APNU/AFC during the campaigning season.

“They used Ramjattan and Nagamootoo as the Trojan horses to carry the message to our base because they couldn’t use APNU. They had to use people who were in our party. People who people

might still listen to,” he noted.

He reminded that the coalition government when it was in opposition had trumpeted that sugar workers and rice farmers should have and could have been paid much more than what the PPP/C was giving them.

They promised that if given the opportunity to succeed to office by winning the Elections the coalition would ensure sugar workers receive 20 per cent increase in their salaries/wages and rice farmers benefit from Gy$9000 per bag of their produce.

However, to date, the APNU/AFC government has failed to honour such promises to the populace, promises that resulted in the coalition receiving more support, and the

PPP/C’s support base being reduced.

“Thirdly, what caused our support to dwindle was we have an entire generation under 30 (years) that doesn’t know the PNC… only know the PPP/C in power… They never had a frame of reference to compare… The whole message of change was a very strong one and they thought that change could only mean better but now they see it is not,” Jagdeo further explained.

Lastly, he acknowledged that the “corruption message” and the “incessant” messages of corruption being peddled

by Kaieteur News and Stabroek News on a daily basis while the PPP/C was in government played a critical role in the Party’s support base

not remaining strong or even expanding.

However, the APNU/ AFC government has been in power over six months to date and the populace can “see for themselves” that the change many had voted for was not for the better.

“I think that the people who left us, that many of them are coming back to us. This government, the president has already made it clear with regards to the rice industry that this is a private industry; destroying it from the first week they were in office… The sugar workers did not get their 20 per cent increase, the pensioners did not get what they expected, and the Value Added Tax (VAT) remains,” Jagdeo added. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

Air Services Ltd launches US to initiate young political Engineering School leaders programme 2016 LGE…

W

A

The new students of the recently established Aeronautical Engineering School pose with officials of ASL and CAL at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Thursday

ir Services Limited (ASL) last Thursday introduced its first batch of engineering trainees, as the air service provider announced the launch of its Aeronautical Engineering School.

Six employees of domestic air carrier were selected earlier this year to be the first batch of engineering students of the Aeronautical engineering school at the ASL hanger at Ogle International Airport (OAI).

They include Jerick Austin, Surrendra Udiaram, Abdul Khan and Sherwin King.

The students, who began training and studies since last year, began the official round of the programme in October, when the school received its certification from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

As part of their training, which has already closed for the year, the students on Thursday flew from the OIA to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), to meet with engineers of Caribbean Airlines (CAL), where they were given practical experiences into the operations of major air-

craft.

ASL’s manager Annette Arjune-Martins spoke to the media at CJIA, explaining that the training is well rounded with both theoretical and practical instructions, noting that students are even allowed the scope to move on to becoming engineering pilots.

According to ASL, in keeping with its corporate social responsibility, Caribbean Airlines facilitated the large pressurized aircraft familiarization training programme.

The air service provider said since 2003, it has been actively engaged in the development of its maintenance and engineering personnel through a wide array of training initiatives.

It said students joining the new programme will have an opportunity to obtain the required basic theoretical knowledge while building professional capacity and hands-on experience on the most diverse fleet of fixed and rotor wing aircraft.

Since 2008, according to ASL, CAL has been collaborating with the local aviation sector by

lending support to train young aspiring Aircraft Maintenance Engineers via its Internship (Work study) Programme.

This programme, it said, has seen the development of many young Guyanese looking to establish a career in the industry. Out of this synergy, students of the local engineering school have moved on to other related aviation agencies across the globe while others are being utilised

by Caribbean Airlines and the local aviation industry.

The air service provider said the young trainees under its wing have so far been able to hone their skills by acclimatising themselves with the rigors of Line Maintenance in Guyana and the intricacies of Base-Maintenance which will be done in neighbouring Trinidad. They will be able to also obtain their Trinidadian and Guyanese Maintenance Engineer’s Licence along with a wide array of systems knowledge on large pressurized airplanes such as the B737-800, B767-300, and ATR 72600; none of which exists on the Guyana aircraft registry.

ith Local Government Elections (LGE) set to commence early next year, the United States Embassy in Georgetown said it is set to commence its young political leaders programme by January 2016.

US Ambassador Perry Holloway last Thursday told this newspaper that the programme which begins some two months before the scheduled date for LGEs will primarily deal with voters’ education and encouraging persons to go out to vote.

“We wouldn’t be starting till January and it’s primarily voters’ education and getting people to go out and vote. It has nothing to do with any political party, just encouraging young people to go out and vote, saying young people, here is your opportunity to make a difference, have a say”, Holloway told Guyana Times International in an invited comment.

Other parts of the programme include youth at risk, improving their situation and providing information on job security.

The US Government earlier this year, announced a new aid programme valued at some US$750,000 that will be used to fund the young political leaders programme.

The new programme will replace the controversial LEAD project, which was implemented under the Donald Ramotar Administration some two years ago, and

US Ambassador Perry Holloway

which came to an end earlier this year.

Last year, Chiefof-Party of the LEAD Project Glen Bradbury held a number of consultations, including town hall meetings across Guyana.

There, Guyanese were said to be a part of the advancement of democracy; the objective of the International Republican Institute (IRI) which was at the forefront of the LEAD project.

The IRI has also been instrumental in offering assistance to the National Council of Youth, carrying out numerous training sessions with youth groups across the country. The other aspects of the LEAD project included women and gender groups, local government and the National Assembly.

The US embassy had reported late last year that the USAID and IRI had held dialogue with

a wide cross-section of stakeholders to implement the programme’s activities in key areas.

Other parts of the programme include youth at risk, improving their situation, and providing information on job security.

Chargé d’Affaires Bryan Hunt told this publication recently that his Government remains committed to working with the new Government to find ways of supporting democracy and governance.

He had indicated that discussions on the parameters of possible future programming were at the time on-stream.

The LEAD project had as its main focus, supporting stakeholders’ efforts to promote effective and responsive democratic institutions and the strengthening of political and consensus-building processes and skills through programmed components.

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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30 feature

F

eed a Child for the Holidays is a vibrant group of humanitarians who enjoy giving back to their communities and spreading Christmas cheer.

Established in December 2007, Feed a Child for the Holidays is a private non-profit group dedicated to making a humanitarian effort to share the spirit of Christmas. The group endeavours to bring gifts, food items, basic necessities, encouragement and love to the less fortunate children in Guyana.

Feed a Child for the Holidays objectives are to raise awareness of the plight of orphaned children in Guyana and to provide assistance – whether emotional, financial or physical – to under-privileged children, wherever they may be.

The group is made up of young professionals and students, Tannylee Fung, Schemel Patrick, Natasha Backer, Teisha Milner, Keisha Assanah, Rhonda Bourne, Maren Oxford, Dionne Cush and Alana Lowton, who are determined to continue to bring joy and love to children who really need it.

In an interview with

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Feed a Child for the Holidays

Sunday Times Magazine, Schemel Patrick said every year herself and team endeavour to put smiles on children’s faces by extending their love, time and support.

This year the humanitarians hope to reach even more children. Additionally, they wish to garner as much support as possible for the children and their homes.

Over the past eight years, they received tremendous support from a number of individuals and organisations, and hope this year will be no different.

“The best gift at Christmas is not one that’s received, but it’s in the happiness and joy we see on the faces of those children when we visit and time spent with them,” expressed Patrick.

Last year, the group focused on two children’s homes. This year they are reaching out to three: the Red Cross Convalescent Home, the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre (with the assistance of DIGICEL and their ambassador Christopher Barnwell), and the Sophia Care Centre.

Feed a Child for the Holidays enjoys lunch or

snacks with the children and present them with gifts and other goodies.

The group is also trying to collaborate with a new group or personality to

knowing that you’re giving with a heart filled with kindness and love.

Knowing that you're able to play a part in putting a smile on a child’s face

me to want to be a part of this amazing activity of bringing smiles to the faces of children every Christmas,” Dionne Cush revealed.

Children are happy with their gifts at a past Feed a Child for the Holidays event

expand their outreach work.

“The passion of giving comes naturally. It is fully realised when smiles are shared between Feed a Child and the children,” Keisha Assanah said.

“For me, it’s not just about giving back but

and that you're able to contribute to their happiest and development even in the smallest way possible. And what better time to do that than Christmas, a season filled with peace, love and goodwill,” Teisha Milner declared.

“I am extremely passionate about helping the less fortunate and atrisk youths. Not only at Christmas, but throughout the year, I do this through my involvement as a peer educator of voluntary school clubs and the volunteerism support platform. Spreading cheer is embedded in me, it’s my happiness, it’s my good deed each day, it’s the reason I am as cheerful as I am, and it’s the fuel that propels

Maren Oxford said: “It’s always better to give than to receive especially at Christmas, since giving is the reason for the season. The smiles, cheers and laughter are heart-warming and ignite in you the desire to want to do more for them. It is for this reason that I hope Feed a Child can one day expand its wings to spread Christmas cheer to many more homes in and around Guyana.”

Feed a Child for the Holidays operates entirely on donations from public-spirited citizens and corporate Guyana.

Through its Facebook page, the group is able to connect with individuals who want to contribute.

“We encourage per-

sons to message, call or reach out to one of the members of the group if they’re desirous of contributing to one or more of our activities. We also partner with youth organisations, including the Guyana Girl Guides Association, and last year the Caribbean Youth Environment Network – Guyana (this group has expressed interest in working with us this year). The response is always overwhelming. At Christmas, persons are always looking to participate in one goodwill activity or another. As an already established group, Feed a Child for the Holidays provides that platform for persons to make worthy donations to various children’s groups all in the spirit of giving. I think it is important that we express heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has assisted us in one way or another over the years.

Our corporate sponsors over the years have been German’s Restaurant, Sterling Products and Edward B. Beharry and Company. Some people ask about our activities even before we announce them,” Patrick noted.

Apart from Christmas gifts, Feed a Child for the Holidays welcomes food and school supplies, basic necessities and clothing for children.

Visit Feed a Child for the Holidays on Facebook, or call 687-5363 and 6997704.

“We also would like to encourage more persons to take part in random and simple acts of kindness, not only at Christmas, but throughout the year,” Patrick encouraged.

feature 31

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

F

or the holidays we tend to focus more on buying imported cards and gifts, because we want to give our best for the season – to such an extent that we don’t give buying local a second thought.

Well, local artisan Lawanda Pillay is changing that.

With beautiful, festive handcrafted décor, gifts and cards, Pillay’s offerings will leave you breathless.

“When it comes to all the handy stuff, I would say it’s a natural talent I possess. I’m selftaught, but I do have a formal education in interior designing, which I graduated with distinction from the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education. I also attended the Carnegie School of Home Economics where I did interior decoration.

Additionally, I attended the Adult Education Association, excelling in the Curtains and Draperies course. These are all considered ‘art’ related fields in which I specialize. I was also in the arts field when I attended St Stanislaus College,” Pillay said in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

From a tender age Pillay stated she had a knack for making items by hand and drawing simple pictures, but it was only earlier this year that she decided to focus on it as a career.

Her first exposure was at Wedding Expo 2015, where she decided to showcase her talent/services and managed to “wow” patrons.

Now, Pillay invests much of her time

love with paper craft.

“I found myself becoming addicted to the site and started making samples pieces of my own. Of course they came out great, since I do have the natural

Inside one of the cards

and love i n crea t ing one-ofa-kind pieces through her company ‘Hats Off Sensational Custom Décor’.

She said she started the company to be an “independent woman”. According to Pillay, when she was a stay-athome mom, her laptop was basically her companion. Most of her time was spent browsing the internet and researching. She then joined pinterest.com (a visual discovery tool that you can use to find ideas for all your projects and interest). On the site, she saw some amazing handcrafted items and fell in Lawanda Pillay

ability. I realized that t h i s is what I wanted to do with my life; this is what I should be doing. I have so much hidden talent and I needed to make use of it. That’s when I decided to start up my own little business and Hats Off Sensational Custom Decor was born,” Pillay recollected.

Now the artisan offers custom-made cake/

favour boxes, invitations and greeting cards, party bags and gift bags made from cardboard, customized guest books, seating and menu cards, continued on page 42

32 FEATURE

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

T

he brilliant team at Kross Kolor Records (KKR) has put together a festive album, “Christmas With Us”, to ring in the holiday the best way they know – giving their fans and supporters the gift of music.

The album is a collaboration of Guyanese talents, and a project aimed at youth empowerment and showing the importance of working together.

Stemming from a previous album by the recording company, “Christmas With Us” features some of the seasoned artistes signed to the label, along with some new additions to the team and a few friends.

Unlike the previous album, “Christmas With Us” is a compilation of 14 original tracks – all written, arranged and produced locally. The 15th track is a remake of Dave Martin’s “Not a Blade of Grass”.

B52, VANiLLA, Ossie O, Tennicia De Freitas, Jovinski, Gavin Mendonca, Shawn English, Randy Kirton, T’Shanna Cort, Shivanie Bhola, Sueann ‘China’ Campbell, Romichelle Brummell, Daniel Dondre, Shaundelle JP Alleyne courtesy of Vizion Sounds, poet Leeanna Alleyne, steel pan player Andrew Tyndall and producers/ arrangers Burchmore

The group of talented Guyanese artistes who contributed to the album

Simon, Simeon’ LilJay’ Browne and Drew Thoven are the performers.

The album was done to showcase the talent of Guyanese artistes when they work collaboratively. It also became a project to give the youths a sense of empowerment, and for them to use their voices to make a difference in the way we experience music when it comes to Christmas in Guyana.

Instead of hearing how it is snowing and how Santa Claus will bring us gifts after creeping down chimneys, the album gives a taste of what Christmas is really like in Guyana.

On it you will hear about the hustling on Regent Street on Christmas Eve, spending time with family and friends, missing loved

ones and, of course, the famous black cake.

Kross Kolor Records has always been a front runner in Guyana’s music industry and with the festive season quickly approaching, what better way to celebrate it than with the sounds of sweet Guyanese tunes. After all, the season just would not be complete without some good vibes.

Mixing R&B, Reggae, Pop, Dancehall, Jazz, among others, the album has something special for everyone. It is produced by Burchmore Simon, Simeon Browne and Andrew King, better known as Drew Thoven. Each producer has diligently produced outstanding music. They have teamed up this year to work on making the

Christmas album a success – which it already is!

Producers’ profiles

The founder of Guyana’s Music Network and the CEO of Kross Kolor Records, Burchmore Simon was given the name “man with the golden touch” because of his cultural influences and artiste development skills.

Simon got into music at the tender age of six. He formed a band called the EC Connection and has survived almost 16 years as a professional musician.

Simon is known for his significant contribution to the development of Guyanese music.

Kross Kolor Records has officially been ranked as one of Guyana’s top recording studio and has thus far been the crowning

glory of Simon’s achievements.

Simeon Brown, known as Lil Jay, is a gifted producer. Browne got into music from a very young age where he began singing at church and developing his musical writing skills. The self-taught keyboardist joined KKR in 2011. Since signing on to Kross Kolor as an arranger and producer, Browne has worked with some of Guyana’s top artistes. The avid songwriter hopes to become one of Guyana’s leading producers.

Andrew King is a young producer, musician and songwriter. He started producing professionally about a year ago, arranged tracks over the past three years and has been involved in film scoring for under two years.

King works closely with Kross Kolor’s producers and artistes.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Melissa “VANiLLA” Roberts noted, “Christmas With Us album is one of those projects where you are presented with an opportunity to create a difference in the lives of people: whether directly, in the aspect of working with and nurturing younger talents, or indirectly through the arrangement and messages of the songs that music lovers cannot resist.”

She added that when people listen to the album they will “experience a roller coaster of emotions.”

The singer also said it is “one of those projects that when you listen to it you can’t help but smile and be happy to be associated with it and be proud of fellow Guyanese.”

“Kross Kolor Records have always invested in talents over the years.

Before Adrian Dutchin, Jumo, VANiLLA and youths like Jovinski, Gavin Mendonca and Tennicia Defreitas, they were people like Miriam Williams, Sydney Chester and Kkode Redd. The investment in this Christmas album amounts to a lot of dollars, sleepless nights, special engineering skills, dedicated writers and artiste development. This eventually led to a product that we are extremely proud of,” Roberts declared.

This Christmas we want to encourage all to focus more on appreciating our local talent. Let’s blast our radios and stereo sets with melodious Christmas music sung by our very own Guyanese artistes.

For more information on where you can purchase the album go to Kross Kolor Records on Facebook, visit www.krosskolor.com or call 2266273.

feature 33

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyanese-American elected to Queens Civic Congress

Harbachan Singh (C) flanked by Senator Chuck Schumer (L) and Ashook Ramsaran (behind) and other executives of QCC

By Vishnu Bisram

G

uyanese-born Ashook Ramsaran, formerly of Bloomfield, Corentyne has been elected as Vice President of Queens Civic Congress (QCC) at the annual QCC Legislative Election and Reception held on December 6, 2015 at the Douglaston Club.

Ramsaran emigrated from Guyana in 1968 and is currently president of Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International). He is a board member of the Fresh Meadows Civic Association and Secretary of New York Presbyterian/Queens Hospital Community Advisory Council, among several other notable positions in prominent organizations and institutions.

Several members of QCC nominated him for the position of Vice President beating out other nominees. Harbachan Singh, originally from Malaysia, was elected president of QCC. The event was well attended by prominent legislators from federal, state and city levels.

The highlight of the event was the swearing in of the newly elected QCC team

by US Senator Charles Schumer who commended QCC for its representation and advocacy. As a non-profit organization, its contribution was more particularly lauded for the sacrifice of the members' own time and resources which they put in working so hard all year long.

Queens Civic Congress, formed in 1997, is a registered N.Y State non-profit organization representing more than 100 civic and other community organizations throughout the Borough of Queens in New York City. It is committed to the protection and advancement of the “Quality of Life”, to provide a forum for the civic associations and neighborhood organizations, to develop and present common policies and positions, and to furnish effective leadership and advocacy for the advancement of the welfare and interests of Queens' neighborhoods.

Since its formation, representatives of the various affiliate organizations gather to elect an executive and hold a reception. The group has enormous influence

on Queens politicians at the national, state, local, boro, and community level.

Politicians patronize the group’s many activities to build up political capital and campaign funds for elections.

The growing impact of the activities of Queens Civic Congress has drawn attention of legislators recently as evidenced from the significant number of officials attending the event including Congresswoman Grace Meng. Several Caribbean and South Asian community leaders also attended the event.

Radio PAIWOMAK

R

adio PAIWOMAK was set up for improving communication, maintaining Amerindian culture, educating people and keeping communities entertained.

Radio PAIWOMAK 97.1 Bina FM is located at Bina Hill in the Annai district, North Rupununi, Region Nine. It was established Sept. 19, 2000, after members of the early broadcast team attended radio production workshops in Trinidad. Some amount of training was also provided by the-then Guyana Broadcasting Corporation, now National Communication Network (NCN).

Radio PAIWOMAK 97.1 Bina FM is a partnership between NCN, UNESCO, Iwokrama and the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB).

Through this partnership, the communities were given a license to operate. NCN provides technical and other support to the radio. The NRDDB is a non-governmental organisation that supports the radio station by ensuring programme schedules.

This is the first and only community radio station in Guyana that provides a unique service to the hinterland communities of the North Rupununi District and some of its surrounding communities.

Broadcast started with volunteers Virgil Harding, Ellen Davis and Adam Nash, who pioneered the programming for Radio PAIWOMAK 97.1 FM.

PAIWOMAK Radio Station in Bina Hill

Virgil Harding in the studio

The word PAIWOMAK is an acronym of three mountains' names: PA from Pakaraima; IWO from Iwokrama and MAK from Makaranpan.

These mountains are located where the people of the North Rupununi live, hence PAIWOMAK means serving the people living at the foot of these mountains. The radio’s motto is “Today's First Community Radio for the Development of Tomorrow’s People”.

The members of the communities have a hand in putting programmes together, and are entirely involved in planning and making sure that the programmes are aired by the announcers. They also help to bring these programmes to life in the studio.

Some programmes aired include School/ Children's Story Time, Road Safety Tips, Amerindian Stories, Health Word, Makushi and You, Know Your

Language, Healthy Lifestyle, What's Up To Date (news), Eye on the Environment, Farmers’ Corner, Youth Vision, Village Talk, What the People Think and Easing into Bedtime – among others.

Radio PAIWOMAK keeps communities informed through newscasts. It educates in many areas, including health, education and environment. Through radio PAIWOMAK, communities have been able to learn from each other.

Additionally, it also serves to educate and empower young people. The station accommodates students from the surrounding communities making visits to the studio. These students may sometimes give performances in song and poetry, which are broadcast live.

The radio station broadcasts to villages of the North Rupununi such as Annai, Shulinab, Surama, Massara, Toka,

Wowetta, Aranaputa Valley, Yakarinta, Rewa, Apoteri, Crash Water and Kawatamang.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Virgil Harding outlined the many challenges that the station faces on a daily basis. These include the need for more electricity to power a big-

ger transmitter of about 1,000 watts; about 100ft more of the tower and some directional antenna; training in I.T. to support the other radio training that is needed, and funding for payment for those who work there.

“There is no directed funding that is given to this radio station. Its daily services are done

through four volunteers who get a stipend from NCN. Even though Radio PAIWOMAK continues to face some issues, it carries on being the main medium of communication. The radio station is a tool for communities to send and receive information in addition to the daily programmes,” Harding declared.

Villagers participate in the radio's programmes

34 feature

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

The Guyana Prize winners II: Subraj Singh

By Petamber Persaud

(Extract of interview with Subraj Singh in Georgetown, Guyana.

December 2015)

T

he results of the 2014 edition of the Guyana Prize for Literature were announced Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015. Subraj Singh was the winner in the First Book of Fiction category with his manuscript “Rebelle and Other Stories”.

PP I have been working in literature, particularly in Guyanese Literature, for a long time: over two decades,

SS But second youngest is still a big deal and I am so honoured.

PP Indeed. For a moment, let’s refer to my articles on the Prize where I have stated, time and again, that each writer on the shortlist has the potential to be named the winner. So indeed you are a winner; we may discuss the degrees and margins later.

I have not seen much of your writing; even now, we do not have a book to showcase because your entry was in manuscript form…which was enter-

no easy job. Your book should not be too difficult to market now it is a big winner in the Prize.

When you get around to marketing your published book, I will offer my help through my television programmes and my columns.

Still on marketing: during all my work on Guyanese Literature, I encourage young writers, emerging writers, please market yourself, meaning market you work – let the whole world know; now it’s easier to do this on the internet. One setback in sharing your work: your work may be so internalized or person-

from the audience and for you get to hear what they think of the work; and that helps you to go back, revisit the work, edit, modify and try it again. So it is very important for writers/artists to display their work.

PP There are not too many opportunities in Guyana to display your work in print. There is the Guyana Annual, which I edit and which is marking its centenary this year – started December 1915. There is also the Arts Journal edited by Ameena Gafoor.

Writers ought to make use of what is available.

Guyana Prize for Literature winners from left to right: Subraj Singh, Stanley Niamatali, Maggie Harris, David Dabydeen, Barbara Jenkins, Eddie Baugh and Al Creighton who received Harold A. Bascom’s awards in his absence, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (centre) presented the awards

and I am getting the feel that the literaturescape is changing.The change is noticeable. In the previous outing of the Guyana Prize, there were four local writers winning in various categories. Four local resident Guyanese writers!

For the 2014 Guyana Prize [awarded in December 2015], you – Subraj Singh – have been crowned the winner in the First Book of Fiction Category; congratulations. But that is just one part of the success story; one part of your achievement in this competition.

You have also become the youngest winner of the Prize….

SS Actually, I just found out that Ruel Johnson remains the youngest writer to win the Prize; this is according to a Kaieteur News article, which was confirmed by Ruel on social media. This means I’m the second youngest writer to have won the Prize….

PP Oh, thanks for the update…

tained by the committee managing the Prize and considered by the panel of judges.

SS I think that goes to show that there are many talented writers who have neither sought out the opportunity for publishing nor were granted the opportunity for publishing. I think having your book published is a big deal – but in Guyana, publishing is [a] complicated and complex issue. But there are talented people who, for one reason or the other, have not been published as yet – and this does not mean that those works are not as good as the published ones.

PP Good point.

Writers will always write whether the climate is right or not, in fact, some of the best writings come out of periods deemed to be not conducive.The climate for publication is another concern because publishing is precarious business where the publisher thinks about making a profit on his/her investment.

Marketing a book is

alized that it is seemingly awkward to share, to share that what may be interpreted as your experiences. But that is the best place to write from.

I don’t know much of your writing so I will have to ask: where do you write from Subraj?

SS I think all writers write from a personal perspective; we were taught to write what we know and I think even if you write fantasy or surrealist literature, it always comes back to…the core of it is always something you know and familiar with.

Now about writers marketing themselves: I think it is very, very important for writers to share their writing, they need to let their friends read it, they need to let their families read it; they need to go to poetry events and storytelling events and promote the work because that is the only way they will get criticism – which is invaluable. That is the way they get to promote their work and themselves, and it creates that opportunity to get feedback

SS Absolutely.

PP You need to make use of any forum, any gathering which brings literature alive and there a quite a few – World Poetry Day, World Storytelling Day, World Book Day, the National Drama Festival….

SS The National Drama Festival is a truly spectacular literary event. And I think people forget that because when they think of drama, their thoughts are on what’s happening on stage, and not on the literature - the writing which is the core of drama; you cannot do drama without that script – the writing of the play.

Drama is very, very literary. And the Drama Festival is a very important literary event.

PP Excellent point.

Let me stretch this point: drama is the best of both worlds – oral literature and written literature.

(To be continued) Responses to this author telephone (592) 2260065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

Shameless… …blame game by Govt his Eyewitness has just heard everything.

The Government’s complaining that the Opposition PPP’s only criticising them and not “helping”. One even posited that “Opposition’s part of the “Executive”. Well, talk about the pot calling the kettle black!! When the present Government was in Opposition, not only did they NOT help, but they actively SABOTAGED the efforts of the then PPP Government to guide our country through some pretty treacherous waters.

Take the Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill. We were told by G20’s FATF that unless we had legislation in place – for starters – we’d be blacklisted, resulting in all our international financial transactions grinding to a halt. So we’re not talking about a partisan issue here …all the Opposition had to do was state their objections – which the PPP assured would’ve been taken aboard.

But the AFC decided to blackmail the Government – they’d only sign on the dotted line IF the Government adopted Procurement Legislation. They were willing to play “chicken” with Guyana’s financial viability. The APNU were worse – they just dragged their feet with the patently risible excuse they wanted to “consult” with their constituency! What’s to consult on a topic where there was no wriggle room for whatever party was in Government?

The denouement of the recalcitrant spiteful actions to actually take the offensive and “expose, oppose and depose the PPP” was the “no confidence” motion the Opposition threatened unless the Government actually treated them as “the Executive”. Their one-seat majority in the National Assembly gave them “spunks”.

But what makes the Government spokespersons even more shameless was in reality the PPP didn’t unleash a “do fuh do na obeah” policy after they returned as Opposition. They offered right off the bat to help with the Budget – even as they were kicked in the teeth with firings and witch-hunts.

Their offer was refused. But the Government ended up with mud on its face when their ineptitude caused even the State-owned Chronicle to report the Govt “blundered” on the budget estimates.

There is a God! Then the Opposition offered to help with the numbers on Amaila, which they claimed were “inflated” – even after Norway insisted on giving us US$80 million towards its costs. PPP offers poured in to intervene with Venezuela on the rice-for-oil deal that’s gone sour. To no avail. And, of course, only the Government would pretend to forget that Jagdeo personally promised to help with some pending tax cases that could garner $20 billion to the Consolidated Funds.

But why continue with this litany of shame for the Government’s shamelessness. But then, they have to grasp at even straws to shift the blame, no? …on our coat of arms – Jaguar’s skin “Shameless” doesn’t even begin to describe Ramjattan’s crassness in refusing to remove the skin of our national mammal from his walls. And this even after Cathy Hughes, Minister of Tourism, personally wrote him about the ignominy he was heaping on Guyana’s eco-tourism drive. But it went even deeper – to our national pride, since the rampant jaguar’s on our coat of arms.

Can you imagine the Brits allowing PM Cameron – who once did unspeakable things to a pig – to nail the skin of a British Bulldog on his wall? And he’s a Prime Minister! But your Eyewitness’ upset because in the new picture that nailed Ramjattan as the troglodyte he is – the US Ambassador and his Chargé d’Affaires are blithely signing away grants to the wanker.

Have they forgotten the outrage America expressed when Cecil the lion from Zimbabwe was killed by the US dentist?

Does our Jaguar not bleed also?

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…fundraiser hailed as success

T

he month of December is known for many things; one song has quoted it as being “the most wonderful time of the year.” As the year 2015 draws to a close, December will also forever stand out in our memories because of this wonderful concert aptly named Yeh Shaam Mastani, hosted by Sangeet Samaj, which was overseen by our President Yogeshwar Jagdeo, and other members of Sangeet Samaj.

On the evening of Saturday December 5th 2015 Public School 268 on 175th Street was the place to be. As the name of this concert would suggest, from the very outset this was set to be a fun-packed evening.

Pt Ravi Rattan, our Treasurer and After-School Studies teacher, opened the event with an opening prayer and remarks. Imran Ahmad – television presenter for ITV – carried on the program as Master of Ceremonies with amazing energy and expertise. Between each performance, Imran enthralled the crowd with his wellchosen and excellently delivered shaayaris from decades of Indian cinema.

As the program was lifting off the ground, the children who are students of Sangeet Samaj rendered a beautiful variety of songs. Somesh Dhanpaul, Tarika Shionarain, Prakaash Latchminarine and Dylan Raj Budhu each sang a song which left the audience eager for more enter-

Top left - Yogeshwar Jagdeo, Center - Sonali Paray - Bhola, Top Right - Raj Kasinath Bottom left - Denise Ramdawah, Bottom Right - Hindi Class Graduates - From left to right Tarika Shionarain, Prakash Latchminarine, Anil Shionarain, Vinesh Holiprosad, Dylan Raj Budhu.

tainment.

As this was a showcase of a variety of talents, the audience was then uplifted by a couple of dance performances by Denise Ramdawah. Her dances were so magnetic that even a few members of the audience joined her.

Then followed a variety of songs from professional well-known artistes, namely Yogeshwar Jagdeo, Sonali Paray and Raj Kashinath.

Songs of old and new were ren-

dered most expertly to ensure that every single member of the audience was entertained.

A very classical touch was added to this already magnificent evening by the guest appearance of Pt Ajay Jha, a highly renowned teacher of music, Hindi and other art forms in our community. He, being the revered Guru of our very own president Yogeshwar, his performance no doubt aroused much emotion.

To add to the variety, a very popular genre of music amongst the Indo-Caribbean community – Chutney was sung by Yogeshwar who got many patrons on their feet with his good-quality Bhojpuri medley.

To enhance the performances, Shailesh Shankar, Anil Shionarain, Omesh Kemraj, and Vikash played a variety of instruments along with each performance. Without them, the music

would not have been so uplifting.

All of the performances were so electrifying that several members of the audience gave donations and pledges for individual songs.

Imran did an excellent job of encouraging people to do so. He emphasized the purpose of our fundraising – to acquire a center of our own where we can teach all of our highly beneficial classes.

Good work must always be rewarded, so Pt Satish Deo, Hindi teacher and General Secretary for Sangeet Samaj, presented certificates to the graduates of his Beginners’ class. The certificates were awarded to acknowledge that the children are now able to read and write Hindi script. The children each said a few words of appreciation in Hindi, emphasizing their remarkable achievements.

Yeh Shaam Mastani ended with a vote of thanks and closing prayers by Pt Ganesh Ramsahai, our Vice President, who had also been doing an excellent job of supervising things backstage.

Sangeet Samaj would like to thank all those who contributed generously to this venture, before, during, and after the event. All of the proceeds go towards us obtaining a community center to continue our good work more efficiently.

We are obliged to all of the performers and people who helped to prepare the auditorium and stage.

Also our gratitude goes out to those who provided and served food.

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This week's Crossword

This week's Puzzle

see solution on page 47

Leaks… …and ambushing ou Eyewitness’ been griping for months about the constipation on the dozens of audits the government launched as soon as they got into office. And suddenly we get one via a leak on the one Goolsarran was supposed to be conducting on NICIL? What goes?

One of the most trenchant critics of NICIL since he slunk back to Guyana, Goolsarran was also the Auditor General for the first decade that NICIL was operating – 1990 to 2000. You’d think he’d be disqualified from being NICIL’s auditor, wouldn’t you. But not only did he land the gig, he did so without the “competitive bidding” he’s always carrying on about!

We guess myopia on corruption does kick in when these types are at the receiving end of cushy contracts. But the stench doesn’t end there. We learnt today Goolsarran hasn’t even submitted the final audit to his Minister – but to the Opposition press.

This Eyewitness wonders whether the Accounting and auditing professions don’t have rules on this kind of underhandedness.

A letter from the CEO, Winston Brassington, after the published reports hit the streets, revealed there’d been a DRAFT report since October to which he’d offered a line by line response. He claims that from the stories in the press, none of his comments or identification of inaccuracies/misstatements/ omissions/distortions/ conclusions/ etc, were incorporated in the report.

Now this isn’t surprising since Goolsarran’s “Get Brassington” mission wasn’t a secret. Why? Who knows! Most likely it’s professional jealousy since Brassington’s financial acumen made desk bound pencil pushers like Goolsarran look like the rank amateurs they are. Those who can, do (invest and make money in the financial world); those who can’t, audit.

This Eyewitness was able to take a gander at the preliminary report of Goolsarran with Brassington’s observations – and it’s clear Goolsarran had to “cook the books” and “twist the rules” just to throw mud at Brassington. Take this one point – which isn’t incidental, since Goolsarran’s whole case is built on it. NICIL is a Private Corporation and is bound by the Company Act. The fact that Government owns all the shares doesn’t make it into a Public Company! So he insists once more – though he’s been rebutted before in the press – that Art 216/217 compelled NICIL to directly transfer its funds into the Consolidated Fund. He disingenuously omitted mention of NICIL’s mandate to invest its funds on behalf of government!

When will there be some professionalism in this country? A government representative like Goolsarran can’t use the ploys of a shyster to convict someone he’s had in his sights for years.

That just makes him and his government into bigger shysters. …and cronyism at GWI Back in 1980, Van West-Charles became Burnham’s son-in-law and was catapulted over dozens of party stalwarts and made Minister of Health – one year after he became a “Cuban” doctor. He was dubbed “Baby Doc”. It was an allusion, of course, to Burnham being like the vicious dictator “Papa Doc” Duvalier in Haiti, whose son and heir apparent was called “Baby Doc”.

Burnham died precipitately, Van West didn’t get to succeed like the original Baby Doc, and he immediately departed the jurisdiction for a cushy PAHO job based in his lineage. He returned in 2009 to bid for leadership in the PNC but was unsuccessful. With the new government on its “job for the boys” campaign, VAN-West was made CEO of GWI. It was Déjà vu all over again! He had absolutely no experience for the job.

But he had (personal) experience with cronyism.

So he just hired two of his (admitted) friends at GWI without even advertising the positions.

He said it’s OK – they’re “friends, not family”! …on frequent flyer Word is that not getting to chair the Cabinet, Nagamootoo insisted he wouldn’t be overshadowed

by President Granger on everything. He’s vowed to chalk up more frequent flyer miles than his boss. Such power!!!

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Sensationalism… …and yellow journalism he Chronic’s undergoing a makeover. There’s no question in its previous incarnation, the PPP continue the PNC’s dogged policy to have the state owned paper (as opposed to government owned) totally partisan towards the government of the day. So you’d think the new kids on the (government) block would’ve been changing for the better, no?

NO! The government through its Prime Minister Nagamootoo, pretty much summed up their position on what the Chronic’s “editorial” perspective would be on their watch when he tongue-lashed a reporter for daring to suggest the government could “blunder”! Toeing the party line would be the order of the day!

We don’t have to go far to see where the “change” is going to take the Chronic – straight into the gutter. The new masthead with 19th centurylooking font is telling: that was the era when competition in the British press led to what was actually called the “gutter press”. It would be later dubbed “yellow journalism” when the Americans jumped into the mud and muck. That’s why it’s also called “muckraking” and has been represented here for the longest while by the Kaieteur News.

So it looks like the Chronic will be gunning for the “Muckraker” title. Their plan is so transparently generic, it’s even outlined in Wikipedia. “Joseph Campbell defines yellow press newspapers as having daily multi-column front-page headlines covering a variety of topics, such as sports and scandal, using bold layouts (with large illustrations and perhaps colour), heavy reliance on unnamed sources, and unabashed self-promotion.”

The new Chronic’s headlines have been so “multicolumned” they take over the entire width!! They started out day one with “EXPLOSIVE REVELATIONS”!! in red. Then came “OUTRAGE”!! Followed by “BANDITS KILLED”!! And “SCANDAL”!!! There were the other smaller but sensational headlines on salacious topics. All with “large colour illustrations”!

One the third day came the announcement that p 2 would feature “a photo feature” – with the front page flaunting a buxom young woman, in a revealing outfit leaving nothing to the imagination as to what would be the nature of these pics! Obviously the new Chronic will follow the maxim- “SEX SELLS”.

But we wonder if that’s been approved by the President. Nagamootoo – we know from his history, would (and has) sell his soul to get ahead… but up to now, Pressie’s projected a more dignified image.

In fact, the word that’s usually invoked is “God fearing”. Apart from the scandal mongering and wild allegations that have no basis in fact (“Nagamootoo didn’t say suh and suh” that GTimes published) this exploitation of young women’s bodies reinforces the charge that this administration thinks of women as objects and not subjects.

Sex objects. …charges Anyone with any knowledge of law would know the law must be clearly defined before you can go about charging people. Anyone WITHOUT even the slightest knowledge of the law would know you can’t charge a person IF THERE’S NO LAW!! You just can’t haul a guy into a court just because you just THINK it’s unlawful.

But this is just what Chris “Lalloo” Ram did with Jagdeo when he got some Magistrate over in Berbice to agree with him that Jagdeo had committed “racial incitement” during the elections campaign. It was clear to one and sundry that the Magistrate was either as clueless about the law as the neophyte Lalloo or as politically partisan. They knew the political value of the “racial charge”.

Well… the matter was moved to the High Court and has just been thrown out. The magistrate is going to be promoted, we’re sure.

This Eyewitness just hopes Jagdeo hits Lalloo with a suit for “Malicious prosecution”. …blood money Your Eyewitness predicted the Reparations claim will be stilled by this government with British “aid”.

So now we’re hearing about the new Demerara Bridge to be built with a “grant”.

This country doesn’t need handouts – just that justice on reparations be done!

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com Splendid beauty of Moco Moco village (Photo by Matt Hallett)

travel & tourism 39

Moco Moco

M

oco Moco in Region Nine is a village at the foot of the Kanuku Mountains, home to the beautiful but endangered Harpy Eagle.

It is said that most of the areas down and around Moco Moco have been part of a highly volcanic area a

Dirt road into Moco Moco

long time ago. Persons with knowledge of lava rocks say there are lava flows and lava rocks all over, especially in the mountains.

With scattered traditional thatch-roof homes, Moco Moco’s landscape offers a sanctuary for nature lovers.

Windmill in the village

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esigner Sonia Noel’s chic collection was a huge hit at the recently held Music Fashion Hair Barbados 2015.

The prestigious event brought talent from the Caribbean and UK to Barbados for an evening of fashion.

Anya Ayoung-Chee, Project Runway (American reality television fashion series) winner from Trinidad and Tobago, started the showcase with a stylishresort collection of flowered flowing dresses and jumpers.Veteran Barbadian designer Ricky De Jude presented an edgy men's collection.

However, the highlight of the evening was Guyanese SoniaNoel’s collection. Simone Ward, one of the organizers of Music Fashion Hair Barbados 2015, said: “Sonia Noel continues to raise the bar for fashion in the Caribbean. She is truly an inspiration for Caribbean designers who aspire to make their mark in the Caribbean and internationally. Her collection at the Music Fashion

Hair Barbados Fashion Show at Spago Restaurant, Sugar Hill Estate was absolutely stunning!”

The white lattice pieces for men and women were stunning, but the black and white outfits were the evening’s hit. From cocktail dresses to the ultra-glamorous show-stopping final pieces worn by Project Runway model Akimie Worrell, Noel’s collection was the crowd’s favourite.

“I can only describe feeling like a queen in both her works of elegant, mesmerizing designs; however the show stopper was to die for.I felt like I was wearing the richest black and white design with details I have never seen,” expressed Worrell.

Noel’s designs created frenzy at the event, as media eagerly sought to interview the doyenne of fashion.

For more info on the designs featured this week, call 226-3099. (Photos

by Charles Phillips)

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drapery and valances. She also does interior decorating and designing services, whether it is a new home, office or just renovations. She adds a magical touch by incorporating her handmade décor, such as paper flower backdrops, which are currently being ordered for weddings and parties.

“The satisfying look on my customers’ faces after I’ve completed their items/jobs and they’re sincere sentiments are what keep me going. I spend hours researching and experimenting and the rest of it just come naturally. Come with any idea that you may have and once I can do it, I’ll make it a reality,” she noted.

Drawing inspiration from like-minded individuals and everyday life, Pillay hopes to expand her business once she has the financial resources and clientele. She currently works from home and only makes

items upon request, but in the future she would like to have her own store, in which she would like to sell solely handmade items.

For the Christmas season, Pillay is offering party decorating services in the several themes, including Traditional, Nightmare before Christmas, and Masquerade Ball - of course these will include handmade decor items.

“I’m currently taking orders for handmade Christmas cards and giving persons the options of personalising them with their own sentiments and/ or photographs. I urge persons to support your own, support local businesses. We have so many talented persons in Guyana who offer unique and quality products and services,” she declared. Visit Hats Off Sensational Custom Décor on Facebook for more info.

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The Force Awakens

Anu Dev

s I enter the final week of the thirdyear torture called “Finals” two things keep me going: the thought of returning home to Guyana to just vegetate for a while, and the knowledge that the latest episode of the Star Wars saga awaits me. “The Force Awakens” opens the day after I land, and I plan to be there with my popcorn and soda – and 3-D glasses.

If the IMAX at 42nd St in New York isn’t sold out, we’re hoping (my family, that is – film buffs all!) we’ll get the total immersion effect after Christmas. Now Star Wars is a franchise that began all the way back in 1977 and there has to be an explanation why the story continues to fascinate generations of movie goers for 38 years. There is – and it’s because its genius creator George Lucas has self-consciously patterned his narrative on

“Star Wars is an example of the “monomyth”: They speak to something inside us that wants to know how our world lives, that wants to make order of it and find some meaning.

Myths fulfil that in a way that science and facts don’t always do, because science and facts don’t always give us meaning.” – Shanti Fader, Society for the Study of Myth and Tradition.

the elements of “myth” as outlined by a Joseph Campbell.

Campbell had studied under Max Muller, a translator of the ancient Hindu texts including the 6000-year-old Rig Veda. But not only was he exposed to the idea of an activating principle (“The Force”) behind all reality but that all cultures utilised common elements of “myth” to transmit guiding principles to the society on living a better life. Did George Washington really fess up that he chopped down that cherry tree?

The counter to the Force – the “Dark Side” – is always threatening to overcome the Force in a never ending battle that is mirrored in our lives. The myths suggest how we may act in that battle to emerge victorious.

There was a discussion of “myths” in our dailies

recently, but this point seemed to have been lost – something doesn’t have to be “factual” to be “true” in teaching us values for living a better life. In Star Wars. Lucas created Luke Skywalker as the central figure of what Campbell called “The Hero Cycle”. In this cycle, which begins with a “departure” continues with “an initiation” and struggle against villains and finally “the return” – which has its own challenges.

So we had the departure beginning with “call to adventure” to Luke who initially refuses but eventually accepts by overcoming trials (the sand pit) with the help of a mentor (Obi Wan Kenobi).

In life we will all have to leave the comforts of home to “seek our fortune” – and this takes a certain amount of discipline and determination.

Then there is the

training – and while we may not understand why we have to be “tortured” unless this is done, a person will not be equipped to deal with the challenges of life. In the Star Wars Initiation we have another “master” Yoda training Luke with the light sabre which he has to master.

Many times (like now with these interminable exams, for me!), we wonder if the frustration is really worth it. There is also the temptation – in Luke’s life, the Dark Side, while for most of us it’s the distractions that range from partying to sleep!

But then one achieves the end of the training and becomes “God like” – in Luke’s case, a Jedi Warrior and goes on to defeat the then present threat from the Dark Side – the destruction of the Death Star. In the “Return” there are also trials and tribulations – and these must be faced.

The lesson to be learnt is that the Hero cannot do it alone but must form relationships that are based on trust.

While this might’ve seemed a bit like an essay for my Queens “English B” classes, I do think that in this Christmas season, we shouldn’t scoff at the myths that help to shape our lives so profoundly.

May the Force be with you!

Forgive criminals… even if they know what they do

S

atiricus knew change had truly come when Pressie announced the pardon of 60 youths convicted of various crimes. “Boys will be boys,” he said.

Confronted by runaway crime, the last Pee-and-See Presi-dent, Hyte, had announced the policy of “HANG ‘EM HIGH!!” So what if that policy stopped “kick-downthe-door bandits” cold in their tracks? That was then and now was now. And now was a time for forgiveness.

Satiricus was impressed by Pressie’s generosity and felt that some of the victims were quite churlish for protesting his decision. It was just their phones that had been stolen, wasn’t it? It’s not as if anyone was killed when their phones were grabbed. All of these thoughts flashed through Satiricus’ simple mind when over the weekend Pressie took his “turn the other cheek” policy to new heights.

After two armed bandits exchanged gunfire with police while caught in the act of committing an armed robbery on a middle-class couple in their home, the police eventually shot and killed the bandits.

Asked about this and other police killings in similar circumstances, according to the “new” Chronic, Pressie announced his new “BRING THEM IN” policy.

As far as Satiricus could gather, this was an expansion of the “Pardon Boys who will be boys” doctrine. In the “BRING THEM IN” corollary, the cheek should be turned even when grown criminals were deploying deadly force against the police. After Satiricus thought about the policy for a while, he reasoned Pressie knew the force deployed couldn’t have been “deadly” until a policeman was shot dead. You can’t have “deadly force” without death, can you? Pressie was so forward thinking.

But then Satiricus became confused once again.

Pressie said he’d be scrapping all the present anti-crime plans and going back to the one the British had drawn up back in 2008. This meant throwing out all the 15+13 Point Plans the PPCEE government had introduced and even the one by Rum Jhaat. “The 4am curfew was just genius,” marvelled Satiricus.

But wasn’t 2008 when all those massacres had been committed by bandits and the British had just established a new SWAT team that was to be killed by Feel-its? Did that plan encompass the “BRING THEM IN” doctrine?

“Not to worry”, smiled Satiricus, “Happy days are here again! At least criminals will be happy… and ordinary victim-folks should follow Pressie and be happy for them.”

And if everyone’s happy, what’s the problem?

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DRAGNET against spiralling crime

S

atiricus was happy that Guyana was catching up with the developed world – especially in the world of Police tactics and strategies to apprehend criminals. And it was all thanks to Satiricus’ favourite crime fighter Rum Jhaat. Most people thought Rum Jhaat was just a fella who drank rum like a fish.

That he did, but that was part of his training so one day, he could be in charge of the Police and all the other forces to fight crime. He was really doing undercover work in the rum shops of Guyana. And now it was paying off. Having identified criminals in every nook and cranny (that’s where most rum shops are) Rum Jhaat had now launched “Operation Dragnet” to nab those nasty criminals.

Satiricus was rueful that most Guyanese didn’t realise what intimate knowledge of crimefighting that seemingly simple name signified.

When Rum Jhaat was a lad growing up in the bushes of Berbice, he’d down a “half” of Bush Rum with his buddies, while catching “kaka bellies” with his cast net. kaka bellies would dart, jump and weave into the bushes and it took skill to catch them. That quality the young inebriated Rum Jhaat had. Then when TV came to Guyana, “Dragnet” was a crime fighting show he looked at every day and Rum Jhaat knew what he would do when he grew up. Dragnet was just like cast net!

Satiricus could still remember the opening lines of the show “Dragnet”: “Ladies and gentlemen: the story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the guilty.” And now here was Rum Jhaat at the head of all the crime fighting forces of Guyana, throwing a Dragnet across the land.

Satiricus just knew that the criminals would soon be dragged in like those kaka bellies in the cast net.

Who else but Rum Jhaat would launch an operation against crime when the Crime Chief said crime was not “spiralling”. The Crime Chief had figures he claimed showed while crime was “rising” it was not “spiralling”. Fact of the matter, he didn’t know how to fight spiralling crime. This sort of crime twisted and turned – just like those kaka bellies from the Jhaat’s callow youth.

But the Dragnet, like his cast net, would catch the spiralling criminals. If they jumped high – Rum Jhaat announced he would launch the Air Corps. If they jumped into the water, there was Rum Jhaat’s Navy to conduct “hot pursuit”. And finally in they ran into the bushes Rum Jhaat had his border patrols.

Who said “spiralling” crime couldn’t be caught? Take that…Crime Chief!

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

U

S-based Guyanese Enna Morgan is a military girl turned model, designer and actress, who holds her Guyanese roots in high esteem, something she credits for the successes in her life.

Enna was born in La Penitence, and grew up between Agricola and Kitty. Her travelling adventure began around the Caribbean and South America at age 16, but she kept returning to her homeland. She then left for Canada at 21, but again returned for several months. Later, she migrated to the US at 21, to reside first in Los Angeles, then on to other states and countries.

In Guyana, she spent one year at South Georgetown Secondary School, three years at North Georgetown Secondary School, then Queen’s College for two years where she did GCE O' Levels. She also attended the Brazilian Cultural Centre for studies in Brazilian culture and language (Portuguese).

In the US, Enna attended The Art Institute

Enna Morgan

in Public Policy (minor in International Relations).

She also attended a variety of non-matriculated courses and programmes, which included arts, drama, military and medicine.

In the US military, Enna was trained at the Academy of Health

An international fashion model

of Seattle (Associate of Applied Arts in Fashion Design); the University of Washington for a Bachelors of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Arts (concentration in International Relations); and then a Master of Arts

Sciences (Texas) in Laboratory Technology, and later at the Presidio (Monterey, California) in Arabic, then on to intelligence training.

“My first enlistment was in medicine, where I worked as a laboratory

technician for three years.

The second enlistment was in Military Intelligence for four years, where I worked as a linguist interrogator.

What I learned in the military, was what I needed most - the beauty and benefit of family - never had much of that!” Enna disclosed in an interview with Times Sunday Magazine.

Enna was greatly influenced by her homeland’s festivities and gala events, with the colourful dresses, lights, and general merriment and dance. These events congealed the nation and during these times all differences were forgotten. The harmony of lights, colours and gaiety remained with her throughout her life.

These inspired her to get involved in pageantry, modelling, acting and designing.

A staunch advocate for women, children and the under-represented, Enna has spent her lifetime being a voice for the unheard. This has been the reason for most of her travels around the world, especially her continued support and connection with the Navjeevan Centre in Mumbai India, where she spent much time with the women and children of the Red Light District.

Receiving numerous awards throughout her life

Some of Enna's stylish hats

and appearing on international magazines’ covers, Enna has proven to be a resilient individual, which she credits to her Guyanese upbringing.

“I am Guyanese in heart, soul, body, and mind. Every aspect of my life, thoughts, and personality was shaped by my early life in Guyana. I sustained the transgressions because I am Guyanese; we are industrious and resilient people, and I survived the elements due to the solid foundation of the Guyanese ethics. I succeeded educationally because I am Guyanese, we are a nation that elevates academics above acquisitions, and that helps to establish the standards for one's efforts.

I am successful in all my endeavours because I am Guyanese. I survived the odds in my life because I emphasised community above individualism. I am where I am today, standing in these shoes, because of a Guyanese upbringing, and that can never be denied or subordinated,” she expressed.

Enna recently designed a wonderful collection of hats, bags, and gloves – for the holiday season. The primary purpose of this collection is a fundraising effort to help defray the costs of being a Face of the Globe pageant finalist representing Guyana in April 2016. Face of the Globe is an annual international beauty pageant hosted in London.

“My future plan is to pursue film and TV acting, nothing more. This goal is a distillation of my curriculum vitae. I will always continue all the accompanying activities, such as blogging (travelinglite.co), dancing (argentine tango, west coast swing, belly dance, salsa and other Latin dances), travelling and studying cultures, and designing, as these are an integral part of who I am, but the ultimate and driving goal is acting for film and TV. I plan on returning to LA after the pageant in London and settling in for the long haul (getting into the big game is not an easy task),” Enna noted.

48 Bollywood

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Important to take a leap of faith, says Kabir Bedi

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cclaimed actor Kabir Bedi says the most important lesson he has learnt in his over five-decade career is that sometimes it is necessary to take a leap of faith and explore new avenues in the creative profession.

The actor’s talent took him on a global voyage, and he worked in the west in Italian TV series “Sandokan” and James Bond film “Octopussy”.

Kabir says working abroad changed his life for good.

“Vidya (Balan) and I spoke on creativity and leadership at IIM-B Alumni gathering here.

As I said, in being responsible and making sensible decisions, you might miss out on the element of creativity. If I hadn’t taken a leap of faith, I

wouldn’t have got the role of ‘Sandokan’ and subsequently ‘Octopussy’.

‘Sandokan’ changed my life forever,” Kabir said in a statement.

He spoke of his journey in showbiz at a special session on the importance of creativity and leadership for alumni at Indian Institute of Management – Bangalore (IIMB) on Saturday.

Besides Kabir and

Vidya, other speakers at the session were Bollywood’s ‘Badshah’ Shah Rukh Khan and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.

“It was wonderful to share knowledge, engage with the alumni and listen to other talks

by Shah Rukh Khan, Shashi Tharoor and other fine minds,” said Kabir, the star of “Khoon Bhari Maang”. (Indian Express)

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ith Pakistan slowly becoming an important market for Bollywood films, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, who star in upcoming “Dilwale”, directed by Rohit Shetty, have appeared on two popular Pakistani morning shows.

Shah Rukh, Kajol along with Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon, who also star in ‘Dilwale’, appeared on the morning shows recorded in Dubai with the hosts Shaista Lodhi and Sanam Jung.

The entire cast of the film were in Dubai for the promotion of their upcoming film.

“Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol are popular on both sides of the border and they have a huge fan following in Pakistan.

There is also a lot of anticipation before the release of ‘Dilwale’ so we scheduled the special episodes of the morning shows in Dubai with them,” an official for Hum TV channel said.

Hum TV channel which airs the morning shows, “Jago Pkistan Jago” and “Sitaray Ki Subha” will air the shows on December 17 with the film due to be released in Pakistan this Friday.

Nadeem Mandviwalla a prominent distributor and exhibitor said although another big budget Bollywood film “Bajirao Mastani” is also due to release next Friday, the advance bookings for “Dilwale” has been at record levels.

The advance bookings in the cineplexes in Karachi and Lahore are at their peak with shows sold out for December, he said. (Indian Express)

My chemistry with Yami Gautam Akshay Kumar donates Rs. 1 is organic: Ayushmann Khurrana crore for Chennai flood relief

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inger-actor A y u s h m a n n Khurrana, who has worked with Yami Gautam twice, says he shares an organic chemistry with the actress.

After making their successful Bollywood acting debut in 2012 with

Shoojit Sirkar’s “Vicky Donor”, the two teamed up again for a romantic music video titled “Yahin hoon Main” this month.

Talking about their chemistry, the actor said: “Yami and I share an organic chemistry. While working on the video, I

felt the same kind of vibe between us. The only thing is, I didn’t have abs at that time.”

“I did my first internship with her dad Mukesh Gautam. We are family friends so, the equation is always natural,” he added.

The music of the song, sung by Ayushmann, is

by Rochak Kohli and the actor himself.

Would it get better response than his previous hit number “Pani da rang”? “‘Pani da rang’ had that weight of the film.

Because it went with the story, people accepted it easily. It is far more challenging for a single music video to cut through that,” he said. (Indian Express)

film were runaway successes at the box office, the sites too were keen to host other content from the film, as they believe it would interest their target audience.” Interestingly, the leading men of the film, Tusshar Kapoor and Aftab Shivdasani also play the role of porn stars in ‘KKHH 3’.

Directed by Umesh Ghadge, ‘Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3’ is slated to release on 22nd January 2016. (Indian Express)

“After seeing the shocking visuals of rain affected Chennai, Akshay wanted to help the people and in this regard he called director Priyadarshan, who in turn directed him to

Dilip Kumar is pillar of our film industry: Shah Rukh Khan

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he era of sex comedy takes a new turn in 2016 with two popular franchises releasing their films in the upcoming year and among them is the Tusshar Kapoor, Aftab Shivdasani starrer ‘Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3’. Sexy lady Mandana Karimi plays the leading lady and she is all set to scorch the scene in a bikini clad avatar in the film.

Well it’s not just the return of the sleaze! This time around, the makers have decided to raise the sex comedy content a few notches higher and have decided to release the trailer of the film in a never-heard-before manner. Alt Entertainment will be tying up with a few porn websites for ‘Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3’. Claiming it to be a ‘porn-com’, the trailer of the film will be hosted by over 40 popular adult websites on the day of its digital launch.

A source confirmed the same, saying, “Websites like youporn, kirtu.com and pornhub among others will play the trailer of ‘Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3’.

Since the first two instalments of the

B

ollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has extended a helping hand to the rain ravaged people of the city by donating Rs.1 crore for relief work.

contact Suhasini Mani Ratnam,” read a statement.

Following Suhasini’s suggestion, he donated Rs.1 crore to Bhoomika Trust, who have been preparing and distributing food items since the day of the disaster.

F i l m m a k e r Jayendra, managing trustee of Bhoomika Trust, received the cheque from Akshay.

Not long ago, Shah Rukh Khan and the team of “Dilwale” donated Rs.1 crore towards the relief work. (Indian Express)

hah Rukh Khan has always idolised veteran actor Dilip Kumar and considers him a pillar of strength for the film industry.

The 50-year-old “Happy New Year” actor said even tags like “icon” are small for Kumar and him getting the honour of Padma Vibhushan calls for a big celebration.

“Dilip sahab is more deserving than anybody else. Even words like ‘icon’ are very less for him. He is the forefather, the pillar of the film industry…

Amongst the last few pillars left. I think what he has received is huge,” Shah Rukh told reporters.

“No matter how many awards he gets, it will be less for him because of his art, beauty, Saira ji’s support. He is one of the greatest human beings apart from being the actor. I know them personally so I can say that. It’s a moment of big celebration.” he added.

The thespian was presented the

Padma Vibhushan by Union Home Minister Ranjnath Singh at his residence in suburban Bandra here.

The 93-year-old legend was presented a medal, a certificate and a shawl by Singh, in the presence of the actor’s wife Saira Bano.

In a career spanning over six decades, Kumar starred in films like “Andaz”, “Aan”, “Devdas” and the historical “Mughal-e-Azam”.

Called as the ‘tragedy king of Bollywood’, he also did films like “Kranti”, “Shakti”, “Karma” and “Saudagar”. His last film was “Qila” in 1998. (Indian Express)

Hollywood 49

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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few days after opening up about his desire to enter politics, actor Will Smith says the kind of comments Republican Party hopeful Donald Trump is making about Muslims may provoke him to run for President.

The 47-year-old “Focus” actor said the offensive comments Trump made about Mexican and now Muslims are crazy, reported Us magazine.

“If people keep saying all the crazy kind of stuff they’ve been saying on the news, lately, about walls and Muslims they are going to force me into the political arena,” Smith said.

The “Independence Day” actor also added that he always dreamt of doing

things beyond Hollywood.

I realised that there was no way that I was put here just to be a movie star. I tell my kids, ‘Be as unrealistic as possible, and then figure out how to make it real.’

“The best things that have ever happened ever were unrealistic before they happened. You know, so for me, I think being the biggest movie star in the world as a goal actually was too small,” he said.

Not only Smith, but many other celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Lady Gaga, JK Rowling, Matt Damon, MSNBC host Joe Scarborough and George Takei called out on Trump following his statements. (Indian express)

ictoria Beckham says actress Eva Longoria is her closest friend and a source of inspiration.

The 41-year-old fashion designer became friends with Longoria, 40, when she and husband David spent five years living in Los Angeles, reported Female First.

“I have known Eva for such a long time and she is my closest friend.

I adore her. She is an inspiring, incredible human being,” Victoria said.

Not only the former Spice girl, but even the “Desperate Housewives” star shares the same affection towards her.

“We have a lot in common. I am not a mother but she is an

Jennifer Lawrence ‘would love to see’ Amy Schumer win Golden Globe

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ennifer Lawrence and Amy Schumer are giving people some serious friendship goals with the “Hunger Games” star rooting up for her comedian friend to win Golden Globes.

Lawrence, 25, who has earned four

Mark Wahlberg to return as Cade Yeager for ‘Transformers 5’

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ctor Mark Wahlberg is all set to reprise his role as Cade Yeager for the fifth installment of “Transformers”.

The 44-year-old “Ted” actor confirmed the news himself, reported Aceshowbiz.

On being asked if he would return as the leading character for the next “Transformers” movie, Wahlberg firmly confirmed it by saying “yes.”

“Iron Man” scribes Art Marcum, Matt Holloway and Ken Nolan have been roped in to pen the script for the sequel to “Age of Extinction”.

Globe nominations in the past with two wins, really wants the “Trainwreck” star to take home the trophy this year, reported People magazine.

Schumer, 34, and Lawrence have

The film is believed to take place on both earth and in space, as Optimus Prime hunts down the Quintessons.

The franchise’s director, Michael Bay, is ex-

pected to return to helm the project, but nothing has been officially confirmed yet.

The movie is scheduled for 2017 release.

(Indian express)

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licia Vikander says male domination in Hollywood also has its presence in the supporting role, but the actress feels the change is happening. The 27-year-old “Ex Machina” actress said the gender imbalance is so prominent that after doing five movies in a row, she filmed a scene with another woman, reported Digital Spy. “Women talking together – apparently, it is a reality! “There’s a change happening, and I want to be part of that. “I’m so new, I’ve only been reading scripts for a few years on the international market, but you see something like ‘The Hunger Games’ or ‘Insurgent’ proving that a female role can carry a successful blockbuster, and that means something. You begin to feel their effect,” Vikander said.

The actress also thinks female characters do not need to be tough to look strong. “I don’t think so much about whether I’m playing a strong person or not – it’s not that the character needs to be loud or straightforward,” she said.

both received nominations in the Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy category, for “Trainwreck” and “Joy” respectively.

“That was so amazing because obviously I only pay attention to myself, so I was like oh I got nominated, and then when she texted and said something about the same category I was like – are you, what, like – huh?”

Lawrence said.

“I genuinely don’t want it. I would love to see her up on that stage,” she added.

The “Silver Linings Playbook” actress said she will be voting for Schumer, so that they gain positive publicity for their upcoming film.

“So obviously I’m pulling for her.

Selfishly, it would be good for our movie if she won, so vote for Amy.” (Indian express)

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n t e r t a i n ment Company Lionsgate is developing a war film version of Shakespeare’s classic “Romeo and Juliet”.

The studio behind “The Hunger Games” will work on an adaptation of the graphic novel “Romeo and Juliet: The War”, from Marvel legend Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment, reported Entertainment Weekly.

“What a treat it is to fi-

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“It can be a fragile, flawed person, but if they have enough dimension, and depth that you understand them even at their weakest, that’s a strong character to me. Then you have something to play, and play with. It’s about not being ‘the girl’,” she added. (Indian express)

amazing mom and an amazing wife and she balances it all so beautifully. She is ambitious, driven, self-disciplined and has accomplished a lot in her life” (Indian express)

nally announce our partnership with Lionsgate on a project. The story of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is one of my absolute favorites, and I can’t wait to bring

ilmmaker James Cameron says that he is currently doing another pass of the “Avatar” scripts.

The 61-year-old Oscar-winning director, says that the characters and the film’s setting is pretty much clear now, reported Entertainment Weekly.

“I’m in the process of doing another pass through all three scripts right now. Just refining. That’s in parallel with the design process. The design process is very mature at this point.

“We’ve been designing for about a year and a half. All the characters, set-

our rendition of this classic to life,” Lee said.

No release date has yet been set for “Romeo and Juliet: The War”.

(Indian express)

tings and creatures are all pretty much (set),” Cameron said.

“Avatar 2” is set for a December 2017 release and the helmer says they will have to give their best shot.

“Obviously, expectations are going to be very high on these films. Especially on ‘Avatar 2,’ to make sure it wasn’t just some big fluke the first time. So we’ve got to deliver,” he said.

The film will also be the first directorial outing for Cameron since the massive success of the first movie.

(Indian express)

50 sport

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana’s swim team confident about doing well at Suriname Invitational Meet

By Akeem Greene

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group of 30 young swimmers will leave the shores of Guyana today (Thursday) with the hope of producing a fleet of stellar performances when they compete in the annual VOS Powerade/Dasani Invitational Swim Meet in Suriname.

Manager of the team, Leon Seaton, speaking to Guyana Times International Sport, explained the main objective of the trip. “In the developmental aspect of this trip, children will be exposed to what real competition is, and will be a part of other clubs and swimmers who are on a higher level of swimming and will tend to encourage our children to reach to that point,” he stated.

Seaton further stated that “when you go to these meets, there is a vast difference in the ability of children at the same age; we are trying to give our children the exposure.” Most of the contingent is under 12 years old.

Meanwhile, coach Sean Baksh, in assessing the team’s preparation, alluded to the fact that they have been training since August, but noted

Aleka Persaud, who won an amazing five gold medals at the Goodwill Championship in Trinidad earlier this year, is part of the contingent

that most of the swimmers are new to the sport.

“The aim is definitely developmental, but we are taking along some of the more seasoned athletes who will help boost our performance while the younger ones get exposure. For example, Aleka Persaud swam 33 seconds in a 50m freestyle and then at Nationals she swam

32 seconds, so we are going Suriname to see if we can improve on that,” the coach said.

Most importantly, coach Baksh said the 25m pool that the meet will take place in has electronic timings, which will give a more accurate reading of the timings, since in Guyana manual timing is done.

Junior swimmer Leon Seaton Jr., who

will be participating in the 100m Individual Medley, 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle and 50m backstroke, said, “ I’m not afraid of competition, I’m really positive about this so I’m going to get the golds.”

Aleka Persaud, who will be competing in the 100m Individual Medley, 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle and 50m breaststroke, was confident about her chances.

“I have been swimming very hard; my times are getting better and I feel like I will go beat the rest of the competition as always.”

Antonio Rodrigues said he hopes to drop another second in his timings, and assured he can secure gold in the 100m freestyle, since he has considerable experience in this event.

The self-financed trip will see the team driving to Suriname and will have parents and coach Isabel Maria Couso Fals as other support staff, in addition to the coach Baksh and Manager Leon Seaton. The meet, which usually attracts teams from Aruba, France, St Lucia, along with past Olympic swimmers, will run from today (Thursday) to Monday.

Jones puts contract talks on hold

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Kenwyne Jones

ardiff City goal hero and Trinidad and Tobago captain Kenwyne Jones has spoken out over his future with the Welsh club.

The former Sunderland and Southampton striker has insisted he’s putting talk of a new contract to one side for now as he concentrates on pushing the Russell Sladecoached Cardiff towards the Championship playoffs in England’s second

tier competition.

WalesOnline revealed on Tuesday that Cardiff’s hierarchy are keen to pen Jones to a fresh deal, albeit on a reduced wage, but the Trinidadian, who scored Cardiff’s late winner in the 3-2 win over Brentford that same day, said: “Right now club promotion is everyone’s primary focus.

I’m really just enjoying my time here at Cardiff with Russell Slade and the lads.”

GFF, FIFA approve design for Guyana’s Goal Project

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ollowing a unanimous decision taken by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Executive Committee, led by its newly-installed President, Wayne Forde, to endorse the goal project, FIFA will now send out an International Tender for contractors for the installation of the artificial turf.

Once the contractor is identified, work is expected to begin and a deadline of five months has been set.

According to a GFF press release, members of the GFF Executive Committee recently met with Marcel Gaskin, Architect of the Conceptual Design for the facility, where it was pointed out that the project will be completed in two phases, with the first being the installation of the artificial turf.

The second phase will see infrastructure such as stands, lights, beach

The approved design of the Goal Project that will be situated on 8.5 acres of land at the Providence Community Centre Ground

and futsal training pitches, mini pitches and an administrative centre for the headquarters of the Federation being established.

FIFA-contracted inspector Dr Stephen Baker visited Guyana on August 25, 2015 to conduct soil testing.

The Englishman looked at the sub-base and at the entire topography, and reported back to FIFA on what was needed in order to have the turf installed, the release noted.

With previous attempts to set up the FIFA Goal Project failing to come off the ground, the new GFF Executive Committee believes that this project represents a tangible demonstration of a new era of football in Guyana and the change in governance structure to provide material evidence of development commitments by FIFA and the Executive Committee.

sport 51

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

CGI Local Franchise League 50-over cricket

Wins for Georgetown, ECD, Essequibo and Upper Corentyne

By Avenash Ramzan

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he seventh round of Cricket Guyana Inc (CGI) Local Franchise League 50over competition was played on Tuesday, with Georgetown, East Coast Demerara, Essequibo and Upper Corentyne recording victories.

Georgetown trounced East Bank Demerara by eight wickets; East Coast defeated West Demerara by five wickets; Upper Corentyne beat West Berbice by 99 runs; and Essequibo prevailed by 28 runs over Lower Corentyne/New Amsterdam/Canje.

At the Port Mourant Ground, national T20 batting star Jonathon Foo continued his fine form in the competition by smashing 123 in Upper Corentyne’s 272-6 from the allotted 50 overs against West Berbice.

Foo’s knock spanned 108 balls and included nine fours and a six, and he added 108 for the third wicket with opener Sharaz Ramcharran, who cracked 53 (4x4s). Rajiv Ivan finished the innings with a flourish, hitting 40 off 36 balls (5x4s). Kevon

Jonathon Foo made a 108-ball 123 for Upper Corentyne against West Berbice

Jawahir snared 3-56 off nine overs for West Berbice, who responded with 173 all out in 47.4 overs. Foo returned to capture 3-27 off 5.4 overs and Eon Hooper 2-25 off 10. Quacy McPherson topscored with 57 (4x4s, 1×6); Brentnol Woolford made 31 and Jawahir, 27.

At the Imam Bacchus Ground, hosts Essequibo batted first in a rain-affected match against Lower Corentyne/New Amsterdam/Canje and put up 205-9 from the re-

duced 40 overs. Ricardo Adams led the way with a fine 70, which spanned 101 balls and included nine fours and a six.

Opener Royan Fredericks made 40 (7x4s), while off-spinner Gajanand Singh grabbed 4-32 off six overs. Raun Johnson (2-38) and Royston Crandon (240) were also among the wickets.

Lower Corentyne/ New Amsterdam/Canje then crumbled for 177 in 35.5 overs to suffer their first defeat in the compe-

GTTA aiming to host National Championships in January

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Chelsea Edghill

he executive committee of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) confirmed the dates for its flagship National Championships which are set to serve off on January 14.

The Association is aiming to host two separate parts of the Championships, with the senior leg being held from January 14 to 17 and the junior leg from January 21 to 24.

The 22-category Championships were not held in the past three years for varying reasons such as the conflicting international schedules of players and lack of sponsorship. However, a press release noted that the executive of the Association felt it was very critical that every effort be made to have the Championships hosted given the event’s importance to structuring the sport, more so at the commencement of the year which would lend to structuring of ranking selec-

tion and other aspects.

A release noted that the executive committee saw the hosting as critical to: providing an environment for the legacy and history of the sport with the crowning and naming of national champions in the respective categories, establishment of a national ranking system which would guide the selection process and which was critical to transparency, establishing a benchmark to which players must aspire in view of improving the competitiveness of the sport domestically and the promotion and marketability of players among other benefits.

The early announcement of the dates of the Championships is to give the players time to prepare properly.

Nigel Bryan, Chelsea Edghill, Trenace Lowe and Colin France were some of the previous champions when the Championships were last held.

Raj Nanan

Steven Sankar

ter winning the toss at the Enmore Community Centre Ground, West Demerara folded for a paltry 77 in 23.5 overs.

The West Demerara lads folded to the spin of Steven Sankar, who claimed 5-23 from 5.5 overs, while Anthony Ifill took 2-27 off six overs.

Michael Hubbard (18) and Safraz Esau (16) were the main scorers for West Demerara.

Despite losing five wickets, East Coast Demerara survived a testing spell from Javon Searles to achieve the win at 81-5 in 21 overs.

Searles picked up 3-31 off 10 overs, while Chanderpaul Hemraj made a solid 34 not out (4x4s) and Brian Sattaur

17 (2x4s).

Following the completion of the preliminary stage, Lower Corentyne/ New Amsterdam/ Canje (46 points); Upper Corentyne (42) and Georgetown (36) emerged as the top three teams.

By virtue of topping the league phase, Lower Corentyne/New Amsterdam/Canje have advanced to Saturday’s final where they will play the winner of Thursday’s play-off between Upper Corentyne and Georgetown at the Port Mourant Ground.

The final will be a day/night encounter starting at 14:00h at the Albion Sports Complex Ground.

JFF president does not want top CONCACAF post

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Nigel Bryan

tition. Seon Hetmyer led the way with 51 (5x4s), but Fredericks was the standout, nabbing 4-37 off 7.5 overs. Anthony Adams chipped in with 3-39 off seven overs.

In a low-scoring affair at the Wales Community Centre Ground, East Bank Demerara could only put together 94 all out in 26.2 overs after deciding to bat first, as they struggled from the onset against tight bowling.

Lanky left-arm spinner Raj Nanan was the chief wrecker, claiming magical figures of 4-10 from seven accurate overs. Kellon Carmichael and Devon Lord supported with 2-26 and 2-30 respectively, as Leonard Caleb (29), Shivram Persaud (23) and Robin Bacchus (13) were the men in double figures for East Bank Demerara.

Opener Jeetendra Sookdeo then struck 40 (6x4s, 1×6); Shemroy Barrington an unbeaten 22 (3x4s, 1×6) and Andrew Lyght Jr 18 (2x4s) as Georgetown achieved victory at 96-2 in 15.4 overs. Danny Narayan and Ershad Ali were the wicket takers.

Taking first strike af-

aptain Horace Burrell, lenges of heading two organ- cided to remain as one strong as Jamaica Football isations. body, to operate as a unit unFederation president, “Right now, I am a vice- til next May when the election is one of the power brokers in president of the organisation is due. This was a unanimous Caribbean football and by ex- (CONCACAF), but to vie for decision and we have been purtension, CONCACAF, yet the the head would mean com- suing a number of reforms to man is steering clear of the or- plete devotion, and with my make the confederation emerge ganisation’s top job. federation, business and fam- stronger,” said Burrell.

Burrell’s stance is understandable, bearing in mind the turmoil surrounding the post in recent times.

Two former presidents and an interim president have found themselves in hot water with United States police after allegations of significant corruption.

Caymanians Jeffrey Webb and Afredo Hawit, the most recent presiJamaica Football Federation president Captain Horace Burrell dents are already before the courts in the United States, while ily, it would be very difficult,” The group, Burrell says, inAustin ‘Jack’ Warner, a former Burrell told Jamaican news en- cludes people who are interestCONCACAF president and tity, The Gleaner. ed in taking the top leadership FIFA vice-president, is fightBurrell, along with Justin role in CONCACAF, and being extradition in Trinidad and Compean (Mexico), Sunil lieves they should be supportTobago.

Gulati (USA), Pedro Chaluja ed in those efforts.

Burrell is part of (Panama), Luis Hernandez The JFF president says he CONCACAF’s interim commit- (Cuba), Victor Montagliani wants to spend time on his tee, which will oversee the af- (Canada and Sonia Bien- growing business, Captain’s fairs of the organisation until Aime (turks & Caicos), has Bakery, and family over the elections are held at its next agreed to find ways of ensur- next few years, making it imCongress. The JFF president ing the episodes of the last few perative that he steps back has found other reasons for months are never repeated in from some of the responsisaying he would not be up for CONCACAF. bilities he has to football. the job, though, citing the chal“We have collectively de- (Sportsmax.com)

52 sport

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Simmons backs Windies to stage Melbourne fightback G E E L O N G , Australia – West Indies head coach Phil Simmons has promised a fightback from his team when they face-off against Australia in the second Test match bowling off Boxing Day in Melbourne.

The Windies lost the series-opener by a huge margin but have regrouped and will be looking to make amends in the second match, as they try to make up for their huge disappointing showing in Hobart last week.

Simmons told reporters the Windies had reflected, analyzed where they had gone wrong and were now anxious to show their quality.

“The guys sat down and they know exactly what they have to do and they know that they’re capable of doing it. It’s

The Windies Indies team will be looking to bounce back in the second test against Australia on Boxing Day.

not like it’s out of their league,” Simmons said.

“I’m looking forward to this next one.

You saw the way how Darren Bravo played in the first innings, with a well-compiled century, and the way how Kraigg Brathwaite played in the second innings, he was

Bravo slams WICB for “painful” state of regional game

solid and played strokes all around the wicket. That’s what we need more of, that kind of determination.”

He was speaking at the Simonds Stadium here as West Indies held a training session yesterday afternoon, ahead of their two-day

tour match against the Cricket Victoria XI starting Saturday.

From here, they will take the one-hour drive to Melbourne to start preparation for the Boxing Day contest.

Simmons said that both the batting and bowling departments

needed to prove their worth.

“The bowlers have been good in the last four or five Test matches – they weren’t good in the last one – and the batting has let us down quite a bit,” Simmons noted.

“The batting is at

the point that we need to prove that we are as good as we’re made out to be. They’re good players, we know they can play at this level and it’s up to them to come out now and show everybody that they’re back in good nick.” (CMC)

T&T duo for US Open

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ELBOURNE, Australia – All-rounder Dwayne Bravo has taken aim at the West Indies Cricket Board, accusing them of failing to properly develop the game in the Caribbean.

The former one-day captain described the state of affairs in West Indies cricket as “painful” and said the board needed to bear the brunt of responsibility for the decline.

“Times change and I think that is one of our problems, we tend to hold on too much to the past and not focus on the future.

That has been our downfall,” Bravo said here as he prepared for his Big Bash League campaign with Melbourne Renegades.

“Those in charge have to look into themselves.

We don’t have proper grounds, proper nets or a proper academy. All these things are a part of our downfall.

“The relationship between players, board members and management staff – it needs to get stronger and tighter.

They (the board) need to have a lot more honesty.”

Bravo was at the centre of a stand-off involving the WICB last year, when he spearheaded the players fight in a pay dispute over a revised Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The impasse led to the players walking off the tour of India, a move that

Former West Indies oneday captain Dwayne Bravo … has criticised the WICB over the state of the game.

sparked renewed conflict with the WICB and the players’ union, WIPA. Bravo, who was subsequently axed as oneday captain and sacked from the team, said it was up to the board to make the necessary changes.

“It’s for everyone to be committed and for the people who run the cricket to actually want a change and want a big difference,” he contended.

“It’s painful to see this is the state our cricket has reached. At one point in time we were the best team in the world.

“If those in charge keep harping on the past and not trying to do anything for the future, for the present, we’ll always have these kinds of interviews.”

He continued: “We’ll always have back and forth with ex-players saying this and present players saying that. The rest of the world will go on and we’ll always be backwards.” (CMC)

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A-TEAM: From left : Christopher Anthony, Nicholas Caddle, Chayse Mac Quan, Alwyn Callendar

ICHOLAS CADDLE and Christopher Anthony will represent Trinidad and Tobago in the United States Open Junior Squash Championships from Saturday in Connecticut.

The national junior champions are currently in a training camp in New York, USA, preparing for the prestigious four-day tournament in the charge of

Alwyn Callendar.

The former multiple masters champion in his native Guyana was one of the coaches of recently-retired eight-time national champion Colin Ramasra, TT’s first professional player who was able to get into the top 250 in the world a few years ago.

Virat, Sundar extend India Under-19s' winning run

V

irat Singh and Washington Sundar struck fifties as India Under19s took their fourth successive win in the tri-nation tournament, against Sri Lanka Under-19s in Colombo.

Chasing 222, India lost their openers early but Sundar and Anmolpreet Singh put their side back on track with a 55-run partnership. Even as Anmolpreet was run out for 25 in the 19th over, Sundar carried on to make 61, before he fell in a similar manner.

Washington Sundar

Virat, aided by Mahipal Lomror, then accumulated, and closed out the

game with an unbeaten 60 off 89 balls.

Having opted to bowl,

India made early inroads to reduce Sri Lanka to 75 for 3 in 17.3 overs. Opener Kaveen Bandara, though, held firm, and added 91 with Kamindu Mendis.

Both batsmen made fifties, but exited in quick succession, which sparked a slide. Sri Lanka lost their last six wickets for 55 runs and were kept to 221. Seamer Khaleel Ahmed was the most penetrative bowler for India, claiming figures of 4 for 55. (Cricinfo)

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 20, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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