Guyana Times International

INTERNATIONAL

Limacol renews Caribbean Premier League sponsorship deal Page 53

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

for FRee distribution guyanatimesinternational.com

You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com ISSUE NO. 188

week ending April 20, 2014

Gy$182.5B budget passed

- total disapproved funds amount to Gy$37.4B Page 11 Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks returns to the East River

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Ramada investing US$7M to rebrand Princess Hotel Page 10

Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali

Cocaine in mail bag bound for NY: Customs officer refused bail Page 8

N.Y. Mayor Bill de Blasio and other City officials on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, announcing that the Macy's Independence Day fireworks will return to the East River, this year

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NEWS

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Gy$182.5B budget passed - total disapproved funds amount to Gy$37.4B

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he National Assembly Wednesday evening approved a Gy$182.5 billion budget for this year after disapproving over Gy$37 billion of it. Government has since said that it will be guided by the Constitution and two previous rulings by the High Court as it seeks to carry out its mandate.

The final blow dealt to the estimates presented by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh back on March 24 was the disapproval of a Gy$22.2 billion allocated under line item Policy and Administration of the Finance Ministry’s budget. The line item had contained monies for the controversial Amaila Falls Project.

At the end of the last item up for consideration, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh was asked how he intends to approach the situation. Dr Singh then informed the Committee of Supply that he has approved of the budget as amended. Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman then put the motion to the National Assembly for it to approve the sum as amended and it was carried.

The Finance Minister then presented the Appropriation Bill 2014, Bill Number Six of

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and other Government ministers brief the media following the approval of the amended Budget Estimates Wednesday night

2014, to the House for it to be read for the first time. He subsequently moved for the Bill to be read a second and third time and for it to be passed as amended. After the Bill was read for the last time, as constitutionally required, the National Assembly passed the amended Gy$182.5 billion budget.

Amendments

The Speaker then informed the House that the combined parliamentary Opposition refused to give its approval to five agencies, causing the amendments to be made to the tune of Gy$37,461,340,000.

This cover funds for the Health Ministry, the Amerindian Affairs Ministry,

the Public Works and Transport Ministry, the Finance Ministry and the Office of the President.

The amendments were made in accordance with the final ruling of the acting Chief Justice Ian Chang in January last on the 2012 budget cuts case. The acting Chief Justice stated that the cuts made by

the Opposition in the 2012 and 2013 budgets are unlawful since the National Assembly does not possess the power to cut the National Budget presented by the Finance Minister. He noted that they can only approve or disapprove of the budget in its entirety or continued on page 23

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INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International

New York Office 106-15 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica NY 11435 Email: guyanatimesnyint@gmail.com Tel no: 718-658-6804 Preferred method of contact via EMAIL Guyana Office Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana.

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

Fax (592) 225-8696, 227-0685 Email: guyanatimesint@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Global value chains and the Caribbean

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ne of the buzz-words thrown up by the new levels of “globalisation” achieved over the last four decades has been the notion of “Global Value Chains” (GVCs).

From the beginning of trade between countries, value would have been added to goods at various points on the trade route and wealth generated distributed between the source and the consumer. But just as certain was the impetus to ensure that this “intermediate” wealth spun off was kept at a minimum.

But in the present dispensation, it is proposed that with rational allocation of the steps necessary to produce a particular good, it might be of benefit for even the source and ultimate vendor to utilise intermediate points to add value to the product. The argument is usually stated thusly: “There would be an increase in productivity due to efficiency improvement as a result of international competition, better access to technology and new knowledge, and greater room for specialisation and economies of scale. Participation in value chains could further increase productivity since it would facilitate access to cheaper or higher quality intermediate inputs. GVCs would also work as a path for developing countries to access international markets of goods and services by focusing on certain activities and processes rather than by establishing a complete value chain.”

This process, it is argued, is already well underway as pointed out by the former head of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Pascal Lamy: “Almost 60 percent of trade in goods is now in intermediates, that is, goods used as inputs in the production process. An important consequence of the integration of production networks is that imports matter as much as exports when it comes to contributing to job creation and to economic growth. In 1990, the import content of exports was 20 percent; in 2010, it was 40 percent, and it is expected to be around 60 percent in 2030.”

With those premises, the pitch for free trade becomes inevitable: “This is why enacting ‘protectionist’ measures in the modern world to protect jobs – such as raising import barriers – can have an inverse reaction in economies that are increasingly reliant on imports to complete their exports.”

As just as inevitably, there have been several high-level conferences and summits to persuade governments in Latin America and the Caribbean that it is their interest to get into GVCs. In fact, some initiatives have proceeded beyond the talking stage and, for example, the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed between the European Union and the Caribbean can be seen as a mechanism to facilitate a GVC nexus between the two signatories.

But it was pointed out in a recent paper, “Global Value Chains and Development Policies: Setting the Limits of Liberal Views on Integration into the Global Economy”, that the GVC argument is based on some possibly flawed premises.

First off, there is the assumption that if the tariffs are reduced on imported inputs, there will be a reduction of exports–and as such, domestic incomes. This is not necessarily so, since the productive structures in developing areas like the Caribbean are not on par with those of the developed countries that are also in the GVCs. There is also the assumption that there is a high elasticity of exports that will respond to price changes. But this is not necessarily so especially when one is dealing with primary products, such as rice and forestry products.

More to the point, as former President of Guyana Bharat Jagdeo pointed out after Carl Greenidge and his team on the Regional Negotiating Machinery signed the EPA with Europe, the substitution of local suppliers with foreign providers from more developed countries almost always leads to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment contraction.

Finally, the authors suggest, even if a country wants to exploit GVCs, and must import intermediate inputs, ultimately it must seek to manufacture those goods. And this implies government intervention through an industrial policy and even protectionism, as per the infant industry argument.

An aerial view of the Botanical Gardens Georgetown, Guyana. (John Greene)

Growing greener cities in Latin America, Caribbean A new Food and A g r i c u l t u r e Organisation (FAO) report finds that urban and periurban agriculture (UPA) is widespread in Latin America and the Caribbean, but realising its full potential requires increased support from national, state and local governments.

“Growing greener cities in Latin America and the Caribbean” looks at the progress that has been made toward realising ‘greener cities’ in which urban and peri-urban agriculture is recognised by public policy and included in urban development strategies and land-use planning. It is based on the results of a survey in 23 countries and data on 110 cities and municipalities.

The new report released at the World Urban Forum in Medellín, Colombia, includes profiles of agriculture practised in and around cities such as Havana, Mexico City, Antigua and Barbuda, Tegucigalpa, Managua, Quito, Lima, El Alto (Bolivia), Belo Horizonte (Brazil) and Rosario (Argentina).

FAO’s inquiry found that UPA is practised by 90,000 residents of Havana, and by 20 per cent of urban households in Guatemala and Saint Lucia.

In Bolivia’s main cities and municipalities, 50,000 families are also food producers. In Bogotá, 8500 households produce food for home consumption.

Strong trend

The main benefit of UPA is improved access to food by low-income families. However, in 16 of the 23 countries surveyed, people practising UPA earned some income from the activity.

A strong trend in many UPA programmes in Latin America and the Caribbean is toward agricultural technologies and practices that produce more, and better quality, food

A new Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) report finds that urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) is widespread in Latin America and the Caribbean

while optimising the use of natural resources and reducing reliance on agrochemicals.

In Rosario, Argentina, gardeners cultivate high-yielding beds of compost substrate. In Managua, they enrich the soil with fertiliser made by anaerobically fermenting household wastes. In El Alto, a project installed, in small, locally made greenhouses, hydroponic gardens that produce one tonne of vegetables per year.

Another trend in Latin American cities is the spread of farmers’ markets that sell locally-grown organic food.

Many urban farmers have entered the value chain as intermediate or final processors of fruit, vegetables, meat, canned goods, dairy foods, snacks and natural cosmetics.

Many urban and peri-urban farmers have been tapped as suppliers of institutional feeding programmes. In Havana, UPA provided in 2013 some 6700 tonnes of food to almost 300, 000 people in schools, public health centres and hospitals.

Government support needed

FAO said that growing greener cities with agriculture needs the support of Government. However, only 12 of the 23 countries surveyed have national policies that explicitly promote UPA. FAO’s survey also found that UPA is often excluded in city land use planning and man-

agement in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The good news is that UPA has been mainstreamed at a fairly high level within national institutions. In Bolivia, for example, the Productive Development and Plural Economy Ministry will launch, with FAO’s assistance, a national UPA programme in 2014.

In a growing number of cities, urban and peri-urban agriculture is recognised in urban development planning.

In Rosario, the municipality is building a “green circuit” of farmland passing through and around the city. Food production is also recognised as a legitimate non-residential land use, on a par with commerce, services and industry, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

FAO stressed that meeting urban food needs requires not only UPA but performing food systems that supply a variety of food products to –and distribute them within – expanding urban areas, an understanding of their structure, how their activities impact food safety and quality and natural resources, and how they might exclude vulnerable sectors of the urban population.

Addressing shortcomings in complex food systems requires strong political commitment, regional development plans and effective public-private partnerships.

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Women’s groups picket parliament - call for greater protection for women and girls

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he Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO), along with several other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), on Wednesday staged a protest outside Parliament calling for greater protection for Guyanese women.

A short distance away from the Parliament Building, members of One Billion Rising, Red Thread, the Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness and Women Across Differences groups peacefully protested, calling on the National Assembly to advance the interests of women, particularly those who are victims of abuse and human trafficking.

According to them, more can be done for the girls and women of Guyana.

GWMO President Simona Broomes told reporters that the 2014 National Budget fell short in addressing key issues affecting Guyanese women.

According to Broomes, the Government of

Some of the women protesting on Wednesday a short distance away from the National Assembly

Guyana, through the Human Services Ministry, has done nothing to truly curb Trafficking In Persons (TIP) in the country, contending that no system has been put in place to meet the needs of TIP victims. Alluding to the Indian national who was rescued

by GWMO on Regent Street, Georgetown in December 2013, Broomes said accommo-

dation was only provided for him, because he was a foreigner. The 23-yearold man was reportedly offered a ticket to travel home and petty cash by his trafficker, an offer he was willing to take given the poor systems in place in Guyana, she argued.

“I don’t know about any survivor that we have rescued that the Ministry has really supported,” she said.

She further stat-

ed that it was a crying shame that young girls and women have to revert to prostitution, because there was no proper system in place for TIP victims and persons who suffer at the hands of abusers.

The GWMO President lashed out at the Human Services Minister Jenifer Webster who recently told the National Assembly during the budget debate

that human trafficking is not a major problem in Guyana. Broomes said despite the numbers, once human trafficking exists in Guyana, it is a problem.

“This is the message that the Minister is sending to the Guyanese people; Trafficking In Persons is not a problem. Policeman, don’t fight up, Trafficking In Persons is not a problem; Court, don’t fight

up, Trafficking In Persons is not a problem. Traffickers continue to traffic.”

Nevertheless, GWMO stands willing to work with the Human Services Ministry, the Guyana Police Force and other interest groups to combat TIP. Meanwhile, other persons who participated in the picketing exercise called on women to speak out against abuse, rape and murder, thereby breaking the silence.

During the 2014 Budget debate, the Human Services Minister told the House that the fight continues against human trafficking. According to Webster, repeated assessments have revealed a low prevalence of TIP in the country. However, considering the potential impact of the crime on the safety of Guyanese, the Government, through the Ministerial Task Force, will continue to work with its partners to develop strategies and programmes aimed at combating the scourge.

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Curacao’s Insel Airline to fly Guyana-Miami route from June A

new airline, Insel Air International, is slated to commence operations in Guyana by June 18 with two flights per week.

Roraima Airways has been authorised as ground handling services and general sales agents for the airline.

The contract was signed between the two companies in the presence of media operatives at a press conference last Friday at Duke Lodge, Kingston, Georgetown.

Chief Commercial Officer Jurgen Lippinkhof said it was an honour to be operating in Guyana. He explained that Guyana was chosen because it is the only English speaking country in South America.

The representative disclosed that when the airline commences operations on June 18, there will be introductory prices which will last for six months.

Insel Air is expected to operate flights to Miami from Aruba and Curacao, its two main hubs. The introductory fares for these routes is

Roraima Airways Chairman, Captain Gerry Gouveia in the presence of wife Debbie Gouveia and another staffer, exchanges a handshake with Insel Air Chief Commercial Officer Jurgen Lippinkhof after sealing a deal with the airline last Friday (Carl Croker/Guyana Times photo)

US$270 per roundtrip, which will in-transit at Aruba from Curacao, while straight flights to Miami from Curacao will be US$345, tax inclusive on both prices.

Baggage allowances are 23 kilos per suitcase, 10 kilos for a carryon and a fee of US$40 for any extra luggage over 10 kilos.

Lippinkhof explained that passengers flying

with Insel Air have the advantage of clearing with the U.S. Customs and Immigration in Aruba, and as such, they will be flown to the U.S. on a domestic flight and do not have to go through the tedious process there.

He pointed out that this service will allow Guyanese to have the opportunity to travel to Destination Aruba and

enjoy all the enticing things on offer.

Meanwhile, Roraima Airways Chairman,

Captain Gerry Gouveia said the partnership allows for the promotion of Guyana’s tourism prod-

uct since Insel Air’s passengers will now have the option of flying to Guyana.

He noted that with the launch of the new carrier, Guyanese will also have the option of vast destinations since the airline will be conducting flights between Guyana and Miami via Aruba and Curacao, connecting many other destinations including The Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Captain Gouveia said this initiative will open new opportunities for business and tourism for Guyana.

Currently, Insel operates out of their two main hubs in Curacao and Aruba, with a total of 39 aircrafts. It offers services in the Caribbean region along with North and South America.

Charges being finalised for kidnapped, murder suspects

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ewly-appointed Crime Chief Leslie James on Wednesday told Guyana Times International that the Guyana Police Force are finalising the necessary documentations for charges to be instituted against at least six persons for the kidnap/murder of Foulis businessman, Rajendra Singh.

James in a telephone conversation further stated that the files were with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) up to late Wednesday afternoon, and is anticipating that the suspects will make their first court appearance today (Thursday) at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

This publication was told that the Guyana Police Force would have made an application to the High Court for an extension of detention of the main suspects, which was granted.

The extension period ends today, which means that the Force will have no legal grounds to keep the suspects in custody; hence, charges will have to be instituted.

However, initial reports suggested that the men would have made their court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday, which saw media operatives lining the steps of the institution, but after a five-hour

Dead: Rajendra Singh

wait, they left with disappointment on their faces.

Subsequently, three men confessed to the kidnap and murder. They have since revealed the identities of their accomplices to the police who have launched a manhunt to apprehend them.

This publication was told that one of the two masterminds behind the kidnapping and killing was apprehended, while the other is on the run.

To date, it is not confirmed if the second person was arrested.

It is believed that two main masterminds would have orchestrated the entire incident, and in turn would have contracted three other men to execute the plan.

The kidnapping reportedly stemmed from the sale of several of the

businessman’s properties, which led to greed for money. It is believed that the men were business associates and would frequent Singh’s house, thus, they were well aware of his business deals.

In an attempt to extort money from the businessman, the kidnappers’ plan failed.

On the night in question, their main target was reportedly Singh’s teenage son whom they thought was in the car with him.

The officer also stated that after they entered the car, the businessman would have seen their faces; hence, they were left with no alternative but to take him along.

They also confessed to making contact with Singh’s wife, demanding Gy$50 million for his safe return as they believe he had the money at home. After they realised the police had gotten involved in the matter, they reportedly lowered the ransom to Gy$25 million.

After three days and their demands were not met, the suspects reportedly shot the businessman twice to the head aback the La Repentir Cemetery, Georgetown.

The police have not yet established whether or not the man was killed at another location and then dumped at the La Repentir cemetery.

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Two men jailed Jamaican cop kills wife, commits suicide for ‘mistaken identity’ murder H

Raphael Morrison

Joshua Persaud

wo men were on Wednesday sentenced to 20 years each for the murder of Marlon Andrew Ramcharran on June 3, 2013 at Tain, Corentyne.

The duo received the sentence after a mixed Berbice jury found them guilty of killing Ramcharran. The jury arrived at its verdict after being guided by Justice Diana Insanally at the end of the twomonth trial of Joshua Persaud, also called “Sunny Boy” or “Bun Boy”, and Raphael Rene Morrison, also called “Red Head”.

The State’s case was led by Attorney Renita Singh while Attorney Mursalene Bacchus appeared for the accused.

During the trial, which commenced on February 21, the prosecution had called several witnesses, including two eyewitnesses: Nicholas Beharry and Rakesh Jaikarran.

The State’s case was that on June 3, 2013 Morrison of Auchlyne and Persaud of Bloomfield, while armed with cutlasses and pieces of wood, murdered Ramcharran of Tain New Housing Scheme.

During his testimony, Beharry told the court that he knew the deceased, his neighbour, for approximately two years. He said on the night in question, they were all at the “Dusk Till Dawn” Bar and a fight broke out among Persaud, Morrison and some men.

Also, Ramcharran and Morrison had an argument. “Me, Marlon and Ajay left to go home.

However, Marlon, who was ahead, was later overheard shouting, “You chopping the wrong person!’”

Beharry said as he drew closer with his friend Rakesh, he asked

the two murder accused, “Why you chopping my friend?”, but instead of responding, the men, both armed, ran at him and Ajay, who fled in different directions. After approximately 15 minutes, Beharry said, he returned to the area, Block Four Tain Village, to find Ramcharran injured and on the ground with blood covering his body. “I shouted for the neighbours, but no one responded.”

During the trial, the court was taken to the scene of the crime, so that the jury could get a firsthand look.

In closing its case, the defence focused on the lighting conditions at the scene and argued that they were poor and the witnesses could not have identified the persons carrying out the attack.

Singh, in closing the prosecution’s case, said one of the two accused claimed that he had a piece of wood when he related to the court what transpired.

The Prosecutor said two of the police witnesses who testified claimed that there was sufficient lighting on the street at the time. She argued that when police arrested one of the accused and told him of the offence, he said he was sorry. Singh recalled that another police witness noted that during the confrontation with the accused and the witness, one of them said that he had a piece of wood.

This, she said, is evidence that the accused was at the scene of the crime. The murder weapon was later found at the home of one of the accused.

A post-mortem report revealed that Ramcharran bled to death after receiving the chops.

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alf-an-hour before she could celebrate her 28th birthday, Latoya Campbell Thompson was shot dead by her 31-yearold husband, Constable Davian Thompson, Saturday night in Jamaica.

The shocking murder, committed at the couple's home in the Oaklands housing complex on Constant Spring Road, St Andrew, took a gruesome turn early Sunday morning when the cop's body was found a few hundred metres away in the Shortwood gully with a gunshot wound to the head.

Police believe he committed suicide.

"He was clutching a

A crowd watches from the bridge on Shortwood Road in Kingston as undertakers and police take Constable Davian Thompson’s body from the gully Sunday morning (Jamaica Observer photo)

.38 revolver in his hand," Superintendent Steve Brown, who heads the

police force's Corporate Communications Unit, told Jamaican media.

Brown,

who

point-

continued on page 13

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week ending April 20, 2014| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Cocaine in mail bag bound for N.Y.: Customs officer refused bail C

live David, the Customs Officer who was allegedly caught on camera packing cocaine into a mail bag at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport last week, was on Wednesday remanded to prison when he appeared before City Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan.

David, of 22 Princes Street, Lodge, pleaded not guilty to the charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. He alleged-

ly committed the crime sometime between April 9 and 11.

Police said that David was allegedly in possession of 647 grams of cocaine at the time. His lawyer, Lance Ferreira, in a passionate plea for bail, told the court that David was given the mail by a friend to post and he left it on his desk at Timehri.

Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones countered by saying that the defendant had signed a confes-

sion statement, allegedly admitting that he knew the drug was in the envelope. The Prosecutor said police are still conducting investigations.

GRA Commissioner Khurshid Sattaur told Guyana Times International that the agency’s policy is that any serious offence on or off the job that attracts the attention of the police means the culpable person is subject to summary dismissal.

“An internal investi-

gation was immediately launched after reports surfaced across the media that 644 grams of cocaine was found in mail bound for New York on a Caribbean Airlines flight,” the release said.

Sattaur said the officer’s actions are a clear breach of the organisation’s Standard Operating Procedure and that the entity will “work on putting more robust systems in place to weed out corrupt elements”.

He noted that offi-

GRA Commissioner Khurshid Sattaur

cers fail to realise that they have a responsibility to act with integrity and protect the image of the agency. Sattaur reiterated that the GRA will

not condone corrupt individuals, whether officials or taxpayers. He said the GRA will do all within its power to eradicate corruption.

Linden radio struggling to pay licence fee P

roprietor of the Linden radio Station Haslyn Graham is experiencing great difficulty in paying his annual broadcasting licence fee of Gy$2.5 million to the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA).

Since the radio station commenced opera-

tion in October 2013 in Linden, Region 10, it has not paid any fees to the authority.

In an interview with Guyana Times International on Wednesday, Graham said he is “feverishly” trying to rake in revenues to pay the fee of Gy$2.5 million for 2013, before pursuing renew-

al fees for 2014.

Economic landscape

While declining to disclose the amount of monies garnered thus far, Graham explained that the economic landscape of Linden has made the situation more challenging.

GNBA has been reportedly informed of the challenges being ex-

GNBA Chairperson Bibi Shaddick

Linden Radio Station Proprietor Haslyn Graham

perienced by the Radio Station and a grace period sought.

However, Graham dispelled reports which have indicated that the radio station will be shut down in a week’s time over non-payment of the broadcasting licence fees.

In a Stabroek News report dated Sunday, April 13 under the caption “Region 10’s lone private radio station to be pulled off air”, it was reported that the radio station received a letter stating that it will be shutdown in week’s time over non-payment of broadcasting licence fees.

The report was based on the utterances of Region 10 Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon.

It also contended that because of the threat issued, “programmes that are not in sync with certain authorities will not be aired”.

off air although “the region has been up to date in its payment to the radio station”.

But the proprietor of the Radio Station rubbished the Stabroek News article, contending that the information presented is false. Much to his disappointment, he said the Region 10 Chairman has misled the region and by extension the entire country into believing that the Radio Station would be shutdown.

“We never received a letter stating that the radio station would be shutdown in a week’s time or over the payment of Gy$5 million,” an outraged Graham told this publication.

He reiterated that the radio station is “feverously” working to accumulate the monies due.

Claims that the RDC’s weekly programme was pulled off air because the content was not in sync with certain authorities were rebuffed by Graham, who explained that the RDC programme was put on hold due to nonpayment.

Pulled off air

He complained that the Region 10, Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) weekly programme was also pulled

Significant damage

According to the pro-

Region 10 Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon

prietor of the radio station, the article has caused significant damage to his integrity and that of the station.

“This article is really going to put a lot of pressure on us because our sponsorship and support from other business community is in jeopardy… and the credibility of the owner of the radio station is what is at stake.”

He further stated that popular businesses that have been loyal to the station in the past are now withholding their monies, noting that the station would now have to rebuild the confidence of its sponsors.

Meanwhile, GNBA Chairperson Bibi Shadick said while legal actions will be taken against the radio station for operating without a licence, a letter has not been issued as yet. In her pursuit to set the record straight, Shadick said GNBA never issued a letter indicating that the radio station would be shutdown because of its failure to pay the broadcasting license fees.

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

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

APNU must Why are government MPs being present evidence singled out for their remarks? that drug money is controlling Guyana

APNU Leader David Granger

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

Dear Editor, APNU’s David Granger has now unwittingly admitted that this country is now experiencing unprecedented economic and social development when he declared that drug money is responsible for Guyana’s economic growth.

In other words, Guyana is a narco state!

He cannot believe that despite all of APNU’s and AFC’s evil efforts to destabilise and obstruct economic progress, this Samsonite PPP/C Government has persevered and prevailed over all those insurmountable odds.

Therefore, the only asinine conclusion that the Leader of APNU could muster is that drugs money is responsible for the economic prosperity of this nation.

This is a serious indictment against our nation and they should submit hard evidence to back his insane and inane outburst.

President Donald Ramotar has challenged him to provide evidence to support his claim, but I am positive that Granger will do a Ramayya on that one. The President has provided hard facts and evidence, what can you provide Granger?

Even with the drug trade thriving during the PNC era they still managed to bankrupt this country!

People who lie and deceive to achieve political office should never be trusted and once again Granger has reminded this nation about the PNC’s 28 years of lies, deceit, mismanagement, corruption and criminal activities and political crimes!

Should this man ever be the President of this country, he has the propensity to make the late Burnham resemble an altar boy. Granger should know that as a

wannabe President, he cannot insult the sweat and hard work of the same Guyanese people he wants to vote him into office or is it that he now realises that he can never be that, so the grapes have turned sour?

It seems that Granger and his boys are sleeping in Parliament.

Every year when the estimates are presented, the expenditures and the sources of those expenditures are clearly stated therein.

I am quite confident that there are no line items saying ‘Narco Income’ or ‘Narco Expenditure’ and if Granger is concluding that the ‘drug money’ was effectively laundered in the economy then the question is: Why did APNU and the AFC not support the Anti-Money Laundering and the Countering of Financing of Terrorism Bill in Parliament?

This would have effectively blocked the loop holes that are there to clean the drug money and our economy would have collapsed and the people would have voted APNU and AFC as the next government!

But APNU knows that they can create more destruction by having Guyana blacklisted, cripple trade, cripple foreign and local investments, increase the cost of living and effectively erode the economic progress our country has made, especially during the last eight years!

They know that drug money is not the major problem in this country.

The major problem that APNU and AFC have is to get in power by whatever devious means possible. Guyana is not a ‘narco state’!

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf AFC Councillor, Region Six

Dear Editor, I spent four days in Parliament watching and listening to the debates, and absorbing the responses to questions that were asked pertaining to estimates made, and so I was surprised when I saw an editorial in another section of the press on Sunday, in which two Government MPs were singled out for making remarks on or off the floor.

The few days that I was there, I heard MP Volda Lawrence singing very loudly when Bishop Edghill was speaking. She was singing about the Devil and Satan which, I think, was a personal attack on the Bishop.

I heard Cathy Hughes shouting personal comments to Mr Seeraj when he was on the floor.

In fact, Cathy Hughes was heckling throughout Seeraj’s entire presentation.

I heard Moses Nagamootoo

sounding somewhat obsessed as he unremittingly made all sorts of nasty remarks.

He did not hesitate too to constantly say to Government members who were speaking things of a personal nature. This was the same MP who, I recall, declared last year that he tells his grandchildren “shut yuh so-and-so”.

I heard Khemraj Ramjattan telling a speaking MP that the MP is “deh undressing a girl”.

I heard Mr Winston Felix constantly shouting across the aisle at various members while they spoke, and I heard Desmond Trotman call people from the Government side a few bad names.

MP Bulkan was often heard hurling insults at Government speakers or members and Amna Ally, Chief Whip for the Opposition, was also very active in her heckles.

Anyone sitting in Parliament could surely vouch that they themselves have heard such comments as those mentioned in this letter and it is also true too that the Government MPs threw similar remarks and heckled.

However, I was surprised when the editorial singled out the Government members for their remarks and proceeded to call them vulgar, but did not say anything about the Opposition’s remarks and heckling.

If heckling and commenting is vulgar then all of the Parliamentarians are vulgar; and if one can be banned for heckling, then we will have no Parliament, as a fair Speaker would have to ban them all.

Sincerely, Govind Singh Deputy Regional Executive Officer Region Five

PPP leaders have brought to bear their own leadership styles and personas Dear Editor, Mark Da Costa, in his letter in another section of the press, claimed that the PPP/C is a perversion of Dr Cheddi Jagan’s party, making the ludicrous claim that the PPP/C has abandoned the vision, and that discrimination is the norm.

He went on to attack the PPP General Secretary, Mr Clement Rohee for lashing out at what he himself is guilty of, that is, using the good name of Dr Jagan to attack the very organisation which he founded and nurtured, the People’s Progressive Party.

It is indeed ironic, if not absurd, for anyone to suggest that the current leadership of the PPP/C would have any interest or reason in wanting to depart from the Jagan legacy when the administration has been doing everything possible to ensure that the pro-working class character of the party and the PPP/C Administration is preserved, consolidated and perpetuated.

Da Costa quotes selectively from Dr Jagan’s writings, which

he then distorts and puts his own meaning and interpretation to. This is intellectual dishonesty at its best. His reference to Dr Jagan’s integrity and him not forgetting his working-class roots is purposefully done to create a distance between Dr Jagan and the present crop of PPP/C leaders, whom he accused of being elitist and oligarchic.

Comparisons, it is said, are odious. Every leader has his leadership style, personality traits, and values.

Janet Jagan, Samuel Hinds, and Bharrat Jagdeo were all former Presidents of Guyana, not to mention our current President, Donald Ramotar, who was literally nurtured by Dr Jagan and from whom he took over the post of General Secretary following Dr Jagan’s passing in 1997.

Each of them has brought to bear in the public eye their own leadership style and persona.

There is no point in trying to put one against the other. If there is one thing they have in common, it is their commitment and dedica-

tion towards the realisation of a better Guyana.

This is why there has always been policy coherence among the PPP/C administrations, which are basically working-class oriented and people-driven.

To accuse the PPP/C leaders of being discriminatory in terms of the distribution of goods and services, as Da Costa is seeking to do, is completely misleading and cannot stand up to scrutiny.

The PPP/C administration has always been even-handed in the way state resources are distributed. One only has to examine the budgetary allocation to the various administrative regions to get an idea of this even-handedness.

There are some people who find it difficult to rise above petty thinking and see the big picture.

Like the proverbial ostrich, they bury their heads in the sand and find fault with everyone who does not share their way of thinking, regardless of how warped and convoluted such thinking may be.

Sincerely, Jagnarine Somwar

Very disappointed that the Amerindian Development Fund was cut Dear Editor, The Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana (TAAMOG) is deeply saddened and vigorously condemns the parliamentary Opposition for the totally unjustified cutting of the Gy$1.1 billion of the Amerindian Development Fund which is a continued blatant demonstration of their anti-Amerindian peoples development and marginalisation policies in our country.

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai must be commended for the able way she accurately and positively responded to the many questions posed

by the Opposition, yet they used their one-seat majority in cutting the capital budget allocation which include the Amerindian Development Fund, expenditure for building, land and water transport.

TAAMOG is of the firm view that financial resources given to Guyana’s first peoples through our national budget must be nonnegotiable with the Parliamentary Opposition.

TAAMOG rejects the parliamentary Opposition’s claim that the funds for Amerindian Development are used to manipulate Amerindians as misleading,

erroneous, and mischievous and constitute propaganda lies.

TAAMOG calls on the Amerindian communities of Guyana to seriously take note of the Opposition’s policy of discrimination and marginalisation towards Amerindians taking them back to neglect and abandonment that occurred under the illegal misrule of the PNC era prior to 1992.

Amerindians of Guyana condemn and resist the hypocrisy of the parliamentary Opposition!

They are not to be trusted.

Sincerely, Peter Persaud

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NEWS

WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Ramada investing US$7M to rebrand Princess Hotel U

.S.-based hotel group Ramada will be spending US$7 million to rebrand the Princess Hotel and Casino at Providence, East Bank Demerara to Ramada Georgetown Princess, officials announced at a news briefing on Tuesday.

The rebranding mission has already taken effect and arose following an agreement between the Providence entity and Ramada, which is a subsidiary of the Wyndham Hotel group of New Jersey in the United States. The agreement is a work in progress in which the two have partnered on Princess’ existing hotels in Europe and the Caribbean.

President of the company Sudi Ozkan and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hamdi Karagozoglu – in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, through the Tourism Ministry – endorsed the agreement on December 19, 2013.

Hotel General Manager Cuneyt Dalcan explained that all up-

From left to right: Director of Operations, Petal Ridley; acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali; Princess Hotel General Manager Cuneyt Dalcan; Guyana Tourism Authority Director Indranauth Haralsingh; and Princess Hotel Casino General Manager Eray Kamna

grades will be in keeping with Ramada standards and will see the repositioning of the hotel in the market place.

The GM added that being mindful of global warming, the hotel will also be eco-friendly by using LED technology, solar water heating systems and energy-saving systems.

He told media operatives that Ramada in 1990 joined the

Wyndham Hotel group.

Ramada is a large hotel chain owned and operated by Wyndham Hotel group, the largest company in the world with more than 7200 hotels in over 65 countries. It is also ranked second on Fortune Magazine’s list of most admired hotels, casinos, and resorts. Dalcan said it was with this in mind that Princess Hotel signed a contract with Ramada

to use their reservation services which is expected to increase occupancy in the Princess Hotel.

Princess Hotel made it clear that it has not sold any shares to Ramada and its management remains the same.

Acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali congratulated the Princess Group for rebranding.

He said it was a major investment in Guyana’s tourism sector, while acknowledging the commitment of the Princess

Hotel management to improve the local tourism product. He highlighted that 75 per cent of business travellers and 65 per cent of leisure travellers prefer to stay at a branded hotel when travelling. The Minister said, over the years, the sector has been gaining traction and recognised the ability of large investments such as this to foster smaller investments. Ali stated that the Guyana Tourism Authority has been working to drive

traffic to all hotels, particularly during off-peak seasons.

Princess Hotel and Casino switched hands from local investors on April 1, 2009. It comprises 191 rooms, including Presidential Suites and Executive/VIP rooms. In addition, it has indoor and outdoor food and beverage facilities, the largest hotel conference and banqueting hall on the East Bank and the largest outdoor pool in the country.

Two years ago, Princess Group invested US$2 million in its entertainment section with two state-of-theart movie theatres, Fun City and Club NEXT. The hotel will continue to invest with the installation of 3D digital projector movie theatres this year. Ramada believes that coupled with its growth and strategic move of continuous external marketing opportunities in the Diaspora and the support through this new brand, the partnership with Princess will strengthen the hotel’s ongoing commitment to the hospitality industry in Guyana by offering guests a strong and distinct brand.

Anthony says local editorial board will be established for Caribbean Press

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ulture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has disclosed that a local editorial board will be established for the Caribbean Press to oversee the work of local writers.

Dr Anthony, who was on Wednesday bombarded with a series of questions on his Ministry during the consideration of the estimates, said the press continues to do well despite limitations.

Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament (MP) Moses Nagamootoo said while the press has done some remarkable work, there has been much controversy surrounding its governing board.

Nagamootoo questioned the Minister on whether monies have been allocated this year for the establishment of the board, to which the Minister responded in the negative.

But, he said the current management of the press is doing remarkably well under the

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

leadership of Professor David Dabydeen, and has since completed 74 books.

Dr Anthony noted that in the face of the controversies surrounding the press, it has still managed to attract a number of international writers and editors, who volunteered to edit works presented to the press.

However, the Minister pointed out that most of these people want to move on with their lives; hence, the Ministry’s move to

establish a local editorial board.

The Minister said the Ministry is open to anyone who wishes to volunteer their services to the press.

Meanwhile, the Minister was extensively grilled by the combined parliamentary Opposition on the Sports and Arts Fund.

Approved Some Gy$2.4 billion was allocated to the Ministry, which was eventually approved.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Christopher Jones questioned the Minister on what projects will be utilised under the fund.

Dr Anthony said the money was used to complete the 1823 Monument, to fund the contingent going to the Inter-Guiana Festival, to produce six short films on Chinese, to appoint two Cuban swimming and a boxing coach and do upgrading works on the National Cultural Centre (NCC). continued on page 11

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks returns to the East River

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acy’s and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced this week that on Friday, July 4th, a national historic landmark will set a dramatic stage for dazzling pyrotechnics as the 38th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks returns to the East River. Set to deliver the nation’s largest display of patriotic firepower and ready to dazzle more than 3 million spectators and millions more on television nationwide, Macy’s Fireworks this year will be launched from the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge and from barges positioned on the lower East River.

“We’re grateful to Macy’s for lighting our skyline every 4th of July—and I’m thrilled that, after years of working with Macy’s and my colleagues to make this a reality, the fireworks will return to the East River this year!” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Now even more New Yorkers will get to take part in this extraordinary celebration, against the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge, the harbor, and our skyline.”

A view of the 37th Annual Macy's Fireworks display over the Hudson River in New York City last year

“Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks are a oneof-a-kind spectacle that will once again inspire audiences nationwide as we illuminate the shores of lower Manhattan and Brooklyn with stunning effects, colour and sound,” said Amy Kule, Executive Producer of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. “We are thrilled to be working with our partners in the City of New York to have the magnificent Brooklyn Bridge as our canvas and stunning backdrop for this

year’s bigger-than-life display.”

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said, “For New Yorkers, there is no better place to commemorate the hardfought independence of the United States than on the shores of the East River, with the lower Manhattan skyline illuminated by the brilliant lights of Macy’s annual July 4th fireworks celebration. I would like to thank Mayor de Blasio and all of the other advocates who worked to make sure our residents and local businesses are

from page 10

Anthony says local editorial board ...

Two new air conditioners were purchased for the building.

Jones noted a significant increase in this year’s budget compared to last year, which the Minister explained is as a result of the Ministry embarking on several projects.

These include employing an additional Cuban swimming coach, along with a boxing and an athletic coach upon the completion of the synthetic track and funding for the National Drama Festival, which has grown significantly over the years.

The Minister was then asked to give a detailed list of the monies being injected into these areas, which he did.

Jones then enquired from the Minister, who would usually allocate the funds to these projects and agencies, to which he said the Director of Sport and Culture.

Dr Anthony was subsequently asked by APNU’s Joseph Harmon, whether he can consider having an independent per-

son or body allocating the funds. Minister Anthony indicated that he has no difficulty in expanding the committee to include independent persons.

Dr Anthony during his answers to queries, disclosed that his Ministry does not engage in any advertisements, but proposals are presented to the fund’s committee, which will then consider them and allocate the funds.

He noted that anyone with a project can write to the committee and the Ministry will work with proposals submitted from the various art sectors.

Committee of Supply Chairman and Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman then enquired from the Minister how the public knows about the fund if there is no advertisement, particularly, persons in the hinterland.

The Minister disclosed that this year they will embark on widespread advertisements to alert the public that funds are avail-

able.

Anthony told the House that the fund is audited by the Auditor General; hence, there is no discrepancy in the current management of the committee.

able to partake in this

year’s celebration of the freedom that we hold so dear.”

“What could be more ‘quintessentially New York’ than having the Brooklyn Bridge—one of our most iconic local landmarks—lit up by the glow of fireworks on the 4th of July?

Bringing this display back to the East River will ensure millions of New Yorkers in the outer boroughs can enjoy this celebration,” Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez said.

“The rockets’ red glare, amongst their many other dazzling colours, will return to the East River this 4th of July. This is a smart economic decision that

Borough Hall has long pursued, one that will stimulate businesses on our waterfront. Kudos to Mayor de Blasio and Macy’s for making this spectacular show possible for more New Yorkers to enjoy,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz said, “The Macy’s Fireworks on the 4th of July has become an integral part of the fabric of New York. On behalf of the 2.3 million people who reside in Queens we welcome this announcement by our Mayor and look forward to the return of this great event to the East River.”

12 news Gy$3.3B approved for GECOM Trinidad court rules against DPP T in former prime WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

he National Assembly has cleared Gy$3.362 billion for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) even as the main political parties test their readiness for local government or snap elections.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds on Tuesday told the Committee of Supply that he has been advised that GECOM is in a state of readiness for the staging of an election if one is called. Asked whether it was local government or general elections, Prime Minister Hinds said “whichever one is called”.

Under current expenditure, Gy$1.6 billion has been budgeted for the Elections Commission, while Gy$126.7 million has been allotted

GECOM Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally

for capital initiatives. It was A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Chief Whip Amna Ally who grilled the Prime Minister on monies budgeted under the line item dubbed “Other”.

The sum of Gy$168 million has been budgeted under the line item 6284 “Other”. The Prime

Minister explained that Gy$100 million has been set aside for the Voter Education Programme, which includes continuous education and preparatory works for local government elections and Gy$3.5 million for demarcation. GECOM, in its voters’ education initiative, is targeting 585 constituencies.

Under another line item tagged “Other” (6294), Prime Minister Hinds said, the budgetary allocation of Gy$208 million will be used to cover payments of scrutineers and other staff during seven months of continuous registration.

Other commissions

Without any concerns, the Opposition also allowed the approval of funds for the Public, Police Service,

and Teaching Service Commissions.

Some Gy$69 million was budgeted for the Public and Police Service Commissions, with Gy$67 million budgeted for current expenditures and Gy$2.5 million, for capital projects.

The Opposition parties expressed disappointment that funding for the two commissions was linked. However, they were informed that while the Public Service Commission is different from the Police Service Commission, they are manned by one secretariat. Some Gy$85.6 million were approved for the Teaching Service Commission – Gy$83.3 million was set aside for current expenditure and Gy$2.3 million for capital projects and initiatives.

minister’s case

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Former TT Prime Minister Basdeo Panday (TT Newsday file photo)

High Court judge in Trinidad has ruled that Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard, SC, will not be able to reopen the integrity trial of former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday, who was alleged to have failed to declare his London bank account to the Integrity Commission.

Justice James Aboud Monday set aside the order sought by the DPP to quash the decision of Magistrate Marcia Murray, who in June 2012 ruled that it would be unconscionable to permit the case against Panday to continue, because she was not satisfied the issue was fully and fairly investigated by the Integrity Commission and DPP, before charges were laid.

Panday’s attorneys filed an application asking that the leave granted in September 2012 to the DPP to have the magistrate’s decision reviewed, be set aside. The DPP filed the judicial review claim three months after Panday’s acquittal in the Magistrates’ Court.

Aboud held that there was delay on the part of the DPP to file the application for judicial review, adding that he found no reasonable explanation given by the DPP for doing so.

Rights

The judge said Panday’s rights would have been prejudiced and he would continue to face such prejudice and hardship if the DPP was to continue the prosecution of him. However, Aboud pointed out that

the DPP also had a right to obtain a comprehensive statement from the court that the magistrate misaligned.

He said to leave the decision of the magistrate “undisturbed” and her findings must be tested.

Panday was alleged to have failed to declare the assets of the account, amounting to approximately TT$1.6 million, held at the National Westminster Bank at Wimbledon Hill Road, London, for the years ending 1997, 1998 and 1999. He was prime minister at the time. Panday was found guilty and sentenced in March 2006

by Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicolls to two years in prison.

Panday appealed Mc Nicolls’ decision and the conviction was eventually quashed by the Court of Appeal and a retrial ordered. The Court of Appeal’s decision was upheld by the Privy Council.

The decision was not appealed to the Court of Appeal during the prescribed deadline and a judicial review application was instead sought by the DPP. Aboud referred to the length of time between Panday’s alleged offences and when he was eventually brought to trial, his age (81) as well as the money he had spent on legal fees for defending the charges.

“The good administration of justice requires that Panday should not have been kept in suspense,” Aboud said. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

TT to fingerprint all deportees

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rinidad and Tobago is moving to make it compulsory for all deportees to be finger-printed upon entry to the country and for their records to be kept, in addition to more reforms to DNA sample collection, according to legislation unveiled by Attorney General Anand Ramlogan in the House of Representatives last Friday.

Piloting the Miscellaneous Provisions (Administration of Justice) Bill, 2014, Ramlogan said the legislation proposes certain cases where fingerprints and DNA will be taken without consent.

In relation to deportees, Ramlogan said, “A deportee would have to give a sample upon arrival.” He noted currently it was within the discretion of immigration officials to determine, based on an on-the-spot analysis, whether the deportee’s offence fell within the laws of Trinidad and Tobago and this was a cumbersome procedure best suited to legal experts.

“We have removed that to make it very clear and very simple,”

TT’s Attorney General Anand Ramlogan (TT Newsday file photo)

Ramlogan said.

Compulsory

Instead, the Attorney General said, a sample will now simply be taken carte blanche.

Clause 9 of the legislation proses an insertion into the Police Service Act which reads: “50C. (1) At all ports of entry into Trinidad and Tobago, a police officer or an immigration officer under the Immigration Act shall take and record for the purpose of identification the fingerprint impression of- (a) a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago without the consent of the citizen, where the citizen has been de-

ported from any place outside of Trinidad and Tobago.”

Compulsory fingerprinting will also take place in situations where there is evidence linking fingerprint impressions at crime scenes to potential persons related to inquiries.

In relation to DNA samples, the definition of such samples is to be clarified; and samples are to be kept far longer, as long as 20 years, because of the possibility of cold cases being solved.

“One ought to tread with extreme caution before you go to destroy it,” Ramlogan said. “The longer the period the State can retain these samples, the better we can tackle crime.”

Of current anti-gang legislation, Ramlogan said because of intelligence gathering by law enforcement authorities, “We are likely to see more arrests in the future under the AntiGang Act.” He said the recent provision introducing a “one-strike-and-you-areout” rule in relation to bail had begun to take effect, saying it had resulted in a “long list of repeat

Jamaican cop kills wife, commits.... from page 7

ed out that Constable Thompson was "on suspension for a year now for his involvement in a shooting incident in Westmoreland", said that the dead cop was not a licensed firearm holder. Therefore, the police are trying to determine where he got the revolver—which was not a service firearm—he was found clutching.

The tragedy of the murder and suspected suicide rocked Campbell Thompson's family, who expressed great concern for the couple's threeyear-old son.

"I heard that she had just come in, and he was waiting for her and they had a struggle," Campbell Thompson's aunt, Eleanor Gray, told the media as undertakers retrieved Thompson's body from the gully while a crowd looked on.

"I know they were having some issues earlier, but she didn't tell me, she is a private person.

But I normally encourage her, whatever the problem is, take a break, go somewhere, take some time off...I guess she was just waiting on her leave (vacation)," Gray said of

her niece who was an accountant at telecoms giant Digicel.

Asked whether Campbell was a violent man, Gray said "no". "He was a nice guy, a nice guy, that's why we just didn't see this coming."

While people in the crowd gathered on Shortwood Road were heard expressing anger at the murder, Superintendent Brown said that the police high command had dispatched the Chaplaincy Unit to both families to provide counselling.

He appealed to members of the police who are having problems to discuss them with the constabulary's counsellors.

"One of the concerns we have is that police officers who are having issues may not want to come forward and discuss them. However, if the police high command is made aware that there is a problem, the Chaplaincy Unit will assist," Brown said.

"So, we are again appealing to police officers who have issues, and families who know police officers who have issues to report them,"

Brown added. (Jamaica Observer)

offenders who have matters pending before the court who have been denied bail”. He said the

rule was, “one of the most important tools in the fight against crime.” The Attorney General said

a new law to re-vamp the practice of plea-bargaining is planned. (TT Newsday)

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Gov’t unaware of change in land deal with N.Y. realtor

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overnment on Tuesday said it was unaware that the prime real estate on the West Coast of Demerara that was sold to businessman Ed Ahmad for wood processing is now being converted into a housing development.

The announcement was made in a release by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Ltd. (NICIL) in response to a Kaieteur News article on Sunday headlined “Ed Ahmad gears to make Gy$600M on Gy$80M GuySuCo land”.

Kaieteur News had reported that according to the website South American Wood Inc, the Leonora Projects is planning to construct 87 homes on the site.

The newspaper claimed that company officials said a house lot is now being sold for at least Gy$7 million and that it is building homes for at least Gy$30 million each.

However, in a response, NICIL detailed the sequence of the transaction, saying that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) entered into an agreement on November 21, 2008,

Demerara at Gy$5 million per acre,” NICIL said.

Restrictive Covenant

Ed Ahmad

with South American Wood Inc for the sale of a portion (approximately 16 acres) of Plantation Groenveldt on the West Coast of Demerara for a wood processing facility for the sum of Gy$80 million.

According to NICIL, it acted as an agent, at the time, for the sale of a number of State properties listed for privatisation, including GuySuCo. “The sale of this land was subject to two prior bids: in 2003, the highest valid bid amounted to Gy$30 million. In 2004, the land was again tendered for bids and none were received. Following the lack of any tender, the land was sold at a price comparable with valuations established for GuySuCo land on the East Coast

NICIL said GuySuCo, in fact, entered into a Restrictive Covenant as set out in the terms and conditions of the sale, published in the Vesting Order effecting the transfer of title, that “the property shall not be used for any other purpose other than for the construction and operation of a wood processing facility with the option of future development in manufacturing, industrial and commercial activities including the construction and operation of shopping mall, providing that the construction of the wood processing facility is commenced first” and “that construction of a wood processing facility shall commence within one (1) year of the execution of this agreement”.

According to NICIL, in January 2013, at a press conference, hosted by President Donald Ramotar, details of all of the privatisation transactions on behalf of GuySuCo, numbering 21, including this transaction, were listed in a public document, entitled “Privatisation in TablesPhase 11 (1993-2011).

Lionfish population down in Jamaica

Jamaica’s Environment Minister Robert Pickersgill (second left), shares a light moment with CEO of National Environment and Planning Agency Peter Knight (left); Project Manager Sherese Simpson (second right); and Project Evaluator of UNEP Hugo Arnold, during the closing-out ceremony for the MTIASIC project at the Pollyanna hotel in Kingston recently (JIS photo)

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he National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) have reported a 66 percent reduction in sightings of the ferocious Pacific lionfish in Jamaican waters.

This is just one of the many successes achieved under the recently concluded Mitigating the Threat of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in

the Insular Caribbean (MTIASIC) project, which was launched four and half years ago.

The lionfish is a voracious predator, believed to have entered Caribbean waters from a protected environment in the United States after a natural disaster in 1992. By 2006, experts said, they could be found on almost every reef in

Jamaica.

Their population can be as high as 250 lionfish per hectare–a situation which has been threatening smaller marine fish, shrimp, crabs, and other crustaceans on which they prey. The livelihoods of fisher folk and the island’s fish exports were also at risk. continued on page 15

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week ending April 20, 2014| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Day care death: baby died from bronchitis

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n autopsy performed on the body of fourmonth-old Phillip Pratt who died at the Mothers’ Union Day Care on Tuesday revealed that he died due to complications from bronchitis.

The post-mortem was performed by Dr Nehaul Singh on Wednesday at

dead child, Debbie, told Guyana Times International that the autopsy report on the cause of death has brought some relief to the family, since they thought something had gone amiss at the day care centre.

She explained that during the post-mortem

The Mother’s Union Day Care Centre located on Robb Street, Georgetown

the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary and witnessed by the baby’s family members.

An aunt of the

examination it was recognised that the child’s lungs were “hard”.

Bronchitis is a respiratory disease in which the

Lionfish population down in... from page 14

However, over the course of the past four year, under the National Lionfish Project, targeted removal strategies have seen the population in frequently visited areas reduced significantly. It is now down to approximately 80 lionfish per hectare in some areas.

The project also produced the now quite popular and successful, ‘Eat it to Beat it’ campaign, as well as a number of other public awareness initiatives geared at stemming the population of the lionfish.

Speaking at the closing-out ceremony of the MTIASIC project held in Kingston last Friday, Environment Minister Robert Pickersgill, praised NEPA and other stakeholders for the successful implementation of the MTIASIC programme.

The National Lionfish Project formed part of the larger MTIASIC, which was financed by the Global Environment Facility, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The project has also seen the development of a National Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Strategy and Action Plan, which will guide policy over the next six years.

M T I A S I C Coordinator, Nelsa English-Johnson, said that other achievements under the MTIASIC include a two-fold increase in nesting of the Jamaican iguana. This was accomplished under the Jamaican Iguana Recovery programme, which aims to conserve Jamaican iguanas by eradicating invasive feral animals in the Hellshire Hills.

There was also the implementation of a Pet Trade pathway toolkit, which is aimed at addressing the Pet Trade, one of the major pathways through which IAS are introduced into Jamaica.

Also, through regional workshops, the project helped to develop a regional IAS strategy, where Jamaica led on developing the freshwater and marine components of the regional strategy.

English-Johnson said the project was also able to increase the country’s capacity in putting in place protective measures in the Lower Black River Morass (Ramsar Site) to safeguard against two freshwater plants, and other animals that are negatively impacting the wetland, which is of international importance. (JIS)

mucus membrane in the lungs’ bronchial passages becomes inflamed. As the irritated membrane swells and grows thicker, it narrows or shuts off the tiny airways in the lungs, resulting in coughing spells that may be accompanied by phlegm and breathlessness.

The child, who had been at the day care for about six weeks, had been experiencing what the mother thought was the common cold during the week, GTI was informed.

The Mothers’ Union Day Care, which accepts children from the age of three months, is a popular day care. In a release issued by fam-

ily members, they stated “categorically that, the Mothers’ Union Day Care facility is NOT at fault, nor, is in no manner responsible for baby Phillip’s death…. the Mothers’ Union Day Care facility pursued its normal procedures by contacting the infant child’s mother. We are in no way dissatisfied with the procedures followed by the day care.

“We take this opportunity to, once again, thank the administration and the caregivers at the Mothers’ Union Day Care facility for rendering quality service and their assistance following baby Phillips’ demise.”

The family said they

Dead: Four-month old Phillip Pratt

also thank all who have sympathised and are commiserating with them in their bereavement.

Pratt, of Lot 631 South Sophia, Georgetown, took his last breath at the day care on Robb Street, Georgetown, after he was seen frothing from his mouth and bleeding from his nostrils. It was reported that after a staffer of the institution realised that something was amiss,

she telephoned the child’s mother, Philion Winter-Archer who was at her place of employment, the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The administrator also contacted the police who, along with the devastated mother, took the child to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Little Phillip Pratt is expected to be laid to rest in the new week.

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

17 Amerindian, APNU protestors clash over budget cuts NEWS

WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Rohee had to put Green Jah in he place

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very time some ting bad happen, is then some body does suddenly get a bright idea. Usually is dem politicians, and especially when dem deh in Parliament. None a dem does tink of any ting to prevent whah could happen. Every body does react after de fact.

One man get kidnap and Green Jah wanna get a special unit to handle kidnappin. This is a old soldier who ain’t even know a unit done deh in place. Rohee had to put Green Jah in he place. Only God in heaven know how a man like this could wanna be de Prezzi.

Harding seh de police rape he wid a baton. Only God in heaven know how that coulda happen. Musbe de baton was small or de other ting was big. And NoGel Hughly still ain’t produce de medical from Jamaica. When de story buss out, Green Jah call fuh commission of inquiry.

Green Jah call fuh another inquiry over some kinda crime spree. But Green Jah limit de time to a certain period. Green Jah musbe smart fuh some people some of de time, but he ain’t smart fuh all people all de time. Only God in heaven know why Green Jah wanna limit de time.

De problem is that Green Jah only want inquiry whah suit he. But every time he realise that de commission gon expose he party wotlessness, he does back off quick. De Linden Commission of Inquiry was one example.

Green Jah and he people call fuh it and dem bawl fuh it till dem get it. Dem even choose de people who dem want fuh it. When Green Jah realise that de findins expose he and he party, dem start to back out.

Only God in heaven know whah dem had expect to find out when dem know dem was wrong.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! De same ting happen wid de Rodney inquiry.

Green Jah name might get call. So he ain’t want de inquiry no more. But who de cap fit gon have to wear it.

A

At left is a group of Opposition protesters waving their placards in front of a large group of Amerindian demonstrators who have upped the ante against the combined Opposition for voting against a Gy$1 billion provision for developmental projects in their areas (Carl Croker photo)

merindians protesting the disapproval of funding for a Gy$1 billion development project by the combined Opposition for a second day clashed with a handful of demonstrators drawn from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) who were calling on the

Government to be more accountable to citizens.

Though police were well-positioned to guard against any altercation, caustic taunts and remarks were hurled by the opposing sides during the protest.

In a swift response, the Amerindian Affairs Ministry condemned

what it described as the Opposition’s intimidatory tactics “targeting Amerindians who were protesting peacefully the Opposition imposed cuts of Gy$1.1 billion earmarked for Amerindian development”.

According to the Ministry, supporters of APNU and the

Alliance For Change (AFC) “were mobilised by the Opposition to intimidate hundreds of Amerindians on the second day of their protest action outside the Parliament.”

The Ministry noted that the Opposition supporters hurled decontinued on page 21

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Cutting funds for the Specialty Hospital is an insult to the nation - Dr Ramsammy

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g r i c u l t u r e Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy has described the move by the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to vote down funding for the Specialty Hospital as cruel and disrespectful to the Guyanese people.

According to Dr Ramsammy in a release, the hospital would ensure that all Guyanese obtain health services that they can only access overseas.

“Cutting the Specialty Hospital is gross disregard, disrespect and insult to a whole nation. We should never restrict healthcare services and we should celebrate any development that improves and expand health services to our people,” he said.

The hospital seeks to ensure that Guyanese people access health care services and to improve equity in health care.

He said while the wealthy can access healthcare overseas, the majority of Guyanese cannot access these expensive services abroad.

“The PPP/C [People's Progressive Party/ Civic]

"Cutting the Specialty Hospital is gross disregard, disrespect and insult to a whole nation. We should never restrict healthcare services," says former Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Government is catering for these services to be accessed locally at affordable costs, bringing health equity for all Guyanese,” he said.

The hospital is being built through a low interest loan from India.

APNU and AFC used the one-seat majority last Thursday to disapprove Gy$109 million in funding for the facility.

“I note also that they cut the budget for the eye surgery operating room at Linden Hospital. This further

exposes APNU and AFC as making a deliberate effort to hurt people merely as a power-hungry grab. The vote to cut the Specialty Hospital and other healthcare services is cruel and inhumane and also exposes the AFC and APNU as not interested in the development of our people and our country,” Dr Ramsammy, a former Health Minister contended.

He also lamented the cut made to the Cheddi Jagan International

Airport (CJIA), saying that the combined Opposition allowed their egos to triumph.

“We cannot seriously talk about tourism development and the overall development of our country unless we support projects such as the expansion of CJIA. Every economist and development specialist has recommended the expansion of CJIA. Yet APNU and AFC have sought to scuttle this major development project.

“In their hunger for power, APNU and AFC do not respect anyone and they do not care who or how many people they hurt. They merely want power and the more they create chaos and under development, the more they take delight in the misery that they cause.

I call on my Guyanese brothers and sisters to stand in solidarity to condemn the reprehensible actions of APNU and AFC,” he said.

World Bank voices concern over high cost of remittances to the Caribbean

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he World Bank has voiced concern about what it described as the exorbitant cost of sending remittances to the Caribbean and other places, saying that forcing migrant workers to pay as much as US$50 to send US$200 is “wrong.”

The Washingtonbased financial institution said this is especially so when workers are “sending salaries they have earned in the hope of supporting their families back home.”

It said US$200 often is a very significant sum for migrants’ family income.

“There was little price transparency and no global effort to address this problem until the World Bank helped form a coalition to monitor the process and create a ‘one-stop shop’ information system to help remittance-senders compare services and costs,” the statement said.

The World Bank said the high cost of transferring remittances internationally has typically been caused by a combination of obstacles in each local market, both in sending and receiving countries.

Lack of transparency

These include a lack of transparency and consumer protection, legal and regulatory obstacles, a lack of payment system infrastructures and access to payment systems, a weak market environment without a proper competition, and weak risk-management and governance practices.

These problems were discussed as the World Bank-led coalition joined in creating a new international standard called

the General Principles for International Remittance Services, published in 2007.

The World Bank noted that in 2009, Heads of State of the world’s industrialized powers made a commitment to reducing the global average cost by 5 percentage points in five years – the so-called “5×5 objective”.

In addition, the World Bank said it has provided a “variety of effective solutions” to addressing a high cost of sending remittances at the global, country, and municipality levels.

It said the Global Remittances Working Group that it has established has provided technical inputs and advice to partners to achieve the objective, together with monitoring the global remittance costs through RPW.

Principles

At the country level, the Bank said it provided technical assistance to client countries to improve their remittance markets by addressing problems and obstacles through implementing the General Principles for International Remittance Services.

As a result, the bank said the cost of sending remittances has been reduced to about US$42.48 billion from 2009 to 2013 at the global level.

It said the global average of sending a remittance of US$200 came down from 9.81 percent to 8.95 percent in the normal average and from 8.58 percent to 6.62 percent in the weighted average from 2008.

news

Kartel's family fearful after ‘informer’ reports

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he family of incarcerated entertainer Adidja 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer say they are now in fear for their lives following Sunday’s revelation by the police that the convicted deejay gave the cops the whereabouts of several St Catherine wanted men and additional information that led to the recovery of 17 illegal firearms.

According to a police source, the information provided by Kartel before he was arrested was an attempt to ensure his freedom or to obtain a reduced sentence.

It was also revealed in the story that the entertainer was an influential member of the much-feared Spanish Town gang, Klansman, and that the gang carried out murders for the artiste.

However, Sunday, Kartel's family said they were very upset at the report, saying the information was news to them and that it had put their lives in danger.

"This is endangering the lives of Adidja Palmer's family, his siblings, and his girlfriend, when a news like this come on the radio and we don't know if it is credible, we don't know the source...and they don't think about how it is affecting our lives," said Palmer's eldest sister, Maureen Nelson. “…We thought that when he got sentenced to life in prison it would be over. But that is not the end, it is the beginning," Nelson said.

She said their fear was justified, given the "informer culture" that exists in the country.

Nelson said they were not sure about how the public had taken the

Adidja 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer (Jamaica Observer photo)

news, but that the family was concerned that their relative would be branded an informer.

"We are locked up in the house right now. We have fears of reprisals and I don't even know how John public will react to us," she said.

Nelson said the media needed to be mindful of what it reports and whether or not the information is credible and how it will affect the family.

Vybz Kartel, Shawn 'Shawn Storm' Campbell, Andre St John, and Kahira Jones were convicted on April 3 for the August 16, 2011 beating death of Clive 'Lizard' Williams over the disappearance of two illegal guns. Accused Shane Williams was acquitted at the end of the five-month-long trial before Justice Lennox Campbell. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

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PPP/C prepared to face electorate – Rohee

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he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Central Committee has recently discussed its preparedness to face the electorate if Local Government or National Elections are called.

“The role and militancy of the women and youth arms… were discussed and broad guidelines and directions given on the way forward,” PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee told media operatives during a press conference at Freedom House on Monday.

He said too that much emphasis is being placed on strengthening the party, both organisationally and ideologically, in order to respond effectively to the challenges on the ground.

Rohee said too that the Central Committee also condemned the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) for using their one-seat majority in the National Assembly to amend the Gy$220 billion budget. He explained that the committee took note of acts by the Opposition to derail the developmental agenda of the PPP/C administration by cutting budgetary allocations for the Ministries of Amerindians Affairs, Transport and Health.

He said too that the committee was highly critical of the Opposition media in particular the Kaieteur News, of their frequent attacks against the PPP/C Government, stating that the party underscored the importance of greater unity in wake of the move by Opposition elements to destabilise the party.

Although former President Bharat Jagdeo was present at the meeting and contributed to the discussion, Rohee said he did not participate in formal-

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

ising the statement that he (Rohee) read. The Home Affairs Minister, however, declined to single out comments specifically made by the former President. Jagdeo has been a target of the Kaieteur News.

But despite the negative forces, the Central Committee praised the Donald Ramotar administration for the substantial gains made in fostering economic growth. Rohee said too that the Government has been improving the standard of living of all Guyanese in the face of the “hostile parliamentary Opposition and a less than favourable external environment”.

Although the Opposition has accused the Government of presenting a budget that does not have a human face, the PPP/C remains firm that the budget presented by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh seeks to foster a better life for all Guyanese.

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Cuba to help Guyana establish Ten facts about Easter special needs centre

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uyana has its eyes set on establishing a Caribbean centre to stimulate the development of children and young people with special educational needs associated with disabilities, but would require significant technical expertise from Cuba for the project to be successfully implemented.

This was revealed

by Cuban Ambassador to Guyana Julio Cesar Gonzalez Marchante during a recent interview with Guyanese media.

He said the country expressed interest in the project when it was presented at the last CubaCaricom Summit held in Havana, Cuba, to Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community.

He also opined that such a project could benefit Guyana tremendously were the country to take the lead in this respect, noting that many other Caribbean countries have expressed the challenges they face in dealing with youth living with disabilities and their ability to access specialised education.

Next to Halloween, Easter is the second most popular holiday for the consumption of candy

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FLASHBACK: Cuban Ambassador to Guyana Julio Cesar Gonzalez Marchante (left) toasts with Caricom’s Secretary General Irwin LaRocque last month

A m b a s s a d o r Marchante explained that the proposals were presented at the last Cuba-Caricom Summit to solicit common interest before concrete proposals are made as to the way forward.

Noting that the summit is held every three years, he stated that it is set for December 2014, and will see more substantive proposals being made and decisions taken by Cuba-Caricom leaders.

Need

“In the last intersessional meeting, they

(Caricom) declared that they were not in the condition to face the problem of disability in their countries….So this project comes at a very good moment in which we are offering some technical advice and structure that would allow for us to go ahead with this project,” the Ambassador sated.

He explained that the centre in Guyana would be designed and piloted after the Latin American Reference Centre for Special Education in Cuba. The centre there is one of the regional

and international entities that provide quality education to children and youth with special needs.

The Guyanese centre would, like its Cuban counterpart, aim to stimulate the development of children and young people with special education needs associated with disabilities.

It would integrate theoretical and methodological issues to guide good practices based on educational attention strategies and methodologies that involve different educational agents such as special education teachers, schools, institutions of the community and family members, so they can contribute to student development.

The centre would take approximately two years, four months to be completed and made functional, once it follows the five stage implementation and conceptualisation plan proposed

by Cuba.

e are now approaching the end of the Easter/Lent period. Here are some interesting facts about the holiday which is celebrated worldwide, commemorating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

1. Easter has no set annual date for celebration. The day changes each year according to the lunar calendar.

2. Easter Monday officially marks the closing of the period of Lent which began on Ash Wednesday.

3. Next to Halloween, Easter is the second most popular holiday for the consumption of candy.

4. The word Easter actually refers to an old pagan goddess called Eostre, which was the goddess of spring and fertility.

5. In many Caribbean countries, a popular Easter tradition is the flying of kites. This is done in representation of the

ascent of Jesus Christ.

6. The consumption of animal products including eggs was forbidden during the period of Lent.

This caused many eggs to be available for consumption by Easter Monday.

7. Guatemalans celebrate Easter by creating a long carpet made of sawdust and flowers, and subsequently march over this carpet on their way to church.

8. The act of exchanging eggs as gifts has its origin in Ancient Persia where the eggs were said to represent new life and fertility.

9. The snack pretzels were originally created as an Easter food in Germany as it was made to symbolize two hands in prayer.

10. Instead of the traditional Easter Bunny, in Switzerland their Easter figure is an Easter Wizard.

In many Caribbean countries, a popular Easter tradition is the flying of kites

21 780,000 Guyanese migrated in the last 48 years – Oxford researcher finds NEWS

WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

- majority settled in U.S., Canada and England

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researcher on international migration at Oxford University, England, has reported that some 780,000 Guyanese have left Guyana over the past 48 years.

Simona Vezzoli in a recent study said most of the migrants are now settled in Canada, England and the U.S. Vezzoli’s disclosure comes amid calls by various stakeholders across the country for the publishing of the National Census Report 2012.

On Tuesday, Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan told the National Assembly that the Government was playing games with Guyanese, and

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

Researcher Simona Vezzoli

did not want to publish the report as it would show the areas where the Government has failed.

He noted that the ruling

party constantly harps about large-scale development in the country, but was not providing the evidence contained in the National Census Report

Barbados’ job cuts may soon hit teachers

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Barbados’ Education Minister Ronald Jones (centre) chatting with former school principal Victor Hutchinson (left) and BUT president Pedro Shepherd at the opening of the BUT’s 40th annual general conference Tuesday evening (Ricardo Leacock/Nation News photo)

eachers in Barbados could soon join other public sector workers on the breadline––this indication from Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) president Pedro Shepherd as he addressed the opening of the union’s 40th annual general conference at the Hilton Barbados.

He told members Tuesday night that the BUT had been informed that specialist teachers were to go, and a number of temporary teachers from each school would also be jobless.

“It is a fact that teacher aides from special units have been retrenched, and I learned a school in Christ Church recently had its general worker severed and no replacement given. I also know of a school, on the other hand, that had a watchman for over a year, never watched but got paid. These things cannot be fair.

“The BUT wants the

Minister of the Civil Service to tell his officers at the Public Service Commission and Personnel Administration Division to start to work,” Shepherd declared.

“Let me state that the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) has nothing against retrenchment, but before a single teacher is retrenched, we are saying fill every single post.”

Shepherd added: “The Public Service Act states that interviews are part of the recruitment process; so set up one. Like the one that interviewed over 300 teachers in record time last year or year before to appoint senior teachers who for the most part had to be appointed because of the length of time they kept them in Hollywood [acting].

“Remember though, that any teacher you disadvantaged before giving them their legal entitlement or inter-

view would not be taken lightly by the BUT, for who is to say that a disadvantaged or retrenched teacher would not have done an excellent interview and merits a post." Looking at the status of education in the country at this time, the president said the time for education reform is now.

“From the Ministry of Education right down to the janitorial staff.

We know what is needed, but we seem afraid to do it unless overseas consultants say so. The time for action is now,” he added.

“I believe that schools should be linked through technology. We need to allow the ITCs to access Skype and use videoconferencing as teaching tools. We need to standardize all operations across all schools.

It is my contention that education must be completely overhauled to get value for our money.” (Barbados Today)

2012.

According to Ramjattan, the Government boasts of the provision of jobs, but some 1000 persons migrate every month. He said this will be reflected in the census report, which he claims the Government is hiding.

However, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh said the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) was firmly committed to the continued strengthening of the national statistics system to provide strong evidence-based policy decisions.

He said the results from the census are being compiled, noting that the completion of a preliminary report was

somewhat hampered by challenges of access to households and enterprises, particularly in mining areas in Regions One, Seven and Eight.

Singh anticipates that the preliminary report will be available by the end of the first half of the year.

The main report will provide information on a number of areas including changing age structure of the population, composition of the labour market, employment, ethnicity, gender, religion, education, quality of life and fertility rates, among others.

The analysis is also expected to include projections on the country’s population by 2050, based on current trends.

Amerindian, APNU protestors clash over... from page 17

rogatory, discriminatory and threatening remarks at the group of more than 400 Amerindians from various regions across Guyana.

“The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs (MOA) is concerned about this development and urges the Opposition to desist from this known tactic of intimidation and bullyism in efforts to deny Amerindians’ right to protest and freedom of expression. The MOA insists that Amerindians have legitimate rights to protest against a matter which has severe consequences for their livelihood and well-being.”

Dissatisfaction

From their position across the road from Parliament, the Amerindians chanted: “We want development….Granger must go… Renita is a shame”.

Renita Williams is a recent addition to the APNU benches, representing Region One (Barima/Waini).

Speaking with Guyana Times International, one man who only gave his name as Charles said he was there protesting, because he wanted the Opposition to take a decision to restore the funds that it disapproved. “I’m protesting, because I want them to give us back our money, it is for our development, we need it in the villages,” he said.

When questioned on how he would have made

Indigenous protesters as they demonstrated in front of Parliament for the second consecutive day

his way to the city from his home in Kamarang in Region Seven, he related that he became aware of the actions taken by the combined Opposition as the news had spread like wildfire through the villages in the interior. He added that the National Toshaos Council provided transportation for them to reach the city and stand in solidarity against the action by the Opposition.

Another young protester voiced similar statements and added that she would be directly affected, since she was part of the Youth Entrepreneurship Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP), which will be severely affected since Gy$796 million of the disapproved Gy$1.1 billion was dedicated to that project.

On the other hand, the APNU supporters claimed that the Amerindians’ protest was part of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic

propaganda. These protesters waved their placards, demanding more accountability from the Government.

The PPP/C said claims by Amerindian representatives of abuse of money are baseless, noting that part of the allocation cut by the Opposition includes the apprenticeship of more than 2000 Amerindian youths involved in management, community development, planning and providing much needed assistance to the Captains and Councils of Amerindian villages. This programme, which had previously employed in excess of 900 Amerindian youths, was overwhelmingly endorsed by the leadership of the villages. In the 2014 Budget provisions, were made to ensure that every Amerindian village would have these young people learning and providing much needed support to their communities.

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DPP to review evidence in Rose, Persaud killings

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olice are at a standstill in the investigations into the murders of designer Trevor Rose and Eccles money changer Bridgelall Persaud even as they recently reported that serious crimes for the year have increased by 38 per cent compared to corresponding period last year.

Acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud on Friday said the files of the men will be sent to Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Shalimar AliHack, who will review the deposition and evidence in the case and make her recommendation.

To date, the Guyana Police Force has not issued a wanted bulletin for anyone in the matter, which means that they are not in possession of the identities of the suspects.

Recently, the police stated that they were looking for two men for the execution of the Eccles businessman and one for the execution of the designer.

The acting Commissioner explained that there is no new evidence that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrators, but the police are continuing their investigations.

The main witnesses in the Trevor Ross mur-

Dead: Trevor Rose

Dead: Bridgelall Persaud

der reportedly failed to positively identify the shooter during an identification parade at the Police Headquarters.

One of the witnesses, Latoya Towler, who happens to be one of Rose’s child mother, is claiming that she is still traumatised to speak to anyone.

The police are optimistic that they will have a breakthrough in the case at some point.

Rose was gunned down on the morning of January 26, when a lone gunman opened fire on the car he was in while in the vicinity of the traffic lights at Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Rose, 32, of East Street, North Cummingsburg died while Trevor Nieuinkirk, 30, a taxi driver and the mother of Rose’s twoyear-old son, Latoya Towler were injured.

Towler was reported-

ly shot to the buttocks while Nieuinkirk sustained a gunshot wound to his left arm.

It was reported that on the morning of the shooting, Rose, a father of eight was heading into the Eccles Housing Scheme to drop off Towler.

As they approached the traffic lights in the area, another motor car drove up alongside theirs and accosted the driver, taunting him about the way he was driving.

Argument

This developed into an argument, and subsequently, the driver of the other car exited his vehicle and opened fire. Rose reportedly received multiple gunshot injuries while Nieuinkirk and Towler were shot once.

Meanwhile, on February 20, about 08:10h, Persaud also called “B Boy” was

gunned down in the vicinity of Builder’s Lumber Yard, Lombard Street, Georgetown after he was attacked by two gunmen. The robbers then made good their escape with a bag containing at least Gy$1 million.

According to information received, the man was in his blue Toyota Raum, and as he approached the truck park at Lombard Street, two men armed with handguns exited a white car that was parked some distance away, walked up to Persaud’s vehicle and opened fire.

One bullet reportedly struck the man in the head while the others caught him in his legs and abdomen.

After shooting the businessman, one of the men reportedly reached into the man’s car and removed the bag containing the money.

They then made good their escape in a waiting car, which went into Princes Street. The businessman was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police are working on the theory that the man might have been trailed from the time he left home and would have been under surveillance by the gunmen for some time.

Region 10 partners with Canadian mining company to provide 300 jobs to Lindeners

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he Region 10 Democratic Council (RDC) has partnered with Canadianbased mineral exploration company Guyana Goldfields Inc to provide approximately 300 jobs to persons within Region 10.

Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon said the move will ease hardship in Linden. “The region has been working to ensure that we have our residents involved in small micro-enterprise businesses, to ensure also that we see the return of cottage industries.”

“Our next immediate approach to job creation is that the region over the past several weeks would have been engaging several companies, which to date, we have had the confirmation from one such company which has expressed interest in working closely with us, based on the approach that we have made with residents, knowing that unemployment is so high in

Persons at the application exercise

the region,” he said.

Application process

The application process was facilitated at the Egbert Benjamin Centre, Linden, which is more convenient as persons would not have to travel to Georgetown to uplift forms, which is more costly.

The Regional Chairman, along with some stakeholders and RDC Councillors was at the venue, providing reference and facilitating police clearance for applicants. Also present, were labour and human servic-

es officials of the Guyana Goldfields Inc. “In its quest to employ persons to work at that company, it has decided to partner with the region to have the process for application for jobs to be one that can be expedited in a matter of one day or so, so that we can have over 300 persons being given an opportunity to be employed.

“In ensuring that we partner with this company and facilitate that process, we are seeing this as a good opportunity for those residents to save

themselves the hassle and the expense that it would have cost for them to pursue having these opportunities,” Solomon said.

The Regional Chairman further related that since Linden is a mining community, it is able to provide some technical skills in this area.

As such, he commended the efforts of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) for providing training opportunities to residents. A critical aspect of this recruitment, he noted is that it will also provide opportunity for training.

Some positions, which were applied for include camp service manager, accountant, procurement and logistics officers, environmental, health and safety officers, warehouse men, medex, nurses, mill wrights, welders, electricians, information technology (IT) technicians, heavy-duty operators and light truck drivers.

Still many bottlenecks to reduce stigma – regional consultation hears

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St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas

e need results. It is time for accelerated action,” said St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and Chair of the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), Dr Denzil Douglas.

The Prime Minister was speaking at the official opening of the Caribbean consultation on Justice for All and Human Rights Agenda, in Kingston, Jamaica, on Wednesday.

Dr Douglas noted that 10 years since the landmark DFID/PANCAP Conference on stigma and discrimination, the bottlenecks and barriers to eliminating stigma and discrimination have not been fully identified, notwithstanding the establishment of a Stigma and Discrimination Unit.

The message of concerted and urgent action to promote social inclusion to reduce stigma and eliminative discrimination resonated in the various presentations.

These presentations came from Global Fund Executive Director, Dr Mark Dybul; Jamaica Justice Minister, Dr Mark Golding; UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Dr Luiz Loures; United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Heath Director Mandeep Dhaliwal; University of the West Indies, Mona campus, Vice Principal, Professor Archibald McDonald; Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition Executive Director, Dr Carolyn Gomes; and former Australian Chief Justice Michael Kirby, who delivered the keynote address.

According to Dr Dybul: “We cannot beat the epidemic unless we welcome all people into the human family.”

Noting that Justice for All provides the pillars for eliminating stigma and discrimination thereby leaving no one behind, the Director added that the Caribbean had the tools to completely control the epidemic, this is a “historic moment”, he added.

Dr Loures, in reiterating the call for social inclusion, referred to the major contradiction in the global response, noting that the Caribbean was part of this contradiction. While major progress has been made, the contradiction of discrimination, where some people are left behind, still existed.

Change in business

“We need a change in business now,” he stated and urged the consultation to set complete targets which dealt with discrimination.

In his keynote address, Justice Kirby charged the meeting to go beyond the drawing board to make change happen. He identified a number of steps including basing policies on good science; reaching out to those who are most affected and at risk and speaking in their language.

Justice Kirby urged the meeting to act with courage and urgency. In drawing attention to the need for second and third line treatment, the former Chief Justice said “we are reaching a crucial moment in treatment; science is beginning to show that first line treatment is not as effective”. At the same time, he called attention to the importance of improving patent law, adding that the universal right to access health must be reconciled with the universal right to recognition for intellectual property.

news WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014

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| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Housing Ministry budget approved T

he A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) did not object to the Gy$8.980 billion budgeted for the Housing and Water Ministry despite expressing concerns regarding the Gy$484 million Community Infrastructure Improvement Project outlined under Capital Expenditures.

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali was grilled by the Opposition over the multimillion-dollar community project, and he was accused of encroaching on the responsibility of the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry.

Minister Ali said the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project is being initiated based on the concerns generated during the 2013 National Budget debates.

He explained that Members of Parliament (MPs) had bemoaned the poor conditions of roads, bridges, community grounds and cemeteries found throughout the country.

Job opportunities

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali

APNU Member of Parliament Basil Williams

Additionally, this project is expected to generate approximately 1500 job opportunities.

“This project will look at the environment in its generality and will seek to ensure that the environment is maintained in terms of bridges, access to burial grounds, crematoriums, schools, health facilities, and other social infrastructure,” Ali explained.

This new project has

been built off the very successful Community Roads Improvement Programme (CRIP) that was financed under the Caribbean Development Bank.

Under the CRIP, there was also a Community Infrastructure Maintenance Manual and a Community Participation Mechanism.

Based on these, the Community Infrastructural

Development Project was born and designed to be executed in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10.

APNU’s Joseph Harmon grilled him on the involvement of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) and the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in its formulation.

“It would appear to me, Mr Chairman that there are functions to be performed by entities that are already there in the local democratic system,” Harmon added.

But although it was said that there were extensive consultations, Harmon said from all indications, Ali’s explanation was filled with fluff.

The Housing Minister informed the committee that within Region Four, cemeteries in Grove, Foulis and Nabaclis would be rehabilitated under the multimillion programme.

He maintained that consultations were conducted in all NDCs listed under the CRIP. “I would imagine that by

this time of the year, at least if you were talking about burial grounds, you would have identified some burial grounds because the Le Repentir is one that is crying out for attention,” he said.

AFC Executive Member Moses Nagamootoo echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Nothing that we heard so far convinces us that this programme belongs here. It is a Local Government Programme and therefore we believe that this is placing state funds in the wrong area,” he said.

Transfer

He asked whether the Ministry was willing to transfer the project to another Ministry, saying there was a job impact assessment done in relation to job creation.

Building on the arguments of the Opposition, APNU’s Dr Karen Cummings said the infrastructural programme already exists, positing that community and regional leaders should be trained and equipped with the requisite knowledge and equipment to take up the responsibility.

Nachgana celebrates first anniversary with dance production

H

undreds turned out at the Indian M o n u m e n t Gardens on Saturday evening to witness a dance production entitled “Dancing Enchanters” staged by the Nachgana Academy of Dance, in celebration of their first anniversary.

The event, which was supposed to commence at 19:00h, got underway some 45 minutes late. It opened with a prayer to Lord Ganesh with several dancers from the group using the well lit and decorated stage superbly to gave thanks to the divine being.

This was followed by the official welcome for the evening by Director of the Academy, Devi Ramcharitar, who spoke about the group’s credentials and assured the audience of a wellplanned and mesmerising performance.

She also spoke about the various activities the group has undertaken, while noting

Two dancers as they performed a tribute to Mohammed Rafi at the Indian Monument Garden on Saturday evening

that the academy has close to 50 dancers.

Soon after, Hashim Alli introduced Aditya Persaud and Indira Badal as the emcees for the evening’s proceedings. Initially, there were some technical glitches with the microphones but this was quickly sorted out as the emcees introduced a dance item.

The dance was done as a tribute to

Five-year-old Janiya and Dinesh performing a contemporary piece that thrilled the audience

great Bollywood singer Mohammed Rafi, and was reasonably well executed.

The presentation would have exhausted more than 20 dancers from the academy, who are fairly new. There were some signs of nervousness which might have resulted in their untimely movements.

Nevertheless, the night continued with a reflection of the magical

era of mudgra dances, featuring fabulous pieces, but the eye-catching item of the night was that of little Janiya and Dinesh, who captured the audience’s attention with their well-executed contemporary dance.

With her little tutu, Janiya danced, showing off her expressions to the audience who enjoyed every second of the duo’s performance.

The night continued with some solid messages against domestic violence and the need for loving, kind and gentle relationships.

These two social issues were depicted in a dance, much to the delight of the audience.

The second half of the show was more organised and featured popular folk dances and contemporary executions of hip hop, soca,

chutney, filmy, semiclassical, Nigerian, retro and belly dancing.

As if this was not enough, the academy ended the night with the audience filled with great emotions and at a loss for words.

The academy promises that this was only its first year and it was of a high standard, noting that greater things are in store in the years ahead.

Gy$182.5B budget...

Project presented under the Health Ministry.

Some Gy$109 million allocated for the Capital Expenditures of the line item Regional and Clinical Services was voted down.

A few hours later, Gy$1.5 billion for the Amerindian Affairs Ministry was also disapproved. The Opposition said the funds were be-

ing used for political purposes. The Opposition then disapproved of Gy$6.7 billion allocated to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion Project under the Public Works and Communications Ministry’s budget.

The monies disapproved were presented under the Capital Expenditure, the trans-

port line item which contained other works.

Meanwhile, the Office of the President was also not spared with over Gy$5 billion voted down by the combined Opposition. This included funds for the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Government Information Agency (GINA).

from page 3

sections within.

Respects ruling

However, at the beginning of the consideration of the estimates last Wednesday, Trotman had said that while he respects the ruling of the acting Chief Justice, he maintained

that the House can cut the budget. “Despite the views and opinions of the High Court, the decision does not, and indeed cannot, do harm to the National Assembly’s procedures for treating with the Estimates of Expenditure,” Trotman

had stated.

The combined Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) made their first move on the budget with its disapproval for the Specialty Hospital

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| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sooba to Greene: You cannot Berbice Police aim to rebuild public trust force me out of office

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Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba

andemonium broke out in the City Council’s Chambers on Monday afternoon when Mayor Hamilton Green moved a motion to have acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba sent on leave.

Tensions flared as Sooba’s supporters raised their voices in condemnation of the decision by the Mayor to send her on leave, pending the outcome of another court action.

At the Council’s statutory meeting, several issues regarding the decision made by acting Chief Justice Ian Chang were discussed. And the Mayor related that because of its ambiguity, the Council would be seeking legal advice for clarification. But while that issue had its own little debate, what was more controversial was the fact that Sooba refused to take her duly pending leave. Mayor Green sought to explain.

“This council, on several occasions, took a fundamental public service decision that officers must take their leave when it

is due; beyond that, this particular officer has earned 42 days’ leave….”

He continued: “It is a question of sheer decency that when a matter which revolves around and which involves a very senior public officer, that officer excuses him or herself,” Green told the group of councillors, much to the annoyance of Sooba’s supporters.

Loud rumblings

Mayor Green was jolted out of his explanation as Councillors Kamla Devi Ross and Victor Sobers rose in defence of the acting Town Clerk, declaring that neither the Mayor nor the Council had the power to make any such decision. “You are all illegal in here; you do not have that authority to impose on people like that,” they argued, amid loud rumbling from other councillors.

Meanwhile, Sooba, who was notably calm throughout the episode, broke her silence, maintaining that she will continue to stand by the decision made by Justice Chang. She shouted over

Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green

the microphone that no one could cause her to demit office or take leave.

“The Town Clerk wishes to advise you, Mr Mayor, that I will abide by the decision of the court and may that be so recorded and you can’t shut me up, Mr Mayor. That decision is not with you and since you have no legal authority to do that, you cannot supersede the decision of the court. You had always purported to the public that you had the legal authority to supersede decisions of the court. But ignorance of the law is no excuse and if you want to interpret the decision of this Council to satisfy your selfish needs, so be it but you have no authority and cannot force me out of this office,” Sooba said.

But Green, unmoved

by Sooba’s stern warning went ahead and took the count. Seventeen votes to two in favour of sending Sooba on leave, he announced, was the result.

Eyebrows rose when the Mayor hinted that the Council was seeking permission to pass mon-

ies for legal fees, to seek advice on the decision made by Justice Chang.

Mayor Green, along with councillors, said they had not yet seen a copy of the decision and confessed that their knowledge of the issue was sparked from what was reported in the press.

Green said the decision by the High Court is of major concern to the municipality although it had emerged out of a legal challenge made by the City Council’s Public Relations Officer Royston King. He noted that the main issue brewing from the decision suggests that the former Local Government Minister’s action of appointing Carol Sooba as Town Clerk is ultra vires.

As a consequence, he said, other positions fell into the same condition.

Green said it was clear that the Council is duty bound and has all right to seek further legal advice to interpret the decision, so that there would be less ambiguity and hopefully little or no contortion.

D

Commander Brian Joseph interacting with a child in Angoy’s Avenue

esperate to regain the trust from citizens, the B Division (Berbice) top brass last week embarked on a walkabout in some of the crimeprone communities in New Amsterdam during which they listened to the complaints of residents and even made their own suggestions as to how the communities can help in the fight against crime.

The walkabout was spearheaded by Divisional Commander Brian Joseph who spoke about the decline in public trust in the police, with serious consequences for cooperation and social cohesion. “The public need to be confident that the police are on their side, accountable for the way they use their powers and for how they deal with victims of crime…” Joseph told residents during the walkabout. He added that if people do not trust that the police have their interests at heart and believe there is a wide gap

between the values of the two parties, they will not cooperate.

Chairman of the Safe Neighbourhood Council in Angoy’s Avenue and its environs, Pastor Persaud stated that when an individual trusts the motives of an institution and its representatives and believes that it has their interests at heart and is on their side, they are more likely to engage with it and assist it.

According to residents in the Angoy’s Avenue area, the initiative by the police is most welcomed and it is their hope that this exercise will continue at least once per month. Joseph assured that this exercise will be continued and told the residents that he is always available to anyone in need of his assistance.

The walkabout was also done in the communities so that police can hear the views and listen to the issues and complaints and needs of the residents in terms of safety and security.

Roshana dazzles French Guiana audience W

ith her amazing personality, awesome signature unique catwalk stage model style and gait, coupled with her beautiful smile, Miss India Guyana 2013 Katherina Roshana mesmerised the gathering at the 2014 Miss India Pageant in French Guiana.

Roshana was invited as a special guest by the franchise holder of the French Guiana leg of the pageant. The pageant was held last Saturday.

According to a release, the local queen was given VIP treatment, along with Miss India Pageant Guyana Franchise Holder Chandini Rambalak.

Roshana, who is also the Miss Limacol sponsored queen of the Miss Universe Guyana 2013 Pageant, and Miss India Worldwide: Most Beautiful Skin Awardee, was shocked at the warm recep-

Miss India Guyana 2013 Katherina Roshana with contestants and officials of the French Guiana pageant

tion she received from the French Guianese.

“They applauded and screamed on seeing Roshana, which actually made her joyful that she was much appre-

ciated, as hundreds were taking photos of and with her, to the point she could not go on any longer, and had to stop.

When she took the stage, the electricity was awesome as

she strutted the catwalk.

“They told the Miss India Guyana beauty that they were voting for and supporting her for the Miss Universe competition. Later it was

learnt that there was a large Guyanese migrant community, who were most proud that a queen of her talent and grace could visit their adoptive country. Katherina also expressed her joy at meeting the citizens of French Guiana, and meeting the Guyanese migrants and their descendants,” the release said.

According to the release, Roshana spoke to the gathering on autism and the need for awareness and understanding.

She also delivered a presentation of how autism affects children through the neurological system.

The queen advised the gathering to be on the lookout for children and adults with such traits and not illtreat them ever, but to show kindness and love as love is the medicine for all illnesses.

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Rising from the ashes: Members on a drive to rebuild Sacred Heart Church

Y

ears after a devastating fire destroyed the historic Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church; members are still struggling to rebuild the edifice.

And though they had raised an initial Gy$90 million to carry the building to where it is currently, another Gy$70 million is needed to complete the project.

Originally built by Father Schembri, a Madeiran who came to the then British Guiana in 1835, the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and Presbytery played an integral role in the historical and religious development of Catholism in Guyana.

The chapel was designed, built and established on a plot of land, now 67 Main Street by Schembri and was opened on December 25, 1861.

It was built to accommodate the Portuguese indentured immigrants who had come to work on the sugar and cotton plantations in British Guiana.

The original building was 100 feet by 30 feet in size. However, alterations and extensions produced by 1882, a structure which was four feet above the ground, 60 feet wide and 140 feet in length.

It eventually became a church which not only catered for the Portuguese but the large Guyanese society in general as well.

Tragedy, however, struck on December 25, 2004 when a fire believed to be electrical origin, gutted the entire building, leaving nothing but ashes behind.

The loss of the church affected the community, both physically and emotionally. Parishioners lost not only a place of worship, but many of the outreach programmes to the less fortunate were severely affected. Hundreds of students were displaced as the adjoining Sacred Heart Primary school was also consumed in the blaze. The students were required to share spaces with colleagues of the St Mary’s Primary.

Fundraisers

Guyana Times International caught up with the head for the Rebuilding Committee, Ramsay Ali, who noted that the Sacred Heart Parishioners Community still long to see their church rebuilt, despite the fact the fire was some eight years ago.

He related that the decision was made in 2011 to start construction

Father James Gonsalves

The newly-constructed Sacred Heart Church on Main Street

of a new building for worshippers in the parish.

The cost of a new building complete with furnishings was estimated at Gy$160 million. Though the amount seemed insurmountable for such a small church, parishioners did not lose hope and had faith that it could be achieved. With cooperation and unity among themselves, they organised fundraiser after fundraiser which proved to be very successful. Over a short period of time, they had raised approximately Gy$90 million, which has since completed the structure and fencing of the land.

An additional Gy$70 million is required for the completion of the interior of the building and to provide final touches to the building itself. He related that the church will again embark on fundraising ventures with the hope that their target can be achieved.

Satisfaction

Leader of the church in absence of Bishop Francis Alleyne, Father James Gonsalves expressed satisfaction in how much they have been able to accomplish through cooperation and unity among themselves.

He disclosed that the fire created a huge gap in the lives of the parishioners and more so, left many deprived of their place of worship and learning. Father James, however, noted that even though there were many challenges in getting to where they are now; the church through the grace of God has prevailed, noting that there is no doubt in his mind that it will

soon be completed.

To recreate a sense of belonging and to preserve its identity, the church is being built and designed in the same way it was before it had burnt. The only difference now will be the accommodation of the church. Previously, it was said to have the capacity to hold some 800 persons. The present church will only have the capacity to hold 350 persons.

Since the destruction of the building by the fire, the parishioners have been displaced. Twelve o’ clock mass is being conducted at the Brickdam Cathedral with Sunday services being held at the Saint Ursaline Convent on Church and Camp Streets.

One parishioner, Sabita Pereira, who has been a member of the church for more than 15 years, told GTI that this arrangement was tedious for her because of the various locations and she was counting down to the day she can step foot into the Sacred Heart Church once again.

She added that having to visit various places to conduct worshipping services; the feeling of belonging becomes lost as the sense of pride grows thin.

“We don’t feel at home.

The sense of belonging or connection is simply not present. Additionally, we had space in the Sacred Heart compound for the children to play. There is none such space at the St Ursaline Convent for them to do so. And this is another reason why we are just counting down the days until our church

can become inaugurated,” Pereira disclosed.

She noted that happiness was flowing among the members on the construction of the building and they were just praying for the funds to be raised to finish the construction, so that they can once again return to

the days of tradition and history.

Home away from home

Nineteen-year-old Angus Chin, who is an altar boy, member of the Youth Ministry, the Sacred Heart Scouts and a singer in the choir, told GTI that the Sacred Heart Church has always

been a home away from home for him and he was in deep despair when he had heard about the fire even though he was at a tender age.

He related that even though the Sacred Heart family was still together, nowhere else has felt like home for him since the fire. Chin noted too that he was happy that construction of the church is ongoing, and sooner rather than later, he will again be able to enter his second home.

If the funds are garnered in the time set aside, total completion can be expected by December 2014 or early next year.

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NEWS

WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana to support Caricom's position on ganja use

T

he Government of Guyana, as a member state of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), will be supporting the Regional Commission that is to be set up by Caricom to address issues relating to the use of marijuana.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett explained that while Guyana has not changed any of its laws to legalise the use of marijuana, it will nevertheless support the Commission that was mandated to be set up by Caricom Heads of Government.

“I don’t think the Commission has been established as yet so we support the Commission doing its work,” she said. Rodrigues-Birkett noted that after the commissioners are selected, they will meet and then present a report to the member countries. The Minister said that when the report is presented, Guyana will consider participating in the regional Commission. As it relates to Guyana’s position on the topic of marijuana legalisation, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett told Guyana Times International that while the country has not changed any of its laws at this point, it is yet to make a pronouncement on the matter. She noted that the country cannot position itself against the legalisation and then on the other hand support discussion on the matter.

At the recently concluded 25th Intersessional Meeting, Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, during a press conference disclosed that

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

the heads had engaged in an intense discussions on the issue and decided that a regional Commission be established to address issues identified in relation to marijuana use.

According to the Community Chairman, the medical use and the decriminalisation of small quantities for recreational use were discussed He further stated that concerns were expressed about the repercussion that would follow the legalisation and the decriminalisation of the drug, particularly as it relates to potential public and mental health hazards. The Commission is expected to report to the regular meeting of the conference in July 2014.

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FEATURE

WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

First female commercial airline pilot touches down at CJIA

A

fter being in the aviation sector for the past 27 years, Astrid Deira, a mother of two on Saturday morning made her maiden trip to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) as Captain of a 723 Boeing flight.

The 45-year-old Captain is the first female to touch down in Guyana, landing smoothly about 09:05h at Timehri. She was greeted by a group of staff members of Surinam Airways where she worked all her life.

The Surinamese-born pilot at the age of eight had aspirations of becoming a pilot, but was told that it was not a job for girls, and as such, she should concentrate on becoming a stewardess.

Nevertheless, this did not stop her from pursuing her dreams of becoming a pilot. As she sat in the executive chair of the CJIA VIP Lounge, she recalled that her father also worked at Surinam Airways and she would from time to time accompany him to his work site.

At that tender age, she was up and about among the mechanics and pilots, assisting with whatever was needed to be done, even if it meant passing a tool to a mechanic.

It was from that time, she

an administrative clerk, but after a while, she was promoted to the computer department after her superiors thought she would fit in perfectly.

Remained focused

Deira did not lose focus of her goal; thus, she saved her hard earnings and paid for her training as a commercial pilot. Her hard work and studies finally paid off.

Her career started 22 years ago when she was given the opportunity to do interior flights, which she did for 14 years. Thereafter, she flew several jets as co-pilot before flying 314 heavy jets, also as co-pilot.

Her time finally came when promotions arise in the company and she was given the chance to fly the 737 medium jets, which she said is a stepping stone to fly bigger planes.

Little awkward

Captain Astrid Deira and her co-pilot in the cockpit of a 737 flight

realised that she had a passion for the profession; hence, she did not care about “who did what or what anyone else did”. As she grew older, she

became more fond of planes and their operation.

After graduating from high school, she joined the Surinam Airways team as

As she embarked on her career, it was a little awkward for her since passengers and more so her colleagues had to get familiarised with a woman as their Captain.

“It was time to prove myself as a professional… people realised that it is not a job that someone can give you… you have to work and earn literally all the stripes

and ever since, it has been a smooth sailing. I have earned a lot of respect from my colleagues,” the humble female Captain said, moments after landing at the CJIA. Despite being born in Suriname, the fluent Englishspeaking Captain said she spends more time with her mother, who is Trinidadian, enjoying the broad diversity.

Her memorable occasions are countless, but those she remembered are the ones where she flew two Guyanese presidents, and of course her country’s heads of state. She intends to keep flying until her retirement, but one day hopes to take command of heavier jets, such as the A340 and others.

Her advice to young women who have a passion for the aviation industry is: “If you really want it and you love it, then go for it… there will be setbacks, there will be draw backs… you will fall down but the thing is that you will get up and go and even if anybody says to you that you cannot, remember it is in your mind that you can.”

Deira described her experience with Surinam Airways for the past decades as unbelievable and would often times consider the company hers.

TRavel & Tourism Kato is located in Region Eight and is known for its resplendent nature scenes. In the village, there are government buildings such as the nursery/primary schools, a Guest House, a Police Outpost, medical facilities, and school dormitories. Neighbouring is Paramakatoi. Kato is made up of a close-knitted, selfsufficient community, which cherishes its indigenous heritage. (Photos by Marco Basir. Cover photo, showing Chiung Falls in Kato, copyright to Michael Lam. TheMichaelLamCollection.com)

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Houses in Kato

Aerial view of Kato (Photo by Sarah K)

Expansive terrain

Waterfall on the Chiung River, minutes away from Kato (Photo by Sarah K)

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Y

ei Winon Merison Sepo is the local Makushi name which means “medicine/ soap from trees”. The name was adopted by a group of women from different Amerindian communities in the North Rupununi that produce traditional medicines and soaps from locally cultivated plants and trees.

The core members of the group are Veronica Farias and Rita Francis, from Kwatamang, and Cecilia Goffreys, now retired, from Massara.

The group was founded under the auspices of the NGO Pro-Natura UK, but with the help and support of NRDDB (North Rupununi District Development Board) is moving towards a state of complete selfsufficiency. The entire research and development process is managed

by Amerindian residents of the North Rupununi.

Intra-cultural transmission of medicinal knowledge is facilitated by the Makushi Research Unit (MRU).

The majority of raw materials are sourced from Amerindian titled lands in neighbouring

Tradition brings progress as cultural heritage and knowledge of the environment are used to develop indigenous communities communities, becoming therefore a community-based enterprise so, as the business grows so does the capacity for benefit sharing. Thus a financial incentive to preserve the pristine environment of the North Rupununi is born. All products adhere to tra-

creams and tinctures are made from the different plants and trees.

The main goal of the group is to become a sustainable and sufficient community-based enterprise, providing job opportunities to the younger Amerindian generations and preserv-

A few of the Medicines from Trees' products

Goretti Louis (left) and Veronica Farias

ditional methods of production and resolutely refrain from mechanization, which means that all work is done by hand following Makushi tradition.

This business is a proponent of practices that maintain the integrity of both culture and the environment. The soaps,

ing the Makushi traditional knowledge about medicinal plants and trees.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine , Farias, also based in Annai, said Medicine from Trees was founded in 2006, and she, Goffreys, and Francis were selected to

be trained in researching trees and their medicinal value, and then using these in producing coconut oil, a natural skin moisturizer; crabwood oil and soap, a natural remedy for itches, rashes, insect bites; Neem Cream for itches and rashes; Kiambee Cream for cuts and sores; and Shusuwa tincture (from the female tree) to relieve the pain caused by rheumatism and arthritis, which is also used as a tonic for mature men – just to name a few.

“Our lab is located at

Bina Hill Institute. We market our products in our community and surrounding areas including eco-lodges. Since the beginning, we always do questionnaires for our customers to get feedback on how effective our products are. Since Goffreys has resigned because of old age, Francis and I have continued.

We meet to plan what to produce and the timeframe to do so. We also plan how and where we can market our products.

We also have to write a report to submit to our

CEO Ivor Marslow,” she revealed.

The most recent product added, Farias disclosed, is the Bloodwood Cream, which is ideal for skin fungus such as ringworm.

“We want to get companies in Georgetown to purchase and distribute our products. If we can collaborate with more companies then we can easily distribute our products,” Farias declared.

“A man met me in Annai and told me he bought our product for diabetes at GuyExpo last year. He said he bought five of our products that help with diabetes, for his mother who was very ill and could not walk and was dying. He said that our medicine has been helping since he gave her and so he travelled to Annai to buy more of it. He also said he will share it with other diabetics,” Farias said in outlining the effectiveness of Medicine from Trees products.

Farias also expressed her passion for researching the health benefits of various plants, and knows their names in continued on page 33

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-‘Remembering the past is a vision of the future’

By Dmitri Allicock

T

he once popular and well known 1897 Demerara Essequibo Railway (DER) provided valuable and safe transportation of commuters and cargo between the Essequibo and Demerara rivers. It was Guyana’s first inland railroad.

Gibraltar born Hugh Sproston, died June 1907, entered British Guiana in 1840 and saw the dire need for transportation across Guyana’s waterways and hinterlands. He established steam powered vessels across Guyana and built the first dry dock in 1867, where damaged vessels could be repaired and new ones constructed.

Sproston had steam brigs and other vessels plying the Georgetown route to as far as up the Demerara River since the 1850s. There were also other privately run vessels of that time period.

Access up the mighty Essequibo River was a different matter. Navigation was very dangerous because of the many rapids and waterfalls. Many died by drowning as boats frequently capsized in the torrents of the Essequibo.

The idea was born to construct this railway from Wismar to

Demerara Essequibo Railway at Wismar on the Demerara River circa early 1900s

Rockstone. The calm and navigable Demerara River had the width and depth to allow ocean going vessels up to Wismar and it provided access from Georgetown to this railway with transportation continuing from Rockstone via launches to Tumatumari on the Essequibo.

The Demerara River is obstructed by large rocks that sit in the middle of the river

in the Watooka area. These rocks may have influenced the choice for the railway terminus in Wismar.

John Dagleish Paterson’s, of Christianburg, land and sawmill business were bought by the then British government in 1894 to set up this railroad. Sproston’s Company Ltd then constructed the DER in the years 1895-1897. A loan of $200,000 dollars was given

to Sproston’s Company Ltd by the British government, to be repaid in 20 without interest.

This ‘light railway line’, as it was referred to, was just over 18 miles long and ran westward from the Wismar terminus to the Rockstone terminus. It provided access through Guyana’s primeval forest to the Upper Essequibo’s Potaro gold fields, balata trees and endless supply of hard-

woods. The demand for greenheart appeared limitless and British Guiana was the only country that exported this prized hardwood at the time.

The train tracks ran south along the Demerara River until it reached the area near the current of the Wismar/ Mackenzie Bridge. The railway then swung westward through the forest until its destination at the Rockstone Essequibo River terminus.

The 1924 publication from the ‘British Empire Exhibition Wembley - Guiana’ read, “The terminus of the colonial steamers which ascend the Demerara River daily is at Wismar about 65 miles from the sea: but sailing vessels can be towed for 15 miles further up to load timber supplies of which for many years been obtained and exported from the valuable forest Country through which the river flows. Opposite Wismar is ‘Mackenzie City’ the headquarters of the Demerara Bauxite Co. Ltd. From Wismar a railway runs across to Rockstone on the Essequibo River and small launches run regularly twice a week to the foot of the Malali rapids on the Demerara about 104 miles from Georgetown where the influence of the tide ends.” (To be continued next week)

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US-based author, entrepreneur Sasha Pilgrim

“A

lthough I have not been back in years, I am proud to be Guyanese,” says Sasha Pilgrim author, motivational speaker and budding entrepreneur.

Born in Linden in

1987, Sasha spent a few years of her childhood in Berbice before relocating to US. She currently resides in New Jersey where she studied and obtained two degrees in General Sociology from Bloomfield College

and BA in Business Administration & Management from Pillar College.

A devoted Christian, Sasha attends New Beginnings Christian Outreach Ministries, located in Paterson, New

Jersey, under the leadership of Apostle Lilisa Mimms. She serves as an adjutant, a member of Judah Performing Arts Ministries, Assistant Director on one of the many outreach projects of New Beginnings, a Sunday School Teacher, and member of New Beginnings Media Ministry and currently in the New Beginnings Minister in Training programme. She also serves as a member of Greater Life Inc, an outreach organisation for young people within the city of Newark New Jersey.

Sasha is a motivational speaker and offers mentoring services through her website, www.sashapilgrim.com.

She also finds time for her photography business, and her online boutique at www.officalsp. bigcartel.com.

GuyaneseGirlsRock. com, a Facebook page that celebrates the achievements of Guyanese women, caught up this busy young entrepreneur to discuss her business and career, future goals and the upcoming release her new book Understanding & Embracing Your Season of Singleness: Single, Saved & Young. Here’s her story.

GGR: Tell us a little bit about your family history.

Sasha: My paternal grandparents came from Suriname. My greatgreat grandfather, who is still alive, came from India. And my maternal grandfather is mixed with Portuguese. I love

US-based Guyanese author Sasha Pilgrim

how diverse my family is, because it is a reflection of my homeland Guyana.

“One People, One Nation, One Destiny”.

Sasha: I wanted to be able to make a difference through giving back. Growing up in a single parent household was hard. I didn’t al-

Sasha's book

GGR: When did you start your career/business?

Sasha: There’s so many different hats that I wear, but my heart and passion is to help people.

I remember volunteering at the age of 19 at a centre for youths in a city where violence was an everyday thing. My first case involved assessing the needs of a single mother after losing her children’s father to a homicide. My second case was talking to a group of young people about victims of violence. As time went on, the cases multiplied and I knew that I would one day want to establish a company that would help others.

Not only will this company give back, but it will help others work boldly towards their life goals.

GGR: What made you want to start your career/business?

ways get what I wanted. And I often felt as though I had to work just a little harder than anyone else. Nothing was ever handed to me. I knew education would be key to be able to gain access to many of the things I would want to get involved in.

As I mentioned before, my heart/passion is to help others. It took people that I crossed paths with that did not count me out, but poured into me. I grew to have mentors and advisors. This helped me to believe that I can be more than my circumstance and more than my resources. And because of this, it has helped me to believe that I can do what I thought I could not do. Hench, I stepped out on faith to write my first book and prepared to launch my own business. continued on page 34

FEATURE

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

By Behi Barzegar

S

ixty-eight-year-old master craftsman George Tancredo scaled more than 15 feet up the tall balata tree, as agile as a man a quarter of his age. Harnessed by thick steel rope and spiked shoes, he continued to score the bark, high on the trunk of the tree, into a pattern of converging ridges that would allow the milky resin to drip through the narrow channels and down into a collection bottle at the base of the tree.

“You need a special thinblade cutlass to cut into the bark,” he explained. “And if you don’t cut correctly, the resin will not flow into the channels and will be wasted.”

He demonstrated this by creating an irregular cut that soon filled with resin overflowing, but not in the direction of the bottle. According to Tancredo, it is possible for a trained balata worker to extract 60–80 pounds of balata from one tree in the rainy season when the resin is more fluid.

Commercial balata latex harvesting started in Guyana’s Kanuku Mountain region in the late 1880s.

Tancredo was barely out of school when he started working in the then thriving balata industry. Back in 1976, two companies had been operating in the Rupununi since the late 1950–1960s, training and employing young men and school leavers to harvest the resin from the balata trees in the forest for export sales as insulation or vehicle tyre components. However, by the 1980s, the balata industry was in decline due to the emergence of cheaper, synthetic alternatives, forcing Tancredoe, and others like him, to seek new sources of income.

While he was still at school, Tancredo had been inspired by his school teacher, Patrick Abrahams, who ran afterschool classes in handicraft, especially miniature sculptures which he first taught using bees wax and then moved on to balata. Tancredo and a few others in the village of Nappi, who had by then practiced and developed their artistic skills into a recognised craft form, looked into transforming their craft into their livelihood.

“Finding colours to make the sculptures realistic was a problem,” disclosed Tancredo.

NBA members from left: George Tancredo, Nicodemus Joseph, Guy and Julita Fredricks with their daughter (center) at the last Rupununi Christmas Fair, Dec 2013

“It took me years to find how to make colours, before it became possible to buy some in Lethem. I learned from the Wai Wai craft, from deep South Rupununi, how to make red dye from Annatto fruit picked from the tree, then I accidentally discovered the use of clay mixed with coconut oil for orange and brown, potato starch for violet, and kerosene oil for black,” he recalled.

“George did all the hard work and cleared the path, so by the time we came along, finding colours was easy!” confessed Nicodemus Joseph, himself an accomplished balata artisan who started his career as Tancredo’s apprentice.

In the absence of resources and markets, Tancredo’s creativity stretched to inventing his own tools for his craft.

Clipped bicycle spokes, butter knives, deliberately twisted scissors, are all now firmly established as essential items in the inventory of ‘specialist tools’ used by the current balata artisans in Nappi.

As sales advanced, orders began to build for the balata artisans in Nappi. Tancredo’s reputation started to spread, as his craft evolved from miniature sculptures to ‘scenes’ of local and Amerindian life; images of the animals in the forest; and later to chess table and pieces; even Noah’s Ark, complete with Noah’s family and several pairs of animals, inspired by a drawing he saw in a bible.

“I get my inspiration from nature, people and everything around us, but I also look at books, drawings, and photo-

graphs for details and accuracy of colours.” Tancredo noted.

The first Nappi Balata Artisan’s (NBA) group was formed with support from Conservation International (CI) in 1995, with approximately ten members, and soon begin to flourish. With two main US-based distributors supplying primarily to CIWashington customers, the group achieved solid growth in that market, while at the same time developing a national market in Georgetown.

The work of NBA members was soon on display alongside major world artists, in various locations including the Smithsonian Museum in Washington and, through the initiative of a British volunteer, a permanent display of some of George Tancredo’s work has been housed at Castellani House art gallery, in Georgetown, for the past 15 years.

“Cracks began to show in our business just as we reached our peak production levels,” Toshao Guy Fredricks revealed, another balata artisan and a member of the original NBA. “We started receiving orders for container loads and we could not meet the demand. A single order would take three months to manufacture and we did not have an agent in Georgetown to handle the shipping.”

There were other problems too: payment from Washington was made by wire transfer and the whole thing from start to receiving payment could take months; poor infrastructure made transportation to

Medicine from...

Makushi and also their scientific names. Last year, she was part of an ethnobotany research project.

Compilation and documentation were done by Guyanese activist Vanda Radzik.

“I enjoy going out in the field to do research on these. We are continuously researching new plants and document-

ing these. A lot of persons are interested in our products but would usually ask if we’re certified. We really need more training and certification. Although we tell people our products are organic they still want to see certificates because they want to take it overseas. We have seen a vast market for our prod-

Georgetown unreliable and expensive and, in the absence of telephones and internet services, simple communications were a laborious process.

The combination of these challenges was not encouraging the young people of Nappi community to develop their interest in balata crafting, according to Fredricks who learnt the craft from his father. The group collapsed by mid 2000s and each artisan started pursuing a solo enterprise with their individual customers, while remaining flexible to help each other out if any one of them was under pressure for production. Currently, less than a handful of persons remain in Nappi who can practice this traditional art. Among them is Julita Fredricks, the only female balata artisan who learnt the craft from her husband Guy. Like Nicodemus who apprenticed with George, Julita started by painting the sculptures made by Guy. “As I watched what Guy was doing, I started to practice by sculpting the finishing patterns and textures and adding small fea-

quantities have been streaming in; the growth of tourism in the Rupununi alongside improvements in road, transportation, and communications infrastructures, as well as banking services have reduced some the obstacles the group has for accessing markets. Growth of events such as the Rupununi Christmas Fair, Rupununi Business Forum and Expo, the rodeo and the 3-Nation Frontier Festival in Brazil have all helped increase the profile of this unique art form and the amazing skills of the people engaged in the craft.

Today, far from the bustle of markets and cities, the Nappi Balata Artisans can still be found practicing their art using simple traditional methods and experimenting with producing new animals, forest scenes and local culture imagery.

“Whitie tree has the best fire wood for using with balata. It gives the best charcoal, which is what you need for moulding, decorating and finishing the products,” Guy Fredricks pointed out.

Additionally, he said as he

George at the 3-Nations Festival, Pacaraima, Brazil

tures like eyes, ears, hands and tails,” stated Julita.“Now I do my own figures, especially my favourite, the Cock of the Rock.”

The NBA has recently experienced a surge in revival among the surviving members.

Renewed interest in balata sculptures has led to increasing orders from private and public sectors including the Protected Areas Commission who is responsible for the management of National Parks such as Kaieteur Falls, among other natural attractions.

Regular orders in manageable

shapes his latest creation, the White Bell Bird, which has proven to be a hit with customers, much to Guy’s surprise.

“Usually people like bright colours,” Guy muses, as he and Julita sit by their craft benches, working calmly in the tranquil beauty of the Kanuku Mountains that landscape their community.

One thing is for sure, the NBA artisans will never run out of subject matter to satisfy their creative flare yet give so much pleasure to so many people around the world. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

from page 30

ucts but we need certificates,” she disclosed.

Shulinab Women’s Group

Another group focused on empowering women and the community is the Shulinab Women’s Group. The group’s secretary Goretti Louis, speaking with

Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, stated that it was started in May 2012 with 15 women within the Shulinab community.

“We do wine making, pepper sauce, craft, knitting; we make mosquito nets, hammocks, and sew uniforms for children. We also make peanut butter and cassava

bread for the school feeding project done by the Ministry of Education.

A lot of tourists buy our products. We have exhibited at rodeos and fairs locally and in Brazil. Our group is progressing and I see it continuously expanding in the future.

We are empowered because we have the earning power, but we need

to broaden our network to get our products out there,” she noted.

For more information on Shulinab Women’s Group call 696-7091 and for Medicine from Trees call 658-0020, 7729292 or email medicinefromtrees@yahoo.com (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

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Feature

WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘Art is relaxing’

I

Artist Anna Correia-Bevaun

nspired by her indigenous heritage, Anna CorreiaBevaun has become one of Guyana’s most celebrated artists. She began her career in art in 1988 as a ceramist under the tutelage of her mother, the late renowned Guyanese artist Stephanie Correia.

For years Anna explored ceramics as her principle medium. Wishing to explore new techniques, materials and approaches, she took short courses in design, batik and discharge, Vedic art and watercolour.

In 2007, Correia-Bevaun won both the second and third prizes in the National Watercolour Competition (Guyana). In 2009, she also won the first and second prizes in the National Watercolour Competition.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Correia-Bevaun disclosed that as a child she never had an inclination to become an artist, but being surrounded by art, because of her mother, she developed an enthusiasm for it.

“My mother, who was from Pomeroon, introduced me to art, and eventually I developed a love for it. She was an extraordinary potter. She did thorough research on different types of clay in Guyana and due to this she was able to work effectively with them, and this she taught me. I never did art in school; instead I did Food and Nutrition. However, learning from my mother encouraged me to delve into art,”

she recalled.

Correia-Bevaun joined the Guyana Women Artists’ Association in 1995. She has held the positions of secretary, vice-president, and president of the association. Being with this group helped Correia-Bevaun to explore new art media. In 2003, she decided to learn pen and ink drawing. Later, she explored watercolour after being inspired by her mother’s work with the medium.

“When my mother passed she left some watercolour tools.

I decided to try my hand at this and joined a 12-week art course held at Castellani House. For me art is very therapeutic and relaxing and that is why I try to learn as much as I can about it just as my mother did,” she declared.

Due to the artist’s diverse ethnic background, her paintings are not subject to one recurring image. She paints images of Amerindian hunters and certain traditions of the group. Women of various ethnicities are also part of her collections.

Speaking on what inspires her, Correia-Bevaun explained, “I’m inspired by my environment. I paint what I see. Also, I have learnt a lot from my mother, who was an avid reader. I have also gathered a lot from fellow artists.

Persons interested in art work tend to ask what it is about or what inspired the painting, and listening to the explanations from my colleagues I was able to broaden my knowledge

on art. I am fortunate to have worked with many veteran artists and was able to apply what I learnt from them into my work.”

Correia-Bevaun comes from a line of creative and passionate ancestors who were very dedicated to their work. One such individual is her grandfather Stephen Campbell, Guyana’s first indigenous MP. Among the indigenous people, Campbell is revered as a hero. He is credited with advocacy for land rights for Amerindians; a goal that the present government continues to advance, to ensure that Campbell’s aspiration for his people is made possible.

Campbell served as member of the legislature from 1957 until his death on May 12, 1966 – two weeks before Guyana gained independence from Britain. He died, and was buried, in Canada.

“When he died I was 3. I vaguely remember him but what I have heard about him is from my mother who was his second daughter. He would call her ‘little scout’ because everywhere he went she was with him. He was very instrumental in her life and taught her to be the great person she was, and in turn she passed down her heritage to me and my siblings. I have learnt from them to make the most of God's gifts, always striving to improve and work to the best of my ability,” Correia-Bevaun affirmed.

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

Painting inspired by 'everyday life'

The artist enjoys painting women of different ethnicities

‘I am proud to be...

GGR: Why did you decide to write a book?

S a s h a : Understanding & Embracing Your Season of Singleness: Single, Saved & Young is a book that was written at a time when I started to get serious about my Christian walk. It took a total of 2-3 years before it was completed.

I wanted to share with others how important it is to have a strong relationship with God. What it means to really think about the direction of one’s life and tap into the

One of her recent drawings of an African woman

greatness that has been placed within. Each one of us was created with a divine purpose and with a great destiny. We just have to be the one to realize that we are of importance. However, in order to do that we have to be in relationship with the one that create us. If not, we will continue to walk aimlessly searching for what makes us happy. The book is not one that forces a person to become saved, but it encourages it. It is a motivational and inspirational read for those

from page 32

that aspire to be more than just someone who is “ordinary”. This book is very much a part of me, as it is written from a pace of no longer being fearful of walking into who God has called me to be. In addition to that, it pushed me to learn how to live life on purpose.

GGR: What are your goals for the future?

Sasha: As firm believer in Jesus Christ, I see my future in Him. I will continue to pursue the things that will bring Him glory. I will

continue going after the things that will show people His love and allow others to know who He is. With God, all things are possible. He will give us the desires of our hearts. It could be a business, a change in career, change in life and so forth. Whatever it is, once we place it in his hands it is well. The future as of now is unknown, but I will boldly walk towards it.

GGR: What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Sasha: To those

that aspire to be future writers, begin to write.

Keep a journal with you write down the thoughts that comes to your mind throughout the day.

Make an outline, if you can, of what it is you want to write on. Stick to the plan. Know that deadlines can be extended; just make sure that you set them. Remain focused and don’t get discouraged. There will be times where you will not feel like writing and you will want to give up. Just remember why you started

and how far you’ve gotten. Make it your business to find time to be in your own space and write. Creativity flows at all hours, be open to great ideas. Have just a few people you trust (I had only two), that can read your work and give you feed back. This will help to get you to really think about the clarity of your work and how you can make improvements. Stay motivated and stay encouraged.

And remember, you can do it. (www.guyanesegirlsrock.com)

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Simply the Truth

UG and quality money

Straining out a gnat… …and swallowing a camel

The Stabber News gave its take on what’s playing out in Parliament. They called it “vulgarity”. “Damn right!!” you, dear readers, are probably snorting in indignation. Trouble is, it has missed the real vulgarity because of the blinkers firmly affixed over it’s eyes, and like the mad Don Quixote of yore, ended up tilting at old Kokers.

It strained out a gnat and swallowed a camel. It was an amazing feat. Here it is, the Opposition’s defying the Courts of the land and committing an illegality every time it attempts to “cut” a Budget Estimate and the Stabber thinks it’s vulgar that some MPs from the Government benches aren’t raising their pinkies when they sip their tea! Talk about confusing form and substance!

Let’s get this straight, we aren’t advocating for MPs to behave like louts at a mud-wrestling contest. (Even though that’s their default setting when they line up for the Gy$1.7 million of free food at every sitting.) But the point is, the niceties of parliamentary etiquette are geared towards achieving the ends MPs are supposed to be working towards – the betterment of the people of this country.

So what’s the point if fellas in Parliament keep bowing and scraping and “sirring” each other to death, when one side’s busy screwing the country?

Let’s get down to some brass tacks. What’s really vulgar? Manickchand’s heckle illustrating the subject of child molestation or the Opposition chopping the entire Amerindian Development Fund? Who’s really interested in stopping child molestation rather than merely mouthing platitudes?

When those thousands of Amerindian boys and girls in the interior are forced to continue grovelling at the bottom of the economic barrel because of no development projects, doesn’t that make them susceptible to all sorts of exploitation and molestation?

And what’s more vulgar? Lumumba speaking frankly about the ethnic consequences of race-baiting (and speeches about “bailing out” sugar workers are nothing less than this), or the sick minds that further project in the media in search of power for “their” group? But the most vulgar comment was about former President Jagdeo. If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times: these fellas have Jagdeo on their brains.

What gets their drawers in a knot is that he not only saw Guyana through the most deadly assault the Opposition ever launched to remove the PPP/C from office, but actually broke the back of the armed gangsters and their handlers.

Hell hath no fury like a thwarted Guyanese Opposition caught with their pants down. Ouch!!!

W

e read that the University of Guyana’s Medical School has problems. We read that the UG Law School has problems. And we know that toilets stink to high heaven and that students are victims of molestation and robbery within and without the campus.

Ceilings sag, windows are broken, walls crack. There have been all kinds of protests and complaints about salaries. The place is a mess in every way.

I know from spending extended periods at thriving universities on four continents that UG’s programmes are outdated, that there is very little research and publication that can withstand scholarly scrutiny, and that the administrative structure remains stuck in the way the Brits did things in the early 1800s. I have researched and published on these things internationally.

The Berbice Campus has fallen into line with Turkeyen, slipping rapidly into academic decrepitude. Students tell me that lecturers turn up when they feel like it, are late when they do choose to turn up, change their minds inexplicably about topics already assigned to students, hold classes outside of assigned class times and outside of the campus, set dates for exams then change their minds, and marking is done by the exchange of papers by students (the way we did in primary school).

One course held classes three times in seven weeks, and then

By Professor Daizal Samad

the lecturer wanted to give an exam on material not even mentioned in the class. The classroom is used as a platform for political agendas, and bullying takes the place of teaching.

I have seen essays that I think are excellent or even publishable that have been given Ds and Cs. But papers are not returned to students, so they do not know why they got the grade they did.

Students pay good money to get a service; instead, they are treated worse than servants and are short-changed in the process. Yet, there are a few good lecturers that actually work at publishing internationally and who take teaching seriously.

Once again, the Berbice Community has been locked out from the campus in the manner of the “Mother” Campus.

Cheddi Jagan’s dream has become a nightmare.

…and producing filth

And talking about “vulgarity”. Can anyone beat the “vulgarity” the MuckrakerKN printed as Freddy Kissoon ridiculed Hindus for “worshipping rats”? Some will blame Freddy Kissoon. But they miss the point: there are some people who can’t be held responsible for their actions. Morons and such like. But not for the Muckraker that’ll allow the largest religion to be insulted in this fashion.

Mook Lall knows full well that Hindus don’t worship rats. His father was a Hindu, no? And his wife? And as for Adam Harris – who would’ve had the last word on what’s being published – he knows it was through this kind of standing libel on Africans that their indigenous religions were beaten out of them and today are mocked as “obeah”.

As in African and Indian and in all original religions, what is more profound than seeing God in all his creation and respecting all in the great chain of being created by Him?

…swallowing Larwah

Another vulgarity of immense proportions that’s been swallowed by the Opposition is, to use President Ramotar’s apt expression, the “Larwah” of killing all mega-infrastructure works, and expecting the country to develop.

It’ll develop, all right – right back into the old PNC’s basket case.

S

atiricus was appalled. He confessed that he was even shocked. Here it was that the Naga Man was being heckled, “handled” and harassed by sugar workers. And not just any sugar workers – we were talking about CANE-CUTTERS!! “You got to only take one look at Naga Man’s face,” said Satiricus to the fellas around the table in the back-street bar, “and know that man is real canecutter material”.

His buddy Cappo, who just happened to be a real cane-cutter who had been at the protest in front of Parliament, chuckled. “Sato, old frien,” he said, “abee face get ‘swingey’ because abee does drink rum just like Naga Man. Haaaard!

Every day. But abee drink because abee does wuk haaard. Wha’ excuse

It is most peculiar that we bring in all these “experts” and we wade through the same filth.

It is peculiar that three years ago, at a Senior Administration Group (SAG to you taxpayers!), I was told that I am like Emmanuel Cummings, then Dean of the School under which falls the Medical School.

I got all the Fs and Ss because I brought the Cyril Potter College of Education to be housed at the Berbice Campus.

How can someone use the Republic of UG property to serve the village of Guyana?

When some Trinidadian fellow that I actually liked cusses me down for doing that which is right and good and logical for the children of Guyana, I am not cool. I am doing what I do for the good of the teachers that teach the children of this country!

But when he puts me in the company of Dr

Emmanuel Cummings who has done more good for UG’s medical school in the last five years than anyone I know, I am cool.

I don’t blame that good Trinidadian man.

He was experienced in the UWI kind of way.

And he had credentials, and he was older than I am.

But when our own kneeling Guyanese “academics” joined in the cussing, with their servile nods and oily smiles.

I despised them.

We bring in numerous consultants at the expense of Guyanese taxpayers. There are workshops, fact-finding missions, numerous committees and boards, and many meetings with “stakeholders.”

Reports are written up, of course. They gather dust somewhere.

Nothing happens. Now we have another set of consultants. More money. The Government secured a loan for this from CDB some two years ago!

You people out there will have to pay it back.

There is a young man in Rose Hall Town named Damian Simon. I hold him as a son. He is a talented boxer, but had to shut away dreams of greatness because he had to go into the cane fields so that he could feed his family.

I see him boarding a truck every morning at 04:00h I see him come back in the afternoon, his clothes black from dirt, his shoulders hunched over from weariness. People like Damian will have to pay back that loan.

Nagaman on the run Naga Man gat?”

Everybody around the tabled chuckled along with Cappo, and Suresh ventured, “He does drink because he fail in everything he do in life?”

“Hold it! Hold it!!” interrupted Hari. “The man turn into a lawyer!”

“Yuh right,” admitted Cappo.

“But he had fuh wait till he a wan old man and he daughter turn lawyer, suh he could cog from she!!”

“And then he turn around and cuss the gyaal son: “Shut yuh soand-so-mouth!!!” observed Cappo.

“Hey Cappo!! That is just how you does talk to you son!!” teased Suresh. “Real cane-cutter stuff!”

“Budday…If yuh eye nah see, yuh mouth nah must talk. Me does cuss after me fetch five ton cane pan me head in de sun,” retorted Cappo.

“De only thing Naga Man fetch is he big belly!”

“Awright! Awright! So let we hear why you-all cuss out Naga Man,” asked Satiricus, ever the newsman.

“Budday, de man think abee schupid. Yuh remember when he and de Rum Jhaat run down to Linden and tell de people na fuh pay dem electric bill raise?” Cappo looked around.

Everyone nodded. “Well dem people na bin vote fuh KFC party.

But cane-cutter a bin vote fuh he in Berbice. And now look wha he gie dem – Larwaah!!!”

“Na tek worries, bai,” said his cane-cutter comrade Bungi as he patted Cappo on the back. “Wait till Prezzie call election. Dem bais in Berbice gon gie he bigger larwah!”

36

fun time

WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

This week's Crossword

J k es

God will save me

There was an old man sitting on his porch watching the rain fall. Pretty soon the water was coming over the porch and into the house.

The old man was still sitting there when a rescue boat came and the people on board said, "You can't stay here you have to come with us."

The old man replied, "No, God will save me."

So the boat left. A little while later the water was up to the second floor, and another rescue boat came, and again told the old man he had to come with them.

The old man again replied, "God will save me." So the boat left him again.

An hour later the water was up to the roof and a third rescue boat approached the old man, and tried to get him to come with them.

Again the old man refused to leave stating that, "God will save him." So the boat left him again.

Soon after, the man drowns and goes to heaven, and when he sees God he asks him, "Why didn't you save me?"

God replied, "You dummy! I tried. I sent three boats after you!!"

Americans

This week's Puzzle

A first grade teacher explains to her class that she is an American. She asks her students to raise their hands if they were American too.

Not really knowing why but wanting to be like their teacher, their hands explode into the air like flashy fireworks.

There is, however, one exception. A girl named Karen has not gone along with the crowd.

The teacher asks her why she has decided to be different.

"Because I am not an American."

"Then," asks the teacher, "What are you?"

"I'm a proud Guyanese," boasts the little girl.

The teacher is a little perturbed now, her face slightly red. She asks Karen why she is a Guyanese.

"Well, my mom and dad are Guyanese, so I'm a Guyanese too."

The teacher is now angry. "That's no reason," she says loudly. "What if your mom was a moron, and your dad was a moron. What would you be then?"

A pause, and a smile. "Then," says Karen, "I'd be an American."

Your tax dollars

When NASA first started sending up astronauts, they quickly discovered that ball-point pens would not work in zero gravity.

To combat this problem, NASA scientists spent a decade and $12 billion developing a pen that writes in zero gravity, upside down, underwater, on almost any surface including glass and at temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 300째 C. The Russians use a pencil.

Skylight

Joan, who was a rather well-proportioned secretary, spent almost all of her vacation sunbathing on the roof of her hotel. She wore a bathing suit the first day, but on the second, she decided that no one could see her way up there, so she slipped out of it for an overall tan.

She'd hardly begun when she heard someone running up the stairs. She was lying on her stomach, so she just pulled a towel over her rear.

"Excuse me, miss," said the flustered assistant manager of the hotel, out of breath from running up the stairs. "The Hilton doesn't mind your sunbathing on the roof, but we would very much appreciate your wearing a bathing suit as you did yesterday."

"What difference does it make?" Joan asked rather calmly. "No one can see me up here, and besides, I'm covered with a towel." "Not exactly," said the embarrassed man. "You're lying on the dining room skylight." see solution on page 46

Fashion

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

L

Designer Carol Fraser

ocal designer Carol Fraser’s impressive line of fashionable hats and bags explores the beauty of natural fibres.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Fraser said her eco-friendly collection is all made of natural fibres garnered from her homeland.

“I am very happy to be a culture ambassador for my country. My plan is to educate an international audience of Guyana’s rich and diverse culture while at the same time promoting our Low Carbon Development Drive. This ‘green’ initiative will give innovators from around the world an opportunity to view some of Guyana’s natural fibres and creations,” she declared.

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Feature

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

LEGAL corner

Thinking of filing for Bankruptcy? Fees are going up!

By Richard Kistnen, Esq.

O

ver the course of the past few weeks, I have received a number of inquiries concerning bankruptcy. For quite a few people, the filing of a bankruptcy case would serve them well and most likely accomplish their goals. Many of these same people, however, cannot bring themselves to decide on paying legal fees to move ahead with any case, let alone bankruptcy.

I attended a really tremendous bankruptcy conference for four days last week.

For the next several weeks, most, if not all of the articles I write, will address some of the trends and topics covered at that conference. One big alert, however, that I wanted to address immediately is that, starting June 1, 2014, fees for a number of items are going up, and pretty significantly.

The filing fees for bankruptcy cases are going up.

(When I take a bankruptcy case, fees are generally divided into three categories: attorney’s fees, filing fee, and the costs associated with a couple of educational courses the debtor must take.)

The filing fee for a chapter 7 case is shooting up from the current $306.00 to $335.00.

The filing fee for a chapter 13 case is going up from the current rate of $281.00 to $310.00. For those involved in bankruptcy litigation, the fee for commencing an adversary proceeding is scheduled to increase from $293.00 to $350.00. If you are a debtor with significant assets and liabilities, and a chapter 11 is better suited for you, the filing fee is going up from $1,213.00 to $1,717.00 If you have been thinking about bankruptcy, or maybe even reached my office to discuss such a case, do not delay.

(I cannot understand the clients who call me because of a $200.00 a week garnishment, but avoid filing for bankruptcy.) With bankruptcy filings down and lenders starting to lend more money, now is a good time to file for bankruptcy. If you have any questions about bankruptcy, or would like to speak to a lawyer, contact the Law Office of Richard Kistnen, (718) 738-2324, www.kistnenlaw. com. (For those on Facebook, you can search Law Office of Richard Kistnen. On Twitter, @LORKesq).

TT makes strides at French Short Film Fest

T

rinidad and Tobago’s participation in the 2014 International Short Film Festival at Clermont-Ferrand, France, has yielded tangible benefits, and the Caribbean has been invited to be the official region of focus at the 2016 edition of the Festival. Some 100,000 people attend the Festival annually.

In February, a joint team from the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival (ttff) and the Association for the Development of Independent Cinema in Guadeloupe (APCAG) took ten Caribbean films to the Festival, which is one of the largest in the world. The films were screened on February 4 and also exhibited in a ttff/ APCAG booth in the Festival’s marketplace from February 2-8. The films included TT’s ‘Small Man: The World My Father Made’

by Mariel Brown; ‘Fish’ by Shaun Escayg; and ‘After Mas’ by Karen Martinez.

With the sponsorship of the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC), Emilie Upczak, ttff Creative Director, and Nneka Luke, ttff External Relations Director, represented TT at Clermont-Ferrand.

Over the past four years the TTFC has also partnered with the FEMI Film Festival in Guadeloupe, to enable FEMI to screen TT content that the TTFC has funded.

The ttff reported after the February event in France that two of the three TT film-makers whose films were shown at Clermont-Ferand have been contacted with invitations to have their short films screened at other festivals. At Clermont-Ferrand, film professionals inquired about Caribbean film-making incentives, such as the Trinidad and Tobago cash rebate of up to 50 percent on qualifying productions.

The Clermont Film Festival has officially invited the ttff to put together a package of films

‘After Mas’ was produced by Karen Martinez

for the 2016 Festival, in which the Caribbean will be the region of focus, the ttff reported. The report added, “The ttff representatives met with the directors from the Mauritius, Madagascar and Reunion Island Festivals, and shared information, benchmarked best practices, and explored similarities and ways to collaborate in the future.

“Further, the British Council approached the ttff and requested that the Festival submit a proposal for collaboration and support.

Finally, Cannes Short Film Corner approached ttff and APCAG and invited us to participate in the library and marketplace at the Cannes Film Festival in May.” (TT Newsday)

40

feature

Times Notebook It’s unpatriotic to

WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

T

imes Notebook is unequivocal in our condemnation of politicians who deliberately smear our country. We were distraught and angry during the general budget debate when politicians, some very senior ones, including the Leader of the Opposition, deliberately and shamelessly smeared our country.

The Leader of the Opposition called Guyana a “NarcoState”. He knew that this is a gargantuan lie.

Other Members of the Opposition claimed that Guyana’s proud record of eight consecutive years of economic growth had nothing to do with the Government, but was

smear our country

driven by the drug trade, by drug lords. These are politicians who have dismissed the investment of citizens, rich and poor, in building their country.

One Member of Parliament (MP) from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) called Guyana an apartheid state. Another APNU MP proclaimed that Guyana would need a “Nuremberg”-style criminal trial for Government Ministers, clearly deeming Guyana a criminal state. Basil Williams, a senior APNU MP and the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, described Guyana as a “deh-bad” country.

Williams even fabricat-

ed what he claimed is the 2013 UN Human Development Report, which he says is proof that “Guyana is fifth from the bottom out of 183 countries in the world”.

Other MPs, particularly from the Alliance For Change (AFC), claimed that our country has been taken over by the Chinese and that the Asians are now the new imperialists, a clear sign of “Asia-phobia”.

MPs from both the AFC and APNU smeared Guyana by accusing the Government of “ethnic mobilisation” or of practising ethnic marginalisation. It was distressing that these Opposition MPs saw It is downright unpatriotic for Parliamentarians to smear our country

nothing good happening in Guyana. One MP even claimed that there were so many people dying of cancer that even women were getting prostate cancer.

It was depressing to hear these politicians smearing Guyana without any cause. None of them presented any evidence or made a case to support their contention. On what basis did Granger called Guyana a narco-state? Could he tell us which drug kingpin is controlling Guyana?

How come his friends in the U.S.A. are not holding on to Government officials who travel to the U.S.A. every day? Can he tell us which building is going up in Guyana that is financed by drug money?

Guyana’s development is driven by Government’s plans and policies; prudent fiscal management that has reduced debt; stabilisation of Guyana’s currency; promotion of new industries, like ICT and the service industries; strengthening and expansion of old industries; and the modernisation of Guyana’s infrastructure.

Guyana’s development is also driven by investment through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Last year, FDI was more than US$214 million. Every year, FDI is increasing.

But last year’s FDI of U$S214 was more than all the post-independence years until 1992. Loans to the local private sector surpassed $185 billion last year and have been more than $80 billion annually for the last four years.

Citizen-driven

Small-scale farmers, for instance, are investing every day in our country, driving a robust economic growth.

Take rice farmers and how they are stimulating growth. The rice farmers in 2013 invested more than Gy$30 billion in the economy; Gy$28 billion in direct operation cost for cultivating 400,000 acres of rice; and Gy$2 billion in equipment cost.

The rice millers have averaged more than Gy$2 billion annually in upgrading their factories. Together, millers and rice farmers earned more than Gy$45 billion in 2013.

Sugar workers earned more than Gy$20 billion last year and these families are the ones who spend their hard-earned cash at the local markets and stores and build their homes, activities that further stimulate our economy.

Public servants earned more than Gy$36 billion in 2013. Public servant and old age pensions amount to almost Gy$15 billion last year.

Together, the Guyanese people procured almost 16,000 motor vehicles in 2013 at a cost of over Gy$60 billion.

This is how the economy is driven. Ordinary people play a pivotal role in driving the economy.

Times Notebook thinks smearing the country is wrong and we urge Granger and the others to apologise for smearing our country and our people. It is downright unpatriotic.

Readers are invited to send their comments by email or Facebook to times.notebook@gmail. com.

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

More acting in the S*itty council, but not pun de garbage

D

e more a actor can act like he not actin when he actin, is de better de actor he can become.

And Guyana got nuff people actin fuh a long time. Some does act like dem good till people find out that is only de actin that good.

De biggest setta actin goin on right in de House.

De Opposition actin like dem is de guvament. And de Speaker actin like he bigger than de Constitution.

Green Jah actin like he is de Prezzi and Green Bridge actin like de Finance Minister, which gon never happen again in this country.

Some people does end up actin fuh dem whole life and only when dem ready to retire dem does get a chance to stop actin. Brum Hell was one a dem. De Hen was another one. But de Chancellor and de CJ look like dem gon act all dem life just because Green Jah actin up every time de subject come up.

Green Ham does be actin like if he is a good mayor, but he still not a good actor and he still not a good mayor. De other Green does be actin like she does wuk hard. But that woman does hardly wuk, and that ain’t no actin.

Roy Stone does be actin as if he enjoyin de PeeR-O wuk. But is only de other day people realise that he don’t like de Pee-R-O wuk. He like some body else wuk, so he file a lawsuit after he find out that he was second best, although he tink he is de best.

But not even de court can mek he de best.

Then de guvament seh dem didn’t want Carol Sober to be actin, so dem mek she stop actin. Now de CJ gone and mek she have to start actin again.

That is more actin in de s*ity council. Just that nobody still ain’t actin pun de garbage.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! De Nagga Man was actin like if he like dem sugar workers de other day. Well, dem show he good and proper that dem wasn’t actin!

A

From left, Interior Designer Sasha-Ann Clement, celebrity makeup artist Krysta Wallace, fitness expert Tobias Ottley, Advertising expert and UTT/CAFD graduate Kathryn Nurse, and designer Keegan Simon of 1ndividual Aesthetic (TT Guardian photo)

fter three successful years of bringing fashion to the forefront for consumers, Tobago Fashion Weekend (TFW) seeks to further elevate the profile of creative talent both locally as well as from around the world on May 16-18. Spearheaded

by Designer United Stores, this year’s edition of TFW is themed SPD Redefined.

The fourth instalment of this creative industry initiative hosted a glamorous media launch which was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, entertainment personalities and fashion enthusiasts last Monday at La Cantina, on Victoria Avenue, Port-of-Spain.

Addresses from TFW directors Ashley Christmas, Richard Young, Meisha Trim and Aisha

Keens-Dumas-Smith all intimated one common message: fashion is a natural extension of the Caribbean being, and the commercial potentiality is a welcomed school of thought for TT. For 2014 and beyond, the seven-member executive remains committed to engaging and encouraging the vast bodies of creative talent that continue the sustainable development thrust rooted in Caribbean fashion, the TFW said in a news release. The executive also noted the necessity of support from the public and private sector in this initiative.

The media launch also included showcase previews from Dexter Jennings, Rhion Romany, Dominic Hutch, Dominic La Roche, Shaun Griffith-Perez, Anthony Redd, Pegus and TFW’s Art to Fashion

High School Initiative. Makeup for the models was provided by celebrity artist, Krysta Wallace.

In conjunction with the Tobago House of Assembly and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, TFW 2014 aims to build on new and committed partnerships within the creative fraternity, and give a polished platform for viable commerce options and value chain development in a sector bursting with talent and promise, the release said.

Other partners on board this year include the Tourism Development Company Ltd, JetBlue, Full Circle Animation, Tempo, 211, Excel and Foreign Bass.

The media launch of TFW in Tobago will be held on May 3 in Scarborough. (TT Guardian)

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Feature

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

problems,” Minto-Bain said. “Obesity and diabetes are contributing factors. We currently have 4,000 on our books and we haven’t done any advertising campaign for eight months as we are inundated. It’s all wordof-mouth.”

Financing fertility

T

Dr Catherine Minto-Bain at work in her clinic the TT IVF Fertility Centre in Maraval (Kristian De Silva/TT Guardian photo)

he assumption that the Caribbean is a hotbed of fertility is a fallacy, local experts say.

Rising teenage pregnancies and large families with up to ten children can give a false picture of a highly reproductive population but, with a falling TT birth rate (currently 15.2 births per year per 1,000 people), the medical director of TT’s only IVF fertility clinic, Dr Catherine Minto-Bain, says TT is just about replacing its population.

In reality, she says, TT and the rest of the region has major problems that need to be addressed.

April 21-26 is National Infertility Awareness Week, a movement celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with events where people can find out about the issues involved.

Male infertility is the biggest problem. Last year, Health Minister Fuad Khan revealed that 34 per cent of TT’s men have a low sperm count, based on tests over a two-year period.

At the TT IVF Fertility Centre (TTIFC), Minto-Bain says, 90 per cent of the women who want to donate eggs are rejected because they don’t have enough of sufficient quality to be accepted.

Infertility

Male and female fertility rates are the subject of ongoing research but, so far, answers are elusive. There appear to be no patterns according to ethnicity, geography or age in terms of male reproductive health.

In 2011, TTIFC published a report and held a symposium exploring male fertility levels based on a sample of its 3,000 patients.

They were interested in whether environmental pollution might be affecting fertility, but, the MD says, infertility did not cluster around any industries in particular, neither petrochemical nor farming.

TTIFC is now part way through a UWIfunded research study into TT’s women, particularly the rise in the number of women with polycystic ovaries.

It is known that African-Caribbean women are more likely to have high numbers of fibroids (muscular tumours) in their ovaries than other ethnic groups—making it more difficult to get pregnant—and that they produce fewer eggs, with an earlier menopause.

But the low number of healthy eggs in women in their late 20s and 30s was across all ethnic groups.

“Trinidad has big

Jamaica’s Beres Hammond to join Air Supply for New York concert

R

eggae hit machine Beres Hammond will join Australian soft-pop duo Air Supply as headline acts at the annual Groovin' In The Park Concert at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York, June 29.

Hammond, who ignited New York City when he last appeared on Groovin' at Roy Wilkins Park in 2012, is expected to again have his way with music lovers when he belts out favourites like ‘Rockaway’, ‘In Love With You’, ‘What One Dance Can Do’, ‘She Loves Me Now’, ‘Step Aside’, ‘Double Trouble’, and ‘Putting Up Resistance’.

Hammond's stellar career was launched in the 1970s with the release of ‘One Step Ahead’, a blockbuster single which stayed at number one on the charts for 14

Beres Hammond (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

weeks.

"Air Supply is a powerful group. Their catalogue of hit songs is impressive. To have a group of their stature share the stage with reggae icon Beres Hammond will be a musical treat for fans.

I am confident it will be a fantastic presentation," said Andrea Bullens, coproducer and executive of Groovin' Inc. (Jamaica Gleaner)

treatment is a major issue for many in TT. It’s certainly not cheap—full IVF costs TT$31,000.

But the TTIFC has adopted the UKpioneered system of eggsharing.

At the other end of the scale, the more recent clinic in the Caribbean,

the Barbados Fertility Centre (BFC) has been publicising its services more aggressively.

IVF treatments at the BFC are expensive.

At US$5,500-6,500 it is an option that most people might struggle to afford. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

45 Dad kills kids before taking his own life in Trinidad T News

WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Linden getting pole from Green Jah

P

ollin goin on in India right now. Pollin in India does tek a whole five weeks fuh 814 million people. That’s a whole lotta pollin. And 100 million people pollin fuh de first time. That’s a whole lotta people who never get a chance to poll.

De last pollin in Guyana was 2011 and it got a next couple a years before pollin start again. But in de meantime, some people gettin sheer pole before de time reach fuh that poll. De Naga Man and Hard Mouth try to pole de sugar workers, but de workers come from Berbice till to GT to pole dem back. De Naga Man badly want de sugar workers poll.

Linden people gettin sheer pole from Green Jah and de whole a de Pee-N-C, and de people ain’t even know it. Fuh any body not to even know when dem getting pole mean that dem been gettin pole from a long time. And who to blame but Green Jah, Green Bridge and de rest.

Right now Adumb tekkin sheer pole from de Boss Man because de Boss Man wanna look good and sound good to try out de next poll. Even Sleepin Tom look like he tekkin pole from de Boss Man. Last year, he had to call Boss Man de Man of de Year before he get pay fuh Christmas. That sound like a whole year with de Boss Man pole.

Adumb was bare face de other day and seh he never tek pole from Burnt Ham and de Heights Man, and that he was a professional when he was at de guvament news paper. Adumb even blame he former Pee-N-C pardna Nasty Mento fuh tekkin pole pun de Marriott.

It look like Adumb had to be gettin pole when he mek that statement. That mek he a professional wheh tekkin pole concern. He musbe mekkin more pole money than dem people down de road by Church Street.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Well, pole and hole does go together, and every body know by now which part is Adumb.

he gruesome discovery of the dead bodies of a man and his two toddlers at the side of a trace in Matura, Trinidad, at 6 am Sunday morning rocked the quiet east coast village. According to police reports, a pumpkin farmer found the bodies near his garden in Mora Trace, off the village’s main road.

A bottle of herbicide believed to be Gramoxone was on the ground near them and police suspect it may have been a case of murder/suicide, in which Barry Karimath, 34, poisoned his two-year old daughter Keyanna Mayers and 10-month old son Omari Mayers.

Karimath, police said, lived in the South and the children lived with their mother, 24-yearold Okilia Mayers, in Barataria.

Karimath had custody of the children on Saturday. He owned a Black Mazda 323 but, the vehicle was nowhere in sight. How he ended up in Matura is yet to be known. The farmer said around 9.30 pm Saturday night, he went to his “jou-

Okilia Mayers, left, is consoled by her sister Okeisha after her two-year-old daughter Keyanna and ten-month-old son Omari were found dead with their father Barry Karimath in bushes off Mora Trace, Matura, Sunday (TT Guardian photo)

pa” (hut) in his garden to spend the night and saw Karimath standing near the trace with Keyanna

and Omari. Curious, he asked what he was doing there and Karimath replied he had paid a wom-

an TT$6,000 for a bush bath and he was waiting for her.

The farmer said he retired for the night and when he rose at six the next morning, he saw the dead bodies of the man and two children and called the police. The police found Karimath’s cellphone and called the children’s mother who said she had tried calling him after midnight but he had not answered.

She said she had texted him and he sent back a message saying he was going to kill himself and the children.

According to police reports, Okilia said she did not know where Karimath was and planned to call the police in the morning.

Councillor for the Matura area Terry Rondon said the whole village, including children, trekked to the area to see the bodies of Karimath, Keyana and Omari Sunday morning.

He said he cannot remember a murder like this involving children occurring in the area and said the young people are traumatised. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

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history

WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

A

long the Georgetown to Rosignol route and spanning the Mahaicony River, the Mahaicony Bridge lies some 35 miles east of Georgetown.

Completely rehabilitated during 2003-2004, the Mahaicony Bridge was built on the same site of what was formerly the Mahaicony Railway Bridge, which has been shifted downstream to preserve the now historic railway bridge.

The new bridge was designed by US firm Figg Bridge Engineering Inc and built by DYWDAG International GmbH of Germany. The mainly precast and reinforced concrete structure replaced the old steel bridge, which was constructed in 1934.

New Mahaicony River Bridge

Old Mahaicony Railway Bridge that was shifted to preserve its historic value (Photo by Michael C Lam)

Mahaicony Railway bridge, British Guiana

Old Mahaicony River bridge

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Stabroek Market, British Guiana (n.d.)

Health Feature

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Beauty and brains Similarities & Differences between Hepatitis A and B B y T isha B oston

H

By Anu Dev

“You need a role model who is beautiful, is trendy, and yet is still intelligent and has good moral values” - Shandi Finnessey

L

ast Thursday, there was a Ms Mount Hope pageant held right here on the medical school’s campus.

The proceeds from ticket sales went to a charity in aid of children with cancer. It was an incredible event, well planned-out and executed. We got to see another side of our friends who were contesting. As our anatomy lecturer would say, they had “Brains and beauty”.

Beauty pageants are becoming increasingly ubiquitous – especially here in Guyana. Does this say something about us as a society? Are we possibly looking for validation?

Starting from the sixties, there’s been quite a debate about the pros and cons of such beauty pageants – especially provoked by feminist awareness.

But you wouldn’t guess from the discourse in Guyana.

Ah well, our sixties beauty queen Shakira Baksh did marry Michael Caine, didn’t she? World fame, other than Jim Jones, at last!

Pro-pageant supporters swear that people enjoy their shows: they allow us to enjoy beauty just like any other art form. After all, nobody’s complaining about John Singer Sargent’s paintings of females.

On the other hand, these contests promote a picture of female beauty that has been conditioned by the male gaze. Not to mention a male, western, white gaze. The present standard can only be achieved by dieting, plastic surgery, applying great dollops of skin whiteners or injections of Botox. Females are convinced to either obliterate their natural beauty or feel inferior for the rest of their lives.

With segments involving evening gown and bikinis there’s no escaping the fact that it’s definitely a western ideal of beauty being promoted. Those that protest some of these premises, such as observant Muslims or Hindus are dismissed as “traditional”. The irony that the so-called “progressive” modern standards are all from the western “tradition” is unremarked.

Another effect of beauty pageants is that by judging women mainly on their appearance, they objectify women and cement the idea that they are to be appreciated for their physical attributes instead of for other talents rather than possessing the “right” genes. The inclusion of an “intelligence” segment via questions hasn’t blunted this critique.

However, do these pageants really ‘empower’ women and ‘raise their self-confidence’ as they claim to do? I’m not so sure, since they are mainly about the physical “beauty” and that doesn’t really help to liberate women form the typical stereotypes!

But there are also those cases where women like Aishwariya Rai, Priyanka Chopra and Halle Berry used beauty pageants as stepping-stones to advance their careers in films. Would they have had the opportunities and attention they got, if they didn’t win their beauty contests?

Some would say that these women are living proof that beauty pageants can be platforms for future success and present opportunities in a male-oriented world where there are already too-few opportunities for males.

So in comparison to the large-scale pageants like Miss World or Miss Universe where many of the contestants have some degree of cosmetic surgery to have the “ideal look”, it was heartening to see the girls of our med school go up as themselves, bringing their own individuality to the stage to try to raise money for charity.

In an interesting twist, which we can call feminism II, females are now demanding the right to display their bodies whichever way they want to. In that sense, the “non-display” of their charms might also be conforming to some male notions of beauty. And the debate will go one. Ultimately like with everything else in the world, the relative importance of brains and beauty is all about who has power.

epatitis means “inflammation of the liver.”

Hepatitis A and B are both caused by viruses, but it is the type of virus that sets them apart. That is, hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus, HAV while hepatitis B is caused by the virus HBV. These are not the only types of viral hepatitis, but they all follow an alphabetical naming system.

Even though hepatitis A and hepatitis B share similar symptoms that include, but are not limited to fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, gray-colored bowel movements, joint pain, and jaundice, they are very distinct diseases that affect the liver.

Common differences between Hepatitis A and B involve the routes of transmission, incubation period, potential for chronic illness, and treatment.

Although both viral hepatitis A and B can be contracted sexually with an infected person, there are still a few differences in the modes of transmission. For instance, Hepatitis A is transmitted through ingestion of fecal matter that one can also get from close personto-person contact with an infected person, and ingestion of contaminated food or drinks.

On the other hand, hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infectious blood, semen, and other bodily fluids that one can also get from an infected mother, and from the sharing of or injuries from contaminated needles, syringes, and other drug equipment used for injection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average incubation period for hepatitis A is about 28 days while the average incubation period for hepatitis B is about 120 days. This means that the time elapsed between exposure to the virus and the first appearance of symptoms is longer for hepatitis B. CDC also produced findings that show, in relation to hepatitis B, the potential for chronic infection among unimmunized persons is more than 90% for infants. However, there is no potential for chronic infection with hepatitis A. According to the Hepatitis Foundation International, 99% of the time, HAV will clear up from weeks to months.

Unfortunately, there are no medications available for the acute illness brought on by HAV and HBV. They are usually managed through supportive treatment. For hepati-

tis B, where there is a potential risk for developing a chronic illness, the disease is best addressed by monitoring signs of liver disease progression regularly. Some patients are also treated with antiviral drugs.

Nonetheless, there are vaccines available to help prevent these two viral infections. These vaccines are usually given at birth.

For hepatitis A, two doses of the vaccine are given six months apart. For hepatitis B, infants and children receive three to four doses over a six to eighteen

month period.

Overall, hepatitis A is transmitted through feces of infected individuals while hepatitis B is transmitted through blood, semen, and other bodily fluids of infected individuals. The incubation period for hepatitis A is shorter than that of hepatitis B. Hepatitis A will not lead to permanent liver damage while hepatitis B will. Hence, Hepatitis B is a more serious infection compared to hepatitis A, but fortunately, they both can be prevented through vaccination.

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Abhishek Kapoor suffering Ranbir-Katrina to live-in together from back spasms

H

e plans to adapt Mahabharata for the celluloid but right now, Abhishek Kapoor aka Gattu is suffering a backache of epic proportions.

Mirror learnt that on Monday night, Abhishek was due to attend the premiere of a Hollywood film, ‘Son of God’, with Sushant Singh Rajput and Katrina Kaif. But before he could leave the Western suburbs for a journey to South Mumbai, he was struck with a massive back spasm.

"His family panicked as the pain came on sud-

S

denly. A doctor was immediately called to take stock of the situation. He figured that it's a spasm but Abhishek was in

pain even while resting.

He's been advised complete bed rest for at least a week," the source said.

(TOI)

F

ollowing his cousin Kareena Kapoor's footsteps, Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has also decided to live-in with his girlfriend Katrina Kaif before marriage. Since the couple hardly gets time to spend with each other due to work commitments, they have decided to just stay together.

A Saharasamay report says that Ranbir has finally decided to move out of his Pali Hill family residence, Krishna Raj, where he was staying with his parents Rishi and Neetu Kapoor, and has decided to buy his own apartment where he can move in with Katrina.

Quoting a source, the report adds

that he has already spoken to a few builders and is looking for a big apartment situated somewhere between Bandra and Juhu. In fact the actor will visit the apartments shortlisted by his agent personally before he finally selects his love nest for his alleged lady love.

It is said that Katrina used to visit the actor frequently at Krishna Raj. Her frequent visits were allegedly disapproved by his father Rishi, who often commented on her coming to their residence so often. Hence, Ranbir took this big step and has decided to move out of his parents’ house and live with Katrina. (TOI)

V

hilpa Shetty Kundra along with her husband Raj Kundra, was spotted launching their very first Satyug Gold store in Mumbai.

On the occasion, the 30-year-old Bollywood actress and businesswoman said, "Everyone wants to buy gold because it's important for them and brings happiness and prosperity, and this business is very important for me because I will be able to fulfill people's dreams."

The store's 5-year purchase plan will give 37 percent discount on gold, and since the jewelry is crafted by her, the designs are very modern.

"I will be coming up with a special line for housewives that will have bangles and earrings which will start from very affordable price," she added.

Satyug Gold showrooms will soon open in Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh and Ludhiana as well. (TOI)

ivek Oberoi continues to court darkness. After playing the evil mastermind Kaal in ‘Krrish 3’, he is now lending his voice to Electro, the baddie, in the dubbed Hindi version of ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’.

"The call from Sony Pictures was like a bolt from the blue. Someone saw my performance as Kaal and thought that I could do the voiceover for Jamie Foxx. It's a natural extension," he points out, adding that he is doing this for his newfound kiddy fans who now want him to lift them on his 'ungli'.

Fifteen years ago, while still in college, Vivek had dubbed for films like ‘Independence Day’ and ‘The Rock’, along with TV shows like ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’, ‘Small Wonder’ and ‘The

Young and the Restless’.

"I was ready to do anything, including amateur and professional theatre, to get closer to my acting goal. Dubbing was one such step," he says. (TOI)

‘My father thought I should act’ - Karan Johar ‘My years in movies help me

F

ilmmaker Karan Johar, who is making his fullfledged acting debut with Anurag Kashyap's ‘Bombay Velvet’, has thanked him for making his late father Yash Johar's wish come true.

"My father thought I should be an actor...I didn't.

Thank you Anurag Kashyap for fulfilling my dad's wish...just wrapped ‘Bombay Velvet’!"

In ‘Bombay Velvet’, which also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma, Karan plays a villain. The movie, coproduced by Fox Star Studios and Phantom Films, will see Karan

as politician’ - Hema Malini

in the role of a rich businessman who plays a crucial role in the life of Ranbir's on-screen character.

In the past, Karan

has made fleeting appearances in films like ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, ‘Fashion’ and ‘Luck By Chance’.

(TOI)

A

ctress Hema Malini, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Mathura Lok Sabha constituency, says her years of toil in the film industry have helped her survive as a politician.

"All my years in movies--all the

hard work, tough outdoor schedules, long hours---have all helped me in my new avatar as politician! Off to Baldeo kshetra (area) today with all your good wishes and blessings," the 65-year-old posted on her Twitter page Wednesday.

The star of films like ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’ and ‘Sholay’ said she received a warm welcome in Baldeo.

"Women coming out in hordes to welcome me - all promising to vote for me," she added.

Hema was recently upset at reports that her family was not by her side to support her in campaigning.

She pointed out that while her daughters Ahana and Esha have been lending their support, her husband and actor Dharmendra will join her soon.

(TOI)

Hollywood

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F

ormer ‘Baywatch’ star Pamela Anderson regrets her infamous Playboy shoot as her two sons suffered at school due to her racy photographs.

The 46-year-old says it was hard on her sons Dylan, 17, and Brandon, 16.

"When my kids became teenagers it was hard on them. They fought a few bullies--and were teased by some. I regret that anything I have ever done has made them uncomfortable

Amanda Bynes' mum denies her daughter ever had mental illness

A

manda Bynes' mother Lynn Bynes has claimed that her daughter has never been diagnosed as schizophrenic or bipolar and she had no mental illness whatsoever.

The ‘She's the Man’ star's mum said in a statement that Amanda, who had called many celebs including singer Drake "ugly" on Twitter, feels very sorry for all the hurtful tweets, statements and actions, U.S. Magazine reported.

Lynn also blamed marijuana for her daughter's erratic behavior over the past few years.

or suffer," dailystar.co.uk quoted Anderson as saying.

They overcame their problems together.

"But our life is our life-we love each other---we are close--we have gone through a lot. It made us all closer and more resilient as a family."

Anderson was chosen as Playmate of the Month for Playboy magazine in February 1990, a year after she made her debut on the magazine. Her Playboy career spans 22 years. (TOI)

J

ohnny Depp got some relationship advice from none other than Angelina Jolie.

Jolie had pleaded with Depp to get a prenuptial agreement before his wedding to Amber Heard.

According to MVP Entertainment, the 38-yearold star thinks that the 50-year-old 'Pirates of the Caribbean' actor, who re-

cently confirmed his engagement to Heard, might be going through a midlife crisis and has become enchanted the young actress, who's only 27.

Depp is currently promoting his upcoming movie 'Transcendence', which centers on an artificial intelligence researcher who strives to create a machine that possesses sentience and collective intelligence. (TOI)

Nicolas Cage worried about personal texts going public after losing cell phone

N

icolas Cage is reportedly anxious that his personal information, including his private text messages, may get leaked into public domain after he lost his cell phone.

The ‘National Treasure’ star who will be seen in new movie ‘Joe’ was recently spotted using his friend's cell phone whilst dining out with co-star Tye Sheridan and director David Gordon Green, the New York Post reported.

Diners in the restaurant overheard the Academy Award winner telling his group that there was one text message that he would hate to see get out.

An insider said that Cage's pals excitedly waited to hear what the text message said and he finally disclosed the truth that he wrote to a friend in Vegas saying, "I just wanted to thank you for all your help and support, bro". (ANI)

Cameron Diaz bats for multiple partners

C

ameron Diaz finds it unreasonable to expect one man to understand all needs of a woman, and so, she feels it's okay

to have lots of partners.

"For some reason, we get into relationships and we expect one man to understand 'all' the parts of us and meet all of those needs. I think that's where everything fails," mirror.co.uk quoted Diaz as saying.

Asked if having lots of partners was better, the single star added: "Why not? Why would that be so bad?"

The 41-year-old star of ‘The Other Woman’, a film about fidelity, says she has multiple girlfriends.

"We can have all of these girlfriends, all of these friendships. I know with my girlfriends I do totally different things with each one of them. I have different conversations. We like things that others don't like.

"There are different commonalities in each one of them and when I want to do those certain things, I can go to that girlfriend and we do those things together. That's perfectly fine that she doesn't like to do the thousands of other things that I like to do. I'm perfectly okay with that with her," she added.

(TOI)

Anne Hathaway says she loves her younger fans

A

nne Hathaway has revealed that she loves her younger fans.

The 31-year-old star, who'll be lending her voice to the feisty macaw Jewel in upcoming film 'Rio 2', told People Magazine that she's already showed the film to her favorite kids in the world.

She always gets a "kick"

when they can see the film that she's in, she said.

And it gets easier for her to convince them to do manual labors, she joked.

The Oscar winner added that kids ask for so little and she takes it as a pleasure to be able to give them a moment of joy.

(ANI)

Amanda had stayed at a Malibu rehab facility and spent some time in the psych ward at UCLA Medical Center.

Arnold Schwarzenegger likes napping

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ctor Arnold Schwarzenegger says he likes to take naps in the afternoon and whenever he has idle time.

"Yeah, I sometimes take a nap in the after-

noon. I sometimes take them when I feel sleepy and I am at home, then I have the luxury of lying down for an hour," The Sun newspaper quoted the ‘Sabotage’ star as saying.

But Schwarzenegger, who will start filming ‘Terminator 5’ soon, doesn't get chance to snooze while filming due to his busy schedule, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"You get an hour lunch break and then you work until seven at night, so there's not like, 'OK guys, why don't you continue, I am going to take a little nap…

There's not time for that," he said. (TOI)

‘I do not have a perfect body’-Jessica Alba

J

essica Alba says she is selective in her choice of clothes as the actress feels that her body is not curvaceous.

The 32-year-old ‘Fantastic Four’ star said she believes that women must be happy with the way they look and take better care of themselves, reported Contactmusic.

"I know how to emphasise my curves, that's all. I choose clothes that accentuate my body, but it's taken years of practice," Alba said.

"I do sport even though it's not enough in my opinion. I practice

yoga, dance, I drink lots of water and I eat healthily. At least, I try," she added.

The actress feels that the most attractive women are happy and healthy. (TOI)

Andrew Garfield loves being naked

A

ndrew Garfield has revealed that he loves being naked and it was nothing to be shy about.

'The Amazing Spider-Man' star told Guilty Pleasures that it was imperative to be naked and be in touch with their bodies and not be ashamed about what they are made of, Metro.co.uk reported.

The 30-year-old actor asserted that he loves being in touch with "nature and his own nature." (TOI)

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GNRA names strong team Bishoo’s comeback a for Commonwealth Games statement of intent

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he Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) has named a strong team to participate in the 2014 Commonwealth Games to be held from July 23 to August 3 in Glasgow, Scotland.

National captain Mahendra Persaud, a Commonwealth Games veteran and reigning West Indies Individual champion Lennox Braithwaite make up the two-man team, while experienced rifleman and wind coach Ransford Goodluck will serve as Coach/Manager.

In 2010 at the X1X Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, Persaud and Goodluck had teamed up to place fifth in the pairs competition, the best showing by a Guyana team at the Games. Persaud said the team will be looking to better its New Delhi showing, but expects tough competition from the 21 other competing nations.

Braithwaite is a back-to-back regional champion following his success at the Timehri Rifle ranges in 2012 and the Paragon rang-

Lennox Braithwaite

es in Barbados last year, while Persaud was runner-up to Braithwaite in 2012 and placed third among regional shooters last year.

According to the national captain, preparations for the Games will intensify during the West Indies Fullbore shooting championships billed for early next month in Jamaica, and the annual international shooting programme at Bisley, United Kingdom, a few weeks before the Games.

The XX Commonwealth Games shooting competition will be held from July 25-29 in Glasgow.

Meanwhile, the local shooters are continuing preparations for the

West Indies Fullbore shooting championships at Twickenham Park ranges in Jamaica.

Training sessions are being held weekly at the Timehri ranges as the riflemen fine tune their programme for the regional showdown that will see competitors from Antigua-Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and host Jamaica.

Ryan Sampson, GNRA Secretary, said the local riflemen are focused on the task at hand and will be going all out to defend the Milex longrange title over 900 and 1000 yards ranges, and will be seeking to recapture the short range (300, 500 and 600 yards) title they lost to Jamaica in 2013.

Meanwhile, Troy Peters, long-serving public relations officer, has been re-appointed to the position following an executive committee meeting of the GNRA held recently.

Recently appointed Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Mark Phillips, was elected president of the association.

By Avenash Ramzan

A

merican Matthew Nicholas Biondi, the former world record holder and Olympic swimming champion, once said, “Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement.”

Persistence it was that drove Biondi to capture a total of 11 medals (eight gold, two silver and one bronze) at the Summer Olympic Games in 1984, 1988 and 1992, certainly an extraordinary achievement.

Only last weekend, Guyana and West Indies leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo pulled off a feat of similar proportions, notching up several milestones on his way to a remarkable bowling performance against Trinidad and Tobago in the seventh round of the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Regional Four-day competition.

The 28-year-old from the East Berbice village of Albion, an area called Guava Bush to be specific, raked in astonishing bowling figures of 9-78, the best returns by a Guyanese in the history of Regional First-Class cricket.

The Trinidad and Tobago batsmen did not escape Bishoo’s guile and accuracy in the second innings either, as he snatched 6-71 for outstanding match-figures of 15-149 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The feat came in Bishoo’s 50th First-Class match and in the process he also went past 200 wickets in a career so far spanning six years.

He also contributed with the bat, scoring 27 and 25 not out to crown a fine all-round effort.

The fact that such monumental achievements did not produce

Devendra Bishoo

a victory, as rain curtailed the final day with Guyana 80-3 chasing 225, might be the only disappointment for Bishoo and his teammates.

What was significant however, was the fact that Bishoo was making a return to the team after being dropped for the first time by Guyana, presumably because he hadn’t the wickets to show.

In four matches prior to last weekend, the former ICC Emerging Player-of-the-Year had taken just 13 wickets, five of which came in one innings against Barbados at Providence.

That magical display against the twin-islanders catapulted Bishoo to 28 wickets, one behind Guyana’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament, fellow clubmate Veerasammy Permaul.

An average of 18.39 was way below his career average of 28.20.

Determined

After being axed for the match against the Leeward Islands in Antigua, Bishoo said he worked on “certain things” to get his game back on track.

“Obviously, I was disappointed to be dropped from the team, but I went back and did a

lot of work on certain things, because I was determined to regain my spot,” he told this publication on Tuesday.

He added, “I did a lot of bowling in the nets at Albion, so I was still keeping myself in condition once I was called upon to do a job for my country.”

Reflecting on his performance, the diminutive bowler, with 11 Test matches, 13 ODIs and four T20 Internationals to his name, said he just stuck to doing the basics right.

“I didn’t try to do too many fancy things, I just tried to stick to the basics and as you can see it really paid off. I know I had to do well once I got that opportunity and fortunately I did. I’m very satisfied with the performance, because I was able to contribute and that is what you have to do as a team player. I got some runs as well so it feels good to contribute to the team,” Bishoo said. The leg-spinner is keen on wearing the maroon West Indies cap once again, but he would have to produce similar performances on a more consistent basis to regain the attention of Clyde Butts and company on the WICB selection panel.

Twelve West Indians at IPL

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here is a total of 12 West Indian players who will be competing in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL)--the top T20 league in world cricket.

The IPL bowled off Wednesday with matches in the United Arab Emirates (until April 30) while action switches to India from May 2 to the final on June 1.

Mumbai Indians, the 2013 winners, have retained the services of top allrounder, Trinidad and Tobago’s Kieron Pollard while they included left-arm pacer Krishmar Santokie of Jamaica to their fold.

The leading T20 bowler in the latest ICC (International Cricket Council) rankings, TT’s leg-spinner Samuel Badree, has joined the Chennai Super Kings, who will have a pair of allrounders named Dwayne--TT’s Bravo

and Barbados’ Smith. Dwayne Smith was a member of Mumbai at the 2013 edition, while Badree was part of the Rajasthan Royals’ outfit.

The Royals have retained TT allrounder Kevon Cooper while the number two bowler in the ICC T20 rankings, TT off-spinner Sunil Narine, remains with Kolkata Knight Riders.

Jamaican pacer Andre Russell joins Kolkata from Delhi Daredevils.

West Indies T20 and Test captain Darren Sammy of St Lucia stays with Sunrisers Hyderabad, with Barbados pacer Jason Holder joining the team after playing for Chennai in the 2013 IPL. And the pair of Jamaican hardhitting opening batsman Chris Gayle and TT pacer Ravi Rampaul have been retained by the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

SPort

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Batting let us down – Johnson

By Rajiv Bisnauth

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uyana finished in cellar position in this year’s West Indies Cricket Board’s Regional Four-Day tournament and team manager Alvin Johnson laid the blame for Guyana’s poor display squarely at the feet of the batsmen.

The Guyanese failed to win a single game, ending on 29 points.

They suffered defeats at the hands of Jamaica, Barbados, Combined Campuses & Colleges and the Leeward Islands.

“Our batting let us down. Our bowling and fielding improved as the tournament went on, but collectively as a batting unit we didn’t do well,” Johnson explained.

He added: “Apart from Leon Johnson, the other senior batsmen failed tremendously, it was evident that the batsmen lacked concentration, hence the consistency wasn’t there”.

Johnson further revealed that had the batsmen expressed a little more confidence in their own abilities, the situation could have been different.

Guyana’s captain Leon Johnson was by far Guyana’s best batsman on show, displaying a high level of consistency – something that had eluded him over the past 10 years at the regional level.

The former West Indies Under-19 skipper played only three games and ended the preliminary phase of the competition with 295 runs at an average of 59.00, scoring one hundred and a half-century in the process.

Wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble was Guyana’s next best batsman with 286 runs, while Assad Fudadin (273) was the other Guyanese batsmen to pass 250 runs in the tournament.

T a g e n a r i n e Chanderpaul (195), Christopher Barnwell (154), Vishual Singh (113), Devendra Bishoo (112) and Zaheer Mohamed (103) were the other batsmen to pass one hundred or more runs.

To compound their woes, their most senior batsman, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, played only two matches before he decided to play

Alvin Johnson

Leon Johnson

in the English County championships, while Ramnaresh Sarwan failed to recover from his back injury.

Test batsman Narsingh Deonarine, their third most experienced player, was dropped after four games.

In contrast, Johnson praised the bowlers for their decent performances, adding that the bowlers were outstanding throughout.

Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul led the wicket tally with 29 scalps, followed by leg spinner Devendra Bishoo with 28 wickets; 15 of those wickets from the last game against Trinidad and Tobago.

Barbados have been crowned the Regional four-day league champions, retaining the title they won last year, and will receive the WICB President’s Trophy. It is Barbados’s 22nd region-

Keon Joseph

Veerasammy Permaul

Anthony Bramble

al first-class title.

Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, the Windward Islands and Jamaica have qualified for the semi-finals and will now clash for the George Headley/

Devendra Bishoo

Assad Fudadin

Everton Weeks trophy, with Barbados playing Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago going up against the Windward Islands. Both games will be played simultaneously from April 19.

Jamaica's champion jockey looks to fresh start in Canada

J

amaica’s four-time champion jockey Omar Walker will depart the island on April 21 for Canada to begin a new chapter in his professional career.

Walker said that the lack of support locally, especially from trainers, forced his decision to take up the reins overseas.

"I just want to give Caymanas Park a break.

I want to ride at a track where I am appreciated for my hard work. I just want a fresh start.

I think that I deserve more than what I am getting here.

"Over the years, I have been putting out the hard work and only a few trainers are supporting me. I am not getting the support that I should get and so I just feel like I need break," an emotional Walker told the Complete Racing Guide over last weekend.

The 31-year-old Walker said that he was invited to ride in Canada

by Durrant Dunn.

"A friend of mine was talking to the chief executive officer for a particular track, Mr Durrant Dunn, about me wanting to come and ride over there. And one day Dunn called me and said that if I was still interested

that, but right now my main focus is getting a fresh start and that is overseas," he noted.

Walker, who left Bridgeport High School and came straight into

Jockey Omar Walker looks to the heavens after winning his first Classic race, the 2,000 Guineas on Talented Tony K (Jamaica Observer photo)

in riding in Canada, and I told him yes. So I was given an invitation to go there," he explained.

Walker, who started riding at Caymanas Park in 2009, has won four championships but won his first Classic race when he rode the Lorne Kirlew-trained 'Talented Tony K' to victory in the 2,000 Guineas on Saturday last.

"It feels so good to win my first Classic race.

A lot of people were saying that I would never win a Classic race, but

you can't win a Classic race if you are not getting the right horses to ride. On this occasion I got the horse and I rode him to victory and I am so happy with that win," the 31-year-old said.

He said that if given the opportunity, he would consider coming back for the Derby.

"It is everybody's dream to win the Derby, and it is no different with me. If the owner wants me to come back and ride 'Talented Tony K' in the Derby, I would love to do

racing, said that he has no regrets in choosing a profession in the racing industry.

"I have no regrets, everyone has been good to me when I started my ca-

reer and even now some are still by my side. But I give special thanks to trainers Gary Subratie, Fitzgerald Richards, and Lorne Kirlew" he said.

(Jamaica Observer)

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Coach Shaun Dietz talks about U.S.-based Guyanese sprinter Brenessa Thompson’s potential at Junior Carifta Games Dietz in his assessment of Thompson believes she will be a very competitive athlete but sees her as possibly having success at the Carifta Games.

“She can run low 11s eventually but this

By Treiston Joseph

A

s US-based G u y a n e s e B r e n e s s a Thompson prepares to represent Guyana for the first time in her fledgling career at the Junior Carifta Games in Martinique this weekend, coach of the budding athlete Shaun Dietz talked with Guyana Times International Sport on the athlete’s potential in an exclusive interview.

Thompson, who will be representing Guyana in the female under-20 100 and 200 metres is seen as having a great shot of making the final at the games, according to Dietz.

“She is rounding into shape and I believe she will be in the finals of the 100 metres… 200 metres not so sure,” Dietz told GTI Sport.

Thompson, the daughter of former national sprinter Brenon Thompson, ran one of the fastest indoors 55 metres race during her indoor season.

Preparation for the 17 year old has been progressing, as Dietz highlighted one of the main focuses for Thompson to achieve at the meet.

“Training is going well… the weather is get-

performances, since she will be competing against some great experienced athletes,” Dietz mentioned.

M e a n w h i l e , Thompson will be heading out to the Carifta Games this

Coach Shaun Dietz

ting better here in New York and she will make an attempt to qualify for World Juniors at this meet,” Dietz stated.

Dietz ,who coached US- based Guyanese Kadecia Baird to a World Junior Championship silver medal, noted some similarities with the two athletes, while pointing out what has made them different to coach.

“Brenessa is not a great starter, but she has great pick-up speed, Kadecia was a very poor starter but has great pick-up speed and finishing kick.

“Kadecia did a lot of ply metrics in her training at this point, Brenessa didn’t because she hurt her calf muscle earlier in the season; but Brenessa did more weight training overall than Kadecia,” Dietz revealed.

I

US-based Guyanese Brenessa Thompson will debut as Guyana’s representative at the Carifta Games this weekend

games is a start… she is not in her best of shapes but I’m not going to rule out her having her best

morning(Thursday) as she aims to make her mark while debuting for Guyana.

Several Guyanese appointed top executives of Ontario Cricket Association

Newly appointed executives of OCA strike a pose just after the AGM (Photo Courtesy of Azad Khan)

By Ravendra Madholall

S

everal Guyanese were appointed as new executives in the Ontario Cricket Association (OCA) when the Annual General Meeting took place at Spice Shack business entity in Markham,

‘I can break my records!’ - Bolt

Scarborough recently.

Mike Kendall was replaced by Gulwant Bajwa, who is set to run the affairs of the OCA’s cricket for the next 24 months. Melvin John is the new and first vicepresident while Bisham Singh remains the second vice-president.

Third and fourth vicepresidents are Tauqir Uddin and Pavan VeerRana respectively. Azad Khan retains the position of secretary while Vish Jadunauth was elected as the new treasurer and at the same time appointed as the OCA junior coordinator.

Deo Samaroo was appointed as the senior coordinator while Anwar Omar was appointed umpires’ coordinator for the first time. Khan, Singh, Jadunauth and Samaroo are all Guyanese.

Meanwhile, out-going president Kendall said continued on page 54

Usain Bolt (Jamaica Gleaner photo)

t has been more than five years since Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt shattered his own world record marks in the 100 metres and 200 metres at the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Berlin, Germany.

However, track and field's poster boy is convinced that he still has it in him to go even faster than the 9.58 and 19.19-second world records, and says that he is looking forward to getting up to top speed in the upcoming season, after suffering an injury recently.

The 27-year-old, who resumed training at the weekend after his manager Ricky Simms reported that his foot was sore a few weeks ago, also underlined that he is not bothered by the setback, adding that he expects to be back to his best soon. "(The injury) is nothing serious…my experience has taught me that that's just the nature of the sport," Bolt told Jamaican media.

"Setbacks are a part of track and field. I have come to accept that a long time ago. I had mine, and (I'm) now back in training preparing for the upcoming season."

Bolt had his closest brush with his 9.58-second 100m world record in the final at the 2012 London Olympic Games, where he won the gold medal in 9.63, the only time he has gone below 9.70 since 2009, with season best times of 9.82 (2010); 9.76 (2011) and 9.77 last year. In the 200m, the sprinter ran 19.32 seconds in 2012 but has gone 19.56 (2010), 19.40 (2011) and 19.66 (2013) since running 19.19 in Berlin.

If he is to lower the marks, he will need to be at his best, but the fivetime IAAF World Male

Athlete of the Year is fully confident that he will set new marks before his time in the sport is done, particularly after the encouragement of his coach.

"I have discussed with my coach what it will take to lower these records, and he thinks it's very possible," said Bolt, who is coached by Glen Mills at the Racers Track Club. "I trust my coach completely, so if coach Mills says they can be broken, then I know I can lower them."

Posting strong times

Bolt added that he is looking forward to posting strong times this season and believes that Jamaica stands a good chance of breaking the Santa Monica Track Club's 1:18.68 4x200m world record at next month's IAAF World Indoor Relays in The Bahamas. "(The IAAF World Relays) should be a lot of fun," Bolt said. "Relays are always the best part of any championship for me."

"Jamaica has a lot of talented athletes, so I have no doubt that we can lower the (4x200m) record," he added, without confirming whether he will actually be able to compete at the May 24 and 25 championships.

Nonetheless, with three major championships on the cards for the next three years - next year's IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China; the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio and the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London - Bolt is also focused on regaining his fitness and staying injury free.

"I just want to run some fast times and finish the season injury free so I can focus on these three major championships coming up," Bolt said. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Sport

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Limacol renews Caribbean Premier League sponsorship deal “The event is Caribbean at heart, but with global aspirations. In that sense, it mirrors Limacol’s own vision – to be a world-class Caribbean brand that also captivates the world” – New GPC Chairman, Dr. R. Ramroop as CPL title sponsor for a second year. The Limacol CPL was the most exciting thing the region has ever seen in terms of sports and entertainment and we wanted it to be here to stay so we took the decision to invest. The event

T

Fans were out in their thousands to cheer their teams on

he New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation Incorporated (NEW GPC INC), under its popular Limacol brand, has renewed its sponsorship of the hugely successful Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament.

Limacol was title sponsor as the CPL launched in 2013 to sell-out crowds, with over 250,000 spectators attending matches across Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and St Lucia. Global stars including Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Ricky Ponting and

Muttiah Muralitharan took part in the tournament, dubbed the Biggest Party in Sport, where franchise team shareholders include Hollywood stars, Mark Wahlberg and Gerard Butler. The competition is set to get even bigger in 2014 with the Caribbean’s finest players set to be joined by cricketing superstars such as Kevin Pietersen and Mohammad Hafeez.

In addition to providing exciting cricket and high-quality entertainment, the Limacol CPL 2013 was a big success off the field. Research carried out by Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM),

University of the West Indies, found that the tournament generated a combined impact of US$105.6m across the region.

Damien O’Donohoe, CEO, Caribbean Premier League, said: “It’s great to have Limacol on board again.

It recognised the potential of the CPL in our early days, and after the success of our inaugural competition, we’re looking forward to working with Limacol again to further develop our brand.”

Dr Ranjisinghi “Bobby” Ramroop Chairman, NEW GPC (Limacol) said: “We are delighted to be on board

is Caribbean at heart, but with global aspirations. In that sense, it mirrors Limacol’s own vision – to be a worldclass Caribbean brand that also captivates the world.”

The Limacol Caribbean Premier

League returns in July and August 2014 when Jamaica Tallawahs will defend their title against the St Lucia Zouks, Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel, Antigua Hawksbills, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Tridents.

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Baird on the cusp of history at upcoming CARIFTA Games

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he 2014 Junior Carifta games set for Martinique this Easter weekend will give US- based Guyanese Kadecia Baird yet another shot at history when she competes in both the 200 and 400 metres female under-20 events.

The 19 year old has already done her fair share of history-making by becoming Guyana’s first medalist at the World Junior championships in 2012 with silver, while becoming Guyana’s youngest Central America and Caribbean (CAC) championships gold medalist in 2013.

In addition, Baird is the first and only athlete thus far in Guyana’s history to have “medalled” at the Carifta Games, CAC championships and the World Junior Championships, a feat that speaks volumes of her aptitude.

Baird, who captured bronze at last year’s Junior Carifta Games in the under-20 female 400 metres in what can be said to be a subpar performance by her standards, will have a chance to become Guyana’s first

Kadecia Baird

sprint gold medalist at the junior games, a feat that by all means is within her grasp, especially since transitioning to college life.

So how does the 19 year old feel heading into the event? “I’m actually really excited, it’s my second time attending Carifta and I just want to go out and have fun,” Baird told Guyana Times International Sport in an exclusive interview.

Talking about her training, Baird spoke of what she expects to accomplish along with her preparation for the event.

“I always want to do my best and to make sure that I’m proud of my work at all times, I’m in better shape than I was last year around this time, just working on executing my race the right way and will see what happens

“My training has been nothing different than[sic] preparation for my college races. My focus right now is staying hydrated, eating healthy and getting my mind ready,” Baird mentioned.

Baird, who attends the University of Nebraska, related what a gold medal win would mean to her: “Gold would mean a lot, it would just add to my medal collection and as my high school coach Shaun Dietz said: ‘I don’t have a taste in my kind of medal yet’,” Baird mentioned.

With Baird making the transition from high school (Medgar Evers High) to college, the talented athlete revealed that part of her race she has been working mostly on: “I’ve been working mostly on the first part of my race because that’s the weakest and it’s getting better,” she assured.

Further, Baird opened up on college life and how it has impacted her career and her approach to athletics.

“Well it’s so much different here (University of Nebraska), college has made me mature a whole lot, it made me see things from a different point of view and has thought me that you have to get the job done under any circumstance and that’s what I’ve been working on,” Baird shared during the interview.

However, with the Carifta Games approaching and the World junior silver medalist gearing up for a history- making event, Baird was conservative as to how fast she wants to run over the 400 metres, but hinted her intention of running fast.

The CAC gold medalist who is known for her 400 metres running,

also explained her love and expectation for the 200 metres, an event she will be running at the Games.

“I love the 200 metres, I enjoy running that race but obviously the 400 metres is my best but I’m excited to run the 200 also and I’m hoping to get a personal best in that too,” Baird stated.

Meanwhile, as she prepares to make her own bit of history, she related her thoughts on being Guyana’s potential, first sprinting gold medalist.

“I’m taking it step by step to get the job done, as I said I’m working on doing my best and my best has yet to be shown, so let’s see how it goes…,” Baird stated.

Baird will be heading out to the Carifta Games today (Thursday) where history awaits the pegs of her running shoes.

Several Guyanese... he was very satisfied with the progress made by the association during his tenure.

He made special mention of the team that toured Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago last year as part of the association’s annual cricket programme.

According to Kendall, the tour was a great [success] even though the team failed to win a game in three 50-over and two T20 games.

Meanwhile, the new president Bajwa is very excited about the tasks that are ahead of the association especially with

planned expansion in the remote areas of Ontario.

He is particularly excited with the work that is being done in the schools, and is willing to make a big difference in this development.

He reiterated that his main focus is going to be the development of cricket at the grass roots level.

He stated that he wants everybody to join hands through proper engagement to develop cricket in Ontario.

Bajwa also spoke about the vibrancy of the association and felt that he has a responsibility to

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maintain high standard and a great legacy that has existed since the formation of the association over a century ago.

Bajwa is a former first-vice president of OCA and former president of Ottawa Valley Cricket Council.

He has been involved with Canadian cricket since 1979 as a junior and senior cricketer and an administrator.

The first statutory meeting is set to be held later this month at a venue to be named. Both the T20 and 40-over competitions are also scheduled to commence early May.

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WEEK ENDING APRIL 20, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com