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Sattaur’s bombshell revelations...

ISSUE NO. 280

WEEK ENDING january 31, 2016

See story on page 3

Opposition Leader demands answers

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

Former Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Khurshid Sattaur

Florida conference to examine strategic business links with CARICOM, Cuba Page 7

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

Suicide saga continues: Father of 11 hangs self – wife says substance abuse, court case Page 9 contributed to his demise

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NEWS 3

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Sattaur’s bombshell revelations...

Opposition Leader demands answers

F

ollowing the abrupt dismissal of Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Khurshid Sattaur and his bombshell revelations that there was massive corruption, nepotism, and unprofessional activities since the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Government assumed office, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is demanding answers on a number of issues surrounding the controversy.

During a news conference on Wednesday, Jagdeo defended Sattaur’s integrity, noting that he has always discharged his duties in a professional manner.

“This Commissioner General has been there for many years; as far

Former Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority Khurshid Sattaur

as I am aware, he has discharged his responsibilities in a professional manner: you’ve never heard about any Opposition member in the many years under the PPP [People’s Progressive Party]. It’s a rare thing to hear about an Opposition member complaining about being

targeted by their taxes or anything of that sort, so the discharge, in my view, of his responsibilities has been very professional,” Jagdeo said.

The former President, turning his attention to the recent exposé by Sattaur, noted the number of illegalities the former Commissioner

General was asked to engage in after the coalition took power in May 2015.

“We have heard the Commissioner General said in his statement that 1) ‘I was asked to rehire people who are corrupt or who had been fired for corruption.’ Has the media core in Guyana asked the Minister of Finance or the Chairman of the Board of GRA or the Acting Commissioner General who, if they have rehired anyone who was fired in the past?

Has the media core investigated where any of those people have been fired for corruption?”

Jagdeo asked.

He said he was in possession of information regarding persons who the Auditor General recommended be dismissed from the GRA, who have since been rehired.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Jagdeo also took a swipe at sections of the media which he said failed to call out the Government on its promises of transparency and accountability.

“Here is this pure Government, the transparent Government getting away with what I think is murder and it’s easy to verify wheth-

er the Commissioner General is telling the truth. It’s easy: ask the people involved and then you can ask him. He said, ‘I have been asked to settle tax matters that will cost billions of dollars’, now it’s clear the Commissioner General has the sole authority to settle tax matters, continued on page 9

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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

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EDITORIAL

Local Government Elections

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t would appear that after two decades of false starts, Guyanese may once again be participating in Local Government Elections (LGE), which have been scheduled for March 18. Nominations were filed on Tuesday by the two major national political entities – the APNU/AFC coalition that controls the Central Government and the PPP/C, which is the Opposition in Parliament – along with a bevy of local, independent groups that are contesting specific Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) or Municipalities.

The latter is an innovation arising out of amendments to the LGE legislation. Overall, Local Government organs in Guyana comprise nine Municipalities and 62 NDCs. Since most citizens have no knowledge of these elections, the last being held in 1994, GECOM was supposed to have conducted “education drives”, but by all accounts, these have not managed to shed the requisite amount of light as to what lies ahead for the citizenry. Many citizens have expressed uncertainty as to what lies ahead. The contestants for control of the entities will have to fill these lacunae as well as demonstrate what their programmes might be.

The quest for LGE following 1994 was dominated by disagreement between the two political forces as they strove to draft new legislation to expand the ambit of Local Government and make it more responsive to concerns at the grassroots.

Finally, three aspects of the required legislation were passed and assented to by then President Donald Ramotar in 2013 under the 10th Parliament – the Fiscal Transfer Act, the Municipal and District Council Amendment Act, and the Local Government Commission Act. The President balked at the fourth section which removed powers over Local Government from the subject ministry and vested them in a Local Government Commission that would be responsible for oversight, staffing and regulation of the Local Government organs.

The local organs would also now have much more autonomy over their funding, including the power to seek loans. With the change of Government, the last pieces of legislation were assented to last July. The intent is to give more autonomy to the local organs with the expectation they would be more responsive to local concerns.

One of the pertinent structural changes is there will now be “constituencies” within the NDCs and municipalities that would have specific individuals responsible for them. At the LGE, therefore, there would be two parts to the ballot – just as in the General Election: one for electing Councillors in general through Proportional Representation and another for Constituencies.

At the onset of Local Government reform, there was hope that the bodies would be depoliticised by both allowing civic and voluntary groups to contest the elections and also that the political parties would not. Unfortunately, in the opinion of some, the latter circumstance did not materialise and it is expected that the intense and sometimes bitter partisan national campaigns will be transferred to the local level.

While there were great expectations of the LGE for the expansion of democracy in Guyana to lower levels, the test of the independence of these bodies will be to the extent that Central Government will allow the local bodies to raise and spend their own funds.

The Minister of Public Security, for instance, during the debate on the last bill passed, asserted that the local bodies would now have their own “constabulary” which they would have to fund. It would have been a more robust sign of democratic decentralisation if the decision to have constabularies in the first case was left to the discretion of the said bodies.

The fundamental issue in all efforts at “decentralisation” is the acknowledgement that power in the polity as a whole is already “centralised”. History has shown that power is never relinquished without struggle. It is hoped that the newly-empowered local councillors will now seize the moment and declare their allegiance to local empowerment rather than buttressing the powers of the national elite.

The 8th Wedding Expo was launched on Thursday morning at Duke Lodge, Kingston Georgetown, with promises to continue pushing and developing wedding tourism in Guyana by businessman, Captain Gerry Gouveia. The event will be held from April 1 -3 at The Duke Lodge in Georgetown. This year’s Expo is being held under the theme “Magnificent Beginnings”.

NGOs set to tackle upsurge in youth crime S

everal non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are formulating various plans and policies to tackle the upsurge in youth crime. This is according to Dmitri Nicholson, the newly elected chairperson of the National Coalition Council (NCC), who in an interview with Guyana Times International Friday disclosed that the NGOs have already discovered the root of youth crimes in Guyana, and as such they have structured their plans around these contributing factors in order to combat crime.

“One of the things the organisations have recognised is that the limited amount of resources now available to society through international donors and our government is reducing their ability to reach those who are most vulnerable for committing crimes” he told this newspaper.

According to him, they have observed that not only does unemployment play a pivotal role in the increase of youth crimes but employed persons commit crimes, too.

He disclosed that different organisations have come up with various strategies to battle specific areas that influence youths to commit crime.

These strategies include: helping young people to develop life skills, reducing the influence of drugs and alcohol on the lives of youths, and improving entrepreneurship.

Developing life skills

Nicholson explained that the derivation of this situation in Guyana lies in the lack of the provision of life skills to youths, which is essential in developing the positive behaviours to deal effectively with everyday life challenges.

“We need to ensure that our youth are given the opportunity to develop life skills in order to understand integrity and

Chairperson of the National Coalition Council, Dmitri Nicholson

to be able to act with respect which are needed to mitigate the factors that lead to crimes in our community”

Improving entrepreneurship

Yet another area that needs addressing is youths’ entrepreneurship skills which will see the organisations working in partnership with the business sector.

Nicholson enlightened that with the improvement of this area, youths will be able to take more ownership and responsibilities for themselves.

He added that they would feel more secured if they are generating wealth for themselves.

This will build their survival skills and as such the rate of criminal activity is expected to decrease.

In August 2015, Minister of the Business and Investment Ministry, Dominic Gaskin, had vowed to have youths included in the advancement of the business sector since he believed that they are equipped with the skills and ideas which

would make them a fundamental part of the industry.

Additionally, he informed that there are also organisations within the coalition which are working in the area of youth empowerment, crime prevention and entrepreneurship, which serves to detract youths from committing crimes. He declared that the organisations are in full unison with government’s plans.

However, Nicholson reported that there are other aspects to which government can help these grassroot organizations, he therefore appealed for their support in financing these groups so they are better able to provide the resources which are necessary in resolving the situation.

“The civil society needs to pay much attention to fighting crimes but they will need finance to do this, therefore we need the government.”

More anti-corruption conversations by the government were also encouraged.

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jamaica’s PM to announce date for general election on Sunday — PNP source Reprinted from the Jamaica Observer

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ingston, Jamaica - Despite issuing a news release on Wednesday, which gave no indication that the date for the next general election will be announced, the Jamaica Observer understands that Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller will on Sunday tell the people of the nation when they may vote.

The long-awaited announcement is set for Half-Way-Tree Square in St Andrew, and should end ongoing speculation about when Simpson Miller will ‘call it’.

“The People’s National Party will be hosting the first in a series of national meetings on Sunday, 31st January, 2016 in Halfway-Tree Square, starting at 6:00 pm,” the party said in a statement late yesterday.

“The meeting is part of the party’s national mobilisation effort as it prepares itself for general election.

“The party leader and prime minister, the Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller, along with other officers will address supporters,” the news release said.

It is likely that the election, which is constitutionally due by the end of March 2017, will be held by February at the earliest, based upon the stipulations laid down by the Constituted Authority, or early March.

The law now allows for Nomination Day to be held no less than five days and no more than seven days from the time of the announcement of the general election.

Similarly, voting must be conducted no less than 16 days and no more than 23 days between Nomination Day and Election Day. An early sign that Simpson Miller would announce the election date emerged last Sunday when the PNP placed full-page newspaper advertisements of its 63 candidates.

Another signal popped up during a sitting of the House of Representatives in Gordon House on Tuesday, when Simpson Miller, in an off-microphone comment aimed at the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP’s) spokesman on finance and planning, and Member of Parliament continued on page 11

Jagdeo presses for reduction in fuel prices – Govt says matter under consideration

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has noted with great concern the fact that the Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) and the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) have both been cashing in on mega profits worth over US$200 million collectively, as a result of purchasing extremely cheaper fuel between the years 2014 to 2015, while the ordinary citizens continue to bear the brunt of exorbitant prices for fuel and electricity.

Calls continue to mount on Government to significantly slash these prices, particularly in light of the prevailingly low oil prices on the global market.

Oil has steadied at a still-low US$31 per barrel, with no increase in sight. This is a devastating blow for oil producers worldwide but a priceless opportunity for consumers around the globe who are cashing in on huge savings; with the exception of Guyana.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Jagdeo explained that the “non-reduction” of the prices at the pump stations has led to a huge windfall in profits, at the expenses of Guyanese populace. He posited that usually, when oil prices are significantly low on the global market, government would lower the prices at the State-owned Guyoil to ensure the market follows.

Similarly with GPL, Jagdeo highlighted electricity prices should have tumbled already.

“Because when your oil is now US$27 a barrel and it was US$115 in the past then…oil is the biggest component of cost, then the prices should have come down significantly,” he pointed out.

Moreover, the Opposition Leader explained that those reductions could have been a huge stimulus to the economy. “The consumers would have more disposable income. Secondly, if we allowed the prices to be adjusted, we would have given a big stimulus to the business community, miners, manufacturers, etc… we have missed a huge opportunity,” he stated.

Last year’s mid-year economic report showed Government has been raking in mega-revenues as a result of the falling international oil prices and not passing on the savings to consumers and businesses.

The report explained that although less fuel was imported, Guyoil made a profit of Gy$1.7 billion as opposed to a loss of Gy$0.9 billion in the comparable half-year of 2014.

This means Guyoil took in Gy$2.6 billion that could have ended up in the pockets of Guyanese vehicle owners. This would have been pumped into the economy in consumer spending, creating a virtuous cycle as a stimulus for other business activities.

Guyana imports approximately 10,000 barrels of oil daily. Today, with prices as low as US$30 per barrel compared to last year when the country was paying over US$100 per barrel, Guyana is saving around US$700,000 (GY$140,000,000) every day.

Government’s response

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Winston Jordan told media operatives that Government might consider the cries for the lowering of fuel and electricity prices.

On the other hand, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, when prompted on Government’s nonaction towards the global trend, explained that stability was better than short-term benefits.

“I think stability is more important than short-term gains and losses… In other words, rather than us reacting every time there is a drop or rise in fuel prices, I think from a long-term outlook, stability is preferable,” Minister Gaskin stated.

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Drug shortages are complex and need a supply chain solution Dear Editor, The concept of supply chain management is little known to anyone as a profession much less a practical approach and it is the reason for our current drug shortages. There are very few in Guyana who practise this profession and even if they do, it is not in its entirety. In 2010, Guyana was named by the Amazon Malaria Initiative as having one of the best public drug supply systems in South and Latin America, which proves that we had that ability.

During the period 2007 to 2011, all non life-saving drugs were at 85 per cent to 90 per cent availability in all health facilities and lifesaving drugs were 100 per cent available for 95 per cent of a calendar year. This was the best it has ever been in Guyana’s history, and it was because of a special focus on building a strong supply chain system, which unfortunately never continued after 2011.

Regardless of the criticism of

sole sourcing, it was a mechanism that was put in place to safeguard our health system from chronic shortages similar to what we are experiencing now. However, it should not be the only mechanism in place, since it is also necessary to develop other suppliers in country so that there are options.

Minister George Norton who was then Shadow Minister of Health when the PPP was in power believed that everything that was wrong with the drug supply was due to sole sourcing; as such, he had promised that by stopping that practice, shortages would be solved. Today, we see that there are more shortages than ever before.

The Government must acknowledge that it is not yet equipped to solve this problem alone, and it should seek support from technical persons in the field of supply chain management. I believe health care should be nonpolitical and everyone should sup-

port the Government on this.

It is not simply about buying more drugs and supplies, instead it requires a multi-pronged approach that should be implemented systemically throughout the supply chain. This takes time to build and it is a very fragile system to maintain in rich countries, much less a country like ours.

The US Government under its PEPFAR programme has been supporting us for 10 years mainly in the field of HIV/AIDS drugs and it has proven successful, but this is a small fraction of the health supply system and it is easier to manage.

There is urgent need for this system to be the way it was back in 2007-2011 and improve thereafter, but it will have to be a bipartisan issue.

Sincerely, Malcolm Watkins, Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Give Wales Estate land to sugar workers Dear Editor, Sase Singh wrote that GAWU, the PPP and sugar workers should accept the closure of Wales Sugar Estate in order to save the other estates and GuySuCo. Sase is naïve. People feel there is a plan afoot to close GuySuCo. Wales is the first step in that direction. One by one, the estates will be closed down and by the time Sase realises what is happening, it will be too late.

Years ago, supporters of the PNC called for the closure of GuySuCo – one can go back to the newspaper for commentaries. There is a general feeling that a plan is afoot to close GuySuCo and distribute the land to financiers of APNU/ AFC and their supporters.

In fact, David Granger himself had made the comment before a coalition was formed with AFC that APNU would shut down GuySuCo. After the coalition was formed with AFC, Granger changed his words but not his heart. He, Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan indicated that GuySuCo would be untouched – lip service paid to sugar workers to win their votes.

The coalition committed that no sugar estate would be closed and no sugar worker retrenched. This promise led to thousands of people voting for the coalition. The announced closure of Wales last week is a broken promise – a betrayal of trust by the AFC and APNU for the workers. They

fooled sugar workers. Nagamootoo and Ramjattan are silent.

The nation has now learnt through the media that the decision to close Wales was made even before the Commission on GuySuCo was established and long before it delivered its report.

It seems that the GuySuCo Commission is merely rubber-stamping the plan of Government by recommending the closure of Wales.

The closure of Wales will result in tremendous suffering and hardship for the people of West Coast and West Bank Demerara as well as Georgetown and the nation as a whole. So many economic activities are tied to Wales.

The lives of tens of thousands are tied to Wales, with tremendous repercussions on social and economic life.

There are those who say that it is okay to close Wales because the PPP closed bauxite. Tacuma Ogunseye and Lincoln Lewis made that observation. They are seeing politics as tit for tat. And that is not an accurate statement. It was Hoyte who privatised bauxite when it became a money losing enterprise.

Nevertheless, Lewis is applauded for calling on the Central Government to work with PPP and GAWU to find a solution to the closure of Wales.

But contrary to what Lewis has hinted, closure of Wales is not an option. For the record, it was Cheddi Jagan who tried to rescue and save bauxite. Jagan was against closure or priva-

tisation and committed billions to bauxite.

The funds of sugar (when it was profitable) were used to subsidise and save bauxite.

Where are the voices of reason on the closure of Wales? Where is labour’s (non-GAWU) voice? Why are David Hinds, Eusi Kwayana, and Rupert Roopnaraine quiet on the closure of the Estate? Freddie Kissoon is not speaking out on the effects of the closure on tens of thousands, but he led the battle when workers affiliated with PNC were affected. And where are Moses, Khemraj and Charandass Persaud – have they lost their voices?

Sase has drunk too much of the coalition kool-aid and he should wake up to understand what is being planned and executed by APNU. Sase felt he was illtreated by the PPP leadership. But many of us who fought the PNC dictatorship and liberated the nation were also disrespected and ill-treated by the PPP. But taking vengeance on PPP supporters for what the leadership did is unacceptable.

Retributive justice against poor PPP leadership hurts the entire nation. Years ago, Ravi Dev proposed that GuySuCo land be distributed in parcels to sugar workers who, Dev showed, would increase yields; those who own land would work harder and increase harvests.

Private cane farming has been relatively productive and profitable. A social list enter-

prise is never more profitable than a private enterprise. GAWU and PPP opposed the Ravi Dev proposal. I reminded the PPP leadership of that proposal again just before it became a minority government in 2011 and repeated it during the Ramotar Administration.

Now, the sugar workers are going to be jobless and landless, unable to make a living. Had the PPP listened to the advice of intellectuals, private farmers would have increased production of sugar and other agro crops in Guyana.

Now, because of PPP, the sugar workers have “loss cutlass and guana” as we say.

So what should happen to GuySuCo since the APNU-AFC Government is determined to close it? Contrary to what Sase Singh proposes, GuySuCo (Government) should experiment with distributing the Wales Estate land to the sugar workers and let them grow cane that will be supplied to the factory for sugar production.

The Government can initially offer the workers a grant so they can continue to grow sugar. In return, the workers should consider an agreement that if yields do not increase substantially, then the Estate would be closed and the farmers would engage in farming of other crops.

If APNU-AFC considers this proposal, it will show it has greater concern for the well-being of sugar workers than the PPP. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Burma Rice Research Station failing to deliver new rice varieties

Dear Editor, The rice industry in Guyana is very vital to the country’s economy. It provides employment for thousands, staple food and is a valuable source of export earnings.

The rice crop, faced with a variety of climate related threats – salt water intrusion from rising sea levels, flooding that can submerge and kill plants at critical phases of their development, drought, new pest pressures and higher temperatures – which can affect plant development.

Over 10,000 acres are affected by excessive salinity, particularly on the islands of Leguan, Wakenaam and Hogg Island at the mouth of the Essequibo River. In addition, rice cultivation on the front lands is also becoming susceptible to salt water invasion from the sea. The risk of this is even greater in the face of global warming and rises in sea levels because our coastal fields are below sea level. Now with the present El Niño-like phenomena, salt water is finding its way into the irrigation system and into the rice cultivation system in many of the regions, which will definitely have a significant impact on the rice production.

Baring the intrusion of salt water, the coun-

try’s agriculture – and particularly rice production – suffered severely from flooding in 2005 and drought like conditions in 2009. Presently, also in many parts of the country, the rice crop is dying due to lack of water or drought-like conditions that will most likely lead to great crop loss.

The effects of climate change are presently threatening the health of Guyana’s rice industry. The Burma Rice Station needs to take a lead role in the fight against climate change.

It is time for a change at the Guyana Rice Development Board’s Burma Rice Research Station. President David Granger, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, Chairman of the Board and the General Manager, need to get rid of the current research head, Dr Mahendra Persaud, who seems to be incompetent for the job and take the necessary steps towards ‘genetic improvement of specific traits’ to avert or mitigate production losses and come up with few ‘climate smart rice varieties’ that farmers can cultivate and benefit economically, under some of these adverse conditions experienced in Guyana.

Your faithfully, T Ross

President Granger may again have to reshuffle his Cabinet Dear Editor, I refer to Guyana Times article captioned “More lands to be released soon for small miners – new gold board members inducted,” (January 16, 2016).

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman continues his ambiguous statements in relation to the Natural Resources Sector. This time he instructed the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) for more lands to be released to the small miners in the six mining districts of the country. But while Minister Trotman issued these instructions to the GGMC was he satisfied that the GGMC has clearly defined structures in place to deal with monitoring and compliance and in dealing with Amerindian land rights issues which have proven to be an obstacle in the current Amerindian

Land Titling (ALT) process? And worst, did he not consider that his instructions to GGMC may be counter-productive to any new partnership agreement with the Kingdom of Norway in combating Climate Change since it is known that mining is a driver of deforestation?

In this regard particularly Minister Trotman may soon have to withdraw his instructions to the GGMC and this is being consistent with my letter in Guyana Times (Fri, Jan 15, 2016) where I pointed out that Minister Trotman is known for making sporadic and unsubstantiated statements and have them withdrawn when confronted with factual and accurate information and data.

President Granger may soon again have to reshuffle his weak cabinet.

Yours sincerely, Carl Lucas

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Dismembered body found at Mahaicony…Relatives suspect ‘foul play’ T

he dismembered body of a father of four was on Wednesday morning discovered at Drill Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD), suspected to have been the victim of a hit and run accident.

The dead man has been identified as Curt Anthony Burke, 40, of Drill, Mahaicony, ECD. According to information received, one of the man’s feet and hands were found in close proximity to the body, which was partially hidden in a clump of bushes along the new road at Drill Village.

The other foot was still missing up to late Wednesday evening. His face had several cuts and the bicycle he was riding when he was last seen was found close by with a damaged front wheel. A plastic bag with fish was also found close to the body.

Based on information received, the man was last seen at about 17:30h on Tuesday when he left home to visit his sister who resides some distance away.

Cecil Burke, the now dead man’s uncle, told Guyana Times International that when he woke up on Wednesday morning, he did not see his nephew but thought nothing of it.

He said that a short while later, three Police ranks including a Sergeant and a traffic officer went to the house to enquire about the deceased

Dead: Curt Antony Burke

but he told them that he did not see him for the morning and as such, assumed that he was still at his sister’s house.

The Police ranks, he said, told him that they received a report that his nephew was struck down while riding along the public road.

They also claimed that they searched the area but did not see anyone. The man noted that the Police left but soon after his phone rang and it was his sister from the United States who informed him that his nephew “foot and hand cut off”.

Cecil Burke said that in a panicked state, he made his way to the area where the Police claimed the man was struck down. On his way, he saw a crowd and knew something was wrong. As he got closer, the Police were con-

ducting their investigations.

He later learnt that one of his nephew’s feet and hand were severed from his body.

He noted that the Police did not allow the family members to see the body but it was until the ambulance came that they had the opportunity to see the man’s body while it was being removed.

He noted that while gathering information, he was told that a “blue tundra” was seen in the area with the driver claiming that he had struck down a cow. “We pass the information on to the Police so we hoping that the driver of the vehicle is arrested”.

An aunt, Carmen Burke, in tears told Guyana Times International that the last time she saw her nephew was on Tuesday afternoon when he left to get some fish for her.

She noted that she is in the process of building a shop and he was helping out with the construction.

One of her sons, she added, is returning from abroad and wanted some fish to take overseas, hence, the now dead man had promised to get it for her.

“Every night he son would stay with me and in the mornings he would bring the child school clothes… this morning (Wednesday), he son wake up and done bathe and eat but he didn’t reach with the clothes so I say he running lil late. Time went by but no sign of the man

Florida conference to examine strategic business links with CARICOM, Cuba

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conference to examine the strategic business links between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states, Cuba and the State of Florida is set to take place on Wednesday, February 10 at the Miramar Cultural Center.

The conference will place specific emphasis on examining trade and investment opportunities in agriculture, agribusiness, green energy and related sectors.

The Trinidad and Tobago headquartered Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) will spearhead a special session that will address investment opportunities and incentives designed to reduce the Caribbean’s food import bill while identifying strategic links with Florida that could expand market access and trade.

There will also be a special session on Doing Business with Cuba which will focus on recent initiatives taken by United States President Barack Obama to ease trade restrictions with Cuba.

According to the organisers of the event, the City of Miramar and Broward County, Florida will also make a special presentation on the operations of their free trade zones. Other sessions will deal with market access and financing trade and investment.

Director of CARICOM Outreach at Outreach Aid to the Americas (OAA) and chair of the conference Wesley Kirton noted that the conference’s mission is to identify strategies which would lead to expanded business relations among Florida, CARICOM and Cuba through examination of the new

Bayney Karran

relationship which is now conducive to less complicated procedures and a more enabling environment for trade and investment.

The conference will be declared open by the Dean of the CARICOM Diplomatic Corps in the United States, His Excellency Bayney Karran of Guyana while the keynote luncheon address will be delivered by the Honorable Rafael Contreras, Minister of Trade and Investment of Belize.

Among other speakers at the conference will be Mayor Wayne Messam of the City of Miramar; Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness; Executive Director of CARDI Barton Clarke; Dr. Mark Kirton, Director (ag.) International Relations Institute University of the West Indies (UWI); Mr. Oscar Spencer, Country Manager (ret’d) of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB); Mr. Eldon Bremner, general manager (ret’d) Jamaica Pegasus Hotel; Michael Young, President of the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and a host of experts on Cuba including Dr. Teo Babun, Mercedes Costa, Manny Dominguez and Enrique J. Lopez.

but I didn’t take it for anything,” the woman cried.

As they kept looking out for her nephew, she noticed that the Police had come to the house and were enquiring about him, but soon after left. She too noted that she received a telephone call from a relative who informed her of the tragedy.

“Ow! This ain’t look like an accident… they chopped my nephew and then let it look like an accident… Meh nephew hand and foot cut off and he face got chops”, she cried.

The aggrieved aunt explained that she did not have the courage to look at her nephew’s body.

The Police in a release stated that they are investigating the circumstance surrounding the death of Burke who sustained injuries consistent with that of a hit and run accident.

Burke leaves to mourn his four children, siblings and other relatives. His body was taken to the Lyken’s Funeral Home where it awaits a postmortem examination.

The area where the man’s body was discovered

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

No definite plan on way Brassington forward for Wales’ sugar calls it a day workers - Agriculture Minister after 21-year career with Govt

By Edward Layne

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g r i c u l t u r e Minister Noel Holder has confessed that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) did not have any concrete plans at this point regarding the future of workers attached to the Wales Sugar Estate, which is expected to be closed on December 31, 2016.

Minister Holder, in an interview with Guyana Times International on Wednesday, clarified that it was the Wales Factory that would be closed, not the Estate as was being reported, adding that the closure of the factory would protect the integrity of the estates in West Demerara.

“To save the estates we have rationalised them and to save the whole industry in West Demerara, each factory is working at half capacity and Uitvlugt is a more modern factory and Wales is an old one,” Holder said.

The Guyana Times first reported on the plans to close the Wales Estate, and, according to Holder, at the time this publication reported on the matter, the Corporation was still not planning to inform workers about the imminent closure of the factory.

“What happened: Guyana Times – I don’t know how they got wind of discussions going on at management level and Board level at GuySuCo – they publish something last Sunday and immediately the thing went viral…so you can’t say it’s

Wales sugar workers took to the streets last week to protest Government’s decision to close the Estate at the end of this year.

not true, because the discussions are going on, so the chances are this stuff would not have come out until management has all the factories involved, they look at all the staff situation … so they can go and meet the people till around March, April, May, June …This whole thing came out prematurely and that is the unfortunate part of it and people are asking questions of GuySuCo that they really haven’t got all the answers for,” Holder said, adding that GuySuCo’s “management is playing catch-up now”.

He noted that the finer details of the closure, including how many workers would be displaced, and the planned diversification, etc, are still issues that had to be settled.

Holder explained that GuySuCo knew “rationally” it would be closing the Wales factory owing to its age and inefficiency, adding that farmers could expect a better price for their cane if they went to Uitvlugt.

Meanwhile, when

asked to comment on reports of the Corporation’s plans to sell off some of the lands at the Wales Estate to private investors, Holder did not confirm nor deny this, only saying “I haven’t heard about that…the rumour start up and it start taking its own currency and it start moving…”.

He said the Sugar Corporation would be able to present a proper plan on the closure by April.

The Government had previously said that the decision to close Wales was taken during the preparation of the GuySuCo 2016 Budget even before the findings of the Commission of Inquiry into the industry were submitted.

Holder had also said previously that the Wales Estate was projected to incur a loss of Gy$1.6 billion this year.

However, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo told a news conference on Wednesday that there were a number of inconsistencies in the

Government’s statements about when the decision was made to close Wales.

He pointed out that at a recent meeting with GuySuCo, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) were told that the decision to close Wales was taken before the CoI and was part of GuySuCo’s action plan, claims which he said were not consistent.

He noted that if this was true, then “there is a lot of incompetence” at GuySuCo. “Secondly, if they knew this was so that it was part of the action plan to close Wales and it was made before the CoI, two of the members of GuySuCo, the Chairman Clive Thomas and Errol Hanoman, the CEO of the company, they are members of the Commission of Inquiry, why did they not tell the CoI that we have taken a decision to close Wales?” he questioned.

H

NICIL Head Winston Brassington

ead of the N a t i o n a l Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Winston Brassington will no longer head the controversial entity.

Guyana Times International understands that Brassington, whose contract came to an end on January 23, did not ask for his contract to be renewed and Government did not move to offer him a new contract as Head of NICIL. Brassington has over 21 years of service in the financial, privatisation, management and economic project management areas. He served in the Privatisation Unit from 1994 and started heading the entity in 1996. He became Head of NICIL in 2002.

He has served over five Presidents and has completed hundreds of transactions.

Notable achievements include the privatisation of the bauxite industry, the Berbice Bridge, and the Marriott Hotel.

Brassington also chaired many Boards, including GPL’s and Atlantic Hotel Inc’s, and served as a director on many other State Boards.

Since the change in Government, the longserving professional has come under attack by officials attached to the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change Administration as part of a wider campaign targeting individuals perceived to be close, related to or sympathetic to the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

Back in December 2015, Brassington was sent on leave by Government to facilitate a Police investigation into the operations

of NICIL. State Minister Joseph Harmon had said that the decision to send the Executive Director and his deputy, Marcia Nadir-Sharma on leave was made by Cabinet.

However, Guyana Times International was reliably informed that Brassington was not ordered on leave, but rather was already scheduled to take his leave.

Sources indicate that Brassington had applied for his leave and this was approved by the Chairman and Board of Directors of NICIL. Brassington proceeded on one-month annual leave effective December 23.

Further, sources close to Brassington indicated that the Board of Directors was never informed by Government of a decision to order the NICIL Executive Director on leave.

At a press conference just days before he proceeded on leave, Brassington informed the public that NICIL auditor Anand Goolsarran had no proof to back up the claims in the report.

“When Mr Goolsarran comments on our financial expenditure and our revenue, and he is criticising some of these [and] for many of the things he is criticising, he is not producing any real detail of where he got his information from or whether the accounts are wrong or not. He didn’t provide any evidence that suggest that and so you have these contradictions. At the end of the day, someone has to look and ask; has Mr Goolsarran done a proper job? And I think that we will find that the evidence is lacking,” Brassington said, speaking about information allegedly coming out of the forensic audit.

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Suicide saga continues: Father of 11 hangs self B y K risten M acklingam

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ords could not describe the atmosphere at the residence of boat Captain Gavin Singh who hailed from Lot 17 Dundee Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD), where relatives and friends turned up on Wednesday afternoon to mourn his death.

Guyana Times International was told that the 42-yearold father of 11 hung himself in his bedroom on Tuesday evening following an altercation with his wife. The incident is said to have occurred around 20:30h.

Reports are that his wife, Sharmilla Singh, was in their yard with the children for some time before she ventured upstairs to check on her husband but received the shock of

her life when she saw him hanging from a rope.

“I couldn’t believe it, I screamed for my son to come and together we got him down from the rope.

I kept shaking Gavin, asking him what was wrong, but of course he didn’t answer. I kept holding on to him, shaking him, and didn’t even let go when we got to the hospital or Police,” she told this publication.

Despite her husband being abusive towards her for a number of years, the woman stated that without his presence in her life and the lives of her children, she is unsure as to their future.

They have been together for 23 years, with their youngest child being six months old. The widow explained that often Gavin would use

Sattaur’s bombshell revelations...

from page 3

the Minister of Finance, the Ministry of the Presidency, none of them can tell him how to settle a tax matter yet here is the Commissioner saying ‘I have been prevailed upon. I’ve been urged to settle tax matters and I have the list of people that where I was asked about this to settle their matters.’”

Jagdeo questioned whether this was followed up, noting that the media seemed not to be interested in the potential billions of dollars of revenue that were lost.

“Isn’t this contrary to good governance: interference in the tax authorities of our country?”

Jagdeo questioned.

He reminded of Sattaur’s revelations about the photocopying of files of top Government officials, and being asked to promote people who were not qualified among other issues.

“I think these things when there are these charges by a technical officer who’s a professional person, not by the politicians, not by the Minister ‘cause they have a political motive, then not just the media core but the internation-

al community must have a look into this matter and I do hope that this happens because this is ominous for the future of Guyana. It’s an ominous thing if the tax authorities of our country can’t manage a professional manner. That is something that is extremely worrying and I do hope too that the international community including those who have solicited to help to draft laws [take note],” Jagdeo said.

The Opposition Leader said that soon his Party intended to engage the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to examine the track record of the APNU/AFC since it took office just over eight months ago.

Jagdeo believes that the dismissal of Sattaur was all part of the Government’s witchhunt against the PPP and those who seemed to be aligned to the Party.

Meanwhile, when questioned by Guyana Times International on the issue Finance Minister Winston Jordon did not answer but rather ignored the question.

illegal drugs and display outbursts of anger which would most likely result in him hitting her.

As a result of being high “on the drugs he smoked up,” he would threaten to take his own life as well as kill her, she said.

“He used to tell me that he would kill me first so that no other man can get me and then he will kill himself… he used to smoke up the drugs many, many days but I didn’t expect that he would actually kill himself… he had a lot on his mind but lately it was this court case where they wanted to jail him,” she ex-

NEWS 9

plained.

Singh further explained that her husband was a boat captain and a crew member died while out at sea. Police ranks were said to have detained him for questioning and subsequently he was placed behind bars for a short while.

“They wanted him to go jail for couple months but he beg and so not to go jail.

I know he take this thing on and he was going court and thing.

But I think this is what really trigger him to kill himself,” she added.

Gavin Singh, his wife and one of their daughters in happier times

10 NEWS

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

PAC grossly misled on drug shortage, expiration fiasco – checks & balances in place to determine drug quality, life – NEW GPC owed hundreds of $millions

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he Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament was on Monday grossly misled by officials of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) regarding the massive shortage of drugs at the country’s premier State-run medical facility.

During a meeting of the PAC on Monday, Yvonne Bullen, newly appointed Administrative Manager of the GPHC’s pharmacy said that some 186 drugs were either completely out of stock, in very low supply or in short supply.

Another section of the antiNEW GPC media claimed that drugs were being delivered to the Hospital with short shelf life. “Drugs were being delivered with expiry dates as soon as four months from the date of delivery. Some are ordered from India, where it takes about nine

months to travel to Guyana and I don’t know how long it takes to be cleared but when they arrive ,they have a short usage period.”

The NEW GPC Inc, which

with short shelf life, noting that this claim “is far from the truth.”

The entity noted that there are several layers of scrutiny before drugs are supplied to the

NEW GPC INC, Farm, East Bank Demerara

is the leading supplier of drugs to the local health sector, when contacted for a comment on Tuesday, comprehensively refuted the imputations that the Corporation had supplied expired drugs or pharmaceuticals

Public Health Ministry (MPH) and the GPHC. “First NEW GPC cannot supply an item, which the Hospital did not previously request or order. Secondly, to their credit, both the staff of GPHC and MPH

is very strict in ensuring that contractually inbound items arrive with 75 per cent or more of their remaining shelf life.

Importantly, the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department also monitors shelf life through its own means, that is via issuance of import licences, which are required for each consignment of pharmaceuticals that are imported into Guyana,” the NEW GPC said in a statement.

The pharmaceutical producer said that for items manufactured in Guyana or in stock, any potential buyer, including the GPHC, is free to confirm and most times does confirm expiration date prior to purchase.

The NEW GPC’s air conditioned warehouse is still used to store large quantities of GHPC’s drugs even though the contract has expired.

The company explained that the media seems to be reporting on expiration cumulatively without analysing the products by date of acquisition and clarifying if free goods or donations are included, or was simultaneously received in the period. Contrary to claims in other sections of the media, GPHC CEO Alan Johnson, also newly appointed, confirmed that the institution owes hundreds of millions of dollars for pharmaceuticals supplied by the New GPC. NEWGPC also expressed disappointment at the sensationalised coverage of an issue that has grave implications for the well being of the nation and pointed out that both the individuals giving evidence and those reporting on the same do not seem to understand the supply chain regime of pharmaceutical supplies.

Gastro situation still being Services sector largest monitored – Regional Chairman revenue earner for Guyana – GRA Chairman

By Shemuel Fanfair

– steps taken to improve efficiency

C

hairman of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Board of Directors, Rawle Lucas, has disclosed that from the four main economic sectors, the Services industry brings in the most tax revenues.

The tax revenues were classified into four sectors: agriculture, fisheries and forestry in one group; mining and quarrying in another, the manufacturing sector and the services sector.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Lucas said that GRA examined the economic sectors to see which industry is making positive contributions to country’s revenue through the payment of taxes.

He further noted that the preliminary conclusions found that the Services industry is the largest earner and accounts for 66 per cent of tax revenues, while manufacturing is the smallest, covering 30 per cent of the tax revenues.

“It stands to reason, that we have tax problems in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors as well as in the mining and quarrying sectors,” the Chairman stated.

According to Lucas, in order for GRA to better determine and provide information about compliance and non compliance, the tax body would have to refine the current methodology used.

Moreover, he outlined

Chairman of GRA Board, Rawle Lucas

that the GRA’s Board has taken steps to make the organisation more efficient as well as to strengthen the protection of taxpayers’ information.

“These measures relate to the access and use of taxpayers’ data

by GRA staff members who are on leave. The board would continue to be ceased of this matter and will continue to adjust policies to ensure the integrity of taxpayers data is maintained at all times,” the Chairman said.

In addition, the Head of the GRA Board recognised the plight of many persons who have complained about the inability of receiving their refunds, on time. He further revealed that the Board has authorised the authority to re-examine its current policy on this matter to increase efficiency.

“I am aware this effort is almost complete with respect to VAT (Valued Added Tax) re-

funds and the authority will be employing soon, revised measures to speed up those refunds,” the Chairman said.

On the issue of income tax refunds, Lucas explained this is a bit more complex but noted it is “resolvable”. He pointed out that the difficulties in this case are not entirely with GRA since they involved the cooperation of external parties. The Chairman added that the GRA Board is committed to have whatever constraints that exist removed.

Meanwhile, Lucas urged the staff members at GRA not to be “bogged down” by the events occurring at the helm of the authority, noting that those matters will be pursued through the appropriate channels.

The Chairman was referring to the recent sacking of Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur following some glaring discovery of alleged corrupt practices.

“There are some who might be consorted by the turn of events at the helm of this organisation but I wish to assure staff of GRA that the actions being taken by the Board are intended to make the organisation better,” Lucas said.

It is in this regard that the Board has adopted measure to safeguard sensitive taxpayers’ information as an interest to the organisation, government and tax payers in general.

T

he gastroenteritis outbreak in Region One (BarimaWaini) is still being monitored, according to Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley.

The Chairman related to Guyana Times International that the Environmental Officer has taken water samples for testing from various communities.

“I am of the knowledge that the water samples from the various water locations [were] sent to Georgetown for testing and those results by now should have returned,” Ashley explained.

Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton had informed this publication that residents were reluctant to use the treated water.

However, they are now said to be heeding the advice of health personnel.

“They are coming around, there hasn’t been any other [death] since the one that happened in December of last year, so far to my knowledge and [patients are] responding to treatment and the situation is under control by the Ministry of Public Health and the Regional Health Department,” Chairman Ashley explained.

A language barrier may be responsible for the residents’ reluctance to use the treated water as health personnel may have had difficulty in providing clear explanations.

“Baramita is a special community in its own way because the people speak more of their

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

Region One Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley

native language which is Carib, rather than English and so most of the time the personnel we send in there would [need] an interpreter with them in order to explain the information to the people for them to understand, conceptualise and to deal with it.”

“They are [now] using it because there were a series of educational sessions that were done with the various satellite communities in the Baramita area on how to treat the water and in order to use it in a safe manner.”

“The Village Council itself plays an integral role in this manner and if the health authorities don’t have the support as expected from the Village Council, then we have that barrier of language,” explained the Region One chairman.

It was previously announced that the number of reported cases had risen to 90-93 but Ashley could not give an update as he was recently out of the area.

This publication made several attempts to contact the Public Health Minister to garner a more current figure but these attempts

proved futile.

Chairman Ashley mentioned that patients who they have monitored are now coping well. Additionally, government has continued to collaborate with regional health officers to curb the outbreak.

“From our part in the region, we would have been able to send in other nursing staff to the Baramita Health Centre in addition to the medic and doctor that [were] already assisting and a team was sent from the Ministry of Public Health to assist our already existing team on the ground,” Ashley stated.

The chairman emphasised that Baramita and the Maparkai subregion will be in focus for 2016, especially in the areas of health services and education.

“It’s not gonna be oneoff thing because there was the outbreak we attended to the people.

That’s not what I intend to see happen but it’s going to be where we will ensure that a continuity of service and a continuity of assessment to prevent or to minimise any such outbreaks in the future, Ashley explained.

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

3 remanded to prison for Jordan to GRA Bank of Baroda robbery staff: “shape

up or ship out”

By Edward Layne

A

Sean Anthony Aaron

Eon Campbell

Kennard Jabar

hree men were on Wednesday brought before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan charged for the brazen daytime robbery committed on Bank of Baroda’s Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD) branch.

Thirty-four-year-old taxi driver Sean Anthony Aaron, called “Ninja” and “Ratty” of Lot 317 North East La Penitence, Georgetown; Kennard Jabar, 28, of Lot 88 Freeman Street, East La Penitence, and 39-yearold Eon Campbell were not required to plea to the indictable charge which stated that on January 22, at Mon Repos, ECD, while being together with others and armed with a gun, they robbed Raywattie Lall and Latchmie Mohabir of Gy$2,075,900.

They were also slapped with an additional charge which stated that on the same day, they robbed Shirley Lucas of a .32 Taurus Pistol valued Gy$160,000, property of Roshan Khan Security Services.

Aaron and Jabar were unrepresented; however, Campbell’s Attorney made an application for reasonable bail, telling the court that his client was implicated by the

other suspects simply because he removed the tint from the getaway car, which the Attorney stated his client does for a living.

He stated that his client has three children and has been a graphic artist for the past 15 years. It was further related that Campbell sells car accessories, makes licence plates and tints car windows.

The Attorney argued that the only involvement his client has is in the removal of the tint which does not necessarily mean he was involved in planning and perpetrating the robbery.

However, Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones objected to bail based on the seriousness of the offence and the penalty attached. He also highlighted the fact that Jabar gave the Police different addresses from that which was given to the Court.

He stated that they have credible evidence and that the three accused admitted to being part of the robbery.

As such, the Magistrate refused bail citing the Prosecutor’s reasoning as well as the fact that a dangerous weapon was stolen during the robbery.

The three were re-

manded to prison and the case will be called again at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court for February 9.

It was reported that four masked gunmen stormed the Bank of Baroda branch at Mon Repos and carted off an undisclosed sum of cash.

According to information received, four bandits invaded the Bank which is located on the ground floor of the Mon Repos Mall at about 12:50h, and relieved the female security guard of her .32 service revolver.

The men then held two female tellers at gunpoint and relieved them of the money. Customers were not conducting business at the time of the robbery. After committing the robbery, the four exited the building and escaped in a waiting silver-grey Toyota Primo bearing licence plate PNN 8984.

The Police disclosed that the plates were false. Upon receiving the report, the Police swiftly erected road blocks at strategic locations but the car was not seen. The surveillance footage has since been handed over to the Police as they continue to investigate the robbery.

T

Jamaica’s PM to announce date for general... from page 5

for Manchester North Eastern Audley Shaw, said that she had now been touched by the ‘master’ — a reference to her earlier pronouncement that she would only give the election date when God touches her and instructs her to announce it.

It was also hardly a secret that Simpson Miller was awaiting the findings of the latest opinion poll conducted by the Don Andersonled Market Research Services for the RJR Communications Group, which yesterday found that the PNP held a slim 4.3 percentage point lead over the JLP among committed voters.

The poll found that 27.5 per cent of committed voters said that they would mark the ‘X’ for the PNP, against the JLP’s 23.2 per cent.

The Anderson polls also found that 23.2 per cent of the electorate said that they would not vote, while the ranks of the uncommitted swelled to 17.4 per cent. Anderson said that 9.6 per cent of the over 1,000 people interviewed did not answer the question as to which party they would vote for.

“The prime minister will definitely announce the date of the general election,” a senior PNP official suggested to the

s allegations of corruption are traded between former Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur and GRA Chairman Rawle Lucas, employees of the revenue body were told that if they could not operate under the new dispensation, they should resign or be forced out of the entity.

“I have no bones in saying those who cannot stay on this ship either go voluntarily or will be pushed off of it,” Finance Minister Winston Jordan told employees, who were gathered at the GRA’s Camp Street, Georgetown head office for a ceremony to mark the entity’s 16th anniversary and the handing over of equipment by the local United States Embassy.

Jordan lamented that the GRA had, in the past, been plagued with “corruption and mismanagement”.

“GRA’s image has been tarnished in the past, levelled allegations of corruption, mismanagement and so on and so forth. I want to say today we need to put that in the past. The future is bright: we need to move forward with confidence, hope, aspiration, dedication, determination; there is a big job to do. I have always been forthcoming with you. I provide the resources and I expect you to provide me with the results,” Jordan stated.

Former GRA Commissioner, General Khurshid Sattaur

The Minister said that the GRA must be an organisation that functioned effectively, by enforcing the tax laws of the country fairly but firmly.

Jordan’s comments came mere days after the GRA Board without any formal probe, internal or external, used what it said was “information which has emerged” to fire Sattaur, who reportedly refused to be involved in the mass removal of tax information for a number of top officials in the current Administration.

The Minister’s statement also comes at a time when the former Commissioner General has made sweeping allegations against the new Government, accusing it of corruption, nepotism and unprofessional undertakings.

Last Friday, Sattaur, following his dismissal, exposed a tax scandal at the Revenue Authority as he revealed several unscrupulous, illegal under-

takings and malpractice taking place at the country’s premier tax and revenue collection agency.

He made damning accusations about illegal and suspicious removal of tax information and files which were photocopied.

Those files, he said, related directly to records pertaining to Vice President and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan. He said a “known” individual had photocopied and removed the documents and he was forced to turn a “blind eye”.

Sattaur also claimed that he was forced to settle tax cases for meagre sums, costing the country’s coffers billions of dollars in lost revenue.

He added that he was asked to promote unqualified staff, who were acting for a considerable period, before they were found to be suitably qualified and even those who had “questionable records” of service.

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Scottish Freemasons call Unions agree to one on President Granger Labour Day rally

From L-R- Charles Quintin, Yule Gooding, John Martin, Levon Moxey, President David Granger, Grand Sovereign Stewart Wood, Alexander McGregor, Clifton Rollox, Leon Rutherford, and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon at the Ministry of the Presidency

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resident David Granger was on Monday paid a courtesy call by two Scottish dignitaries from the Grand Imperial Council of Scotland, who are in Guyana to mark the 10th anniversary of the Guyana Conclave.

The men were accompanied by members of the Guyana Conclave of this masonic organisation,

when they met with the President at the Ministry of the Presidency.

In a very brief comment, the organisation’s Grand Sovereign, Stewart Wood, said that the Guyana Conclave is gearing up to celebrate its 10th anniversary and he and his colleague, Alexander McGregor, are in Guyana to join in the

celebrations.

The Grand Imperial Council of Scotland is grounded on the teachings of Freemasonry, which is one of the world’s oldest secular fraternal societies which originated in Scotland.

Freemasonry is open to men of many religions and it expects and encourages them to continue to follow their own faith.

T

rade union bodies will be organising a combined Labour Day rally on May 01, 2016, to usher in Guyana’s 50thIndependence Anniversary.

Prior, several unions held individual rallies at varying locations on May Day. On Tuesday, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott concluded a series of meetings he began with trade unions upon assuming the portfolio of labour in the Social Protection Ministry.

The Minister met with union bodies which include; the National

Mine Workers Union of Guyana (NMWU), Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU), Amalgamated and General Workers Union, and the General Workers Union.

Minister Scott revealed that all the unions have agreed on the idea of having ‘one large’ May Day rally, which will include; employers, employees and other stakeholders within the labour sector.

He noted that the Department of Labour will issue letters to all the unions requesting the establishment of a

committee to craft the logistics of the rally.

GINA reported that earlier this month, the Minister met with the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), the Guyana Labour Union (GLU), Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and the National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE).

18 NEWS

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Wanted bulletins Guyana, India pledge to strengthen ties issued for brothers in Farm, EBE murder G

P

Wanted: Dhanraj Raghubir

olice investigators are on the hunt for two brothers who are wanted for the murder of a Farm, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) man in December.

Leon Khan, 22; and Quincy Khan, 25; both of Farm, EBE, are wanted by the Police for questioning in relation to investigations into the murder of Dennis Martin which occurred on December 15, 2015, at Farm.

Martin, 36, of Lot 5 Public Road, Farm, EBE, was beaten to death after he tried to settle an ongoing dispute between the suspects and his nephews. He died while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to reports, the suspects and Martin’s nephews were

Wanted: Michael Persaud

involved in two separate altercations, during which the nephews were wounded by the two brothers. However, on the day in question, Martin was on his way to the shop when he saw one of the suspects and confronted him.

During the confrontation, the father of one was brutally attacked and beaten by both brothers, who seem to be on the run.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Leon Khan and Quincy Khan are asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 227-2128, 2271149, 225-2227 2267065, 911 or the nearest Police station. The Police have advised that all information will be treated with strict confidence.

uyana joins in celebrating India’s 67th Republic Day, which commemorates the day when the Asian country adopted the Constitution of India as its governing policy replacing the Government of India Act. The Indian High Commission office in Georgetown hosted a grand reception and dinner at the Marriott International Hotel on Tuesday, which was attended by acting President, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; several Government Ministers, former President Donald Ramotar, Members of Parliament, diplomats, and local and overseas members of the business community.

Speaking at the ceremony, Indian High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam pointed out that when the Lower House of the Parliament was elected into Government in the May 2014 elections, one of the key priorities of the new Administration was the sharp focus on meeting India’s developmental goals and overcoming various challenges to achieve high economic growth.

He noted that the programmes and initiatives established by the current Government presented real commercial and business opportunities for many countries, noting that India has never shied away from partnering with other countries or the Private Sector within those countries.

Hitting home, High Commissioner Mahalingam stated that Guyana and India have continued to build and strengthen their relationship based on historical and cultural links. He added that this relationship was further strengthened in recent years with enhanced cooperation in various fields and meetings between leaders at the highest level.

“India is committed to partner with Guyana in its developmental ef-

forts, whether it is in terms of infrastructure or capacity building. India is ready to offer its hand to Guyana in developing its health infrastructure, both in primary health care and specialty fields; road infrastructure; irrigation and drainage; marine transport; bio and renewable energy; Information Technology and upgrade of the sugar industry,” he remarked.

The Indian High Commissioner went on to highlight the capacity-

In his remarks, Prime Minister Nagamootoo highlighted that not only was this year Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary, but it also marked 50 years of formal diplomatic relations between Guyana and India.

“Relations between Guyana and India have grown from strength to strength over the years. Our bonds rest on a solid foundation of true friendship and mutual respect. India

Indian High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife, and Minister of State Joseph Harmon toasting at the reception on Tuesday

building programme his country was offering Guyanese – Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) – which has been creating experts in various fields such as agriculture, disaster management and parliamentary studies.

Mahalingam further stated that his office has been promoting business and trade relations between the two countries.

Additionally, the High Commissioner outlined that cultural links between the two countries have been one of the strongest threads in the relationship, benefiting from yoga, dance and music classes through the Indian Cultural Centre since its establishment in 1972.

has proved to be a dependable friend and partner. This partnership has in past years reaped great benefits for Guyana. Today, other beneficial projects are in the pipeline,” the Prime Minister noted.

One such project, he mentioned, is the East Coast and East Bank Demerara road link project, which is being funded by the Government of India via a loan. Nagamootoo added too that soon the relationship would take Guyana on the information and technological superhighway, as the two countries would shortly conclude a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Information Technology in Guyana.

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana gears up for Local Govt Elections – as parties, individuals make Nominations Day submissions

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upporters of political parties and voluntary groups on Tuesday gathered in front of the office of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in Waterloo Street, Georgetown, as they presented their respective list of candidates for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE), scheduled for March 18 this year – the first of its kind in more than 20 years.

Among the groups gathered were the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C); A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance

For Change (APNU/ AFC); The Healing the Nation Theocracy Party (HTNTP) headed by Ras Leon Saul and Mark Benschop’s Team Benschop.

Benschop’s group came out in full support.

The mayoral hopeful informed that the group intended to contest all 15 constituencies around Georgetown. He added that if elected he would be moving to have a comprehensive audit of City Hall, while promising not to waste taxpayers’ money and give better treatment to vendors.

A new face on the

block was Team Legacy, a group headed by radio announcer Malcolm Ferreira. According to him, his team was a young creative group of individuals brought together by their yearning to see improvement in their communities. The group, he said, is contesting as a voluntary entity in six constituencies: 6, 9,10,11,13 and 14.

Meanwhile, PPP Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha said apart from some minor hiccups, which were immediately sorted out, everything went well.

Among those issues, he

Team Benschop says it is ready to take up responsibility for the Georgetown municipality

People’s Progressive Party/Civic supporters

said, was what seemed to be the lack of knowledge of some Returning Officers.

GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield told Guyana Times International in an invited comment, that while the Nominations Day process has not yet been completed, there were no major hiccups on Tuesday. He explained that Returning Officers would have to identify the defects in the lists presented, which would have to be corrected.

According to him, the final lists will most likely be ready sometime after

Wednesday.

Essequibo Coast Over in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), decked out in red and black and dancing to lively Tassa drums, scores of PPP/C supporters showed up to support the candidates who would be representing them in the contest for the various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and Local Authorities. A drive along the Coast around 09:3010:00h on Tuesday revealed the PPP/C’s readiness for the elections and the crowd support was a testimony of their con-

fidence in that political party.

When Guyana Times International visited Annandale/Riverstown NDC, Good Hope/ Pomona, Aberdeen and Zorg en Vlygt, scores of persons had flocked the local GECOM offices. A handful of APNU/AFC supporters were noticed underneath bottom houses. Around 10:00h, PPP/C and APNU/APNU submitted to GECOM their lists of candidates with much vigour and eagerness.

Presenting the list for APNU/AFC in the continued on page 21

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Guyana’s Foreign Ministry in the Mother of six remanded process of major restructuring for possession of

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he functional and operational capacity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ headquarters in Georgetown is currently being enhanced as part of a holistic approach to improve the country’s diplomatic representation.

Minister of Foreign Affairs,

the highest level,” Greenidge disclosed.

The ambassadors and high commissioners will be appointed in 2016, and the training programme will be rolled-out, as well, Minister Greenidge added.

According to a GINA report, the Ministry will be re-

Carl Greenidge in a recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), said that an advisory committee comprising two seasoned ambassadors has been established to assist the ministry with its work.

“We’ve also started to put the Foreign Service Institute on a permanent footing, giving it a certain structure …we will then bring in skills that will help us to lift the capacity within the ministry starting at

structured to provide better representation in the areas of advancing Guyana’s trade and economic interests, protect the country’s territorial integrity and improve relations with its neighbours. This will see more departments and senior persons now managing the country’s diplomatic affairs.

Noting that the Foreign Affairs’ headquarters should be a place where some of the most seasoned ambassadors operate, Greenidge said plans

were enacted to post officers overseas.

“You do have senior officers who would not have served abroad who have been here for 12 to 18 years…we have moved some of those out along with a few younger ones…this allows you to bring in other senior persons to serve with Director General (Audrey) Waddell,” Minister Greenidge said.

The Minister explained that some officers were placed abroad to strengthen the outreach and communication lines between the Ministry and missions. “Senior officers were temporarily placed in South Africa, Venezuela, and Washington D.C. in the United States to reinforce, develop, clean-up and sort out the mission before returning or before being posted elsewhere.

Within the past two months, former Consul General from Barbados, Michael Brotherson has returned to Georgetown, and will be looking at a variety of areas including those related to communication and information. He is joined in Georgetown by former officer Marion Herbert who was posted to London for several years.

She has considerable experience and capacity, and long service in the ministry. She will supplement the managerial and decision - making capacity of the headquarters.

narcotics charge

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single mother of six today appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to a charge of having narcotics in her possession.

M a r l e n e Sharkles, of lot 2805 Redboor P a r f a i t e Harmonie, West Bank Demerara pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that while at Itabali, Mazaruni River, Essequibo District she had in her possession 925 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The 39-year-old mother was represented by Attorney Latchmie Rahamat who argued that on the day in question her client along with nine other persons were in a truck travelling into the interior when police ranks stopped them and searched the vehicle.

The lawyer explained that the narcotics were found in a tray which her client was not occupying. As such she requested bail stating that her client is a single mother with six chil-

dren and had no prior conviction or pending matters against her.

However, bail was objected to by the Police Prosecutor who explained that on the day in question each person in the

truck had been requested to stand in a line and to point out their belongings.

He stated that the defendant identified a box which she said was hers and upon conducting the search the narcotics were found there. She subsequently admitted to owning the cannabis.

Magistrate Latchman refused bail and remanded the defendant to prison. The matter is scheduled to return to Court on February 4th 2016.

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Guyana gears up for Local ... UG lecturer invents technology from page 19

Annandale Riverstown NDC in the south of the Coast were Marlene Lake and Nuel Richardson from Suddie Housing Scheme. Both of them were on time and were decked out in green shirts. While they presented their list to GECOM, their supporters were seen under a building. Both Lake and Richardson said their party was ready for the polls on March 18.

Linden

In the Local Area Authority of the Linden Municipality, political parties, voluntary groups and independent individuals submitted their qualified list of candidates to be elected across the eight constituencies. The two major political parties were the first to submit their candidates at the local GECOM office at Kara Kara, Mackenzie, Linden, before Returning Officer Rensford Alleyne.

The PPP/C was first up in presenting its list of 18 candidates, followed by the APNU/AFC with 31, then indepen-

the standard of living of the workers of the municipality first up…improving the economic state of Linden. Once our team is approved today, our manifesto will be up for scrutiny by everyone. We plan to make Linden an economically viable town,” he outlined.

Linden 2025 nominee Samuel Wright presented 23 candidates for all constituencies except number four.

Wright outlined a plan of action intended for the development of Linden over the next 10 years.

“We’re looking for development in Linden in terms of what is going to happen in 10 years’ time…We’re looking in terms of how we’re preparing Linden to meet its potential over the next 10 years…We see a development plan for Linden involving all stakeholders,” he stated.

The nominees have all expressed genuine interest in representing their various constituencies and have out-

Supporters of the A Partnership for National Unity / Alliance For Change march along the streets

dent Huburn Smith (contesting constituency 6), Ambassadors for Progress and Linden 2025.

Regional APNU Party Leader Sandra Adams expressed enthusiasm following the submission, noting that the list was a mixture of both community and political candidates.

“We’re a complete mixture: we ain’t short of nothing. We got APNU, we got AFC, we got women, men, youths, doctors, and religious persons…we got everything. We have our eight constituency representatives, and in all 24 representatives for our PR (Proportional Representation) list… We are anticipating 16 seats… eight constituencies and eight PR…I can say to you, APNU has started progress, a good life for all Guyanese here in Linden,” she said.

PPP/C nominee Orrin Wilson was also optimistic following his submission, noting that the list of candidates would be representing all eight constituencies and are all community based.

“Our campaign start today and each of our candidates will be hitting the ground by next week Monday with the manifesto to the people in the various blocks indicating what they are going to do for the people,” he stated.

Smith, the independent individual nominee who is contesting for a seat on the Council, outlined plans to effectively represent constituency six, which is inclusive of the Victory Valley and Christiansburg areas. “…as a Councillor on the Council, I promise my constituency effective representation. I would lobby for them… mobilise the residents so we can advance our programme to develop our communities. I think that is what has been lacking…having somebody like me on the Council to represent the residents I think will bring the necessary development,” he said.

Ambassadors for Progress’ Norris King noted that while he was contesting independently, his team consisted of 21 persons.

“We generally have plans for the town as a whole…to try and improve

lined plans to present massive manifestos. While some have indicated that they have commenced campaigning, others have outlined various plans to do so in the near future.

Berbice

In Berbice, several hiccups seemed to mar what was projected to be a smoothly-run process.

PPP/C parliamentarian Adrian Anamyah was of the view that the GECOM staff members were unaware of what needed to be done. This, he said, frustrated the Party’s operations as it presented its list of candidates for the upcoming LGE. There were several issues in the municipality of Rose Hall Town in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) at Bush Lot. At Bush Lot, according to Rolentnauth Suresh, the PPP/C was treated unfairly when it went to the local office to submit its lists of candidates.

He said they arrived at the office at 15:00h and A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Coalition arrived at 18:00h, but the coalition was allowed to submit its list first.

“When we were giving our list to the Officer, Mr Mingo from the GECOM Fort Wellington Office came and stopped the process because they came with their list first. The law doesn’t say that the list has to be there first, it says that the group that gets there first shall be the first to present its list.”

The PPP/C is the only political party which contested the May 11 General Election which will be contesting the LGE in all of the constituencies in the two Berbice regions: Region Five and Region Six. The Party submitted lists of candidates for all 16 NDCs and three municipalities in Region Six and for the 10 NDCs in Region Five. Meanwhile, the APNU/AFC coalition will be contesting in all 26 NDCs in Berbice. The coalition also submitted lists of candidates for the municipalities of New Amsterdam and Rose Hall Town.

to disperse oil spills

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ecturer in the Department of Chemistry of the University of Guyana, Dr Dawn Fox, has been listed as an inventor on US Patent 9,163,374 issued October 20, 2015.

The patent was issued for an innovative technology: using cactus mucilage as a dispersant and absorbent for oil in oil-water mixtures. She shares the honour of co-inventor with Dr Norma Alcantar (lead investigator); Dr Sylvia Thomas and Dr Ryan Toomey, all of the University of South Florida (USF).

The BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 was recognised as the worst in US history. It fuelled a surge of research into absorbent and dispersant materials to clean up affected areas.

Cactus mucilage is an extract from the tuna cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) also known as nopal.

The mucilage is a natural hydrogel polysaccharide found in many water-storing succulents including aloes and slimy vegetables.

It swells in water, but remains insoluble and is able

Dr Dawn Fox

to precipitate bacteria, suspended solids and ions from water.

Conventional chemical clean-up of oil spills utilises dispersants that reduce the surface tension of water allowing oil and water to mix; this is emulsification.

This causes the oil layers to break up into smaller droplets allowing more efficient biodegradation. In laboratory trials, the mucilage showed the ability to both disperse/break up oily layers as well as absorb oil from oil-water mixtures.

Both methods of action are critical for targeting oil slick. Dispersal allows gases to dissolve in the water

bodies which would reduce ‘fish kills’. The mucilage stays afloat while absorbing the oil layer which facilitates the ultimate physical removal of the oil-mucilage complex. This material is environmentally-friendly and readily available which make it an attractive alternative for a competitive technology to clean up oil spills.

Dr Fox worked on this research during her doctoral studies at USF. For her dissertation, she investigated the mucilage’s ability to remove arsenic from water, both directly and as part of a hybrid system with ferric salt.

She completed her PhD in Chemical Engineering in 2011 and returned to lecture in the Department of Chemistry, University of Guyana. Her current research interests are in water remediation, materials engineering for environmental applications, and developing sustainable, indigenous technologies.

The University of Guyana, in a release, expressed warmest congratulations to Dr Fox on her achievement. She has made the institution proud.

Man denied bail after being charged with illegal gun possession

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wenty-one-year old Richard Edwards earlier today appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to face charges of illegal gun possession.

The young man who hails from Flatts Matthews Ridge, Region One made his appearance in front of Magistrate Judy Latchman.

It was alleged that on January 19, 2016, he was found to be in possession of a firearm without being a legal firearm holder or having a license to do so.

Edwards pleaded not guilty to the charge stating that the gun did not belong to him.

The Prosecuting Officer told the Court that on the day in question, police ranks after being tipped off about the situation had discovered Edwards on the street.

According to the Prosecutor, after the defendant saw the police ranks approaching, he threw the gun away and tried to escape by running away.

However the police officers were able to retrieve the gun and later arrested the defendant.

Magistrate Latchman denied bail remanding the defendant to prison.

The matter will return to Court on February 4th 2016.

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Caribbean to produce next Secretary General for ACS Grouping

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ember States comprising the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) are currently in the process of deciding which Caribbean territory will be nominated next to perform the duties of Secretary General from 2016 through 2020.

Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, in a recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) indicated that the ACS has given the member states time to complete the exercise and make known their findings.

“The region has given itself a deadline for the appointment and the consideration of applications and the appointment of candidates, and by the time of the intercessional of the CARICOM Heads of Government they will be discussing a list of candidates.”

By the time the regular meeting of Heads comes around, member states should be in a position to endorse a name and provide it to the ACS, Minister Greenidge explained.

The primary focus of the ACS is to place special attention to promoting the interest of the smaller states in the region. This means that a Secretary General from the Caribbean will be

disposed to placing special focus on an area of critical concern to Caribbean member states.

The Current Secretary General, His Excellency Ambassador Alfonso Múnera Cavadía served a fruitful tenure and the group was very appreciative of the energy, enthusiasm and initiative which he demonstrated.

He took up the position of Secretary General of the ACS in April 2012 following his election by the Ministerial Council.

A study of the Caribbean Sea and its importance to the existence of Caribbean States was an initiative of Ambassador Cavadía which is of critical concern to member states.

This study was part of the agenda widely discussed at the recently concluded 21st Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the ACS held in Haiti.

The Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States is elected by the Ministerial Council for a four-year term on the basis of rotation.

They are elected from among the principal groupings that comprise the ACS which are CARICOM, Central America G-3 and the Non-Grouped countries.

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Gold miner nabbed Guyana still perceived as highly corrupt – Transparency International with cocaine

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ut of some 168 countries, Guyana has once again made a deep plunge into the waters of corruption with its number 119 ranking on the anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International (TI) Corruption Perception Index (CPI) with a score of 29.

Guyana has maintained that score since the TI’s 2014 report. It is tied with Russia, Azerbaijan, and Sierra Leone.

The Corruption Perception Index is based on expert opinions on Public Sector corruption. Countries’ scores can be helped by open government where the public can hold leaders to account, while a poor score is a sign of prevalent bribery, lack of punishment for corruption, and public institutions that do not respond to citizens’ needs.

According to TI, corruption is still a major problem around the world, but more countries are improving than worsening and the United States and United Kingdom have reached their best rankings ever.

"The 2015 Corruption Perception Index clearly shows that corruption re-

mains blight around the world," said Transparency head Jose Ugaz. "But 2015 was also a year when people again took to the streets to protest corruption – people across the globe sent a strong signal to those in power: it is time to tackle grand corruption."

Brazil, in the midst of a massive corruption scandal at the State-owned oil company Petrobras, posted the biggest decline, falling five points to a score of 38 and dropping seven positions to 76th place.

Transparency noted that in places like Guatemala, Sri Lanka and Ghana, citizen activists have "worked hard to drive out the corrupt".

Overall, two-thirds of the 168 countries studied scored below 50 and the global average was 43.

Denmark remained at the top of the Index, a closely watched global barometer, for the second consecutive year as the country perceived as least corrupt. It scored 91 points out of a possible 100, while North Korea and Somalia remained at the bottom with unchanged scores of eight.

The US moved up one spot this year to 16th place with a score of 76, tying with Austria. The UK moved up three spots to place 10th, with a score of 81 that tied it with Germany and Luxembourg. The other top spots, from second to ninth, were occupied by Finland, Sweden, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Singapore and Canada.

Despite so many countries in the top 10, Transparency said there was still a lot of room for improvement in Europe and Central Asia, which it grouped as one region, saying "in low-scorers Hungary, Poland and Turkey, politicians and their cronies are increasingly hijacking State institutions to shore up power".

"It's even grimmer further down the Index," the organisation continued.

"In Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan and others, Governments are restricting, if not totally stifling, civil society and free media."

Still, Transparency said, it was a good sign that 64 countries improved their score, while only 53 declined. The others were unchanged.

400 core houses completed – 208 subsidies distributed in hinterland region

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he board members of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) which is under the Ministry of Communities on Friday presented an update of the works that the organisation has carried out in the year 2015.

Chief Development Planner Rawle Edinboro presented the overview stating that at the end of 2015, $260M out of the $499M which was approved for CH&PA’s capital programme was used for all work completed in the year.

In 2015 under the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) low income settlements programme 400 core houses were completed which was geared towards addressing those low income families at the base of the economic ladder.

208 subsidies were also disbursed at hinterland settlements such as Oronoque, Manawari, White Water, Region One, Ankatoko, Quatamang, Annai and Satara in Region 9.

This was under a hinterland housing project which is aimed at recognizing the needs of the coastal regions.

Additionally CH&PA continued its Infrastructural Provision Programme which was aligned towards a major housing initiative in all regions in Guyana.

Approximately

Rawle Edinboro and another member of the board

840,067 house lots were provided.

Recognising that housing is a multifaceted issue, CH&PA under IDB provided a public health element that saw septic tanks being constructed.

At the closure of 2015 CH&PA achieved a completion of 285 septic tanks.

Objectives for 2o16

In 2016 the authorities’ objective is to focus fully on the whole idea of infrastructural consolidation as the organisation is now part of the Ministry of Communities, placing emphasis on consolidation and infrastructure work in the various regions where there are housing schemes.

There will be a continued focus by the authority on the completion of turnkey houses as CH&PA is targeting the completion of 200 of such houses.

The provision of electricity in the schemes which is currently a major issue will be addressed as low occupan-

cy in the schemes is tied to the fact that there is no electricity available.

CH&PA will be targeting the completion of infrastructure works at 5 miles Bartica which is a new scheme in line with the president’s vision of Bartica becoming a town.

The authority commissioned with the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) a National Housing Profile Study which aims to garner important data that will help to provide the evidence needed to revisit the National Housing Policy. Through the UNDP the National Housing Policy will be given much importance.

Continued focus will be placed on hinterland housing and again through the IDB, provisions have been made in the budget for these works to be continued in 2016, US$3.1M being assigned for such works.

CH&PA hopes to continue to carry out its works successfully and in a more holistic manner.

pellets at airport

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26-year-old gold miner is now in Police custody after being caught with cocaine pellets in his pos-

session at the Ogle International Airport around 05:30hrs on Thursday morning.

This newspaper understands that the miner has admitted to also swallowing some of the pellets.

The man who is from Durban Street, Georgetown, was scheduled to depart Guyana the said morning on a LIAT flight destined for Barbados.

Police, in a statement, said "ranks at the Police Narcotics Branch arrested a Guyanese National, who was an outgoing passenger at the Ogle Airport, after 580 grams of cocaine were found concealed in his under-clothes".

The man has been admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he is under Police guard.

U.S. to help Guyana in suicide prevention fight

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nited States Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway has committed his government’s assistance to the People of Guyana towards the fight against suicide.

Suicide in Guyana has been on the rise of recent, forcing government to engage all stakeholders to work towards a redress.

Acknowledging this, the Ambassador told Guyana Times International that too many youth are taking their lives. He said the US will be looking at ways it could help out, since young people are the future of tomorrow and need to have their lives preserved.

He said specifically that the embassy will be looking at having experts on the subject come to Guyana to conduct workshops and outreach programmes, among other things.

The last reported suicide occurred last week when a Bartica man was found hanging by a rope from the ceiling in the unoccupied bottom-flat of his house.

Before him, several persons particularly in the Berbice and

US Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway

Essequibo regions were successful in taking their lives.

Government, in a frantic attempt to address the issue, announced that the Public Health Ministry would be moving to implement a National Suicide

Prevention Plan in an effort to tackle the growing scourge in Guyana.

During a meeting with Cabinet members and several stakeholders within the sector two Sundays ago, Public Health Minister Dr George Norton appealed for the involvement of all along with an actionoriented plan that would address the needs of the most vulnerable groups in an effort to curb the spike in suicide. .

The objective of the meeting was to appraise

all key stakeholders on the magnitude and burden of suicide in Guyana; examine the proposed Suicide Prevention Plan and identify the critical elements for action; define roles, responsibilities and functions of all partners; develop a joint work plan and a monitoring and evaluation framework; prepare a draft budget and establish a technical task force to oversee the implementation of the initiative.

The National Suicide Prevention Plan, as presented to stakeholders, will provide guidance for the development of a joint work plan including a wide cross-section of partners.

The work plan will enable collaboration among Government Ministries; international partners; non-governmental organisations (NGOs); Faith Based Organisations (FBOs) and other stakeholders.

The proposed activities in this multi-sectoral approach will be aligned to one of four strategic action areas: risk factors reduction, health promotion and suicide prevention; reducing access to the means of suicide; improving health systems’ response to suicidal behaviour and strengthening surveillance and research on suicide in Guyana.

Since the beginning of the year, close to 20 persons have either committed suicide or attempted to take their lives, a shocking trend which has been evoking grave concern among the populace.

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MPs under fire for Sugar is our life Govt non-support of declaration – Wales workers of taxes motion

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ollowing the announcement by Government that the Wales Sugar Estate would be closed by the end of 2016, workers at the factory are pleading with the authorities to consider their livelihoods before implementing this decision.

According to information gathered, if the government goes through with plans to shut down the estate, the over 1700 employees would be thrown on the breadline.

The workers explained that they are now in a state of uncertainty as unemployment will present dire consequences on their lives

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Jai Ramjit and Kripaul Singh

and the lives of their families.

While many are afraid to make their concerns public as they fear further victimisation, others have opined that the move to end operations at the Estate is politically motivated as the majority of the workers there are supporters of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

Cane harvesters

Krishna Gobindhi

R a m n a r e s h Bissessar, a cane harvester as well as a workers’ representative of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) explained that a large section of the workers are already ad-

versely affected.

“Approximately 110 planters (and) over 60 operators are being affected now because they stopped the planting programme and they send the machines to Uitvlugt.

Right now, they are offering alternative work like weeding and what have you. GAWU had asked that these guys get their pick up pay. Okay, if they work for Gy$3000 a day, don’t reduce the money.

Those two categories are fully affected right now,” he explained.

He decried the government’s reasoning for the closure, saycontinued on page 28

overnment has been hit with an immense public backlash after refusing to implement mechanisms for all Members of Parliament (MPs) to put under public scrutiny information on their income taxes returns and available assets over the last 10 years.

Civil society groups and political commentators pilloried the Government’s decision, underscoring that its obdurate rejection

elections who were talking a lot about transparency and corruption and so on,” Dr Jeffrey reminded.

The political commentator also indicated that the move demonstrated a sense of hypocrisy within Government given that its members have constantly accused the former Administration of being corrupt and yet they disallowed an opportunity to expose the former Ministers.

“This is not good for the Government, the PPP

pelled to vote in favour of the PPP/C Opposition.

“There is no statutory requirement on the part of the Government side to do it… I think there is no compulsion and if that is how they voted then that’s their wish. Moreover, while careful not to make any specific pronouncements on the situation, Ram said civil society should generally demand as much transparency from our public officials.

He noted that in keep-

goes against the very basis of its campaign which was to promote transparency and accountability; and that it weakens their allegations of corruption against the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

On Thursday last, the PPP/C presented the motion for debate in the National Assembly, underlining that an endorsement would mean that all parliamentarians were agreeing to implement greater levels of transparency and accountability; and that every “no vote” would mean that individual has something to hide.

The Government MPs, in essence, contended that the motion is a “massive political diversion” from “what is really necessary” to unearth corruption and consequently shot the request down.

But this action has certainly ruffled the feathers of civil society, who are now questioning the real motive for disallowing a motion that could have changed the entire political culture and undertone within the country.

Former Government Minister, Dr Henry Jeffrey, in an invited comment, stated frankly that this decision might have contributed to the destruction of Government’s credibility with respect to their anti-corruption movement.

“I don’t think this would do anything to enhance Government’s credibility in terms of their anticorruption campaign. And they were the ones before

opened the door in terms of their own credentials; they are not closing doors, they opened doors… And in a sense, they are letting the PPP off the hook because they are now softening the perception people have of the PPP corruption. You’ve been running around and saying that the PPP is corrupt and now the PPP is saying to you, ‘look I am going to show you’, and now you are going to say no I can’t do that,” Dr Jeffrey posited as he tried to understand the rationale.

He speculated too that the Government’s supporters may very well be suspicious of their actions and that these doubts could result in losing its political advantage.

“I believe it will hurt them,” he said.

Accountant and Attorney Christopher Ram, an inveterate critic of the previous Administration, also opined that the Government could have seized the moment to prove their purported credibility to the nation and exposed the PPP/C’s alleged corruption.

“I think with salaries having become an issue, when the matter of the 50 per cent increase came up, it would certainly have bolstered their claim which was that this was the kind of earnings that they’d been accustomed to… This would have been one way of demonstrating that that was indeed the case,” Ram stated.

He noted however, that the situation is a matter of voluntary action and Government was not com-

ing with the interest of transparency and accountability, Government should have supported the motion; especially in light of the fact that the coalition campaigned on the very issues.

“By voting against it, just plain like that, is against transparency and accountability,” Reverend Meerabux said. He added that, “at the same time, even if you voted against it, they should definitely take concrete steps to set up to Integrity Commission.”

The TIGI President explained that if Government’s objection to the motion was based on confidentiality concerns, then the least they should have done was taken steps to set up the Integrity Commission which would preserve one’s privacy.

On this note, Reverend Meerabux called on the Administration to act swiftly in setting up the Commission and employ qualified staff in order to bring an end to the witchhunting saga.

Meanwhile, the motion was brought before the National Assembly by the PPP/C in light of the many accusations against its members about having large sums of monies hidden in private accounts.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, when he first spoke of the motion, had explained that if Government were genuine in its accusations levied against the PPP/C and about its claims that its ‘hands are clean’, then they should have no hesitation in supporting the motion.

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Wales Estate closure poorly handled by Govt – GTUC

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he Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) is urging government to engage in broad-based consultations with all stakeholders including the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), the trade unions representing the workers, the cane farmers and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition to deliberate on the best way forward following the official closure of the Wales Sugar Estate in

GAWU President Komal Chand

January, 2017.

GTUC President Lincoln Lewis via a statement Sunday called on the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) government to pursue its policy of ‘social cohesion’ and embark on an initiative where every person affected by the Wales Estate closure will have an opportunity to speak on the matter.

“It is time the government not only ‘talk the talk’, but ‘walk the walk’,” Lewis said.

He noted that from the outset, the entire is-

The workers say they are concerned about job security

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

sue has been handled poorly by government, beginning with the way the decision was announced.

“The manner in which the announcement of the Wales proposed closure was made has contributed to polarisation in the society and this will deepen and widen if a process is not arrived at to bring stakeholders to the decision-making table,” Lewis stated.

He reiterated that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is a state entity and any decision taken must lead to prudent decisionmaking by stakeholders.

Lewis also recalled for both State Minister Joseph Harmon and

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder to disclose that government has a plan for the workers are affected by the closure but reminded that, in accordance to the law, decisions cannot be taken unless the community is involved.

Lewis pointed out that consistent with Article 13 of the Constitution of Guyana, there cannot be a plan for any community without the involvement of the people and their representatives.

“When one looks at the stated configuration what is not seen is a winner-take-all system. What is seen is a platform to realise inclusionary democracy as prescribed by the Constitution in Article 13 which the President of Guyana commits to uphold and has consistently been calling for.

This article which is the nation’s Principal Political Objective very clearly states that when it comes to the management and decisionmaking processes of the State, individuals and groups are required to be involved on matters that impact their wellbeing,” the statement read.

It added that, “the rule of law must be respected at all times. It

GTUC President Lincoln Lewis

is the rule of that would ensure the sought-after social cohesion and national unity, and successfully arrest the lust of those who thrive on the society being divided.”

On the other hand, the Agriculture Minister said that government will be staying out of the matter.

Asked specifically if government plans on engaged the sugar workers of Wales, Holder responded in the negative.

“By keeping out of politics, we have seen a turnaround in the sugar industry last year with GuySuCo managing its own industry. If we were to get involved in the industry, it could destroy the industry,” he stated.

28 news

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

President urges end to Teen mom undergoes corporal punishment emergency surgery -says doctors left ‘after birth’ in homes, schools inside of her

By Devina Samaroo

I

T

he practice of flogging indisciplined children is all too common in Guyana but there have been countless debates locally, regionally and internationally about its effectiveness in the upbringing of morally-aligned children. For President David Granger, he believes that corporal punishment hurts rather than helps.

Appearing on his weekly telecast ‘The Public Interest’, the President said it is time to throw the archaic proverb “spare the rod and spoil the child” out the window; as he called on all parents, guardians and teachers to put an end to corporal punishment.

“I think in 2016, the better course of action would be for parents to avoid corporal or physical punishment of children… so maybe 50 years ago, 100 years ago, it might have been typical.

But the days of going into the classroom and seeing that wild-cane hanging up there and the days of going home and seeing the wild-cane, have passed,” he stated.

Studies show that physical punishment can easily escalate and become abusive; sometimes leading to injuries and can result in children becoming emotionally alienated from parents which can eventually evolve into a wide-range of other social problems.

President Granger sounded a call for the immediate ban on the use of physical punishment in disciplining children, indicating that such actions eventually contribute significantly to

nvestigations are currently on-going into claims made by an 18-year-old mother that the doctors at a Hospital in Region Two, after recently delivering her baby left the “after birth” inside of her.

The young mother is presently a patient in the female ward at the hospital where she is said to be recuperating slowly.

GTI was told that sometime last week she delivered her baby and

Devanand Ramdatt told INews that at this point in time it is unclear as to whether the allegations against the hospital are true and that investigations have already begun to verify the claims of the young mother.

However, he noted that if this is indeed what occurred during the delivery process then it would not be the first time that the “after birth” would have been left inside of a mother at the said hospital.

Sugar is our life...

from page 26

President David Granger

ing unable to learn, or for not doing school work; and another rule mandates that no child should be flogged in the presence of other children, however those rules were often violated.

Recently, Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine committed himself to do whatever he could to ensure this practice is completely eradicated in schools.

However, the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) shares a completely different view on the use of corporal punishment.

According to the union in October

ing: “Now, with what the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is saying… I believe it is politically motivated because the Commission of Inquiry in their recommendation, they never mentioned any closure of any estate. Now, these politicians like they suddenly get a dream overnight and the next morning they decide to close it. We had a meeting with GuySuCo last Wednesday where they insist that they would close it.”

Ramnaresh Bissessar

A private sugar cane farmer who gave his name as Billy related that since the announcement, he has had much difficulty processing the catastrophic consequences that the closure will present for the West Bank area as well as for him.

“This gon affect we a lot. Look, I got seven acres cane field behind my house with fully cultivated cane and all is first harvest and second harvest ratoon cane. And then I rent another piece of land not far from here.

I got to get money to pay rental and if me nah get nothing to produce on the land I cannot afford fuh pay rent. This gon really affect the community because presently we get offset with the payments that the government gave us,” the flustered farmer explained.

Billy continued to explain that he had listened to the government’s reported solution of sending the cane to Uitvlugt Estate, however he discredited this approach saying it would only generate a loss.

“They don’t have no water way and the cheapest way fuh GuySuCo carry the cane

to Uitvlugt factory is by water way. You cyah do it by land cause it too costly… five gallons ah diesel is mek about five trips to the Wales Estate, that gon only be one trip to Uitvlugt,” he explained.

He added that the Uitvlugt Estate currently lacks certain equipment to unload the cane and take it into the factory.

Billy told this publication that they were told that the equipment would be provided, however, he disclosed that use of the equipment to unload the cane will incur a fee and the earnings that they receive from each trip will not offset the cost.

Krishna Gobindhi who works on the Mill Docks explained that he is the sole breadwinner of his family and is fearful that with the closure, calamity will befall his family.

“It will be hard because there will be no money to buy anything in the home and not for me alone. I is the only breadwinner for meh family and there are six of us in the home. We depend on the estate to bring in something and

Private cane farmer

the high domestic violence rate in the country.“If people feel that the way to deal with discipline is flogging then that child will continue the cycle of violence, and when he/she becomes a parent, they will use the same method and what we see happening in Guyana today is that many adults are reported in the newspaper can only deal with controversy or conflict by physical violence,” he said.

“If you are in a minibus and somebody opens the window and rain comes in, there is only one way they will know to deal with that… or you go to a wedding house and somebody dancing with your wife then the person will probably die,” the President added.

He emphasised that “intelligent and educated” parents especially ought to know better and he encouraged them to set the tone of cultural change by using a different method of disciplining their children.

Notably, the Education Ministry had some time ago adopted rules and regulations for administering corporal punishment. One rule stipulated that children should not be flogged for be-

shortly after being released from the hospital she began to feel intense pains inside of her tummy.

She sought medical attention and after an ultra sound was done it was revealed that the "after- birth" had been left inside of her.

As such the young, traumatized mother was forced to undergo an emergency surgery to have this problem rectified.

Regional Chairman

last, the movement to ban corporal punishment should be put on hold until the Education Ministry introduces an alternative method of disciplining disobedient children.

In 2013, the GTU had opined that the abolition of corporal punishment may prove to be disastrous for teachers as there are many hostile children in their classrooms.

The National Assembly had adopted the Report of the Special Select Committee of the National Assembly on the United Nations Human Rights Council with regard to the abolition of corporal punishment in schools in May 2013.

The committee had begun work in 2012 following the move to adopt a motion addressing the issue which was tabled by then Prime Minister Samuel Hinds in August 2012. Hinds had reported to the National Assembly that Guyana appeared before the United Nations Human Rights Council during the first cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in May 2010, and then in September 2010.

The second cycle is to take place sometime in 2016.

without the estate what we gon do? We gon cyah do anything. We is poor people and we ain’t got no sort of back up,” the troubled father cried.

Jai Ramjit, 53, who has given 34 years service to the Wales Estate explained that his troubles began when he heard the news of the closure. The father of five broke into tears as he explained that he has not been given work since the last crop was harvested.

“One of meh daughter gah fo write CXC. Right now she want two CXC book and we can’t afford it. Young ones growing up will depend on the Estate for a job too.

Meh nah want the estate close. Look, right now we tek loan from GBTI and GuySuCo fuh build we house and we gah fo find Gy$12,000 every month to pay back,” Ramjit explained as he battled tears.

The cane harvester further disclosed to this publication that his oldest son recently had an accident and cannot work as a result of extensive liver damage.

“Cutlass work is all I know,” the man revealed as he explained that he does not possess any other skill which may gain him some sort of employment.

Cane harvesters Bodo and Kripaul Singh related that they share similar dispositions and have no other means of earning an income. Bodo explained that he has been working at the Estate since 1985. Meanwhile, Singh, 56, related that he is a father of three – the youngest being three years old – and he fears that he will no longer be able to provide for the basic needs of his family.

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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30 feature

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

A

familiar sight around our country’s religious landscape is the Jhandi or the bamboo pole carrying flags of different colours often bearing the pictures of Hindu deities.

In Hindi, flag is Jhanda or Jhandis (plural).

Although appearing simple, the Hindu flags have great significance.

The flags are normally planted after the performance of a puja (Hindu rituals).

According to Vedanta student Aditya Persaud, whose father is a pandit, “flags are planted at the commencement of Yagnas, after prayers to Ganga Maa (in the ocean or riverside), and in some cases on special days referred to a Parbs, such as Shiv Raatri, Hanuman Jayanti, Raamnavmi and others. Flag on the bamboo is referred to as a Jandha, hence you will hear the term Jandhi being used to describe a puja (prayer) ceremony”.

Aditya added that the flag colours have different meanings and that colours can dramatically affect the mood, feeling and emotions of a person. Red, orange and yellow are known as warm colours that evoke feelings of warmth and com-

Flags with pictures of dieties on them

fort. On the other hand, blue, purple and green are cool colours that bring calmness.

He noted that red indicates both sensuality and purity. It is the colour of Hindu god Shakti (prowess). The colour is also associated with bravery, protection and destruction of anything evil.

Saffron is the most sacred colour in Hinduism. It represents “agni” or fire, which consumes all impurities. It also signifies the quest for divine light in one’s life. Additionally, it represents religious absti-

nence.

Green is a festive colour. It represents life and nature. It stabilises the mind with influences of peace and happiness.

Yellow is the colour of knowledge and learning.

It symbolises happiness, peace, meditation, competence and mental development. This colour is also associated with gold, which represents the removal of poverty and replacing it with wealth (physical, material and mental).

White is the mixture of several colours and signifies purity, cleanliness, peace, knowledge and

others. It is associated with goddess Saraswati, who is always depicted being garbed in white.

Blue depicts qualities of bravery, manliness, determination, stable mindedness, depth of character and others.

It also represents infinity. Lords Rama and Krishna are associated with blue.

Pink is associated with femininity. Maha Lakshmi is depicted with this colour, at times. It a calming colour and signifies womanhood and the importance of femininity on the planet.

The Jhandis are a representation of victory - in the sense of accomplishments or achievements. It also glorifies God and creates that connection between a man and his God. Traditionally, cotton is used to make the flag, however, today flags are made from polyester, silk and other types of fabric.

The bamboo serves as a pole to hoist the flag.

This is a plant found in nature and is easily accessible. Traditionally, it is shown to have joints all through the length of the plant and these are used to remind the Yagmaan (person conducting a puja) that there are many steps towards self-realisation and achievements of goals and objectives.

Also, when a bamboo is cut, a new plant springs up from that said point, which is translated “to not let one bad situation stop you from reaching your goal.” However, some Hindus use a regular steel pole to hoist their flags (Arya Samaj).

“Flags are placed in front the yard to serve/ act as a reminder of our commitments made at the time of the puja. It reminds us of our link with God or our own divinity, as well as your selfless service to humanity. Upon leaving

one’s home, the flags in front of the yard cannot be missed and a devout Hindu will pay his obeisance in the form of a simply bow and be reminded of his duty towards humanity similar to that of Hanuman’s service to his Lord Raama,” Aditya explained.

Usually, five males from the family would hoist the flag(s). The Pandit will chant the mantras while the flags are being planted, after which the Yagmaan will offer dhaar (offerings) in the form of milk or water (in some cases).

On the body of the Jhandi is tied a piece of cloth. This is similar in its symbolism to the cord (raksha) tied around the wrist during a pooja. It is both a cord of protection; commitment; protection against any evil temptations; commitment to eliminate evil and uphold righteousness.

There are certain

Jhandis colours (Photo by Amanda Richards)

continued on page 42

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

W

e send out kudos to all Guyanese women who are excelling locally and abroad. We recognise their hard work and determination in putting their country on the map.

This week we feature two overseas-based Guyanese women who are paving the way for youths to follow.

Lorna WelshmanNeblett has reached a pinnacle that few women of colour have attained in the fragrance industry. More than 20 years ago she launched Angel, the first Thierry Mugler perfume, in the US market. The fragrance has been flying off high-end shelves since.

Born in Georgetown, Guyana, she is committed to her homeland and the Caribbean and seeks improved health care for women in the region through the Organization

U.S.A., US arm of the Paris-based luxury cosmetics company. “What I enjoy most about working in the industry is seeing the happiness that a fragrance brings to a consumer. It is about the person who’s wearing the fragrance—for them to smell good and feel good at the same time,” she declares.

Welshman-Neblett earned a bachelor’s degree at Washington Business Institute. She is a staunch advocate of community involvement, evidenced by her recognition from the City of New York and former New York City Council member Una Clarke. “I learned from an early age that working in a community and organizing with others is the best way for people to come together for a worthy cause,” she says.

In 2013, she was honoured as one of 25

Welshman-Neblett, 2013 Influential Black Women in Business Award recipient

for Social Health and Advancement for Guyana and the Caribbean (OSHAG/C), a New York group that focuses on treatment, follow-up and cosmetic care for breast cancer patients.

Welshman-Neblett’s career in the fragrance industry began in the late 1970s, when Elizabeth Arden established a separate fragrance company with Chloe, Burberrys and others. WelshmanNeblett started working with Thierry Mugler Parfums (now a division of Clarins Fragrance Group) in 1993, presenting the brand to retailers, establishing a sales team and creating a strategy to bring Angel to the market.

Energised by the creativity required to bring a fragrance to market and to develop appealing packaging and descriptors, she holds, fittingly, the title of senior manager of sales and marketing administration for Groupe Clarins

Influential Black Women in Business by The Network Journal- a black professional and small business magazine.

Asha Blake, Emmy Award Winning Journalist Asha Blake is a former network anchor turned digital media mogul and media consultant to the stars.

She was born in 1961 in Guyana, the daughter of an education specialist and a teacher. Blake was raised in Toronto and later in Minnesota, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University Of Minnesota School Of Journalism.

A five-time Emmy award winner, Blake has served as a solo anchor for national network news programs, hosted syndicated daytime programming, and co-hosted a national talk show for NBC and ABC. Over the course of a successful 20year career in television journalism, Blake conducted thousands of live

9/11 Attacks, Blake created and launched a public service website providing a free planning guide to help organize pertinent personal information in the event of an emergency.

In 2010, Blake launched her powerhouse media company, Goldenheart Media.

Headquartered in Asha’s Asha Blake

interviews, covered numerous high-profile court cases, and served as a medical reporter early in her career.

Blake co-hosted the NBC national news program “Later Today” and ABC’s “World News Now”, “World News this Morning”, and “Good Morning America Sunday”, in addition to reporting for ABC’s “World News Tonight” with Peter Jennings.

Blake coverage of breaking world events has put her in front of a number of world leaders, including Desmond Tutu, Bill Clinton, Jesse Jackson, Rosa Parks, Al Gore, as well as celebrities such as Jay Leno, Jude Law and Denzel Washington.

Blake has hosted two nationally syndicated shows: “Smart Gardening” on PBS and “Life Moments”, the nationally syndicated daytime women’s reality program that celebrated great and unbelievable moments in the lives of every kind of women. Blake has also been actively involved with many charity organizations, including serving as a celebrity ambassador for UNICEF, volunteering for Make A Wish, and supporting Race For A Cure and Meals on Wheels. Following the

feature 31

hometown of Los Angeles, California, Goldenheart Media is a multimedia powerhouse company specializing in media relations, branding, corporate communications, and messaging and entertainment program development.

She has been featured in magazines and newspapers including

TIME, USA Weekend, INSTYLE Magazine, Emmy Magazine, Core Business, Ladies’ Home Journal and other media outlets.

Blake is married to former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Mark Dusbabek and has a daughter, Sasha.

(Information from www. guyanesegirlsrock.com)

32 feature

M

ahendra Mahadeo, a Service Engineer, is said to be the first individual to have built a telescope in Guyana. What’s interesting about this project is that he built the sophisticated instrument, usually a very expensive one if you have to purchase it, using simple materials such as PVC pipe and wood glue he bought locally.

A telescope is an optical instrument designed to make distant objects appear nearer, containing an

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

arrangement of lenses, or of curved mirrors and lenses, by which rays of light are collected and focused and the resulting image magnified.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, the 27-year-old mentioned that his “real interest is space exploration”, which inspired him to construct the telescope.

“Telescopes are just a subset of that interest.

My interest in space began when I was about six or seven years old when I

Mahendra’s painting, ‘The AndromedaMilky Way Collision’ (Photo by Mahendra)

saw the movie ‘Apollo 13’.

Before that, I had no proper idea of what the moon was, what space was or the stars.

‘Apollo 13’ changed my entire view of our world. In that one movie I saw a rocket take humans to the moon - a world beyond our own. I was little and susceptible to influence. How could I not be inspired by something so amazing? I never looked at the sky the same again.

I would always look up and wonder what else is out there,” Mahendra recalled.

Last year, Mahendra visited his uncle in Florida who took him to the Kennedy Space Center.

There, Mahendra saw the Saturn V (pronounced Saturn 5) rocket, once used to take men to the moon. It was the same rocket Mahendra saw in “Apollo 13” movie. It was truly a memorable experience for him!

“Everything about space always seems so epic; it is where my interest in telescopes comes from.

Telescopes are a means to exploring space. The first time I looked through a telescope was at age 24 when I tested the mirror of the telescope I was building. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew it was going to be amazing,” he expressed.

The space enthusiast noted that he finds tele-

scopes “amazing because they take us to places and times that we cannot reach by any other means”. He went on to say that telescopes are machines that are capable of harnessing something as gentle as light.

Mahendra pointed out that no other scientific instrument has influenced our understanding of our place in the universe more than telescopes.

Mahendra was motivated to build a telescope since he was a second form student at St. Rose’s High School. He remembered when his class was divided into groups and each had to present research on the scientific work of a notable scientist.

“For some strange reason, I can’t even remember the scientist that my group researched, but I can remember the work that another group presented about Sir Isaac Newton. They spoke of how Galileo Galilei first used the refracting telescope (which uses a lens as the primary optic) for astronomy, but Sir Isaac Newton revolutionised the telescope design with his reflecting telescope (which uses a mirror as the primary optic). For years I didn’t know why I remembered these things. I didn’t fully understand the optical principles of how a mirror works better than a lens in a telescope, but it motivated me to find out more,” Mahendra stated.

Additionally, Mahendra was captivated by the fact that Galileo and Newton made their own telescopes.

The engineer believes that his passion for constructing things is a trait he inherited from his late grandfather.

“I still have his tools. I believe that people who are capable of bringing their ideas into real life to share them with others are very special. They are the ones who advance humanity’s intelligence. This is why it means so much to me to be able to build my telescope,” he declared.

During his final weeks at the University of Guyana, Mahendra remembered that his desire to build a telescope “grew greater and greater”. He disclosed instead of studying for exams, he would be calculating his telescope’s specifications.

Thinking constantly about building a telescope, Mahendra said he felt compelled to do it. According to him, what is strange is that he had never looked through a telescope at that time, but knew he was capable of building one. He did extensive research on the different kinds of telescopes and their principles of operation.

“I started my job the week after I finished university. Shortly after, I bought

With the telescope he made from PVC pipe, among other materials

the materials to start grinding my telescope’s primary mirror. I took a year from starting to finish. It wasn’t all telescope making. I also had to make the device I used to grind the mirror.

The mirror itself took five months to grind, polish and figure. Mirror making is the most time consuming part of telescope making. I also travelled to the US to apply the reflective coating to the mirror. In total it costs about GYD$65,000, which includes everything, except the plane tickets to the US,” he revealed.

diameter and be able to gather 2.7 times more light than my current 6-inch telescope, hence making it capable of picking up fainter objects. The optical tube will not be made of PVC pipe.

Instead, I plan to make a wooden frame and cover it with black drill fabric, which should be lighter. The mount will be motorised in order to track objects as they move through the sky due to the Earth’s rotation. But these are all in an evolving plan.

What is certain is that I am currently working on grinding the mirror,” Mahendra

Mahendra looking through his telescope

However, the investment was worth it. Through his telescope, Mahendra was able to see a triple transit across Jupiter last year where three of Jupiter’s moons had their shadows cast on to the planet at the same time. The next triple transit on Jupiter will be in 2032. Also, Mahendra observed two comets: Lovejoy, last January, and Catalina, currently in the morning sky - both of which will not be seen again in our lifetimes.

Mahendra stated that not only was his engineering background helpful in the construction of his telescope, but the making of it was helpful to his engineering career. He added that he has gained a wealth of knowledge from the experience. Now, Mahendra is building an even bigger one.

“It will be 10 inches in

disclosed.

Notably, Mahendra paints when he can. He did a piece entitled, “The Andromeda-Milky Way Collision”, which he had submitted to the Guyana Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition in 2012. It is an astronomical prediction that in about four billion years, our closest neighbouring galaxy, the Andromeda Galaxy, will collide with our Milky Way Galaxy. When the galaxies collide, they interact until eventually merging into one. Mahendra’s painting, a snapshot of that predicted interaction, makes the two galaxies appear as two dancers dancing in space.

If you would like to learn more about Mahendra’s telescope, email him at mahendra_mahadeo@yahoo. com (Photos by Ferlin F. Pedro)

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

art & culture 33

Using art to 'relieve grief'

F

– Saddened by reports of suicide, Tammy Walker aims to help people find therapy in art

rom a very young age, Guyanese artist Tammy Walker developed a love for art, colouring and crafting. That ‘passion’ propelled her to pursue studies in art, and now Tammy is well on her way to leave an indelible mark as one of Guyana’s most notable artists.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Tammy mentioned that her “skill for painting came naturally”. As time went by, Tammy continually honed her artistic talent.

“I practised and I got better. I never stopped trying to be better than I was. In my later years in high school, I began researching all the great artists I heard of. Leonardo da Vinci was at the top of my list, along with Michelangelo, Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh.

They don’t teach much about Guyanese artists in high school, so at that time I didn’t know of any that painted in Guyana. I knew Philip Moore for his outstanding 1763 Monument, and later learned of artists like Aubrey Williams, Stanley Greaves and other amazing Guyanese artists who have made a name for themselves in and out of Guyana,” the artist recalled.

At the age of 16, Tammy challenged herself to paint one of the world’s most famous paintings, the Mona Lisa, originally painted

by Leonardo da Vinci.

She told herself if she can paint that portrait, then she could paint

Artist Tammy Walker

A replica of the City of El Dorado

any portrait.

“I took about a week and I repainted the Mona Lisa the best I could! This motivated me further to pursue studies in art.

I was awarded as the Best Graduating Art Student at my high school. I decided to further my studies at the E R Burrowes School of Art. I was there for three years and I learned a lot. I found interest in many more areas of art like ceramics, graphics, sculpture and others. I wanted to learn as much as possible. It was indeed an experience there. I even helped in the making of costumes and floats for Mashramani,” Tammy remembered.

The artist describes herself as a “realistic artist” who “enjoys painting portraits and landscapes”. She would also paint abstract pieces infrequently.

She stated that painting and ceramics are the two subjects she pursued at Burrowes, which were her favourite because of them being “therapeutic” for her. She could paint

and do ceramics for hours and be completely relaxed.

Some of Tammy’s achievements as an artist are being awarded Best Graduating Student at Burrowes in 2014; being asked to paint a life-size portrait of Nelson Mandela, which is housed at the Museum of African Heritage; receiving awards and trophies

'City of El Dorado'

Tammy's portrait of Nelson Mandela unveiled at the Museum of African Heritage on July 18, 2014 in commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day

Her portrait of legendary Jamaican singer, Bob Marley

from various art competitions in Guyana; and placing first at the Business Expo 2015 for her booth showcasing her art.

Tammy plans on opening an art studio and small gallery in Georgetown, where she can exhibit local artists’ work.

“Right now I am preparing for the next Guyexpo. I took part in the last one, and also in the Business Expo last year. It was more than I had hoped it would be. Everyone showed tremendous support for what I was doing. I also want to be able to have Guyanese recognise and value the work of artists in Guyana.

We have so many talented artists in every area you can think of, but I feel like art isn’t appreciated enough. It feels like we’re sometimes pushed aside and undervalued,” she disclosed.

As a young artist

herself, Tammy advises youths to “never give up on what they’re good at” and to “never waste your gift”.

“I would also like to say that I know what it’s like to be disappointed in yourself, to feel like there is no coming back from something you might have done and/or regretted doing, to feel like you have the world on your shoulders and nothing seems to be going your way. You’re not alone.

The worst thing you can do to yourself is to keep it all inside and over think it to a point where you just wish the world would stop. I’m planning on having programmes for children, teens and adults where they can let go of grief via art. Art is therapeutic in more ways than you know. What some of us aren’t able to say with words, we can express on a canvas. It’s a way to clear your mind of all the things you have bottled up inside. Then, one day you can look back at what you’ve created and say, ‘Yes, I got pass it’,” the artist encouraged.

Tammy’s ultimate wish is to make a difference with a paint brush and canvas.

For more information on the artist, email: tammywalkerarts@gmail.com

'Kaieteur Falls'

34

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

No more bullying…Police having better control of traffic situation at DHB

T

raffic Police Officers are better monitoring and directing the flow of traffic at the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) and commuters are now being able to get to their destination in less time and without much hassle from other motorists.

Commuters now do not have to worry about

up of traffic during peak hours at the Bridge.

Even though the lines of vehicles to cross the bridge are still too long, commuters are now experiencing some measure of relief. Traffic ranks who work within the catchment area are using new strategies to better manage the traffic flow. The ranks are

being ‘cut in front of’ by other vehicles after a long wait in the line to cross the Bridge. In the early morning hours, primarily between 06:30h and 08:30h, the lines at the Bridge’s approach have been extremely long, because while some drivers wait in the traffic for almost an hour if not more, others disregard the traffic regulations and bully their way to the front. This created an even larger build-

now implementing road blocks to close off the entrance to the Bridge leaving only one lane open to the flow of traffic for vehicles approaching the intersection from the Versailles end.

Traffic is also diverted through the “Old Road” at La Grange that leads to the Bridge. This has contributed significantly to a reduction in the level of confusion and frustration for commuters.

New growth industry… …in “suicide prevention” s unemployment continues skywards – buttressed most recently by throwing 1700 persons on the streets of Wales – a new growth industry’s taking off to reverse the trend – suicide prevention. Your Eyewitness doesn’t think the second is caused by the first – merely a matter of coincidence. Or is it? Every since Guyana again hit world news on the grim topic of suicide by becoming number one in the entire world – groups to “counter” the scourge have literally been coming out of the woodwork.

The first time we hit the suicide jackpot was, of course… when Jim Jones decided to serve a cyanide-laced concoction of Kool-Aid to his entire congregation out in the wilds of Region One. Nine hundred and eighteen souls perished. The Government of the day, however, pointed out that none of the dead were Guyanese, so suicide wasn’t really a “Guyanese” problem. That wasn’t actually true, since suicide had been flourishing within the “Indian” section of the populace – since the days of indentureship.

In the colonial days, that – in and of itself – disqualified suicide from being a “national” problem.

The poor preparation of the cricket ground at the GCC, for instance, was much more pressing – and did secure the necessary funding and attention to rectify that sad condition. Nothing changed after independence – either in the absolute and relative numbers of suicide or the refusal to address it.

It’s quite ironic that the People’s Progressive Party has been labelled an “Indian” Party – but when in office for 23 years, also just didn’t really get serious about suicide. They did pretty much rehearsed what’s going on today…lots of talk, lots of studies, lot of groups organised – but very little money allocated to get the one programme that could’ve impacted on the ground – the Gatekeepers’ Programme. Whatever happened to the “National Secretariat on Suicide”?

Leslie Ramsammy, the then Health Minister, had to stand on his head to secure funding for Gatekeepers.

A

This was supposed to be deployed in the villages and communities where suicide was more prevalent. Its premises were quite simple. Suicide was a volitional act by people who were either depressed over some time or done impulsively.

With the impulsive suicides…there isn’t much anyone can do…aside from keeping poisons under lock and key.

But then what does one do with rope? But with the ones arising from depression, the Gatekeepers Programme trained laypersons to be on the lookout for telltale signs.

Or to be identified as persons who could offer some advice or counselling.

So why don’t all the groups springing up like jumbie umbrellas keep more “gates” and have less releases in the papers?

Especially with those posed pics. …to kill growth industries One of the Achilles heels of the communist/socialist experiment was spending too much time distributing the pie, and too little time making the pie grow. It never became a win-win situation. Now this isn’t a matter of theory – we were plunged into the experiment in 1970 with the launch of our “cooperative” Republic. And we imploded like a Death Star!

It’s clear some folks in the present Administration want us to retrace that path. They shut down Leonora Estate then; let’s close Wales Estate then. We’ll diversify out of sugar then; let’s diversify out of sugar now. Cancel the rice market with leftist Cuba then; cancel it with Venezuela now. Build houses…give out land and equipment…open up for “small contractors”, focus on “education” etc…etc.

All for “the boys”, of course.

But do nothing to encourage business to expand or be launched to expand the economic base and to create jobs.

Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose. For the worse. …in banks Have you seen the profits our banks are making? But where are those profits coming from if the economy’s doing so badly? Check out the notice that the Government’s buying Gy$5,000,000,000 in T-Bills and you’ll get a clue.

La Penitence Public Road 1912 (Guyana Gallery)

Star of the week

G Postcard showing St George's Cathedral 1951 (Guyana Gallery)

udakesh Motie is a popular name in Guyana's youth cricket history, having represented the country at the Under-15 and Under-19 levels for several years. When he started as a national player in 2007 at the tender age of 12, Motie was barely above the height of the stumps. Now at 20, the left-arm spinner is a towering figure, measuring close to six feet. The former West Indies Under-19 selectee has been a bright prospect ever since his induction at the Albion Community Centre, and late last year, he was drafted into the senior Guyana team. He immediately made an impact, claiming 34 wickets from the first five matches of the PCL Four-day competition. Motie is currently the leading wicket-taker in that competition, which is set to resume next month. He also made his List A debut for Guyana Jaguars this year, also claiming wickets in a demonstration of his adaptability to the various formats of the game. (Photo by Marceano Narine. Text by Avenash Ramzan)

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

By Petamber Persaud

S

lade Hopkinson was a man of many parts: New Amsterdam, Berbice, Georgetown, Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and North America; parts of the world in which he lived and left his inimitable imprint. Parts he played in the world as head teacher, university lecturer, journalist, poet, actor, playwright and painter.

And that’s only part of the story; he also played a part in producing the Caribbean first sci-fi writer, Nalo Hopkinson.

Hopkinson would have played a more meaningful part in the arts and literature of Guyana if the country had proper dialysis treatment to offer him while he was here during the late 1960s. But we are mindful if his brief teaching stint at the University of Guyana and his contribution to literature. And the government of the day showed its appreciation by facilitating the publishing of some of his work.

During this short sojourn in his homeland, he found himself caught up in two informal groups – one discussing politics and the other literature. The latter group included Milton Vishnu Williams, the Carter brothers - Martin and Jerome, Ivan Van Sertima, Wilson Harris and Sydney Singh, surveyor, writer and critic.

A political creature, the blurb of “Snowscape with Signature”, describes him as a “pre-eminent recorder of 20th century Caribbean upheaval”. In a note to the poem, “Guyana: Freedom Year”, he writes, “In the year 1962, all letters sent out by government departments in the then colony of British Guiana were stamped with the slogan “Freedom Year”, in anticipation of the achievement of independence.”

Abdur-Rahman Slade Hopkinson was born in New Amsterdam, Berbice, in the year 1934. His father, Leonard, was a well known barrister and his mother, Neibert, was a nurse and staunch Roman Catholic. Perhaps, it was this religious leaning that accounted for Slade Hopkinson going to St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School, Camp Street and Brickdam, and for him being more studious than

Abdhur Rahman Slade Hopkinson

athletic as Jerome Carter opined. Hopkinson later attended St. Stanislaus College for a short time.

After his father died, Hopkinson moved with his mother to Barbados in 1947. He completed his secondary school education at Harrison College. In 1952, he won an open scholarship to the University College of the West Indies in Jamaica where he gained a B. A. and a Dip. Ed. He played an active role in the university theatre, leaving an indelible mark on the drama fraternity with his remarkable performance in ‘Lear’.

While in Jamaica, he met his wife, Freda, worked as a teacher, newspaper editor and information officer for the government of that country.

Hopkinson started writing at university.

According to Mervyn Morris, Hopkinson was “already a serious poet” when they met in the early fifties. “The Four and other poems”, his first collection, was published in Barbados in 1954. Two years later, his poetry was featured in Edna Manley’s ‘Focus’ which was quite an achievement in those days.

His poems found their way into other significant outlets like Bim, Caribbean Quarterly, Caribbean

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Voices, The Gleaner, Breaklight, Savacou, Commonwealth Poems of Today and New Voices of the Commonwealth.

In 1962, he moved to Trinidad with his wife and first child where he joined Derek Walcott’s Trinidad Theatre Workshop. As his wont, wherever he went, he left a greater mark on the society with his acting. This time it was playing the celebrated Corporal Lestrade in Walcott’s “Dream on Monkey Mountain”.

It was during the sixties, he became a Muslim, reflected in his later writing.

Wanting to do something meaningful in drama for the region, Hopkinson founded the Caribbean Theatre Guild in 1970, but increasing kidney failure truncated his theatrical endeavours.

Back in Guyana, he tried to beat the odds in order to give back something more tangible to the society that spawned him. According to Ingrid Fung, during the mid-seventies, he had to abort a theatre workshop for teachers he was running.

Despite his failing health, he managed to put together two collections of poems, “The Madwoman of Papine” and “The Friend”. Both books were published by Curriculum Development Centre, Ministry of Education & Social Development in 1976.

In 1977, he was appointed Vice-Consul of Guyana to Canada, a country of where he eventually became a citizen.

His plays include “Sala” and “The Long Vacation”. His short story, “Marcus Aurelius and the Transatlantic Baakoo” was published in the “Faber Book of Modern Caribbean Short Stories”.

Slade Hopkinson died in 1993, the same year his collection of poems, “Snowscape with Signature” was published. A man of many parts, he left his signature everywhere he went.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com What’s Happening “An Introduction to Guyanese Literature”

by Petamber Persaud is now available at Austin’s Bookstore and the National Library.

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

This week's Crossword

This week's Puzzle

see solution on page 47

…with the rules of engagement he Government has placed itself on the backfoot from the moment the APNU/AFC coalition took office. Shall we count the ways?

Prezzie breaking the pre-nup Cummingsburg Accord with his erstwhile partner Nagamootoo? Traducing the 100-day completion of 21 promises in their Manifesto? Filling their pockets with obscene pay raises? Appointment of ethnically and gender-skewed Cabinet and Boards?? Your Eyewitness will stop there…he so hates lists.

Yet we hear – in whinging tones – “the PPP is playing politics” when they point out Government’s innumerable faux pas. So what’s an opposition to do in a parliamentary democracy? Just show up at Parliament and enjoy the Gy$1.7M of food and drinks that’s served every sitting? Hey, the rules of the game evolved over centuries and we’ve now had fifty years to make adjustments.

And we have! Remember when Burnham changed the term “Opposition” to “Minority” – just to gloat in the irony of him getting into Government through electoral fraud? Well, the return to an “Opposition” was well debated before being reinstated back in 2000. In fact, not long after, newbie PNC MP Raphael Trotman took time out to describe the functions of the Opposition.

“Oppose, Expose, and Depose” the Government – which just happened to be the PPP, he crowed. And lo and behold, his leader Desmond Hoyte launched the “slow fyaah, mo fyaah” strategy to do just that. That he failed is no testament to the deadly serious efforts expended to meet their goals. To march in the streets while sticking pins into white dolls – and muttering “Wuk pon them!!” was just the tip of the iceberg.

So here it is, the Government shuts down an entire sugar estate – Wales – with not even a word from the Minister of Agri or the President uttered.

And the PPP wasn’t supposed to say anything? The Government still hasn’t announced what it’ll do with all those drained and irrigated lands, and the PPP’s not supposed to say anything? Like we said earlier, your Eyewitness doesn’t like lists… so he’ll stop here.

Fact of the matter, the PPP hasn’t been nearly as aggressive as it should be when it comes to playing the role of an opposition in a parliamentary democracy. In any other country when the Government of the day throws 1700 persons out onto the street, without any hope of alternative employment, folks would’ve been storming the barricades outside Parliament.

And as the editorial of the newspaper pointed out, to invoke the false equivalencies of Diamond and LBI is just to add salt into an open wound of sugar workers.

Let’s practise some real Opposition politics! Strike then with the rod of correction! …and strangling democracy While we’re on the whining of the Government about PPP “playing politics” – could they extract the plank from their eye and explain exactly what they were doing when they prevented a debate in Parliament on the closure of Wales? They made an Executive Decision that’ll affect 20,000+ persons on the West Bank of Demerara…refuse to hear what those people have to say – and also refuse to hear what the representatives of those people have to say – with no debate?

The entire edifice of parliamentary democracy is built on a principle so old it was articulated in Latin: “auditor et alters pars” – the other side MUST be heard. There’s no democracy when this principle is violated. The irony, of course, is that even Burnham, during his rigged dictatorship, used to acknowledge this principle.

Not that the Opposition could do anything but talk…but at least he genuflected. And even that this Government refuses to do. …with declarations Guyanese love their gold bling. Was a time when it was an “Indian-Guyanese” thing…but that was “laang time”. Now when flying the rule is you gotta declare more than US$10,000 in cash. And suddenly they’re including jewellery?

What happened to ex-post facto laws being unconstitutional?

T

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

O

ver the centuries, stained glass windows were used predominantly in churches throughout the world, but were also found in wealthy domestic settings and public buildings such as town halls. The purpose of stained glass windows in a church was both to enhance the beauty of their setting and to inform the viewer through narrative or symbolism.

In Guyana, this valuable aspect of our religious heritage remains intact, but not many know, or want to know, of its history. Some of these ecclesiastical stained glass windows date back to

alised by the famous stained glass window with a depiction of Jesus Christ praying in the garden immediately after the Last Supper before his conviction. This popular scene identifies this as the place of prayer as Gethsemane.

Established in the 19th century, the Roman Catholic Church of Ascension, located in New Amsterdam, came from humble beginnings in the year 1836.

Although it faced many challenges, the church established a permanent structure that is still enjoyed today. This Roman-styled structure is 84ft by 28ft and supports a beautifully crafted ceilIn sunlight, a kaleidoscope of colours are reflected through stories of the Crucifixion and the Ascension, among others, at St George's Cathedral

A section of the stained window in St Andrew's Kirk Church, Georgetown

the early 1800s.

The 19th century Gothic Revivalstyle St Andrew’s Kirk Church, with the standard features such as a central nave flanked on either side by an aisle and tower with spire over the sanctuary, is reputedly the oldest ecclesiastical structure located in the city of Georgetown. It was officially opened for public worship on September 27, 1818. Gracing the centre of the eastern wall, over the altar area, is a magnificent stained-glass window depicting the Ascension (the bodily rising of Jesus into heaven). It was unveiled in 1912 in memory of one of St Andrew’s great ruling elders, Patrick Playfair Fairbain, who died in 1910.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana was founded on October 15, 1743. Even though the church, located in New Amsterdam, was established in 1743, it was not until around 1752 that the first sanctuary was built.

John Mittelholzer served the church from 1878-1913. His legacy is memori-

ing. The church boasts 50 exquisite stained glass windows. The most notable stained glass window, which was donated and unveiled by the Mendonca family on Christmas Eve in 1925, had replaced a painting done by Carrie Gomes depicting the ‘Ascension’ and was subsequently moved to the back of the altar.

Sir Arthur Blomfield is credited with designing the St George’s Cathedral, reputedly the world’s tallest wooden building of its time. Of the most outstanding features of the building, the stained glass windows are ranked among those which function as an energy saving mechanism that allows light into the building and also an admirable piece of art. In the sunlight, myriad colours are reflected through stories of Jesus’ crucifixion and ascension, among others. Consisting of two rows of six windows, the east window was donated by the McConnell family.

The plan for the St Peter’s Church, located in Leguan, Essequibo, was

Stained glass window at All Saints Anglican Church, New Amsterdam

done by colonial civil engineer John Frederick Bourne. The foundation stone for the present brick structure was laid in 1855. At the left of the north-western entrance stands a detached bell tower. The windows are pointed and are filled with handsome stained glass. Imported from London, the seven windows on the apse depict the life of St Peter. Those in the nave contain flowered quarrels and roses with rich borders. This church, with its lower tiled sanctuary, massive brick work and stained windows, testify to the artistry and craftsmanship of Guyanese builders.

The All Saints Anglican Church was founded in 1839. The main section of the building is constructed of wood with gothic arched windows topped with a tower. Queen Victoria donated $750 for the purchase of a painted glass window for the east end of the church. This stained-glass panel to the left depicts St George and the central panel represents Jesus in his ascended glory. The right side panel shows St Patrick. Reverend George Spencer described these windows as being oneof-a-kind in Guyana, and even the Caribbean. (Information by National Trust of Guyana)

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Indian family in crisis

A

By: RYHAAN SHAH

t a recent occasion to celebrate the Indian Diaspora, I spoke about the crisis in the Indian Guyanese family, meaning both the larger community and the individual Indian family. I referred to the recent spate of suicides, the murdered and the murderers, and the degeneracy that has replaced those good values of hard work, sacrifice, and decency.

Fifty years and more of continued migration has resulted in a breakdown in the extended family system and the values that created strong bonds of kin-

ship like the jahaji bonds that helped our fore-parents survive the journey across the kalapani and settling in the new world.

One of the perennial scourges of Indian communities has been alcoholism and specifically rum drinking which has even become a rite of passage for young men who need to have a boast about how much liquor they can hold.

The historical ties of drinking rum and cutting cane are well known. How much it was actually encouraged by the colonial masters with strategically placed rum shops by the estates’ gates and how much it was needed by the men to actually get through the brutal labour can be argued but what is clear is that the addiction has become a cultural fixture, and has spread to every other occupation.

A good number of carpenters, businessmen, farmers and professionals, including women, are alcoholics and the addiction, like all addictions, has a debilitating effect not only on the addicts’ life but on their families’ as well.

Ill health leads to early death and increased impoverishment and hardship for the families involved.

None of this is news to anyone yet no social or medical outreach programmes have ever been undertaken by any government agency to address this problem.

By ignoring it, successive governments can be accused of actually encouraging alcoholism and the degeneracy of a population pool that, being drunk, poor, and ignorant, can be easily led and manipulated.

Today other drugs have entered the picture and young people have added marijuana and cocaine to the mix. The Bush Lot murder accused, Gocoul Madanpaul and Rooplall Abrahim, are said to be habitual drug users.

Perhaps, they were also part of the growing number of Indian Guyanese children who drop out of high school or never attend primary school and end up illiterate – this because of absent or unconcerned parents. Their prospects for gainful employment being lessened, they become ideal fodder for the cycle of crime and drug use.

The post-independence politics of Guyana

is the main cause for our migration or flight.

Guyana itself is broken by fifty years of political horrors and mismanagement.

What started as a trickle in the 1960s became a flood during the Burnham years of the 1970s and 1980s and continued during the PPP’s 23-year regime. Families settled in New York and Toronto and the rest have been following ever since. They left for a better life and with the return of the PNC and its blatant anti-Indian policies, the migration will continue as will the brokenness.

A renewed sense of despair seems to have taken hold and it might be no surprise that a few take the idea of flight to the ultimate level of escape and end their life.

Suicide can be a result of depression, high levels of frustration or a sense of hopelessness and the recent spate could also have resulted from the Werther effect, or copycatting, where suicidal behaviour is induced by media reports that make it appear acceptable and the best way to resolve problems.

Some contend that many who turn to suicide do not fully grasp the finality of the act, or believe that it is like a Romeo and Juliet drama that mimic Hollywood and Bollywood scripts where the hero and heroine die in a calm, romanticised glow.

The reality is that death by poison is agonisingly slow and painful. In a death by hanging, the neck is broken and separated from the spinal cord. This is excruciatingly painful. To plunge yourself over a precipice must be a harrowing experience. It takes several seconds to reach the rocks below, time enough to regret the plunge.

Most survivors of a suicide attempt never try it again. Perhaps, the agony of the pain involved is deterrent enough; and survivors also accept professional and family help.

While the recent suicides have brought the issue back to the fore, the high numbers among Indian diaspora communities worldwide have long been identified.

Governmental programmes notwithstanding, we must also take responsibility and do our part to help restore the health and wellbeing of our communities.

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

C

a p t u r i n g Guyana’s beauty from the air and sharing it with others is what conservationist Annette Arjoon-Martins aims to do through her Facebook page Annette & Dave Martins: “Is We Own”.

The page showcases a collection of “captioned photographs revealing the beauty and soul of Guyana’s culture and its natural bounty”.

“The fact that we were being bombarded with daily doses of negative news, while not being in denial about its existence, I felt strongly that there was another face to Guyana that persons were not aware of that needed to be highlighted. I had a few good things going for me, such as a good camera, which I had taken some photographs over the past decade during my conservation journeys. I was afforded access to the interior through the generosity of my favourite local airline, Air Services Limited. I am also well connected to a certain Dave Martins of ‘Is We Own’ fame, which caused me to name our page exactly that,” Annette said in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, explaining what inspired her to start the page on Facebook.

Admitting to be-

Annette and Dave Martins

ing “technologically challenged”, Annette quipped that herself and Dave, her husband and popular Guyanese singer, were probably “the only two people in Guyana without Facebook pages”. She mentioned that she was “totally unaware of the magnitude of social media” and that the only reason she eventually set up a Facebook page was for “all the wrong reasons”, that is, to stay abreast of her children’s activities while they were at college.

“This was without realising that they had to accept my friend request first before I could have access to their she-

nanigans. Of course they both denied my access until much later. However, being on Facebook, I learned of the immense reach of social media and this propelled me to start posting some photos on Is We Own Facebook page in July 2015. Plus, I have an even larger family on Facebook than I could have imagined was possible,” she recalled.

The passionate conservationist’s intention is to bring our “country’s amazing interior to Guyanese who may not be able to afford seeing it” and for those who are coming for our 50th Independence Anniversary this year.

Annette added that she is targeting “regional and international visitors to let them know our tourism menu is much more than the usual popular tourist locations” and “exposing them to our rich indigenous cultures, stunning landscapes and un-spoilt regions, some of which are accessible only by helicopters”.

According to Annette, she has flown the length and breadth of Guyana so she knows the geography of the regions fairly well. Most importantly, the time she has spent over the years on the ground in Amerindian

lier post of the tree-lined avenue in Mabaruma and a pod of bottlenose dolphins cavorting in the Waini River got the most hits overnight. For the bottlenose dolphins, it was stunning to find out how many persons were unaware that we even have dolphins in Guyana. There are actually seven species. Some most common comments are, ‘Oh my! I never knew my country was so beautiful’ and ‘this is definitely on my list of places to visit on my next trip’. I love when I get parts of our national songs to describe some of my posts, such as ‘Oh

ones from Clairmonte Griffith who would give her info on places he has visited during the midcentury. Annette said “it’s a constant learning experience” for her.

“Now, I am super excited about editing the video footage taken with the Go Pro cameras and to post some of those, which I can guarantee will also give a totally new perspective to the same locations I captured with stills on the ground. I count myself so very fortunate to have footage from the length and breadth of our stunning country. By this I mean literally from the

Scenic view of Hope Beach koker

communities with her best friend, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, has given her invaluable knowledge of both indigenous cultures and the amazing landscapes, which are found in their backyards.

“So when I post a photograph, it’s of remote areas which are not on our tourist maps or seen in our tourism magazines and I know that I am exposing my audience to something new. Even a photograph of the same place is seen from a different perspective. A shining example of this was when my ear-

beautiful Guyana’, so I know that what I do is working,” she explained.

Starting out with a Canon camera during her early days, Annette mentioned that she later “got fancy with two Go Pros”, which are mounted in helicopters to capture stunning videos from a bird’s eye view.

Annette pointed out that this project has given her immense satisfaction because of the “awesome feedback” of those who are following her Facebook page. She added that she looks forward to people’s commentaries on her posts, such as

furthest reaches of our country in deep south, also known as Wai Wai territory, all the way to our Coast, and across from Berbice all the way to Mount Roraima. I can safely say that I have unparalleled footage, which is also a challenge because of having to find the time to edit properly.

I can assure you that it’s worth the wait!” Annette declared.

For more photos on Guyana captured on land and from the air, visit Annette & Dave Martins: “Is We Own” on Facebook. (Photos by Annette

Arjoon-Martins)

Stabroek Market from Demerara River

Breathtaking view of Kumarao Falls' second drop

Aerial shot of Georgetown Magistrates' Court

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Travel & tourism 41 Whitewater Falls

A

Scenic Whitewater Falls

trip to Bartica, Essequibo, will afford you the opportunity to witness the cascading beauty, Whitewater Falls.

The waterfall is located just opposite the newly opened Aruwai Whitewater Resort, located in the Cuyuni/ Mazaruni area.

Whitewater is a mesmerizing waterfall surrounded by lush forest teeming with wildlife. (Photos

by Marco Basir)

Water jets from the Falls

A stream meanders through rocks

Looking down the Falls

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com from page 30

items placed on a straight bamboo pole with the flag attached to the top, and planted in a hole filled with milk and other grains. This symbolises an upright human being, deeply rooted in spiritual values, filled with devotion and humility and intelligently making life choices that support a God-centered life.

The sindoor, according to Aditya, represents one’s identity. It was sindoor that Hanuman saw Seeta placing on her head and on enquiring, was told that it was a symbol of her complete loyalty and devotion to her husband, Sri Raam. Hanuman also rubbed his entire body with sindoor.

The ‘haldi’ or tumeric is a cleanser (of the body), as well as one of the roots with extremely high medicinal values. It signifies the need to keep the mind, thought, and body clean at all times.

Attar or fragrance represents removing bad odour, which can have a negative impact and distract

the mind from positivity.

A silver coin signifies material wealth. Hence, it is tied on the bamboo. It also signifies that man must strive to come out of all states of poverty and enjoy the pleasures of life, but at the same time not allow it to drag you away into the world of illusion or Maya.

Hence, older folks say to tie it strong with just one knot (traditional).

Rice on the bamboo reminds Hindus that no one can live without grains and to always ensure they have grains/food for sustenance.

The aarti is the final offering on the flag before its hoisted. It is where the Yagmaan pays his respect to that flag, which will serve as a daily reminder towards his duties to his God, himself and the community in which he serves. (Information contributed by Aditya Persaud) Jhandis are placed in front of homes

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Bajan AG: Economy poor excuse for growing ganja

A

ttorney General and Minister of Home Affairs Adriel Brathwaite has given a thumbs down to people who want to use current limited economic opportunities as an excuse to push the cultivation of marijuana, reports Barbados Nation.

“I don’t buy into that at all . . . indeed we all know that these drug traffickers might start with marijuana but they graduate to cocaine, to human smuggling.

One of the areas I have a serious passion for as a black man and a product of slavery, I feel very strongly that we need to eradicate human trafficking across the world and certainly across the region,” said Brathwaite at the opening of the 22nd annual Caribbean Regional Drug Commanders Training Conference at the Crane, St Philip yesterday for 26 agents to discuss the illegal drugs trade in the region.

Brathwaite also appealed to drug enforcement officers to maximise the use of their limited resources.

Spread of Zika alarming, 4 mln cases a possibility –WHO

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ENEVA – Zika virus – linked to severe birth defects in thousands of babies in Brazil – is spreading “explosively” and could affect as many as four million people in the Americas, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.

Director-General Margaret Chan told members of WHO’s executive board in Geneva that the spread of the mosquitoborne disease had gone from a mild threat to one of alarming proportions.

“Last year, the virus was detected in the Americas, where it is now spreading explosively.

As of today, cases have been reported in 23 countries and territories in the region,” she said, promising that the WHO would act fast.

Last year the United Nations’ health agency was criticised for reacting too slowly to West Africa’s Ebola epidemic, that killed more than 10,000 people, and promised to cut its response time.

“We are not going to wait for the science to tell us there is a link (with birth defects). We need to take actions now,” she said.

There is no vaccine or treatment for Zika, which is like dengue and causes mild fever, rash and red eyes. An estimated 80 percent of people infected have no symptoms.

Director-General Margaret Chan

Chan said the WHO will convene an emergency committee meeting on Feb. 1 to help determine its response level.

“The level of alarm is extremely high,” Chan told WHO executive board members at a meeting in Geneva.

Brazil’s Health Ministry said in November that Zika is linked to a foetal deformation known as microcephaly, in which infants are born with abnormally small heads and brains.

As the virus spreads from Brazil, other countries in the Americas are likely to see cases of babies with Zika-linked birth defects, the head of WHO’s Americas regional office told Reuters today.

Brazil has reported 3,893 suspected cases of microceph-

aly, the WHO said last week, more than 30 times more than in any year since 2010 and equivalent to 1-2 percent of all newborns in the state of Pernambuco, one of the worsthit areas.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff said yesterday that the country must wage war against the mosquito that spreads the virus, focusing on eliminating the insect’s breeding grounds.

The WHO’s Chan said that while a direct causal relationship between Zika virus infection and birth malformations has not yet been established, it is “strongly suspected”.

“The possible links, only recently suspected, have rapidly changed the risk profile of Zika from a mild threat to one

of alarming proportions,” she said.

Health and law expert Lawrence Gostin of Georgetown University, who had urged the WHO to act, welcomed Chan’s decision to convene an expert meeting, saying in a statement that it was “a critical first step in recognizing the seriousness of an emerging epidemic.”

The U.S. National Institutes of Health’s Anthony Fauci, who helped brief U.S. President Barack Obama on Zika this week, said that federal health agencies were watching Zika but do not anticipate a major outbreak there.

“We will see little minioutbreaks like in Florida or in Texas that can be well-controlled with mosquito vector control. Hopefully, we will not see anything worse than that,” he told CBS News in an interview.

Asked about the risks for those travelling to Brazil for the summer Olympics, Fauci said aggressively controlling mosquitoes there “is probably the best way”.

WHO’s assistant directorgeneral, Bruce Aylward, said that part of the reason for convening Monday’s expert meeting was to ensure that states do not impose any “inappropriate trade” or travel restrictions on affected countries.

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46 feature

H

ardcore outdoor challenges tourism appeals to tourists seeking adventure and Guyana is just the place to experience it.

Guyana’s layout of rolling savannahs and highlands offers new tourism opportunities.

Director General of the Tourism Ministry, Donald Sinclair, in

“Guyana has great potential for the visitor who wants hard adventure. Biking is one area.

Hiking is another, because a lot of our terrain is rugged. We have mountainous terrain.

We have hills and for example, if we take the resort, Arrowpoint Resort, there is a nature trail there which has a good

WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sinclair pointed out.

This area is made up of savannahs and rainforests and is located in the Southern part of Guyana.

He further stated that the Visit Rupununi Organisation aims to develop attractions in the area by developing the communities. This will strengthen the participation of the residents in

holders, including Government, the Private Sector, and representatives of 35 communities of the Rupununi.

Guyana’s flora and fauna and rich indigenous culture are also pull factors for eco-tourism, Sinclair highlighted. These, he said, relate to landscapes, birds, fishes, Amerindian cul-

Vehicles taking persons to enjoy the beauty of the South Rupununi

an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) indicated that this potential will be maximised.

According to Sinclair,

scope for biking, mountain biking and so on.”

The terrain of the Rupununi also offers exciting opportunities for that kind of tourism,

growing and marketing the Rupununi.

The Visit Rupununi Organisation was launched in 2015 and comprises several stake-

ture, foods and a whole range of exciting opportunities.

Hardcore tourism is discovering areas through the most intense, rewarding and strenuous way possible.

Community-based tourism and eco-tourism will also be examined and promoted.

Eco-tourism involves travelling to relatively undisturbed natural areas with the objective of admiring, studying, and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any cultural features found in Guyana’s hinterland.

S

atiricus had been upset. Very upset. “I can’t believe Guyanese bad minded so,” he’d fumed to himself. He’d been thinking about all the fuss the chatterati had made about Rum Jhaat and the Jaguar skin he’d nailed to his office wall. Well… all of that would change now, wouldn’t it?

Satiricus had been reading about the Jaguars killing out the sheep and goats of the good people of Mainstay, Tapacuma and Lima Sands over in the Cinderella County. Satiricus was waiting for all those tree-hugging bleeding hearts who’d given Rum Jhaat hell… to speak up now. So what would they advise those poor farmers? Go hug the Jaguars?

Did they care that when these Jaguars were finished with the lake people they’ll move to the coast? There those poor people are already suffering with their rice coming out of their ears.

Rice, rice everywhere… and not a grain being sold.

Satiricus had spoken to his grand uncle at Charity and the poor fella had told him in a quaking voice, “Abee na come out abee house. Abee friken dem jaguar too bad!”

He said his neighbours all along the Coast were all demanding that Rum Jhaat come right over to Essequibo to get rid of these man killers! Hadn’t Pressie just announced that, unlike his Budday Nagga Man who could fly around adding to global warming with all his talking – he had a LINE responsibility – which was “National Security”?

Wasn’t Essequibo part of the nation? Or were they giving it over to Maduro?

His uncle then continued with his clinching point, “Rum Jhaat gat experience fuh kill Jaguars, bai. When he been a campaign he tell abee how he kill wan Jaguar wid he bare hands when he bin wan lil bai.”

Satiricus told his uncle he wasn’t too sure.

“These Ministers are BIG people, you know Unk… they busy!”

His uncle snorted so hard, Satiricus thought he was having a stroke. But then his Uncle said, “Busy? Bai, a wha wraang wid yuh? You na hear dem tek he Tax Paper? If you think abee rice farmers ah cheat pan tax… yuh na see Rum Jhaat tax return. Dem shut he up and he na gat nothing fuh do!!”

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S

atiricus was upset at the way his favourite paper was claiming his favourite politician, the Nagga Man, was being “emasculated”. Satiricus didn’t know what the word meant – so he looked it up and discovered it was the same thing his father used to do to the bulls on the farm that he didn’t want to bother the cows.

Those bulls began to act real weird!

Anyhow Satiricus was happy Nagga Man’s water boy, Iman, put the rumours to rest. In fact Iman revealed that Nagga Man hasn’t not only been emasculated, he’d been given a whole lot of other powers that made him even more a man. A bigger man. And of course, totally coincidentally Iman would also be a bigger man by reflection. More water to carry.

The biggest “bigging up” was to place Nagga Man in charge of “Info”. This of course was a big boost – since way back in 1992, he’d been given the same job by his hero Hagan. Just to have the job Hagan had given him was worth more than silver and gold – not to mention the power to nominate Cabinet Ministers, which had been promised him.

With the power over Info, Nagga Man could now harangue even younger cub reporters when the new Budget was being presented. Iman could also leak stuff to the blogosphere. Parliamentary “leadership” was another “blue pill” given to increase Nagga Man’s manhood. Never mind every Prime Minister before him had played that ceremonial role and the Chief Whip held the real power.

Nagga Man was also now “co-chairing” the cabinet meetings. Pressie had determined that “chairing” was unconstitutional but “co-chairing” was not. Nagga Man was also in charge of Constitutional change and had promised Pressie the first change would be to confirm that “co-chairing” actually was better than “chairing”.

“And now I hope Nagga Man will be seen as the most powerful man in the Cabinet,” thought Satiricus. “And Iman is seen as the most powerful water boy”.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Damalle Jackman

By Treiston Joseph

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ulchritudinous, young and business savvy are three terms you hardly find in one sentence to describe one individual.

Yet, Damalle Jackman, the owner of the new fashion business Indulgence, which is located at 24 Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown, embodies all of those terms.

A trained immigration officer, Jackman also known as “Mallie” decided to venture into the world of business with her own clothing store specifically aimed at females of all sizes at the tender age of 23, instead of settling for a steady pay cheque.

Jackman shared with Guyana Times International her impetus to venture out as a young entrepreneur.

“I chose to become an entrepreneur mainly because I believed in selfdevelopment, if you want better then you have to work towards your goals and dreams and I really just want to establish myself as a unique force.

“Fashion is one of my passions; that is why I chose the clothing business… there is always the need for clothes so while there a lot of stores in this field. I still believe that I can make an impact and be different in this type of market,” Jackman stated.

Coming from a background where the value of money and various life values were taught to both her and her brother from a very young age. Jackman highlighted that it was definitely a good feeling to have her own business at this point in her life.

“I mean my mom has taught me well and this whole process has been a learning experience for me as an individual, I mean from coming up with a unique name for the business, get-

ting a good location, colour coding, finding dedicated construction workers and overseeing your job getting completed to the standards you desire could be a bit frustrating but it taught me patience,” Jackman highlighted.

The St Stanislaus graduate also noted that the procedure with regard to registering the business was a bit “tumultuous”.

With all of those experiences, Jackman envisions expanding the store not just to numerous locations but also internally to various departments.

“For now I am focusing on the females, but I also want to include males and maybe a kids

right now it is about establishing my brand,” Jackman noted.

She is confident that she can thrive in Guyana’s tough business market, “I view the market as very competitive especially in my field, but I’m positive and I believe I provide women with a sense of style that is not seen here and I think you always have to believe that you are different and try to help your customers see that they are getting not just something unique but something different as well,” Jackman posited.

The young entrepreneur, who also has aspirations of entering the Miss Guyana World Pageant, shared important factors for being successful.

“Some of the lessons

tain a great relationship with customers.

“I’ve also grown in the aspect of my determination: I’ve learnt to be strong and have grown to be knowledgeable enough to know that success is never an option, it’s a must,” the 23-year-old told Guyana Times International.

Moreover, the former Immigration Officer, who is also learning to play the violin, believes that all young people should aspire to great things. “Since establishing Indulgence I’m pretty much contented with the support and sales I’ve received. I see it developing as I continue to provide unique and quality clothing.

“I also believe that as a young person, you just have to aspire to

Some of the pieces offered by Indulgence

section to really boost sales.

“One of the things I thought about is opening another location, but

I’ve learnt is to really be humble, persistent, treat customers the way I would like to be treated… to have and main-

do great things and find your purpose, and I truly believe that this is the start of great things to come.”

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‘I am a huge fan of Katrina Kaif’: Abhishek Kapoor

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ilmmaker Abhishek Kapoor, who has directed Katrina Kaif for the first time in his film “Fitoor”, says he is a huge fan of the actress.

“I am a huge fan of Katrina as she works with so much of sincerity and gives her heart and soul to each and every character that she portrays,” Abhishek told reporters in a group interview.

“Also, she tries to prove all her critics wrong through her hard work. What more can she do as an actress? I am happy with Katrina’s work,” Abhishek said.

“Fitoor” is an adaptation of

Charles Dickens classic novel “Great Expectations” and will have Katrina playing Firdaus, while Aditya Roy Kapur will portray the character of Noor.

Asked what prompted him to make this film, Abhishek said: “I have never attempted a love story. I read this book long time back and felt this is a story Indian audiences would love to watch.

There is old school romance, pure love and heart break in it.”

The film also stars Tabu, Aditi Rao Hydari, Lara Dutta and Rahul Bhatt.

“Fitoor” will hit the theatres on February 12. (Indian Express)

ctor Akshay Kumar, who has over millions of well-wishers across India, credits his fans for making an actor a “star”.

“What I have understood with these many years in the industry is that an actor is a star because of his (or her) fans and should do anything in power to entertain viewers,” Akshay said in a statement.

Akshay added that when he joined the Hindi film fraternity, he “didn’t have much of a choice.

“All I was ever really good at was stunts as I had to make my mark.

That was what I focused on the most,” he said.

The “Khiladi” actor added that he doesn’t take things for granted and has gone through highs and lows in his over a decade long movie career.

“There was a time when I delivered 14 flops in a row. I was down in the dumps, and suddenly the 15th film worked and then there were 16 films which were box office hits,” he said.

Akshay is known for action film as well as comedy movies like “Singh Is King” and “Welcome”.

The actor feels great to know the audiences love the movies he does and adds that he likes doing films which offer “wholesome entertainment to the entire family”.

“There is lot of hard work put in by a lot of people to make the movie and bring it to audiences.

I like doing film which offer wholesome entertainment to the entire family, and the ‘Singh’ series is a perfect blend of comedy, romance, action and a lot of masti!” the “Baby” star.”

The “Khiladi” star shared that he requested his co-star Lara Dutta Bhupathi to be a part of “Singh Is Bliing”, which will be aired on Zee Cinema on January 30.

“I love working with Lara. In fact I had requested her to do ‘Singh Is Bliing’ which she obliged. And her performance is flawless in the movie as usual,” he said.

(Indian Express)

Sonam Kapoor is lively, cheerful What was banned in India, recognised globally: Resul Pookutty and an optimist as Neerja in ‘Jeeta Hai Chal’ song

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ne of the most awaited films of this year, ‘Neerja’ starring Sonam Kapoor recently released its song ‘Jeete Hai Chal’.

Spreading positive vibes and showcasing a really optimistic person on screen, the song is here to give you goose bumps leaving you acquainted with an on screen character who gains courage out of her fear.

The song has been sung by Kavita Seth, Prasoon Joshi has penned down the inspiring lyrics and the music

R has been composed by Vishal Khurana.

Directed by Ram Madhvani, ‘Neerja’ is based on the heroic story of Neerja Bhanot who sacrificed her life while

saving passengers from terrorists on board the hijacked Pan Am Flight 73 on 5 September 1986.

The film will release on February 19. (Indian Express)

Bhumi Pednekar feels Bollywood’s love for ‘honest’ talent

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or fans of Hindi film “Dum Laga Ke Haisha”, Bhumi Pednekar is etched in their memories as the smart plus-sized Sandhya. But the actress, who now looks almost unrecognisable in her fit avatar, says she’s glad that Bollywood accepts “honest talent”, size notwithstanding.

“Dum Laga Ke Haisha”, in which she landed a role by chance, required Bhumi — a casting assistant herself back then — to gain over 20 kg. She did, and carried out the endearing role so effortlessly that she has just won a Filmfare Award for her performance.

Asked if Bollywood favours women of a certain weight and size, Bhumi told IANS over phone from Mumbai: “I think today a lot of attention has gone from what you look like physically. I think it existed a few years ago… there has been a very evident change in the kind of cinema our audiences are liking.”

“I think people are accepting (actors with) different body types today…

I don’t think the idea of size zero exists any more.

People just want to be fit.”

Now ready with her second film “Manmarziyan”, Bhumi hopes the audiences can relate to the change in

her frame.

“As actors, you just perform your character and I feel if you do it with honesty, the audience will instantly connect with you. That’s my attempt this time as well (for ‘Manmarziyan’).”

Bhumi also clarified that her weight loss was “always the plan”, and not a “requirement” for her second film.

“I had gained a certain amount of weight for my character and the moment I was done, I had to be back to being Bhumi. This (weight loss) was something I had already done and then ‘Manmarziyan’ came my way,” she said. (Indian Express)

esul Pookutty has scored two nominations at the Motion Picture Sound Editors’ 63rd Annual Golden Reel Awards this year for “Unfreedom” and “India’s Daughter” – films which have been banned in India. The Oscar-winning sound designer says the recognition outside India tells that “we have to keep our mind open as artists”.

“Unfreedom”, a film on homosexuality, was nominated in Feature Film – Foreign Film (Sound Effects, Foley, Dialogue and ADR) category. Directed

by Raj Amit Kumar, the film was banned in India due to its bold scenes.

Leslee Udwin’s controversial BBC documentary “India’s Daughter” received the nomination in the Television – Short Form, Documentary category.

The documentary was about the gang-

rape of 23-year-old trainee physiotherapist Jyoti, who was brutally assaulted on December 16, 2012 in a moving bus in Delhi.

Having won an Oscar for “Slumdog Millionaire” in 2009, Pookutty feels that “Work that spoke through the heart, is being recognised by the people.”

“The recognition outside India simply tells us that we have to keep our mind open as artists. I am getting messages from all over the world that we have not seen this work in India but it’s being recognised outside. That is something that our policymakers need to think about,” Pookutty told IANS over the phone from Mumbai.

Dedicating his nomination to Jyoti, Pookutty said that her parents have behaved more wisely than the most educated people in the country.

Sharing his sentiments over the nominations, Pookutty, who has also worked on films like “Black” and “Everybody Says I’m Fine!”, said that he hopes to win at least one award and that will give a huge boost to Indian sound professionals.

Winners of Motion Picture Sound Editors’ 63rd annual Golden Reel Awards will be announced on February 27. (Indian Express)

Airlift box office collections: Akshay Kumar starrer collects Rs. 72.50 cr in five days

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ollywood superstar Akshay Kumar’s ‘Airlift’ has collected a whopping Rs 72.50 crore in five days of its release. The movie, which opened last Friday, has seen a jump in its collections on a daily basis.

Airlift had collected Rs. 12.35 cr. on its opening day and earned Rs. 14.60 cr on the second day. The third day’s collections were even higher as it grossed Rs. 17.35 cr on the final day of the opening weekend. The collections went down to Rs. 10.40 cr on the fourth day. But the film witnessed a stupen-

dous rise in its collections of Day 5 – January 26.

The collections on day five were Rs. 17.80 cr and the film is now headed to enter the Rs 100 crore club soon.

Airlift tells how the Indian government evacuation of 170,000 people of Indian origin and also of other nationalities through 488 flights during the Iraq-Kuwait war.

The film, which has Nimrat Kaur in the lead opposite Akshay, has been appreciated by the fans and critics alike.

(Indian Express)

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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ction star Sylvester Stallone has been announced as this year’s recipient of the Santa Barbara Film Festival’s Montecito Award.

Given to “a person in the entertainment industry who has made a great contribution to film”, it will be presented at a tribute and ceremony February 9 at the Arlington Theatre, reported Deadline.

“Sylvester Stallone’s performance in Creed has reminded us of what a true talent he is and what a joy it is to share in his successes as the many beloved characters he has created…

“He is a true legend in our field, and it is our privilege to present

“F

ast and Furious 8” crew has reportedly planned to film a scene involving the “largest explosion” ever in Iceland.

Director F Gary Gray will partly film

him with the Montecito Award, and to continue to honour his legacy,” said SBIFF executive director Roger Durling.

Stallone, 69, is one of only six people in Academy history to be nominated for playing the same role in two dif-

“Fast and Furious 8” in Arkanes, Iceland. The Town’s Mayor, Regina Asvaldsdottir, confirmed the report and said that Vin Diesel and the film crew members would arrive in April, reported Aceshowbiz.

ferent films.

Past recipients of the Montecito Award include Jennifer Aniston, Oprah Winfrey, Daniel DayLewis, Geoffrey Rush, Julianne Moore, Kate Winslet, Javier Bardem, Bill Condon and Naomi Watts. (Indian Express)

As Universal Pictures stated earlier, the studio “is currently in the process of seeking approval from the United States and Cuban governments to explore shooting a portion of the next installment of the ‘Fast & Furious’ series in Cuba.”

The majority of filming, however, will take place in New York and Atlanta.

In “Fast 8”, Diesel will reprise his role as Dominic Toretto.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Jason Statham and Kurt Russell also star in the movie. The street-racing movie will be released in North America on April 14, 2017. (Indian Express)

Alicia Vikander’s character in Bourne 5 is ‘action-driven’

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licia Vikander says her role in the upcoming film "Bourne 5" is "actiondriven".

Actress Alicia Vikander says her role in the upcoming film “Bourne 5” is “actiondriven”.

The 27-year-old actress is the newest addition to the film starring Matt Damon is the lead role with Paul Greengrass to the director the project, reported

B

radley Cooper’s look-alike has been attending star-studded parties at the Sundance film festival by using actor’s name.

For two nights in a row, doppelganger of

The Wrap.

“I’m not doing the conventional action, but I’m very action-driven in this film. But it’s not in the way most people

the 41-year-old actor, crashed events, including, the official Morris from America after party at Bar 53 at Rock & Reilly’s, and 50 Bleu Lounge, reported People magazine.

The man used a pic-

would think,” Vikander said.

Apart from the “The Danish Girl” star, actor Tommy Lee Jones, Vincent Cassel, and Riz Ahmed are also on board.

The filming on the project is already underway, with the target of summer release. This will be the first time that we have seen Damon take on the role of Jason Bourne since “The Bourne Ultimatum” back in 2007. (Indian Express)

ture from Cooper’s 2009 film “The Hangover” as identification and said, “You’re done for!” when approached by security.

The actor is not even attending the cinematic event at the Park City, Utah. (Indian express)

C

haracter actor Abe Vigoda, whose leathery, sunken-eyed face made him ideal for playing the over-the-hill detective Phil Fish in the 1970s TV series “Barney Miller” and the doomed Mafia soldier in “The Godfather,” died at age 94.

Vigoda’s daughter, Carol Vigoda Fuchs, told The Associated Press that Vigoda died January 26 morning in his sleep at Fuchs’ home in Woodland Park, New Jersey. The cause of death was old age. “This man was never sick,” Fuchs said.

His death brought to an end years of questions on whether he was still alive sparked by a false report of his death more than three decades ago.

Though Vigoda took it in stride, the question of whether he was dead or alive became something of a running joke: There was even a website devoted to answering the much-Googled question, “Is Abe Vigoda dead?”

(Yesterday, it had been updated with “Yes,” with the date of his death.)

Vigoda worked in relative obscurity as a supporting actor in the New York theatre and in television until Francis Ford Coppola cast him in the 1972 Oscar-winning “The Godfather.”

Vigoda played Sal Tessio, an old friend of Vito Corleone’s (Marlon Brando) who hopes to take over the family after Vito’s death by killing his son Michael Corleone (Al Pacino).

But Michael anticipates that Sal’s suggestion for a “peace summit” among crime families is a setup and the escorts Sal thought were taking him to the meeting turn out to be his executioners.

“Tell Mike it was only business,” Sal mutters to consigliere Tom Hagen, played by Robert Duvall, as he’s led away. In a statement, Duvall said yesterday it was “great working with Abe in ‘The Godfather’ and wonderful to have him among us. We had some great memories together and he will really be missed.”

The great success of the film and “The Godfather Part II” made Vigoda’s face and voice, if not his name, recognisable to the general public and led to numerous roles, often as hoodlums. But it was his comic turn in “Barney Miller,” which starred Hal Linden and ran from 1975 to 1982, that brought Vigoda’s greatest recognition. (Indian Express)

Won once, so it can’t be racist: Whoopi Goldberg on Oscar row

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ddressing the ongoing diversity row at this year’s Oscars, veteran actress Whoopi Goldberg said the issue is not with the Academy, but real problem is the absence of black actors in leading film roles.

The 60-year-old actress was speaking at “The View” panel discussion centered on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and its pledge last Friday to double its minority and female membership by 2020.

“The issue is not the Academy. Even if you fill the Academy with black and Latino and Asian members, if there’s no one on the screen to vote for, you’re not going to get the outcome that you want. I won once. So it can’t be that racist,” Goldberg, who received the best supporting actress Oscar in 1991 for her

role in “Ghost”, said.

The “Color Purple” actress said the main issue is that black actors do not do many leading roles.

“You need directors

said the decision to boycott was a “slap in the face” to host Chris Rock.

“You wanna boycott something? Don’t go see the movies that don’t have your representa-

and producers who will say, ‘Hey, what about so and so?’ They need to be aware that the picture is not complete,” she added.

Goldberg’s response on Oscars boycott came after Jada Pinkett Smith’s announcement to not attend the 2016 ceremony.

On The View, she

tion. That’s the boycott you want. To me, we have this conversation every year. It pisses me off.”

Geoerge Clooney, Smith, Spike Lee, David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong’o are some of the celebrities who have slammed the Oscars nominations this year.

(Indian Express)

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West Indies umpires Elite League Finale set for February 12 kick-off participate in exchange programme

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Zahid Bassarath

wo umpires from the West Indies will participate in a reciprocal Umpire Exchange Program (UEP) with the Bangladesh and England Cricket Boards.

West Indian and Trinidad and Tobago Umpire, Zahid Bassarath will officiate in the upcoming Bangladesh first class league scheduled to run from February 19 to March 7.

Bassarath began umpiring in 2009 and was promoted to the senior panel in 2012. In the UEP, the umpire from Bangladesh (yet to be named) will be assigned to round two of the WICB’s Professional Cricket League (PCL) in rounds 8 – 10 scheduled for St. Lucia, Antigua and Trinidad and Tobago.

The other umpire in this exchange will see Jamaican, Verdayne Smith visiting England in March for three

rounds of first class matches while Martin Saggers from the English Cricket Board (ECB) will officiate in Rounds 9 and 10 of the PCL in Trinidad and Tobago and St. Kitts respectively.

Smith has been an umpire since 2000 and is currently a member of the WICB senior panel.

The UEP is among member countries of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the WICB has been involved since 2009.

Project Officer at the WICB, Rawl Lewis says “this program has been and continues to be an integral part of our umpire development as it provides opportunities for the umpires to experience different conditions and follow the protocol of other leagues which is vital for their advancement.

Lewis noted that six out of 12 umpires currently on the senior panel including Peter Nero, Gregory Brathwaite, Joel Wilson, Nigel Duguid, Leslie Reifer and Patrick Gustard have participated on the program in England, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Nero was the first to participate in the exchange program in England back in 2009.

The WICB hosts at least two umpires workshop per year and focuses on a series of topics to include changes to the laws and playing conditions, developing group culture amongst umpires, leadership and match management.

The workshops are held prior to the age group and first class tournaments for both senior and second tier panel umpires. The WICB will look to have similar workshops in 2016.

R

The West Demerara based Slingerz FC took top honours in the Genesis phase of the Stag Elite League8

ivalry in the Final stage of the Stag Elite League is set to commence on February 12 with a double header at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ground, Camp Ayanganna.

In the opening game at 17:30h, Genesis phase winner, Slingerz FC of West Demerara will face off with city side, Pele FC. The feature match at 20:00h will be an all-Georgetown affair with Alpha United squaring off with Fruta Conquerors FC. Two days later, the action will

switch to the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground, Bourda, with the GDF against East Coast side Buxton United at 18:00h, followed by Berbice side Monedderlust against GFC at 20:00h.

A total of 56 matches will be contested during the Finale, with the venues being GDF, GFC, Tucville, Buxton, Number Five and Leonora grounds.

Slingerz FC had won the Genesis phase of the Stag Elite League late last year when they defeated Alpha United 3-2 in the final at the Leonora Stadium.

Simpson confident of reaching fourth Olympiad

K

INGSTON, Jamaica - Sprinter Sherone Simpson says she is in great shape and is confident she can qualify for this year’s Rio Olympics – her fourth straight Olympiad.

The 31-year-old Jamaican, entering the twilight of her career, said her times had been improving steadily and would add a new dimension to the upcoming season.

“I would be so humbled. It would be unreal if I should make the Games, especially in the 100m and 200m,” Simpson told the Gleaner newspaper here.

“So I am working hard towards that, and it will be such a blessing for me, and I would be so happy.”

Simpson is yet to win individual Olympic gold but was part of the goldmedal winning sprint replay Jamaica women’s team at the 2004 Games in Athens.

She was also good enough to win 100 metres silver in Beijing four years later, trailing home compatriot Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

Simpson, who had a decent 2015

Jamaican sprinter Sherone Simpson

in winning gold at the Pan American Games in Toronto, said she was focused on preparing for upcoming national trials.

“I think I am [ready]. I am healthy, and all aspects of my training have been improving, so I am very happy with that right now,” she said.

“I am so confident, and my physical and mental readiness is there, so I am looking forward to what is ahead.”

Jamaica’s team for Rio will be chosen following national trials. (CMC)

Ramdhani returns unopposed as GBA head

T

he incumbent Gokarn Ramdhani was returned to the helm of the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA), following that association’s Biennial General Meeting on Tuesday last.

Ramdhani, who has held the position for quite a few years, was voted in unopposed, noting that his main aim is to better the achievements of 2015, which he described as the most successful year for badminton in Guyana.

Ramdhani, who is

Gokarn Ramdhani

also the national coach, will have Dr Nicholas Waldron as his Vicepresident, and Emelia Ramdhani as Secretary.

The Assistant Secretary is Ayanna WickhamWatson, while Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer are Darren Carpenay and Marlon Chung respectively.

The Committee Members are Ryan Chung, Gillian Mangra and Ernesto Choo-A-Fat. The elections took place at the Guyana Olympic Association headquarters in Kingston.

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WICB/PCL 4-day cricket

Guyana Jaguars to be encamped from Monday

By Avenash Ramzan

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able-toppers Guyana Jaguars will be encamped from Monday ahead of the resumption of the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-day competition next month.

The second half of the Four-day competition will start on February 11, but the Guyana Jaguars’ match against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the National Stadium at Providence, will start a day later.

When these two teams clashed in early December at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago, the Guyana Jaguars prevailed by an innings and 49 runs with seamer Christopher Barnwell and left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul claiming fivewicket hauls and opener Assad Fudadin scoring a hundred.

To ensure his players are adequately prepared for the upcoming return match, Head Coach Esaun Crandon informed this newspaper on Tuesday that a period of encampment will commence on Monday.

Sessions will be held at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda. According to Crandon, there will also be a warm-up game, starting next Tuesday.

The Guyana Jaguars players will be back in camp from Monday

Guyana Jaguars are leading the points table after a flawless record in the first five matches, winning all by comprehensive margins.

They currently sit on 85 points, 22 more than second place Barbados Pride.

Jamaica Scorpions are third on 53 points, followed by Trinidad and Tobago Red Force (37), Windward Islands Volcanoes (29) and Leeward Islands Hurricanes (13).

Playing their first three matches at home, the Guyana Jaguars defeated Windward Islands Volcanoes by 104 runs, Leeward Islands Hurricanes by an innings and 35 runs, and Barbados Pride by nine wickets. In the two away

Simply not cricket: Pakistan man faces jail for flying India flag

A

ccording to a Reuters report, a Pakistani man has been arrested for hoisting the flag of arch rival India on his roof, an act police described as “anti-state” but which the accused says was a tribute to Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli.

Officials said yesterday that Umar Draz, from the eastern Pakistani district of Okara in Punjab, was charged under the Pakistan Penal Code, which is reserved for crimes considered contravening Pakistan’s sovereignty and carrying a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Police said they received information on Monday that Draz had hoisted the Indian flag.

He went on the run, but police managed to find him on Tuesday.

“It’s illegal to hoist the flag of another country,” police officer Ismail Khan said. “Yesterday he was presented before

a local court and sent to jail” while he awaits trial.

The detained man told the media that he is a fan of Kohli, who secured India’s victory in the Twenty20 International against Australia this week.

According to the Reuters report, police in Pakistan have confirmed that Draz had photographs of the cricketer all over his house.

Majority-Hindu India and majorityMuslim Pakistan became two different countries in 1947 when they became independent of Britain. They have since fought three wars and both claim the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.

Protesters in the Indian-administered part of Kashmir are regularly arrested for hoisting Pakistani flags and chanting slogans in support of Pakistan.

(Excerpts from Reuters)

matches to close off the first half of the tournament, the Leon Johnsonled team whipped Trinidad and Tobago Red Force by an innings and 49 runs, and Jamaica

Scorpions by 117 runs.

After being knocked out at the semi-finals of the NAGICO Super50 last week, Crandon said he would urge his players to “refocus and re-

group” as they head into the final phase of the Four-day competition, fully energised for the task at hand.

With a perfect slate of five victories from five games, the Guyana Jaguars are primed to repeat as champions, after they took championship honours in the 2014/2015 season with a performance of a similar nature.

So far this season, newcomer left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has been the standout performer, finishing the first half as the leading wicket-taker with 34 wickets from five games.

Left-hander Vishaul Singh, with 421 runs at an average of 60.14 with two hundreds, is the Guyana Jaguars’ leading runscorer and the competition’s second high-

est run-getter behind Roston Chase (436) of Barbados Pride.

Meanwhile, Crandon further highlighted that the Jaguars will certainly miss the experience of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who announced his retirement last weekend, but noted that there is now the opportunity for young players to come to the fore.

The 41-year-old lefthanded Chanderpaul scored over 25,000 FirstClass runs, inclusive of 71 hundreds and 133 fifties.

During the first half of the PCL Four-day, he ended as the Guyana Jaguars’ third highest runscorer behind Singh and Johnson, with 226 runs at an average of 45. (aramzan@guyanatimesgy.com)

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Support grows for Sunil Narine T

rinidad and Tobago - Support continues to grow for T&T and West Indies off spinner Sunil Narine, as the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs has given the spinner $35,000 to help correct his bowling action in an effort to represent West Indies at the World T20 Tournament in March.

At a press conference yesterday, which was attended by members of the T&T Cricket Board and the Queen’s Park Cricket Club at the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs on Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, Minister Smith presented the cheque to Narine.

Narine, who has had issues since 2011, was reported for a suspect bowling action in November by the International Cricket Council following the third One-Day International against Sri Lanka. After being tested at Loughborough University in England on November 17, Narine’s action was found to ex-

Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Darryl Smith, right, has the attention of T&T and West Indies spinner Sunil Narine, second from right, Queen’s Park Cricket Club manager Jeffrey Guillen and bowling coach Carl Crowe.

ceed the 15 degrees level of tolerance. Narine, who has been named on the West Indies provisional squad for the T20 World Cup, is hoping to travel to Loughborough University next month to test his new action.

Narine stated, “I am hoping that mid February I

can do the test. I have been working hard so hopefully when that time comes I can pass the test and play for the West Indies again.”

Narine was grateful for the support he was given over the past two months. He said, “I would like to thank the

Legend Lara confident of starring in MCL Superstar Brian Lara

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UBAI, United Aram Emirates Superstar Brian Lara has backed himself to play a key role for Leon Lions in the inaugural Masters Champions League but does not expect the team to rely on him solely.

The former West Indies captain is one of several legendary former players who arrived here this week for the tournament which runs from January 28 to February 13 and which will also see games played in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

Lara, who quit international cricket in 2007, leads a Lions side that includes former West Indies fast bowler Fidel Edwards, South African Herschelle Gibbs and England Darre Gough.

“Now it is a bit of a different time, [my] reflexes may not be the same, but I do expect to play a part,” Lara told reporters here.

“I would not be here

if I cannot play a part in the team’s success but we are looking for team performance more than anything else. We are a fairly good group of guys and if you can get the team working well we can win matches.”

He added: “I have played matches through most of 2015 and played in All Stars in America recently. This environment is a bit more competitive and I don’t think the dependency on myself is as great as it was 10 to 15 years ago playing for the West Indies.”

The MCL features six teams, including Virgo Super Kings, Gemini Arabians, Sagittarius Soldiers, Capricorn Commanders and Libra Legends.

Each team will play five matches in a roundrobin preliminary round with the top four teams qualifying for the semifinals.

Lara, who quit international cricket before

the onset of the T20 format, said for him the shortest form of the game was the most difficult.

“For me Twenty20 is more challenging because in a Test, as a batsman, I was going out there and taking my time and getting set and then exploding, whichever way you want to put it,” Lara explained.

“This form of the game for me is little more challenging because the game is shaped very early, you have limited time out there and you‘ve got to get things going, maybe a couple balls to get settled in and that is not the way I batted.

“For me, Twenty20 is more challenging than it was in Test cricket.”

Players like South Africa Jacques Kallis, Australian Adam Gilchrist and Sri Lankan Mahela Jayawardene are all contesting the tournament. (CMC)

coaches from Queen’s Park and the T&T coaches for helping me, the Government for taking the initiative to come out and publicly say they are helping Sunil Narine. I am really grateful and thankful.”

Narine, who has been working with English

bowling coach Carl Crowe recently, admitted that the journey to return to the international level has been challenging, but is optimistic that this is the last time he will go through this ordeal.

“It is hard to come back from this but I think it is a learning process and it is a process that nobody wants to go through. If you go through this you just have to take it as a stepping stone in your career. You have to make the best use of it and never let it get you down and just continue working on your game.”

He added, “Hopefully this is the last time (I am reported) and the next time I come back is for good.” The off spinner will test out his action on Saturday when he lines up for Queen’s Park in the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) 50-over competition. “Bowling in a club game will allow me to know if I am ready to go back on the big stage.”

Smith said the Ministry of Sport and

Youth Affairs was bothered by the news when Narine was called for an illegal action. Smith said, “In November when the ban occurred we were perturbed. We had discussions with the TTCB and that was part of the discussions. We are pleased that before the World T20 they are being proactive and hopefully the situation will be rectified as soon as possible.”

Crowe, who played alongside former T&T and West Indies cricketer Phil Simmons at Leicestershire, said Narine is determined to play international cricket again. “What struck me the first time I worked with him was his work ethic. He is very diligent in his work. My specialty has been spin bowling for a number of years and we are working hard as a team together.”

Crowe will examine Narine’s new action on Saturday when Queen’s Park faces Victoria.

Afridi storms out of press conference on question over poor T20 performance

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a k i s t a n ' s Twenty20 cricket captain, Shahid Afridi on Wednesday stormed out of a press conference after being questioned about his team's poor performance in recent times.

Alluding to the fact that he has been 'giving answers to such questions for the past two days', Afridi said he is not willing to talk on this issue anymore.

According to a report in 'Pakistan Today', Afridi abandoned the press conference midway in Lahore after he had

a verbal spat with a reporter leading to a partial protest by the media demanding an apology from the flamboyant allrounder.

“Your record has not been as impressive as previous Pakistan Twenty20 captains, do you think there is a need to change the way you are leading the side?” the reporter asked Afridi.

Afridi smiled and then let loose: “I expected you to ask such a ghatia (pathetic and low) question.”

He then stormed out of the press briefing,

Shahid Afridi

prompting the reporters to protest against his behaviour.

Brazil’s Rousseff targets ZikV-free Olympics

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff

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uito, Ecuador — Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff vowed yesterday to wage a “house-by-house fight” against Zika, the virus blamed for causing a surge in brain-damaged babies and sowing fear ahead of the 2016 Olympics, reports AP. Brazil has been the country hardest hit by the outbreak of the mosquitoborne virus in Latin America, and has seen a sharp rise in infants born with microcephaly, or abnormally small heads.

The outbreak is worrying officials

as the country prepares to host the Olympics, which will bring hundreds of thousands of travellers from around the world to Rio de Janeiro in August.

According to AP, Rousseff said Brazil would place “extreme emphasis” on wiping out mosquito breeding grounds, combatting transmission of the disease and looking for a vaccine against the Zika virus, for which there is no specific treatment.

“It’s going to be a house-by-house fight,” she said at a regional summit in Ecuador.

“Although we don’t have a vaccine today, I’m sure we will have one, though it will take time.”

Brazil’s health minister announced Monday that 200,000 soldiers would be deployed to go house to house as part of a mosquito control campaign. Insect repellant will be handed out to at least 400,000 pregnant women, he said.

In Brazil, cases of microcephaly, which can cause brain damage or death, have risen from 163 per year on average to 3,893 since the Zika virus outbreak began last year.

Forty-nine of the babies have died.

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T&T trio arrive in Guyana for Unity Cricket this weekend T

he countdown is definitely on for this Saturday’s inaugural Unity Cricket at the National Stadium, Providence, with the overseas players set to start arriving from today.

Information emanating from the organisers on Wednesday revealed that three of Trinidad and Tobago’s top T20 stars will touch down on local soil at 15:05h today. They are flambouyant opener Lendl Simmons, the effervescent allrounder Rayad Emrit and the exciting, young wicketkeeper/ batsman Nicholas Pooran.

Simmons and Emrit will turn out for the Christopher Barnwell-led 007 Warriors, while Pooran will appear for the Legacy All Stars, captained by Chris Gayle.

The T20 affair will involve a galaxy of overseas and local stars, and will commence at 19:30h. Fans are reminded that no glass bottles, firearms, large coolers or large umbrellas will be allowed into the venue on Saturday.

“Children under 12 will be allowed free since we want the entire family to enjoy a day of fun and frolic on the tarmac, which starts from as early as 10:00h. The concept of Unity Cricket is to unite Guyanese through sports, regardless of race, religion, political affiliation or social status,” PRO Sean Devers informed.

Five softball matches will

Rayad Emrit

Lendl Simmons

Nicholas Pooran

be played by Berbice Masters and female teams, who will oppose their Demerara counterparts. And in the contest all softball fans are looking forward to; the semi-finals of the Open 10/10 between Berbice, Essequibo, Wolf Warriors and Regal. The winner of the semis will clash in the final from 16:30h for $500,000.

Tickets could be bought at M&M Snackette near the Demerara Harbour Bridge, Tiyo’s Future Store (Anna Catharina and Parika), Andrew’s Pharmacy (South Ruimveldt) GCC’s bar at Bourda pavillion, Shoppers Pharmacy (Giftland Mall), Lenny’s (Mon Repos), Deb’s Bar (East Coast), Little Rock

Hotel (New Amsterdam) and Poonai’s Pharmacy (Rose Hall Town).

Below is the competition of the squad.

Legacy All Stars: Ramnaresh Sarwan (Captain), Chris Gayle, Rajendra Chandrika, Andre Fletcher, Narsingh Deonarine, Jonathon Foo, Nicholas

Pooran, Evin Lewis, Devendra Bishoo, Sulieman Benn, Assad Fudadin, Robin Bacchus, Gajanand Singh and Royston Crandon.

007 Warriors: Chris Barnwell (Captain), Dwayne Smith, Lendl Simmons, Anthony Bramble, Shemroy Barrington, Jason Holder, Darren Sammy, Steven Jacobs, Sherfane Rutherford, Rayad Emrit, Veerasammy Permaul, Ronsford Beaton, Samuel Badree and Gudakesh Motie.

Essequibo softball team: Patrick Rooplall, Khalid Baksh, Eknauth Persaud, Vijay Surujpaul, Shawz Grosvnor, Brion Mangar, Ramesh Narine, Greg Singh, Deoraj Dindyal, Govindra Sharma, Ehwaas Baksh, Ricardo Peters and Omesh Gobin.

Demerara Masters: Richard Persaud, Ramo Malone, Uniss Yusuf, Lloyd Rooplall, David Harper, Eric Thomas, Mahendra Hardyal, Fazil Baksh, Davanand Kannon, Tony Singh, Jagdesh Persaud, Wayne Jones and Mohamed Rafeek.

Demerara Female team: Latoya Smith, Kavita Yadram, Zola Telford, Matanna Cambridge, Roxanne Demonick, Haseena Mohamed, Tamika Wilson, Jinelle Nero, Amanda Bobsemple, Kaysia Shultz, Sangetta Sawh, Alicia Allen and Odessa Oneil.

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WEEK ENDING JANUARY 31 , 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Gayle, Russell likely to be in Windies WorldT20 squad B

atting sensation Chris Gayle and all-rounder Andre Russell are likely to be included in the 15-man West Indies squad for the Twenty20 World Cup, to be hosted by India.

Some media reports on Wednesday announced the squad without Gayle and Russell, sparking some speculation on social media, but the Jamaican pair are likely to be named for the March 8 to April 3 tournament, reports CMC. The squad, which is yet to be named officially by the West Indies Cricket Board, includes embattled off-spinner Sunil Narine who is currently banned from bowling internationally.

However, Narine is expected to undergo testing on his action at Loughborough University in England next month, before confirming his spot on the side.

All eyes will be on Gayle, however, especially after he sparked controversy during the recent Australia Big Bash with his now infamous live television interviews where he appeared to openly flirt with Channel TEN’s reporter Mel McLaughlin.

The 36-year-old lefthander has played in every T20 World Cup since the inaugural tourna-

Sydney Thunder as they wrapped up the BBL title last week, scoring 185 runs at a strike rate of 186 while taking 16 wickets with his pace bowling.

The Windies squad also sees the return of combative left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn who has not played for the West Indies since last April after being dropped following England’s Test tour of

Chris Gayle

ment in South Africa eight years ago, when he announced himself in the format with a stunning hundred against the hosts in Johannesburg.

He has since become arguably the most valued commodity on the global T20 circuit and his presence will ensure the West Indies will be installed as one of the early favourites.

Only recently, he blasted a 12-ball half-century in the Big Bash to equal the record for the fastest ever fifty in T20s.

Russell, meanwhile, has become one of the most sought after T20 players and last year plied his trade in the Indian Premier League, South Africa’s Ram Slam, the Caribbean Premier League, the Bangladesh Premier League and the Big Bash.

He emerged as one of the leading players for

the Caribbean.

Benn, 34, had an outstanding campaign with the ball in the Regional Super50 which wrapped up on Sunday in Trinidad and Tobago, taking 15 wickets to be the tournament’s leading bowler.

All-rounder Darren Sammy, who led the West Indies to the T20 World Cup title four years go in Sri Lanka and into the

semifinals in Bangladesh in 2014, has been re-appointed skipper.

The West Indies are set to play in Group One alongside reigning champions Sri Lanka, South Africa, England and yetto-be determined qualifier.

The likely West Indies squad: Darren Sammy (captain), Lendl Simmons, Chris Gayle, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo,

Keiron Pollard, Marlon Samuels, Denesh Ramdin, Samuel Badree, Sulieman Benn, Sunil Narine, Andre Fletcher, Jason Holder, Jerome Taylor, Andre Russell.

Keywords: ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2016, T20 World Cup 2016, West Indies squad, Chris Gayle, Andre Russell. (Reprinted from ‘The Hindu’)