Guyana Times International

INTERNATIONAL THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com ISSUE NO. 284

WEEK ENDING march 6, 2016

16 dead, several injured in Georgetown prison riot See story on page 3

- President orders immediate investigation

Orlando Charles photo

Florida to host CPL matches under lights Page 54

Scenes from the prison unrest at Camp St, Georgetown, on Thursday.

2 NEWS

WEEK ENDING MARCH 6, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Rodney Report: PPP/C urges President Granger to “stop talking and start acting”

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resident David Granger has promised to officially release the findings of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) as soon as Cabinet members complete their perusal of the Report.

Speaking with Journalists at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday morning, the Head of State said the Government document was laid before Cabinet on Tuesday and was currently being perused.

He noted that the Central Executive Committee of the People’s National Congress would also have to look at the document and later make a pronouncement on the findings. All of this will be done before the document is laid in the National Assembly.

“Cabinet has not yet made a decision, but in due course, it will. It will be released so that the public could judge for itself. It is a Government document; an announcement will be made as soon as Cabinet gets an opportunity to peruse it. The PNC is a part of the APNU [but] will make its own decision when it wishes to do so,” President Granger told Journalists.

The three-member CoI which probed the events leading to the death of Dr Rodney back in 1980 has suggested that the PNC and its leadership at the time were aware of the circumstances surrounding his death.

President Granger, however, again discredited the tribunal’s work, which he said could have

Dr Walter Rodney

been done more effectively.

“I iterate that one of the important elements of the evidence that was

supported was that some conspiracy took place.

Four persons were supposed to be present at that conspiracy: two of

them are dead and two are alive. If it was so important, emphasis would have been placed over that two-year period to have the evidence of that person (Cecil Skip Roberts), but it was really bizarre that he was brought into the country and not allowed to testify,” he said.

“I think we need to bring closure to the matter. I think persons who have chosen to speak have spoken and I respect their views and all the political parties will make their opinions public and I expect that once that is done, it will be laid in the National Assembly,” he said.

He related that unlike popular belief, his party, the People’s National Congress, had always been in support of anything that would determine what caused the death of the Working People’s Alliance leader.

“I just want to make it clear that the party that I lead, the PNC, supported an international inquiry into the death of Dr Rodney. Even in 2014, we supported it, but we made represen-

tation about the Terms of Reference which we thought were prejudicial.

We believe that there are still elements of truth that were not explored.”

So far, the PNC has chosen to remain tightlipped on the details of the findings of the Inquiry.

The party, which held the reins of power during the period Dr Rodney met his demise, has been accused of causing his death, a move it was hoped would silence his mounting criticisms of the dictatorial leadership of the day.

Meanwhile, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Chief Whip Gail Teixeira on Tuesday said it was time for the PNC boss to stop talking and start acting. She said while he has already pronounced on the findings of the Inquiry, he was still to officially release those findings.

Teixeira also lamented the fact that the immediate family of the slain historian, particularly his wife, Dr Patricia Rodney, has not yet been furnished with a copy of the Report.

Local hotel sector staff complete training in Barbados

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Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes (centre) with participants who completed training under the Crane Hotel programme

ublicTelecommunication and Tourism Minister, Cathy Hughes on Wednesday handed out certificates and pins to participants that completed seven months of training at the Crane Hotel, in Barbados.

“Guyana has signed on with a Memorandum of Understanding with Barbados. It was actually signed in the last quarter of last year and through that agreement, we have been building on the good relations that we have with Barbados,” Minister Hughes was quoted as saying by the Government Information Agency.

“Guyana had a fantastic opportunity to have seven employees within our hotel sector and of course we were lucky that a representative from the Carnegie School… was able to go to the Crane Hotel for a period of seven

months,” Hughes stated.

She further explained that several managerial staff went to the Crane Hotel for a period of three months. “They were able to have on the job practical training in terms on how a first rate hotel operates, and best of all, they were able to bring those skills back to Guyana,” Hughes said.

She expressed hope that these constant attempts to upgrade standards and transfer skills will continue.

The Crane Hotel is an AAA (Triple A) 4-Diamond hotel which has established itself as one of the regional leaders in competency-based training and internship in hotel environments over the last five years. They have trained interns from Martinique, Guadeloupe, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Canada.

NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING MARCH 6, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

16 dead, several injured in Georgetown prison riot T

he series of fires which took place at the Camp Street prison in Georgetown, between Wednesday evening and Thursday (noon) is said to be as a result of a raid being

conducted in the Capital Offences Section ‘A’ in the jail by prison officers.

This raid unearthed 19 cellular phones and a quantity of illegal drugs which were found to be in the possession of pris-

oners.

Following the seizure of these items by prison officers, the inmates began their form of protest by setting mattresses afire.

According to the

Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Georgetown Prison, Superintendent Kelvin Pilgrim, there were nine fires which occurred at the location by the hands of prisoners.

However, the fires were all successfully extinguished as the prisoners continued to demand that the items which had been seized (cellular phones and narcotics) be

returned to them.

This publication understands that due to the fact that their demands had not been met on Wednesday night when continued on page 7

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WEEK ENDING MARCH 6, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International

New York Office 106-15 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica NY 11435 Email: guyanatimesnyint@gmail.com Tel no: 718-658-6804 Fax no: 718-849-2286 Preferred method of contact via EMAIL Guyana Office Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana.

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

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

EDITORIAL

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The State under Burnham

he State was invented to stand between man and the law of the jungle. But one of its early conceptualisers called it a “Leviathan”, a very large animal that could literally devour men. For the present generation, the most startling revelation coming out of the Rodney CoI has to be the subversion by the PNC regime of the State as an entity that did start to devour our people, Rodney being only the most famous, at the behest of the “Comrade Leader”, Forbes Burnham.

The subversion began when the 1968 elections were rigged. In June, according to US declassified files, “Burnham stated unequivocally that he plans to conduct the registration and voting in such a manner that the PNC will emerge with an absolute majority in the Guyana National Assembly.

Burnham said that he will never again allow the life of his government to depend upon his coalition partner Peter D’Aguiar and that if the voting should turn out in such a manner that he could not form a government without the help of D’Aguiar, he would refuse to form a government.

Burnham said that he plans to register 17, 18, 19 and 20-yearold PNC adherents (minimum voting age is 21 years) to make up part of the vote he needs and will direct his campaign in such a way as to attract enough additional East Indian voters to put the PNC approximately on a par with the PPP in Guyana. The additional votes he would need to give the PNC an absolute majority would come from the overseas Guyanese.

After he had granted himself a majority and had no need to placate his UF coalition partner, he rigged the 1973 elections, using the GDF to transport all ballots to Camp Ayanganna, where ballots were switched to give the PNC an unassailable two-thirds majority. The following year, Burnham issued the grandiosely named “Declaration of Sophia”: “the (PNC) should assume unapologetically its paramountcy over the Government which is merely one of its executive arms.”

The policy defined in the Declaration of Sophia rested on three main pillars. In 1975, the party and the State were fused in a creation known as ‘Office of the General Secretary of the PNC and Ministry of National Development’. This new body was effectively the administrative arm of the paramountcy doctrine.

Public funds were officially channelled into the hands of the ruling party.

The Ministry’s main work involved the mobilisation of public servants and schoolchildren to ensure their presence at rallies addressed by Forbes Burnham.

The Ministry also organised ‘developers courses’ for senior public servants at which cooperative socialism and the paramountcy doctrine were the principal subjects for analysis.

These live-in courses which have been described as party indoctrination were compulsory. David Granger ran comparable courses in the Army.

“A further expression of paramountcy was the shifting of institutional loyalties of the armed forces and the police to party leaders and away from the titular Head of State. Symbolic of the fact that the aims of the ruling party were the first consideration in the dispensing of justice, the party flag was flown over the Court of Appeal. Public directives were given to judges which were later followed by the passage of the Administration of Justice Act.” The second pillar on which the PNC built its paramountcy doctrine was the extension of the armed forces from 1974 with the creation of the Guyana National Service (GNS) followed in 1976 by the formation of the People’s Militia and a sixfold increase in defence allocation.

The third pillar illustrates the direct political control of State sector workers. This has proved to be the most effective method of keeping the labour force submissive. Publicity surrounding dismissal of workers for political reasons served to produce an atmosphere of caution and fear which was reinforced by the statement of Burnham “If I fire you, you remain fired.”

Guyana must guard against a repetition of history.

Brazil's External Affairs Minister Mauro Luiz Lecker Vieira lays a wreath at the Independence Arch in Georgetown as part of activities on his official visit to Guyana

GEA accuses Kaieteur News of spreading lies

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he Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has dismissed reports in the tabloid-like Kaieteur Newspaper of alleged fuel smuggling involving officials of the Agency, which it said was seeking to malign the efforts of its “committed and diligent employees”.

The newspaper, over recent days, published a number of articles, which alleged that there was a high level of corruption at the entity responsible for overseeing the local petroleum sector.

In its most recent article published on Friday, February 26, 2016, the newspaper stated: “There is a massive corruption network in the fuel sector which is poorly managed at almost every level – from purchasing to distribution.”

The GEA refuted as quite unfortunate, the claims that the fuel sector was poorly managed and the Agency was part of a network that abetted fuel smugglers.

The Agency also highlighted that the successes of the fuel marking programme recorded from the time of its establishment to date also bore witness that the allegations were incorrect.

“If the programme is scrutinised, what will be revealed is that in 2004, there was significant smuggling of fuel into Guyana, with about one third of the fuel used in Guyana believed to have been smuggled.

The fuel marking programme was established to combat this issue. The success of the programme can be seen from the statistics which show that from 2006 to 2015 the percentage of sites found with significant dilution in at least one tank has progressively decreased from 34 per cent in 2006 to three per cent in 2015,” the Agency stated.

Further, the Agency pointed out that it has always sought to strengthen its capacity to effectively combat the issue of fuel smuggling.

Cases of illegalities

The GEA dismissed as “grossly overstated and inaccurate,” a claim by the newspaper that there were at least two cases of illegalities involving fuel daily in Guyana.

Regarding claims that there was some fuel being imported legally which was not declared, as “everyone” was getting a kickback, the Agency called on anyone with evidence to come forward and present it to the relevant authorities.

It is noted that contrary to the claims by the publication, the fuel inspection unit of the GEA conducts regular monitoring on the Pomeroon, Essequibo and Demerara Rivers to curb fuel smuggling.

“In addition, such monitoring is done at the confluence of the Mazaruni and Cuyuni Rivers with the Essequibo River, and along the Berbice River. This strategy is done at times with the direct support of sister agencies on the Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Contraband. Whenever vessels are encountered on the waterways of Guyana, the standard operating procedure for sampling and testing is applied,” the GEA stated.

The Agency added that locally registered vessels that ply routes within Guyana usually have marked fuel since they would have purchased their fuel stock from local, official sources, while locally registered vessels that ply international routes would purchase fuel from international sources and declare same through customs documents as ‘ship stores’.

Internationally registered vessels that come into any of Guyana’s ports of entry would also declare their fuel through customs documentation.

The ‘Venezuelan’ vessels that dock at Ruimveldt are moored in an area that is immediately bounded to the west by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard and to the east by the Guyana Police Force (Marine Division). Checks made on these vessels in the past have typically shown that fuel on board is in the driving tanks.

Drums on board usually contain fresh water or are empty with little indication of fuel being present. Examination of customs documents generally concurs with fuel present on board.

Notwithstanding, the inspection unit has continued to monitor this area and other wharves where interna-

tional and national vessels are moored. Surveillance activities and other tactics continued to be employed in these areas to combat cases/potential cases of smuggled fuel.

The responsibility to track the movement of boats and their cargoes is that of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). Boats entering Guyana should be declaring with the Customs boat house their cargo and fuel upon entry and departure. Fuel for the vessel’s own propulsion is usually declared as ship stores to the GRA. The vessel should check with the GRA on departure to declare said volumes on board to determine whether any was offloaded improperly.

According to the KN report, “the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has been bringing in shipments of petroleum products, including diesel, weekly…

What is wrong with the transactions is that the vessels have also, according to documents, been bringing in fuel for third parties. In essence, someone is jockeying and riding free on the vessel while taxpayers are footing the bill”.

Contrary to what KN has reported, the GEA is a regulatory body responsible for licensing the importation, distribution, marking and testing of fuel. The GEA is not responsible for the freighting of fuel, rather, the oil companies and other importers are responsible for freighting their fuel.

As a regulatory body, the GEA is not directly involved in the negotiation of prices for fuel imports, but serves as a facilitator in the importation of products through the granting of requisite licences where proposed importers satisfy all statutory requirements. The body subsequently monitors downstream operations through the marking of imported products and licensing of sites to ensure legitimacy in the distribution of petroleum and petroleum products.

The GEA emphasises that its employees must carry out their duties with highest levels of integrity and professionalism, and where there is proven misconduct, action will be swift and condign.

NEWS 5

WEEK ENDING MARCH 6, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Teixeira roasts House Speaker

…says Opposition "disturbed" by process of decision-making and reaction to MPs

By Devina Samaroo

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pposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, delivered a feral blast against House Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland for allowing the passage of the Tax Amendment Bill 2016 in the National Assembly to be passed, despite the lacking of a majority vote.

Teixeira equally expressed grave concerns over the manner in which the House Speaker continues to address Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs).

“We are extraordinarily disturbed by the Speaker’s process of decision-making and reactions to the Opposition Members, we find it disrespectful and belittling the way he speaks to our MPs, including the Leader of the Opposition (Bharrat Jagdeo),” Teixeira related.

To this end, the seasoned parliamentarian explained that the

Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) will continue to stand up for what is right, even if it means continuously raising concerns about parliamentary procedural breaches.

“We will continue to point out though that we are here at the behest of the people whether they voted for us or not, we will continue to fight and we will continue in the

parliamentary forum to defend the Constitution and we will continue to fight for what we believe is right for the Guyanese people,” she insisted.

Teixeira indicated that it would be unfounded to move a NoConfidence Motion against the House Speaker at this point, since it will not be supported by a majority vote; however she did not

Dr Barton Scotland

entirely rule out the option.

The MP added that the Dr Scotland still has an opportunity to redeem himself. “There is still an opportunity for the Speaker…to uphold parliamentary democracy,” she stated.

The passage of the Bill

After the PPP/C rose to object the passage of the Bill without a majority vote in the

House, Dr Scotland indicated that the onus was upon the parliamentary Opposition to prevent the Bill from passing.

The Speaker maintained that the PPP/C should have called for a ‘division’, which would have allowed for the votes to be counted to determine if there is majority vote.

However, the Opposition Chief Whip

argued that it is the Speaker’s responsibility to ensure the Constitution is not violated, and therefore, the Speaker should have initiated the call for a ‘division’.

The PPP/C has already indicated its intention to move to the court via a constitutional motion to challenge the passage of the Tax Bill.

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WEEK ENDING MARCH 6, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Kenneth Persaud was well respected in the Guyanese Diapora in New York

Dear Editor: Kenneth Persaud, former UG lecturer and former member of the PPP and WPA, a close colleague of the revolutionary thinker Dr Walter Rodney who fought the PNC dictatorship, died a week ago. He was well known as KP and was seen as an inspirational teacher and mentor to many students in Guyana and the diaspora.

KP engaged students and politicians during his decades as an educator and political activist. In my last conversation with him in December, he showered glowing tributes to the respected Pandit Ramlall and me for our commitment to community development and for my writings on varied critical issues pertaining to Guyana and the Guyanese and Indian diaspora.

KP was held in high regards by the Guyanese diaspora and Guyanese at home as well. He gave his entire life fighting for the poor and joined the struggle for free and fair elections in Guyana. He also devoted considerable amount of time to writing. He nurtured countless minds as a teacher and as a writer. He gave his heart, mind and soul to nurture Guyanese away from the politics of race.

But he acknowledged that he, WPA and PPP failed in their advocacy of multi-racial politics.

Guyana has remained a divided society from the 1950s till now.

KP was a respected newspaper columnist and he also frequently delivered lectures in Canada, New York and Florida on Guyana politics. People looked forward for his views on changing Guyanese politics. He welcomed political change in Guyana but was soon disappointed by the political direction of the APNU-AFC coalition and the return of politics and economics of racial victimisation and discrimination. He was critical of the WPA linking up with the PNC and its silence on the commission of inquiry into Rodney's assassination by the PNC. He was disappointed that the WPA was silent on the murder of Rodney.

KP was educated at York College in

Toronto, Canada. He returned home and taught political science at the University of Guyana before he was victimised by the PNC dictatorship.

He founded the Kitty Progressive College at the Rama Krishna Mandir and became its principal.

The progressive College catered mostly for the poorer students of society. His major interests revolved around the effects of Imperialism, globalisation and the emerging new World Order. He felt that through the power of education, people could understand their problems and build a better society He was fiercely dedicated to his cause and ideology.

KP became very active in the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Guyana.

He worked closely with the late Dr. Josh Ramsammy, Rodney, Dr. Roopnarine, Prof.

Omowale, and the WPA group and became a targeted man.

Prior to that, he was very close with Dr. Jagan and PPP politics and served on the PPP Central Committee. His son Dr Cliff Persaud was originally married to Dr Cheddi Jagan's only daughter Nadira.

They both studied in the Soviet Union under PPP scholarships.

KP fled Guyana for NY after several WPA activists were assassinated and opposition political activists were beaten by (House of Israel) thugs affiliated with the PNC. He was targeted for violence and put on surveillance for his pro-democracy activism.

KP will be fondly remembered. He left a legacy of extraordinary brilliance in his writings and speeches. He saw education as vital and critical for success and for securing a future. His students will always be in awe of his knowledge of issues, his teaching abilities, and passionate spirit in advocating his belief. In NY, the community is grateful for his contributions to various spheres of life and the development of their former homeland. His political views will always treasured.

Vishnu Bisram

Clinton and Trump likely to win presidential nomination Dear Editor, Guyanese and other Caribbean people in America have been showing a keen interest in the primary election contests to choose a presidential nominee for each of the two major parties (Republican and Democrat).

Some have volunteered to work on the campaigns. They are heard having heated discussions on the contests whenever they get together at various events or on the subways, on buses, in the streets, etc. Most Guyanese and Caribbean nationals support the Democratic Party and are registered as members; most are cheering for Hillary Clinton who has been in a tight battle for the Democratic nomination with Senator Bernie Sanders, a socialist, from Vermont.

Some support Donald Trump, a New Yorker, although they are not registered Republicans; they plan to vote

for him if he emerges as the nominee over two Cuban Americans, a African American, and one other candidate who is Governor of Ohio. Only party members can vote in these primary contests; some parties have open primaries allowing non-members to vote or to register as a member and vote the same day.

Based on opinion polls up to Monday evening, Hillary Clinton was expected to win all the states and as such, garner a huge collection of delegates making it virtually impossible for Sanders to catch up with her. Trump is leading in polls in all of the states except for Texas, where Senator Ted Cruz holds a lead over him in his home state. When the Super Tuesday contests are over, Trump will have a huge lead in the delegates count and wrap up the nomination by April – contests are held almost every Tuesday from

now. So far, delegates are apportioned based on percentage of votes won; Trump has not won a majority of votes in any state while Clinton has won a majority in almost all of the contests.

After March 15, the contests in the Republican field will switch to a winner-takes-all system. Democrats use Proportional Representation (PR) in all contests. Trump is likely to win all of the other contests and as such, secure the nomination. Clinton is also likely to secure the nomination by April.

Most Guyanese and Caribbean nationals I spoke with feel she will be the Democratic nominee and Trump will be the Republican nominee. They also feel Hillary will prevail in the November General Election over Trump although Trump claims two polls show him beating Clinton.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Is the Prime Minister merely giving lip service?

Dear Editor, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in the October 23, 2015 Edition of Kaieteur News speaking to the massive salary increases that the Government Ministers awarded themselves is quoted as saying, “we knew it going to be unpopular but that does not justify why we didn’t go to the bottom houses and the grassroots to explain why we want to make the necessary changes and that we are not here for us but about you.”

During the 2016 Parliamentary

Budget Debates, according to February 13, 2016 edition of Stabroek News, the Prime Minister referring to the closure of Wales Estate said: “I still believe that efforts should be made to undo what had happened, that is that the workers were not told in a timely manner about the impending closure.

I still believe that we need to have conversations with the workers and their families to explain what opportunities are opened up for them.”

It seems that the Prime Minister

feels he is capable of exonerating the new Government, maybe with the use of words, from any blunder it commits as it pursues unpopular policies.

Beyond words, the Prime Minister may want to meet with the irate sugar workers and farmers at the Wales location to convince them that the arbitrary, ill-thought-out decision to close is good for them, their dependents and their future welfare.

Yours truly, Fredrick Yuvraj

We will not turn a blind eye to unconstitutionality Dear Editor, I refer to a letter written by Raphael G C Trotman, MP, Minister of National Resources, and published on March 1, 2016, in another section of the media.

In that letter, Mr Trotman seeks to defend his Government who passed a Bill in the National Assembly on February 27, 2016, with only 32 of its 33 members being present and voting. For the avoidance of doubt, the Opposition did not support the Bill.

This was made axiomatic long before the voting took place. Two members of the Opposition, Irfaan Alli and I spoke in the debates on the Bill and signalled the unequivocal non-support of the Opposition thereof.

Concomitantly, amendments to the said Bill were tabled by yours truly and seconded by Clement J Rohee.

Therefore, when the proceedings reached the voting stage, the Opposition’s non-support ought to have been unequivocal and unambiguous to any rational mind. Moreover, immediately after the vote was taken and the Speaker ruled, the Opposition’s Chief Whip and the Opposition Leader, from the floor, informed the Speaker that the Opposition did not support the Bill and only 32 members of the Government voted for the Bill and that, therefore, the Bill did not pass. The outcome is now common knowledge.

Learned Counsel, in support of his propositions, strangely sought refuge in “a well-established Commonwealth parliamentary practice” rather than resort to our supreme law, the Constitution which speaks directly to the issue.

Article 165 (1) of the Constitution provides: “Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the National Assembly may regulate its own procedure and may make rules for that purpose.” It is clear, therefore, that while the National Assembly has a jurisdictional freedom to regulate its own procedure, it can only do so and the rules which it makes for that purpose can only be intra vires the Constitution and not in violation thereof. Accordingly, Standing Orders must bend and bow at all times to the Constitution and not vice-versa.

Article 168 (1) provides: “Save as otherwise provid-

ed by this Constitution, all questions proposed for decision in the National Assembly shall be determined by a majority of the votes of the members present and voting.

(2) Except as provided by the next following paragraph, the Speaker or other member presiding in the Assembly shall not vote unless on any question the votes are equally divided, in which case he or she shall have and exercise a casting vote.

(3) A Speaker elected from among persons who are not members of the Assembly shall have neither an original nor a casting vote and if, upon any question before the Assembly when such a Speaker is presiding the votes of the members are equally divided, the motion shall be lost”.

These constitutional provisions apply to the passing of Bills mutatis mutandis.

Applying the above constitutional provisions to the matter under review, the following is clear: that whether Dr Roopnaraine was in the Members’ Lounge or at Timbuktu, he was not “present and voting” as Article 168 (1) requires: 32 votes cannot be a majority in a 65seat National Assembly; the current Speaker has neither an original vote nor a casting vote; when the votes are equal, the Bill will fail; even if the Opposition had abstained on the vote, the Bill would have failed for want of a majority.

In the face of express constitutional provisions, pontifications about the decibels of the “yea” or “nay” should never emanate from a trained legal mind.

Admittedly, the matter could have been rectified if the vote was re-taken with Dr Roopnaraine being present.

But incompetence and arrogance prevailed. From Mr Trotman’s letter, it is obvious that the same continue.

Needless to say if the Bill is assented to by the President, it will be challenged. We will not turn a blind eye to a manifest unconstitutionality.

Yours faithfully, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP Attorney-at-Law

news 7

WEEK ENDING MARCH 6, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Rape accused commits suicide before jury returns verdict

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ours before receiving the verdict from the jury at the High Court in a pending rape trial, the accused on Tuesday succumbed at a hospital after he ingested a poisonous substance.

William Bassant ingested a poisonous substance at his home and succumbed at the Diamond Diagnostics Centre, on the East Bank of Demerara.

Bassant was before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and a mixed jury on two counts of rape. According to the particulars of the case, in 2013 Bassant engaged in sexual activities of a female under the age of 16.

According to information received; Bassant and the young woman, who was 15 years old at the time, reportedly corresponded via text messages and grew close.

The court had previously heard that the young woman’s phone was damaged, and as such, she communicated with him through a friend.

During the trial, the court heard that the accused, who was in his late thirties at the time, picked the young woman up from her home under the pretence that he would be dropping her

to school. However, the young woman related that after they passed her school she panicked.

Bassant told the young girl that they would be going to his house, and according to reports, she followed him inside. The court was told that while his in house, the now dead man pulled out a cutlass and threatened the young woman, forcing her to engage in sexual activities with him.

The girl’s mother learnt of her daughter’s absence from school that day and began enquiring about her whereabouts which led her to Bassant’s house in the company of several Police ranks. Bassant was arrested and charged with two counts of rape.

On Monday, the man was due in court to receive the verdict but was absent. As such, the Judge postponed the ruling to Tuesday; however, on Tuesday after he once again failed to appear, an arrest warrant was issued for him and the matter was further postponed to Wednesday.

However, on Wednesday the brother of the deceased related to the court the startling development, and as such, the matter was dismissed.

Inquiry to be launched into CANUnarco link allegations – President

I

n light of the damning allegations made by self-confessed drug baron Barry Dataram earlier this week, President David Granger has announced that a Board of Inquiry (BoI) will be established to investigate claims of corruption within various security agencies.

Dataram, during an interview with HGPTV Nightly News (Channel 67), alleged that senior officials of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) are involved in illegal drug trafficking activities and even alleged that one of the agents bagged some Gy$10 million in exchange for allowing cocaine to leave the country. He also made allegations against the fairly new Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

However, speaking with reporters on Wednesday, President David Granger revealed that the National Security Committee (NSC), which he currently heads, decided during their weekly meeting on Tuesday to establish a Board of Inquiry to look into the allegations.

“Yes we’re convening an inquiry to investigate the allegations which were made… Yesterday, this matter came up before the Committee and we have decided that a Board of Injury will be

Bandit shot dead after snatching cop's gold chain

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he Guyana Police Force reported that, at about 07:30hrs on Thursday, a police rank, who is also a licensed firearm holder, was walking along Robb Street, Georgetown, when he was attacked

by Sherwin Monka who took away his gold chain.

Sherwin Monka, of Albouystown, was shot during the robbery and later succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

The Police Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting investigations into the incident.

from page 3

16 dead, several injured in ...

the series of fires took place, the prisoners continued their ‘fire lighting’ exercise again on Thursday.

Pilgrim has confirmed that 16 inmates thus far have met their demise as a result of the fire.

Meanwhile, ‘A’ Division Commander, Clifton Hicken has confirmed that five other prisoners who were injured during the blaze are presently receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

“I can confirm that in excess of 10 bodies have been found, but it is too soon to say what the total figure will be…we are still working here at the Prison so it is too soon to conclude what the death toll is…we are placing safety first so we are working hard right now,” he declared.

In light of this situation, President

David Granger convened an emergency meeting on Thursday afternoon with top security officials where he declared that there be an immediate establishment of a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to investigate the disturbances at the jail.

President Granger, at the emergency meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) instructed Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, to set up the three-member Commission, which will be tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the prisoners as well as to make recommendations to prevent the occurrence of similar incidents.

It is expected that the names of the members of this Commission will be made public within the next 24 hours.

Barry Dataram

convened… that inquiry will determine the veracity of the information which was published in the newspapers,” the Head of State stated.

According to the President, the Inquiry will be headed by an officer that is yet to be named. He added too that the persons who will be conducting the probe will be given Terms of Reference to guide them in investigating the allegations of alleged improper behaviour of officers of the State.

When further asked, President Granger pointed out that if the probe finds any State agents culpable, then the course of action taken will be in accordance with the law.

“We will deal with the culpable in a way

Head of CANU James Singh

we always deal with the culpable. We expect that there will be due process, if there is a case to answer… (by) the persons alleged to have committed an offence. We will ensure that the person, after proper investigations, is put before the Court but we will not interfere in the judicial process,” the Head of State posited.

He went on to say that once there is a case to answer to, then the case along with necessary information will be forwarded to the relevant authorities for the law to take its course.

“We’re not persecuting anybody but we just want to know the facts and we will take it from there,” Granger stressed.

The highly sensationalised interview with

Dataram and his nephew aired on Monday evening, and the country’s premier anti-narco agency subsequently released a statement that said night, dismissing the accusations.

In fact, Head of CANU James Singh denies all allegations of impropriety levelled against the Unit by the Dataram family. He explained that Dataram’s savagery against his agency may be as a result of his (Dataram’s) uneasiness due to the commencement of his trial for possession of129.230kg of cocaine that was found in Shrimp at his Lot 661 Fourth Avenue, Block X, Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), residence on April 16, 2015.

On the other hand, Singh stated that CANU welcomes the “frank confessions” of Dataram as it relates to his involvement in the narcotics trade and urged him, along with “others” connected to the narcotic trade both small and large; mules and traffickers alike, to attend the nearest court, Police station and or the CANU Head Quarters Georgetown to provide useful intelligence in past and ongoing investigations and operations.

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Nothing unusual about Justice Chang’s ruling … acting CJ says Judges can interrupt leave to deliver decisions

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n light of the controversies stemming from a ruling handed down by now retired acting Chief Justice Ian Chang while he was on his pre-retirement leave, his successor believes that nothing was unusual with what he did.

Recently appointed acting Chief Justice, Justice Yonnette Cummings-Edwards, who was also on Wednesday appointed a member of the Judiciary Service Commission (JSC), explained that it has been the practice of Judges to come out of their pre-retirement leave to deliver decisions on cases which they have heard.

“The then acting Chief Justice had some matters that were partheard before him (in which) decisions were

pending and he came out and gave his decisions on that,” she stated, while adding that Justice Chang “had not demitted office… He was on leave and those matters were part heard before him… (and) he chose to come and give the decision rather than have the matter done over… there have been cases before where Judges, as far as I can recall, came out,” the new acting Chief Justice posited.

Moreover, Justice Cummings-Edwards further pointed out that the legislation is “silent” on whether Judges are allowed to deliver rulings in such situations.

The former acting Chief Justice on February 19 ruled that Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix and

Chief Justice, Justice Yonnette Cummings-Edwards

Junior Social Protection Minister Keith Scott cannot sit as technocrat members in the National Assembly, since they are candidates on the A Partnership for

National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) successful List of Candidates for the May 2015 General and Regional Elections.

Following the ruling,

several Government representatives, including President David Granger as well as Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams, had expressed concerns over the fact that the then outgoing Chief Justice came out of his pre-retirement leave to hand down the controversial ruling.

The Head of State had subsequently expressed his surprise at the ruling, particularly, since Justice Change had to come out of his leave to deliver it. “It was rather regrettable that the former acting Chief Justice should come out of his leave to issue such an order…

I was very astonished that Justice Chang’s ruling and the circumstances under which he decided to deliver that

ruling,” the Head of State had remarked.

Furthermore, Attorney General Williams also posited that he was not given an opportunity to respond to the decision of the court. Nevertheless, Government has since successfully applied for a stay of execution on the ruling, thus allowing the two Ministers to return to the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, Justice Cummings-Edwards, by virtue of her appointment as acting Chief Justice, was sworn-in as a member of the Judicial Service Commission

by President Granger on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency. Her appointment was a statutory requirement in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana.

22 companies bid for “Green Bartica Plan” A

s Government forges ahead with plans to make Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), a model green town, more than 20 companies – local, regional and international – have bid for the project via a public tendering process.

The “Green Bartica Plan”, which was introduced for the new town in December 2015, is said to be a holistic approach to Government’s sustainable economic growth.

As such, the Public Infrastructure Ministry has solicited proposals

from independent power producers to design and develop a generation system utilising an appropriate renewable energy technology or combination of technologies, under a Build Own Operate and Transfer structure, to supply 1.5 megawatts (MW) of power to the GPL Bartica grid under a negotiated and agreed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

On Monday, the “Request for Proposal” for submissions based on solar technology closed with a total of 22 bids.

Among the local compa-

nies vying for the project are Scheherazade Isoof Khan Business Development, GMS Solar, Pinnacle Construction and Engineering Guyana, Our Sun Guyana Inc and K&P Project Management Company.

Meanwhile, bidders from the Region include the Jamaica Energy Partners, Trinidad and Tobago Power Ventures Ltd, Innogen Technologies Inc from Barbados and Curaçao’s DYNAF Caribbean.

A total of 12 companies from North America

Representatives of some of the bidding companies at the opening of tenders for the “Green Bartica Plan” on Monday at GEA

and one from Germany have submitted proposals. UDECM Inc, Green

Hearth Tree Energy, Sun Moon Energy and Deltro Group from Canada, along with US companies Solar City, Future First Energy Experts and Suntuity, Roraima Consulting Inc, Blue Tech Financing Solutions, Associated Energy Developers, Solus Energy, AGRLNDMAR Global and Peka Solar & Renewable Energy Inc. The German company is SMA Sunbelt Energy.

The opening of the tenders was facilitated by the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), during which representatives from 10 of the bidding companies attended. The process was observed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GEA, Dr Mahender Sharma, and CEO of the Hinterland Electrification Company Inc, Horace Williams.

In brief closing remarks, Dr Sharma expressed appreciation to the bidders for their participation in the tender

and support of Guyana’s vision for energy security following a sustainable path.

The proposals will be evaluated on criteria such as: how well the proposed project is defined and the likelihood of it reaching the minimum energy output target; the energy price compared to other proposals and GPL’s avoided cost for its Bartica operations; how quickly the project can supply electricity to the Bartica Grid; the guaranteed firm capacity and availability of the system, and the proposer’s experience in power generation using the proposed renewable energy technology or technologies.

Following the evaluation process, a shortlist of qualified firms will be formally engaged by the Public Infrastructure Ministry and invited to submit full comprehensive proposals.

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Further investigations into CrumEwing’s death continuing – Crime Chief

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anks of the C r i m i n a l Investigations Department (CID) are continuing with further investigations into the death of activist Courtney CrumEwing, as requested by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Chambers, in relation to instituting charges against four new suspects.

Two weeks ago, CID ranks arrested People’s Progressive Party (PPP) employee Jason Abdulla, PPP Executive Member and former Press Officer Kwame McKoy, Okene Fraser and self-confessed death squad member Sean Hinds; all of whom the Police believe had a role in the activist’s death, which occurred on March 10, 2015.

Head of the CID Wendell Blanhum, told Guyana Times International on Tuesday that these ‘further’ investigations are still ongoing. “We are still conducting further investigations,” he said while opting not to divulge further details.

On Thursday last, the Crime Chief dis-

closed that the file was sent to the DPP’s Chambers for advice on whether charges should be instituted against the four suspects; however, the file was returned with instructions to conduct further investigations.

“The file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions and having perused those statements in that file, they would have advised that we conduct some further investigations,” he told reporters.

Nevertheless, the Crime Chief indicated that the Police are hoping to conclude the additional investigation as early as possible, in order to have the files returned to the DPP for advice.

The four suspects were subsequently recalled at the CID Headquarters and further questioned on Wednesday last.

According to Blanhum, these four suspects were arrested in light of new information that surfaced in relation to Crum-Ewing’s murder. However, he explained that investigators were unable to com-

‘Michael Jackson’ on $100,000 bail for larceny charges

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labourer was on Tuesday granted bail when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts slapped with two charges of larceny.

Michael Jackson, of Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) pleaded not guilty to the charges which read that on February 27, 2016 at Third Avenue, Bartica, he entered the dwelling of Narconi DeJesus Somza DaSilva and stole $700,000, property of Gilbert Romel Colmenarez. The second charge read that on the same day, he entered the dwelling house of Narconi DeJesus Somza DaSilva and stole $200,000.

Attorney Peter Hugh, who is representing the defendant, in a bail application told the court that the defendant was working for the Virtual Complainant (VC) as a handyman and was staying in a room at the said property.

He added that two rooms were broken into

Michael Jackson

and items were taken.

Hugh stated that at the time of the incident, the defendant was asleep and as such, could not have committed the crime. The lawyer further stated that while his client was sleeping in the said dwelling place, Police Officers knocked on his door and then arrested him after accusing him of stealing the items.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones asked for substantial bail as the money has not been recovered.

M a g i s t r a t e McLennan placed the defendant on Gy100,000 bail. The case will continue at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on March 16.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum

plete the probe.

“The investigation would have been triggered due to some new developments where we would have received further information, and as a result of that, they had

arrested those guys. We had them in custody but because of the complex nature of that investigation, time did not permit us to complete that investigation,” he stated.

Following their arrests, the four suspects were released from Police custody on their own recognisance and have been reporting to the Police to assist with the investigations.

Crum-Ewing, a 40-year-old ex-soldier, was gunned down execution-style on March 10, 2015, while urging residents of the Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara to go out and cast their ballots during the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

An autopsy revealed that Crum-Ewing was

Dead: Courtney Crum-Ewing

shot five times – three bullets to the head, one to the back of the neck while the fifth entered under one of his arms.

All the bullets were fired from behind and at close range except the one

that hit under his arm and exited his shoulder.

It was also reported that the bullet wound to the back of the man’s neck was at point-blank range and gunpowder residue was found on the back of the collar of the shirt he was wearing. Two .38 warheads were removed from the dead man’s head, reports revealed.

Following the death of the man who rose to popularity after picketing former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall’s office, Reagan Rodrigues, also called “Grey Boy”, was arrested and charged for his murder. Nandlall’s former bodyguard, Rajput Narine, was also arrested as investigations were ongoing.

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First Lady reiterates GTU calls for adjustment of support for single mothers student-teacher ratios

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First Lady Sandra Granger (left) and representatives of Community Care – Nikita Wong (centre) and Nickesha McPherson share a light moment after Wednesday’s meeting

F

irst Lady Sandra Granger on Wednesday reiterated her support for the empowerment of women, more specifically, young single mothers. The First Lady was at the time speaking to representatives of Community Care, a Berbice-based home care provider, during a meeting at State House where discussions revolved around possible areas of collaboration.

Mrs Granger related that when she was first approached by the group, she was immediately interested, given their aims. She added that her interest was

also piqued due to their reach to far-flung areas like Bartica and other areas in Essequibo, in addition to offering services in Berbice and Georgetown. She further stated that the group’s mandate “to empower single mothers, mainly, and young women, with the skills to create a career and to become selfsufficient was particularly appealing, as it ties into my women empowerment programmes.”

Since assuming the position of First Lady, Mrs Granger has spearheaded and supported a number of initiatives aimed at improving the

lives of vulnerable members of society, especially women.

The First Lady also posited that the organisation’s work was analogous to initiatives that she has undertaken, making reference to the five-day Care of the Elderly certification programme held in November 2015 at the Recreation Centre of the Palms Geriatric Home.

She encouraged the representatives to contact the Social Protection Ministry so as to “determine how they too can have their staff certified and recognised as professionals in the field.”

s part of its Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed with the Education Ministry, the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) is calling for the review of the ratio of students to teachers.

The Union has made this proposal on the grounds of bargaining for better terms and conditions of employment for teachers/teacher educators within the public education sector.

Based on assessments that have been made by the Union in regards to the effects of a large ratio of students to one teacher, there are evidently a number of shortcomings that are resulted.

Speaking with Guyana Times International, General Secretary of the GTU Coretta McDonald, explained that the Union has recognised that classroom teaching will be more effective if there were smaller class sizes, which would benefit both teachers and students.

As such, the Union had much reason for making the proposal with the interest of the general education sector at heart.

McDonald reported that in the Education Act, it was passed that there be a reduction of students that are in one class, but they are calling for these figures to be further broken down to effectuate advanced teaching techniques.

Explaining why the proposal was made, she informed that as it is

General Secretary of GTU, Coretta McDonald

known, when students enter a class, there is a combination of different personalities, various levels of learning capabilities, ranging from ‘highflyers’ to ‘weak’ and a number of necessities that each posses.

The task of meeting these requirements to ensure that each student is equally and adequately catered for is thus left for the teachers to manage which in most instances poses a challenge and results in inefficient teaching mechanisms.

In addition, McDonald informed that there have been situations where parents have complained about their children not receiving ample attention from their teachers since their books were not being ‘marked’ frequently and they were lagging behind.

Given that the MoA is approved, this conflict will no longer exist as teachers can have efficient time for one-on-

one interactions with students which will see the improvement of the class’s academic performance, and further the school’s; thus leading up to the general advancement of the public education sector.

These proposals, however, will seek to ensure that these specific conditions are addressed so that teachers will be more comfortable, students will be able to gain more and parents will be satisfied, which would then transform the education sector and rebuild Guyana’s capacity of delivering education at a paramount level.

The ratio of students to teachers has been agreed and listed in the MoA as 15 students to one teacher for nursery schools; 20 to one for Grades One and Two; 25 to one for Grades Three throughout Six; 25 to one for secondary schools and 15 to one for practical instructional centres.

Caught red handed …Teen lands in hot water for allegedly taking cannabis into court lock-ups

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17-year-old student of Chase’s Academy was on Monday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared before her charged with attempting to traffic cannabis into the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts lockups.

The Northon Street, Lodge resident denied the allegation, which stated that on February 26 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts he had in his possession 154.5 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the Court that on the day in question, the teen visited the court lock-ups with

the intention of delivering a bag to one of the prisoners, Dellon Henry called “Nasty Man” who is currently before the Court on a murder charge.

It was revealed that the young man told the Officers there that he had brought three bottles of water for Henry, however, when a constable examined the bottles, it was observed that it contained the leaves, seeds and stems of what were suspected to be cannabis.

However, before the Officer could question him, he ran out of the compound. He was subsequently apprehended in the vicinity of Brickdam by a policeman who gave chase.

Attorney Mark Conway, who appeared for the student, made an application for reasonable bail, telling the Court that his client needs to resume his classes as he has to sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate Examination soon.

However, Prosecutor Jones objected to this stating that no special reasons were given. The Magistrate denied bail. The case will continue on March 14.

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Cabinet still to approve repurchase of Skeldon Co-Generation Plant

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abinet is yet to approve the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) repurchasing its cogeneration plant from the Guyana Power and Light’s Skeldon Energy Inc (SEI).

GuySuCo Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ag. Paul Bhim told Guyana Times International on Tuesday that no move has yet been made in this direction, since Government was still to make a decision.

Government had moved late last year to buy back the assets valued at some US$30 million, which were sold to the newly-formed SEI under the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government.

The SEI, said to be owned by GPL and the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and managed by Finnish Corporation Wärtsilä, was said to be created specifically for the transaction.

The then PPP/C

Cabinet had approved the sale as well as the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between GPL and GuySuCo. The sale was said to be an attempt to bail out the cashstrapped and struggling corporation at the time.

Following the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) ascension to office and with the launch of the Commission of Inquiry into the Sugar Corporation late last year, GuySuCo decided that it needed to take back its PPA and assets.

The power generating assets consist of three Wärtsilä power plants with an installed capacity of 10 megawatts (MW) and a co-generation bagasse plant with an installed capacity of 30MW. Under the PPA, which would have seen GPL purchasing most of the power from the SEI, Wärtsilä was to provide financing for the rehabilitation of the 10MW plant.

The SEI Wärtsilä plant is expected to inherit the many benefits

of the more than 20-year relationship Wärtsilä has enjoyed with GPL, such as discounts on spare parts, and proven advice as the company currently operates several bagasse and steam generating facilities internationally.

“In consideration of

since 2014 to the tune of 12MW; former head of NICIL Winston Brassington had said the newly-commissioned transmission system allowed one interconnected grid between Demerara and Berbice.

He had explained that the new arrange-

ing capacity of the entire Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

The SEI was funded with equity financing of US$5 million from NICIL and US$4 million from GPL, along with debt financing of US$21 million from GPL (in the

An aerial view of the Skeldon sugar factory in Berbice

the transfer of assets, GuySuCo will be paid a total of US$30 million. Additionally, SEI will supply power to GuySuCo at the same prices that GPL currently pays GuySuCo today,” it was stated.

GPL has been supplying power to Berbice

ment would have reduced the need and risk in power transmission from Georgetown, and may over time allow this trend to be reversed.

The projected generation of the combined plants of 40MW by 2016 would have been over 20 per cent of the generat-

form of a loan), and several local and international financial institutions.

The financing would have been repaid via the sale of power under the two PPAs to GPL and GuySuCo. GPL’s financing for the project was as a result of cash flows

derived from savings accrued following the drop in international fuel prices.

It is hoped that the power generation of that plant should be increased by 50 per cent by the end of this year, and almost 100 per cent by 2019.

The expected benefits of the restructuring of the Skeldon energy assets included the enhancement of the generating capacity of the Skeldon Wärtsilä and bagasse co-generation power plants; providing GPL and GuySuCo with a stable and reliable source of power generation; relieving GuySuCo of the responsibility to manage the power generation; providing some US$30 million of capital resources to GuySuCo; and securing, stabilising and expanding the power generating capacity.

In order to harness the full capacity of the plant, Government needed to make some investments to increase the transformer capacity so that more power could be distributed.

Govt has further burdened Guyanese, says Opposition Leader during community meeting at Enmore

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ith Local Government Elections (LGE) two weeks away, Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo met with residents of Hope West, Enmore, East Coast Demerara.

The meeting was held on Monday evening and saw approximately 400 residents in attendance.

During his presentation, Jagdeo spoke about the recently passed Gy$230 billion Budget, the ailing sugar industry and the upcoming LGE, among other issues.

He told those in attendance that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had fought for the rights of Guyanese during the two-week long budget proceedings in the National Assembly – the first week of de-

A section of the gathering at Enmore, East Coast Demerara

bates and the following week considering the estimates.

However, he noted that the efforts of the Opposition parliamentarians were in vain as the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration used its parliamentary one-seat majority to go ahead with its plans, despite objections and concerns raised.

One such objection, he posited, is the implementation of a series of tax increases, and in some cases, the introduction of new taxes. He pointed out to the gathering that instead of lessening the burden of citizens, Government sought to ‘further burden’ Guyanese.

Additionally, Jagdeo spoke about the crisis in

the sugar industry and the fact that the coalition Government is not doing enough to support the industry and the workers. He elaborated on the Administration’s plans of shutting down the Wales Factory, putting workers on the breadline.

Moreover, the Opposition Leader also used the platform to talk about the upcoming Local Government polls, urging

those gathered to go out and vote on March 18, so that they can have a say in who will look after the affairs of their community.

He also highlighted the importance of youths being involved in community-based activities and encouraged them to be active in activities that are aimed at developing the Hope West, Enmore, area.

On the other hand, those gathered at the public meeting heard from two PPP/C’s candidates contesting in the upcoming polls.

Ramnarine Roopnarine and Mahadeo Panday both spoke about what they have in store for their respective constituencies if they are voted for.

The contestant outlined plans for prompt

and reliable garbage collection, cleaning exercises and proper drainage facilities, among other things.

During the meeting, one resident raised concerns about the mining industry, particularly the gold sector. Jagdeo in his response assured that the Opposition is willing to offer any assistance, if requested by Government, on reviving the industry.

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No more squatting

Guyana Govt announces special discounts for houselots as part of Jubilee celebrations …Govt says ‘lawlessness’ will not be allowed to continue

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie-Sharpe Patterson

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he Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is offering a special payment plan for the month of May, for beneficiaries of government house lots, priced $3M and below, in residential areas.

Under this 50/50 payment plan, persons who have completed paying 50 percent of the cost of their house lots by May 1 will be given a 50 percent discount on the balance. This balance, however, must be paid by the end of May, Minister of Communities Valerie-Sharpe Patterson explained at a press briefing in the boardroom of CHPA, today.

“If you have an allocation to a house lot for $1M and if by the 1st of May, you would have completed paying $500,000 (which is 50 percent,) then you have 50

percent on the remaining balance of 500,000. So you now have a discount on the balance of 250,000, but the balance, must be paid by the end of May,” Minister Patterson-Sharpe explained.

The payment plan takes effect from today, the Minister said. “So you have from now to April 30 to complete 50 percent payment of your allocation,” she advised. The initiative whilst in celebration of the nation’s jubilee is also in keeping with government’s intention to make house lots more affordable.

The payment plan is also applicable to the beneficiaries of turnkey homes, with regards to the cost of the house lot, not the homes, Minister SharpePatterson explained. A house lot for a turnkey home costs $500,000.

Also in commemoration of Guyana’s 50th anniversary, the CH&PA will give 50 persons, $300,000 as a subsidy. The beneficiaries of these grants must be living within one of the Government’s housing schemes, and the subsidy is to be used to implement home repairs.

The Minister explained that the beneficiaries will be randomly selected during a public exercise in each region.

According to the Minister, four persons each will be given subsidies in Regions One, Two, Five, Seven and Nine, whilst six persons will benefit in Region Three. A total of 14 subsidies will be distributed in Region Four whilst five each will be handed out in Regions Six and Ten. (GINA)

I

n light of the measures being put in place by the Administration towards making housing ‘affordable’ and regularising the current squatter settlements in the country, there will be no allowance for new squatters.

This is according to Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Valerie Sharpe-Patterson who at a press briefing today warned against squatting.

“Have your application in, and we are saying to you, we are working towards making houselots available and you will get your houselot…we are not forced to regularise squatting so let me just emphasise, however those that are already existing and some as much as 30 years, we are going to regularise you, but we do not expect this type of illegality and lawlessness to continue,” the Minister stated.

She also warned that her Ministry will be going after and penalising the

allottees of government houselots, who sell the land before the expiration of the 10-year period.

“All around the country we have found persons who have acquired these houselots are selling these houselots for gains. This is illegal, our policy says that you cannot sell within 10 years,” Minister Sharpe-Patterson declared.

However, she noted that persons continue this practice and visit the Ministry for regularisation.

“We are urging persons not to become involved in such acts. We allocate a piece of land to you because we believe that you are desirous of having a home built or acquiring a home and so we expect that persons will not buy land to sell.”

It should be reminded that after the 10-year period is up, if a person is desirous of selling, then approval has to be obtained in writing, from the Minister responsible for housing.

Father of three gets 58 months jail for robbery under arms APNU/AFC Govt “failed miserably”

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resident of Constellation Street, Tucville, Georgetown, was on Monday sentenced to 58 months in prison by Magistrate Judy Latchman when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after she found him guilty of three counts of robbery under

arms.

Mike Tyson, a father of three, who resides at Lot 563 Constellation Street, Tucville, had initially pleaded not guilty to the first charge, which stated that on July 1,2015 at Durban Backlands, Georgetown, while in the company of another and being armed with a gun, he robbed

Eason Grimes of a motorcar valued $3.2M, a cellular phone valued $20,000, a driver’s licence valued $2000, a passport valued $2000 and $34,000 in cash, all to a total value of $3,258,000.

The 24-year-old man also pleaded not guilty to the second charge, which stated that on

July 3, 2015 at McDoom, Greater Georgetown, while in the company of another and being armed with a dangerous weapon, that is a gun, he robbed Manesh Veersammy of a Toyota Premio motorcar valued $3.8M, a GT&T phone card valued $200, a wallet valued $1500, two stereo speakers valued

at $200,000 and $10,000 cash, all to a total value of $4,011,700.

Finally, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the third charge, which stated that on August 10, 2015 at Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara, while in the company of another and being armed with a gun, he robbed Lawrence Singh of a Toyota Spacio motorcar valued $2M, a cellular phone valued at $4,500 and $10,000, all to a total value of $2,014,500.

P o l i c e Prosecutor Deniro Jones during the trial revealed that Grimes’ and Singh’s cars were recovered while Veersammy’s is still missing. He revealed that after Singh’s car was stolen, a Police chase ensued during which Tyson crashed the car and was captured. After reviewing the facts of the charges, the Magistrate told the man that the prosecution had proven their case beyond reasonable doubt and as such she had found him guilty.

in delivering promises made during elections campaign – PPP

H

igh on the agenda for the Central Committee of the People's Progressive Party (PPP) during a meeting last Saturday were the ‘developments’ in the country since the APNU+AFC Coalition took office and the attempts of the regime to intimidate Party members on ‘trumped up charges.’

This is according to General Secretary of the PPP, Clement Rohee, who during a media briefing today stated that his Party has analysed these ‘developments’ in Guyana and concluded that the APNU+AFC Administration has failed miserably to deliver its election promises to the nation.

He declared that the so-called 'good life' promised to the people is turning out to be a mirage, and except for the top echelons of the ruling cabal, the vast majority of the population are worse off than before the change of Administration.

Meanwhile, in relation to the ‘trumped up charges’ against its Party members, the Central Committee had

condemned this and expressed solidarity with those who are suffering from any form of victimisation by this Government as a result of their Party affiliation.

“The Party noted with concern the decision to close down the Wales sugar factory and the hardships that decision would have on the well-being of those who depended on the estate for their living”.

Rohee also noted that much deliberation took place on the upcoming Local Government elections and the preparedness of the Party to win an overwhelming majority of the constituencies at the Mayoral and National Democratic Council (NDC) levels.

He noted that the PPP is optimistic that the electorate will turn out in their numbers and vote overwhelmingly for the PPP/C. During the Central Committee meeting on Saturday last, presentations were made by Rohee which set the tone for a robust discussion on the way forward for the PPP in its efforts to regain political power.

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Cop at centre of corruption allegations breaks silence ‌challenges anyone to "come with the evidence"

"I

don't understand why these allegations are being made against me. I live a normal life. I don't live a life to shout about, me and my wife work very hard for what we have," says Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mitchell Caesar, in response to corruption allegations being leveled against him.

In defending himself, the ASP told this newspaper on Wednesday that he is very hurt by the allegations being made against him considering the sacrifices he has made over the years as a dedicated officer of the Force. He said that the allegations have shocked him, explaining that everything which he owns has been made possible through loans taken from the bank(s).

Quite recently, television journalist, Travis Chase had declared that he had recordings of alleged wrongdoings by ASP Caesar. On Monday, at a press conference, a top official of the People's Progressive Party (PPP) also made similar claims.

When asked to comment on the allegations against him, the ASP stated that if either Chase or the PPP has evidence which they claim to have to support these allegations of his 'wrong-doings' then they should come

into the accusations being leveled against the Officer.

According to a police statement issued recently, after reports began surfacing alleging corruption against one of its ranks, ranks of the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) visited Freedom House Monday to question PPP/C members on their knowledge of the situation.

Assistant Police Superintendent, Mitchell Ceasar

forward since he has nothing to be fearful of.

When questioned as to why the television journalist would 'target' him in this regard, the Officer stated that some time ago, Chase was involved in a police matter and he (Caesar) was the rank tasked with instituting charges against him.

"I don't know why he would say that or if perhaps he still has a grudge... but my family is being affected and it is not easy to deal with," he said. He added that he is in the process of consulting his lawyers with the aim of filing a lawsuit soon.

Meanwhile, the PPP and Chase were recently questioned by the police in relation to an investigation

This newspaper understands that Party Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha, whom they met personally, and General Secretary Clement Rohee, through his Secretary, were interviewed and they both indicated that they had nothing of evidential value to offer.

This is despite the fact that the Party had before-

hand released a statement claiming to have knowledge of the existence of audio and video recordings implicating the Police Officer.

Additionally, when the issue first arose through a television broadcast on TV Channel 67, the News Reporter was also interviewed but he too stated he had no evidence to provide to Police.

Chase had initially aired a report claiming to have knowledge of the said recordings. The news presenter had claimed that the allegations were contained in a “Top Secret document�.

Reports recently surfaced accusing Ceasar of being involved in acts deemed inappropriate for his profession, including ties to the underworld.

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UG student breaks silence

…says “no sexual activity” during period of time in question

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he female University of Guyana (UG) student who was reportedly gang-raped Friday last has broken her silence, denying all allegations.

During an interview with University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS), the student admitted to being intoxicated but insisted she was not raped.

According to a UGSS statement, the alleged victim recounts no sexual activity during the period of time in question.

Furthermore, the release said the female student is very concerned that she became the target of negative public perception due to the various reported allegations.

A local newspaper reported one day after the alleged incident that a female student was gangraped by a group of male students.

The article quoted another UG student overhearing a group of male students (suspected perpetrators) describing in graphic details how they committed the act.

Following the reports, both the UG Administration and the

UGSS launched investigations.

The Administration on Sunday issued a statement saying the allegations are completely false.

At the time, the UGSS was receiving similar information but wanted more time to conduct its probe to be certain. Meanwhile, the allegations brought to the fore the burning concern of security on campus.

The UGSS president had stressed time and again the need of better security on campus.

“Security has always been a major concern on campus and we, the students, are always the ones who suffer and are affected more at the end,” he stated.

UG in its statement noted that it will continue to place safety and security of its members and visitors to the campus as a high priority.

The university said it is currently pursuing several measures to enhance security and will continue to exercise maximum care and due diligence in providing a secure environment for students and staff on campus.

‘No market for our produce’

…Region 2 cash crop farmers facing difficult times By: Indrawattie Natram

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he plummeting economy in Region Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam), compounded by the lack of markets, has left cash-crop farmers with no other choice but to dump their harvest.

A number of cashcrop farmers have expressed frustration over the issue. According to the farmers, crops such as boulanger, pumpkin, calaloo and pepper have to be dumped since the purchasing power of many has been reduced.

Many large-scale farmers related that they are frustrated as every day they are reaping crops but when they go to local markets persons are not purchasing.

According to one such farmer of Golden Fleece, Palo (only name given) he returned home with bags of bolangers last Sunday after a meagre amount was sold. “We planting and reaping but when we go to the market we don’t make a profit. Plus we have to pack our vehicles and go to Chairty, it’s a costly exercise, nothing selling and you cannot keep the vegetables, they will spoil,” a female vendor

A pile of boulanger that is put aside to be dumped

Aiesha related.

Cash-crop farmers are experiencing grave financial difficulties and are calling on the Agriculture Ministry for assistance with markets for their produce.

Region Two economy plunged last year after the rice industry began to deteriorate, following the collapsed Venezuela rice market.

Last week Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt visited several farmers in the backdam where farmers related that local markets are flooded with vegetables and so no one is buying.

The

chairman

had

are facing difficulty in selling their vegetables at a profit, adding it is “heart wrenching” to see the situation farmers are facing.

During conversation with farmers, the chairman related that concerns were raised by vendors about the current state of the rice industry. He pointed out that the ailing rice industry it is having a very negative effect on the entire Region Two, hence persons cannot afford to spend as they did previously.

said cash-crop farmers

Peppers that farmers have to dispose of

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Sex worker murder accused to stand trial in High Court

Wanted: Kanand Ojha

By Kizzy Coleman

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on “Andel” Forde, the suspect in the murder of commercial sex worker Nephi Luthers, was on Wednesday committed to stand trial for murder in the High Court when Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan concluded the Preliminary Inquiry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The 42-year-old, of Lot 19 Meadow Bank, Georgetown, allegedly on July 22, 2015 at Quamina Street, Georgetown, killed Luthers.

During the PI, the Court heard that there was a confrontation between Forde, the other suspect in the incident Kanand Ojha, and Luthers.

During the confrontation, the 20-year-old man, of ZZ Durban Street, Wortmanville, was shot once to his chest.

According to reports, on the night of the shooting, Ojha

Dead Sex worker, Nephi Luthers

paid Luthers Gy$5000 to perform a sexual act in the vicinity of St George’s Cathedral.

During the act, he was reportedly relieved of his personal belongings. After the act was completed, he left in his motor car, but subsequently realised that his phone and cash were missing.

According to reports, Ojha collected Forde and went back to the location where they confronted Luthers who vehemently denied that he did business with Ojha and a heated argument ensued.

During the argument, Ojha reportedly told Luthers, “You have to give back the thing”, but in response, the commercial sex worker said: “Me ain’t been with you”. At this time, Forde pulled out the gun and pulled the trigger, shooting Luthers to his chest.

After being shot, Luthers fell to the ground and the two men fled the scene.

Accused: Ron "Andel" Forde

Luthers was picked up by his colleagues and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Forde and Ojha subsequently went on the run, and wanted bulletins were issued for their arrest. Forde was apprehended in Linden and transported to Georgetown. He was subsequently charged with the offence.

On Wednesday in Court, Magistrate McLennan informed Ford that there was sufficient evidence for the matter to be heard by a judge and jury. As such, he was committed to stand trial in the High Court.

Meanwhile, Ojha is still on the run. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Ojha is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 225-8196, 226-7065, 227-1149, 911 or at the nearest Police Station.

Matthew’s Ridge Police killing: Murder suspect still hospitalised, to face charges soon

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ennis Marks, the man who fatally stabbed Police Sergeant Linden La Rose and injured two other Police ranks on Tuesday, was on Wednesday flown out of Matthew’s Ridge, North West District and is under Police guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital where he is receiving medical attention.

Speaking with Guyana Times International on Wednesday, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said that once the suspect is released from hospital, he will be charged for murder among other charges. He is expected to make an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where the charges will be read.

According to the Crime Chief, the two other Police ranks who were injured by the suspect are recuperating. Sergeant La Rose was in the company of the two other officers when they were attacked by knife wielding Marks during which La Rose was stabbed to his neck as they attempt to arrest the suspect.

Reports indicate that La Rose was stabbed to his neck while the two other injured ranks were stabbed to their chest and hands respectively. The suspect was subsequently shot to the right foot. La Rose was pronounced dead on arrival at the Matthew’s Ridge Hospital.

On Wednesday, the Crime Chief explained that in relation to the rape accusation that was made against the suspect, an in-

Police Sergeant, Linden La Rose

vestigation has been launched.

Guyana Times International understands that the murder weapon was retrieved on Wednesday after investigators revisited the scene.

The dead Constable was attached to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Impact Base Unit, in Brickdam, Georgetown. Dawson reportedly sustained at least five stab wounds to his upper body.

Based on reports received, the attacker was seen acting in a suspicious manner and was approached by a group of Police Officers. A confrontation subsequently ensued between one of the ranks and the man who stabbed the officer about five times.

He man then turned his rage on himself, stabbing himself in the chest and then slitting his own throat.

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First Lady underscores importance of educating, nurturing girls

APNU/AFC candidate in Leguan pledges to improve sport facilities for youth

By Shemuel Fanfair

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Recipients of the Muriel Wight scholarships

irst Lady Sandra Granger has said that educating, nurturing and supporting girls are the keys to raising strong women, in her address at a ceremony hosted by the Guyana Girl Guides Association (GGGA) in observance of World Thinking Day 2016, held at GGGA’s Headquarters on Brickdam, Georgetown.

The First Lady was also officially inducted as the patron of the Association, during the ceremony on Sunday.

The First Lady pointed out that in today’s world, young women and girls are confronted with numerous challenges ranging from how they are viewed within their own families, among their friends, within their communities and among their associates to how they see themselves as individuals.

“When we look around we see issues of depression, abuse, domestic violence, lack of education, trafficking in persons, rape and incest and suicide… we have stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS and many other matters that sometimes cause us to question ourselves and our capacity to hold on and to grow and develop and be the strong women we are meant to be,” the First Lady said.

She reminded the audience that the girls of today will grow up to be the women of tomorrow, who will be responsible for holding up the world as mothers, daughters, wives, partners and professionals in all fields. As such, she said, they need to be nurtured, loved, honoured and encouraged to

pursue their dreams.

“We must know that regardless of whatever skills we have and where we will make our contributions to society, every single person is unique and valued… As you observe World Thinking Day 2016, I urge you to develop a passion for compassion.”

World Thinking Day is a day set aside by Scout and Guide organisations and some boy-oriented associations around the world to get together to celebrate international friendships, reflect on their work and highlight issues that affect girls globally.

Delivering the World Thinking Day Message, member of the Association, Ambalika Belle called on members of the Guiding and Scouting Associations to reaffirm their commitment to bringing together more young people united in peace and friendship and to support each other to ensure young people benefit from the opportunities that both organisations can provide.

During the ceremony, six girls received scholarship awards from the Muriel Wight Scholarship Fund. The recipients are: Christina Burrowes, Tiwana Chester, Tamara Braithwaite, Tameka Braithwaite, Trishel Jarvis and Abida Alexander.

The Fund was launched in February 2010 in honour of Guide Commissioner Muriel Wight (now deceased), whose life’s work centred on the education and empowerment of girls. The fund is sustained through fund-raisings, donations, and sponsorship.

Badrie Persaud fired as GuyOil Managing Director

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he Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil) on Monday announced that it has terminated the services of its Managing Director, Badrie Persaud, following a forensic audit of the state-run petroleum distributor.

The state-run oil company said in a statement that the Board of Directors and the Forensic Auditor reviewed the “documented and verified findings” of the forensic audit undertaken by Nigel Hinds Financial Services, for the period November 2011 to 314 May 31, 2015 at a special meeting earlier this month, after which the decision to part ways with Persaud was taken.

“Based on the find-

Badrie Persaud

ings which documented unauthorized and inimical actions taken by the Managing Director, Mr. Badrie Persaud, the Board of Directors, at its Special Board meeting, held on Wednesday 18 February 2016, determined that it could no longer have any confidence in Mr. Persaud’s ability to execute the

functions of Managing Director honestly, objectively and efficiently,” GuyOil said It said that, “in the circumstances, therefore, the Board decided to terminate the services of Mr. Badrie Persaud.”

Persaud was on annual leave, which ended on Saturday last.

He was fired with immediate effect.

But, the board said that, in lieu of Notice, he will be paid based on provisions in the in Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act. Chapter 99:08.

Persaud was a candidate for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections.

he Leguan Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) has nine constituencies and the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/ AFC) coalition is contesting eight.

Trevor Whyte, a farmer from Amsterdam, Leguan, is the party’s Local Government Elections (LGE) candidate in constituency 7 (Dauntless Bank – Amsterdam).

Whyte was quoted in the Guyana Times as saying his main objectives are to acquire ground facilities and create a sports centre which he opined will help to curb drug and alcohol abuse by youths on the island. “[There are) no ground that the children could come and play, [no] sports facility… if we get the ground in order then they could come in the afternoon and we could try to get lights [so they could] play indoor games when [it rains].”

“When dry weather come, we could play outdoor games and keep them away from drugs, alcohol and cigarettes,” expressed the candidate.

Whyte promises that he will advocate in getting “respectable people” who will visit the community and train the youth in sporting activities such as football, cricket, and volleyball. The candidate also suggested he will also attempt to have basketball court built.

Whyte further posited that apart from budgetary allocations, he will embark on fund-raising activities to ensure projects are completed and sustained. He cautioned that before these proposed developments can be realised, the NDC must purchase a ground cleared from its private owners. He opined that this purchase will see benefits to the “entire island.”

“We [will buy] the ground from the owner and see the ground become a public ground,” stated Whyte. The farmer also stated that apart from sports improvement, he

Trevor Whyte

hopes to address the problems of bad roads and drainage and irrigation. He opined that the current NDC needs the requisite equipment in order to ensure these works could be carried out. Whyte opined that the council which was recently managed by an Interim Management Committee (IMC) should change.

“If the council (changes) we can get machinery and so to get the drainage clear.”

“If you pass the council you don’t have to ask a question; they don’t have anything inside… the island need a bulldozer to grade the dams, the council (has) no tractor… we have to implement as soon as we go into power,” suggested the candidate.

He also related that he hopes to correct a koker which has been blocked for around two months.

He further noted that the trenches have become dry and the animals have been getting a limited supply of water.

To this end, Whyte stated that his party has an upcoming meeting where the needs of residents will be heard. The candidate explained that residents will also hear of their plans to overhaul the NDC. “We’ll change the whole thing, the whole system, we’ll change up… it had no progress,” opined the candidate.

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LGE 2016: Ballot papers arrive for March 18 polls

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he Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has confirmed the arrival of all the ballot papers for Local Government Elections (LGE), which is scheduled to be held in two weeks time.

GECOM’s Public Relation Officer (PRO) Tamara Rodney confirmed to Guyana Times International that the sensitive material arrived in Guyana on Monday evening.

Over 16 pallets of material were nestled in GECOM’s compound.

At its last meeting with the press in early February, GECOM had indicated that it had been making rigid efforts to get all of Guyana streamlined for the upcoming LGE. The preparation includes the training of staff to work on elections day across the 71 Local Authority Areas, and the continued efforts to expand the voter’s education programme.

Local Government Elections has not been conducted in almost 22 years – the last being held in 1994.

The GECOM team said it has been working tirelessly to see a smooth and transparent exercise come March 18.

GECOM’s Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally said above all the points relative to the voters’ education programme, the electorate must be cognisant of one fact. “You are voting for a person whom you feel will best represent your interest. That has to be the objective more than anything else. Once you stick with that, everything else

is adjunctive are peripheral to that main point”.

Meanwhile, GECOM’s CEO Keith Lowenfield said the Commission has so far been able to satisfy all the requirements set out by law for the holding of LGE. “We began and concluded our exercise of ensuring our register of voters was prepared and certified. According to Lowenfield, GECOM has in its possession, a total of 523,831 electors on its certified electors list. However, even with this number, all of Guyana will not be involved in the Local Authority Election process.

These are called the “no contest” areas. In four Local Authority Areas across Guyana, there is no contest, meaning only one particular political party or group has indicated its interest in participating in the LGE. These include the Crabwood Creek (CWC), Black Bush Polder (BBP), Kentyre Borlam and the Mocha Arcadia Neighbourhood Democratic Council.

Added to the Local Authorities Areas, out of the 508 Constituencies, 149 have been declared no contest areas. However, while persons will be voting in the Proportional Representation (PR), they will not be participating in the First-Past-thePost system. Lowenfield said the Commission has addressed the issue, since it has implications for the production of the ballot papers in those areas.

GECOM’s CEO explains difference between LGE and National Elections

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any have found themselves slightly confused over the difference between the two election processes and how they are fundamentally different.

For one, Local Government Elections (LGE) is called by the subject Minister (Communities Minister) and General or National Elections are called by the President.

What are the differences after polling takes place?

Party agents and private groups will be able to observe the removing of ballot boxes and place locks on the containers in which they are stored at both the National Elections and the LGE. Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield, commenting on the process, said everything remained the same when it came to storing the ballots at GECOM. “When we go to open, we have to call all the agents with their locks on our container…”

“In the case of the LGE, the Returning Officer (RO) for the district is required to make a declaration of the results in his or her district. In the case of the General Elections, the 10 Returning Officers declare the results of the 10 districts and then I will make an overall declaration of the results of the elections. For LGE, those declarations are just as critical

for information or for the outcome of the process at the level of the Returning Officer. So all the CEO will have to do is based on those declarations he will compile.”

“In the case of a tie, a lot will be drawn,” Lowenfield said. This can be done with the spinning of a coin to determine which group will have the option of leading first, as both groups if they would have won are required to share all benefits.

Lowenfield said all of the laws as it related to a recount would be adhered to in the event of a recount. “So whatever legal procedures a party wants to pursue can be done because it is fixated in the law on the conduction of elections… if there is a recount, the RO in his or her own judgment will facilitate the recount. The law prescribed for Local Elections that a declaration be made in five

days. For General Elections, the law says GECOM has 15 days in which to make a declaration.”

He said it was the same methodology which was used at General Elections which would be applied in each community where voting will take place at the LGE. Speaking of the Disciplined Services votes, Lowenfield noted that while there were no Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) or Municipalities in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), there will still be voting in that region. This, he said, will be done on D-Day when the Disciplined Services cast their ballots on March 8.

“Wherever the policemen are located, we have to get to their location for them to vote and then get that vote back to where they ordinary reside,” he added.

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Effective systems in place to Caricom explores prevent rigging – GECOM’s boss initiatives to combat

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hairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Dr Steve Surujbally has strongly represented that it is “highly impossible” for any party, group or organisation to rig this year’s long-awaited Local Governmental Elections (LGE).

Surujbally was addressing a small gathering of candidates, voters and members of the diplomatic corps last Friday at the launching of the Guyana National Youth Council’s (GNYC) “Vote like a boss” campaign at the Hermandston Lodge.

“We have placed measures and systems in place to make elections “unriggable.” This is not in the days of yore.

This is now. And I say to you, it is almost impossible to rig an election,” Surujbally told the gathering.

“For you to rig an election, it would have to be a great and grand conspiracy. Everybody would have to be participating. Just look at a polling station, there is the presiding officer, the deputy presiding officer, clerks, party agents… we’re talking about 80 people at least, are they all involved in the skulduggery? I don’t think so… it is highly impossible,” he continued.

The chairman said the Commission has systems in place for everything.

“We have manuals for everything.

With that sort of background and content, we can go to International Organisation of Standardisation (ISO)’s certification as one of the Electoral Management bodies in this hemisphere and the Caribbean that is well run. Irrespective of what you might be hearing,” Surujbally said.

The Chairman has made the promise at a time when his credibility is under dispute by the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP). Following its defeat at the last National and Regional elections back in May 2015, the party immediately mounted an elections petition in the High Court, calling for a recount of the votes, which the party said was highly flawed.

The party has also since called for his resignation, a move Surujbally said he will make in his own time. The GECOM Chairman on more than one occasion derided the statements made by the Parliamentary Opposition, maintaining that he will not be going anywhere on the demand of the PPP/C. Meanwhile, with the LGE fast approaching, the PPP/C is still concerned about the competence, ability and creditability of GECOM to deliver free and fair elections.

Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang recently gave the green-light to the elections petition brought by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), allowing the matter to go to trial – a ruling described by a lawyer as “wrong and flawed.”

GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield had moved to the Court to block the summons filed by the PPP/C. Justice Chang ruled that there were sufficient grounds for the matter to go ahead, and in accordance with Article 163 of the Constitution, the court does not have jurisdiction to quash the petition.

Govt promises to tackle inequitable issues in LGBT community

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence (3rd from left) flanked by Social Protection Ministry adviser and Member of Parliament John Adams (2nd left); SASOD Managing Director Joel Simpson (3rd right); Advocacy and Communications Officer Schemel Patrick; SASOD Board Secretary Alana Da Silva and Social Change Coordinator Jairo Rodrigues at the meeting

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s the world observes Zero Discrimination Day, the Social Protection Ministry has promised to address discriminatory issues that were raised by the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD).

SASOD Advocacy and Communications Officer Schemel Patrick during a recent meeting with Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence and the Ministerial Advisor John Adams related that although Guyana’s labour policies support the elimination of discrimination in employment, training, recruitment, and membership of professional bodies, there are gaps that need to be addressed in the Laws of Guyana.

According to the organization, the absence of a ‘specific’ prohibition on sexual orientation, gender identity and health status within the Prevention of Discrimination Act 1997, leaves persons within the Lesbian Gay Bi-sexual and Transgender (LGBT) community and persons with stigmatised health conditions vulnerable to discrimination with impunity in the workplace.

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence after listening to the concerns raised by the group agreed there should be no discrimination in employment, education and health as she expressed her responsibility to protect all Guyanese and noted her position that everyone is entitled to their rights.

“We can’t have one group benefitting while another is suffering. We (Ministry) do not share the view that the rights of citizens are good for one but not the others,” the minister said.

However, the organisation reiterated the lack of protection in law and policy for persons when it comes to sexual orientation, gender identity and health status. SASOD called for more action by the coalition government as it built its campaign on social cohesion, equal rights, inclusion and cooperation amongst all people.

Meanwhile, SASOD Managing Director Joel Simpson reminded that Guyana has made voluntary commitments to international agreements and has a legal obligation under international human rights law to honour its commitments.

youth crime and violence

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ver 100 persons from across the Caribbean gathered Monday at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre in an attempt to address youth crime and violence in Caricom countries.

Under the theme, “Youth Crime and Violence – Breaking the Cycle: Exploring New Platforms for Transformation” the mission of the consultation was to derive strategies for the reduction of

heading Violence Against Children, Gender Based Violence, School Violence and Youth Gangs and Violence, the stakeholders will be engaged in discussions on what can be done to break the cycle, while crafting effective platforms that would promote transformations into the global challenge.

Speaking to those gathered, Deputy Secretary General of Caricom, Manorma Soeknandan said the fo-

achieve social cohesion, economic resilience and integration.

Soeknandan underlined the core value of adults having a continuous role in averting crime, and the burden should not be shifted on to the shoulders of youths only.

Basing on necessary actions that need to be taken in order to curb the levels, Soeknandan added that “sound partnerships and approaches which are multi-sec-

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan during his remarks to the gathering

youth crime and violence through discussions of what are the challenges promoting youth crime.

In the aim to accelerate the fight to eliminate these youth-based crimes, the project originated from a two-year Caricom/Spain project funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

The two-day forum designed specifically for schools in some Caribbean countries, will focus specifically on four aspects that surround crime among youths in today’s society that have been putting pressure on individual countries.

Under the broad

rum is seeking to prepare young people to live productive and safe lives while contributing to the further development of the region.

She noted that subsequent to the report of the Caricom Commission on Youth Development (CCYD) which was presented to the Heads of Government in January 2010, the severity of youth crime was evidently visible, with it coming in as the number one concern in relation to youths.

Through this, it was made clear that something needed to be done urgently to safeguard the future of youths and

toral in nature” would be crucial in attempting to dissolve the global challenge.

Also addressing the gathering was Guyana’s Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan who brought out the point that a culture that makes youths assets instead of liabilities should be the focus in regards to decreasing the levels of crimes evidently present in Caribbean countries.

He noted that there definitely is a need for juvenile reforms in such a dark time, and as such called for legislation to be passed on implementing this.

Lucky to be alive! …attacker fatally shot during holdup in Campbellville

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brother and sister are now counting their blessings that they are alive and unharmed, while their attacker is now dead after he was fatally shot during what is believed to be an attempted robbery this morning.

Reports are that around 02:00h today Carl Haynes, who is employed at a private security company, was walking along Second Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, with his 26-year-old sister Rayon Haynes when the incident took place.

Guyana Times International understands that a lone gun-man approached the two siblings and held them up at gunpoint. However, when

the brother and sister resisted, the armed man pulled the trigger of his firearm but the weapon ‘snapped’.

This gave Carl the opening that he needed to save himself and his sister so he quickly pulled out his service firearm and shot the perpetrator.

The dead man has been identified as Isaiah Marks of ‘C’ Field, Sophia, and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Meanwhile, the unlicensed .32 revolver which was in the possession of Marks has been recovered by police ranks. Investigations into the matter are still on-going.

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“I am now left at the mercy of criminals”

…Sattaur says stripped of State protection

ing the government’s vehicle and had the car been damaged, he would have been subjected to a significant amount of expense to repair it.

By Devina Samaroo

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ormer Commissioner General of Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Khurshid Sattaur believes he narrowly escaped death after a vehicle allegedly driven by a tax-evader nearly ran him off the road Saturday afternoon.

Now no longer protected by security from the State, Sattaur feels he is now at “the mercy of criminals”, who he had aggressively pursued for being in violation of the law whilst he headed the country’s tax body.

During an interview with Guyana Times International shortly after the incident, Sattaur related that someone driving a black Lexus SUV attempted to run him off the road as he left his home in Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

He recollected that the vehicle was in front of him but when they passed the traffic light at the Railway Embankment, the driver suddenly pulled into the corner.

Sattaur explained that after he drove ahead, the vehicle accelerated behind him and eventually moved up alongside in an attempt to drive him off the

State protection

Former Commissioner General of Guyana Revenue Authority, Khurshid Sattaur

road.

He noted too that all the while, the driver was showing him the middle finger.

“I could have ran off the road and killed myself. I am still shaken from this,” Sattuar declared.

The former Tax boss said he got a fair glimpse of the driver, who he believes might have been someone whose vehicle he had ordered seized last year after it was found to be using a fake registration plate and was involved in a remigrant scheme fraud. “And now this guy seems to want to get back at me. This man could have killed me,” Sattaur lamented.

He added that he was driv-

The former GRA boss was also deeply concerned over the fact he is now without protection from the State. “I have been going after criminals and whilst I was on the job, I was protected by the State. I have been unceremoniously terminated and now all my State protection has been removed and I am now left at the mercy of these criminals who I have had caused to run into and I am not happy about it,” Sattaur vented.

In fact, he indicated that he only found out that he is without State protection after the incident occurred and he made a report to his ‘previous’ law enforcement officers and was told that they cannot take action.

“I don’t understand this nonsense… it is scary that all my protection has been removed,” he stressed.

Moreover, Sattaur expressed hope that the man who tried to run him off the road would be arrested and charged for attempting to kill him.

Corentyne region can lead in Guyana’s economic recovery – President Granger

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he Rotary Club of New Amsterdam has been called upon to ensure that the Ancient County becomes a commercial and economic hub that would cause a resurgence in the country’s financial coffers.

This call was made by President David Granger as he addressed members at the Club’s World Understanding and Peace Dinner last Saturday evening.

“East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six) can lead the economic recovery of the entire country. It can influence the economic development of the Caribbean community through the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME),” the Head of State said, adding that it was no exaggeration.

“This Region comprises 96 communities. It is the only Region with three towns. Guyana needs strong Regions… We need economically robust Regions and that is why we are paying attention to strengthening our regions,” the President said, continuing that the Corentyne was a “sleeping giant” which needed to be aroused from its slumber.

“It needs to fulfil its unquestionable potential of the food bowl of the country and the Caribbean,” the President pointed out.

Granger told the gathering that the East Berbice-Corentyne Region was the only Region to be bordered by two countries: Brazil and Suriname and was the third largest administrative Region, spanning over 36,000 square kilometres. He said it was bigger

than Belize, Burundi, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, and the residents must take the initiative and step to build a strong, resilient, economically robust region which would take the country forward.

“The Corentyne enjoys an interesting and an enjoyable democratic spread. This Region is steeped in heritage and history. It is rich in cultural diversity. The Corentyne is the agricultural heartland in Guyana, richly endowed with fertile, cultivable lands. There are three sugar estates: Albion, Rose Hall and Skeldon. This Region is home to the country’s largest water control system, evidenced in the Black Bush Polder scheme.”

He noted that it was interesting that the Region was supported by fishing, farming, cattle rearing, timber, bauxite mining [and] shipping. The Region is the country’s “cattle ranch, its sugar bowl, its rice pot, its fish market and a market place for its commodities.

The Corentyne also possesses untapped potential for tourism; eco and heritage tourism”.

At the same time, the President noted that the Region has been a victim of depopulation, dropping from approximately 150,000 persons in 1980 to about 110,000 in 2012. This, he opined, has had an adverse impact on its growth and development; however, East Berbice-Corentyne stands to be a force to be reckoned with if the necessary work and cooperation was received. This

must start with the elimination of personal, political, racial and cultural biases and divisiveness, he said.

Noting that “fortune favours the brave, but fortune for the economic revival will not drop from the sky”, the President said an action plan was needed for the Region if its true potential was to be realised. This strategy must be based on a shared vision and focused on three areas: education, empowerment and enterprise.

The President posited that the plan must begin at the community and grassroots levels before it reached the top.

“Such a plan can be the basis of transformation for this Region into an economic powerhouse.

Economic development is not a racial issue. The economy does not belong to a political party. It is a public good. If the Corentyne prospers, the country will progress. You are important to the whole country. This Corentyne action must begin from the bottom up – from our communities.

Community life should be reinvigorated. Economic revival of villages will allow this Region to become a magnet,” President Granger expressed.

He also spoke of the importance of Local Government Elections in advancing the Region, noting that the polls was one of the most critical ways in which citizens become empowered to develop their communities, villages, regions and country.

Guyanese man held over huge drug bust in Barbados

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he Barbados Nation has reported that large quantities of cocaine and cannabis were seized at Carlisle Bay (Browne’s Beach), St Michael by the Drug Squad in an early morning operation yesterday.

According to the report carried in Barbados Nation, Acting Assistant Superintendent of Police and

public relations officer David Welch said cocaine weighing 122.9 kilogrammes and valued in the region of $6 million and cannabis weighing 9 4 kilogrammes valued in the region of Bds$375, 000 were seized along with a boat.

Welch said two males, a Barbadian and a Guyanese, were assisting police with the matter.

Murdered T&T prisoner officer knew he was on `hit’ list – report Reprinted from the Trinidad Guardian

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risons officer Fitzalbert Victor Jr knew his life was in danger and reported to his colleagues that he was being threatened by an inmate at one of the nation’s prisons.

In fact, it is now being discovered that Victor was one of 15 prisons officers who were on a prison hit list, and that a prisoner at Remand Yard, Port-of-Spain, where he was stationed, gave the orders to have him killed. The list, the T&T Guardian has been told, features prisons guards all assigned in northern Trinidad.

Victor, 32, was shot in the head and body by a man who jumped the wall to his home at Prizgar Lands, Laventille, and attacked him on Monday.

Hours after his death, National Security Edmund Dillon condemned the attack and members of the Prisons Officers Association immediately held a press conference, in which they claimed that the State had failed to put adequate measures in place. The officers had made constant calls for extra security and other measures, for guards whose lives were being threatened by criminals behind bars.

In a brief interview yesterday, prisons officers who knew Victor closely but did not want to be identified for fear of being targeted themselves, said the slain man had told them there had been several threats made against his life by one particular inmate.

They said Victor, believing his life to be in great danger, had asked to be transferred to another section of the prison following the threats, which he deemed to be very serious.

Prison officers said the threat on Victor’s life came from behind prison walls and a member of a popular gang was behind it.

This officers said, however, while a Remand Yard prisoner ordered the hit, it seemed to have also been co-ordinated by an inmate at another prison. The night before Victor was killed, another prisons officer’s house along the East/ West Corridor was shot up by gunmen.

Up until late yesterday, prisons officers said their infor-

Fitzalbert Victor Jr

mation was that a member of the “Rastacity” gang had been contracted to carry out the hit on Victor. They said the situation within the prison system was now tense since they are aware there are also plans to assassinate other prisons officers.

They noted that things were so desperate that some of their colleagues had resorted to contracting “bandits” from their communities as security guards to watch their homes.

Yesterday, prisons officers continued to pay tribute to Victor, saying he was “straightforward and a man who would not tolerate stupidness.”

However, prisons officers also said they were now of the belief that “it was only a matter of time before the rest get lick down.”

Grieving colleagues have taken to social media to express their disgust and disappointment.

Two previous attempts on life Contacted yesterday, Prisons Officers Association secretary Gerard Gordon confirmed they had been notified of the threats on Victor’s life and noted there had been attempts to kill him before this week.

“He (Victor) wasn’t comfortable there and twice before they tried to kill him,” Gordon said.

He said, however, officers were past the stage of being angry as they were now very aware the officers were actively being targeted by the criminal elements with more frequency.

“We are hurt, disgusted and fed up. These feelings don’t go away. You living wondering who’s next,” he said.rdon said officers were not robots but human beings.

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Businesswoman placed on $190,000 bail for trafficking niece

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business woman was on Monday released on $190,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when she appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with trafficking in persons.

Joyce Lawrence of Samantha Point denied the allegation which read that Between December 12 and December 24, 2014, she engaged in human trafficking.

That is, she recruited and transported Wanda Lawrence, who is her niece, by means of threat.

The woman also denied the charge which read that between December 1 and December 28, 2014 while being the employer of Wanda Lawrence, she unlawfully withheld the young woman’s identification card.

Finally, the Court heard that between July 1 and December 12, 2014 at Eishalton Night Club, Eishalton, she engaged in trafficking her niece.

Attorney Euclin Gomes, who appeared for the accused, posited that the matter was an “unfortunate situation”. He explained that the complainant is the woman’s niece who lived with her.

He stated that his client only wants what is best for her niece and on that note made an application for reasonable bail.

However, Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones objected to bail based on the gravity and pen-

PNC offers “no comment” on Rodney Report’s findings

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Joyce Lawrence

alty that the offence attracts.

He stated that in 2014, the accused took the complainant to work at a night club without parental consent.

The Prosecutor explained that at this time, the complainant was a juvenile, and the accused had enslaved her in her home and taken away her identification card.

He related that the Police received information about the young woman and when they went to the nightclub, they found the young woman pregnant. He explained that the accused gave the Police varying addresses, adding that the complainant is currently in the custody of the Ministry of Social Protection.

The Magistrate overruled the Prosecutor’s objections and granted bail in the sum of $190,000 for the three offences. The matter was transferred to the Linden Magistrates’ Court for March 30.

he People’s National Congress (PNC) has chosen to remain tightlipped on the details of the findings of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI), which probed the circumstances that led to the death of Working People’s Alliance (WPA) co-founder, Dr Walter Rodney.

The party, which held the reins of power during the period Dr Rodney met his demise, has been accused of causing his death, a move it was hoped would silence his mounting criticisms of the dictatorial leadership of the day.

PNC General Secretary Oscar Clarke, when contacted on Tuesday, refused to comment on the findings of the probe. “I don’t make comments on newspaper reports, when the General Secretary of the People’s National Congress gets a copy of the Report, I will make a comment,” he said before ending the call.

Clarke’s refusal to comment has come although the party’s leader, President David Granger has already pronounced on the findings of the Report. The President, however, did not speak on behalf of the party, but the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

Critics say that the comments by the Head of State could not represent Government, since it was not the APNU/AFC coalition that

PNC General Secretary, Oscar Clarke

was accused of Rodney’s death, but the PNC. Almost a week following the leaked circulation of the 25-page document, President Granger, when questioned by the media on the findings, expressed disappointment with the Report, saying that it was highly flawed. He said the three-member panel, headed

by Barbados Queen’s Counsel Sir Richard Cheltenham, had relied too much on hearsay evidence, particularly from a convict, and had failed to garner the relevant evidence from persons who were really there at the time of the incident. He said Government was going to challenge the findings of the investigation.

Throughout the 17-month long CoI, which was also heard

by Jamaican Queen’s Counsel Jacqueline Samuels-Brown

and Trinidad-based Guyanese Senior Counsel Seenath Jairam, the PNC had been pointed at as the major player behind Rodney’s death.

The Report, which became public some three weeks ago after being leaked, stated that given all the relevant facts, events and circumstances set out, Commissioners could do nothing else but establish that William Gregory Smith was not acting alone but had the active and full support, participation and encouragement of, and/or was aided and abetted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF); the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) – both agencies of the State – and the political directorate, including Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, in the killing of Dr Rodney.

Rodney, a globally-respected political and social activist, died on June 13, 1980, after a walkie-talkie he was examining exploded in his lap.

It was the theory of those close to the founding WPA leader that the man he had somewhat come to trust, Smith, a then GDF Sergeant and communication expert, had planted an explosive into the device Rodney was expected to test.

It was claimed too that the Government of the day, the PNC and its leader, Burnham, had used Smith to carry out the attack. President Granger is yet to make an official declaration of the findings.

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Zika Virus fight: Fogging commences along Essequibo Coast

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n continuing efforts to fight the Zika Virus in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), the Environment Health Department has commenced fogging along the Essequibo Coast.

Region Two Senior Environmental Health Officer (EHO) Shaleena Baksh told this publication over the week-

from the Environmental Department in the Region also conducted health education sessions on the virus at various secondary and primary schools.

Baksh has advised residents to support the fogging by covering all drinking water and food during the exercises.

So far there have

The other three cases were reported over the weekend. Two are doctors attached to the Diamond Diagnostic Hospital while the other is a woman who resides in Timehri, EBD. Additionally, a woman who travelled from Guyana to the United States was subsequently diagnosed with Zika.

Police Force was able to reduce “fear of crime” – Top Cop

The Aedes Aegypti mosquito

end that fogging commenced from Supenaam to Dry Shore along the Essequibo Coast.

In providing an update on the exercise, the EHO said despite the challenges, residents are co-operating and the Department has successfully conducted health education talks on the Zika Virus in several villages. Over 4000 persons benefited from these sessions.

In addition, officers

been five confirmed cases of Zika in Guyana.

The first case of the Zika Virus was recorded earlier in January in a woman, 27, who resided in Rose Hall, Berbice, and Covent Garden, EBD. Two weeks ago Health Minister Dr George Norton announced that a male student, 16, who resides in Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was Guyana’s second confirmed case.

She was one of two additional cases recorded by Ohio State, US. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes).

Other common symptoms include muscle pain and headache.

Guyana has already been placed on the United States Centres for Disease Control (CDC) Zika Virus warning list.

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lthough the year 2015 had brought its own challenges to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) operations last year coupled with the GPF’s Social Crime Prevention Programme had ‘served to reduce fear of crime’ in the country.

This is according to Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud who at the recently held Police Officers’ Annual Conference stated that

the Force was able to make a number of significant successful strides in 2015 and as such this year is looked forward to with ‘great optimism’.

He posited that it was through the cultivation of ‘strong partnerships’ that the GPF was better able to serve communities in need, thereby increasing public safety and public trust.

Meanwhile, Head of State, David Granger noted that he was very proud of the work that

the GPF has been doing in 2016 thus far as he congratulated the Force on its ability to solve crimes more quickly than before as well as the changes that it has embarked upon.

He declared that his government is fully committed to providing the GPF with what it needs to keep Guyana safe, including the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), to ensure that investigations are not interrupted or delayed.

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GuySuCo says no dialogue Durban Park development project lacks transparency – PPP/C with Union if protest action continues

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here will be no dialogue concerning the sugar workers’ 2015 Annual Production Incentives (API) or other discussions with the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) as long as the “one day per week protest action” is maintained by the Union.

This is according to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) which stated that GAWU has once again misled its membership into activities that only further deplete the production and productivity of the sugar industry as well as denied workers and their families a ‘normal livelihood’ since the continued weekly work stoppages result in reduced pay, as well as loss of the regular weekly incentives.

Additionally, GuySuCo has declared that if the one day per week stoppage is found to be “aggravating the financial position of the Corporation”, the crop will be stopped and the operations will not resume until an assurance is given by the Union that this

stoppage will cease.

According to a media statement from the sugar entity, it has noted the ‘continued negative stance’ taken by GAWU with the Union’s President, Komal Chand, contending that the Corporation is issuing threats rather than sitting down with the Union to discuss issues.

GuySuCo maintains that GAWU has been repeatedly told that until a roadmap is developed, there can be no framework to engage in negotiation on wages and salaries, and that either the API is “up for acceptance by the Union” or the parties move to the next level in keeping with the extant

Port Kaituma man jumps off ferry, drowns

By Devina Samaroo

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t was high drama aboard the MV Lady Northcote on Saturday afternoon after a passenger jumped off the vessel in the vicinity of Morawhanna, Region One (BarimaWaini).

He has been identified as 26-year-old Michael Adams, an Amerindian patient attached to the Port Kaituma Hospital.

Guyana Times International was informed that the young man plunged off the ferry as it was making its way from Georgetown to Port Kaituma in the Mabaruma Sub District, Region One. His body was later retrieved from the ocean by a sailor.

Adams was allegedly diagnosed with a mental illness and was staying at the Amerindian Hostel in Princes Street, Georgetown as reportedly recommended by doctors at Port Kaituma Health Institution.

At the time of the incident, he was returning home from the boarding house.

During an interview with Guyana Times International, the deceased’s uncle, Tom Adams, stated that he was unsure what exactly transpired.

He said he visited the police station on Sunday when he was informed that an investigation has been launched.

However, the uncle said he was not provided with any further detail on the matter.

According to him, he was last aware that his nephew was staying at the Amerindian Hostel as was advised by doctors at the Port Kaituma Hospital. Asked if his nephew was mentally ill, he responded with uncertainty, and could not say what the young man was being treated for at the institution.

The uncle said he presumed that a medical team probably made a decision to send him back to Port Kaituma.

When prompted, he explained that to his knowledge, medical teams normally do not accompany patients on board, but they would wait at the transit points to receive them.

agreement, Arbitration.

“The Corporation at no time issued any threats to the Union but the real threat is that of GAWU, with its Tuesday protest action which is hampering the production drive and at the same time leading to additional costs being borne by the Corporation.

This can only result in the Corporation sinking into a worse financial position than the one it is presently in…if in fact there is any threat perceived

by GAWU it is to its waning influence on the workers, who are increasingly standing up to be counted on their own behalf,” the statement added.

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he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) parliamentary Opposition has been waiting since November last to receive critical information pertaining to the development of the Durban Park area into a major public venue.

This is according to Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, who pointed out that there is a complete lack of transparency on the Durban Park initiative.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Teixeira said there has been absolutely no disclosure on the undertaking, including the amount of taxpayers’ money being expended, how the contracts are being awarded, and who they are being awarded to.

She also argued that while there is an artist’s sketch of what the area will look like after construction, Government is yet to make public the concrete design of the recreational arena.

Though construction works are still ongoing, Durban Park hosted its first National Event – the Republic Day Flag Raising Ceremony on February 23.

The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in full in time for the Independence Day celebrations on May 26.

The first phase includes uprooting the overburden and replacing it with sand and loam to enable construction of drains and pathways and the installation of floodlights.

The second phase will include the installation of nine ponds and seating facilities such as benches and bleachers.

Upon full completion, the Park is expected to have a capacity of 30,000 persons; both seated and unseated, and will be able to accommodate literary events, concerts, sporting activities and other public events.

GAWU defends strike action

– says GuySuCo trying to put Union “in bad light”

BY EDWARD LAYNE

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he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is defending its decision to encourage sugar workers to stage one-day per week strike action, denouncing the Government’s decision to close the Wales Sugar Estate.

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) on Wednesday accused the trade union of pressuring sugar workers of the Uitvlugt Estate to joining the ongoing protests.

It claimed a Field Officer and representatives of GAWU threatened workers who were “reluctant” to join the industrial action.

“Similarly the workers were told if they don’t support the strike they would not be afforded representation by the union in the future,” the corporation said.

But GAWU in a statement over the weekend said the claims by GuySuCo were aimed at showing the union “in a bad light”.

The union reminded that the one-day per week strike is a decision taken by the union’s General Council team

GuySuCo on Wednesday accused GAWU of pressuring sugar workers of the Uitvlugt Estate to join the ongoing protests

on January 30, 2016 over GuySuCo’s refusal to engage the union in Collective Bargaining, by imposing an “unjust” 2.72 days Annual Production Incentive (API) on workers for 2015.

The union said it will not be deterred by GuySuCo’s attempts to thwart its efforts in protecting the rights and interests of its members.

“With our Collective leadership and through democratic deliberations, we intend to stand firm in taking decisions and adopting various measures in “sync with the best interests of the workers and the industry,” the union stated, adding, “workers are driven to take responsible and militant actions in defence of their interests and rights and

in support of their demands.”

It also warned of an emergence of an “anti-worker and antiUnion thrust” in recent months, which it said has undermined trust in the Corporation to do the right and the lawful things, to safeguard and secure workers’ interests; and to promote industrial democracy.

The union said GuySuCo’s claims that the union representative was acting improperly when he encouraged workers to take industrial action is an attempt to roll-back a zealously guarded practice of trade unionism. “The GAWU, in principle, condemns such an attempt,” it stated.

The union also rubbished claims that one of its representatives was

disengaged by the union for failing to galvanise workers for protest.

“While we are not surprised by such inaccuracies by the few at the top of GuySuCo, we simply wish to point out emphatically that this statement has no basis in fact,” the statement claimed.

The union said it was “somewhat amused” by the absurdity contained in GuySuCo’s statement, which claimed that GAWU representatives would be removed if they failed to get workers to strike.

It also described as “mischievous assertions”, a claim by the sugar corporation that workers were told that if they fail to join in the protest the union will not provide representation to them.

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ahirih Gerrard finds solace in art, a “portal” she has used in her most challenging times to create her “perfect world”.

“My passion for art is purely intrinsic. I have been drawing since my mother taught me how to hold a pencil correctly. I was raised in a single parent home. My mother, sister, brother and I lived in a small wooden house with no electricity. Back then, drawing was a portal through which I was able to create my perfect world.

The thought of drawing made me ridiculously excited. My family has always been supportive of my artistic journey. They recognised my talent and encouraged me to develop my ability by purchasing art materials for me as I grew older,” the artist said in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

Tahirih wrote Visual Arts (Drawing and Graphic Design) for CSEC and gained a grade two in the subject. She then went on to study at E. R. Burrowes School of Art for three years where she majored in Painting and minored in Graphic Design (drawing was compulsory). Tahirih graduated with a Diploma in Fine Art/Painting in 2014 from the Institute of Creative Arts.

Fascinated by the human figure and portraits, Tahirih enjoys “rendering the delicate features of women and children of different ethnicities”. She mentioned that she loves different skin tones and is interested in having an in depth course in colour theory. Tahirih pointed out that her interest lies in painting portraits rather than landscape, seascape and still life paintings – although she has done quite a few paintings on these.

The artist described her work as “encompassing a bit of realism, surrealism and social commentary”.

“I am inspired by the world around me. My ideas stem from topics such as prevalent societal ills to the wonders of life. I am

One of her most applauded drawings

obsessed with the concept of surrealism. According to the free dictionary.com, surrealism is ‘a literary and artistic movement of the 1900's that attempts to express the workings of the subconscious and is characterized by fantastic imagery and incongruous juxtaposition of subject matter’.

I believe that the concept of surrealism is one that fosters the essence of creativity by introducing different perspectives of familiar objects in ways that allow the viewer to understand the world through the mind of the artist. On an international level, I am inspired by the work of René Magritte, Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo and Edgar Degas. Regionally and locally, I am impressed by the work of Boscoe Holder, Dominique Hunter, Josefa Tamayo, Carl Anderson, Campton Babb, Lori-Ann Jacobs and Ivor Thom,” she outlined.

In 2014, Tahirih exhibited her work, along with some of her colleagues, in the foyer of the National Cultural Centre (about three weeks prior to their graduation from Burrowes). It was the first time Tahirih’s work was displayed in an exhibition of that nature. She said she received positive remarks on her work.

A few weeks later, she was invited to exhibit her work at a function for

One of her pieces on display

women in the compound of the Regional Democratic Council, Region Four. It was there that her first painting was bought by a former government minister.

“I was quintessentially happy: not only for the financial gain, but more towards the fact that an esteemed member of society recognised my talent and was able to connect with that painting on a level that was not just superficial,” she recalled.

For Tahirih, art is a form of self-expression.

With her brush and canvas, the artist is able to convey messages, questions and even evoke various emotions in the mind of her viewers in a way that words may not be able to adequately express.

Besides teaching art, Tahirih does commissioned paintings, teaching aids, face painting and anything that concerns traditional graphic design.

She said she would like to make a contribution towards the art in our society by painting murals with a few of her colleagues in the city of Georgetown.

Tahirih believes art reflects culture and if “we are to create/develop an identity as Guyanese citizens, then more emphasis must be placed on our art, not just visual art, but art as it relates to our music, food, clothing, architec-

ture, dance – just to name a few”.

The artist is convinced that “we have a rich heritage, but unfortunately it is poorly reflected in our culture because we fail to realise the importance of art as a society”.

Now, Tahirih’s ultimate goal is to become a fulltime artist. She mentioned that “it is a reality that seems farfetched”, but she is confident and has “enough faith in God who makes all things possible”.

“There is a quote my sister often says, ‘You don't have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great’. This quote applies to any aspect of our lives. Too often we think that we are not good enough to venture into certain areas, and even if we make an attempt at doing something, we often give up the first time we are criticized or if we fail.

Failure, criticism and self doubt should never hinder you from achieving your goals. I firmly believe that you should always strive to do what you love. If you are passionate about art, pursue it because your passion is the fuel that will drive you towards success.

“A general misconception that most individuals have as it relates to art is that they believe art is an alternative for individuals who cannot cope with academic work. Art, on the contrary, is for the intellectual. Artists are inventors, problem solvers, designers and creative thinkers.

Before any product, clothing, automobile, house etc is produced, the artist (in most cases) is the one who conceptualizes draws and brings that idea to life.

Before the camera was invented, it was the artist who captured the image of

Artist Tahirih Gerrard

"Recurrence" 2014

the world; vivid landscapes and lively portraits among a wide range of subjects.

The advent of the camera did not and still does not make the work of an artist obsolete. Technological

Her "Life is a Vacation" painting

advancements make the reproduction of work easy, but it will never replace an artist,” she declared.

To contact the artist, email tahirihdawngerrard27@gmail.com

30 feature The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

By Petamber Persaud

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few years ago, I wrote an article on suicide entitled ‘Writers are not suicide proof’. It was prompted by the suicide of an excellent Guyanese writer of children’s literature who had just broken into the regional spotlight and the world (Commonwealth) stage. His writings did not indicate any defeatism; he was writing for children and there was almost always a happy ending (with a moral).

I am revisiting this subject of suicide due to the spate of lives lost to suicide. I am revisiting this subject of the writer and suicide with the hope of adding some insight and solution. In this article, I will share the thoughts of writers who explored the subject of suicide, writers who experimented with suicide, writers who committed suicide and some of whom survived. I will juxtapose those thoughts in order to show divergent perspectives.

“The thought that I might kill myself formed in my mind coolly as a tree or a flower.”

Sylvia Plath.

Credited for ‘advancing the genre of confessional poetry’, Plath committed suicide by sticking her head in an oven and dying of carbon monoxide poisoning.

“Killing myself was a matter of such indifference to me that

Sylvia Plath

I felt like waiting for a moment when it would make some difference.” Fyodor Dostoyevsky.

“The only difference between a suicide and a martyrdom really is the amount of press coverage.”(my emphasis) Chuck Palahniuk.

“I have had to experience so much stupidity, so many vices, so much error, so much nausea, disillusionment and sorrow, just in order to become a child again and begin anew. I had to experience despair, I had to sink to the greatest mental depths, to thoughts of suicide, in order to experience grace.” Hermann Hesse “Let them think what they liked, but I didn’t mean to drown myself. I meant to swim

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till I sank - but that’s not the same thing.” Joseph Conrad.

This reminds me of Eric Roach of Trinidad and Tobago who swam out to sea (Quinam Bay) to his death, leaving behind a suicide note ‘Finis’ and a poem, “At Quinam Bay”, among other writings.

“Suicide is a form of murder - premeditated murder. It isn’t something you do the first time you think of doing it. It takes getting used to. And you need the means, the opportunity, the motive. A successful suicide demands good organization and a cool head, both of which are usually incompatible with the suicidal state of mind.”

Susanna Kaysen (my emphasis) “It is not seen as insane when a fighter, under an attack that will inevitably lead to his death, chooses to take his own life first.

In fact, this act has been encouraged for centuries, and is accepted even now as an honourable reason to do the deed. How is it any different when you are under attack by your own mind?” Emilie Autumn “But in the end one needs more courage to live than to kill himself.” Albert Camus “Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.” Seneca “Killing oneself is, anyway, a misnomer. We don’t kill ourselves. We are simply defeated by the long, hard struggle to stay alive.” Sally Brampton “People pontificate, “Suicide is selfishness.”

Career churchmen like Pater go a step further and call in a cowardly assault on the living. Oafs argue this specious line for varying reasons: to evade fingers of blame, to impress one’s audience with one’s

Edgar Mittelhotlzer

mental fibre, to vent anger, or just because one lacks the necessary suffering to sympathize.

Cowardice is nothing to do with it - suicide takes considerable courage. Japanese have the right idea. No, what’s selfish is to demand another to endure an intolerable existence, just to spare families, friends, and enemies a bit of soul-searching.”

David Mitchell “We cannot tear out a single page of our life, but we can throw the whole book in the fire.” George Sand.

“A book is a suicide postponed.” Emil Cioran.

Here I think of Edgar Mittelholzer, Guyana’s most famous novelist. He died by selfimmolation – burning himself to death as foretold and described in his writings.

And the death of Jean Amery was similar, in some ways, to the death of Mittelholzer in that Amery wrote a book on suicide and enacted his writing to the death.

“There was a footpath leading across fields to New Southgate, and I used to go there alone to watch the sunset and contemplate suicide. I did not, however, commit suicide, because I wished to know more of mathematics.”

Bertrand Russell

…“a man who has decided upon self-destruction is far removed from mundane affairs” Vladimir Nabokov.

“The real reason for not committing suicide is because you always know how swell life gets again after the hell is over.”

Ernest Hemingway “If I had no sense of humour, I would long ago have committed suicide.” Mahatma Gandhi “Women are constantly trying to commit suicide for love, but generally they take care not to succeed.” W. Somerset Maugham “God surely did not create us, and cause us to live, with the sole end of wishing always to die. I believe, in my heart, we were intended to prize life and enjoy it, so long as we retain it.

Existence never was originally meant to be that useless, blank, pale, slow-trailing thing it often becomes to many, and is becoming to me, among the rest.”

Charlotte Brontë “Life is short enough, there is nothing worth here to take your life, and those things we do gain can never be taken to our grave.”

Anthony Liccione “When you feel like giving up, just remember the reason why you held on for so long.”

Unknown “Suicide doesn’t end the chances of life getting worse, it eliminates the possibility of it ever getting any better.”

Unknown “A lot of you cared, just not enough.” Jay Asher. Hoping this is not an indictment on our society.

There’s the rub as Shakespeare would exclaim.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com What’s Happening “An Introduction to Guyanese Literature” by Petamber Persaud, available at Austin’s Bookstore and the National Library.

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Dr. Brian Seymour has been a pioneer in the research of allergies and asthma

rowing up in impoverished beginnings in Guyana, Dr Brian Seymour vividly recalls his childhood clash with severe allergies. Consequently, much of the biology professor’s work revolves around his desire to improve the health of others from poor communities. His personal health challenges as a youngster drove him to study biology and pursue work in research, which ultimately led to a career in higher education.

Seymour has nearly 20 years of experience in the field of biotechnology and has authored and coauthored more than 20 scientific publications.

His distinguished work in the fields of allergy and asthma has been published in several leading journals, including Science and Nature. His pioneering work on the effects of second-hand smoke on animal models of allergic asthma was influential on the legislation that banned smoking in public places in California.

Seymour conducted studies to understand the causes for the high morbidity and mortality from asthma in the African American community of Jacksonville, USA. The death rate from asthma in African Americans is 165 per cent higher than in Caucasians. These stud-

for the classroom led him to the Sonoma State University in Sonoma

A notable Guyanese - Dr. Brian Seymour

ies are being funded by the Henry C. Mcbay research fellowships.

“Throughout all of my studies, I was very inquisitive — very curious — because of how I suffered from allergies as a kid,” said Seymour, who directs the Edwards Waters College’s Centre for the Prevention of Health Disparities. “And fortunately for me, I landed a job where I was able to do research and learn more about allergens.”

Seymour received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Science in Clinical Science from the Centre for Advance Medical Technology at the San Francisco State University. In 1996 he received his PhD in

Proudly displaying his HBCU Award 2015

Immunology from the University of California, Davis. He brought to Edward Waters College 17 years of experience in the field of biotechnology.

Last year, HBCU Digest named Seymour as the 2015 Historically Black College or University Male Faculty Member of the Year.

The honour was based on Seymour’s study that found major variations in allergic antibodies among economically challenged African-Americans in Jacksonville. The doctor hopes the award will help his ongoing efforts to advance public health in Jacksonville.

Over the last 10 years he has dedicated his efforts in bringing his knowledge and experience to students in the classroom. His passion

California and now to Edward Waters College.

Dr. Seymour is the

proud father of two and enjoys physical fitness, travelling and reading.

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Black History Month Guyana 2016

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here are hundreds of ethnic groups in Africa, each with its own language and tradition.

One of these traditions include hairstyling in various designs.

Hairstyles are often determined by the social position of the family and the artistic talent of the hairstylist. Among them there are hairstyles for ceremonies such as circumcision; when a girl is becoming a woman, and the celebration of marriage.

In early African civilizations, hairstyles could indicate a person's family background, tribe and social status. When men from the Wolof tribe (in modern Senegal and The Gambia) went to war they wore a braided style, while a woman in mourning would either not “do” her hair, or adopt a subdued style.

It is estimated that 11,640,000 Africans left the continent between the 16th and 20th centuries due to the transatlantic slave trade.These slaves took many of their African customs with them, including their specially-designed combs. Many of them came to Guyana and have passed on their customs to us, one of which is traditional hairstyles.

The “afro” hairstyle, which emerged in the 1960s during the civil rights movement, was “a symbol of rebellion, pride and empowerment”.

Another fascinating fact is that of the methodology and practice of cornrow hairstyles, which date back

Afro-Pyramid

Angel's Arch

Wisdom's Crown

thousands of years to ancient civilizations in Nigeria and Egypt for example.

Detailed braiding can be found among hieroglyphs and sculptures as old as perhaps 500 B.C. and can be seen etched into the back of the head of the Sphinx pyramid.

Interestingly, African hairstyles have special meanings as outlined at the exhibition currently being hosted at the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), 9 Thomas Lands, Georgetown, under

the theme, “Honouring 50 years of African Guyanese Nation Builders”.

The "Twana" is based on an African hairstyle commonly called “trees”. This style is most popular in West and Central Africa. Twana means “alive”; and this style allows for “breadth and comfort”.

The ‘Adama’, meaning “queenly”, is similar to a traditional West African style. It works best on women with short to medium length hair.

‘Ayanna’, which means “beautiful flower” in Yoruba, is most ideal for women with long, thick hair.

A variation of the traditional Ethiopian hairstyle is ‘Wisdom’s Crown’. To create this style you will need bobby pins, a comb, a brush and perhaps a hair piece. Begin by parting the hair for a large cornrow to be made around the head. The remain-

(Ghana) often wear their hair twisted and combed into a fan effect at the centre of the head. A more contemporary version of this hairstyle is the ‘Angel’s Arch’.

The Afro-Pyramid was conceived through the influence of Amenhotep, an early African architect noted for his step pyramid. Although not exactly a pyramid shape, this traditional hairstyle is still worn in West Africa.

To learn more about African hairstyles, visit the exhibition at ACDA. The exhibition will end Monday, Feb. 29, 2016, at 5pm.

Ayanna

ing hair should be pulled back for braiding. Complete a circle of cornrows (any number desired, as long as there is ample hair for picking out).

Now take the remaining hair out and part once again. (By now you should be at the crown of the head.) Section off four more cornrows, creating one large cornrow at the top. Take out the sectioned off hair, comb and pick.

You my now put hair into desired shape. For height, a hair piece may be attached or a small hat or crown.

The Peul women of Upper Volta

Comb from the Akan people, Ghana. This artefact is housed at the Museum of African Heritage

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A section of Shiriri village

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hiriri is an indigenous communitylocated in South Central Rupununi, Region Nine.

Picturesque landscapes and pristine forests make Shiriri a natural wonderland.

It is a small village consisting of 14 households, where there is a school, health centre, village office and a church.

The people of Shiriri are descendants of the Wapishana tribe and mainly subsistence farmers who plant a variety of crops like cassava, corn, sweet potatoes, eddoes, yams and other vegetables and fruits.

After a harvest, villagers would make a variety of traditional indigenous foods: cassava bread, farine, parakari– to name a few.

Still deeply rooted in their culture, many speak the Wapishana language.

A village council, consisting of three councillors and a senior councillor, heads the community of Shiriri. It is responsible for planning and implementing community projects. Currently, the village has begun rearing cattle and carrying out construction works. Both projects create employment for the villagers.

The villager tasked with maintaining the village’s cattle ranch is “Captash”, which means the "captain of the ranch." His responsibility is to ensure that the cattle are well fed.

According to Vaughn Duncan, whose grandparents live in Shiriri, a village he considers his “second home”, the villagers and other communities have heard many legends about Shiriri. His father told him about the “tribal wars” that occurred there. Duncan said he found out that Shiriri was actually a battle field.

Shiriri’s mountain has a story to tell as well. Duncan said he met a village elder who knows of the many legends relating to Shiriri.

These were passed down to the elder from his parents and grandparents.

“I sat and listen to him [village elder] as he educated me about this unique culture in Wapishana. Dad was the interpreter. This elderly villager told me the story of the rocks that were laid in an almost linear formation, which is found on a small hill on the eastern side of the mountains. These rocks represented the number of Wapishana fighters. I remember dad telling me of tribal wars that took place around this location. An old legend suggests that this was the last place of fighting between the Wapishanas and the Makushi. This conclusion came from the fact that Shulinab is the only Makushi village in the south Rupununi. However, this elderly villager has another tale as to why fighting among various tribes took place in this location.

“The elder person's tale goes like this: A long time ago, the Indians [Amerindians] found salt on the plains of the nearby mountain. The inhabitants call the place Chiizzih baar, the salty plains. Over time, the Indians began to fight to keep possession of the ‘salty plains’. To measure their strength, the Wapichan fighters each laid rocks on the hill located on the southern part of the Shiriri Mountain…” Duncan recalled on his blog, vaughnduncan.wordpress.com Duncan also mentions there is a group in Shiriri that aims to maintain the village’s traditions.

The leader of this cultural group composes songs and dances, which they perform in celebration of Amerindian Heritage Month.

To read more about Shiriri, visit https:// vaughnduncan.wordpress. com (Photos by Vaughn Nicholas Duncan)

Cattle at a ranch in the village

Peaks of Shiriri mountain

Scenic view of the mountain

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Guyana’s kokers

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Koker at Vergenogen, East Bank Essequibo

legacy from the Dutch, who are said to be Guyana’s first European settlers, sluices, or kokers as they are more commonly called in Guyana, dominate much of the flat coastland landscape. Kokers were built during the 18th century at points where irrigation canals and the Demerara estuary met, to be opened for water to be released into the Atlantic Ocean at controlled periods. They were put in place to protect Dutch farms along

the fertile coastlands after these early settlers moved to the coast from some parts of the interior of the country.

Closed during the high tides to protect the low-lying farming coastland that is below sea level, the kokers were opened during the low tide to release accumulated water.

A system adopted by the subsequent colonists that is still in place today and which has become part of our infrastructural heritage. Kokers, or sluices, are still being

built, though some have been abandoned, standing as silent witnesses to our dynamic history.

According to Richard Allsopp in his Dictionary of Caribbean English Usage (1996) a koker is a large sluice mechanism that consists of a heavy, tarred, watertight floodgate made of wood that is raised or lowered by the chains of a pulley system, operated by two huge spoked wheels, and which are turned by hand.

He continues to note that in the 18th centu-

ry, the term box-koker referred to “an underground pipe or culvert for the draining or intake of water” - a meaning that is still the same in Suriname, but from which the Guyanese term koker is derived.

Today, koker includes the tall structure that stands so prominently on the Guyanese coastal

Koker operator Charles Blair stands in front of a koker at Hopetown Village (1952)

landscape.

As testimony to its iconic status in the Guyana landscape, the koker has also been featured in Guyana’s literary works through a Guyanese poet’s collection of poems.

Rooplall Monar’s “Koker” uses the com-

Black Bush Polder koker.

It is said to have been illustrated on the now obsolete Guyana one dollar bill

Water Street, Georgetown, British Guiana circa 1920s

Brickdam, Georgetown 1912

Koker on Camp Street said to be one of the oldest in the country

mon coastlands vista as a symbol of the East Indian experience as labourers on the sugar estates created from land reclaimed from the sea, made possible by these kokers that remain vital structures for the country.

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More false equivalence… …in politics he Administration sure has its partisans – who’ll leave no stone unturned – and no shred of logic unshredded. Even if they are supposed to be trained academics. Take Kean Gibson, professor of linguistics at UWI. Reacting to the non-release of the Rodney CoI Report, Prezzie’s dismissal of the said Report (“deeply flawed”) versus two WPA members’ approval, she wrote she’s “always been puzzled by the WPA’s reasoning that it would have been all right to have eliminated Burnham but not the reverse. It is all politics”.

Now that’s a strange statement for even a linguistics professor to make, isn’t it? Gibson makes the elementary “illogical” error folks without an acquaintance with academia frequently commit: equating two propositions that have absolutely NOTHNG in common. Folks in academia, who Gibson might know, call it the error of “false equivalence”.

Let’s take Gibson’s proposition that Rodney or the WPA wanted to “eliminate” Burnham. Even without going into the “equivalence” business, this is simply not true. What’re the grounds for Gibson to so claim? Just after Burnham boasted about his “sharper steel” and made his challenge to the WPA to “make wills”, Rodney, on the other hand, told a Georgetown audience, “They have been accusing us of fermenting violence… We have said that we are not for assassination because politically and ideologically, an assassination is of no value to us. We do not want to replace one individual with another individual of the same type, whether it be for better or worse…What we wanted was to make the whole system go, and we repeat that now.”

Now to the false equivalence. Citizens have a “social contract” with the State – and when those in charge of the State break that contract by oppressing citizens, the latter don’t just have a right to rebel – they have a duty to do so. But Rodney and the WPA weren’t even rebelling!! They’d just formed a political party!!

Burnham, on the other hand, in charge of the Government (even through rigging elections) – was obligated to have citizens exercise their political rights to speak out against the Government. If Burnham felt Rodney or any other citizen broke the law…like when

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the PNC’s headquarters was torched – then Rodney and other suspects could be arrested. And they were! But they had to be freed, since there was no evidence.

It’s absolutely forbidden for a government to orchestrate the assassination of a citizen – and worst of all, using the State institutions that are supposed to protect citizens. And this the CoI concluded.

So, it’s NOT “all politics”. It’s a citizen standing up for his rights versus a dictator ordering an assassination. …and then none Your Eyewitness is still mulling over the refusal of the Government to pay heed to some audits and Commissions of Inquiry but ignore others. We just got word the head honcho at GUYOIL’s now been flushed out of the system. Based on an audit, we’re told. The Government didn’t see fit to release the findings of the audit – just that they acted on it.

But then there was that CoI on GuySuCo, which cost millions and millions and took months and months…The Government even had to offer a few extensions – but when they finally got the Report – they went ahead and did exactly what the CoI said NOT to do. Wales!

And even worse from your Eyewitness’s standpoint is the refusal to accept the Tax Reform Committee’s (TRC) recommendations – even as they knocked off the head of NICIL just on LEAKS from a preliminary report. And then sic’d SOCU on him.

At least the TRC’s recommendations had some relief for the small man. Like your humble Eyewitness. And no “knock offs”. …on Berbice The President just announced Berbice is a “sleeping giant”. No, Prezzie…it’s been bled to support Georgetown for so long, it’s actually a “wounded dwarf”.

Star of the week

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ecently crowned Miss Global International Guyana 2016, popular songster Poonam Singh is set to represent Guyana on the international stage. Poonam was born Feb. 19, 1995, and grew up on the West Bank of Demerara. She graduated from the University of Guyana with a diploma in Communication Studies and is presently pursuing a degree in law from the University of London, through Nations University of Law. One of her notable achievements was placing second in the GT&T Jingle & Song Competition (2011/12) at the age of 16. Now, she has added another achievement to her list: being crowned Miss Global International Guyana, a title she plans on using to help eradicate suicide in Guyana. Poonam aims to create a group where people who were once suicide victims could reach out to others, and would visit various schools to sensitize students on suicide. Her motto is: “In life no matter how many bricks are thrown at you, the famous singer Taylor Swift, always says, you take those bricks and build castles with them.”

The 21-year-old added that her advice to youths is to “always remember to stay good, be good and do good. Nothing can stop you from shining once you are steadfast, focused and determined.” For more information on Poonam’s journey in the pageant, visit Miss Global International Guyana. (Photo by Saajid Husani)

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This week's Crossword

This week's Puzzle

see solution on page 47

Money…

…and principles hen the Government awarded its highest members (and that’ll be Presidents, Vice Presidents and Ministers – senior and junior) a 50% increase on their salaries – which ranged from $2 million to $573,000/month – they were forced to offer some explanations. Especially when the salaries were just the TIP of a very large iceberg – duty-free SUVs; travel allowance (first class – including spouses); housing, entertainment, phone, electricity and every other allowance you can conceive.

There were several reasons proffered. One was these folks had to leave “lucrative” jobs and so had to be appropriately compensated. Another was the workload was so onerous. But the most intriguing one came from Minister of State in the Ministry of the Presidency (MSMP), Lt Col Joseph Harmon. He allowed that the Executive had to be protected from temptation to stray from the straight and narrow.

Unlike many others, your Eyewitness was actually pleased with Mr Harmon’s candour. Your Eyewitness, humble as he is, never really bought into Dr Jagan’s proposition that experts should volunteer their services to Government at $1/year.

While man may not live by bread alone – the bread (as in money) – does go a long way to alleviate the tribulations of the human condition. Man ought to be spared from temptation: why else the plea would be inserted into the Lord’s Prayer? (“Lead us not into temptation”, for you heathens reading this!)

So your Eyewitness was especially intrigued by the Top Cop exhorting the 295 newest Police recruits to “live within their salary” and their parents should help them not stray from the path of rectitude. Now the Top Cop wasn’t just making a theoretically grounded plea to the young men and women arrayed in front of him. He was reacting to the widespread CONVICTION in most citizens that MOST cops are corrupt.

In fact, even as he spoke, the TOP COP had just brushed off accusations from a confessed drug trafficker that he dealt with crooked cops every day in his business. So your Eyewitness wondered if Ministers had to be saved from temptation at their minimum $573,000/month salary…of what mettle was these new Police recruits made of that they didn’t need to be topped up to save them from temptation with salaries of $61,000/month??

And what made the situation for Policemen worse is in the Manifesto of those now in government, they’d promised Policemen 20% increases…but then begged off because “there isn’t money in the till”. This excuse is wearing a bit thin, isn’t it?

If $300 million is being spent on Jubilee, why can’t something be found for our guardians against anarchy? …and power compensation One of the corrupt practices poorly paid persons in positions of power or authority revert to is to not necessarily just shaking down citizens “for a fried rice” or worse…but to literally shake them down, physically. So at one end of the spectrum, you have the aforementioned Police bark at, rather than talk to, you if your taillight’s on the fritz. Or even if it’s not on the fritz.

And at the other end, we get what just happened at two interior communities, Lethem and Hosororo. There, GDF soldiers – also poorly paid – get off by throwing their weight around on the poor “natives”. And let’s face it – that’s how they’ve seen the Amerindian villagers ever since 1969 when a rebellion in the Rupununi was violently put down.

Followed by years of “reprisals”.

In both instances, inebriated soldiers molested – and are accused of even raping – villagers after breaking down their doors. This will not do.

Whatever may be the reality of low wages, citizens of this country cannot be seen as compensatory loot. …and and its source Of the 350,000 jobs in Guyana – almost half are employed – directly and indirectly – by the State.

So with the economy going belly up, who’s going to pay who?

W

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The Beacon of Hope provides essentials and spreads joy to less fortunate children

he charitable organisation Beacon of Hope was founded in 2000 by popular model and designer Meleesa Payne and her mother Ismay Payne.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Meleesa mentioned that the organisation provides food, clothing, toys, school items and some amount of medical attention for less fortunate children.

Beacon of Hope seeks to give back through its projects such as Give a Child a Kite, which happens around Easter.

Kites are donated to over 100 children around Guyana. Another notable project is Back to School, which happens in July/August where donations of school supplies, uniforms and shoes are distributed. ‘Santa didn’t forget you at Christmas time’ is another applauded project where the children get to attend Christmas parties, are given gifts, enjoy different meals and are given

Donating kites to the Hadfield Street Drop In Center

clothing.

Meleesa pointed out that funds are raised for children who need overseas medical attention.

“We have given back to children who are sometimes forgotten by society. I like to believe we have accomplished

our motto: ‘Bringing smiles to tomorrow’s children’. As a child, my mom would always celebrate my birthdays and my brother’s with children I didn’t know and would often stop to give food to people who were on the street. I ques-

tioned her every time as to why they did not live in homes like ours or why the children did not have their own birthday parties. As I grew older, I understood that some were not as fortunate as I was and so it taught me the importance of mak-

ing children happy. I wasted no time. This inspired me to start Beacon of Hope. My mom is the real reason behind my charity drive; she is my motivation,” expressed the philanthropist.

Meleesa stated that she plans outreach initiatives with other charitable groups and volunteers in with popular charity organisations in and out of Guyana.

Using the media to her advantage, Meleesa raise funds for her organisation. She is thankful to individuals and organisation that have helped her, especially the Massy Group, which has donated twice to Beacon of Hope’s Christmas project. Additionally, she is grateful to designer Sonia Noel “who has also played a huge part in donating”. However, Meleesa disclosed she mostly provides funds for majority of the organization’s projects.

“All my sacrifices and hard work is worth it when I see the amaz-

ing smiles on the faces of the children we help.

It takes me way back to my days when I would receive gifts. I feel like a kid again when I am with the children. This gives me real joy,” she declared.

Although she has busy schedules for her careers, Meleesa plans to be “more effective; to give more; to share not only gifts, but talents; to be able to reach out to organisations that focus on children’s well-being and to have a positive impact on the growth and development of our nation’s children”.

She urges the public to donate kites, books, shoes, clothing or anything that will help to improve the lives of less fortunate children. For more information, visit Beacon of Hope on Facebook or call Gailann Eastman on Mondays to Fridays between 10am to 2pm on 592-218-2776 or email 592keron@gmail. com

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Twice as many girls as boys will never start school - according to new UNESCO report

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lmost 16 million girls between the ages six and 11 will never get the chance to learn to read or write in primary school compared to about 8 million boys if current trends continue, according to a new report from the

UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS).

In the run-up to International Women’s Day on 8 March, the UNESCO eAtlas of Gender Inequality in Education shows that girls are still the first to be denied the right

to education despite all the efforts and progress made over the past 20 years.

"We will never achieve any of the Sustainable Development Goals without overcoming the discrimination and pov-

erty that stunt the lives of girls and women from one generation to the next,” said UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. “We must work at all levels, from grassroots to global leaders, to put equity and inclusion at the heart of ev-

ery policy so that all girls, whatever their circumstances, go to school, stay in school and become empowered citizens.”

The eAtlas of Gender Inequalities in Education shows gender gaps from primary

territories.

“We clearly see where the injustices begin and how they accumulate through the lives of the most marginalized girls and women,” said Silvia Montoya, Director of the UNESCO Institute

UN Photo/Marco DorminoA classroom in Gao, Mali

to tertiary education using the latest available data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics.

With about 100 interactive maps and charts, the eAtlas shows the educational pathways of girls and boys in more than 200 countries and

for Statistics. “But the data also show that girls who do manage to start primary school and make the transition to secondary education tend to outperform boys and continue their studies.”

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he event “Mashramani in New York” affords the Guyanese diaspora an opportunity to, in typical “Mash” carnival-like atmosphere, come together to celebrate the nation’s golden jubi-

word meaning “celebration after hard work,” will live out its true meaning in New York with “Mashramani in New York”, to be held June 12, 2016, depicting various aspects of our culture and stages

rich cultural heritage, vast natural resources – like El Dorado – as well as its natural beauty.

The Mashramani Parade will commence with a march led by committee members, government of Guyana

lee independence anniversary with a costume band parade, masqueraders and a sea of Guyanese nationals displaying renewed national pride, patriotism and national unity in artistic and cultural splendour.

Mashramani, said to be an Amerindian

of our national journey under the theme: “Celebrating 50 Years Of Nation Building”.

The parade will comprise marching bands, floats of various sizes, masqueraders in costumes choreographed to depict various themes that reflect our nation’s

officials, U.S. federal, state and city officials. Costume bands with their marvellous floats and colourful, energetic masqueraders, interspaced with large, wrapped music trucks, will follow.

Nationals will be organized in T-shirt and costume band for-

mations representing the three geographical counties of Guyana: Berbice, Essequibo and Demerara, to give the parade a Labour Day feeling.

The parade will commence at the intersection of Church and Bedford Avenue, proceed east along

Church Avenue, South into Ralph Avenue and east into Flatlands Avenue into South Shore High School Park, U.S.A. The rally will start around 4pm and is expected to attract about 25,000 nationals.

The program will include musical enter-

tainment by several Guyanese celebrities.

For more information, call 212-9475115 or email guyanaconsulate@hotmail. com (Information from Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. online Magazine)

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The ‘bush islands’ of South Central Rupununi K

atoonarib is a Wapishana community of about 400 people located in the South Central Rupununi, Region Nine, in a “bush island” region south of the Kanuku Mountains.

The name Katoonarib is Wapichan for “bush islands”. The founders of Katoonarib were of mixed tribes: Utarad, Wapichan, Arawak and Makushi.

They built the first school in September 1977.

Inhabitants of the village practice mainly small scale agriculture within the bush islands, with some fishing and hunting.

As in many Makushi and Wapishana communities, cassava is the staple food. It is widely grown and processed into cassava bread, meal and wine.

Other crops such as peanuts, banana and sweet potatoes are also cultivated on small crop fields.

There is a nursery and primary school, a health post, a village office and a church in the village.

Katoonarib is governed by a Toshao.

Entrance to the village Photo by Chickadeee on Flickr)

Scenic landscape in the vicinity of Katoonarib (Photo by James Broscombe)

Students admiring a rainbow over the village (Photo by Chickadeee on Flickr)

Road to Katoonarib (Photo by Chickadeee on Flickr)

A thatch roof house in the village (Photo by Project Cobra)

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verseas-based Guyanese designer Dianne

Bennett D'Aguiar recently visited Guyana on a mission to empower

women in her homeland.

Dianne grew up in the small village of

Dianne Bennett (left) in Guyana with the women who attended her recently held cake decorating workshop

Some of Dianne's designs

Making a difference in the fight against cancer

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aren Godette, MD, is an overseas-based Guyanese who has been making significant contributions in the treatment of cancer, ultimately saving lives.

Godette is a board certified radiation oncologist in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA. She practices general radiation oncology and specializes in breast and gynaecological malignancies, prostate cancer and soft tissue sarcoma. Within these areas, her expertise is brachytherapy (an advanced cancer treatment).

She treats patients at Winship at Emory University Hospital Midtown where she has served as medical director since 2001. Winship Cancer Institute is Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer centre and has more than 250 active clinical trials. Winship is ranked among the top 25 cancer hospitals in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report.

Godette has been featured in the news for her use of an implantable radiotherapy device that enables radiation treatment to be more precisely delivered as well as intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) for early-stage breast cancer. She played a central role in creating a radiation oncology residency program at Emory. She served for ten years as director of the residency program. Additionally, she has served as the medical director and advisor for the Grady Radiation Therapy Technology School since 1998.

Actively involved in the community, Godette participates in health fairs, educational workshops, multidisciplinary panels and support groups.

She is also active in the international arena, working in partnership with colleagues in developing countries to advance the delivery and standard of cancer care.

She received her MS and MD degrees from Howard University in Washington, DC, where she also completed a year-long transitional internship. She completed residency in radiation oncology at Columbia University

Karen Godette, MD

New York-Presbyterian Hospital, where she served as chief resident.

Godette is a member of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Connective Tissue Oncology Society, American Medical Women’s Association, American Board of Radiology and National Medical Association, where she served as chair of the radiology section from 20052007.

In 2002, for her commitment to teaching, she was awarded the Woodruff Fund Clinical Teaching Support Award in Radiation Oncology.

The doctor participates in national clinical trials of breast, cervical, and prostate cancers along with soft tissue sarcomas. Her research focuses on improving the multidisciplinary care of these malignancies.

Godette is a manuscript reviewer for the “International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, and Journal of Surgical Oncology”.

She has written or co-authored many articles, abstracts and book chapters, and has spoken at both national and international meetings.

She enjoys spending time with her family, travelling to exotic destinations, watching foreign and independent films and eating international cuisine.

Dr. Karen Godette is indeed a notable Guyanese. (Information from http://radiationoncology.emory.edu)

Edinburgh, on the East Bank of Berbice. She migrated about ten years ago to the United Kingdom and currently lives in a little town called Melksham, UK. Speaking with Sunday Times Magazine Dianne said that fashion designing has always been a passion. Since childhood she has been into fashion, designing handbags; adult clothing; baby clothing - just to name a few. Notably, Dianne has become the doyenne of fashion designing and cake decoration.

“I recently wrapped up a six-day cake decorating workshop here in Guyana – particularly, in Berbice and Georgetown. I have seen a favourable turn out, which gave me great encouragement. This is the first of many more workshops to come. I am also in the process of establishing a women's organisation in Guyana with the aim to empower vulnerable women in Guyana,” she disclosed.

Upon hearing about the upcoming Guyana Golden Jubilee celebrations, Dianne revealed

that she and her husband decided to visit their “country of birth to give back” and are “happy to do so and will continue to give back”.

“I was also recently promoted as a pastor of the Redeem Christian Church Of God. Consequently, I am even more motivated to support and empower young women. From time to time, I will be returning to oversee the operations of my women’s organisation and to hold workshops, among other projects I plan to host,” she outlined.

42 news

WEEK ENDING MARCH 6, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

U.S. Embassy, Regional Govt officials team up in humanitarian assistance programme

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arious indigenous communities throughout Region One (BarimaWaini) and Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) which were deemed as ‘isolated’ have been provided with educational aid, medical relief, clothing and shoe donations through the U.S. Embassy Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) in collaboration with Regional Government officials.

The items which were donated were provided by both U.S. and Guyana-based Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), inclusive of Food for the Poor, Guyana Medical Relief, and Global Grins, while medications were funded by HAP. According to a press release from the U.S. Embassy in Guyana, all efforts to distribute the goods and services were done through Regional

Education and Health Offices, as well as local doctors working in Georgetown and the towns of Port Kaituma and Matthews Ridge.

INews understands that in Region Seven, HAP (Guyana) conducted an education-focused donation through the Regional Education Office.

Charles Holmes, Region Seven’s Education Officer, facilitated boat transporta-

Indigenous children pose with their donations

tion to the indigenous communities of Batavia, Falmouth, St. Mary’s Quarry, and Wineperu.

The outreach distributed graphic educational aids, textbooks, teacher study guides, and reading and writing ma-

terials to each community. Students also received children’s shoes, clothes, and toothbrushes to take home to their families.

The U.S. Embassy noted that this donation reached 246 students

throughout the four primary schools.

Meanwhile in Region One, HAP (Guyana) conducted a medical outreach between the towns of Port Kaituma, Sebai, Fallstop, and Arakaka.

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Rodney and his CoI

By Ravi Dev

F

inally there was a consummated CoI into the killing of Dr Walter Rodney and those of us who had long sought some sort of closure on the death of this paradigmatic Guyanese hero have to be grateful even for the leaked copy of the Report. It is one of the regrets of my life that I never personally met this great man who personified so many of the strands of life that I admire: a great intellectual verve, yoked to a willingness to test his theories in personal action while remaining humbly grounded to the common folk.

When I first returned to Guyana in December 1979 after seven years in the US, the political process had quickened with the activities of the WPA and Rodney, all of which were recounted to me with awe. In early July the PNC’s headquarters had been torched and Rodney along with Roopnaraine and Omawale were arrested. Father Darke had been murdered in broad daylight and the WPA announced at the end of the month it was officially a political party.

Three weeks later, closing the PNC’s Congress at the Square of

the Revolution, Burnham declared, “…the battle is joined, no holds are barred.

Comrades, they had better make their wills, because so far as we are concerned, we are not asking them for quarter and we will not give them any. Comrades, we are now in the Roman Amphitheatre. The lion and the gladiator cannot both survive; one must die, and we know that the PNC will live.”

By then Burnham had already shaken up the army command to ensure its loyalty for whatever that would be “joined”: David Granger was made Commander of the GDF, and Norman McLean, Chief-of-Staff of the Disciplined Forces. By November, Ohene Koama of the WPA had already been killed.

By the time I returned

again in September 1980, Rodney had been killed in June and the political mood was one of desolation even in the staunchly PPP enclaves. I was finally to return to Guyana permanently by the end of the decade and during that time I had the opportunity to become familiar with the life and thoughts of Walter Rodney. Coming from a non-academic background, I appreciated Dr Rodney’s refusal to ignore the issue of race/racism and ethnicity in his espousal of Pan-Africanism even though he was a committed Marxist.

I really believe that his killing in 1980 set back the process of addressing the racial issue that lies at the heart of our Guyanese political logjam and worse.

While Rodney was insistent that “revolution would

be carried out by the people” and that leaders were not that critical as the people, the history of Guyana after his death, gives lie to his confidence in the “objective conditions” propelling change – revolutionary or otherwise. Rodney’s personal praxis, as much as the context, was crucial to his success in bridging the racial divide.

In the “by any means necessary” speech, Rodney spoke about the PNC and “assassination”. It was not because he was prescient but because he understood the logic of dictatorships.

“As for the assassination — we are not worried about that. That is something that they are inventing because they have plans for assassination…

These have been produced by the P.N.C. government — produced by the clique in power, because it is necessary for them to find some excuse in order for them to carry out their orders and their plans.”

In Rodney’s own assassination, the CoI has merely confirmed what he predicted, and what most objective Guyanese had long concluded: Burnham and the PNC had committed this crime against the Guyanese nation.

In 2005, ROAR participated fully in the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Rodney’s death as an act to signify the respect we held for the great man. And contra to what David Hinds wrote recently, it was not only the WPA and PNC that voted in Parliament in that year for a CoI: on behalf of ROAR we also were honoured to have done so.

We are grateful President Ramotar finally constituted a CoI and that it finally handed down its findings.

S

Democracy by decibels

atiricus was soooo proud of being Guyanese.

While all the textbooks and pundits waxed about Greece being the “cradle” of democracy, the world was soon going to sit up and take notice of his dear old Guyana and its ADVANCEMENT of democracy.

It’s all well and good to give birth to beautiful babies, but look how often they develop into some real stinkers.

Didn’t Hitler start with democracy in Germany?

And look where that ended: making everyone hate goose stepping in jackboots. And now democracies have to settle for troops standing at attention and then keeling over in the hot sun. Like what happens on Armstice Day. “Well after the world learns of the massive push our Parliament gave to democracy received last week,” thought Satiricus, “They won’t mind us “gander stepping” much less “goose stepping!”

Here it was… the vote on amending the Taxation Bill was “put” to National Assembly. Satiricus was covering the story as a humble scribe for his newspaper. Now in every other democracy in the world, since three thousand years ago in Greece, they would’ve counted up the votes, no? And the side that got the most vote would’ve carried the day, right?

Not any more?!! That was the OLD “democracy”!

APANU and KFC had 33 seats and the PPCEE 32. But on that day, the stalwart bosom buddy of Rod Knee, Roop Na Rain who’d joined up with the Pee an See, came down with a serious case of the runs. Some said unkindly it was the result of having no “guts”. But APANU was now reduced to 32 seats – the same as the PPCEE. What to do? This was a situation to challenge even old Solomon, who frequently had to decide between his seven hundred wives and seven hundred concubines as to who’d get the prize in the night.

Satiricus heart swelled with pride when the Talker of the House decided that in a vote of 32 to 32, the APANU/KFC won!! How was that possible? It was all explained by the previous Talker of APANU/KFC, the Trot Man. “The APANU/KFC side won the vote democratically because their “yays” were louder that the PPCEE “nays”,” said Trotty.

It was democracy by decibels. The side that made the most noise would win the vote!! Wasn’t this simpler that voting with ballots and spending days to count them up and then having to protest in the streets?

Satiricus could just see the world beating a path to Guyana to learn this new form of democracy!

47

WEEK ENDING MARCH 6, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

The silence is broken, now what!

By Lomarash Roopnarine

Colour discrimination

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atiricus was happy yesterday was “Antidiscrimination” Day. As a fella who was discriminated against ever since he was a youngster – just because he wasn’t the brightest bulb even in the nursery class – Satiricus was sensitive to discrimination.

Then there was his speech. How was young Satiricus to know other people didn’t pronounce “he” as he did: “ee”. Or “im” for “him”. That was how his parents spoke and that’s how he spoke. Why would the teacher never allow him to recite “Here is my Beehive”? That was a discriminatory ‘urt that still stung Satiricus.

As Satiricus became older, he suffered discrimination on the basis of race. Satiricus was the slowest kid in the village…and no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn’t even keep up with his friend “Hop and Drop”, who had one foot shorter than the other in races. So whenever he and his friends would sneak out to steal mangoes or guavas or whatever fruit was in season, they never allowed him into the yards. They complained he always got caught and he always finked on everybody else. So he was the lookout guy all his childhood – and had to take whatever fruits the other fellas chose to give him after their successful escapades. Invariably the “touched” ones.

But now he was an adult, Satiricus felt discrimination on the basis of colour was the worst of all. Satiricus was a patriot. Why he could recite “My Guyana Eldorado” from his head – and he frequently did so in company – to the chagrin of his kids. He could also sing a mean Sitira Gal – with all the appropriate movements. Such was his patriotism, he literally draped himself in the colours of the flag of Guyana.

And that’s why he was taken aback when the Talker of the House suddenly declared the colours of the Guyana flag were “green and yellow”!! Why! This was nothing but discrimination against the colours red, black and white. And not only that, the Talker was committing that cardinal sin of societies where discrimination on the basis of colour was practiced: passing. In America, lots of Blacks used to pass as whites.

Here the Talker was passing yellow as gold. This was just too much for Satiricus to bear. He would start a petition to the UN against the Talker discriminating on the basis of colour.

T

he recent release of the Report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that Forbes Burnham and his military and police dictatorship was responsible for the murder of Walter Rodney is not surprising. The response from President David Granger that the Report of the Inquiry is flawed is not surprising. What is surprising is that there is no surprise at all. Guyanese, from all walks of life, including some who are now in control of Government, know that Rodney’s untimely death is connected somehow to the PNC. The confusion is the cover-up of the particulars such as how the plan was hatched and eventually executed. There are also some missing links and unanswered questions. For instance, why was Rodney in the vicinity of Camp Street when he was killed? Why did he have a bomb in his hands?

How come a few from the WPA did not testify during the Inquiry?

Further assessment of the Report – if released to the public – by PNC defenders, national and international researchers can bring some additional credibility as to what transpired in the execution of Rodney. It will be misleading to conclude that the search for the real reasons for Rodney’s death will stop with the Report of CoI. A majority of Guyanese did not expect the PNC to accept the findings. The PNC has always denied any involvement in Rodney’s death, opposed or at least had questions about the CoI and terminated the CoI prematurely against the wishes of many. The

two latter positions seem to be that PPP was using the CoI to gain political mileage leading up to the May 2015 General Election.

That may be so, but if the PNC accepts any involvement in Rodney’s death, that would translate into guilt, tarnishing and thrashing Burnham’s image – one of the forever founding fathers of Guyana. This is sacred ground for the PNC. Equally troubling for the PNC is that history books will have to factor in the killing of Rodney by the Burnham regime during post-independence Guyana. Can you imagine this happening? Perhaps, since the current President is in the mood of national reconciliation.

Unfortunately, this issue seems to be low on the President’s agenda.

You would think that the findings would provide the President and the nation with a golden opportunity to start the programme of healing and reconciliation instead of mud-slinging. Say look, we cannot deny the findings.

We can question some of it. But the main finding is that Rodney was killed when Guyana was governed by the most brutal dictatorship in the Caribbean. Some of us were forced to follow orders against our wishes in exchange for sinecures. But we must take some responsibility for Rodney’s death.

We must now instil trust in our people that our government, our military and our police will not repeat the brutal past.

So far, quite the opposite has happened: denial and more denial. Moreover, the silence from Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, who was second in command in the WPA when Rodney was killed, is deafening.

The lust for power can do strange things to some people. I wonder what Dr Horace Campbell is thinking, a Jamaican scholar who has been very close to the WPA before and after Rodney’s murder.

I wonder what Campbell thinks now since Roopnaraine is with the PNC camp.

Special minds are required to figure out why Roopnaraine and some from the AFC choose to remain silent. To blame the CoI or any other entity for being subjective in pursuing the real cause of Rodney’s death would constitute a double murder of this scholar.

The first is physical which already happened and the second is the disrespect for human rights, eschewing and denying that Rodney was not murdered.

We know that the current silence from some quarters on the findings is not an oversight. The Guyana Chronicle and Kaieteur News – the mouthpieces of the Government and the tabloids of the nation – chose to publish glowing reports on Burnham’s 93rdbirthday. One wonders what will happen when he reaches 100 years. The circumstances and conditions under which journalists and columnists work under at the two tabloids are unfortunate.

Finally, may I ask if it is possible for someone to print over 2000 t-shirts with an explicit logo showing that Rodney was killed

by Burnham and distribute them during the 50 years’ independence celebration throughout Guyana, but particularly in Georgetown, free of charge? I accepted a tShirt that reads “BLACK LIVES MATTER” (lomarsh.roopnarine@ jsums.edu)

Khouri elected head of Guyana Karate Federation

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Bhagwandin Persaud, Roger Peroune, Bernice Irving, Ivor O’Brien, Sandra Britton, Compton Dunbar and Amir Khouri

T

he Guyana Karate Federation held its Biennial General Meeting on Sunday last at the YMCA Building, Thomas Lands, with Amir Khouri elected to head the body.

Khouri will serve in the position for the next two years, and will have Compton Dunbar and Roger Peroune as his Vice-presidents. Bernice Irving was elected Secretary, while Sandra Britton is the Treasurer and Bhagwandin Persaud the Assistant Secretary/Treasurer.

Honourable Life Member of the Guyana Olympic Association, Ivor O’Brien, was the Returning Officer.

The meeting was attended by members of the various affiliated associations, namely Association do Shotokan Karate- Guyana (YMCA Dojo), Shotokan Karate-Do of Guyana (Shokoguy- National Park Dojo), Guyana WadoRyu Karate Association, Guyana Shotokan Karate International Federation, Guyana Karate College, National Martial Arts Association and Berbice Shotokan Karate Dojo.

48 Bollywood

WEEK ENDING MARCH 6, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Priyanka Chopra says careful Shah Rukh Khan: Fortunately in choosing Hollywood roles or unfortunately I have

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eing one of the leading stars in Bollywood, Priyanka Chopra says she is careful in choosing her international roles as she does not want to do something that undermines the position she holds in Hindi film industry.

The actress, 33, became the first female star to land the lead role in a US television show and will now play the main villain in “Baywatch”.

She also made a successful debut on the Oscars red carpet recently where she presented a trophy.

“I am very strict about the fact that I have a certain position in Hindi film industry and that does not get compromised. I will never do that wherever I work in the world. The kind of position I have in Hindi cinema, I want something similar in my Hollywood projects too,” Priyanka told PTI in an interview.

The actress said she opted for “Quantico”, where she plays a young FBI recruit accused of be-

become larger than life

ing a terrorist, because ABC offered her an important role.

“Alex is not a wallflower. She is the lead character while in ‘Baywatch’, I play the main villain.” Priyanka says though she is aware that she already has a dedicated audience, she is happy with her role in “Quantico” being accepted well in the US. “When your work gets accepted, you feel really nice. It is very important.

I felt really nice when during Halloween many American’s dressed like Alex. When I am at the airport, people stop me to ask ‘Who is the terrorist? What is going to happen next?’. These small things show that the

character has been accepted and it resonates with the audience.”

The decision to star in “Quantico”, however, was not an easy one for the actress, who knew that she was walking on a doubled-edged sword.

“I was very nervous when I began because there was no such example for me. I did not know how American or global audience will respond to an Indian actor carrying the show on her shoulders. Indian actors have played important roles in the past in Hollywood but here I was carrying forward the show. I knew that if it does not turn out well, it will be a big mess and I will be made fun off.” (Indian Express)

Yami Gautam nervous to romance Hrithik Roshan

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ctress Yami Gautam says she was numb and speechless when she was offered Hrithik Roshan starrer “Kaabil”.

Yami is excited to be in the same frame with the “Dhoom 2” star in the Sanjay Gupta project.

“I am excited. It means a lot to work with him (Hrithik). I was numb,

speechless when the offer came to me. It is going to be a special film, special journey. I am looking forward to start the project,” Yami told PTI. “I am also nervous to dance and romance (Hrithik). He is a brilliant actor, best dancer, his style and attitude is amazing.”

The “Vicky Donor”

actress said preparation work on the film will begin soon.

“We are deciding the look and all. We will start with workshop. We will start shooting soon,” she said.

Reportedly, the movie is about a blind guy who takes revenge of his lover’s brutal rape and murder.

Yami is happy with the response to her last film “Sanam Re” with Pulkit Samrat.

“We were hoping for a good response as people had loved the trailer and music. On the day of the release I was surprised with the love and attention for our film.” (Indian Express)

Makers want Sonam Kapoor-starrer ‘Neerja’ to be India’s official entry to Oscars

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he makers of Sonam Kapoorstarrer “Neerja” feel the film should be India’s entry to the Academy Awards for 2016.

“I think this is the film that deserves to go…I think it will make India proud. So, I think ‘Neerja’ has to be India’s entry to the Oscars (this year),” Fox Star Studio CEO, Vijay Singh, told reporters here last night.

Singh also revealed that they plan to release the film in different countries. “‘Neerja’ has been a learning lesson for all of us. This is just the beginning…We want to release the film in lot of countries like Taiwan and others who don’t look at Bollywood films.

It is a long race,” he added.

The Ram Madhvani-directed film

narrates the story of an ordinary 23-year-old girl, Neerja, a flight stewardess, who saved hundreds of passengers who were hijacked on a Pan Am flight. She, posthumously, went on to become the youngest recipient of country’s highest gallantary award, Ashok Chakra. The Studio thinks today it is the content-driven films that are liked by the audiences.

“I think with ‘Neerja’, we learn that we need to respect our audience. It is all about the story and script. ‘Neerja’ shows that audience wants real good content,” Singh said. The biopic, which also had actors Shabana Azmi, Yogendra Tiku and Jim Sarbh in lead roles, garnered good response at the box office as well as from critics.

(Indian Express)

S

hah Rukh Khan’s rise from humble beginnings to the top echelons of Bollywood provides inspiration to many newcomers in the industry.

So big is SRK today that he has unwittingly ended up becoming a larger than life superstar something that he himself acknowledges.

“Fortunately or unfortunately, having worked in this space for

25 years, I have become larger than life. And yes it is difficult to get out of it at times,” said SRK. Though he is seen as one of the undisputed superstars of B-town, SRK finds the sobriquet weird when attached to him.

“When people work for a long time whatever is said about them by others becomes big. To say that I am a superstar or I do X, is very weird. I just try to be happy in a

film space and make people happy. It’s very simple. When I do a love story, I love and when I do an aggression filled film, I become aggressive. I try to play them the way a common man would.

Some of them are larger than life. When Maneesh (Sharma) told me the story or any other film that people tell me to do, what I try to achieve is keep it very normal and simple.”

While superstar is something he finds weird, he is not too averse to being SRK. “I am happy being Shah Rukh Khan. I can’t take unkindly to being what I have become.

I like that too. Hope I am able to do something in this film, which is different and people like it as well,” said SRK. (Indian Express)

Sonakshi Sinha to participate in Guinness World Records attempt

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his Women’s Day, Sonakshi Sinha will be joining the women brigade here in their attempt to achieve a Guinness World Record title of “Most people painting their fingernails simultaneously”.

And the Bollywood actress is more than excited over the thought of being a part of creating history.

By inviting thousands of women on the day, which falls on March 8, Poland-based cosmetic brand Inglot, after partnering with its Indian franchise partner Major Brands India Pvt Ltd, has planned to present a grand platform to create the record, where they will highlight their range of O2M breathable nail enamels.

The event will be held at the Palladium here,

read a statement.

“As kids we had always heard that so and so has set a record or broken a record and has made a mark for themselves in the Guinness Book of World Records, it was always considered to be prestigious to have a record against your name in the Guinness Book. Back then I never imagined I would get to be a part of one such attempt.

“I’m really excited. I

wish Team Inglot good luck for the same and I’m looking forward to the activity,” Sonakshi said.

Zbigniew Inglot, the chairman of the supervisory board of Inglot and Tushar Ved, president of Major Brands India Pvt Ltd, will also be present.

Talking about the event, Zbigniew said: “It’s a great opportunity for the brand to attempt the Guinness World Record in India.” (Indian Express)

“It comes naturally to me… I don’t have to struggle hard for it.

Something is coming next… We will do. I can’t share anything as it is too early,” Balki told PTI. The “Cheeni Kum” director candidly says he wants to do a light-hearted film so that the atmosphere on the sets is relaxed. “During ‘Cheeni

Kum’ he was acting like a ‘khadoos’ (snobbish) as he was in his character. During ‘Paa’ he was like a child and during ‘Shamitabh’ he was worse! Total ‘khadoos’.

He says he is in character,” Balki said.

“I would write a slapstick comedy for him he is fantastic at comedy.

So that he can laugh. I will write comedy and serious roles for him,” he said jokingly. Balki is currently busy promoting his next film “Ki and Ka”, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Arjun Kapoor. The film will hit theatres on April 1.

(Indian Express)

D

irector R Balki has revealed he will be teaming up with his frequent collaborator megastar Amitabh Bachchan again for a project.

From his directorial debut film “Cheeni Kum” to “Shamitabh”, Balki has cast Bachchan in quirky and unusual roles.

Their recent collaboration was for “Ki and Ka”, in which Big B has a special appearance with his actress wife Jaya Bachchan.

The filmmaker said it’s not difficult for him to think of novel ideas for the 73-year-old legend.

Hollywood 49

WEEK ENDING MARCH 6, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez to play Vin Diesel’s love interest in ‘xXx’ sequel

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D

isney Channel has started working on the next installment of one of its most popular franchises “High School Musical”.

Peter Barsocchini, who wrote all three previous movies, will co-write the new project with Dan Berendsen, said The Hollywood Reporter.

The channel has officially started casting for fourth installment, which will center on a new group of students at East High, as well as their cross-

town rivals, the West High Knights.

Jeffrey Hornaday is attached to direct and choreograph the movie.

The announcement comes a decade after the first film debuted on Disney Channel and instantly became one of the network’s biggest hits. The second film debuted one year later, followed by “High School Musical 3,” which premiered in theaters in 2008. (Indian Express)

Ben Affleck dresses up as Batman for son’s birthday

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ctor Ben Affleck was left surprised when his son demanded him to don his Batman avatar for his birthday party.

The 43-year-old actor, who will play Batman on screen in upcoming film “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”, said he found it “mortifying” dressing up as the edgy superhero in real life, reported Female First.

“He wanted a superhero birthday party and he wanted superheroes there, and I was like, ‘Alright, what heroes do you want?’ He’s ticking off heroes and he was like, ‘I want you to do Batman … real Batman!'” Affleck said.

“There was Wonder Woman,

Captain America, Iron Man and there was me… it was so mortifying.”

The actor and ex-wife Jennifer Garner threw a superhero-themed celebration for youngest child Samuel on February 27 and he felt uncomfortable lining up alongside Wonder Woman, Iron Man and Captain America, who were all used to entertaining young kids.

Affleck was so embarrassed because he had forgotten all the young guests would be accompanied by their parents.

Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel’s Oscars special, he said, “First I thought, ‘It’s kids. It’s kids.’ I didn’t think that, of course, like, all their parents are there.

“So I had to, like, put on my outfit for this movie, and put on my scary face for the four year olds and all their folks are there. It’s 11 in the morning and they’re kind of like ‘Wow. Batman.'”

(Indian Express)

Good luck with xXx 3: Priyanka Chopra tells Deepika Padukone’s Hollywood co-star

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ctress Priyanka Chopra has wished good luck to Ruby Rose – Deepika Padukone’s co-star in Hollywood film “xXx: The Return of Xander Cage”.

Priyanka shot to fame in the West with her act as FBI agent Alex Parish in the American TV show

“Quantico”, which is returning on March 6.

While she is “very excited about it because when we come back, the second half of the first season is really interesting and of course by the finale, the terrorist will be revealed”, Rose couldn’t help but get con-

fused between the show’s ad and a hair brand’s campaign.

“I thought the Quantico ad was a Pantene ad. But then I thought it was weird with the guns and all,” Rose tweeted. Priyanka replied to her saying: “Awww thank you Ruby Rose.

Great hair comes naturally to Indian girls. Sure Deepika will concur.

Good luck with ‘xXx…’.”

Also starring Vin Diesel, “xXx: The Return of Xander Cage”, which will mark the Hollywood debut of Deepika, will release on January 20, 2017. (Indian Express)

iss Colombia A r i a d n a Gutierrez will be making her film debut with “xXx 3: The Return of Xander Cage”.

The 22-year-old beauty queen known for being mistakenly crowned Miss Universe by Steve Harvey last year, has been cast as Vin Diesel’s love interest, reported Variety.

The movie is currently being shot in Toronto and the Dominican Republic.

Produced by

Revolution Studios, Roth Kirschenbaum Films and Diesel’s One Race Film, is directed

by D J Caruso. Samuel L Jackson, Ruby Rose, Nina Dobrev, Donnie

Yen, Conor McGregor, Deepika Padukone and Tony Jaa also star in the film slated to release on January 20 next year.

(Indian Express)

Leonardo DiCaprio was ‘cool as cucumber’ after winning Oscar: Margot Robbie

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eonardo DiCaprio was laid-back after winning his best actor Oscar, according to his “Wolf of Wall Street” star Margot Robbie.

The 41-year-old star won the coveted trophy for his role of revengeseeking fur trapper in “The Revenant”.

“He’s usually just cool as a cucumber, he was really chill,” Robbie told People magazine.

The actress said seeing the actor on the stage was a memorable moment. “I screamed. I literally screamed,” Robbie said, adding “Everyone was beside themselves, no one would sit down, just kept clapping as he was doing his speech.

It was an amazing moment.” (Indian Express)

‘Fifty Shades Darker’ On-Set picture unveiled

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he stars of “Fifty Shades of Grey” have slipped back into their characters for the sequel with Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson spotted filming “Fifty Shades Darker” in Vancouver, Canada.

One of the scenes saw Dornan’s Christian Grey and Johnson’s Anastasia Steele kissing in the rain.

The couple stared at each other lovingly before sharing a tender moment under an umbrella.

The romantic scene was followed with a tragic scene later that day. Ana was seen crying and getting consoled by the hot business tycoon on a sidewalk.

“Darker” follows Christian as he wrestles with his inner demons and Anastasia who must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her.

Eric Johnson (III) is playing Jack

Hyde who pursues Ana, Kim Basinger is playing Elena Lincoln aka the older woman who introduced Christian to his dark world, while Bella Heathcote is playing Lila aka Christian’s former lover.

Slated for a February 10, 2017 release, “Darker” will be shot back to back with the third installment “Fifty Shades Freed”. James Foley is directing both. (Indian Express)

Amal Clooney to visit India

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ollywood superstar George Clooney’s wife, Amal will be among the speakers at a conclave in India later this month.

The British-Lebanese lawyer is one of the speakers at the India Today Conclave which will also see the attendance of French high-wire artist Philippe Petit, whose life was the subject of recent Hollywood film “The Walk”.

The two-day event from March 17 will see some of the finest minds come together to discuss and debate issues from around the world.

The conclave will provide an open platform for communication among the global experts from politicians to actors, its organisers said.

“This edition of the India Today Conclave is firmly rooted in this millen-

nium and looks ahead rather than at the past,” said Conclave director Kalli Purie in a statement.

“The multi-sensory experience across two days will introduce new ways of communicating, interacting and debating. You will get an opportunity to listen to bright minds and discuss new ideas with old hands.”

Nobel laureate William Henry ‘Bill’ Andrews, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Power Minister Piyush Goyal, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu and Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will attend the discussions.

Shabana Azmi, Varun Grover, Javed Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar and Gul Panag will also speak at the event. (Indian Express)

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GFSCA to field 3 Wintz looking for more teams at Florida Cup opportunities in CPL 4

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Amrit Rai

he annual Florida Cup is slated for March 1113 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, and the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) will field three teams at the competition.

This year the Guyana Consulate in Miami in collaboration with South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFSCL) is hosting the tournament as Guyana celebrates 50 years of Independence.

Preliminary rounds in the Masters and Open categories will be played at Brian Picollo Park in Cooper City on March 11 and 12. Both category finals will be played on March 13 at the Fort Lauderdale Cricket Stadium.

This year, the GFSCA will feature

three teams. GFSCA’s Wolf Warriors will be making their debut in the Open Category, while Floodlights and Floodlights Legends will be playing in the Masters.

GFSCA’s Wolf Warriors were champions of the Open, while Floodlights were champions of the Masters in the 2014 edition of Guyana Softball Cup 4, played in Guyana.

Floodlights were also champions in New York at 2015 Independence and Legends Cup when they defeated Regal Masters in the final.

F l o o d l i g h t s , Floodlights Legends and GFSCA’s Wolf Warriors are expected to give fierce competition to the teams from Florida, New York and Canada.

Regal, also from Guyana, is expected to play. The three GFSCA teams are very confident of lifting both Open and Masters titles of Florida Cup 2016. GFSCA’s Wolf Warriors will feature some of Guyana’s top softball players in captain Amrit Rai, Mark Harold, Azad Azeez, Safraz Karim and Reaz Karim among others.

Floodlights and Floodlights Legend will also feature some reputable players in

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Ramo Malone

the Masters, such as Ramchand Ragbeer, Lakhram Singh, Lalta Gainda, Ramo Malone, Jagdesh Persaud, Jailall Deodass, Uniss Yusuf, Kenrick Persaud, Ramesh Sunich, Surendra Nauth, Steve Narine, Poran Singh, Lloyd Rooplall, Pithamber Maharaj, Anil Beharry, Ago Gopaul, Ricky Deonarain, Goordial Mattai, Ravi Lutchman, Joe Lutchman, Sydney Jackman Jnr., Ganesh Singh, Motilall Chumundat, Arjune Badal, Ashmool Ali, Mohan Sukhu, Fizul Ali, Goverdhan Arjune, Jaipaul Singh, Narinedat Roy, Sahadeo Budhu, Dennis Mangru.

The three GFSCA teams have already started departing for Florida.

e’s not express pace, but he makes up for that with a nagging line and length and the ability to be very deceptive.

He’s also no slouch with the bat, and a safe pair of hands makes him an asset in the field.

In a nutshell, Paul Gordon Wintz has all the attributes of a T20 player, as he can give his team solid overs up front and at the ‘death’, chip in with vital lower-order runs and save critical runs in the field.

The Berbician, who now plies his trade for city side Demerara Cricket Club, is preparing for his second stint in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (Hero CPL), set for June 29 to August 7.

Wintz, who turns 30 on March 7, made his maiden appearance in the ‘Biggest Party in Sport, suiting up for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in 2015. Opportunities were limited, as he played just one game, claiming 0-17 from three overs against St Lucia Zouks at Gros Islet.

At the Player Draft in February, Wintz was again snapped up by his home franchise, Guyana Amazon Warriors, and the all-rounder is looking forward to more on-field action in CPL 4, with the aim of helping the team to lift its maiden title.

“I’m looking forward to playing more game actually, and we’ve done fairly well over the last years, going to the finals and semi-finals, so hopefully we can go all the way this time and win it,” Wintz told this publication on Tuesday.

Despite just a solitary appearance in 2015, Wintz was confident of being picked up at the Player Draft in Barbados. “I was good in the practice games and I think I bowled well in the one match I played [in CPL 2015], so I was looking forward to getting select again this year.”

He added, “There will be about 10 preliminary games [this year], I’m looking to play at least seven and get wickets up front and come back and get wickets in the death overs.”

Commenting on the composition of the Guyana Amazon Warriors squad and the franchise’s chance of coming out on top, Wintz said, “Well you have to be optimistic, you can’t count yourself out, but rather take one game at a time…and by the halfway stage you

Paul Gordon Wintz

should know where you stand in the competition.”

With the likes of international superstars AB deVilliers of South Africa, Shane Watson of Australia and Brendon McCullum of New Zealand set to debut at CPL 4, Wintz is excited to rub shoulders with the foreign players and gain from their experiences.

“Most obviously with players of that calibre it would be nice to rub shoulders with them and play amongst them,” Wintz related.

In the space of six years, Wintz has played just three regional T20 matches, the first of which was in 2010 against Mumbai Indians when Guyana played in the Champions League in South Africa. He has picked up two wickets; both of which came against South Australia in the Champions League.

He has an impressive List A career, capturing 32 wickets from 19 games at average of 19, and an economy rate of 4.62. Wintz also has a highest score of 38 not out and an average of 16.

With the large pool of international players not familiar with Wintz’s style, the all-rounder could be the go-to man for the Guyana Amazon Warriors at CPL 4. (aramzan@guyanatimesgy.com)

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Fernandes knocked out of Windy City Open

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orld number 24 Nicolette Fernandes suffered a first round defeat at the hands of England’s Jenny Duncalf in the Windy City Open in Chicago, USA. The Guyanese squash ace lost in straight sets to crash out of the tournament. The game lasted 37 minutes with the first set being the most competitive; as Duncalf was stretched during her 12-10 win.

She would go on to take the second set 11-7, before wrapping up the victory in the third set at 11-5. Duncalf was seeded 13th in the competition, while Fernandes was unseeded.

Prior to the defeat, Fernandes had finished runner-up in both the Granite Open and the Winnipeg Winter Club Open on the PSA Tour in January.

Nicolette Fernandes

Whether the defeat will affect her ranking would be known today when the monthly update is made by the Women’s International Squash

Players Association (WISPA).

Nicolette Fernandes lost in straight sets to Jenny Duncalf of England

Cheddi Jagan memorial road race in Berbice this weekend

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he East Berbice roadways will be a hive of activity of Sunday when the 19th annual Cheddi Jagan memorial road race is staged from 09:00h.

The 55-mile race, in memory of the founder of the People’s Progressive Party Civic and former president Cheddi Jagan, will pedal off in front of Freedon House at New Amsterdam, proceed to Number 55 Village before returning to Port Mourant for the finish.

The veteran, female, and mountain bike riders will turn at Hog Style on the upward journey and return to Port Mourant for the finish.

The first six finishers in the Open category, along with the top three juniors, veterans and mountain bikers, as well as the first Over-60 rider will be rewarded.

Last year’s winner was Orville Hinds, who clocked two hours, 38 minutes, 29.44 seconds (02h: 38m: 29.44s), followed by Alanzo Greaves, Raynauth

Flashback! Winner Orville Hinds (right) and second place finisher Alanzo Greaves (Avenash Ramzan file photo)

Jeffrey, Robin Persaud, Hamzah Eastman and Raul Leal.

Raphael Leung, Andrew Hicks and Christopher Griffith were the leading three juniors, while Ozia McUally won the Mountain Bike race ahead of Julio Melville and Deeraj Garbarran, and Marica Dick outhustled Whitney Poyer and Toshawnna Doris in the female segment.

Walter Isaacs was the top Over-60 rider.

Meanwhile, transportation for riders and officials will leave the Sport Ministry’s office on Main Street at 05:00h on Sunday.

The race is being sponsored jointly by several sport enthusiasts and organised by national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed.

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee is expected to drop the flag to send the riders on their way in front of Freedom House, New Amsterdam.

Contrasting wins for Dharry and Marques AAG selects Carifta team

By Avenash Ramzan

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n the midst of a persistent drizzle in the wee hours of Sunday, Elton “Coolie Bully” Dharry and Dexter “The Kid” Marques churned out contrasting wins on the “Hostile Territory” boxing card at the Giftland Mall.

By virtue of their respective wins, USAbased Guyanese Dharry and compatriot Marques have earned the right to battle for Commonwealth titles on May 21, possibly in Guyana.

In the main contest, a 10-round bantamweight showdown, Dharry proved too hot to handle for Machado.

Despite Dharry slipping on the canvas four times due to a wet canvas (the event was open air), he battered a game Machado, who at 43, withstood a barrage of punches in the opening few rounds.

At 30, Dharry is in his prime, and his performance displayed a sense of maturity, as he

was more selective in his attacks, a stark difference from the out-andout aggression that fans have grown accustomed to over the years.

Maybe a slippery canvas was a factor in his approach, but there was the feeling that a knockout was on the cards, one which was avoided after Machado remained in his corner at the start of round five, forcing the referee to cut short the contest.

While the opening was a ‘feeling out’ round, the next three was all Dharry, as he made the Venezuelan feel the full weight of his punches, battering the visitor in rounds two and four.

It was during a flurry of punches from Dharry that Machado reportedly picked up a jaw injury, which ultimately forced him to ‘throw in the towel.’

The win was Dharry’s 17th on the trot, and it improves his record to 20 wins (13 (KOs), five losses and one draw.

By virtue of the loss,

Machado slipped to nine defeats in his last 10 fights. His record now stands at 26 wins and 14 defeats.

In the main supporting bout, a 10-round flyweight match-up, Marques maintained his unbeaten record at that weight, extending his record to 15 wins and two losses. Beleno suffered his 11th defeat to go along with 26 victories.

Many felt Marques may have squandered an opportunity to earn a knockout, as he allowed Beleno to recover on several occasions. Since the amateur days, Marques is not known to be a knockout specialist, but more inclined to wearing the opponent down with tactical boxing.

Much of the same was on show on Sunday, as he marched his way to a date with the Commonwealth belt in May. In the other fights, Barbados’ Miguel Antoine suffered his first defeat on Guyana’s soil as Revlon Lake earned a Split Decision win; Quincy Gomes gained a similar result against Imran Khan; Anson Greene gained a Majority Decision over Kishawn Simon; and Mandessa Moses got a Unanimous Decision win over debutant Ansilla Norville.

The card was coordinated by the Guyana Boxing Board of Control in partnership with the Giftland Mall.

Compton Caesar

Kenisha Phillips

he Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) after its two Smalta national Youth and Junior Championship this past weekend at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora have selected an 18man squad for this year’s Carifta Games in Grenada.

The squad will comprise of 15 athletes and three officials with Robert Chisolm being named Head Coach, Rawle Griffith Assistant Coach and Sheryl Hermonstine as Manager.

The athletes will be headlined by Linden’s Winston Caesar and Daniel Williams along Running Brave’s Avon

Samuels, GDF’s Kenisha Phillips and Carifta bronze medalist Andrea Foster.

The full list is as follows: Running Brave Athletic Club: Avon Samuels (200m and 400m Girls U18), Claudrice McKoy (1500m and 3000m Girls U18), Samuel Lynch (400m and 800m Boys U 18), Natricia Hooper (Triple Jump and 400m Girls U 20), Jeremy Garette (800m and 1500m Boys U 18) and Mathew McKenzie (1500m and 5000m Boys U 20).

Guyana Defense Force: Kenisha Phillips (100m and 200m Girls U18), Andrea Foster (800m and 1500m Girls U 20) and Odwin Tudor (5000m Boys U 20) Upper Demerara Schools: Chantoba Bright (Triple and Long Jump Girls U 18) andDaniel Williams (High Jump, 200m and 400m Boys U18).

Christianburg Wismar Secondary School: Compton Ceasar (100m and 200m Boys U 20) Super Up-coming Runners: Tyrell Peters (100m and 200m Boys U 18) Mercury Fast Laners: Joshua Jones (Shot Put and Discus Boys U 18) United States of America: Alyssa Sandy (100m and 400m Hurdles Girls U 20) The team will have their first encampment on March fifth in preparation for the Regional games which takes place from March 26-28.

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Andrea Foster

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Florida to host CPL matches under lights T

he first six C a r i b b e a n Premier League (CPL) matches to be played on US soil will include two games under floodlights at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida as well as two weekend double-headers to round out the league phase of the tournament, from July 28 to 31.

The CPL organisers announced plans last month to stage six matches in Florida for the upcoming season and sources had told ESPNcricinfo that the games would be held at some point in the final two weeks of July.

An advanced copy of the schedule obtained

by ESPNcricinfo shows that Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Tridents will feature in the first match in

Central Broward Regional Park will play host to two CPL matches under floodlights

Florida to be played under lights, on Thursday, July 28. The following day, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots will take on Trinbago Red Steel under lights again.

Night matches at the stadium are a major

change after the ICCcertified facility initially failed to get clearance in 2010 to have T20Is between New Zealand and Sri Lanka played under floodlights due to a design flaw. The floodlights at the stadium

were originally installed too close to the field, creating excessive shadows which were deemed a safety hazard for night time cricket. As a result, both those matches as well as the T20I series in 2012 between

New Zealand and West Indies were scheduled for the day time.

However, a series of upgrades and facility renovations were carried out at the stadium in 2013, including a relaying of the turf square.

ESPNcricinfo also understands that the stadium floodlight towers were dug up and repositioned to reduce the shadow effect in order to allow for night time cricket to be played at the professional level.

Saturday, July 30, will feature a daytime double-header starting at 12 noon local time between St Lucia Zouks and Jamaica Tallawahs, followed

by Tridents against

Amazon Warriors. The final day of the group stage on Sunday, July 31 will have another slate starting at noon, beginning with Red Steel and Patriots, followed by Tallawahs against Zouks.

As for local connections in the rosters, Tridents keeper-batsman Steven Taylor grew up in Miramar, just 18 miles south of the stadium in Lauderhill and turns out regularly to play club cricket in the Florida Southeast Cricket League (FSCL).

Recent Tallawahs draftee Timroy Allen is also a Florida resident, though he is based a few hundred miles further north in Orlando. (Cricinfo)

All-rounder Steven Jacobs relishes opportunity to represent homeland in CPL 4

By Avenash Ramzan

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here is no better feeling than representing your country of birth.

That’s the contention of Guyanese al-rounder Steven Jacobs, who will turn out for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (Hero CPL) later this year.

It is the third time that Jacobs has been snapped up by the franchise. After appearing for the South American nation in 2013 and 2014, the Malteenoes Sports Club off-spinner and lowerorder batsman went unsold last year.

At the Players Draft earlier this year in Barbados, the 27-yearold Jacobs was bought in Round 14 by the Guyana Amazon Warriors at a value of US$5,000.

“I think it’s an honour and privilege to be back with the Guyana Amazon Warriors after playing two years with them,” he told this publication during an exclusive interview on Wednesday. “It’s always nice to be home and represent your nation so I just want to thank selectors, the manager, the coach and the owner for picking me.”

The presence of mystery spinner Sunil Narine in the Guyana Amazon Warriors setup created little opportunities for Jacobs during the first two years, as he appeared in a total of just six games. In 2013, he was impressive in three games, picking up four wickets and even bowling a maiden.

Steven Jacobs

Those wickets came at an average of 12.3, and an economy rate of 5.4. In 2014, his three games yielded just a solitary wicket.

“Well I was playing in the team as a spinner and then you had someone like Sunil Narine, who played in the XI most times and I had to sit out. But even though they were a few [games] I tried to make use of them,” Jacobs outlined.

With Narine now switching allegiance to home franchise Trinbago Knight Riders, Jacobs is looking forward to a longer run in the middle at CPL 4. “Yes, it presents an opportunity for me to step up and showcase my talent,” he reckoned.

Commenting on the Guyana Amazon Warriors chances in the six-week tournament, Jacobs said cricket is played on the day, and once the players stick to the basics, the results can be positive.

He also believes that with a plethora of Caribbean players in the line-up, familiarity to condition could be a plus for the Guyana Amazon Warriors. (aramzan@ guyanatimesgy.com)

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