Guyana Times International

INTERNATIONAL

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com ISSUE NO. 185

week ending March 23, 2014

PPP/C could win majority if Jagdeo heads elections slate - Opposition poll finds

See story on Page 3

"I always wanted to represent my country" - U.S.-based Guyanese Rafieya Husain

Hundreds of Guyanese celebrate Holi in N.Y. Page 37

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NEWS

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PPP/C could win majority if Jagdeo heads elections slate F

ormer President Bharrat Jagdeo would be the most formidable candidate that the Opposition parties, A Party for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC), could face in any upcoming general elections.

This was revealed in a poll conducted by the combined Opposition earlier this month, according to highly placed sources in the party.

Evidently worried that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) would call snap elections in the trail of their controversial stance on a host of issues, the combined Opposition rushed through their polling exercise even as their leaders fanned out on outreaches in PPP/C strongholds.

At the memorial service for PPP’s founder Dr Cheddi Jagan at Babu John, in Berbice around the same time, General Secretary of the PPP/C Clement Rohee had suggested that the elections route might be the only way to break the present “political log-

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

jam”. President Donald Ramotar had also alluded to this possibility.

The Opposition parties have been taking identical positions on issues such as cutting the budget, even though the courts have ruled this is illegal, voting against the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) Amendment Bill, and closing down the sugar industries (on which they later tried to backtrack).

On the other hand, they have been pushing for Local Government Elections. Their poll confirms their suspicions

President Donald Ramotar

that they would fare very badly at General Elections if they were held now, and they would perform marginally better at Local Government Elections.

Showing broadly similar results to the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) poll conducted several weeks before theirs, and which they attempted to discredit, the combined Opposition poll showed that in head-tohead contests, the PPP/C would obtain an absolute majority of 51 per cent if Jagdeo were to head the party’s ticket.

If Ramotar were the

- Opposition poll finds

PNCR Leader David Granger

PNCR Member Carl Greenidge

candidate, the PPP/C would still emerge victorious in securing the Presidency/Executive with 45 per cent of the votes. In the first instance, APNU would secure 37 per cent of the votes and the AFC four per cent, while in the second; their support would rise marginally to 38 per cent and AFC, to five per cent.

In both instances, APNU’s presidential candidate identified on the poll was present Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), David Granger.

The opposition source that provided Guyana

Times International with the polling data, said that the Granger faction of the PNCR absolutely refused to place Carl Greenidge as a possible candidate.

The two have been locked in a bitter battle for the control of the PNCR. In Local Government Elections, the combined Opposition poll shows that they would perform much more credibly.

One political analyst, who was contacted to scrutinise the data, said that the Jagdeo factor would appear to pull more of the PPP/C’s traditional voters out from their apathy, which was

exhibited at the last elections, in any new elections. It is also possible that the Opposition’s quibbling at the arrangements to treat the former President’s recent illness backfired by stimulating some “sympathy” votes.

The analyst speculated that the Opposition might have floated the name of Jagdeo as a candidate, even though he has indicated he would not be seeking a third term, to discern whether the support for a Ramotar candidacy was “soft”. The results show that this was not significantly so.

In light of their findings, the analyst predicted that the Opposition will continue to push for Local Government Elections. Those findings by the combined Opposition poll, concluded the analyst, exposed the baseness of the orchestrated campaign by the Opposition parties and their operatives in the media to vilify Jagdeo and to deny the sterling role he played in returning economic stability and security for citizens in Guyana.

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INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International

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

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

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

EDITORIAL

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Suicide

t would appear that the department in the Health Ministry that had been tasked with the responsibility for tackling the scourge of suicide in Guyana has itself committed suicide.

While Guyana always had a very high rate of suicide, after some sensitisation and studies on the issue at the turn of the century showed conclusively that Guyana had a consistent rate of around 200 (or 25 per 100,000) self−inflicted deaths annually, the Health Ministry gradually became involved. A preponderant number of those persons were males from the rural, Indian-Guyanese communities.

A National Suicide Prevention Strategy was drafted in 2001 and several “counselling centres” were launched in Region Six. By 2007, the National Committee for Suicide Prevention was formed. Two years later, the Health Ministry in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) hosted a two-day workshop on the “Prevention and Control of Suicide Behaviour” in Georgetown. It included individuals from Trinidad, Guyana and Suriname that were working on the problem in their countries, which had similar demographics.

The then Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy was very candid. He pointed out that even though suicide was accepted as an urgent public health issue in the mental health area, there was no significant budgetary support both domestically and from the international agencies such as PAHO. He pointed out that over the past few years there had been “a string of workshops” and the time had come for less talk and more action towards a solution.

After his prompting, for the first time, a programme that involved the community – the “Gatekeepers Programme” – was launched. The Gatekeepers Programme broadened the suicide prevention effort beyond the counselling centres which presumed the potential victim would reach out and seek help. Individuals in the community were to be trained by qualified Health Ministry personnel as “gatekeepers” who could recognise signs of individuals contemplating ending their lives. The “Gatekeepers” would be known in the community.

Studies have shown that once potential suicide victims have been dissuaded away from the act, most of them do not attempt to repeat it. The “secret” of dealing with suicidal behaviour then, is to have the institutional capacity to counsel those that may be contemplating taking their lives, to desist. Statistics in the immediate years following the introduction of the programmes suggest that they may be having a salutary effect. In the last few years, however, the intervention programmes appeared to have died on the vine.

As we wrote last December, we have not heard anything from the National Committee on Suicide Prevention for years and wonder if it is still in existence. While there was news of another counselling centre being opened in Region Six last year, there has been no sustained programme to keep the others going or to inform the communities of their existence.

Reacting to the apparent abandonment of the Health Ministry’s responsibilities towards the mental health issue of suicide, a plethora of private initiatives have recently sprung up in the wake of the rate, now accepted as one of the highest in the world. The latest one is a symposium that will be organised by the Indian Arrival Committee, which is salutary, since their constituents are more than 75 per cent of the victims.

While these private initiatives are very welcome, they cannot substitute for concerted action by the Health Ministry: a national problem demands a national response. Last September, around the annual World Suicide Prevention Day, the major Opposition party suggested that suicide prevention should be higher on the agenda of health priorities in Guyana. We suggested then that the bi-partisan Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services convene an urgent meeting to craft proposals on how to fund and extend the Gatekeepers Programme. But they only flattered to deceive and quickly returned to their war of attrition against the Government. The Health Ministry must rouse itself to act.

An aerial view of St. Georges Cathedral in Georgetown, Guyana.

“Understand the importance of your role in dealing with domestic violence”

- Trinidadian Clinical Psychologist tells Guyanese stakeholders

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ocal Police Prosecutors, Probation, Welfare and Child Care Officers and civil society groups on Tuesday converged in the conference room at the Pegasus Hotel to discuss the prevalence of and proper courses of action that could be taken to address the rising incidence of domestic abuse in Guyana.

The event, which was organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat, in collaboration with the Judiciary of Guyana, drew participants from organisations across the country.

Mark Guthrie, a legal and constitutional consultant from the Commonwealth Secretariat, told Guyana Times International that the organisation works in partnership with member countries.

He said an invitation from the acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh was sent to the Commonwealth Secretariat for the organisation to hold the seminar.

The colloquium brought together several experts from Turks and Caicos, England, and Trinidad and Tobago to discuss the experiences in domestic violence in Guyana.

The seminar got off to a simple start with Justice Singh delivering the welcoming address to the gathering.

The thrust of the day’s seminar was a presentation by Trinidadian Clinical Psychologist, Dr Diane Douglas, who holistically delved “inside the mind of the domestic abuser and victim”.

The doctor’s interactive presentation, while entertaining, was very practical and reached every participant at the individual level. Participants actively shared their experiences and

analyses of the issues and formulated recommendations for future practices and reform.

She explained, “Domestic violence constitutes the wilful intimidation, assault, battery, sexual assault or other abusive behaviour perpetrated by one family member against another.” Dr Douglas said the issue of domestic abuse remains an ongoing hitch in the Caribbean, revealing that Guyana stands among the Caricom member states that have the worst examples of domestic violence and stands higher than the global average in violence against women and rape of children.

Dr Douglas called on the Police and Probation Officers to understand the importance of their roles in dealing with abuse, while encouraging them to embrace victims.

“What you are guarding is our quality of life and what you are standing in the gap for, is to say that it is possible to live a life free of violence. So you kind of stand up and say, you hold the reins and say it is possible to live in a violencefree society”.

She also reminded representatives of non-governmental organisations of their important role of reaching “the lived experiences of persons who might both be the perpetrator and victim”.

Self-hate

Dr Douglas guided participants through an “understanding yourself” exercise, which, according to her would take effect as one examines the ideologies carried in one’s mind and the behaviour that follows. “You see if we do not understand that we internalise this, we would not understand domestic violence.…

a lot of us walk around with that self-hate: when we look in the mirror and we see what we see, we are not very pleased.

And if we are not very pleased, how could we do the work of dealing with domestic violence?” she asked participants.

She said any new intervention or law addressing issues relating to domestic violence must be made with the recognition that “the abuser can change, that violence is a choice and that one can control himself”.

Explaining the battered woman syndrome, Dr Douglas pointed out that it is a pattern of psychological behavioural symptoms found in women living in battering relationships.

She noted that there is a “typical pattern” developed by all women who live in such relationships. She said psychological traits are developed and are present throughout the woman’s life.

The seminar, which ended on Wednesday, also provided members of the justice sector in Guyana with the opportunity to discuss major issues confronting them in the dispensation of justice in cases of domestic abuse, providing them with a view of strengthening the administration of justice.

The seminar’s aims were also to promote judicial sensitisation of gender issues and the law; create awareness of the incidence of gender-based violence; foster an understanding of the psychology of the abuser and victim, strengthen knowledge of the role of the court in domestic violence cases within the framework of relevant laws and to promote access to justice for victims of domestic abuse.

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Rodney Inquiry

Chairman pours cold water on Opposition’s objection to Jairam’s involvement

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alter Rodney Commission of Inquiry Chairman, Sir Richard Cheltenham said any change to the Terms of Reference (ToR) has to be made by President Donald Ramotar even as he dismissed concerns raised about the impartiality of Commissioner, Senior Counsel Seenath Jairam.

Both the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) have objected to Jairam on the panel, owing to his appearance in court for the Guyana Government in the recently concluded budget cuts case.

For its part too, the WPA has called on Government to remove a paragraph from the ToR, saying that it had nothing to do with the politician’s killing. In a letter to President Donald Ramotar earlier this month raising a number of concerns regarding the inquiry, the WPA said

“on the terms of reference proper, we have grave concerns that paragraph (iv) strays a considerable distance from the precisions of paragraph (i) that properly tasks the Commission with examining the facts and circumstances immediately prior, at the time of, and subsequent to the death of Dr Walter Rodney… how does the time period defined in paragraph at (iv) – 1 January 1978 to 31 December 1980 – qualify as being immediately prior, at the time of, and subsequent to the death of Dr Walter Rodney”? the WPA had asked.

The party, which was formed by Rodney, but now in alliance with the PNCR, said: “We are of the view that the scope of paragraph (iv) goes well beyond what is required for the determination of responsibility as expressed clearly in para (i). Instead, para (iv) runs the risk of opening a Pandora’s box that will guarantee an unwel-

come poisoning of the political environment which, you will agree, is already toxic enough.

We urge that paragraph (iv) be removed from the terms of reference,” the WPA said in the letter signed by its leader, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and Executive Member, Professor Clive Thomas.

Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Cheltenham said the issues raised by the Opposition parties cannot be addressed at the Commission’s level, but by President Ramotar.

Following the news conference, the Commission met with leaders of APNU and discussed issues pertaining to the inquiry. Minutes after meeting with Commissioners, APNU reported that it used the opportunity to convey to them its concerns about the CoI’s ToR and the selection of Commissioner Jairam.

Cordial

“The meeting was in-

The Commissioners of the Walter Rodney Commission chat after the press briefing

formative and cordial,” APNU said, adding that it hopes that the inquiry would prove to be a source of healing. APNU was represented at the meeting by Brigadier David Granger and parliamentarians, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Basil Williams and Joseph Harmon.

The three-member Commission was sworn in on February 25 to probe the circumstances leading to the death of Rodney. He died when a bomb exploded in his lap some 34 years ago.

M e a n w h i l e , Cheltenham told the media that the findings of the inquiry will in no way subject anyone found culpable for the historian’s death to penalty, since a section of the ToR provides for

their complete immunity.

The Chairman, along with the two other Commissioners, Jamaican Queen’s Counsel Jacqueline Samuels-Brown and Guyanese-Trinidadian Senior Counsel Seenath

Jairam was at the time addressing members of the media on the progress made by the Secretariat thus far.

Cheltenham stressed that persons who wish to come forward can do so with no fear.

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“Apologise or I’ll Deadly “drive” - Teen dies take you to court” after Tundra slams into tree - Nandlall tells Christopher Ram, Stabroek News

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ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has threatened legal action against Christopher Ram and the Stabroek News if they do not apologise for what he has deemed “libellous” claims written by the former in a letter.

The AG is referring to a letter written by Ram and published in the Stabroek News on Tuesday under the headline, “It is the President’s duty alone to appoint three members of the Judicial Service Commission”.

According to Nandlall, the letter made several allegations, which alluded that he is incompetent and guilty of dereliction of duty as the principal legal adviser to the President and the Government of Guyana.

On Wednesday, Nandlall, through his Attorney, Sase Gunraj, wrote letters to both Ram and Stabroek News Editor-in-Chief Anand Persaud, asking them to apologise for making

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Letter writer Christopher Ram

such allegations. In the identical letters, which were sent to this publication, it is stated that the allegations made by Ram “are not only libellous but are reckless and accentuated by malice”.

Nandlall further stated that the allegations have caused him great public ridicule, odium, contempt, embarrassment, and humiliation, both locally and internationally. He added that they have also brought disparagement to the offices of Attorney General,

Minister of Legal Affairs and Member of Parliament, positions he all holds.

Retraction

The AG’s Attorney is demanding that a retraction of the libellous letter be published, along with an unreserved apology. The Attorney further stated that seven days will be given for a retraction to be printed and failure to do so will result in legal proceedings being filed against both parties.

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teenager is now dead while three others are hospitalised after the vehicle in which they were travelling slammed into a tree at Ruden Rust, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) on Tuesday evening.

After desperate attempts by doctors at the Leonora Cottage Hospital to save his life, 14-year-old Ryan Brascenio of Lot 3 Mora Village, EBE took his last breath Wednesday evening following the accident.

Those injured are Ronald Chand, 19; Ryan Nandlall, 12; and Mohammed (only name given), 12, all of Mora. They are all at the Georgetown Public Hospital nursing several bodily injuries.

Based on reports, the former student of Parika/ Salem Community High School was in the tray of a Toyota Tundra bearing registration GMM 8991, along with a few relatives, when the driver who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol lost control and crashed into an almond nut tree.

Several young people were thrown into a near-

Dead teenager Ryan Brascenio

by trench as a result, including Brascenio. They were all picked up and rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where the injured were treated and referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, but, unfortunately, the teenager succumbed to his injuries.

The driver of the vehicle, Orvando Holder, is in police custody, assisting with investigations.

Cynthia Chand, one of the sisters of the dead teenager who was also in the pickup, could hardly recall what occurred on the fateful day. She explained that they were at a family get-together and around 18:00h, the driv-

er of the vehicle offered to take them for a drive.

She said they drove up the street, and as they were heading back to the house, the vehicle skidded off the road.

Unfortunately, the driver stepped on the accelerator rather than the brake, and the vehicle slammed into the tree with a lot of speed.

An injured Chand said she crashed through the windscreen and into the trench. As she was getting herself out of the water, she saw her brother being assisted out. She said she did not think of her injuries and rushed to assist her brother.

After he was pulled to safety, she added, he started to bleed from his mouth and nostrils, and was immediately placed in a car and whisked away to the medical institution. While there, she said, doctors tried their best, but her brother might have incurred internal injuries.

The teen’s mother, Sharmila Chand, reiterated that the family had a get-together during which she saw the young people, including her continued on page 15

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Rice farmers to receive Austria willing to offer outstanding payments tourism scholarships to Guyana

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n what is being described as a “bailout” by the Government, farmers are expected to be paid in excess of Gy$300 million by millers.

The money represents payment for paddy supplied to millers last year.

According to Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, the farmers will be paid directly by the millers, but representatives from the Ministry and Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) will be on hand to oversee the process.

Commitment

He said most of the millers have given their commitment to the Ministry to begin payments by today (Thursday). He explained that these representatives will remain throughout the process to ensure transparency on the part of the millers.

“We are giving them the funds, but the payments to the farmers must be made by the millers,” said Minister Ramsammy.

Dr Ramsammy indicated that the millers are expected to repay the monies to Government after they would have sold the rice for the current crop.

He noted that everything has to go through the

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Government and this way, he explained, the monies given to the miller to clear old debts will be deducted from the payments they will receive as monies for rice that would have been exported by the Ministry and GRDB. In the same vein, Rice Producers Association (RPA) President Leekah Rambrich said “the bailout from the Government is a welcomed initiative”.

He explained that this move by the Agriculture Ministry and GRDB would ease the current discontent in the industry. He maintained too that the payments would be able to carry the farmers through to the next crop. “They will be

back in the fields as soon as possible,” said Rambrich He also noted that the farmers are hoping to complete the current harvest season before the May/June rains. He explained that the forecast shows possibility of very high levels of rainfall which could be detrimental to farmers, and result in losses amounting to millions of dollars if they are not able to reap the rice before the rains come.

Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Alliance For Change (AFC) Councillor Naith Ram, who is the Chairman of the Essequibo Farmer’s Group, said a request was made one year ago for the group to meet with President Donald Ramotar and Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, and to date, nothing has been done.

Naitram said there has been a significant decrease of Gy$1000 for a bag of paddy compared to the last crop. He is of the opinion that the rice industry is not being given the attention it deserves. The AFC Councillor also explained that some farmers are owed for approximately seven months and they need the money to keep their businesses afloat.

Austrian Ambassador Gerhard Mayer presenting his Letters of Credence to President Donald Ramotar at the accreditation ceremony on Wednesday

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ewly-appointed Austrian Ambassador Gerhard Mayer on Wednesday presented his Letters of Credence to President Donald Ramotar and reaffirmed his country’s dedication to deepening the cordial relationship it shares with Guyana.

President Ramotar said the two countries have been engaged in EU-CARIFORUM and Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) mechanisms which have allowed for collective pursuit of cooperation programmes and the advancement of issues of mutual interest on the international agenda.

“The continuity of accreditation to Guyana will provide us the opportunity to explore avenues for the deepening of our relations at the bilateral level,” the Government Information Agency (GINA) report-

ed the President as saying.

He also acknowledged the importance that Austria attaches to the Caribbean sub-region.

Austria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Caricom in 2008 which has given impetus to its relationship with the Caribbean.

The MoU allows for partners to focus on areas of mutual concern such as energy, sustainable forestry management, and combating climate change.

Ambassador Mayer informed that his country is willing to offer scholarships particularly in the field of tourism, for which Austria is known.

He also reassured his Government’s willingness to facilitate a greater Caricom involvement at its United Nations Office in Austria’s capital, Vienna.

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Retired judge leads baby’s Jamaican heads missing death probe in Trinidad jet trauma team

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prove upon to raise etired Justice the level of care in of Appeal the area of obstetrics Mustapha and gynaecology”.

Ibrahim, will On the choice, of chair a three-perManning-Alleyne, son Independent the sister of forCommittee to invesmer prime minister tigate the death of Patrick Manning, baby Simeon Cottle, Ramlogan hailed her who died as a result for being outspoken of a cut to his head about the quality of during his mother, public health care.

Quelly Ann Cottle’s “She was chosen, Caesarian section at not just because of the Mt Hope Women’s her expertise, but Hospital on March 1. because of her willNeonatologist ingness to speak and former Head of out. You may recall Neonatal Unit, Portof-Spain General Retired Justice of Appeal Mustapha when her brother Ibrahim (TT Newsday file photo) was prime minister, Hospital, Dr Petronella Petronella Manning Manning-Alleyne, has law and public health would be fondly rememalso been selected to administration”, and bered as someone who serve on the committee. that the delay was due The third person is to the need to identi- stood up, even then, consultant obstetrician fy and secure someone and spoke out against and gynaecologist Dr (Davies) from the Royal the unacceptable level Melanie Clare Davies, College of Obstetricians of health care under the who is affiliated with the and Gynaecologists “who PNM.” University and College would command the Justice Ibrahim was of London Hospitals and kind of international re- chosen to help advise on is also a registered mem- spect, and bring to the the legal aspects of the ber of the Royal College table the internation- case.

Since the baby’s of Obstetricians and al best practice that obdeath, specialist paediaGynaecologists. tains in other countries”.

Attorney General Ramlogan said the trician Dr Javed Chinnia Anand Ramlogan review “will not just fo- has been suspended Tuesday noted that the cus on the specific inci- from the women’s hospipersons identified were dent but perhaps take a tal pending the outcome chosen because they are broader approach, as to of the independent inconsidered “pioneers in what policies and pro- vestigation. (Excerpted the fields of medicine, cedures we need to im- from TT Newsday)

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Jamaican is leading the team in China responsible for trauma therapy in response to the missing Malaysian Airlines plane, Flight MH370.

Stephen-Claude Hyatt, who is a clinical health psychologist and head of the Mental Health Department at International SOS Beijing, which is an international and global medical facility, told Jamaican media that he and his team are currently offering psychological and psychiatric treatment to family members and friends as well as airline staff in one-on-one therapy sessions, group sessions, and public forums.

"Malaysian Airlines is doing a great job in attending to the needs of the family and providing care in this difficult situation," Hyatt said before dashing off to work.

The Jamaica College past student and native of Kingston has a PhD in clinical health psychology, as well as postgraduate diplomas in family therapy, HIV/Aids counselling, and clinical supervision from the University of the West Indies and the Wiesbaden Academy of Psychotherapy in Germany.

Hyatt is a registered member of the American Psychological Association and did internships at the psychiatric ward of the University Hospital of the West Indies and Patricia House, a residential drug-rehabilitation facility on Upper Musgrave Avenue in St Andrew.

He has also lectured medical and clinical students in psychology, previously in Jamaica, and currently, in China.

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Jamaican Stephen-Claude Hyatt is a clinical health psychologist and head of the Mental Health Department at International SOS Beijing (Jamaica Gleaner photo)

Meantime, the Associated Press (AP) reported Tuesday that 10 days after the jetliner disappeared, Thailand's military said it saw radar blips that might have been from the missing plane, but didn't report it "because we did not pay attention to it".

Search crews from 26 countries, including Thailand, have been looking for the plane, which vanished early March 8 with 239 people aboard en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

AP said frustration was growing among relatives of those on the plane at the lack of progress in the search.

Aircraft and ships have been scouring two giant arcs of territory amounting to the size of Australia--half of it in the remote waters of the southern Indian Ocean. (Jamaica Gleaner)

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week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana's Cricket: An expensive and slow train crash Even though the Georgetown to Rosignol public train service ended in 1972, we are witnessing a train crash very slowly in Guyana – the Guyana Cricket train. Ryan Ramdass, one of the thousands of passengers, is a useful yet common example of the majorly accepted notion among cricket enthusiasts in the Caribbean, that is, Guyana has the most talented cricketers – especially batsmen – in the Caribbean and possibly the world.

The list of cricketers who are or were competitive with the best players who have EVER played the game is impressive indeed: Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Rohan Kanhai, Clive Lloyd, Colin Croft, Roy Fredericks, Lance Gibbs, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Alvin Kallicharran, Carl Hooper, etc.

This, I would respectfully submit, makes Guyana, on a per capita basis, one of the most successful countries in the world for producing exceptional cricketers.

Back to the emblematic Ryan Ramdass. Among cricket circles in Guyana, Ramdass is discussed as if he were a feared giant – as one of the best opening batsmen that Guyana has produced over the last 20 years.

After his three first-class centuries in one season, including two backto-back centuries against Barbados, Ramdass was selected for the West Indies team in 2005.

Fate had it that he unfortunately sustained three consecutive injuries that left him sidelined for years – one shoulder, and both knees. Ramdass underwent surgery for all of those injuries and he has been 100 percent healthy for the last few years.

After his recovery, he refused to let his talent die, so he continued training 1-3 times a day 5-6 days a week.

With virtually no cricket tournaments playing in Guyana over the last few years, Ramdass was forced to play cricket in Canada, the U.S.A. and

Trinidad. In his last season in Canada, he was the second highest run-scorer in their premier league which includes some of the best players, not only in Canada but other countries too.

Last season, in Trinidad’s premier league, he was the second highest run-scorer with three hundreds (a highest of 183 not out).

After being left out of the Guyana team recently, he returned to Trinidad where he is currently playing in their premier league. In the last six innings, he has scored over 400 runs including two centuries.

When there were trial games for the national one-day team, he and Chattergoon were the only openers to score a 50. At a bare minimum, there is no reason a healthy and in-form Ryan Ramdass should be left out of a Guyana four-day squad. Yet still he was.

When I asked for an explanation, I was told he has to make runs in Guyana. But when I responded that there are no tournaments being played in Guyana, I received no appropriate response.

I use Ryan Ramdass as a symbol that represents the derailment of

cricketing talent in Guyana – not by their own efforts or lack thereof, but at the will of selectors and the Guyana Cricket Board.

I often wonder to myself if the managers of Guyana’s cricket worked as hard as some of the cricketers for so little reward if they would still continue this endeavour and if Guyana’s cricket would remain on course for this tragedy.

Who are the passengers of this slow train crash – Guyanese cricketers and the Guyanese people. And the reason for this disaster is clear – the absence of proper management, structure, organisation, academies and execution of programmes.

It is definitely not for a lack of resources. For example, I am reliably advised from a senior West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) officer that every year the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) gets US$100,000 or $21 million to run cricket in Guyana.

In addition, for every four-day match that is currently being played in Guyana, the GCB receives US$35,000 or $7,350,000; there are three matches being played in Guyana, so that’s US$105,000 or approximately $22 million.

This will be the most expensive train crash in Guyana’s history.

Charles S Ramson Jr Attorney-at-Law

Everyone in the Opposition knows the importance of the AML bill Dear Editor, March 6, 2014 will remain a memorable day in my life. It was such a day when I was convinced that some people only give lip service to our National Pledge.

It was a day when Councillors from the Opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) were bestowed with an opportunity to show their leaders that they can think independently when it comes to issues of national development.

But they squandered that golden opportunity.

It was such a day that

what Mahatma Gandhi said took on a new dimension and assumed more relevance in my life. He said that “even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth”. Some people love to quote this saying, but when it comes to making it a part of their lives they shamelessly fall short.

For more than two years, I have sat at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) meetings in Berbice as an AFC Councillor and I have heard Councillors from the combined Opposition making immense efforts in airing personal issues

and grievances. Their personal interests would take priority, then the “other issues” would follow. However, I thought that on that day they would put country first.

But I was so mistaken!

On that day, I moved a motion in favour of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Amendment Bill. In my introduction in presenting this vital motion, I made reference to our National Pledge which states that we must be “loyal to our country and that we must dedicate our energies towards the happi-

ness and prosperity of our country – Guyana”.

I presented that motion as a loyal citizen of Guyana, as a patriot who placed my country above petty partisan politics.

Being an AFC Councillor took second place on that day. I thought that if we in the Opposition can unanimously pass this motion at RDC level, then our leaders in Parliament would have to come to their senses.

Sometimes, it is necessary for the ‘bottom’ to direct the ‘top’; it should not always be the opposite. It was a matter of sending a message to our leaders, but they were

Guyanese law student did us proud Dear Editor, I feel so happy that we have genuine scholastic material residing in our country. I join in congratulating the second-year University of London Law student Gabriella Edwards, who has done Guyana proud.

Currently a student at the Nations University, Gabriella was recently awarded the Oxford University Press Prize for achieving one of the best results in the world in the May 2013 Year One Law Examinations. This is no mean feat at all.

In fact, this student excelled at her Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Advanced Level examinations, and so she is merely carrying on her good work. I like how we are celebrating her success so far, as sometimes, we are so prone to just focus on sporting and film celebri-

ties.

Now, in this success, I have a little fear. It is that the law programme at our University of Guyana (UG) is not really getting expected positive reviews. Many students are choosing to take their Law Programme at Nations University.

As for some of our Medical Programmes, I know that quite a few students have opted for the Texila American University (TAU), a kind of parallel to Nations.

I see all of this as good, but it means that we must wake up too.

Soon, it can have some terrible repercussions, where UG may only offer things like Sociology and Social Work. Already, we are having a surfeit in this general area.

I think of the statement made by the current Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Obadeyi that says how UG

is failing its people, particularly those who are preparing to teach by going through the Education Degree. He was referring to the lack of consultation and student input.

What I do know of Nations is that it has a strong team in administration and its communication is always timely. Maybe UG has to tighten up on a few things, since we have the academic potential.

I suggest the following among many others: a more orderly campus, better student discipline, less noisy atmosphere, removal of animals from the campus, and adequate student services such as snackettes and photocopying, among others.

Sincerely, Third-Year UG Student Name withheld by request

unwilling to do that.

What we need to understand in a ‘new dispensation’ is that we need a ‘new political culture’ where our Councillors and members need to be able to think independently, especially when issues of paramount national interest such as the AML/ CFT Bill are at stake.

Every person in the Opposition knows the importance of this Bill, but they are willing to sacrifice this nation in their quest for political power.

During the debate of this motion, my colleagues from the AFC were quick to point out that “Yusuf does not represent the views of the AFC”. However, what is not comprehensible to them was that Yusuf represented the views of the masses and the views of many who voted

for the AFC! I am proud of what I have done. It was the proudest moment of my life and I will do it again and again if necessary. If the AFC leaders want to expel me, I have no problem with that; I have done good service to my country!

I have the courage to speak out against the anti-national developmental stance taken by the combined Opposition.

Members of APNU and AFC need to act in the interest of the country even if it means incurring the wrath of their egocentric leaders.

I, therefore, want to reiterate my position at this point in time. I was extremely proud to present that motion in support of the AML/CFT Amendment Bill at the RDC meeting.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Guyanese in London are entertained by Radio Guyana Inc. Dear Editor, I am very much enthusiastic about Radio Guyana Inc 89.3, 89.5, 89.7 FM. I have made it my duty to listen to live streaming every single day and at all hours.

I want to say how much I am enjoying Radio Guyana. This is a remarkable achievement by the

entrepreneur who has set up this station. I want to say many thanks to all the producers and announcers for having such entertaining programmes, especially Mr Seegobin and all the others.

Continue to entertain us in London. We love it.

Sincerely, Zam Baksh

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Construction to begin soon on Jamaica’s new multi-million dollar hospital

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rime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has expressed appreciation to the Spain’s Hospiten Group, which last Friday announced final plans for the construction of a highly specialised general hospital at Cinnamon Hill, Rose Hall, St James at a cost of Ja$200 million.

The Hospiten Group made the announcement during a ceremony at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall.

The medical facility is expected to provide services for residents of the North Coast area, as well as for visitors to the island.

Construction of the 16-room, 28-bed facility is expected to begin short-

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is flanked by Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Dr Wykeham McNeil (right) and Head of the Hospiten Group, Dr Pedro L Cobiella, as she participates in a special ceremony hosted by the Hospiten Group to announce the construction of a hospital in Montego Bay (JIS photo)

ly, and is slated for completion during the second half of 2015.

It will provide full medical services, and will be equipped with an image diagnosis centre,

a surgical block, an intensive care unit (ICU), a clinical analysis lab, a 24/7 emergency room, and 22 hospitalisation rooms.

Delivering the main

address, the prime minister said the Jamaican government welcomes the investment of the initial US$20 million for the construction of the medical facility, which will

be the first of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean.

“The decision by the Hospiten Group to commence construction of this highly specialised general hospital in the heart of Jamaica’s tourism industry comes at a time of improving economic stability, supported by positive ratings by the international rating agencies. This investment represents a tangible outcome of Jamaica’s tourism master plan and the work of successive governments,” Prime Minister Simpson Miller said.

Catalytic project

"I want to commend the Ambassador, the Chairman of this Group and his son, for having the business foresight to locate this catalytic project here in Montego Bay, Jamaica,” she added.

Further, the prime minister informed that the primary target market for the investment was the tourists in the resort areas encompassing Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril, but that Hospiten has decided to extend the same quality of medical services to Jamaican residents.

“Hospiten will establish 11 nursing stations

in hotels along the North Coast as well as a clinic at the new Falmouth Pier and at the Ocho Rios Crew Ship Port. These are very sound investment decisions which demonstrate Spanish vision, ingenuity and enterprising breaking into this new and exciting frontier for Jamaica’s tourism industry,” she outlined.

Simpson Miller further expressed appreciation to the government of Spain, represented

by Ambassador, Celsa Nuno, for strongly supporting the project. She assured that “Jamaica remains a grateful nation and a willing investment partner”.

Meanwhile, Head of the Spanish Delegation Dr Pedro Luis Cobiella informed that the project has been designed to create some 300 direct jobs during construction and more than 300 when it is completed. “The Hospiten Group’s maxim has always been to achieve excellence in the services provided, both in medicine and in patient care, the result of which is that all our hospitals have obtained international recognition for quality and excellence in service and management,” Dr Cabiella observed. (JIS)

Four Caricom countries in OAS drug treatment study programme in Canada

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he Organization of American States (OAS) says it is collaborating with the Canadian Association of Drug Treatment Court Professionals (CADTCP), through its National Problem Solving Court Institute (NPSCI), in conducting a Drug Treatment Court Exchange and OnSite Study Programme for four Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries this week.

On Saturday, the Washington-based hemispheric body announced that the fourday programme, which runs from Tuesday through Friday, takes place in Vancouver, Canada, and involves Jamaica, Belize, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The workshop is organized under the umbrella of the Drug Treatment Courts Program in the Americas, an initiative coordinated by the OAS Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD).

The OAS said authorities present during the event include the chief justices of Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, the Attorney General of Barbados, and the four chief magistrates of all four countries.

Three of the participating countries have already launched Drug Treatment Court pilots.

The OAS said Trinidad and Tobago has one court running, Jamaica currently has three in operation, and Barbados has just launched its first.

Trinidad and Tobago will launch its first juvenile court and second adult court in the coming months, while Belize is in its exploration phase.(Caribbean News)

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Former BOJ Governor heads new Housing Agency of Jamaica board

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ormer Bank of Jamaica Governor Derick Latibeaudiere is the new board chairman of the conflict-ridden Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ).

Minister of transport, works and housing Dr Omar Davies informed the House of Representatives Tuesday that Latibeaudiere will head a small board for the time being, but that more members will be added in due course.

Other members of the new board are head of the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP) Lucille Brodber; banker Norman Reid; public servant Maureen Vernon; attorney Susan Lawrence; and financial analyst Kenarthur Mitchell.

Tuesday’s announcement came a week after Davies told the members of the previous board, chaired by a former deputy general secretary of the ruling People’s National Party (PNP) Maureen Webber, to resign after the agency lost its third managing director in eight months.

Karl Bennett, whose resignation as managing director on March 10 triggered the minister’s call, was preceded

by Rosemarie Brown, the former chief technical director. Brown was promoted to managing director on August 1, but tendered her resignation on November 11, and left December 11 when Bennett took over. In December, Parliament’s Public Administration and Appropriations

Former Bank of Jamaica Governor Derick Latibeaudiere now heads the conflict-ridden Housing Agency of Jamaica (Jamaica Observer photo)

Committee (PAAC) learnt from Audrey Sewell, permanent secretary in the housing ministry, that the agency was not only facing a leadership crisis, but was also reeling from a Ja$300-million operating deficit, which had forced it to seek additional financing from the

No plan to privatise Petrotrin – TT’s energy minister assures

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other for US$850 milhe TT governlion, he highlighted ment has no were largely responsiplan, or intenble for the massive intion, to privatise the crease in the debt.

State-owned Petrotrin The US$850 million Company contrary to debt, he stated is a “bulallegations made by let payment” due on the Oilfield Workers’ August 14, 2019. The Trade Union (OWTU). bonds and the commenHowever, it is fosurate debt servicing cused on returning obligations, Ramnarine the company to profsaid, “have impaired itability, says Energy the company’s cash Minister Kevin flow, and have impactRamnarine. ed its ability to pursue Describing the alvalue generating oplegations as baseless portunities in the upand mischievous with TT’s Energy Minister Kevin the intent to under- Ramnarine (TT Newsday file photo) stream (industry)”. (TT Newsday) mine government and and Trinmar 3D seismic, destabilise the country, EOR projects and Field Ramnarine in a stateRejuvenation Project”. ment at Tuesday’s sitThe PNM’s gas ting of the Senate in to liquids project, he Port-of-Spain, said said, cost the compaPetrotrin was heavily inny TT$2.7 billion and debted. As a result, he the Gas Optimisation noted that government’s Programme (GOP) which current strategy for 2014 started out at TT$2.2 to 2018, is aimed at rebillion snowballed to turning the company TT$9.6 billion. The cost to profitability by 2015, escalation in the GOP through increased oil was based, he added “on production. the ill-fated cost reimDebts include bonds bursable procurement to the tune of US$1.6 bilstrategy at the heart lion, which Ramnarine of which was questionsaid “have their genesis able contracts awarded in the decisions of the to Bechtel and its local previous PNM board”. partner ABT, a company Noting that returning based in Pointe-a-Pierre” Petrotrin to profitability and conflicts of interest would depend on explobetween the two partration and production, ners.

Ramnarine said that a As a result of the ten percent increase in GOP, he said Petrotrin’s production, could almost debt increase from double profit.

TT$3.3 billion in 2002 These increases when the PNM took ofare expected, he indifice to TT$12.4 billion in cated “from the SWS 2010.

Development Project, Two bonds, one for the Jubilee Field, opporUS$750 million, and antunities from the Land

National Housing Trust (NHT).

‘No crisis’

But, in his statement to Parliament Tuesday, Dr Davies tried to downplay the crisis which had

overtaken the agency.

“Even as I welcome the chairman and members of the new board, I want to place on record my appreciation to the outgoing board for the significant amount of work that it undertook during its tenure,” he stated.

“Notwithstanding the innuendoes and the rumours that have been circulated, I wish to state publicly that, at no time have I had any reason to question the integrity or competence of any member of the outgoing board,” he declared.

He confirmed that a restructuring of the agency is to be expedited, based on collabora-

tion between his ministry and the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

“This will ensure that stability is restored and the uncertainties which have affected staff members and other stakeholders will be eliminated,” he explained.

He said that the new board has been charged with the responsibility to accelerate the search for a new managing director.

In the meantime, Lanie Oakley-Williams, senior general manager for customer relations at NHT and a member of the old board, will continue to oversee the operations at the HAJ. (Jamaica Observer)

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Indian stars hope to give Guyanese fans a treat this weekend

T

Rodney COI holds talks with stakeholders

From left, Purvi and Arjune from "Pavita Rishta" and Abha from "Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli"

he Indian international stars slated to perform for the “Bollywood Live with the Stars” concert arrived in Guyana on Tuesday.

Arriving was Pavita Rishta’s most popular couple, Arjune and Purvi and for the second time round, Abha from Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli.

The three stars expressed similar sentiments of being very happy to be in Guyana.

“I have heard so much about the people here and also I hear that you guys have some very sweet fruits so I am looking forward to the shows and having some of those delicious fruits,” Purvi said.

Arjune noted that the first time he heard about Guyana, the first thing he thought was ‘Guyana?’ and he asked one of his co-workers

about Guyana, and his friend responded and said, ‘just go’. “So here I am, excited to be here and much more about the shows and interacting with the people.”

Abha, who was in Guyana before, said that last year she did not get to visit the Kaieteur Falls but will make sure that she does that on this trip and also will take Purvi and Arjune.

“I made a promise last year that I will be back in Guyana again so here I am,” she told GTI. Guyanese are in for a treat of a lifetime this weekend when four well known Bollywood Soap stars perform live on local shores. The show is titled “Bollywood Live with the Stars” and is promoted by Christine and Popo Entertainment out of New York.

The others who are ex-

pected to share the same stage with the superstars are: Anil Bheem and the Bheemerz Band out of Trinidad and Tobago, Chris Ramkellawan from Suriname, Christine and Madhu Moti from New York and the Apache Warias from NY and Seeta Panday.

The Ishara Dancers and the Sahara Dance Company are also expected to perform on the nights.

The three days set aside are Friday, March 21, at the Tuschen Community Centre ground; Saturday, March 22, at the Guyana National Stadium and Sunday, March 23 at the Port Mourant Centre ground. General admission costs Gy$2500 in advance and Gy$3000 at the gate while the VIP tickets cost Gy$15,000 and the Luxury VIP costs Gy$20,000.

PPP General Secretary and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee and PPP Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha meeting with the Walter Rodney CoI Commissioners: Senior Counsel Seenath Jairam, Queen’s Counsel Richard Cheltenham and Queen’s Counsel Jacqueline Samuels-Brown during the team’s visit to Freedom House

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he three Caribbean Jurists, Senior Counsel Seenath Jairam and Queen’s Counsels Richard Cheltenham and Jacqueline SamuelsBrown, on Tuesday met with different groups as part of preparatory works before the investigation into the death of Dr Walter Rodney commences.

The team met with People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Clement Rohee and the party’s Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha at Freedom House, Robb Street, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported. They then met with officials of the Guyana Trades

Union Congress (GTUC) at the Critchlow Labour College and some religious leaders later in the day at the Family Court building.

The team is in Guyana for a brief visit as part of its preliminary work before the start of the inquiry. President Donald Ramotar established the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) in June last year, on the occasion of Dr Rodney’s 33rd death anniversary on the request of his family members.

The Commissioners were sworn in on February 25.

The President had said that it was the hope of the Government that the work and findings of this Commission will bring conclusion to some of the outstanding issues

surrounding Dr Rodney’s death. The Commission is hoping to have more than 100 witnesses coming forward in a process that will be open to the public and the press.

Dr Rodney, the Cofounder of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), which challenged the then Forbes Burnham Administration, was killed on June 13, 1980 when an explosive device that was concealed in a walkie-talkie radio detonated in his lap.

The device was said to have been given to him by a former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Sergeant who later fled to French Guiana where he remained in exile until his death several years ago.

Indigenous women seek market for produce A

group of the Women’s Agro Processors’ Development Network (WAPDN) is currently seeking markets for items that have been produced by members.

The group converged at the Guyana I n t e r n a t i o n a l Conference Centre last Friday to exhibit their products during a symposium to mark World Consumer Rights Day.

WAPDN Coordinator Rosamond Benn told GTI that the association has been in existence for some four years. She said the Network comprises six groups from various Amerindian villages.

Benn explained that the products are the handiwork of the women themselves and vary across the villages. “From the Pomeroon area, we have the vir-

Acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali checking out the products

Members of the Women’s Agro Processors’ Development Network pose for Guyana Times International

gin coconut oil, green mango achar, fruit mix, and pepper sauce. From some other villages, we have cassava bread, coco sticks, ground coffee and cassareep,” she told this publication.

Other products include peanut butter, cashew nuts, and cosmetics made from crabwood seed. Benn said the group has progressed over the years, and although it has not

yet achieved its objectives, much has been done. “One of the main things we were calling for the very first time since this group was formed was the packaging and labelling, and we have not mastered it as well, but we have been able to come up from where we were.”

She said the group was invited by the Small Business Bureau to partake in the mini exhibition at the Conference Centre. The group’s members are also seeking to expand their mar-

ket base since their products are only sold by the New Guyana Shop, a subsidiary of the New Guyana Marketing Corporation.

She said markets for the products are slowly taking shape since the group was first discovered at GuyExpo last year.

Viewing the exhibition too was Acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali. The Coordinator explained that there was no direct link with the Minister

or his Ministry concerning the group’s work, but thought that his presence there would have been the beginning of great things for the organisation.

The group has also collaborated with the VSO organisation, which has been connecting members with prospective clients, The WAPDN has also gained the assistance of the Small Business Bureau in the acquisition of loans, which will also strengthen the Network, she said.

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week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Suicide rate climbing: Two more women are latest victims

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espite efforts to curb the scourge of suicide, two more women took their lives by ingesting poisonous substances, while a third is said to be recovering in hospital in three separate incidents.

In the first case, a 25-year-old mother of four ingested gramoxone at her Meten-meerzorg, West Coast Demerara home on Monday afternoon.

Relatives of Fazeena Ally are still trying to understand her reasons for ingesting the substance.

Chandrawattie Singh, the dead woman’s mother-in-law, told Guyana Times International that the young woman and her husband had a small argument over the long hours he spent with his friends.

She said she was unsuccessful in her attempt to quell the dispute. “She was washing clothes and doing her housework and just a little talking that he gone with his friends and her saying that he ain’t got time with her.

“So he come in and went and put on the music and gave her money to buy food. She came out with the money and

Veronica Harnandan

threw it at him,” Singh said.

A tearful Singh recounted that her daughter-in-law shouted to her son “let Ma mine the baby fuh yuh”. She said her son questioned the woman about the statement, but never got a response.

Singh explained that the young mother had been taken in by the family at the tender age of 12 and had borne four children for her son. She said such a daughter-inlaw is irreplaceable. “She was a good daughter-inlaw. I can never find a better daughter-in-law,” she repeated, before bursting into tears.

Singh said she was unaware where Ally may have gotten the poi-

Fazeena Ally

son, which she drank after leaving the yard. She was rushed to the hospital where she remained a patient until her death Tuesday morning.

Angad Ramdatt, Ally’s husband, said his wife had indicated some time back that she would ingest poison; however, the threat was never taken seriously.

He insisted that the two of them were not experiencing any major problems. Though inconsolable, Ramdatt managed to speak with this newspaper. “I am upset because she was my wife. Normally, she would go by her mother, and I don’t know where she got the poison from,” he lamented.

Ally leaves behind

PM Kamla gets tassa, pan welcome in Florida

TT’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was greeted by tassa and steel drum-playing as she exited an airport at Ft Lauderdale Tuesday (FB photo)

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rime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar–in Florida, United States of America, on private business to attend a funeral of a family member– was greeted by tassa and steel drum-playing as she exited an airport at Ft Lauderdale Tuesday.

Video footage and photographs circulating on Facebook Tuesday showed the Florida Tassa Girls group, in pink costume, and a steel-pan player outside one of the terminal exits of the Ft LauderdaleHollywood International Airport.

Singh’s Roti shop also posted the footage, stat-

ing, “Our Trinidad and Tobago prime minister is here in South Florida to pay her respects to uncle Joy and family.”

Photographs showed the prime minister being met by Dr Anil Ramnanan, Trinidad and Tobago Counsul General in Florida, and posing for pictures with persons who gathered at the airport and with Caribbean Airlines flight attendants.

On Monday, the Office of the Prime Minister issued a press release stating the prime minister would attend an unnamed family member’s funeral.

The deceased fam-

ily member was not named, but Florida residents on Facebook Tuesday stated the prime minister was due to attend the funeral of Joy Sawh.

Sawh was said to be the proprietor of Joy’s Roti Delight, a restaurant located at 1235 NW 40th Ave, Lauderhill, Florida 33313. (TT Newsday)

her husband and four children, ages 11, 7, 4, and 7 months.

In the second fatal case, Veronica Harnandan aka “Veena” from Richmond Housing Scheme on the Essequibo Coast ingested a quantity of gramozone on March 13 and succumbed three days later on March 16.

According to information reaching GTI, Harnandan was humiliated by a girl whom her brother was supposed to marry.

After the relationship ended, the allegedly spurned young woman was out for revenge and reportedly spread rumours about the family.

Information revealed that two weeks ago, Harnandan started to work at the same place as her brother’s ex-girlfriend.

On March 13, the ex-girlfriend reportedly embarrassed her at the workplace, and she went home hurt, went into her bedroom, and consumed one glass of the poison-

ous substance.

A half hour after she consumed the poison, she went and told her mother what she did.

She was then rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital where she was admitted.

Harnandan later succumbed.

Meanwhile, Lachmie Rajkumar, 19, of Huis t’Diren, also consumed a poisonous substance and was rushed to the same hospital. She is said to be recovering. However, details of this incident remain sketchy.

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week ending March 23, 2014| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Anti-laundering Bill must not be used as bargaining tool - Yesu Persaud

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usinessman and Private Sector executive, Yesu Persaud has called for the passage of the antimoney laundering bill, contending that the vital legislation should not be used as a bargaining tool to satiate the demands of any political party.

Persaud in a letter to President Donald Ramotar, Opposition Leader David Granger and Alliance For Change (AFC) leader Khemraj Ramjattan, which was copied to the media, said the use of the legislation as a bargaining chip is a dangerous development, contending that it threatens the reputation of the country.

“Regardless of the positions we take locally, on the international scene, we are only seen as Guyana, irrespective of which party is in Government or Parliament.

“In this regard, the amendments required to be passed for the AML/ CFT Act [Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill] of 2009 should not be tied or made conditional on any other local political objective being accomplished.

“I am convinced that there are many other opportunities which exist for such negotiations to

take place,” he said.

He explained that it must be noted, that in the financial sector, Guyana is already known as a high-risk and low margin market for international counterparts and any further deterioration of their margins or increase in risk may result in their withdrawal of service.

Oversight

Compliant

The original amendments to the Bill have been approved as compliant to international standards. However, the amendments by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to have the House appoint the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) as against the Finance Minister, and for the police to seize cash and jewellery in excess of Gy$10 million, have been deemed as noncompliant.

With regard to the amendments proposed

by APNU, Persaud said he believes in good faith that some compromises can be achieved.

He noted that the idea of having a Money Laundering Authority or Board is good, but its members should be independent and appointed on technical and professional merit only.

Persaud said the recommendation to have a

Deadly “drive” - Teen dies after Tundra... from page 6

The Toyota Tundra that was involved in the accident that led to the death of the teenager

son, boarding the Tundra and upon inquiring, she was told that they were going for a drive.

She said after a while a young child ran breathlessly to the house and informed them that the vehicle was involved in an accident. Dropping everything she had in her hands, she rushed to the scene only to find her son in the back seat of a car crying out for pain.

At that moment, she instructed the driver to drive to the hospital where her son was treated by at least 12 doctors.

The grieving mother said they were in the process of putting her son into

the appointment of the Director as in the manner of the board of a company appointing a CEO [Chief Executive Officer].”

an ambulance when he started to bleed heavily through his mouth and nostrils.

He was taken from the ambulance, and was on his way back into the Accident and Emergency Unit when he collapsed.

She said at that point, reality struck her and she realised that her son was no more.

The woman said her son’s death is a major blow to the family. She described him as a quiet and helpful child.

He leaves to mourn his brother and three sisters.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be performed on Friday.

Yesu Persaud

parliamentary appointments committee select the Director of the FIU has several limitations and may impede on the objectivity and effective-

ness of the unit.

“However, the authority mentioned above should serve as the Board of the FIU and will be responsible for

The authority should be responsible for governance and oversight of the work of the FIU. “It is my understanding that the FIU is not a law enforcement agency but an intelligence gathering agency supporting the police and the public prosecutors in their law enforcement and justice efforts.

“Cash seizures should only be done at the points of entry and exit of the borders as is currently allowed by the AML/CFT Act of 2009 and recom-

mended by FATF standards…if cash seizures are necessary for persons being investigated or under suspicion of money laundering within the borders, I recommend that the police or prosecutors obtain an Order of a Court issued by a Magistrate or Judge,” the businessman said.

“I urge the parties addressed in this letter to pass the amendments necessary to comply with the legislative requirements of the FATF standards and to implement those standards rigorously to root out from our society the use of proceeds derived from criminal activities,” the letter concluded.

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Guyanese leaders urge unity at Holi festivities

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resident Donald Ramotar and Leader of the Opposition David Granger urged greater unity at the level of the National Assembly, when they joined hundreds of persons at the Indian Cultural Centre for the celebration of Phagwah.

Amid the celebrations at the Prashad Nagar location, President Ramotar said Holi removes the barriers and reminds Guyanese that they are all one people.

In the name of unity, President Ramotar said Guyanese must work at all tiers of society to protect the country’s economy and simultaneously foster social development. “I hope that we will have unity in the National Assembly… and pass the Anti-Money Laundering Bill and save our people from a lot of trouble,” Ramotar

Guyana's President Donald Ramotar and Opposition Leader David Granger participate in the Holi celebrations at the Indian Cultural Centre in Georgetown

said to thunderous applause.

President Ramotar

Guyana's Education Minister Priya Manickchand having her fair share of abeer during the Phagwah celebrations

had spoken just a few minutes after Granger who also called for na-

tional unity. In his brief remarks, he said, “Today, I hope that

Holi brings us together not only for one day but for the remainder of the year in the National Assembly.”

In addition to the speeches, a cultural extravaganza unfolded at the Indian Cultural Centre with a variety of dances. It was also an occasion where Guyanese, Indians, Canadians, and Americans used abrac, abeer and other colourful substances to transmit the message of peace, love, and harmony. The Holi celebration also saw in attendance Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, Education Minister Priya Manickchand, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, A Partnership for National Unity Member of Parliament Jaipaul Sharma and City Mayor Hamilton Green among others.

Speaking with GTI during the celebration, Minister Manickchand, who was covered in abrac, said Holi serves as a remembrance that the human race should be living together. “It is a great opportunity for us to refresh our souls…”

Accompanying Minister Manickchand were several relatives, including Emile who hails from Canada. “It is really nice, I love the weather and the way everybody gets together,” Emile said as she commented on her first Phagwah celebration.

This publication also caught up with the Legal Affairs Minister who extended best wishes. He said as Holi is celebrated, persons must remember the significance and the fundamental principles associated with the festival of Phagwah where good will always triumph over evil.

President Donald Ramotar and former President Bharrat Jagdeo along with Housing Minister Irfaan Ali, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and others during the Holi celebration. Also in photo are Businessmen: Brian Young, Eddie Boyer and Media owner Anand Persaud

Chief Executive Officer of Inspire Inc Yog Mahadeo; Guyana Times reporter, Bhisham Mohamed and chutney singing sensation Prince JP

A section of the large crowd at the Guyana National Stadium for the Inspire Inc. annual Phagwah Mela on Monday

A fully coloured Fly Jamaica staff at the National Stadium

City boys having fun playing Phagwah

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week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Four survive plane crash Peacemaker shot dead during confrontation in Guyana’s interior

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our persons, including the pilot, on Tuesday morning survived when a single-engine aircraft crashed after taking off at the decrepit Arau Airstrip, Kaikan, Region Seven (Cuyuni/ Mazaruni).

The crash occurred around 11:14h.

Ivor Williams, 32, a gold miner of Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara; Leon Bristol, a miner of Nabaclis, ECD; and Troy Daniels are the three passengers that were in the aircraft. The pilot was identified as Guyanese Bernard Singh.

Guyana Times International understands that the victims were rescued around 16:00h by the Guyana Defence Force Medical Corps. The helicopter reportedly had to make two trips to the crash site to bring out the victims.

The victims were subsequently medevaced to the city and arrived around 18:00h after which they were immediately rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Williams is said to be in a critical condition and was unresponsive upon arrival in the city. His relatives told this newspaper that the

Pilot Bernard Singh upon arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital

men were on their way out of the interior when the incident happened.

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), in a statement on Tuesday evening, stated that the injured passengers were employees of Singh and they were on their way to another region. Singh, the owner of the crashed aircraft, is also the owner of several mining camps in the interior.

GTI visited the Georgetown Public Hospital where the victims were taken and spoke to Bristol, who sustained a head injury, but was listed as stable. He related that he cannot recall how the accident happened.

The pilot is said to have sustained the least injuries.

There have been a rash of plane crashes in Guyana in recent times and stakeholders have blamed Government for

cure the local aviation sector. Back in January, Canadian Pilot Blake Slater, 23, and Guyanese Cargo Loader Dwayne Anthony Newton Jacobs, 28, died when their singleengine, 13-seater Cessna Caravan crashed in the dense jungle in the Middle Mazaruni. The aircraft had disappeared out of the sky.

The last contact with the pilot of the aircraft was a “Mayday” (emergency call), which was transmitted to another aircraft within the area at the time. The aircraft had departed for Imbaimadai after overnighting at Olive Creek.

The aircraft was spotted after an estimated 11 hours of searching by a GDF helicopter in the vi-

Ivor Williams being escorted out of the ambulance

not doing enough to se-

cinity of the Marikina Mountain.

Meanwhile, about a week prior to this, a Cessna 206 aircraft belonging to the Fenix Airlines veered off the runway of the Ogle International Airport (OIA).

Occupants of the aircraft included Pilot Raul Seecharran and passengers Zoreena Alli and Shenika Munroe. Munroe, 23, of Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, was pregnant at the time.

Selwyn Anthony Bess with his two daughters and foster children in happier times

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olice are investigating the murder of 33-year-old Selwyn Anthony Bess who was shot and killed at 14 Miles, Bartica, Region Seven.

The father of two was reportedly killed on Monday night during a fierce confrontation.

Initial reports indicate that he was accidently shot while trying to make peace between two feuding men.

The miner had left his Lot 6 First Street, Craig, East Bank Demerara residence in mid-January in search of a job.

When Guyana Times International visited his home at approximately 15:00h on Tuesday, his mother Jennifer Bess had just learnt of her son’s demise.

Bess was on duty at the Georgetown Public Hospital Service Plus Master when she received an emergency call stating that she was needed at home.

It was while she was heading home, the

mother of two received the tragic news of her son’s demise. She was told that her son was present when “two shop men” had an argument.

One of the two left, but returned and “opened fire”, killing her son.

She refuted claims that Bess was in the process of parting the fight when he met his demise.

“I am not sure what really take place… but I didn’t hear he was parting no fight,” the woman said.

Bess’s uncle said based on information received from the dredge owner, “the two shop owners had some argument and my nephew was near to one of the shop owners and that is how he got shot”.

According to the man, his nephew died approximately three minutes after he was shot. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Bartica Regional Hospital. The suspected murderer is in police custody at the Bartica Police Station.

news

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week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Much work needs to be done before elections are held – Rohee

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eople’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Clement Rohee on Tuesday said much work needs to be done to prepare citizens for the hosting of any elections in Guyana.

Rohee, who is also the Home Affairs Minister, was at the time speaking at the party’s weekly press conference.

Asked whether Government and the party would heed the calls of persons for elections to be held given the travesty that has been occurring in the National Assembly regarding the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill, Rohee said Government is not ignoring calls made by persons at the various AML consultations for general elections to be held. However, he explained that the hosting of such elections will have to be balanced against the exigencies of the situation.

“There are two types of elections that are now in the air – local government and general elections… I would not say society is divided on which one should come first, but there are views out there and we have to take into consider-

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee

ation all the views,” he stated.

The PPP GS pointed out that while the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the political opposition parties may indicate their readiness for the elections, there are a lot of preparations to be done as it relates to getting citizens ready for elections. “I don’t think there is total unanimity on the part of a significant amount of Guyanese on one elections or the other,” he said, adding that the issue is still being debated by the public and the party is listening for reactions.

Rohee went on to say that when elections are held under new conditions and persons do not un-

derstand the rules, it creates difficulties and confusion for them when they go to the polling stations. He added that even the general elections in Guyana yields much confusion. “All of us would like to have perfect elections, all of us would like to have an elections that is non-controversial, I think that is the dream of every single Guyanese,” he added.

The Minister further mentioned that with the implementation of new laws and preparation strategies, there are a lot of explanations and public awareness work to be done. He noted that GECOM had commenced one such exercise late last year, but had discontinued it. The General Secretary said much work will have to go into making the people aware of the new rules and regulations.

Questioned about how long before the party makes a decision on hosting either of the elections, Rohee explained that this will take a great deal of “political judgment”, along with measuring the mood of the people.

He said a party has to be able to judge the mood of the people and in doing so, ensure that it is not ahead of or lagging too much behind the people.

Shaddick rejects Soloman’s claim on Broadcast licence

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GNBA Chairperson Bibi Shaddick

hairperson of the Board of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), Bibi Shaddick has rejected claims attributed to Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon in another section of the press.

The claims were featured in the article headlined, “Region 10 to go it alone on development, energy plans – Solomon tells President”.

Shaddick stated that she read with dismay the article which contained facts of a letter written

by Solomon to President Donald Ramotar.

She stated that prior to the publication of the article, Solomon had claimed that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) had submitted an application to the GNBA for a Television Broadcast Licence for Region 10. “I wish to state that no such application has been made to the GNBA,” the Government Information Agency (GINA) quoted Shaddick as saying.

She further explained that Solomon had claimed previously that the RDC had submitted the application to the Office of the President (OP), and noted that “OP is not GNBA, and until it is sent to GNBA, it cannot be considered,” she stated.

Additionally, Shaddick stated that Solomon’s claim that the application cannot be processed because of a court claim was never made by the GNBA. Shaddick from the inception of her appointment to the Board had stated that applications for licences had been previously made to various offices. As such, she had advised all applicants to re-submit their applications to the GNBA for consideration.

She had noted that it was not possible to track all the applications that had been made due to the haphazard manner in which they were done.

Shaddick had also pointed out that current broadcasters should also re-apply in order to have their licences issued in accordance with the new Broadcast Act, which they all did.

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week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

West Indian community still shocked at carbon monoxide deaths

Canada-based Guyanese businessman Peter Pitamber (left) and his youngest son, Jerry, in happier times

By Ravendra Madholall

Restaurant and Bar. Peter’s brother, Paul, and a family friend were also occupants of the house when tragedy struck, but they were safe after being treated at a nearby hospital.

Jerry Pitamber, the youngest son, made the gruesome discovery approximately 02:00 am and stated that “it was unimaginable” when he saw his parents and sibling lying dead at home.

D

ays after the tragic deaths of popular Canada-based Guyanese businessman Peter Pitamber, his wife Seeta, and their son, Terry, the West Indian community in Canada remains in a state of shock over the incident.

The family members died Monday at their home in Brampton owing to carbon monoxide poisoning, according to Peel Police.

Peter, 60, who hailed from Lusignan on the East Coast of Demerara in Guyana, immigrated to Canada over 25 years ago, and owned the popular Calypso Hut

Scenes at the Pitambers' home Monday after the family was discovered

Seeta Pitamber and son, Terry, who both died on Monday at their home in Brampton

“I came home and tried to save all of them, but it didn’t work.

Everybody was just knocked out, and it was unbelievable what I saw,” the tearful Jerry related.

Described as a ‘silent killer’, carbon monoxide is an odourless and colourless gas that is emitted when fossil fuels are burnt.

Discovery

Jerry related that his family was using propane heaters inside their home after their furnace broke down on Sunday.

“When I reached I continued on page 21

Bajan charged for Guyanese woman’s murder

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olice have arrested and charged Andrew Pollard, 28, of Mahaica Gap, Green Hill, St Michael, Barbados for the murder of Guyanese Onicka Gulliver.

The partially nude and decomposing body of Gulliver, 23, was found in a bushy area of Vaucluse, St Thomas last Friday after going missing from her Station Hill, St Michael

home last Wednesday.

Police reports indicated that she was sexually assaulted, beaten, and strangled. Pollard appeared at the District A Magistrate Court Monday and was re-

manded until March 26 to reappear at District D Magistrate Court.

In addition, two male police who were sought regarding a serious criminal matter have turned themselves Andrew Pollard (left) has been charged with the murder of Onicka Gulliver

in. The identities of the men have not been revealed, but police reports indicate the men turned themselves in at the Hastings Police Station around 11:00h in the company of an attorney.

Public Relations Officer of the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF), David Welch had told Guyana Times International, in a telephone interview, that the police were informed about the woman’s disappearance after her mother lodged a missing person’s report. He said an investigation was launched, but proved futile until last Friday morning when the woman’s partially decomposed body was found.

He could not verify whether or not, the suspect was related to the woman or had any connection to her.

In May last, Brenda Duncan Taylor Belle, 64, of St Barnabas Settlement, Bridgetown, Barbados and formerly of Lot 50 Russell Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, was brutally stabbed to death by her estranged husband who sub-

sequently ingested a poisonous substance.

The accused, Allan Alston Belle, 58, a landscaper of St Barnabas Heights, St Michael, was a few days later charged for the woman’s murder and was remanded to prison. The woman’s home was also set alight. It was reported that on the night of the fatal stabbing, the victim left her home and was visiting a male friend who resides at Cutting Road in Haggatt Hall, St Michael.

During her visit at the friend’s house, her husband arrived and repeatedly called out to her. He then began to break the windows of the home, with the aim of getting into the house.

Fearful for their lives, Belle and her male companion rushed out of the house, but the suspect ran behind them.

The man managed to escape, while Belle was cornered by her estranged husband who pulled out a knife and stabbed her several times about her body. She reportedly died on the spot.

NEWS

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St. Lucia’s security minister against decriminalisation of marijuana

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ational Security Minister Phillip La Corbiniere has hinted that the St. Lucia government would not support plans to decriminalise marijuana for medicinal and religious activities.

C a r i b b e a n Community (Caricom) leaders at their just concluded inter-sessional summit in St. Vincent and the Grenadines discussed the issue of decriminalising small quantities of the drug as well as exploring the economic benefits that might be derived from marijuana cultivation.

According to the communiqué issued following the talks, the regional leaders agreed to the “establishment of a regional commission to address the issues identified and any others deemed relevant in order to provide clear guidance with regard to decisions to be taken”.

The commission is expected to submit a report to the regional leaders at their annual summit in Antigua in July.

But La Corbiniere, speaking on television in St. Lucia, said he remains unconvinced about decriminalising marijuana, telling viewers if he had a deciding vote, it would be an emphatic no.

"Maybe part of that relates to the fact that I grew up on the outskirts

St. Lucia’s National Security Minister Phillip La Corbiniere

of the city where I was able to witness firsthand the development of the drug problem. The problem actually started with marijuana, let us not forget that, it was the drug of choice on the streets for many years, and probably some 10 years after we saw the emergence of cocaine coming into the country," he added.

La Corbiniere said that he had seen youngsters with whom he went to school move from marijuana to hard drugs, and watched generations of families destroyed.

He noted too St. Lucia had a problem with the use of alcohol resulting in tremendous social and economic cost.

“The question facing us now is whether St. Lucia wants to impose a marijuana problem on that,” he indicated. (Excerpted from Caribbean News)

West Indian community still shocked at ...

from page 20

heard the carbon monoxide detector was going off, but very slow, quiet beeps (that) weren’t loud enough to wake my family up; I saw my uncle was falling down and wobbling too, so we are indeed saddened with what happened here,” the 29-year-old indicated.

When this publication visited the home, family members, friends and customers were consoling the victims’ close families.

Everyone seemed shocked by the incident.

Community in shock

Rubina Nandlall, one of Pitamber’s employees, said she was devastated by the news.

She noted that the family members were very helpful and wonderful people.

“I still can’t believe that my boss has gone in this manner; we had a nice day yesterday (Sunday) and looked what happened now;

both Peter and Seeta were very great individuals; always willing to help in anyway and now knowing they will not be around is very hard,” Nandlall, who is also a Canada-based Guyanese, related.

Meanwhile, Islanders Cricket Club, a team which has been affiliated with the Toronto and District Cricket Association, has expressed sadness at the passing of former sponsor, Peter.

Manager and owner of the sports club Bobby Rampersaud said: “…we [are] very sorry and saddened to hear that Peter (Rampersaud) is gone in this horrific way; he was very generous to us in 2012 and he was also a respectable individual.”

Peter sponsored Rampersaud’s team in 2012 when they participated in both the Elite and Premier League competitions.

Copa Airlines to begin servicing Guyana route soon C opa Airlines has started to receive applications from prospective Guyanese employees for several positions it will create locally, a release from the airline has said.

Noting that the response has been overwhelming, the airline said it started advertising for several positions last month as part of its preparations to begin service to Guyana on July 11, 2014.

According to airline executives, several positions are to be created locally including: Sales Manager, Airport Supervisors, Sales Executives, Inside Sales Representatives and Sales Counter Agents.

The company expects to conclude the selection process by the end of March. Once the hiring process has been concluded, the airline will begin its training process with the selected staff, the release added.

Copa Airlines had announced in January its intention to begin operating two weekly flights out of Guyana in July.

The flights will link Guyana to Copa’s Hub of the Americas at

The airlines currently offer service to 69 destinations in 30 countries

Tocumen International Airport in Panama, thus increasing travel options and improving connections throughout Copa Airlines’ extensive route network.

Additionally the airline expects that this will allow Guyanese passengers easier access to 69 destinations in 30 countries, while opening up the country’s tourism products to more markets.

Important development

According to the airline, in January, acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali said “we will be working closely with Copa and the travel trade to maximise the opportunity this partnership offers”.

He emphasised that the Government of Guyana welcomes “the

introduction of this reputable air carrier” as a “very important development for our tourism sector that brings with it tremendous benefits, as it provides a gateway for our guests to connect between Guyana and South America and with other destinations on Copa”.

The new route promises to be more efficient while providing quicker access to destinations in North, South and Central America and the Caribbean.

Copa Airlines and Copa Airlines Colombia, subsidiaries of Copa Holdings, are leading Latin American providers of passenger and cargo services.

The airlines currently offer service to 69 destinations in 30 countries in North, Central, and

South America and the Caribbean.

During Copa Airlines’ more than 65 years of uninterrupted operations, it has transformed the Hub of the Americas in Panama into the leading hub on the continent.

Copa operates one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the industry, consisting of 90 aircraft: 64 Boeing 737 Next-Generation planes and 26 Embraer-190s.

It has an on-time performance of almost 90 per cent, on par with the major airlines worldwide. Copa is a member of the Star Alliance, the leading global airline network, offering passengers 1328 destinations in 195 countries, with more than 21,900 daily flights and 900 VIP lounges.

Rodriques defends work of ambassadors in marketing Guyana’s products abroad

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oreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett said suppliers of goods for export in Guyana were not consistent with their supplies and this has had a negative impact on the work of the ambassadors in marketing local produce globally.

In light of Guyana’s failure to secure rice markets, observers have questioned whether the country’s diplomats were doing enough to market our products.

In an editorial appearing in this newspaper last week, the writer noted that ever since the beginning of the present state system and the exchange of ambassadors, the selling of their nation’s products has been one of the primary functions of ambassadorial offices.

The writer observed that the local U.S. Embassy, for instance, is constantly “hocking their goods in this tiny country”.

What exactly are our diplomatic officers doing abroad when it comes to selling our products

in general and rice in particular?, the writer asked, adding that “the Foreign Service has also for over a year been “executing” a diaspora programme funded by the International Office for Migration. “Have they located any strategically positioned Guyanese abroad that might market our rice?”

In response, Rodrigues-Birkett said her diplomats have being doing a “great job” contending that buyers need the products on their shelves throughout the year and the local suppliers are principally unable to maintain the supply of goods. This, she explained, could be attributed to the lack of resources and high production costs in some instances. In other cases, she explained, interested investors contact the Embassy and are placed directly in contact with the Ministry responsible or GO-Invest.

Direct contact

Rodrigues-Birkett reiterated that the ambassadors of Guyana have been doing a stellar job

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

at marketing Guyana’s produce. She noted that the work done by the ambassadors has led to several deals and contracts between local producers and international buyers. She also said that the role of the ambassadors is made less strenuous with the great advancement of technology and the fact that businesses are in direct contact via the Internet.

On that note, the Minister commended Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela, Geoffrey Da Silva for his work in recent months which

played a major role in ensuring that the contract with Venezuela and Guyana for the shipment of rice was honoured.

“The continued contract with Venezuela is due, in no small part, to the effort of our Ambassador in Venezuela,” she said.

Also uttering similar statements was Guyana Rice Development Board General Manager Jagnarine Singh. In a recent interview with Guyana Times, Singh noted that the Ambassador would have played a pivotal role in ensuring the contract survived another year.

As it relates to the other ambassadors, the General Manager affirmed that whenever a task was asked of any specific Ambassador, the task would be completed forthwith. “This is very redeeming work ethic on the behalf of the ambassadors,” said Singh.

He explained that he is currently in talks with Guyana’s Consulate in Belize who spearheaded the Belizean contract which would see the weekly export of some 1500 tonnes of rice.

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week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Govt and U.S. Embassy still to meet on LEAD Project

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overnment and the U.S. Embassy are yet to meet to discuss concerns which the ruling administration has raised about the design and implementation of the controversial US$300 million Leadership Education and Democracy (LEAD) Project.

In fact, several meetings set for this month were cancelled because of the unavailability of either party to meet and iron out their concerns.

Speaking with this publication during an invited comment, Presidential Advisor on Governance Gail Texiera, who is currently overseas, confirmed that no progress was made since the Government and U.S. agreed to meet.

She said U.S. Ambassador D Brent Hardt was out of the jurisdiction during a critical time when talks could have been held.

“Unfortunate circumstances led to postponement of the meetings,” she contended.

Being implemented

Sources close to the Office of the President have confirmed that intelligence is being gathered on components of the project which the Government believes are still being implemented across the country before any further pronouncement is made, or meeting is set.

M e a n w h i l e , Opposition Leader David Granger has ex-

U.S. Ambassador D Brent Hardt

pressed disappointment that no progress has been made on the stalled implementation of the U.S. LEAD Project.

He said while the Opposition was not a key party to the discussions on the way forward, it remains supportive of the thrust of the LEAD Project and the role it could play in strengthening the local government system through enhanced public education.

The Opposition has also denied being part of meetings with the U.S. Embassy officials in Guyana to discuss components of the project.

“We have had no meetings with the U.S. Embassy or the IRI [International Republican Institute],” Granger said, dismissing as false any notion that A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) was participating in the implementation of the

Presidential Advisor on Governance Gail Texiera

halted project.

As a matter of fact, Granger claimed that the since the Government’s decision to re-engage the U.S. Embassy, the APNU has not benefited from any updated information on the way forward as far as the project is concerned.

“I want to make it clear too that nothing is scheduled for the future,” Granger said when asked if the APNU was expected to meet the U.S. Embassy anytime soon on the project.

Last year, the Government rejected the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) project. At the time, the Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon had explained that the proposal did not reflect the input of the Government of Guyana.

Both the project and design were rejected.

APNU says ‘clock ticking for local govt elections’

A

Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Chairman David Granger said “The clock is ticking” as he called on the Local Government Minister to set a date for the holding of local government elections.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) last week announced that it is in a state of preparedness, noting that it is in possession of a work plan, which puts the timeframe for the conduct of elections at 180 days, commencing from the appointment of a date.

However, it was made clear that the setting of the date is primarily dependent on the Minister responsible for local government elections.

Based on the timely announcement, the Opposition Leader opined that Guyanese can go to the polls soon once the greenlight is given by the Donald Ramotar Administration.

He said too that the National Assembly has spoken with the passing of resolution for Local Government Elections to be held no later than August 1, 2014. “So the clock is ticking… the trigger has to be an Executive Order,” he said.

In February, APNU and AFC amended the Local Authorities (Elections Amendment) Bill 2014 to have the elections held by August. The Bill was taken before the House by now acting Local

GECOM Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally

Government Minister Norman Whittaker with the intention of having the elections postponed for 2014.

Possible

Addressing the press at his Hadfield Street Office on Friday, Granger said the coalition strongly believes that when the Bill was introduced, it was possible to have local government elections by August 1.

“So we expect that if the government is serious, Local Government Elections can be held in a reasonably short time.”

The Opposition Leader also stated that the appointment of Keith Lowenfield as GECOM Chief Elections Officer is a step in the right direction. “Mr Lowenfield goes into the appointment with 14 years of experience and with an unblemished record in the Elections Commission.”

While expressing confidence in Lowenfield, Granger said the coalition is confident that the new Chief Elections

APNU Leader David Granger

Officer will do a better job than his predecessor Gocool Boodoo.

“We look forward to cooperating with him and we look forward to having clean elections without controversy and mathematical errors.”

Hindrance

The APNU leader stated that Local Government Elections are essential for the encouragement of local development, contending that urban and rural development is being impeded because of the lack of major investment in public infrastructure.

He also accused the Local Government Ministry of micro-managing at the level of local organs, but unable to effectively execute its mandate to the public.

Local government elections was last held in Guyana in 1994. Since then, the PPP/C administration has dissolved many Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and replaced them with Interim Management Committees.

Customs broker perishes in early morning accident

L

ess than two weeks shy of his 21st birthday, a customs broker met his demise early Sunday morning after he lost control of his motor car and slammed into a utility pole in the vicinity of Industrial Site, Georgetown.

Adrian “AD” Hoosain of 133 Meadow Brook Gardens, Georgetown, sustained severe head injuries and had to be pulled from the wreckage by members of the Guyana Fire Service. His vehicle, a Toyota Corolla AE 110 motor car bearing registration number PEE 2564 was beyond repair.

According to information reaching Guyana Times International, the young man left a friend’s house at Eccles, East Bank Demerara after at-

tending a get-together about 04:00h and was on his way home when he met in the accident.

From reports gathered, Hoosain was seen consuming alcohol at the party but as he was about to leave, his friends realised that he was too drunk to drive, thus they attempted to relieved him of his car keys, but he assured them that he was capable of driving home.

Aliye Crighton, the dead man’s girlfriend, when contacted told GTI that they spent most of Saturday night together and about 23:30h, he dropped her home at Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara.

The young woman said after he dropped her home, he left for Georgetown, but she received a call from him

Dead: Adrian “AD” Hoosain

informing her that he was at a friend’s house in Eccles, East Bank Demerara. He also told her that the battery of his mobile phone was dead and he would call her when he reached home.

Crighton said after a while, she made several attempts to contact him, but to no avail. “It was after 04:30h, I called back and a woman answered

The mangled car being towed away to the Ruimveldt Police Station

the phone claiming to be a nurse at the GPHC so she started to ask me who I was and after I told her my relation with him, she advised me to come down to the hospital.”

Crighton added that in a panic, she rushed to the medical facility where she saw Hoosein lying motionless on a stretcher, bleeding from the head. There were no

signs of broken bones, she added. In tears, the young woman posited that he would have been celebrating his 21st birthday on March 28 and he had a lot planned.

Still in a state of shock, she added that they have been together for the past four years.

At the home of the dead man, his friends gathered as the news spread.

His mother was too distraught to speak with the media, but his father told media operatives that his son left home on Saturday evening to meet his girlfriend.

After their meeting, the man, who was still devastated, said his son dropped his girlfriend home on the West Coast of Demerara, and upon his return to the city, he was liming with some friends.

He was not sure what transpired, but recalled receiving a telephone call from the hospital requesting his presence.

Upon his arrival, he saw his son’s bloodied body on a stretcher. He was already dead, the father said. Hoosein was described by his parents as a good son. He leaves to mourn his parents and two siblings.

news week ending March 23, 2014

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Regional hospitals claim shortage of drugs affecting operations from private pharmacies.

By Vahnu Manikchand

Q

uirks in the distribution and storage of drugs at the Government’s multimillion-dollar bond at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, continue to affect the operations of medical institutions, with several regional hospitals complaining about shortages and unreliable supply.

In Berbice, a top official told Guyana Times International that despite assurances, the shortage of drugs continues, affecting the operations of hospital across Region Six. While noting that there has been a slight improvement based on what obtained a few months ago, the official who asked not to be named said very often the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA) has had to borrow money from the Region Six Administration to purchase drugs to fill the void.

The official said drugs often arrive two to three weeks late, creating a mini crisis at several of the region’s hospitals.

“Usually, we have a situation where two to three months of orders are backed up… then you will get one order come in… that is the situation up here,” the official commented.

Bond

“This affects operations tremendously, because the basic supplies people need on a

Inadequate drugs

Additionally, last year Lethem Hospital Nurse-inCharge Emona Hamid had expressed concerns about the undue delays in the supply of medical drugs to the facility.

Hamid explained that Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo, on a quarterly basis, submits a list of medical supplies that are required to keep the health fa-

Management issues

Only last week, Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran said he welcomed the recent comments made by the Social Sector Committee members following

The Suddie Public Hospital also suffers delays in the delivery of drugs

regular basis are not there.

Pharmacies can’t offer some basic treatment they need and residents and patients have been complaining. They have been asked to source medication elsewhere.”

It is believed that the systems established to manage the bond contribute significantly to the problems. “Yes, the automated system at the new bond and the challenges the staff face are main contributors.”

This publication was told that in addition to the problems at the bond, a number of key staff left the Ministry back in 2012, causing a dearth of the required skills to operate the bond. “No one has taken ownership of the issue, but everyone knows it’s a central ministry issue and we are bearing the

brunt of it. Our outreach programmes to areas such as Mara and Baracara have been hampered… when we go to these places, we don’t have the drugs to give the patients,” the official said.

Essequibo

Across in Essequibo, another official speaking under condition of anonymity said they have not received any new supplies of drugs since January.

Patients visiting the Suddie Public Hospital and the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital have routinely complained that they are not receiving sufficient medication from the hospitals.

Several patients speaking with this newspaper said every time they visit the pharmacies at the two hospitals, they are given prescriptions to purchase drugs

Professor Misir’s book for overseas launch

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niversity of Guyana ProChancellor, Professor Prem Misir will launch his new book HIV and AIDS: Knowledge and stigma in Guyana at Guyana’s consulates in the U.S., Canada and England.

The publication will be launched at the Guyana Consulate in Canada and York University, Canada on March 24 and 25; the Guyana Consulate in New York and York College/ CUNY, U.S.A. on March 27 and 28; and the Guyana High Commission in London and the London South Bank University, England on April 9 and 10.

This cross-sectional study used a purposive sample of 379 high school students from 15 urban and rural high schools in Guyana and assessed their HIV and AIDS knowledge and stigma-related attitudes, and the relationships among gender, age, religion, and race/ethnicity and HIV and AIDS knowledge.

Most of the high school students displayed an overall moderate level of HIV and

She explained that the hospital not only receives patients from Lethem and communities within the region, but also from Brazil, and a shortage would result in the hospital being unable to administer adequate drugs to patients.

Professor Prem Misir

AIDS knowledge. The students understood the modes of HIV transmission; they recognised the symptoms of HIV and AIDS; nearly half of them believed that a blood donor was at risk of contracting HIV; and about one-fifth of the students embraced myths and misconceptions surrounding HIV and AIDS. There was no statistically significant difference in the knowledge scores of male and female students.

Knowledge scores, nevertheless, differed significantly between the 13 to 15 and 16 to 18 age groups, and among the religious and ethnic groups.

Stigma-related attitude scores did not dif-

fer significantly for gender and age, but differed significantly for religion and ethnicity among students. The study showed fissures in HIV/AIDS knowledge and substantial stigma-related attitudes.

Limited understanding of the myths and misconceptions of HIV and AIDS demands a new focus on how HIV is not transmitted through moving beyond conventional strategies toward a social constructivist approach.

This book is essential reading for medical professionals, policymakers and educators throughout the Caribbean region.

The New Amsterdam Public Hospital

cilities in the region operational. This list is submitted to the Health Ministry’s Material Management Unit (MMU).

However, the process, she said, takes close to two months before medical supplies are delivered, hindering mostly the operations of the Lethem Hospital.

their visit to the Ministry’s multimillion-dollar drug bond at Diamond. Recently, Committee Chairperson Indra Chandarpal told GTI that there is need for the effective management of all systems at the bond to ensure the timely delivery of supplies to the various medical institutions.

Blairmont factory grinds to a halt - after NAACIE calls strike over pay increase

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he middle management staff of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Blairmont Estate on Wednesday laid down their pens, closing the factory even as junior staff remained on duty.

Although the estate continued to operate, there was no grinding of canes as the boiler and laboratories are closed.

Nine managers on the day shift walked off the job in protest over GuySuCo’s reluctance to adhere to a mandate to pay them an increase equivalent to two per cent of the wages for every year’s service they had up to 10 years.

The workers had earlier approached their union, the National Association of Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), calling for increases in wages and salaries so that new staff will not be earning the same amount, despite being on the same scale, and doing the same job, compared to those who have been there years before.

Unfair

The workers argued that it was unfair for young employees to come on staff and be paid the

The factory stopped grinding on Wednesday

same as persons who had already served the Corporation for a number of years.

NAACIE successfully represented the workers’ cause and after engaging Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul. The Minister determined that it was fair for the workers to receive the two per cent increase the union requested.

The increases were due to five categories of workers: technical, clerical, sugar boilers, supervisory and process women/plant foreman.

During the 2012 negotiations, it was also agreed that the workers will receive increases ranging from five to 16 per cent, depending on their cate-

gory.

The workers claim that only one of the two recommendations has been met by GuySuCo. NAACIE Branch Chairman Randolph Tappin said the workers are upset with GuySuCo. NACCIE General Secretary Kenneth Joseph indicated that the Corporation had only given them the across the board increases, but failed to add the percentages which senior staff is expected to receive based on their years of service up to 10 years.

According to Tappin, Joseph said NAACIE officials have raised the issue repeatedly with GuySuCo, but it has not been addressed.

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News

week ending March 23, 2014

| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Man who burnt wife and children alive was a regular abuser – relatives

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Miss Guyana Universe to start charity for disabled children

The suspect with his now dead wife Lurlene La Cruz, daughter Lea La Cruz and son Labron La Cruz, with his surviving daughter Lisa La Cruz in happier times

inus La Cruz, the Port Kaituma, Region One man who set his home on fire last Friday night, burning his wife and children alive, has been described as a man who habitually abused his family.

Roxanne (only name given), a sister of the dead woman told Guyana Times International that she was at home when she received a telephone call from another sister relating the horrific news. The depressed woman stated that the couple tied the knot about 14 years ago, but their relationship has been a rocky one.

She disclosed that her brother-in-law would frequently consume alcohol and is also a habitual user of cocaine.

“Whenever he drinks and smokes, he would strip off his clothes and break anything in his way… right now we don’t know what triggered him to commit such an act but he would always beat Lurlene and sometimes the children.”

The distraught wom-

her severely. Roxanne lived with the couple when they were staying on the West Bank of Demerara.

GTI understands that the house that was set on fire belonged to a niece who resides in the city and only recently Linus was asked to vacate the building as the relative intends to return to the area.

The man was reportedly upset and was reluctant to move out of the house although his wife pleaded with him for them to find another place. Hours prior to the incident, the now dead woman reportedly telephoned her mother and tearfully complained about her husband’s behaviour. She reportedly told her mother that she was ready to move on with her life.

The mother, who was sitting on a sofa, recalled that she visited her daughter last year and from all indications, she was not too happy. In tears, she said after receiving the news of the

Friday evening after her husband deliberately set alight their Main Road, Port Kaituma, North West District home during a heated argument.

The charred remains of Lurlene La Cruz, 39; Lea La Cruz, 14; Lavette La Cruz, three; Labron La Cruz, eight, and Levon La Cruz, one, were subsequently removed from among the debris on Saturday morning by police.

The couple’s second daughter, Lisa La Cruz, 12, is the lone survivor.

Under guard

Linus, who attempted to escape after setting the house on fire, was subsequently taken into police custody and is presently under guard at the Port Kaituma Hospital. He sustained burns about the body.

Information reaching GTI revealed that during the argument between the couple, Lisa managed to sneak out of the house and run to the police station where she made a report that her father threatened to burn down

F

Katherina Roshana with close family members at the appreciation dinner

ranchise holder of Miss Guyana Universe, Odinga Lumumba on Saturday evening said that this year’s winner of the pageant will receive a cash prize of Gy$2 million.

Lumumba was speaking at an appreciation dinner hosted by reigning queen Katherina Roshana at the New Thriving Event Centre, Camp Street, Georgetown.

Roshana was acknowledged for her outstanding performance at the Miss Universe Pageant in Malaysia last year by officials, family and friends.

The cocktail was executed with a level of elegance and glamour.

Nikolay Simonov said Katherina has done Guyana proud as she stood out among the 83 other contestants.

He also noted that more than two billion viewers worldwide saw the rich culture of Guyana through Roshana when she represented the country in the costume round, wearing the beautiful Cock of the Rock dress, created by local fashion designer Dereck Moore.

Next on the agenda was a multimedia presentation which showed Katherina’s road to becoming Miss Guyana Universe.

An finally, the moment everyone waited for arrived

eant.

Khan urged businesses and other organisations to get onboard and sponsor Guyanese women as this could see a major growth in Guyana’s tourism sector.

Roshana was born on March 29, 1990, in Brooklyn, New York, but moved to Georgetown, Guyana at age two.

Brought up in a close-knit family, Roshana carries strong family values of humility.

As the reigning Miss Guyana India Worldwide queen, Katherina represented Guyana at the Miss India Worldwide Pageant in 2013 in Malaysia, where she won the Miss

Roshana interacts with attendees at the event

The remains of the house

an added that her sister never made a report to the police against her brother-in-law because after they fight, he would pacify her. She also recalled that while her sister was pregnant with her last child, Linus beat

fire, she broke down and thought about her daughter and innocent grandchildren who met their demise in the most gruesome manner.

Lurlene La Cruz and four of her children perished in the fire on

the house.

The police at that time did not pay any heed to the child until a woman breathlessly ran to the station and informed them that the house was on fire and that people were trapped inside.

Persons who helped coordinate the event all showed their appreciation for Roshana’s performance.

Lumumba congratulated Roshana for her excellent performance at the pageant.

He thanked some of the sponsors who catapulted Roshana to the Miss Universe Pageant, namely New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (Limacol) and the Government of Guyana.

The event was spiced with musical renditions by Charmaine Blackman and others.

Also speaking at the event, Russian Ambassador to Guyana,

- Miss Guyana Universe Katherina Roashana’s speech. Roshana thanked President Donald Ramotar for his words of wisdom and for making her trip to Russia possible. Additionally, she thanked her parents and Lumumba for their continued support.

Prevailed

She spoke about her passion for autistic children and her plan to start her own charity for disabled children soon.

Roshan Khan, Roshana’s father, said his daughter prevailed despite all the disadvantages on the part of Guyana as compared to other countries that supported their contestant for the pag-

Beautiful Skin title.

With personal interests in yoga, tai chi, and meditation, she is planning to open a high-end medical spa in Guyana.

This will cater to all needs, using both age-old wisdom of ayurveda and modernday science and technology.

Katherina has dedicated a large amount of her time to children with special needs, placing primary focus on those with autism. She is currently the spokesperson for Step

by Step – School for the Autistic.

Katherina was appointed the international ambassador of peace for the Universal Peace Federation.

News

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week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

New GuySuCo Opposition willing to engage Board on July 1 Ramotar on Anti-laundering Bill

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A

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said he is optimistic that the established target of 400,000 tonnes of sugar by 2020 is achievable

griculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy announced that from July 1, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will be getting a new board, led by a new chairperson who has already been identified.

The life of the present board was extended to June.

Subsequently, the matter was discussed at the level of the Cabinet and it was agreed that a new board will be established with several new members.

With regards to production, Minister Ramsammy said that as of a few days ago, production stood at an encouraging 22,500 tonnes. This is the result of about three weeks of good weather.

“This is very encouraging and I am looking forward for the continuation of the present good weather… if we can have eight to 10 weeks more

of good weather, then I see GuySuCo producing a very good first crop,” he posited.

The Minister maintains that in spite of its many challenges, the industry remains viable and will meet its 2014 target of 216,000 tonnes. He is also optimistic that the established target of 400,000 tonnes by 2020 will be reached.

The Government of Guyana’s continued support to GuySuCo is based on the consideration that the company provides employment for about 16,000 people and indirectly benefits numerous Guyanese.

This indirect benefit can be felt in the company’s provision of drainage and irrigation, not only for sugar, but for all other crops in all the areas in which GuySuCo operates. Its drainage and irrigation system also benefits many residential areas.

Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Executive Joseph Harmon said with the work of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/ CTF) Special Select Committee near completion, President Donald Ramotar should engage the Opposition to iron out issues that can hinder the passage of the critical bill.

At the last sitting of the Select Committee, Chief Parliamentary Council (CPC) Cecil Dhurjon submitted the drafted amendments tabled

by APNU and counter amendments made by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

During the next meeting on March 26, the nine-member committee will be securitising the Opposition amendments to the AML/CTF Act of 2009.

Harmon said the CPC has done a good job in putting the coalition’s proposal into a legal framework, fitting “nicely” into the law. As a result, he contended that there should be no other reason for the non-passage of the bill, positing that President Ramotar should engage APNU and the Alliance For Change (AFC) on the way forward.

“It is time now for the President to engage with the political parties, and deal with the issues we have on the table.”

Deadlock

President Donald Ramotar

Meanwhile, AFC is calling on the Ramotar Administration to operationalise the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), stating clearly that the Commission must be given budgetary allocation to effectively execute its duties. APNU on the other hand is demanding that the President assents to bills passed in the National Assembly, including the Local Government Bill.

Tripartite talks on the AML Bill were last held on February 26, but the meeting ended in deadlock with AFC collaborating with APNU, calling for the Opposition bills to receive the assent of the President.

The PPP/C is arguing, however, that the Local Government Bill, which was amended by the Opposition, is unconstitutional.

APNU MP Joseph Harmon

The ruling PPP/C had long criticised the Opposition of delaying the passage of the AML/ CFT Bill of 2013, but on Friday, APNU blamed the Government.

According to Opposition Leader David Granger, parliamentary Special Select Committee Chairperson Gail Teixeira, along with her PPP/C colleagues deliberately delayed the process.

He said APNU is anxiously awaiting the closure of this matter, but emphasised the importance of having a strengthened AML/CFT legislation.

The Opposition Leader claimed that it was the failures of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) which caused the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) to sanction Guyana in the first place.

26 NEWS in military UG law programme is not in Venezuelans uniform rob Guyanese miners a state of collapse – RRO A T

week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

he University of Guyana on Wednesday refuted claims by certain entities that its law programme is failing.

Of recent, since the news surfaced that the Hugh Wooding Law School, Council for Legal Education will not be guaranteeing any of the 25 automatic placements at the school this year to local students, members of the public, media and other stakeholders have painted the law programme at the university as a failing one.

It was noted that students have become disheartened and disinterested in the programme due to the fact that the certainty of acceptance into the Trinidad and Tobago (TT) law school is not final or definite.

According to one claim, attendance at law classes has not only dropped, but persons were reportedly dropping out of the programme and in some cases, switching to other programmes.

Speaking with Guyana Times International, UG Public

UG PRO Paulette Paul

Relations Officer (PRO) Paulette Paul said the institution was very much amused by the rumours circulating.

She told this publication that contrary to reports, the university is not suffering a loss of students, nor is the law programme in a state of collapse and failure.

Paul further put the rumour to rest which suggested that students were dropping out of the programme. She questioned what sane person would invest so much money into a programme and then proceed to drop out simply because of a

UGSS President Richard Rambarran

temporary situation.

The UG Public Relations Officer’s comments were supported

by University of Guyana Students’ Society (UGSS) President Richard Rambarran. He told this publication that while some of the law students had expressed doubts and a desire to quit, none of this has materialised since Attorney General Anil Nandlall spoke to them last Friday.

Comfortable He told GTI that many students felt comfortable by the Attorney General’s pronounce-

ments, and are no longer willing to abandon the programme.

Head of Department of the UG Law Programme, Sheldon McDonald echoed similar sentiments expressed

by Paul and Rambarran.

McDonald divulged that the students were briefed on the position of the matter by Nandlall and subsequently had discussions with him.

He also dismissed rumours that classes are being affected, declaring that the programme is going on as per normal and is not likely to be affected as the Government and the university are working together to solve the matter.

The Attorney General told the students that they should not become anxious just yet as he was certain the Council for Legal Education would accede to the wishes of Caricom Chairman, Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

Dr Gonsalves has since written to the Hugh Wooding Law School’s Council for Legal Education to accept the local law students.

group of Guyanese miners were robbed of their gold in proximity of the Guyana/Venezuela border on Wednesday by men dressed in Venezuelan military clothing, Crime Chief Seelall Persaud has reported.

Persaud on Friday told Guyana Times International that ranks have since been deployed to the area to conduct an investigation. He confirmed that the incident allegedly occurred at the Guyana/ Venezuelan border.

GTI understands that the incident took place at a shop in Five Star Backdam, North West District, where the men had gone to purchase groceries.

From reports received, the men would have crossed the border illegally and were armed with high powered rifles.

While shopping, the armed men reportedly held them at gunpoint and ordered them to hand over their gold and threatened to pull the trigger if they did not comply.

Out of fear, the men reportedly handed over the gold that they earned over a two-month period.

They were held hostage by the men for more than two hours. The gunmen also took away the mo-

Seelall Persaud

bile phones of the miners.

Miners in the area have renewed their call to the Guyana Defence Force to patrol Guyana’s borders.

Less than a year ago, Orlando Fitzpatrick, 52, and his son, Jesse Fitzpatrick, 17, of Lot 160 Third Street Grove, East Bank Demerara, were robbed and killed along the Guyana/ Venezuelan border.

After the shooting, police conclude that the crime was not committed in Guyana but in Venezuela; thus, foreign assistance was solicited. It was reported that the men were coming from the mines across the border with Venezuela when they were stopped by a group of men wearing what appeared to be Venezuelan army uniforms.

The men reportedly shot the teenager first then turned their attention on his father. The two men who were transporting Fitzpatrick and his son were disarmed and allowed to go.

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feature

week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

- U.S.-based Guyanese Rafieya Husain

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ying for the Miss World Guyana crown is the stunning beauty USbased Guyanese Rafieya Husain. In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, 21-year-old Husain talks about her pageant preparations and plans if she wins the crown.

Guyana Times Sunday Magazine: Where in Guyana are

Rafieya Husain

you from?

Rafieya Husain: I was born in my grandparents’ home in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast. I was raised in Georgetown and attended Mae’s Under 12 while I lived in Guyana.

Guyana Times Sunday Magazine: What are your academic qualifications?

Rafieya Husain: I received my Associates’

Degree in Business Administration at Marymount University, US. I am continuing my studies to achieve my Master’s in Marketing.

Guyana Times Sunday Magazine: What is your pageantry history?

Rafieya Husain: My pageantry life and experiences started about three years ago when I first competed in 2010.

Over the years, I won the following titles: Miss India DC (2010), Miss India U.S.A. first runner-up (2010), Miss Photogenic for Miss India U.S.A. (2010), Miss Teen Virginia NAM (2011), winner of Top Model Virginia (2010 and 2011), winner of Top Model U.S.A. - NAM (2010 and 2011) and winner of Spokes Model - NAM (2011).

Guyana Times Sunday Magazine: What motivated you to compete for the Miss World Guyana title?

Rafieya Husain: Guyana is my home and I always watched the pageants on TV growing up. It was always my dream to compete for the title and be able to represent Guyana on the international arena.

While attending Mae’s Under 12, I participated in my first fashion show and I knew right away that modelling and pageantry was something I wanted to do. With the continuous love and support from my mother, my aunt, family and

friends, I am able to see this dream come true.

My passion for fashion and pageantry has given me the opportunity to use this as a platform to bring awareness to the public and the world about domestic violence, child trafficking and diabetes.

Guyana Times Sunday Magazine: What does your training for the pageant involve?

Rafieya Husain: In every aspect of our life, training and practice are always critical in achieving success. I am currently in training for my talent which is Bollywood Dance. I am also working on my platform. I have a pageant coach who guides me on all aspects, including walking/stage presence, fitness/nutrition, interview, talent, wardrobe styling, hair/makeup, as well as my ‘Beauty With a Purpose’ platform and charity work.

Guyana Times Sunday Magazine: How do you view pageantry and the forum you are given?

Rafieya Husain: To me, pageantry, especially as a titleholder, is a job. It takes hard work, dedication and commitment because you’re no longer representing yourself, but you’re also representing a brand and a country. Pageantry has been viewed all over the world as a beauty pageant, this notion is not true.

Pageantry give us the opportunity like no other, you gain poise, selfconfidence and valuable talent and communication skills. You feel good about yourself and gain the competitive edge to succeed later in whatever field you may choose, from modelling to business.

Guyana Times Sunday Magazine: What's your platform?

Rafieya Husain: My platform is domestic violence and to find steps towards spreading awareness and educating people. I believe violence against women, men and children results from the use of continued on page 33

fashion

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week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘F

irst Resort’, by designer Sonia Noel, was recently showcased at a fashion event in celebration of International Women’s Day at Society House Het Park, Suriname. Notably, the applauded collection was favourably received by Suriname’s fashion elite.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, the designer stated that the collection “depicts the easy, carefree, uninhibited nature of Caribbean lifestyle presented in breathing, ecofriendly, caressing textiles, which captures the attitude of leisure - so compelling to the world”.

To create this irresistible collection, Noel infused her signature latticing, kaftan silhouettes and versatile wraps.

‘First Resort’ is a representation of Noel’s creative, designing talents in transforming simple fabrics to celebrated pieces.

“The response to my collection was fantastic.

It feels good as a designer to be appreciated,” Noel expressed.

A recent photo shoot of the collection was done in Suriname with the country’s top models: Xaviera Rijger, Yoni Brunswijk and Farida Sedney.

This collection is presently available at Noel’s fashion studio located at 176 Barr Street, Kitty. Call 226-3099 for more information.

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week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

“An investment into a family” Mother of four gets Gy$2M to construct home

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c o t i a b a n k and Habitat for Humanity Guyana on Wednesday launched the second phase of the Scotiabank/ Habitat “Build a Home” Promotion as part of the bank’s major “Bright Future” philanthropic initiatives.

The beneficiary under this second phase is Althea Boucher, a mother of four children between the ages of six and 14. Boucher lived with her family in a section of a factory in Beterverwagting in poor conditions for over eight years, experiencing theft on various occasions.

Having moved from the factory, the family currently resides in an apartment that is too small to cater to their needs. In a simple handing over ceremony held at Scotiabank’s Robb Street branch, Habitat for Humanity Guyana National Director Rawle Small said it is always a joy to make an individual, and more so the life of a family better.

“This is not just an investment in another home, but an investment into a family and we could not be more proud

Scotiabank Marketing Manager Jennifer Cipriani, Habitat for Humanity Guyana National Director Rawl Small and Althea Boucher and her four daughters as they receive the cheque valued at $2,000,000 for the construction of their new home at a simple ceremony held at Scotiabank's Robb Street branch, Georgetown

of doing so,” Small stated.

Boucher, with a beaming smile, thanked God for the many blessings. The mother highlighted that she has been through a lot of struggles, but her faith remained very strong in the Lord.

She also expressed gratitude to Scotiabank and Habitat for Humanity, M e a n w h i l e , Scotiabank Marketing Manager Jennifer Cipriani was delighted in handing over the cheque to Boucher and her four daughters. She

noted that the bank was very elated the last time they had to take part in such a project and they are hoping that Boucher will have her home by Christmas.

Boucher received Gy$2 million for the construction of her home which will be built at Parfaite Harmonie on the West bank of Demerara. Additionally, the First Assemblies of God Church where the family worships will also be providing funds. A call was made for other sponsors to come on board and help with the furnishing of the home.

Agri Ministry vehicles to test biofuel from Albion plant

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President Donald Ramotar releasing bio-fuel from the Albion plant

wenty vehicles from the Agriculture Ministry and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will shortly begin using renewable fuel, as the sugar company has started fuel production using ‘blackstrap’ molasses at its BioEthanol Demonstration Plant in Albion, Region Six. According to Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, “Now that Albion Sugar Factory is grinding, which means they have access to molasses and the production of ethanol, they have begun again the production, the blending is being

done; blending of regular fuel with the bioethanol and we have now identified the 20 Ministry of Agriculture and GuySuCo vehicles that you will see within a matter of days with the stickers that they are using E-10 fuel,” Minister Ramsammy said.

The factory can easily support the fuel needs of the vehicles, the Minister stated. He explained that the factory is able to produce 1000 to 2000 litres of fuel per day, and, as such, should, within a month make 45,000 litres of E-10 fuel.

The bio-ethanol plant, a collaborative effort of the Agriculture Ministry and GuySuCo,

was commissioned in August 2013. It was established to support the development of the agroenergy sector, and utilises molasses, a by-product from the sugar production process, to produce ethanol of purity greater than 99 per cent.

The effort to blend the bio-ethanol produced into E-10 blends for utilisation in vehicles is a movement to introduce renewable energy to the public. With this awareness, supporting policies and ensuring evaluation, it is hoped that private investment would catapult this industry into commercialisation, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

FEATURE

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week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

U.S.-based Guyanese author pens childhood memories of Phagwah sonal and somewhat uncomfortable. My first job was on Canal Street in Manhattan.

Ultimately my discomfort in NYC and my yearning to learn more led me to Long Island where I landed a new job. This opportunity allowed me to learn and apply my newfound engineering and machining skills. There the kind owner gave me a willing worker, the keys to the machine shop and 14-hour workdays. Six months later, the true beauty of family emerged as our first blessing came in the form of our son Avinash, the cutest little baby boy. Three years later, a second blessing came in the form of our beautiful little darling daughter Vashti and this started a journey of happiness

R

Writing for the author was always his “getaway world” into which he escaped, even as a child. He attributed his book to his father, Pt Budhram Mahadeo, who was considered a great orator by many.

“As my life's journey continues, I find myself slipping more and more into my familiar getaway world of writing and enjoy it even more.

Writing for me is a way of finding answers, of helping myself to understand even better the subject matter, which I had started writing about in that particular sitting. I also refer to my writing as 'being my own shrink', helping me understand myself better,” the author expressed.

“I am currently working on

Author Jag B Mahadeo

eminiscing on the joys of celebrating Phagwah in Guyana, prolific USbased Guyanese author Jag Mahadeo, from No. 66 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, wrote The Heart of the Sun to share his fond childhood memories with others.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, the author said, “I had written many of the stories in 'The Heart of the Sun' over the course of years. Then it struck me that the time, place and environment during which the stories took place no longer existed. Time had moved on, places had changes and the best of No. 66 Village had long gone. Since most kids at the time can relate to the stories, I decided to put it all in a book to make it documented and everlasting, which others can turn to relive their own childhoods and memories of Guyana.”

The book gives a glimpse into the Hindu culture when author talks of playing Phagwah in his boyhood days. “...On the next day known as Phagwah, some of the sacred ashes from the bonfire are collected and after a ceremony at the Mandir, smeared on the forehead and lightly all over the body by everyone. Then the entire congregation had fun dousing each other with water, colour water called ‘abhir’ and powders of many dif-

ferent colours. It was a fun festival especially for the children who revelled in the colourful all-day play with each other.

The sight of hundreds of people whose once-white clothing were now red, green, blue, yellow and a mix of other colours, seemed to make the heart lighter and problems somehow seemed non-existent on this auspicious day. Smiling, happy faces were smeared with white, red and blue powder and the white powder made many heads of jet black hair, gray-looking as everyone had a grand, enjoyable time...”

Mahadeo is the fourth of five children. He attended No. 68 Primary School and, after passing the Common Entrance Examination, was accepted into Tagore Memorial High School. His five years at high school were his “impressionable years”, which most of the stories told in his book occurred.

“My addiction at the time was comic books ranging from the ‘Commando’ series, to ‘Superman’ and ‘Ironman’ series, and this obsession negatively impacted my performance in school. I really kicked my studies into high gear only in Form 5, a few months before the final GCE ‘O’ Level examinations. Thanks to Mama, my elder sister Vidya, and my [uncle], I passed all seven subjects at GCE. Mama even woke me up at 3am each school day so

that I could study in the relatively peaceful and quiet morning,” he recalled.

According to the author, the following year was spent planting rice, tending the vegetable gardens and learning carpentry with his Mosa (the husband of his mother’s sister) from No. 47 Village, which was about eight miles away.

During this time, he rode his bicycle for eight miles in the morning to work at his construction job at No. 48 Village (same journey was done in the afternoon).

A few months later, at the insistence of his sister Vidya, Mahadeo wrote an entrance exam in 1979 to attend the Guysuco Technical Training School in Port Mourant, which was known as the Port Mourant Training Centre.

This four-year course was designed so that the first two years were spent in the college and the last two years working as an apprentice at the machine shop at the Skeldon Sugar Factory. After finishing the four-year course and graduating, he worked at the sugar factory over the next few years as a machinist and shift mechanic in both the night and day shift.

“I left Guyana for New York City and because I came from a fairly quiet village, used to the country life, I found the size, hustle and bustle and loudness to be imper-

Book cover

which continues to this day,” Mahadeo mentioned.

The author said he grew up always open to challenges. Every path he has taken so far has led him to the “journey of stepping outside of himself to communicate personal thoughts and scribbles into formal writing to share”.

a few books which are as yet unnamed. In the meantime, I have been writing and posting on my website. I hope to complete my current works in 2-3 years and publish them,” he outlined.

For more information, visit Jag B Mahadeo - The Heart of The Sun on Facebook.

“I always wanted to represent my...

from page 30

force or threat to achieve and maintain control over others in intimate relationships and from societal abuse of power. I would like to work with foundations to design and fund innovative programmes to eradicate domestic violence and to foster development of

safe alternatives within local communities.

Guyana Times Sunday Magazine: Are you involved in any charitable initiatives?

Rafieya Husain: I have volunteered for the Jeanie Schmidt Free Clinic, US, which offers free health services to

the area of residents who have no health insurance and have a household income that is less than the poverty level.

I also work with ACT now a non-profit organisation- which focuses on the prevention and elimination of child trafficking and domestic vio-

lence.

Guyana Times Sunday Magazine: If you win Miss World Guyana, how will you use your crown to help others?

Rafieya Husain: I will work with the Miss World Organization’s goals and would use this

platform to address corporate and public leaders, community service groups, organisations, the media and others about issues to generate awareness for a variety of causes, including poverty, domestic violence, diabetes awareness, education, literacy and so

on. I would like to be more hands-on with people, sharing my experiences, listening to their challenges and finding support and alternative solutions for a better life.

For more information on the pageant, visit Miss World Guyana on Facebook.

34

feature

week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

the shaping of guyanese literature

By Petamber Persaud Part Four

W

hile looking at our cultural folklore, I found out that we could also open a chrysalis soon to become a beautiful butterfly instead of a can of worms. Books on the subject of Guyanese folklore are literally falling open at my feet in my study as I am also revisiting the work of Jan Carew. (Too many interests keep me multitasking instead of dwelling on one subject at a time.)

From the inception, I had publicised my intention to do a series of three articles but the prevalence of material now constrains me to expand the series.

‘Manco’s Stories’ is a fascinating collection of cultural syncretism.

To throw light on that phrase, it is necessary to become familiar with Carew’s introduction to these stories.

“When the Africans, who were brought to Guyana as slaves, moved into the hinterland of the Amazon-Orinoco Basin, many of them had already been exposed to European languages and cultures – Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, French or English, depending on who their colonial rulers were, and through creole languages they had created, acted as cultural intermediaries and culture-sharers with their Amerindian hosts. As a result of the meeting of the Africans and the Amerindians and the extensive inter-cultural exchanges... there was a fusion of folk cultures... So the fusion of the African and Amerindians traditions enriched and gave new life and meaning to both.”

Based on this knowledge, we can better appreciate Carew’s approach to recreating these folklores in this collection, ‘Manco’s Stories’.

Of course, the first story was about Manco the man after whom the stories were named, setting the scene. Manco was an old man who lived high above the mist of the sacred Roraima Mountain and was honoured with the title of the greatest storyteller who ever lived. Manco was “tall and straight as a greenheart tree, his hair was white as tiger orchid, and his swarthy, wrinkled face was the colour of dark and

Jan Carew

seasoned mahogany”, and he had a voice “that could whisper like the wind in pine trees or awaken your heart like a roll of drums”.

Once a year, and only once a year, Manco would come down from the mountain to tell stories but warned, “I will continue to come with the new moon as long as the living world wears green.

But, if mindless people tear away the green skin of the living world, the earth would become a graveyard and then I’ll come no more.”

There are many layers to this story but one underpinning lesson is the need to preserve the environment – nature is the essence of these stories. (Jan Carew was instrumental in the establishment of what is now known as Iwokrama International Centre for R a i n f o r e s t Conservation and Development.)

So certain conditions must be in place for storytelling. For Manco, it must be a moonlight night and there must be a silk cotton tree from under which he will perform.

On this moonlight, Manco told six stories namely: ‘A Black Woman in search of God’, ‘Legend of Kaietuk’, ‘Amal, the Son of Wind and Rainbow’, ‘The Greatest Gift of all’, ‘The Sky god and the Sun Children’, and ‘Kai and Ichillibar’.

I will dwell a while on ‘The Greatest Gift of

all’ because that gift is responsible for the unending fascination with these folklores and other stories.

For the first hundred years of Manco’s rule, the

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

night and a new leader had to be chosen.

The one who climbed to the highest point of the mountain and returned with a gift would rule.

Masto who returned with the “gift of work, of creative labour” succeeded Manco. Kaya who returned with the gift of beauty succeeded Masto.

Lara, a female, who returned and presented an empty hand succeeded Kaya and ruled for a long, long time. Her gift was the gift of “faith, fantasy and imagination”. Her reign is celebrated until this day with “song-poems and ballads and stories”, and a public holiday – “the Day of Remembrance”.

Responses to this author should be sent to email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com or call (592) 226-0065.

What’s happening: Coming soon, the first reprint of ‘An Introduction to

Carew's fascinating collection of cultural syncretism

land enjoyed great prosperity. However, this was followed by seven years of drought which caused untold suffering in the land. Manco who heard the “soft footballs of Mantop” – Death’s messenger approaching called the nations to a palaver. They decided to move to greener pasture which was in the area of Nameless Mountain.

Soon after, Manco went to the forest of the long

Guyanese Literature’.

It will be available from the author at the above contacts, Austin’s Book Service (226-7350) and at the National Library (226-2690).

‘Anthology of Contemporary Guyanese Verse: Volume 1’, published by The Caribbean Press and compiled by Petamber Persaud, is now available. The work of 21 writers is captured in this 164-page book.

By Vahnu Manikchand

C

oming out from a life of nothing and persevering to achieve dreams is the life story of Richard Pitman, who is presently living his dreams.

Pitman is currently a radio announcer; however he got his break years ago when he responded to an advertisement on a local channel. He was hired as a cameraman/transmission operator. He later got the opportunity to work as a reporter, which was when he realised where his passion lies.

His next break came in a totally different arena, drama, when he participated in a training session on behavioural changes. He explained that Merundoi mixes behavioural change with drama so that people can relate and identify with the characters.

“I got there a day after the training had started.

There were 30 participants in the training room, from which four persons were selected. I was fortunate to be among those four persons.”

According to Pitman, when he was younger, he was very introverted and would pen his emotions in scripts or poems, but never showed them to anyone.

When the opportunity to write for Merundoi presented itself, Pitman fitted right in - since he wanted to create characters with which people can relate to. For the past eight years, he has been writing for the radio show.

Due to financial difficulties while growing up, he could not complete high school but knew he wanted a lot out of life, which required getting himself qualified.

So he continued reading and took advantage of as many training opportunities available to him. That was when he took part in a collaborative training session between the University of Guyana (UG) and the Ohio University, during which he did well and was asked to apply to UG. In 2010, he embarked on his studies; by 2012 he graduated with a Diploma in Communication. Currently, he is pursuing a degree in the same field.

Pitman said he has faced many challenges in his life but always overcome them because of the persevering qualities he inherited from his mother.

As a child growing up, Pitman’s parents were separated, leaving his mother to struggle with maintaining three children. Being the eldest and from a poor family, Pitman had to make the sacrifice and drop out of school to provide financially for his two sisters, since his mother had migrated.

“From the time I dropped out of school, I knew I had to work to help my sisters. I got my first job at a gas station and quickly moved up, eventually managing it. I then rented a house and took in my siblings. I basically became a father to them, but we helped take care of each other.”

Pitman is also a film producer and did a documentary.

He had applied for a scholarship at a Film Festival in Belgium, however he did not get through. Consequently, he was advised to apply for a job as a radio announcer at Radio Guyana Inc. He did and was successful in securing the job.

“I learnt everything quickly. My first day on the air was the most magnificent feeling ever. I got the opportunity to make people happy; there is nothing to beat that. I am happy when people tell me that my music or I, personally, make them happy.”

Everything that Pitman had to endure to get where he is made life more interested for him. He encourages persons to always be perseverant in their goals and never give up.

“Perseverance helps! You should never quit or give up on something you want because when you do you never know the next step could have been it for you. Just hold on your goals and don’t ever let anyone dissuade you from achieving it.”

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week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Simply the Truth

Bobbing and weaving …on ethnic question Henry Jeffrey is an interesting fella. He appears interested in addressing the ethnic problem in Guyana.

But like most people of his ilk and disposition, he plays ducks and drakes with the concrete observations he makes and the proposals he proffers. Refreshingly, he concedes Guyana is “ethnically bifurcated”. Unlike most with a Marxist past, he doesn’t tie himself into knots about whether ethnicity is “false consciousness” or other such piffle.

But he just doesn’t follow through with the logic of his observation. Earlier this week he complimented Belgium for accepting its “ethnically bifurcated” society. He was arguing that in Guyana, there’s no need for trade union unity because, like Belgium, our working class don’t see their interests as common.

He proposes we should accept unions going in separate directions. In Belgium, Jeffrey claims the differences are religious, while ours are “racial”. The Flemish and Waloons also speak different languages, but we won’t cavil: the principle’s the thing, isn’t it?

So in particular industries, Belgium has separate unions for the different religious groups. In Guyana therefore, following Jeffrey’s logic, we should presumably have the “African Public Service Union” and an “Indian Public Service Worker Union” and perchance a “Mixed Public Service Union”, which would hopefully represent all Douglas, Buffianas and so on. The analogous principle would hold for GAWU, CCWU! NAACIE and so on.

Jeffrey contends that such an organising principle would actually help bring working class unity in a functional manner. For instance since the African, Indian and “Mixed” Public Service Unions would presumably all have the same objective – namely extorting more money from the Government – they would then transcend their ethnic differences when it came to bargaining with the Government. Evidently, according to Jeffrey, the arrangement works in Belgium.

But we wonder why Jeffrey balks at the same arrangement when it comes to national politics?

Shouldn’t there be an Indian Political Party (they could call themselves the PPP, for instance), an African Political Party (to be creative, let’s call them PNC) and a Mixed Political Party (United Force, anyone?)? After all this, is the way it’s done in Belgium, isn’t it Jeffrey?

And the parties can then come together and form a coalition Government – as in Belgium, no?

And hold it!!! Why not go the whole Belgian hog since maybe it’s the totality of their arrangements that makes them successfully run their “bifurcated society” so much more effectively than us. Let’s introduce Belgian style Federalism!!!

But whoa!!! Jeffrey draws the line here. His logic is only applied when he wants to protect the TUC’s turf. …on Legal Education Anil Nandlall’s more than interesting: he’s an earnest fella. Some complain he’s ambitious. Well… what’s wrong about that? If more Guyanese were ambitious we wouldn’t be in the fix we are today.

Some complain about his sartorial splendour. But say nothing about Basil Williams’ efforts in this area…and Basil is supposed to be just his “shadow”. A shadow should be more monochromic, no? And then some think a fella from Enmore can’t be spiffy.

Anyhow we want to have a word about this now long-running soap opera on entry to the UWI law programme. The point we want to make is: why should Guyanese (the top 25 or any number) get a free pass into UWI. UWI’s law places are open to all UG law graduates…once they pass UWI’s entrance exam.

We don’t believe Nandlall ought to be begging for Guyanese to get a squeeze in. But there’s the question of total spaces.

The solution, as Nandlall implied, is to establish our own law “finishing” school, under the auspices of the CLE. As Bahamas did in 1998. …on AML condemned Senior business leader Yesu Persaud emerged from his well earned retirement to condemn the Opposition’s recalcitrance on the AML/CFT Bill. Apart from bobbing and weaving, the Opposition can run, but they can’t hide.

I

am told that some time ago (2007?), seven children died in a bus along the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway. They were on a tour.

Nine or 10 years ago, whilst returning from a tour to Georgetown from Corentyne, two of the tour buses – racing, I am told – sideswiped each other, one flipping over. This happened on the return trip while the speeding buses were in West Coast Berbice. Children were badly hurt.

Last week, on February 20 (three days before the Mash jump up), another tour. Children from Cotton Tree Primary School, returning from Georgetown, narrowly escaped being burnt alive in a tour bus. On the way back, the leading bus (a 30-seater with 55 children packed in) started to smoke. The door would not open and it took long minutes for the door to be forced open. The panicking children fled the bus.

Seconds after, the bus was engulfed in flames. The sheer horror of it! Children on a tour and the bus goes up in flames.

We could argue foolishly about times and dates and circumstances – we are very good at futile arguments in this nation of ours – but there are a few simple things that we can do to avoid this kind of dangerous incident from happening again.

First, all school tours must be planned six months ahead of the tour itself. These tours must be justified by heads of school to the Education Ministry in writing. I am not convinced that these tours (for which parents pay!) are of any educational value.

So, heads of schools must answer these questions: When is the tour scheduled? Where and how many children are to be taken? Why are they being taken to these places? What is the teacher/ student ratio? What are the costs

S

atiricus was pensive. Now this doesn’t mean he had a “pen”; just that, like Winnie the Pooh, he was at his “Thoughtful Spot”. Not under a tree in the woods, however, but on his toilet doing the first of his “3S’s” – sh*t, shave and shower.

He was thinking of the fate of his fellow news hack, Baddam Harass.

Or as he eventually became known – Baddam “Dhall-belly” Harass.

Now Satiricus had no illusions about his job…he was paid to write and write he did.

But, he wondered as he hunkered down for another push, “Didn’t old Dhall-Belly have any self respect left?” Look how he was following

By Professor Daizal Samad

to parents and what security and safety measures have been put in place? The Ministry could do this without fuss.

Second, the vehicles and drivers must be vetted with the help of the Guyana Police Force. One week before the tour, the bus operators must present a special safety inspection certificate endorsed by the police. The buses must be clean and equipped with first aid kits and at least one fire extinguisher.

Third, the police must be informed of the date, time, and route of the tours. The police can then use their communication devices to monitor the time it took for a bus to go from Skeldon (say) to Fort Wellington on the West Coast of Berbice. It is not difficult to measure the time it would take to cover the distance doing the speed limit.

If the time is faster by any significant margin, then we know that the driver was speeding. He should be dragged off the road and charged with reckless endangerment of minors.

The police can make alternative arrangements to have the

children return home safely.

Supervising teachers should also be penalised. But just in case, the police should be asked to monitor the progress of these buses that are fetching children.

Along the Skeldon-Fort Wellington route, there are police stations and outposts. The monitoring continues all the way to the tour destination and back. On the way back, at a random location, drivers will be subjected to at least one test for possible alcohol consumption.

Fourth, at least one teacher in each vehicle must be trained in first aid and emergency evacuation. In fact, every teacher-student at Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) should be given a short two-day course on first aid and emergency evacuation for every year of study.

Same for University of Guyana (UG) students in education or anyone else who happens into the teaching profession.

I am confident that the Health Ministry, the Guyana Fire Service, and the police would be happy to oblige. This is not penalty! This is preparedness. No whining, please.

Fifth, when something as traumatic as this happens, the Education Ministry must have counsellors immediately available to assist children to minimise the psychological impact that the incident would have had on them.

But just in case there are those out there who think these measures are draconian, let them think of the cost of NOT putting these measures in place. If I had a school-age child in Guyana, I would never permit him/her to go on these tours. Not unless these measures are in place.

I cannot think of any caring parent or any true teacher who would object to any of this. Please let us not wait for more tragedy for us to awaken.

DhallBelly his master’s orders to cuss down people who the old shallot-seller was just jealous of? And not your regular ‘buse out that Guyanese people would smile about, “But the nasty, low down ones women used to do when they hauled down their underwear and beat pots in the streets,” reminisced Satiricus.

Satiricus figured that a satirical column was all well and good, but how do you justify wishing for your master’s objects of envy to die? Now look at the latest harassment Dhallbelly Harass was conducting – cussing out Ah-Neel every day of the week and twice on Sundays. What did

Ah-Neel ever do him?

Ah-Neel even went to Dhall-Belly’s master’s birthday bash last year at the Princess to beg pardon. No luck.

But what teed off Satiricus more than anything was that he, Ah Neel and Badam Dhall-belly were all old boys of Queens.

Did three pieces of silver make him forget his old school tie? How could he suggest that Ah Neel was too close to his friend Cliffy? DhallBelly Harass knew definitely that Ah Neel (like Satiricus) went to Queens when it had become co-ed. “Girls! Girls!

Girls!” smiled Satiricus.

Not like the all-boys days when Baddam was a student and he was

the biggest practitioners of “boy’s fun”.

Satiricus figured everybody had to draw a line somewhere – but Dhall-belly was just too pathetic as he became the hatchet man for his master, Mook Lall. He didn’t know his limits.

He reminded Satiricus of the old dog in front of the old time gramophone, prophetically named “His Master’s Voice”.

And just at that moment, with a mighty push, Satiricus had his motion. It was even better than APNU’s last motion against Rohee in Parliament.

But it only made him think once again of what his old Queens alumni had become.

36

fun time

week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

This week's Crossword

J k es The price

In the hospital the relatives gathered in the waiting room, where their family member lay gravely ill. Finally, the doctor came in looking tired and sombre. "I'm afraid I'm the bearer of bad news," he said, as he surveyed the worried faces. "The only hope left for your loved one at this time is a brain transplant.

It's an experimental procedure, semi-risky and you will have to pay for the brain yourselves."

The family members sat silent as they absorbed the news. After a great length of time, someone asked, "Well, how much does a brain cost?"

The doctor quickly responded, “$5,000 for a male brain, and $1,000 for a female brain."

The moment turned awkward. Men in the room tried not to smile, avoiding eye contact with the women, but some actually smirked.

A man, unable to control his curiosity, blurted out the question everyone wanted to ask, "Why is the male brain so much more?"

The doctor smiled at the childish innocence and so to the entire group said, "It's just standard pricing procedure. We have to mark down the price of the female brains, because they've been used!"

Parental excuses

This week's Puzzle

These are actual excuse notes from parents excusing their children from missing school (includes original spelling): Dear School: Please ekscuse John being absent on Jan. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and also 33.

Please excuse Roland from P.E. for a few days. Yesterday he fell out of a tree and misplaced his hip.

Please excuse Jennifer for missing school yesterday. We forgot to get the Sunday paper off the porch, and when we found it Monday, we thought it was Sunday.

Carlos was absent yesterday because he was playing football. He was hurt in the growing part.

My feet

A three-year old put his shoes on by himself. His mother noticed the left was on the right foot. She said, "Son, your shoes are on the wrong feet."

He looked up at her with a raised brow and said, "Don't kid me, Mom. I KNOW they're my feet."

Stairway to Heaven

A redhead, brunette, and blonde were on their way to Heaven. God told them the stairway to Heaven was 1000 steps, and on every 5th step He’d tell them a joke. But, they must not laugh or else they couldn’t enter heaven.

The brunette went first and started laughing on the 65th step, so she could not enter Heaven.

The redhead went next and started laughing on the 320th step, so she could not enter Heaven either.

Then, it was the blonde’s turn. When she got to the 999th step, she started laughing.

“Why are you laughing?” God asked. “I didn’t tell a joke.”

“I know,” the blonde replied. “I just got the first one.”

Measuring

see solution on page 46

A city slicker came upon two country folk balancing a long piece of lumber vertically on the ground, while a third fellow with a measuring tape climbed up on the lumber.

“What are you doing?”, asked the urbanite.

“We are trying to measure this piece of wood,” replied the country cousin.

“Why not lay it down and measure it?” asked the city fellow.

Nope,” replied the country boy. “That won’t do it! We want the height, not the length!”

37

week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

G

uyanese-Americans and their friends came out in large numbers to celebrate Phagwah in Richmond Hill. Unlike in Guyana, Phagwah or Holi is not a holiday.

The 26th Annual Parade began at the Dr Cheddi Jagan Square on 133rd Street and Liberty Avenue, culminating a mile away at Smokey Park. There was much enthusiasm and revelry for the celebration from the sizeable crowd.

The parade began with prayers from the dharmacharya of the Sanatanists, Pandit Rishi Misir and Pandit Ramlall. Several politicians also marched in the parade just behind the two dharmacharyas. There were two dozen floats and marchers on foot.

The parade was organised by the Hindu Parades and Festival Committee, comprising mostly Guyanese, but the revellers also included persons from other Caribbean territories.

The parade was

founded by Ramesh Kalicharran and pandits Ramlall and Satish and a few other community and spiritual leaders in 1989.

Many groups came with dholaks, cymbals or jaals and majeeras with followers clapping, dancing and singing chowtals on the floats and along the route. The floats made their way down the avenue with groups singing and dancing behind to the accompaniment of loud chowtaal music and, or traditional Holi songs from Bollywood movies.

Merriment

“O Rang A Bar Sey” was popular among the floats. People of all ages clapped and danced while throwing abeer and multicoloured powder on each other. The spectators cheered the beautifully designed floats that were sponsored by mandirs, businesses, and cultural organisations.

Many marched behind the floats of their organisations, proudly displaying their national identity with flags of the U.S., Guyana, Suriname, India, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica fluttering in the wind.

Many had national ban-

danas around their neck.

Revellers on the route and at the park also waved the flags of their home country. Many danced to tassa while waving their national flags.

The celebration has become popular since it was started in 1989 as Hindus and non-Hindus joined in the joy of throwing abeer, talc powder and various colours of abrack and gulal on each other to mark the festival. The celebra-

tion draws the largest gathering of Guyanese anywhere in the world.

The cold weather may have had an effect on the size of the crowd. It was freezing and very windy at this time of the year, a departure from the warm weather the day earlier. Some revellers were clothed lightly and danced to keep warm.

Others wore heavy coats as they thronged the parade route and the park smearing faces with coloured powder and

sprayed abeer on each other.

People hugged each other and said “Shubh Holi”, “Holi Rei”, and “Happy Holi”.

At the park was a cultural variety show.

Politicians and community leaders also delivered speeches and Phagwah greetings.

Many prominent singers and dancers performed on stage. Hugs and embraces were exchanged with the message of “Shubh Holi!”

Scenes from Holi celebrations in N.Y.

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feature

39

week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

C

- The artistic mind of a culinary expert

ulinary artist Kester Robinson is a celebrated pastry chef in the Caribbean, known for his intricate, edible art.

Hailing from Georgetown, Robinson graduated from Central High School, the

University of Guyana IDCE, where he pursued Hospitality and Tourism, Carnegie School of Home Economics, graduating with a diploma in Catering and Hospitality, and UWI-Open Campus for Certification in Wedding Planning and Decor.

Currently, he is attending the Trinidad and Tobago Tourism and Hospitality Institute, pursuing studies in baking and pastry arts. Additionally, he works part-time for a restaurant in Trinidad.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Robinson said he knew he wanted to be a chef since the age of 12.

“Just around the time of Common Entrance examinations, when persons asked, ‘What would you like to become?’ I just said, ‘A chef.’

But I wasn’t sure as to what type. During my mid-teenage Sugar show piece years, I discovered my passion for the pastry arts. My father’s side of the family has many talented bakers and restaurateurs, so I think I got that in my genes also,” he explained.

Robinson pointed out, as a pastry chef, he loves baking desserts.

More specifically, he enjoys working with chocolate, creating delectable desserts that “melt as soon as it enters the mouth”.

He menEdible sculpture tioned that

Artistic guitar cake

Crème Caramel is one of his favourites to make. It is a dessert that is highly rated in Trinidad by local and international customers.

“I’m not a designer in fashion, but in food art. I recently started to create edible art - about one year now - but I’m a chef for over three years. My inspiration comes from within and from some of the world’s pastry masters, who are always looking for something new to create or finding new techniques. I also have an inner drive that pushes me my love for art. I always try to have my dishes display my art, talent and creativity. But they must be completed with good taste. The result? A mixture of art and comfort in my creations,” the chef outlined.

The pastry chef’s upcoming venture is to continue his culinary education in France.

He disclosed that after completing his present degree, he plans to tour major countries that contributed to the art of pastry-making. In addition, he is focused on improving his professional skills to reflect those of international master pastry chefs.

“I also hope to return to Guyana to change the way people view the profession. I want to mould the mind of our young people who would like to venture into this field. My dream is to open a chain of restaurants in the Caribbean and Guyana. I always believe that one must always live a full life loving yourself, those people around you and appre-

ciate a person for who they are. We must always be grateful for the simplest things in life; share the love,” he declared.

As a young pastry chef himself, Robinson encourages youths, especially those interested in pursuing studies in the culinary field, to “work hard towards their passion or love.

Never do it for the money or fame, which comes eventually, but work on mastering their art and using the creative gifts God has given them. More importantly, do it because they love it”.

For more information on the pastry chef’s work, visit Royalty Cakes by Chef Robinson on Facebook. ( G u y a n a Times Sunday Magazine)

40

news

week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jamaican juror recorded trying to bribe foreman in Kartel trial, says DPP

J

amaican prosecutors Tuesday revealed that among the evidence they have against the juror who allegedly tried to influence the outcome of the Vybz Kartel murder trial is a statement from one of his colleagues asserting that he promised to "take care" of her.

"I will take care of you as long as you say wah me a say. These men are promising entertainers and unu must let them go," the accused juror, Livingston Cain, is reported to have told his colleague, according to Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn.

The revelation came Tuesday as Llewellyn outlined the allega-

tions against Cain in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court.

Cain, who Llewellyn identified as the juror who voted against a conviction in the 10-1 decision, has been charged with five counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice and one count of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

Bail

He has denied the allegations and was granted bail in the sum of Ja$750,000 and ordered to surrender his travel documents.

A stop order has also been placed on him at the ports, and Senior Resident Magistrate Lorna Shelly-Williams warned him not to make

Jamaican artiste Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, and fellow entertainer Shawn Campbell as well as Kahira Jones and André St John were convicted for murder last Thursday (Jamaica Gleaner photo)

any attempts to contact the other jurors.

Llewellyn told the court that police investigators also have electronic evidence of a telephone conversation between Cain and the jury fore-

man.

In outlining the allegations against the juror, Llewellyn said after several attempts during the course of the trial to convince other jurors to return a not-guilty verdict,

Cain approached the foreman last Thursday and told her he wanted to speak to her privately.

As a result, she said, the foreman accompanied Cain to the library at the Supreme Court and took along her BlackBerry cell phone because of information she had received from other jurors.

The DPP charged that during the conversation, which was being recorded by the foreman, Cain said he realised that she had some influence over the other jurors and that he wanted her to "come to a not-guilty verdict against the five accused".

According to Llewellyn, the "astonished" foreman went back to Cain some time later in an attempt to confirm what she had heard.

Llewellyn said that is when he told the foreman he was "offering her (Ja) $500,000 to release all the accused men".

"She asked him when she could get the money, and he said tomorrow (Friday, March 14)," she alleged.

The foreman then made a report to the registrar at the Supreme Court, who brought the matter to the attention of the presiding judge, Justice Lennox Campbell.

J

amaica continues to blaze a trail in the region's literary field, following the announcement that three of the six books which have been shortlisted for the inaugural Burt Award for Caribbean Literature are written by Jamaicans.

Diane Browne's ‘Island Princess in Brooklyn’ (Jamaica, Carlong Publishers Caribbean), A-dZiko Simba Gegele's ‘All Over Again’ (Jamaica, Blouse & Skirt Books) and Colleen Smith Dennis' ‘Inner City Girl’ (Jamaica, LMH Publishing) have been named as nominees for the award. An initiative of the Bocas Literary Festival, held in Trinidad, the Burt Award's aim is to stimulate growth in the region's novel writing sphere, especially in the area of young adult nov-

Cain was arrested at court last Thursday after the guilty verdict was handed down in the Kartel case. He is scheduled to return to court next Friday.

Personal security

Meanwhile, as part of increased safety measures, Llewellyn disclosed that close protection security has been provided for Jeremy Taylor, the lead prosecutor in the Kartel case, and his junior, Crown counsel Leighton Morris.

The concerns about the safety of the two prosecutors could mean additional challenges for the police who have already placed in protective custody, the main prosecution witness and Stephanie Breakenridge, the sister of Clive 'Lizard' Williams, who Kartel and his co-accused were convicted for killing.

Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, and fellow entertainer Shawn Campbell, better known as 'Shawn Storm', as well as Kahira Jones and André St John, were convicted for Williams' murder last Thursday.

The other co-accused Shane Williams, was acquitted, but remains in custody on another murder charge. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer and Gleaner)

els.

When the media contacted Gegele, she expressed her gratitude at being considered for the award. While stating that the reaction from the Jamaican audience at the book's launch back in September was overwhelming, Gegele said the consideration for the award was unexpected.

She went on to highlight the impending benefits this will have for authors and publishers alike. "I am very happy for myself, but I'm especially happy for my publisher. In this business, publishers take a great risk when they decide to support an author, so this doesn't just validate the quality of the work, but it also validates the publisher's faith in the work," she said.

Gov’t support

Gegele says that the fact that there are three continued on page 43

Feature

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week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

health corner

Diabetic types: which one are you?

By Tisha Boston

Greenbrige want Green Jah wuk

W

hen lil pickney growin up, dem does get a lotta problems and pains. Old people does call that growin pains. But when yuh get big, yuh not supposed to get more growin pains, because yuh done grow up and turn big man and big woman. Growin pains does turn to old people pains.

But in Guyana, only some people does grow up. Some a dem does leff small. Dem does grow up and turn big only in size. Big in dem head, like de night time Pumpkin Man; big in dem mouth and tellin de nation lies, like de Headitor; and big in dem dreams and livin in another world, like Green Bridge.

But dem does be small in dem brains, like de Pumpkin Man who only want favours from de guvament; small like a slave when dem deh at de wuk place, like de Headitor especially when de Boss Man around; and small in common sense, like Green Bridge who callin fuh a “nasty” and “bloody war” in Parliament.

After all, common sense is not so common. And it definitely not common wid Green Bridge. It wasn’t common wid Green Jah de other day when he tell dem people at Geena and N-See-N that dem gon feel if de guvament can’t hear.

As fuh de Mayor-fuh-Life Green Ham, common sense is de most uncommonest ting. Green Ham want de mayor wuk, but he don’t want de wuk that come wid bein de mayor. It musbe that common sense not common with none a dem Greens.

Green Bridge musbe tink he is de Speaker because he talkin bout “our watch” in de House. But not even de Speaker does talk that way, so it musbe be some ting else that he tinkin. Is one a Green Bridge own Em-P pardna who does sit down next to he explain de problem. He seh Green Bridge does tink that he in de guvament.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie!

So it gon be blood and war time soon from Green Bridge!

He definitely plannin to tek over de real Soldier Man wuk!

G

lucose, a type of sugar, is a major source of energy for the body.

Foods high in sugar stimulate insulin release. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It is responsible for moving glucose from the bloodstream into fat, muscle, and liver cells to be used as fuel for the body. When there is a buildup sugar in the blood stream, this is known as diabetes.

Diabetes can be caused by insufficient insulin being produced by the pancreas, the cells’ inability to respond to insulin as it would normally do (insulin resistance), or both.

The diagram below illustrates how insulin is needed to transport glucose from the bloodstream to the cells to be stored as a source of energy.

Individuals diagnosed with diabetes are commonly placed into two categories: Type I diabetes and Type II diabetes. Type I diabetes, commonly known as juvenile diabetes, is typically found in children, teens and young adults.

In type I diabetes, the pancreas produces little to no insulin. The

exact cause of this type of diabetes still remains unknown; however, most medical professionals believe that it is most likely an autoimmune disorder. In other words, the immune system does not recognise the pancreas as belonging to the body and therefore attacks and destroys it, leading to no insulin being produced to control blood sugar levels. In addition, with type I diabetes, an infection or another trigger can cause the body to mistakenly attack pancreatic cells and inhibit the production of insulin. Type I diabetes is also genetic; it can be passed on from generation to generation.

Unlike type I diabetes, type II diabetes is most commonly found in middle-aged and older adults.

However, due to the rise in obesity rates, it has become more evident in adolescents and young adults as well. Increased fat makes it more difficult for the body to use insulin in the correct way. In addition to excess body weight, low activity level and poor diet also increase the risk of developing type II diabetes.

This type of diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, affecting more than 90% of the Americans diagnosed with this condition. It usually occurs slowly overtime, which means that initially, no symptoms of the disease may be present. Type II diabetes is usually caused by insulin resistance.

Overtime, the pancreas cannot keep up with the added demand for insulin when blood sugar levels are high after meals, and thus insulin treatment is necessary.

Similar to type I diabetes, with type II diabetes, family history and genes do play a role in its development.

It is important to note that there are other causes of diabetes, and due to this, some individuals cannot be classified as type I or type II.

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week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Legal corner

star of the week

Bankruptcy and Annuities

By Richard Kistnen, Esq.

P

eople who often contact my office asking about bankruptcy do not have much by way of cash or bank accounts.

They rarely have savings accounts, and money goes out faster than it comes in. There are, however, some people who are fortunate enough to have some liquid assets available. When these clients appear, exemption planning (that is, converting some of that cash into property that will not be marshalled in a bankruptcy) becomes necessary. This article will focus on a popular device that is sold regularly at banks – an annuity.

One device that commercial banks will often recommend to their patrons is the purchase of an annuity.

An annuity, as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, is a contract between you and an insurance

company wherein which you make a lump-sum payment or series of payments, and in return the insurer agrees to make periodic payments to you beginning at some pre-determined point.

To sell these products, banks will often advertise that the return-on-investment is greater with an annuity than if you kept those funds in a savings account, but less volatile than investing in stocks.

In terms of bankruptcy, the New York State laws are pretty generous with the exemption of an annuity.

Insurance Law Section 3212(d)(1) provides broad exemption from collection to the “benefits, rights, privileges and options which, under any annuity contract are due or prospectively due the annuitant, who paid the consideration for the annuity contract . . .” The counterbalance is that the New York State exemptions do not allow you to protect

much cash in a bankruptcy. The federal exemptions, on the other hand, tend to allow you to exempt greater sums of cash, but is more limited in its treatment of annuities. At a minimum, (and without getting into much of complexities of the laws) SOME of the earnings of an annuity can be exempt under the federal laws in bankruptcy if it is an ERISA-qualified annuity.

If you find yourself thinking about bankruptcy, but you have a relatively large amount in cash or bank accounts, speak to a lawyer before moving any of that money. An annuity may be one device to help in exemption planning, but there are a host of others. If you would like to speak to an attorney about bankruptcy or some other matter, contact the Law Office of Richard Kistnen, (718) 7382324, www.kistnenlaw. com.

L

eft-hand batsman, Chanderpaul Hemraj is known for his impressive skills on the cricket field. Consequently, he was included in the Guyana squad for his second-round match against Barbados in the Regional Four-day Championships. Himself and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, another young cricketer known for his talents, replaced veterans Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Tagenarine’s father, and Ramnaresh Sarwan, who have been forced out of the second-round match against Barbados in the Regional Four-day Championships due to injuries. The 20-year-old, who went under his first stint at the WICB's High Performance Centre last year, has played three first-class matches for Guyana since making his debut against Trinidad and Tobago two years ago, averaging 9.50 with a top score of 29. Hemraj’s 102 against the Leeward Islands in the opening round of the 2012 Regional Under-19 cricket tournament in Barbados is the 53rd century by a Guyanese since the inaugural tournament in 1968. The pro cricketer continues to demonstrate his dexterity with the bat and aims to get his name in the cricket hall of fame.

43 Chinese company explores paper production in Guyana O news

week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

fficials of China Paper and Guyana’s Agriculture Ministry had extensive discussions ahead of the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the generation of energy and the production of paper in the Intermediate Savannah.

Last Wednesday, China Paper’s officials met with Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy at his Regent Street Office in Georgetown, Guyana, where the discussions were held.

Speaking with the media after the meeting, Dr Ramsammy said a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed, with another MOA pend-

ing. In the MOU, the parties have indicated that lands will be made available in Guyana’s Intermediate Savannah.

“We have to agree on the first allotment of land and what biomass they will pursue,” the Agriculture Minister said. According to Dr Ramsammy, the company also met with officials from the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry.

China Paper is a multimillion dollar stateowned Chinese company engaged in production, development and utilisation of forest pulp paper, among central enterprises. Cultural printing paper, coated white paper and special paper are among products produced by the com-

Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy (at right) shakes hands with China Paper executive Steven Jin following their meeting last week in Georgetown, Guyana

pany. China Paper will also be working along with NARI to establish an Environmental Management Plan while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

from page 40

Jamaican nominees is testament to the great work happening within the industry and solicited more support from the government. "I'm hoping that getting Jamaica on the literary map will encourage the government to work more closely with persons in the industry because culture is more than just sport and music," she said.

She also hopes that the novels will get more young people interested in reading as she sees that as the way to increase the country's literacy rate. "If more young

A-dZiko Simba Gegele

place earns Cdn$7,000, and third place will cop Cdn$5,000. Publishers of the winning titles will be awarded a guaranteed purchase of up to 2,500

Diane Browne (Jamaica Gleaner file photos)

people become interested, it means you will have an adult generation that will be more interested and this could lead to an eventual increase in the country's literacy rate," Gegele said.

The other Burt Award nominees are ‘Barrel Girl’ by Glynis Guevara (Trinidad and Tobago), Joanne Hillshouse's ‘Musical Youth’ (Antigua and Barbuda), and ‘Abraham's Treasure’ by Joanne Skerrett (Dominica, Papilotte Press).

Prizes

The winner will receive Cdn$10,000, second

copies and there is also a commitment to actively market an additional minimum of 1,200 copies of each winning title throughout the region.

The placings will be announced on April 25 at a gala event to be held during the 2014 Bocas Lit Fest in Trinidad and Tobago from April 23-27.

The Burt Award for Caribbean Literature was established by CODE, a Canadian charitable organisation that has been advancing literacy and learning for 55 years, in collaboration with William (Bill) Burt and the Literary

Prizes Foundation. The award is the result of a close collaboration with CODE's local partners in the Caribbean, the Bocas Lit Fest and CaribLit. CODE's Burt Award is a global readership initiative and is also currently established in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Canada. (Jamaica Gleaner)

will conduct a survey, a process which is expected to take three months.

Additionally, NARI and a representative from Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) will

help the Chinese company to identify an appropriate plot of land to establish a nursery.

The parties also met last week.

But China Paper is not the only company that is showing interest in the production of bio-fuel in Guyana.

Dr. Ramsammy disclosed that the DY Patil of India is currently doing preparatory work on its 10,000 acres of land leased to it in the Canje Basin.

Additionally, Bornion Guyana Incorporated (BGI) also was leased 10,000 acres of land in the Canje Basin. The company has commenced the harvesting of rubber plants at its nursery, along the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway.

Within the next two weeks, Bornion’s technical personnel are expected in Guyana to advance its mega farm, however, at its Canje location, paving the way for the production of bio-fuel.

Bornion is a subsidiary of the Malaysian Wee Boon Ping Group of Companies. Using the allotted land, it is expected to invest US$500 million in the production of bio-fuel. Both Bornion and Patil have already signed MOUs with the government of Guyana through the Agriculture Ministry.

However, 14 other international investors are in consultation with the ministry over the production of bio-fuel in Guyana, along with the harvesting of crops.

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news

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week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Twelve vie for 'Pichakaaree' crown in TT Sunday Stony turn a sugar daddy

S

tony Virus talkin like if he is a sweet man. He turn a sugar daddy, but that ain’t mek he sweet.

And talkin bout talkin, Rum Jhaat does end up at 7-owe-4 before he start talkin bout de $7 whah he get from de East and de $4 whah get from de North. That is why de North had to close down.

Rum Jhaat still got a lotta connection$ in de East.

And it ain’t de East Coast. Is only de building whah deh pun de East Coast. On de other hand, de Nagga Man does pick up a bottle before he even decide that he gon talk.

Some a dem boys end up talkin till dem end up in front a judge. In fact, that is more than one judge now – one deh right hey and another one far from hey.

Soon dem boys gon fart fuh pay all dem court fees. And that ain’t include when de hammer gon fall pun dem behind.

And talkin bout hammer, de Hammer Man bruk down a man fence in Success pun de East Coast. But whah de man who fence de Hammer Man bruk down wanna know is how come dem other people fence ain’t gettin de hammer. And it can’t be that de hammer gettin old.

A neighbour seh that it musbe different hammer strokes fuh different folks. And a reporter seh it look like de Hammer Man and he son know which folks to give which hammer strokes to. But dem folks who de Hammer Man does give a lotta strokes to ain’t deh in Success, accordin to de reporter.

De reporter also seh she hope de Hammer Man know wha he doin, or he gon end up just like de other Minister who had de same kinda hammer problem. De reporter seh it look like de more dem minister hammer get old, is de more it wukkin good.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! But one day de hammer handle does bruk. And it look like that is wah happen to Stony mek he turn sugar daddy!

O

n March 23, the Kendra Phagwah Festival’s 'Pichakaaree' championship will take place at the Kendra’s grounds in Longdenville with 12 finalists entertaining patrons.

The 'Pichakaaree' contest is one aspect of the Kendra’s Phagwah’s celebrations which is being held under the theme “The Child--Will We Rock or Wreck the Cradle.”

Geeta Ramsingh (Vahini), President of the Kendra, said the theme was chosen in response to the many troublesome reports about children of Trinidad and Tobago.

Several first-timers and 'Pichakaaree' veterans will attempt to dethrone the reigning champion Mukesh Babooram.

The finalists in the competition are Christopher Joseph, Ricky Khandoo, Marva Mckenzie, Jagdeo Phagoo, Mohip Poonwassie, Priya Poorai, Nirmala and Suraj Ramdass Singh, Kamaldai Ramkissoon, Venatri Ramkissoon, Giselle Ramoutar, Reena Teelucksingh and Babooram.

Up for grabs are the titles of 'Pichakaaree' Championship, Best Theme 'Pichakaaree', Best Social Commentary, Best Festive 'Pichakaaree', the most imaginative use of Hindi and use of costuming, props and stage presentations.

Geeta-Vahini assures that the standard of 'Pichakaaree's this year is very good and that the theme has drawn in more than half

The reigning champion Mukesh Babooram (TT Newsday photo)

the entries.

She lamented the lack of support for the forum, saying that 'Pichakaaree' was a conscious, intelligent voice.

“There is an annual public outcry about the diminishing standard of other genres and here is an artform that has survived for 23 years with minuscule support from the state and other agencies. The people who are involved in all the activities of this festival - the whole range of singers, composers, actors, musicians, artisans and so on, are creators and protectors of culture.

“Culture is not a business for them and these are the people and community projects like these are the ones that need to be supported,” she said.

Priya Poorai is one of the twelve finalists in the competition (TT Guardian file photo)

On Friday, the Kendra will also host its 'Holikaa Dahan' event, beginning at 7 pm. Apart from the highly anticipated and traditional ritual of the burning of the Holikaa effigy, the main attraction at this event will be the presentation of the village theatre based on the 'Prahalad Leela'.

The Phagwah katha is retold annually in a dramatic presentation which ritually represents the original story before the Phagwah festivities begin. Community children who are part of the Kendra’s Heritage Course have been rehearsing since last December for this year’s production of “The Child thru Prahalad Leela.” (TT Newsday)

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history

week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

By Deomattie Seeram

O

ur East Indian ancestors came to British Guiana in 1838, bringing with them their culture, customs and religions.

Consequently, our ancestors built mandirs and mosques to fulfil congregational worship. This week, we will focus on age-old mandirs that are still in existence.

Located in Ankerville, Corentyne, Berbice, deep in the canfields, is an ancient mandir (only the top is visible). Speaking with the villagers of Ankerville, it was learnt that this mandir was built by the first batch of East Indians who came to Guyana. One villager commented that “God is powerful” because twice the current management of the sugar plantation was unsuccessful in its attempt to destroy the mandir. She said it did suffer a few cracks, but did not break. She recalled her grandparents told her the British took care of the mandir, cleaning the surroundings and lime-washing the

Mandir located at Bath Backdam

lingam (representation of Lord Shiva), which was housed in the mandir. Legend has it that when parsad is offered at the mandir, an alligator, with a gold ‘galihaar’ (necklace), comes out and eats the offering.

Bath Estate, West Berbice, boasts another longstanding man-

dir. This mandir is said to be over 100 years old and was built by our East Indian ancestors, who also lived on the plantation. It housed logies, schools, hospitals and the masters’ living quarters. The lingam, which is in the mandir, was said to be the size of an egg when the mandir

Distant view of Stabroek Market (n.d.)

Bath Estate's mandir, West Berbice

was first built. Today, it has increased in size.

Villagers have recognised the value of this mandir and have maintained it throughout the years. Additional works were done at the mandir and a shed was built.

Another age-old mandir, which dates back to indentureship times, is

located in Bath backdam. This mandir is very small and houses a lingam. Some villagers offer their prayers at the mandir when they are passing daily to go about their work.

Around 1920, a group of Hindus living in Versailles approached the Versailles Sugar Estate management for a plot of land to build a temple. Versailles Plantation had bought the Malgre Tout Plantation, which was established in the 1800s, and operated it as a sugar estate well into the 1900s. However, by 1920, the factory was in ruins, so the request was granted and a wooden structure with a mud floor was built on the abandoned Malgre Tout Plantation. At the same time, a tall conical shaped concrete structure called a Shivala (temple of Lord Shiva) was constructed from the bricks of the abandoned Malgre Tout Sugar Estate. It was plastered with cement, painted in white and a stone lingam was placed nearby, surrounded by a jasmine hedge where devotees

threw ‘dhar’ early in the morning to Lord Shiva.

The main temple was painted in a dark maroon colour, while the inside was whitewashed with lime given by the Versailles Estate management.

The Versailles Shivala was one of three such structures built in the colony - the other two were located on the East Coast of Demerara and West Coast of Berbice – and were all designed by the same architect who hailed from Lucknow, India. However, the chief builder supervising the construction was a holy man from Varanasi (Benares), in India, fondly called ‘Banana Sadhu’.

The name was given since he brought bananas from the local growers as far as Canal No. 1 and rewarded every person with one banana for each brick brought to the construction site. When the bananas ran out, legend has it, he carefully collected the bricks, recorded the names of those who brought them and ensured that the person received their allotted share of bananas.

Several sacred trees to the Hindus were planted at the same mandir: the papal (peepal) tree, bael tree, neem tree, several types of mango trees, kowa (jack fruit), jack nut (katahar) and bread fruit.

The first official priest, at the ‘matya’, was Pandit Loknauth from Lucknow, India. He arrived to the colony in the early 1900s and was assigned to Plantation Versailles.

Years have passed, but the places of worship built by our ancestors still remain as sanctuaries for many and as a testimony to their faith in the ‘supreme’ (God) during their years of hardship. (First Published in 2013 Horizons Guyana Magazine)

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Vendors at the Stabroek Market stelling (n.d.)

feature

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week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Times Notebook

Mamaguy… A

…on Caricom Ralph Gonsalves looks like a nice enough fella.

He’s Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines and right now he’s in the rotating Chair of Caricom HoG. That’s “Heads of Government”, not the animal with a nose for garbage. Now we know the HoGs had tested the product before they made a decision on legalising ganja – and they passed the matter on to a Committee. This, of course, will present them with another opportunity to further test the stuff when the Committee submits its report. Ahhh… fidelity to the Caribbean cause!

But we thought he would’ve laid off the Mary Jane before addressing his fellow HoGs at the end of their meeting. He’d be giving them the “charge” so to speak, no? Well from what he said, he either couldn’t come down from the clouds fast enough or else, he was bent on mamaguying us. He couldn’t very well be mamaguying the other leaders since they know the score in more ways than one.

Gonsalves actually had the gumption to say that “agriculture is an area of accomplishment” for Caricom. Is he for real? Sure, we understand that at the end of these meetings in the sun, sand and surf locales, the leaders have to say something for the folks back home to think they’ve been putting their shoulders to the wheel and all that. But Jeez!! Why he had to mention the single greatest opportunity the Caribbean has missed since the days of Captain Morgan? Or, if you will, Captain Jack Sparrow?

Here we are, moaning and groaning at every Caricom meeting that we’re importing US$3-4 billion worth of food in the region – the numbers keep climbing – and agriculture suddenly becomes a “success”?? What really fries us is that a full decade ago, then President Jagdeo, with lead responsibility for agriculture, placed a plan for the resuscitation of agriculture in front of the selfsame HoGs. Dubbed “The Jagdeo Initiative”, responsibilities were assigned to the several territories on eight “constraints” identified.

The man even offered land in Guyana at giveaway leasing arrangements. But all we got was a deafening silence – and ever-increasing food imports. And, of course, more bitching and moaning about the said imports at the HoGs’ meetings. It’s enough to make any member of the long suffering Caribbean Community pick up a whip and drive these fellas from the temple called Caricom.

But, like we said, Gonsalves is a nice fella. Back in 1968 he led student protests at UWI when the Jamaican Government banned Walter Rodney. But maybe it’s time he lays off the grass. …from Greenidge One of the definitions of “insanity” is that when you do the same thing again and again and you expect a different result – it’s time to take you to the loony bin. Now Basdeo Panday is a politician who’s been around. The man goes back to CLR James taking on Eric Williams back in the day in the Workers and Farmers Party that was avowedly Marxist. His commitment to West Indian unity is unquestioned.

So, here is Panday, in the twilight of his years, suggesting that if we can’t muster the political will to make something of Caricom after 40 years, then maybe we ought to try something different. That maybe Trinidad, Suriname and Guyana get together and forge closer links as a bridgehead with South America.

And up jumps Carl Greenidge who ejaculates: “Panday’s proposal is ridiculous and twisted logic!”

Now we know that Greenidge lived high off the hog for decades at Caricom, but if America can do an “Asia pivot”, what’s so “twisted” about us doing a South American pivot? …on sugar The AFC/APNU are struggling to get their feet out of their mouths on their “closing down of the sugar industry” policy statement. Vieira should advise Nagamootoo as to what happened to all the tilapia Burnham brought in to replace sugar.

new campaign, originating out of America headed by prominent women such as Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer of Facebook; Michelle Obama, the U.S. First Lady; Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, a world-class entertainer; Jennifer Gardner, a rich Hollywood star; Condelezza Rice, former U.S. Secretary of State; and many others. These are bossy women, leaders and role models.

“Ban Bossy” campaign The “Ban Bossy” campaign, launched on March 10, says that the word “bossy” is a toxic adjective that is used to deflate young women’s self-esteem and discourage them from becoming leaders.

Times Notebook rejects this notion. What about “tattletale”?

“Bitch” is even worse.

Let us help girls around the world overcome adversity.

Michelle, Sandberg, Beyoncé and Rice overcame bossy and soldiered on.

The campaign highlights a genuine problem of gender and women equity.

Banning the word bossy cannot end gender inequality. The “Ban Bossy” campaign comes on the heels of observing International Women’s Day (March 8).

In 2014, there was genuine progress in advancing the rights of women and in creating an empowering milieu for women and girls.

But there is much more to do in concretising an environment of equity for girls and women.

Banning bossy would not eradicate the root problem that causes words like bossy, catty and bitchy to spread – mainly, that it’s common for leadership to be seen as a solely male quality.

The campaign focuses on policing language rather than bringing attention to important issues that have real impact on women and girls: the lack of affordable childcare; sexual assault; domestic abuse; access to education, textbooks and health care; child health; genital mutilation; trafficking; and the gender pay gap, to name just a few.

Ban Bossy? How does this fix the problem?

Tackling these issues takes money, influence and access, and Sandberg and her team are rich in all these.

Telling people not to call each other bossy seems like a cop-out for someone who’s made a name for herself, doling out leadership advice to women.

These women admit that they were called bossy as girls and this did not stop them from becoming global leaders in their areas. We cannot want girls to be assertive and then say we want to ban bossy.

Assertive boys and girls are called names, depending on who is doing the name-calling.

Telling girls that they should be hurt if someone calls them bossy is submitting to the notion that being bossy is a bad thing.

If it takes a woman being bossy to become president or to face issues affecting women, then the risk of being called bossy seems to be a good thing.

This should be

the campaign. Times Notebook would like to see Sandberg and the line-up of powerful women use their influence to promote equity around the world.

Today, several women and girls will be genitally mutilated, will die because of a lack of maternal health services, go to bed hungry, and many girls will not be able to do homework because they lack textbooks. Which one of these women will dare stand up to say copyright laws that deprive girls of textbooks and universal access to education is wrong?

Perhaps we should teach girls to embrace being bossy and to channel their bossiness into productive methods of leadership, instead of being hurt when someone calls them bossy.

We should encourage girls to accept themselves for who they are, to be proud of their strengths, even if the boys in the classroom or the men in the

boardroom try to undermine by spinning these strengths into something negative.

The campaign tells girls that being bossy is just another thing that women should not be, alongside outspoken and opinionated and tough.

Times Notebook highlights a silent tsunami – leaving boys behind. For most countries in the world, girls are out-achieving boys by quite a wide margin, asserting themselves in sports, volunteer work and student government, and are flooding the medical, law and business schools.

In some of the developed countries, women are out-earning their husbands. It’s time we recognise that a crisis is emerging and it’s a tsunami waiting to flood the world with problems: boys are now being left behind.

Readers are invited to send their comments by email or Facebook to times.notebook@gmail. com.

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Bollywood

week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘I have no interest in politics’ - Akshay Kumar

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ollywood star Akshay Kumar recently spoke to Indian media about his Kolkata connection, life and future plans. The following is an excerpt: How satisfied are you about your achievements so far? I am still working hard and I still want to survive. Achievement is fine. Sometimes, I feel I am one of those chosen ones, lucky enough to get a chance to come into this industry.

There are reports that you have been approached by the Congress to contest the elections this year…

No, I have not been approached by anyone and I have no interest in politics.

In any case, we have the system of secret ballot and I would not want to divulge who I am going to vote for simply because I do not wish to influence anyone. But I will maintain that everyone must go out and vote and make a decisive effort in the interest of our country.

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ctress Veena Malik has accused her ex-boyfriend Prashant Singh of hacking her Twitter account and posting anti-India tweets.

On Saturday, the Pakistani model and actress was trending on the microblogging site for a tweet, which read, '@iVeenaMalik: India sucks.....!!!' (sic).

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t was a classic case of mistaken identity for Sana Khan. The former ‘Bigg Boss’ contestant and ‘Jai Ho’ actress was bombarded with phone calls from family and friends, after a website mistook her to be the Pakistani actress (with the same name), who passed away in a road accident a couple of days ago.

Sana was shocked to see her picture on the website, which reported the other actress' demise. She said: "People have been dedicating 'Rest in Peace' messages for me on social media. I've been getting calls from everywhere. I had to clarify that it's not me."

You were supposed to start martial arts training for women. When do you plan to launch it? We are going to start by June-July this year and once we are able to do it successfully in Mumbai, we will take the training programme to other cities as well. (TOI)

When contacted, Veena, who is currently in Dubai, said, "My Twitter account was hacked in December, last year, by my digital manager from India, Prashant, who is part of a Mumbai-based web service company. I had a three-year contract with his company, but after two years I chose to discontinue the association. The company continued to keep a track of my account, but after I got married Prashant started blackmailing me. He started demanding money and said that he would not give me my account details otherwise."

However, Veena did not take any legal action against him, since she was no longer in India after getting married to Asad Bashir Khan, a Dubaibased businessman.

"I was not travelling to India at that time, since I was busy with the wedding functions. But, now this has been blown out of proportion. This morning, I woke up and saw this tweet. Though my husband is very supportive, it is embarrassing to trend for such a reason," she added. (TOI)

While the Pakistani actress met with an accident near Hyderabad in Pakistan, Sana was in Mumbai. The death hoax thus seemed implausible.

However, Sana reasoned, "The day she met with an accident, I was out to meet a couple of friends and so, my phone was on silent mode. I had informed my mother, but she feared that I had met with an accident while I was on my way. There were some 50 missed calls from my family, when I eventually checked my phone. On that day, I had asked my driver not to come along, which further scared my family.

I had to message people to

dismiss the news.

"I wouldn't have bothered to clarify had it just been an online mistake, but my close friends and family fell for it. People should be careful while reporting such news," she concluded. (TOI)

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hile we all know that Gauri Khan and Sussanne Roshan are very good friends, what we don't know is that both of them have joined hands to launch a realestate project.

According to a MidDay report, the two gorgeous women will launch a luxury mansion project in Goa. The project is called ‘Naira’ and will involve 12 villas that will target the cream of the society. Andrew Martin, a reputed name in the international furniture design community, will also be involved in the project.

The report further added that Sussanne’s

Charcoal Project will do the interiors of these villas.

Both Gauri and Sussanne will host a party to launch the project in Dubai. The party will be

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hosted at socialite Rekha Tourani's Emirates Hills house and in attendance will see many Dubaibased NRIs, who are the prospective buyers.

(TOI)

is audience's views are more important to him than those of the critics, says actor Anupam

Kher.

His recent release ‘Total Siyappa’ was not well received by the critics and neither was the earlier film ‘Gori Tere Pyaar Mein’.

But the actor, who has managed to pull off some unbelievable roles in films like ‘Saaransh’, ‘Daddy’, and ‘Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara’, said: "I don't work for critics, I work for my audience. It's difficult to please everybody, but for me, life is a journey and not a destination."

Anupam's next release is ‘Gang of Ghosts’ and he will also be seen in ‘O Teri’. (TOI)

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areena Kapoor, who is reading a lot nowadays, may follow in her elder sister and actress Karisma's footsteps and write a book.

She was speaking at the launch function of nutritionist and diet expert Rujuta Diwekar's third book - ‘Don't lose out, work out’.

When asked if she would like to write a film story or a book someday, Kareena said: "I don't know about a film story, but maybe a book at some point. I haven't even thought about it, but books feel good."

"I have started reading a lot and books open up your imagination more than a film. So, someday I might write a book but I don't know about what. I have written one foreword for Rujuta,

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amir Khan is 49, but can give any younger actor of Bollywood a run for his money. The actor-producer says his genes and healthy lifestyle are to be credited.

Aamir turned 49 last Friday.

When asked about the secret behind his youthful looks and fit frame, he said: "What should I say…a lot of it has to do with my genes, and I always eat healthy.

so I have a flair for writing, but a book, I don't know," the 33-year-old said.

‘Fiza’ and ‘Zubeidaa’ star Karisma penned ‘My Yummy Mummy Guide’.

(TOI)

I stay conscious about what I eat."

He is also always determined to get the look right for his characters---so, it was no wonder that for the 2008 film ‘Ghajini’, Aamir went out of his way to get eight-pack abs. Even for last year's ‘Dhoom 3’, he had worked hard on his body for a long time.

Aamir has been entertaining Hindi film audiences for over 25 years. (TOI)

Hollywood

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week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jennifer Aniston's pregnancy rumours resurface

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usicians Rihanna and Drake, who are fond of each other, have reportedly decided to get serious about their relationship.

Tmz.com reported that multiple sources extremely close to the couple said Rihanna and Drake have gone from casually hooking up to seriously dating. "They've decided to give it a serious shot."

Rihanna wants to spend as much time with Drake as her schedule will allow--because he treats her better than anyone she's ever been with.

They have been virtually inseparable while Drake's been touring in Europe. Rihanna has spent every single night with him

since she arrived on the continent.

As for Drake, he's smitten. One source said: "He's in the best mood he's been in a long time." (TOI)

Pamela Anderson's sons growing closer to stepfather

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amela Anderson's sons are happy their mom married Rick Salomon for a second time and the two are building a quality relationship with their stepfather.

Tuesday, Pam and her sons were spotted out to dinner with Rick at Crossroads Kitchen in West Hollywood, California, reported radaronline.com.

"Pam was absolutely glowing and was having a great time with her sons and Rick--there was a ton of laughter from their table," said an onlooker.

The teenagers are currently home on a break from their board-

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peculations are rife that Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o has been dating Somali-Canadian rapper K'Naan since last September.

A friend of the ‘Wavin’ Flag’ hitmaker told Us Magazine that the ‘12 Years a Slave’ actress and the singer came together because of their humanitarian in-

ing school.

"Pam loves having the boys at home for their short break: It's

terests and passion for African issues.

The pal added that the couple has been taking things slow right now.

The 31-year-old Kenyan beauty was previously linked to ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ actor Jared Leto, but she had denied the rumors. (TOI)

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ctor Johnny Depp recently turned 50 and says that he doesn't see himself continuing acting in the future.

Depp's next is ‘Transcendence’ and he will be seen playing Dr. Will Caster, a scientist, in the field of Artificial Intelligence in the sci-fi movie, which is Wally Pfister's first directorial venture, said a statement.

In a recent interview with Rolling Stones magazine, the actor who is looking to settle down with fiancée Amber Heard, said:

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va Longoria, who just turned 39 recently, insists that she isn't worried about the landmark celebration.

In fact, she feels more attractive now than she did when making her debut on ‘Desperate Housewives’ more than a decade ago.

given the Dylan and Brandon to spend more time with Rick," the source said. "Rick has always been a presence in their life because of his friendship with Pam. "She was always extremely careful about the men she would bring around them as they were growing up."

Though their dad, Tommy Lee, remains a figure in their life and loves his children, a source said, the children are much closer to their mom.

Pam and Tommy Lee "are on fairly good terms," the source said.

(TOI)

She told People magazine that she feels more intelligent about a lot of other things than ten years ago, and that makes her feel sexy.

The actress has been dating millionaire boyfriend Jose Antonio Baston since November.

(TOI)

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ennifer Aniston has sparked pregnancy rumours, after she was spotted wrapped up in a warm coat with a black purse delicately placed over her stomach.

The 45-year-old actress was spotted emerging from a lunch at Freds at Barney's with fiancé

Justin Theroux in a navy coat with a bag on a "fuller-looking" waist, the New York Post reported.

She was also seen out and about in Manhattan the next day clutching the same handbag close to her body.

Aniston and Theroux got engaged in 2011. (TOI)

Katie Holmes quits fashion line to 'concentrate' on acting and motherhood

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atie Holmes has revealed that she has ended her five-year-long fashion line partnership with Jeanne Yang to focus on acting and motherhood.

While talking to Elle UK, the 35-year-old actress said that she loved every minute of her time working on 'Holmes and Yang', and remains passionate about the design aesthetic she has created with Yang.

The ‘Batman Begins’ star said that even though she was happy with what she and Yang

have accomplished, she wants to concentrate on acting and being a good mother to Suri, her daughter with former husband Tom Cruise.

(TOI)

Elizabeth Olsen is engaged

"I'm kicking 50 right up the ass. I can't say that I'd want to be doing this for another 10 years."

When asked about what prompted his thoughts on an early retirement, the actor elaborated, "At a certain point, just take it down to the bare minimum and concentrate on, I guess, living life; really living life. And going somewhere where you don't have to be on the run, or sneak in through the kitchen or the underground labyrinth of the hotel."

(TOI)

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lizabeth Olsen is engaged.

The 25-yearold actress and her boyfriend Boyd Holbrook are set to tie the knot after the 32-year-old star popped the question fol-

lowing two years of dating, according to Us Magazine.

A source said: ''They've been by each other for a while, taking a lot of couple time.''

The pair first met on the set of ‘Very Good Girls’ back in 2012 and have been inseparable ever since.

The loved-up duo took their relationship to the next level a few months back when they reportedly moved in together in Brooklyn, New York City. (TOI)

When Amanda Seyfried carried a knife on plane

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ctress Amanda Seyfried accidentally boarded a plane with her pocketknife still in her possession because it was undetected by airport security.

Huffingtonpost.com reported that once she realised what happened, she took a photo of it and Tweeted to inform TSA

(Transportation Security Administration) so that things like this hopefully don't happen again. It happened last Friday.

Seyfried wrote: "Dear TSA: This Swiss Army knife wasn't detected through security and I unknowingly carried it on board. Scary!"

"Yes, scary indeed!"

(TOI)

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Sport

week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Johnson set to resume as Guyana Captain - Sarwan, Beaton still unavailable

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eon Johnson will assume the reins of the national side for the fourthround match of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Four-day tournament, set to start Friday, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) announced recently.

Guyana will play the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC), in a day/night contest at the Three Ws Oval in Barbados.

Johnson was initially named Guyana’s captain prior to the start of the competition, but had to sit out the first three games owing to a recurring knee injury.

Johnson will take over from prolific batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who led the side during the third-round game against the Windward Islands, which concluded on Sunday.

All-rounder Christopher Barnwell led the side in the first two rounds against Jamaica and Barbados.

Meanwhile, team manager Alvin Johnson told this publication on Tuesday that batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan and fast bowler Ronsford Beaton are still unavailable because of injuries This publication understands that Sarwan is currently seeking treatment in the United States of America.

Leon Johnson

Changes

Opener Sewnarine Chattergoon and middle-order batsman Vishaul Singh have been dropped from the Guyana squad.

Both Chattergoon and Singh have struggled for consistency in the three matches they played.

Chattergoon, a former Test opener, accumulated 87 runs from six innings with a highest score of 50 in the second round against Barbados.

The diminutive Singh, who started with an attractive 73 in the second innings against Jamaica, has been ordinary since, with scores of five, one, 14 and nought. His returns

Ramnaresh Sarwan

Ronsford Beaton

Chanderpaul Hemraj

from six innings have been 111 runs.

Their performances have certainly not helped Guyana’s cause as the South Americans are yet to taste victory after heavy defeats to Jamaica and Barbados and a tame draw against the Windward Islands.

The duo has been replaced by fellow left-handed pair, Leon Johnson and Chanderpaul Hemraj

ble with 35 points, followed

by Trinindad and Tobago, 34 points, while Windward Islands, Barbados and the Leeward Islands are on 29, 27 and 22 points respectively.

The Guyanese are yet to taste victory after heavy defeats to Jamaica and Barbados and a tame draw against the Windward Islands.

The team departed for Barbados on Tuesday.

Guyana’s squad for the fourth round reads: Leon Johnson (Captain), Assad Fudadin, Amir Khan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul (Vice Captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Raun Johnson, Keon Joseph and Chandrapaul Hemraj

Points Standing

Guyana sit on 13 points just behind CCC on 10 points.

Jamaica lead the points ta-

Crawford shines at Phagwah 40-miler in Berbice

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omulo Crawford, starting with a cycle that he said was too low for him with the expectation that another one would get to him, overcame those difficulties to win the Phagwah 40-miler in Berbice on Sunday.

Crawford, who lost the use of his bicycle moments before the start of the race, was forced to use another team-mate’s cycle; the pedal did not match with his footwear.

Nevertheless, he was able to break away from the pack along with Syborne Fernandez of Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) and his teammate from Trojan Cycle Club (TCC) Juban Crawford.

When the new bicycle arrived, the trio had a lead of about 300 metres on the pack with six miles completed.

The changing of bicycles caused him to lose that favoured position as he joined the pack of riders following the leaders.

With his eyes on the first prize, Crawford came off his saddle to regain his position, but he took some of the others with him; as he caught up with the two leaders, he did not ease the momentum and only his brother was able to keep up and soon it was a race being led by the two Crawfords’.

The two rode together for the next five

Raw Millington finishing ahead of Juban Crawford

miles and then the older Crawford again made a dash and was all alone as he completed the race riding 27 miles out in front alone and picked up five of the eight sprint point prizes by the time he got back to the Courts building at Main and St. Ann Streets in New Amsterdam.

Ray Millington who led, went on to catch Juban Crawford and got the better of him as they came along the East Berbice Highway to finish second and well ahead of the TCC rider.

Juban finished third as a bunch of riders finished about three minutes behind.

Heading the pack was Wilbur Benjamin who rode unattached, followed by Elijah

Bhgjadder and Wazim Hasnu both of FFCC Andrew Hicks of TCC finishing ahead of Fernandez of FACC. Ray Millington took one sprint point and Juban Crawford two.

The first female to cross the finish line was Dyancie Welch of TCC with Shanka Teixeira of FACC second.

The event was organized by Coach of the FACC Randolph Roberts and was open only to clubs in Berbice and has been sponsored by Benjamin Sorts, Onowa’s Guinness Bar, Lloyd Williams Associates, Steve Ramchuchit, Furniture World, Balram Shane and Sons General Store, and Homeline Furnishing.

SPort

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week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Bajan teen off to football trials in U.S.

Differently-able athletics club sets sights on Boston Marathon

Abiola Grant receiving the Stuart Desilva Most Disciplined Player award from Desilva (left) and Ryan Haloute (Nation News photo)

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arbadian Joel R i c h m o n d , the Senior Achievement Award winner at the Pro-Shottas football club prize-giving ceremony, will be going to Philadelphia at month end for try-outs with two junior college teams.

Richmond, 15, a student at the SeventhDay Adventist School, has been recommended for a football scholarship by Allan Greaves, a United Kingdom Football Association International licensed coach.

Greaves worked with Pro-Shottas players last summer after their tour to Cleveland.

Pro-Shottas, winners of the Barbados

Cup Under-19 crown and the Barbados Football Association Youth Under-17 trophies, held their prize-giving ceremony at Banks Breweries over the weekend and more than 90 prizes were presented.

The Senior Player Of The Year and Overall Player Of The Year 2013 went to Albert Collymore while Nial Reid was Junior Player Of The Year.

The Junior Achievement award went to Antone Greaves, who will have a one-week trial with Philadelphia Union Major League Soccer team from March 31 to April 7. (Nation News)

The amputees and other differently abled athletes along with Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Director of Sport Neil Kumar, pose for a photo opportunity after the Cheddi Jagan memorial walk in the National Park

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he William France Differently-able Athletics Club is hoping to participate in the Boston Marathon on April 21, as William France aims to become the oldest amputee to participate in the event.

The club, which has already amassed Gy$764,000 still needs to acquire an additional Gy$336,000 to reach the 1.1 million needed to make the trip to Boston for the marathon, ac-

cording to France.

France, who will surpass Dick Truman as the oldest amputee to compete in a marathon once he runs under six hours 45 minutes will receive US $5,000 if he completes the 26 miles in the allotted time stipulated by the organizers of the event.

France, a national award winner, will also be heading to Essequibo this Saturday for a ninemile walk with the hope

of raising more funds for the trip.

According to France, persons such as the President of Guyana His Excellency Donald Ramotar,; Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; Director of Sport Neil Kumar; Humphrey’s Bakery; Courtney Benn Construction Services; Jennifer Bedford of the Ministry of Public Works and Ramchan Auto Sales have all come forward in support of the club’s ef-

forts to participate in the marathon.

The club also held a Cheddi Jagan Memorial walk in the national park last weekend to honour the late president.

Some of the team members expected to depart on April 16 for the marathon includes, France, Andre Richardson, Garvin Jeffers, Indy Ramnauth, Dennis Barnes and Terry Roopnarine.

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Sport

week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Icon players return for Pakistan crash to defeat after batting collapse 2014 Limacol CPL

Chris Gayle returns to the Jamaica Tallawahs

Dwayne Bravo will lead his native Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel

Sunil Narine will once again be part of the Guyana Amazon Warriors team

he Limacol C a r i b b e a n Premier League (Limacol CPL) has announced the return of the six West Indies icon players who will spearhead their franchise teams in this year’s competition.

Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine, Darren Sammy and Marlon Samuels will all return for what promises to be another hugely exciting tournament. After thrilling fans of their newly-adopted teams last summer, the six stars will be hoping to bring home CPL glory in August.

Gayle, T20’s most destructive batsman, will return to the Jamaica Tallawahs, whom he led to Limacol CPL triumph in 2013, while Kieron Pollard will once again join the Barbados Tridents, after winning over local fans with some inspirational performances last year.

Dwayne Bravo, will lead his native Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, where fans will be hoping he can build on last year’s semi-final appearance, while top spinner, Sunil Narine, will once again be the jewel in the crown of the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Proud St. Lucian, Darren Sammy will spearhead the Zouks’ title challenge, while explosive batsman Marlon Samuels will be back to mastermind the Antigua Hawksbills campaign.

Tom Moody, Director of Cricket, Caribbean Premier League, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming back our icon players to the Limacol CPL this season. After flying the flag for their franchises in 2013, we’re glad to announce their return to what promises to be an exhilarating six weeks of cricket.”

Guyana Amazon Warriors Franchise Player Sunil Narine, stated: “I thorough-

ly enjoyed playing for the Amazon Warriors last year in what was a hugely competitive and fun tournament. I hope we can go one better than last year and give the people of Guyana something to celebrate.”

The Limacol CPL launched last year to sell-out crowds, with over 250,000 spectators attending matches across Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and St Lucia, whilst a global TV audience of 36 million were entertained by the skills of international stars including Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Ricky Ponting and Muttiah Muralitharan.

The tournament returns in July and August 2014 where Jamaica Tallawahs will defend their title against the St. Lucia Zouks, Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, Antigua Hawksbills, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Tridents. (CPLT20)

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South Africa won both their warm-up matches, against Bangladesh A and Pakistan.

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akistan crashed to an eight-wicket defeat in their second and final ICC World Twenty20 2014 warmup match, after their batsmen capitulated against South Africa on Wednesday (March 19).

With only three players getting into double digits, Pakistan were bowled out for 71 in 17.3 overs, with the three left-arm pacemen – Wayne Parnell, Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Beuran Hendricks – all claiming two wickets apiece. South Africa completed victory in 14 overs, losing two wickets while reaching 72 at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah.

On Monday, Pakistan had secured a six-wicket win over New Zealand in their first warm-up game, thanks to an 83run second wicket stand between Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Hafeez.

Against South Africa, however, it was the lack of a similar partnership that led to their downfall.

Having opted to bat, Pakistan got off to a slow start and lost their first wicket within three overs when Ahmed Shehzad was trapped in front by JP Duminy for a 13-ball 12. Sharjeel Khan (2) and Shoaib Malik (1) followed suit, leaving them tottering at 28 for 3.

Umar Akmal and Sohaib Maqsood then associated for 22 runs for the fourth wicket, which turned out to be Pakistan’s biggest partnership of the innings.

The resistance lasted only a brief while, during which runs came largely through singles and doubles, with the exception of a six from Maqsood off Aaron Phangiso. It was one of just three boundaries in the innings, the other two fours coming from Shehzad and Umar.

The stand was broken when Umar (17) was dismissed by Parnell, before Kamran was run out for a golden duck two balls later. When Maqsood fell in a similar manner for a run-a-

ball 15, Pakistan were in deep trouble at 58 for 6.

The big-hitting Shahid Afridi (6) couldn’t bail Pakistan out and Hafeez (7) failed to find the form he displayed against New Zealand.

The tail had been left with too much to do, and crumbled.

In South Africa’s chase, Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock ate into more than half the required runs with a 39run stand for the opening wicket, giving their side the perfect start.

The two were dismissed in quick succession, but with the target being as low as it was, that didn’t seriously hamper South Africa.

The first to go was Amla, trapped in front by Umar Gul for a 20-ball 24. De Kock (15) followed suit when he had his stumps disturbed by Afridi.

The wickets proved to be a mere blip, as David Miller (12) and AB de Villiers (20) put on an unbroken 33 runs to guide South Africa to an easy victory. (ICC)

Sachin Kumar youngest winner ever in TT Open

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ifteen year-old Sachin Kumar continued his consistent fine play to win the 107th TT Open played at the picturesque St Andrews Golf Course in Moka, Maraval on Sunday. Kumar became the youngest ever winner of the Open surpassing Ben Martin, Stephen Ames, Alan Mew and Chris Harries, all of whom were under 17 when they won.

He had rounds of 73,72,71 and 75 for a total of 291 three over par.

In second place in the championship flight was Clint Alfred who had a total of even par 300, Adrian Norford of St Kitts finished in third place on 302, with Deryck Gonsalves and Wan Ju Lee tied for fourth with a total of 304.

Sachin Kumar

The first flight winner Sol Joanni of the Leewards GC in Tobago continued his dominance of his flight even though he shot his worst score of the tournament an 80 on the day. His four day scores of 71, 76, 69 (the lowest score of the tournament) and 80 for 296 was the second lowest total in the tournament. Omesh Dinath finished in second place with his total of 327

and teenagers Jonathan Mitchell and Ryan Peters ended up tied third.

In the seniors division Dave Rajkumar convincingly won with a four-day total of 300 strokes with his 79 today being his worst score following his first three-day scores of 76, 71 and 74. In second place with a total of 308 was Richard Camacho with Reynold Deonath a further nine strokes behind in third place.

In the Super Seniors flight Tyrone Leong stormed away to a convincing eight stroke win shooting a fine 75 to finish with a total of 309. Monty Chapman, who started one stroke behind had a bad day and shot 82, but still managed to finish second. In third place was Stephen Attin on a total of 322. (TT Guardian)

Sport

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week ending March 23, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘There’s nothing stopping me’ Jamaica to host - says TT’s Njisane Phillip as he gets ready for National Championships

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T’s national cyclist Njisane Phillip recently returned to Trinidad from his California, USA-base, to resume training with local cycling club, Rigtech Sonics, as he primes for his national Match Sprint title-defence at the upcoming National Cycling Championships, which rides off in early May. Phillip, who arrived in Trinidad Sunday, revealed that he has been in intense training with his club-mates in an effort to stamp their authority at four major upcoming local cycling events—the Noel Luces Classic, Southern Games, Easter Grand Prix and National Championships.

Earlier this year, the 22-year-old Olympian was hospitalised for a week in California due to kidney complications. After several medical tests, Phillip was discharged and has been taking it lightly. And even though the multiple national champion is expected to undergo another test in May, Phillip indicated that he is back to full potential.

“I’m at 100 percent right now.

There’s nothing stopping me. I’m just glad to be back training with my Rigtech Sonics outfit and we’re working towards taking over the coming local cycling meets. I would like to retain my Sprint title at the coming Championships and then I’ll head back out to the U.S. to continue my international training programme with my team in California,” he explained.

In the U.S., Phillip’s managerial team comprises his 2012 Olympic manager Peter Maharaj, American coach Jamie Staff and the experienced Travis Smith.

TT’s national cyclist Njisane Phillip (TT Newsday file photo)

Having lost his former Rigtech Sonics sibling coaches, Noel and Kent Luces, within a two-year period, Phillip expressed determination to keep the “blue” flag flying high throughout the twin-island republic.

“There’s a lot of positive energy when I train with my club-mates. They feed off me and I feed off them. We’re a good working unit and we support each other a lot, especially when we train together. It feels good to be back with my team. Varun Maharajh also returned (to TT) on Friday and he will be a good addition to the outfit for the coming tournaments,” said a motivated Phillip.

The Siparia native also revealed that he and his team are presently in the planning processes of the second hosting of his signature event, the “Njisane Three-Day Cycling Festival II”, which is scheduled to pedal off at the Arima Velodrome and Skinner Park, San Fernando, from April 11- 13.

(TT Newsday)

2014 Caribbean Cup

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amaica will host the 2014 edition of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Caribbean Championship, top regional football officials confirmed Tuesday.

The biennial tournament is expected to be staged during the FIFA calendar window of November 10-18 and will be hosted in picturesque Montego Bay, Jamaica's tourist capital.

CFU General Secretary Damien Hughes, in confirming the development Tuesday evening, gave reasons the island was granted hosting rights over other bidders.

"We selected Jamaica because we have confidence in the country to mobilise all the relevant stakeholders—the corporate aspect, plus they have the ability to motivate people to come out and support the games.

"Also, we are satisfied with the quality of the facilities, plus the CFU is of the view that Jamaica is well positioned to achieve the objectives," he said.

Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Captain Horace Burrell was de-

CFU General Secretary Damien Hughes (Anguilla News file photo)

lighted with Jamaica being granted the hosting rights for the Caribbean's top tournament, a qualifier for the prestigious CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Football development

"At this stage of our football development, this is exactly the medicine that the doctor ordered…this is a tournament that is sometimes elusive for Jamaica, and I am just happy that we have been able to pin it down," he told Jamaican media.

Burrell, a CONCACAF vice-president, said this year's tournament will be special for numerous reasons, claiming that "based on the ingredients, this is shaping up to be the best ever".

"Firstly, the tournament will be held during the FIFA calendar window, which means that all eight finalists will have their top overseas players, which will ensure the tournament has star power, plus high quality of play."

As a qualifier for the Gold Cup, only the top-four finishers of the Caribbean Championship usually advance to CONCACAF's marquis event. But there's a new format this time around.

The JFF boss explained that once again Montego Bay, for its obvious advantages, was chosen as host city for the Caribbean Championship, adding to its list of credits.

In recent times, as Montego Bay slowly establishes itself as the "football capital of Jamaica", the tourist mecca hosted the CONCACAF Men's Under-17 Championship in 2011, where Jamaica qualified for the Mexico tournament, and last November it welcomed seven CONCACAF countries for the Women's Under-17 equivalent. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

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Sport

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GCC, Old Fort win fundraising hockey tournament

Guyana Hockey Board Honorary Secretary, Tricia Fiedtkou, presents the Degree Ladies trophy and medals to GCC captain Sonia Jardine in the presence of teammates Tiffany Solomon, Aliyah Gordon, Sandy Roopnarine and Princessa Wilkie

T

he Guyana national men’s hockey team held it’s latest fund-raiser last Sunday at the GCC ground, Bourda, in the form of the DeSinco Trading Degree Antiperspirant Brands five-a-side one-day tournament. The day’s activities were well supported by all the clubs, as players brought out their families for a day of fun and entertaining hockey.

As expected, the GCC combination of Tiffany Solomon, Sonia Jardine, Aliyah Gordon, Sandy Roopnarine and

Princessa Wilkie dominated the Ladies’ competition and played undefeated throughout to take home the title.

The Men’s competition was much more competitive with GCC’s Orange edging the Hikers’ Greens in a penalty shoot out to earn the right to face Old Fort’s Reds in the final.

Although the final was closely contested in the early exchanges, with the score being tied at 1-1 just before half time, the second half was completely dominated by Old Fort as their exciting young duo

of Omar Hopkinson and Shaquille Thomas combined to play intelligent, mature hockey and help their side to the 4-1 victory.

This is the latest in several fund-raisers planned by the national men’s team in their effort to participate in the 2014 Indoor Pan American Cup scheduled for Uruguay from April 7-13. The team will be depending heavily on corporate sector support to supplement their fund-raising efforts in order to make their participation possible.

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Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

week ending March 23, 2014

Blake among big names for UWI track meet in Jamaica this weekend

T

he 12th UWI Invitational Track & Field Meet runs off this Saturday at the UWI Usain Bolt Track at Mona in Kingston starting at 10:00 am.

According to Grace Jackson, chairman of the organising committee and the meet director, "The meet will have several top-class athletes competing on the track this year. It will be highclass competition on the track, starting with field events at 10:00 in the morning, while the track events are scheduled for a 1:00 pm start."

Based on the entry list, the bulk of the athletes are drawn from the local clubs and institutions, including Racers, MVP, Akan, Cameron Blazers, UWI, and UTech, among others. Athletes from the UWI St Augustine campus will also be on the track as the only overseas-based team.

Kim Collins of St Kitts and Nevis, who has been training and living in Jamaica for some time now, will be competing at the meet for the first time.

Racers athletes include Yohan Blake, Warren Weir, Jason Young, Delano Williams, Kemar BaileyCole, Ricardo Chambers, Allodin Fothergill, Ristananna Tracey, Bobby Gaye Wilkins and Schillonie Calvert.

MVP will have several athletes such as Andrew Hinds, Winston Barnes, Ricardo Cunningham, Akino Ming, Julian Forte, Rusheen McDonald, Tyquendo Tracey, Carrie Russell, and Christine Day.

Yohan Blake (Jamaica Observer file photo)

Akan will also be on the track with Jason Livermore, Oshane Bailey, Dexter Lee, and Ramone McKenzie.

Cameron Blazers will be coming with Javere Bell and Oral Thompson, among others.

Hansle Parchment and Keiron Stewart will represent UWI. Several prep schools will be competing in 4x50m and 4x100m ahead of Prep Champs later in the year.

The field events that will be competed are discus, shot put, javelin, pole vault, long jump, high jump, and triple jump.

The track events are 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1,500m, 3,000m, 5,000m, 100mh, 110mh, 400mh, 4x100m, 4x400m and sprint medley.

The honourees this year are Yohan Blake and Warren Blake. (Jamaica Observer)

Arthur and Nielson to coach in Limacol CPL T

wo former Australia coaches, Mickey Arthur and Tim Nielsen, will be part of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (Limacol CPL) this year after the tournament confirmed the majority of the coaching positions.

Arthur, who was sacked from the Australia job shortly before the Ashes in England last July, will take charge of Jamaica Tallawahs while Nielsen will work with Antigua Hawksbills. Last year, for the inaugural tournament, Jamaica were coached by Paul Nixon and Antigua by Sir Viv Richards who this time will take on a mentoring role with the franchise.

Matthew Maynard, a former England assistant coach and Glamorgan coach, has been promoted to head coach of St Lucia Zouks having been the assistant last year and the positions are completed by Roger Harper (Guyana Amazon Warriors), Robin Singh

Mickey Arthur

(Barbados Tridents) and Simon Helmot (Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel).

Nielsen said: “I was impressed by the standard of last year’s competition so I’m delighted to be involved in Limacol CPL 2014. I’m looking forward to taking the reins of the Hawksbills and I hope that together with the rest of the coaching staff, and with the help of Sir Viv, who I am very excited about working with, we can take them to the trophy this time around.”

Tom Moody, the recently appointed Limacol CPL director of cricket, added: “We’re extremely pleased to have secured such a strong line up of talented and respected coaches for this year’s tournament. With their

Tim Nielsen

technical expertise along with the guidance from our legendary mentors, the standard of cricket this year is set to be higher than ever.”

In addition, some of the biggest names in the history of Windies cricket will lend their vast experience to the coaches and players in the Limacol CPL by acting as mentors – Sir Viv Richards, Antigua Hawksbills; Courtney Walsh, Jamaica Tallawahs; Desmond Haynes, Barbados Tridents; Gordon Greenidge, Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel; Sir Curtly Ambrose, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Sir Andy Roberts, St Lucia Zouks. (Excerpt from Cricinfo and CPLT20)

Fernandes topples former world champion again – “I told myself to go in there and be a lion”

Nicolette Fernandes

G

uyana’s world renowned squash s e n s a t i o n Nicolette Fernandes pranced into the second round (last 16) of the main draw at the Women’s Squash

Association’s (WSA) 29th Women’s World Championships in Penang, Malaysia, on Tuesday.

To get there, Fernandes once again completed an emphatic

come-from-behind win against former world number one Rachael Grinham of Australia (4-11, 6-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-7).

Grinham, who won the Women’s World

Title in 2007, won the first two games of the gripping encounter 11-4, 11-6. Fernandes found herself in perilous, but familiar circumstances against the current world number 15, but unleashed her aggressive side- her inner lionto take control of the match.

Fernandes, who is currently ranked 20th in the world, was interviewed following her match and had this to say about her unbelievable comeback.

“The game changer, you guys will probably laugh, but I told myself to go in there and be a lion. I was too passive before and I needed to be more in it and be an animal on court.”

Fernandes said according to Thatsquashthing. tumblr.com.

Utilising her animal instincts, Fernandes captured the third game 12-10 before completing the dramatic victory with stunning back-toback wins in the fourth and fifth games 11-8 and 11-7 respectively. The match lasted an hour and three minutes.

Fernandes had previously defeated the former world champion Grinham in December 2012 in the first round of the main draw of the Women’s World Squash Open in Cayman Islands.

Coincidentally, Fernandes had lost the first two games and strangely enough, she

had also won the third game by the score 1210.

Fernandes was ranked 48th in the world at that time. The 37-year-old Grinham had been celebrating a milestone as she made her debut at the World Championships 20 years ago.

In the second round of the main draw (last 16), Fernandes will face France’s 24-year old, sixtime national champion Camille Serme today (Thursday). Serme is currently ranked number six in the world and has played Fernandes a few times in the past.

The two met at the Kuala Lumpur Open in Malaysia March 2013 and Serme had prevailed in straight games.

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