Guyana Times International

INTERNATIONAL

Happy Thanksgiving to all our readers

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

for FRee distribution guyanatimesinternational.com

You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com ISSUE NO. 219

week ending November 30, 2014

1,000 Homes Turnkey Project on schedule for mid-2015 completion - over Gy$12B invested in last four years to boost housing See story on page 3 development along East Bank corridor An artist's impression of the Sun and Sand Hotel soon to be constructed in Guyana

Page 10 Queens immigrants react to Obama’s immigration announcement

Guyanese give thanks in America

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Sun and Sand Hotel project to commence Page 20 soon - Govt

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

3 1,000 Homes Turnkey Project on schedule for mid-2015 completion NEWS

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

- over Gy$12B invested in last four years to boost housing development along East Bank corridor

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he 1,000 homes turnkey housing project in Perseverance on the East Bank of Demerara is slated to be fully completed by mid-2015, Housing Minister, Irfaan Ali said as he also disclosed that some 12,000 house lots have been allocated for 2014.

Speaking with the media, Ali said his ministry has been working tirelessly to provide “affordable housing for all” which is also the ministry’s theme.

He noted that for 2014, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has already distributed some 12,000 house lots and this includes all the new areas for the year.

HOUSING SOLUTIONS

Ali explained that the ministry is always looking for new ways to diversify and enhance housing solutions in Guyana.

“We hope that we

houses.

The Housing Minister explained that the young professionals project is one that is in very high demand since it enables our working population to have a ‘walk in ready home’. He noted also that because of the high demand “we have to find new solutions in terms of land availability and development of a new urban stretch” to embark on other projects.

NEW URBAN AREA

A view of the Turnkey homes under construction

can further enhance our housing solutions by having our Perseverance Scheme, our 1,000 homes project completed fully by mid next year with approximately 100 homes already under construction and being allocated,” the Housing Minister said.

BUTTERCUP COTTAGES

In June of 2013, the ministry launched the Perseverance 1,000 turnkey homes and on May 19 the first batch of 50 houses started to be constructed. The cost for a completed house is Gy$4.9M (the house costs Gy$4.4M and the land costs Gy$500,000).

Known as the Buttercup Cottages, they are two-

bedroom flat houses equipped with toilet and bath, kitchen and living area. The ministry will be providing water and electricity for the homes and has also modernised the houses with sealed rooms and sash-windows.

Meanwhile, the Young Professionals Home project in Eccles

has almost 80% occupancy where Gy$600M was invested by the private sector for this specific project. The young professionals home project started in 2012 and was completed in August 2013. All the houses for the project have been allocated and homeowners are doing their own finishing touches to their

He noted that the Government has invested Gy$12B in the last four years to have housing development along the East Bank and this includes the roads, water supply and electricity.

Ali explained too that “along the East Bank we are in our final stages of land acquisition and development and this will require us to look at a new urban area that would bring a holistic solution.”

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INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International

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

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

EDITORIAL

US illegals in limbo

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t the base of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbour, the following verse is inscribed: “Give me your tired, your poor/Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,/The wretched refuse of your teeming shore./Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:/ I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”

Rousing sentiments indeed, and represented the renewed enthusiasm for the ideal of America being “the land of the free” after the abolition of slavery in 1865. The Statue itself was a gift from the French to the Americans just a 100 years after their 18th century Revolutions that redefined the meaning of “freedom”.

But while the US is unquestionably a “nation of immigrants” (forget about the native Americans), it appears that after the first flush of enthusiasm, the country was quite selective as to which “huddled masses” it would have “lift (its) lamp”.

Following massive immigration from Europe in the 19th century and into the early years of the 20th as labour was sought to “man” the burgeoning factories that would soon catapult the US to the top of the industrial heap, the “golden door” was slammed shut to those from “non-White” nations.

At the same time, the US was extracting raw materials from those same non-White nations in massively exploitative fashion, throwing most into grinding poverty even as they were exposed to its wealthy lifestyle through its media.

Following World War (WW) II, illegal immigration from these countries became a growing phenomenon, as those peoples sought the “good life” in “America”. When by the mid-1960s, the US started issuing a fixed number of visas to those countries, this merely acted to increase the number of “tired and poor” overcoming all sorts of barriers to enter “the land of the brave”.

Small as it was in population, Guyana punched above its weight in sending both legal and illegal immigrants to the US. By the 1980s, reacting to nativist pressures, the American authorities discovered an “illegal immigrant” problem. By definition this meant that sentiments were aroused in the populace that America was to “be protected” from these immigrants. That these latter folks were shown by every study to be contributing far more to American society that they took was swept under the carpet.

The racist premises of American nativism are not to be ignored, even though disguised.

Since that time, every American President has proposed the creation of a new immigration regime to deal with the issue in a structured manner. The approaches offered diverged precisely according to the Democratic-Republican schism in American politics, with the latter party more sympathetic to nativist sentiments.

After three decades of proposals which were never able to get through the Congress because of the split, President Barack Obama, issued an Executive Order on Immigration last week to break the logjam.

As its name suggests, the Order is totally the President’s initiative and has been immediately challenged by the Republicans as exceeding his constitutionally defined powers. Almost every Guyanese family has an illegal immigrant relative or friend in the US and Obama’s action has understandably stirred great interest.

Its most noteworthy feature is that those illegal immigrants who have been at least five years in the country and have children born there, will not be subjected to the dreaded “deportation orders”.

This does not mean that they will be given the much coveted “green card” signalling “permanent residence” status, or even that they will even be given the much talked about health care access that Obama has introduced: they will be in a limbo from where they still would not be able to visit their native country.

To sell the idea to a sceptical Republican Party and Conservative Democrats, it has been suggested that this move might just boost the depressed housing market. The theoretically stateless individuals would now be able to have homes but not “residence”.

Georgetown was back to normal for the most part after floodwaters receded as this picturesque view of the South Road Canal in Georgetown illustrates (Carl Croker photo)

Guyanese give thanks in America

By Vishnu Bisram

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uyanese and persons from other nationalities now living in the United States of America – their adopted homeland, are celebrating the traditional Thanksgiving weekend with family and close friends. We would all agree that indeed Guyanese have good reasons to give thanks to America which has been welcoming them for over fifty years. Since their arrival in the US, many Guyanese have been successful at almost every aspect of life acquiring their own homes, vehicles, attaining higher education etc. They are also known to be very generous as many of them use this occasion to share their earnings with the poorer sections of the American society. This is their way of giving thanks for their presence and success achieved in the US. Thanksgiving Day is a historical celebration in the U.S going back to the early 1600s since the early settlement of North America by Europeans.

It is a national holiday. The festival grew out of the harvest celebrations of England and is celebrated in the Fall, the end of harvest in the Southern U.S. The early English immigrants introduced it in the US giving thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the past year.

Guyanese view Thanksgiving as an occasion for family reunions and big dinners.

Relatives normally take turn hosting dinner over a four-day period (from Thursday to Sunday). The Thanksgiving dinner normally includes the traditional baked or roasted turkey, pumpkin pie, sweet yams, corn, cranberry jelly, and salad (including sugar beets) with wine and other hard liquor. Caribbean people normally supplement

their meals with their own traditional ethnic dishes including dhal puri, pachounie, phulourie, bara, fried rice, chowmein, and fried channa as snacks and their favorite drinks -- mauby and sorrel for the children and lots of good Caribbean rum for the adults.

For desert, there is black cake, pumpkin pie and sweet potato pie. And it is not unusual for them to substitute the turkey with curried duck, chicken, mutton, and goat, etc.

All religious denominations observe Thanksgiving, including Muslims and Hindus. And giving is part of their culture.

They donate food to shelters and or host dinners for the unfortunate. Christian churches also host dinners for the poor and homeless.

Although a small community, Guyanese nationals give a lot during thanksgiving.

Many use the Thanksgiving occasion to give generously to the charities of their choice, including the Red Cross and the American Cancer Institute in addition to their local mandir, masjid and church. Others send money to friends and relatives back home. To give thanks, some bake turkeys and cakes which are donated

to homeless shelters. Their assistance helps to ease social problems such as hunger, poverty and homelessness in the City.

Thanksgiving Day is usually celebrated with the largest parade in the nation on Fifth Avenue. The parade normally features all kinds of magnificent floats and balloons of cartoon characters and a host of Hollywood celebrities and sports stars. It normally attracts a large number of Guyanese. But most people tend to be glued to the television sets which carry live broadcasts of the parade.

By observing the festival, Guyanese are participating in a mainstream American celebration in the same manner that they celebrate their own traditional festivals such as Phagwah, Deepavalli, Eid, Qurbani, Christmas, etc. It must be known to the American society that Guyanese are generous in sharing their wealth and giving back to the society to which they owe their success. They are very thankful, not only because they live in America, but for the many blessings they have received during their lifetime. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Ten Guyanese women killed by ‘Cane Juice Man’ their spouses so far this year tells court he was the

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uman Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster on Tuesday called on men to respect and honour women, as she disclosed that 10 women were murdered by their spouses for the year so far.

At an interfaith service held in observance of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women at the Human Services and Social Security Ministry’s East and Lamaha Streets location, Webster reiterated that men must recognise the need to treat women with respect and learn to protect them.

She added that males should realise that their presence on Earth is due to their mothers, and in that sense, honour women.

Violence against women persists because of inequalities between genders, discrimination and oppression, and often times affects the most vulnerable in our society. Over the years, it has become more visible in Guyanese society, with scores of women being assaulted viciously. Efforts by Government and civil society to change social behaviours to stem the tide seem to be bearing little fruit, although the number of domestic violence related deaths decreased considerably this year compared to the 2013 figure of 20 plus deaths.

Among the organisations represented at the service was the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), whose Country Representative Patrice LaFleur highlighted that Guyanese norms and traditions usually promoted gender inequality, which supported gender-based violence, particularly violence against women, and this was something that needed to be changed.

“In many instances, there are some traditional values which are promoted and we have to ensure that it is not continued, because we would never see the end of violence if we continue in this manner.”

She went on to quote the Executive Director of the UNFPA: ‘“We can have all the laws and

lover, not the killer

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Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster addressing the gathering

policies, but if we do not change our traditions, ours norms and values, which continue to promote violence against women and girls, society will continue to experience the violations of which we see daily.”’

Moreover, as the theme for International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women “From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let’s End Gender-Based Violence” suggests, LaFleur urged parents to play their role in eliminating violence in the home.

“As parents, what are you doing to ensure that, first of all, you socialise your children in a particular way so that they respect each other and that violence is never the answer in response to a conflict or issue.”

Lawmakers

According to the UN, “Thirty-five per cent of women and girls globally experience some form of physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, with up to seven in ten women facing this abuse in some countries.”

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, “Everyone has a responsibility to prevent and end violence against women and girls, starting by challenging the culture of discrimination that allows it continued on page 8

ustice Navindra Singh and a mixed jury at the Demerara Assizes on Tuesday continued hearing the murder case where Michael Anthony Persaud, called ‘Mikey’, is on trial for the murder of his reputed wife Maduri Padumdeo, called ‘Sharda’, of Lot 8 Sophia in December 2011.

Witnesses have stated that the accused ‘Mikey’ had, for some time, been living with Sharda in a common law union and that they have parented a two-yearold son. The accused and his paramour worked with Chandrapaul, called ‘Kaylee’, known as ‘Cane Juice Man’, selling cane juice at different locations.

Chandrapaul, who testified on Tuesday, denied a defence counsel suggestion that he had killed the woman because she wanted to end an intimate friendship with him.

Reacting to the question, the big-built businessman who was giving evidence for the prosecution, said he had no reason to kill Sharda since they had an intimate relationship and she was a good employee who treated customers correctly and gave him everything that he wanted.

Chandrapaul also denied that he had sodomised the accused at a hotel where he rented a room for himself and the couple after his car had broken down on the East Coast of Demerara while attending a wake.

A caution statement which

the accused is alleged to have given the police was admitted in evidence by the judge. The statement by the accused reads: “A day Sharda tell me that she aint love me, that she like Chandrapaul. I told her don’t do that baby I love you. I got frustrated and ran berserk with she.

Me didn’t expect she gon tell me something like that. Me tell she don’t worry. Me tell she that me gon kill myself and I cut my finger.”

Later the girl was found dead at her home from strangulation and the accused attired only in a pair of shorts was lying at her side.

The hearing is continuing.

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President Obama’s immigration reform initiatives will benefit many Guyanese and Caribbean citizens Dear Editor, I applaud President Barack Obama for the bold reforms to the nation’s broken immigration system, albeit temporary.

Immigration reform does not only impact our Latino brothers and sisters.

Hundreds of thousands of immigrants from the Caribbean, South America and Africa now qualify for relief from the threat of deportation and will become eligible for lawful employment.

Almost all undocumented immigrants from the Caribbean and Guyana enter the United States lawfully, but overstayed their visas and thus are out of status. A large percent has children and/or spouses who are either US citizens or permanent res-

idents.

Thousands more arrived before their 16th birthday, but are ineligible for DACA because they are currently above age 31. They have all lived here for a long time “de-

cades in some cases”, and are law abiding. America is their home.

They deserve a shot at the American dream. Thanks to President Obama’s initiates, they can now emerge from

the shadows to pursue that dream, once they pass a criminal background check and pay any back taxes accrued.

This is a historic day for America : “A nation of immigrants”. Millions of families

will remain united and millions of people will without fear begin to contribute to society and the US treasury.

Economists forecast that this could boost GDP by over $1 trillion.

Republicans are not only opposing President Obama.

They are attacking the relatives of millions of US citizens who vote, as well as millions of US permanent residents who will soon become voters.

When these millions of Americans go to the polls to exercise their franchise, they will remember who stood with them and fought to keep their families united and who fought to tear their families and the nation apart!

Submitted by Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy

Can Granger say who are the criminals Dear Editor, I read an article in another section of the media on November 18 under the headline, “National Unity Gov’t would not include persons guilty of wrongdoing – Granger”.

Mr Granger, Leader of the Opposition, said in the article that “if he is elect-

ed the next President of Guyana he will not allow suspected criminals associated with the incumbent People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to be part of his administration”.

Firstly, let me inform Granger that he is correct to have used the word “if”,

since his People’s National Congress (PNC)/A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) party will receive a sound trashing at the next General and Regional Elections by the PPP/C led by President Donald Ramotar. This time by an overwhelming majority.

I only hope therefore that Granger did not get swell-headed at the PNC-Alliance For Change (AFC) coalition “rally” at the square of the revolution on November 14, and when faced with a massive electoral defeat, he will resort to post elections disturbances just to cover his shame.

In the article, Granger had nothing complimentary to say about former President Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh, two prominent patriots who continue to make the Guyanese people proud as a result of their hard work.

Just to remind Granger that Mr Jagdeo continues to be nationally and internationally recognized, having formulated and launched Guyana’s Low-Carbon Development

Strategy (LCDS), which immensely boosted Guyana’s international profile as a developing country in the forefront in the fight against global climate change.

And as a result of Guyana’s LCDS in partnership with Norway, millions of US dollars are currently provided toward the implementations of LCDS projects for Guyana’s social and economic development.

Mr Jagdeo was appointed the Champion of the Earth by the United Nations and continues to receive international appointments based on his dynamic leadership on climate change.

He has received four honorary doctorates from international universities.

Is this the reason why the former President is not

liked by Granger and his Opposition cabal?

The Minister of Finance continues to competently and successfully manage Guyana’s economy ensuring the continued good health of our national Treasury. Dr Singh was also constitutionally and judicially in order when he restored funds cut from the 2014 National Budget by the combined parliamentary Opposition from the Consolidated Fund.

And now the PNC/ APNU and AFC badly want to be the watchdogs of Guyana’s Treasury which had nothing left inside when the PPP/C took over from the illegal PNC regime in 1992.

Can Granger say in this regard who are the criminals?

Yours sincerely, Peter Persaud

Political parties and civil society have a critical role to play Dear Editor, On November 20, I met a delegation of the Alliance For Change (AFC) in my office. This meeting was at my request and follows my earlier letter on the proroguing of Parliament, and subsequent meetings with President Donald Ramotar and Leader of the Opposition David Granger.

The AFC was represented by General Secretary David Patterson, MPs Valerie Lowe-Garrido and Kathy Hughes, and Treasurer Dominic Gaskin.

Representing the Catholic Church were

myself and Mssrs Gino Persaud, Lawrence Lachmansingh and Albert Rodrigues.

The AFC outlined the timeline and associated details that led to their tabling of the Motion of No-Confidence, while inquiring as to the future steps that the Church would be taking to assist Guyana through this difficult period.

We discussed the Christian obligation to promote justice and peace in both word and deed, and the specific measures that the Catholic Church would be taking, as outlined in my earlier letter.

Our discussions delved into the challenges that lead to lowered levels of political trust in Guyana and its impact on the people.

We agreed that both political parties and civil society have a critical role to play, through dialogue and respectful engagement, in promoting reconciliation and trust in our beloved nation.

I remain grateful to the AFC and its delegation for taking the time to meet with me and my delegation from the Church.

Bishop Francis Dean Alleyne Bishop of Georgetown

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Sooba calls on Govt to President, Opposition Leader attend ban Styrofoam now 170th Anniversary celebration of

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cting Town Clerk Carol Sooba has joined many Guyanese citizens in calling for an immediate ban on the use of Styrofoam containers in Guyana.

Speaking to Guyana Times International Tuesday via telephone, Sooba explained that she was very happy that the Government has taken the initiative to move towards a ban. However, she is adamant that the ban should be instituted urgently.

In June 2013, the Government took the initiative to ban the importation of Styrofoam containers starting from June 2014. However, the Government decided to put a hold on the ban.

The Natural Resources Ministry last week said: “A moratorium/ban on the importation, use and retail of Styrofoam in the food service industry is on the cards for first quarter 2015.”

It was further explained by the Ministry that an implementation plan, including regulations under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act, is being prepared to institute the moratorium.

Efforts to get more information on the matter were futile. Parmanand

Persaud, who is attached to the Ministry, said that they were working on compiling technical information on the issue.

With the recent 7.75 inches of rainfall which caused major flooding in the city, the Ministries of Agriculture, Public Works and Local Government were forced to conduct an emergency cleaning of the Sussex Street Koker. This was done to remove a garbage pile-up, consisting mainly of Styrofoam containers, to aid in drainage from the La Penitence and Albouystown area.

Sooba, who was very active in the cleaning up exercise, was very disheartened by the garbage pile-up, especially since the Sussex Street Canal is among the seven canals around the city of Georgetown, which was recently cleaned during the “Clean Up My Country” campaign.

Sooba explained that Styrofoam containers make up the bulk of garbage and contribute heavily to blocked drains. “I think they should use the cardboard boxes, they are bio-degradable and easier to get rid of.”

She added that Styrofoam containers were very expensive to get rid of.

Congregational Church in Buxton

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resident Donald Ramotar was in attendance on Sunday when the Arundel Congregational Church in Buxton celebrated their 170th Anniversary with a Thanksgiving service under the theme, “Preserving our Inheritance, Honouring our Calling”.

President Ramotar was joined by Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill and PPP/C Member of Parliament, Odinga Lumumba and celebrated with the congregation by belting out songs of praise.

The Head of State lauded the work the church has been doing in the community and urged its members to continue in this regard. “I know this church has been doing a lot for this community and I urge you to continue doing so,” he said.

President Ramotar going back in time explained to the congregation that he was born and christened in the Caria Caria Congressional Church in the Essequibo

President Ramotar with, from left, APNU MP, Rupert Roopnarine, Opposition Leader, David Granger, Minister Juan Edghill and MP Odinga Lumumba at the Congregational Church in Buxton

River. He noted that he is very proud to be associated with the church which has always reached out to the less fortunate.

“In Caria Caria it was the only house of worship we had and I also attended the Congressional school,” he said.

The Head of State referred to parts of the scriptures from the Holy Bible, adding that the Congregational churches have fulfilled their task of assisting to make people’s lives better, and have done so with distinction.

He also noted that

the church calls on us to be modest and when we are helping we need not broadcast it. President Ramotar said that he has always tried to practice these same principles while executing his duties as a leader.

Also speaking briefly was Leader of the Opposition, David Granger as he joined in congratulating the church and its members on achieving their 170th year of existence. He gave a brief history of the existence of the church and urged the members to continue in their service

to the community.

The church was first built on a plantation south west of where it now stands. During those days, there was tremendous fear that the Atlantic Ocean would soon claim the building and the land on which it stood owing to erosion.

The large plot of land, on which the church now stands, was donated by Mr. Carter, a former slave and grandfather of the late George Carter, who later became a staunch deacon of the Arundel Congregational Church.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

AFC leadership race…

December 1 is deadline for nominations – Williams says expect “interesting” conference

BY JOMO PAUL

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lliance For Change (AFC) General Secretary David Patterson on Tuesday confirmed that December 1 has been set

as the deadline for nominations for the upcoming AFC biennial conference.

At this upcoming congress, the party is expected to elect its Leader, Chairman, Vice Chairman, General

Secretary and other functionaries within the party.

Patterson had already confirmed that all posts within the party will be up for election.

However, the

AFC General Secretary David Patterson

Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates will not be elected since the party would have to hold a special conference for them to be elected.

Previously, Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo and Chairman Nigel Hughes were seen as the most formidable nominations for the respective presidential and prime ministerial nominations.

The other previously named candidates were incumbent Leader Khemraj Ramjattan and Cathy Hughes.

Nominations were also received for Prime Ministerial candidate Raphael Trotman, Cathy Hughes, Dr Verasammy Ramayya and Patterson.

However, the party had claimed that its conference which was previously scheduled for October 26 was dependent on the passage of the No-Confidence Motion that the party brought against the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Donald Ramotar

Administration. But due to the non-passage of the No-Confidence Motion, the party was forced to abandon the late October date and reschedule its biennial congress.

During a telephone interview with Guyana Times International, Patterson said that thus far, he has received a “few” nominations, noting that he will be making the final tally of nominees for each position within the party when the deadline passes on Monday, December 1.

Further, Patterson related that he has confirmed some 275 delegates for the December 6 conference. These delegates are expected to come from Guyana’s 10 administrative regions.

He told GTI uyana Times too that the event was billed for the auditorium of the St Stanislaus College on Brickdam, Georgetown.

When asked about the theme for the event, Patterson related that the theme will be unveiled at a Press conference billed for sometime later this week.

AFC Youth Leader Trevor Williams and Executive Member Valerie Garrido-Lowe were not previously nominated for any of the top spots within the party.

When contacted on Tuesday, Williams said that as far as he is aware he was not nominated for any leadership position within the party but insisted that if nominated he would not shy away from the position.

He explained to this publication that there

may be nominations “from the floor” on the day of the event and if it just so happens that he receives one of those nominations, he would not decline.

He explained that in the past, there have been nominations of this kind for the positions of General Secretary, Vice Chairman and Treasurer of the party.

“I have not been nominated… but if nominated I don’t think I would decline” said the AFC Youth Leader adding that “I am open to nominations… I am open to their confidence.”

He claimed that the AFC delegates are very democratic and have a tendency to openly express their democratic rights.

When asked about his future with the party and this probability of him being elected to office, Williams was adamant that he has his political ambitions but given the current state of affairs with respect to the National Assembly, any pursuit of that at this point would be “distracting.”

He confessed “at some point I do see myself running for higher office.”

When asked whether he believes there will be any change in the leadership of the party at the upcoming congress, Williams said that none of the leaders should go to the conference without expecting a challenge for their respective roles within the party.

He explained that “it would be an interesting conference”.

Ten Guyanese women killed by... from page 5

to continue.”

In focusing on the legal aspect of eliminating violence against women, Minister Webster called on the lawmakers and investigators to address the issues and cases on domestic violence in a more timely manner.

On Monday, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) highlighted, in a press release, its experience of the unprofessional behaviour of the Guyana Police Force in addressing sexual violence.

“The GHRA has been involved in cases in which the Police, particularly in rural locations, discouraged victims from reporting sexual offenc-

es, distorted statements to eliminate sexual offences, or refused to take statements altogether,” the release indicated.

Further, the Association suggested the implementation of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), which would manage and tailor responses to the particular needs of the victim whereby a Police officer would be present on duty to take statements when the victim was ready to provide them.

The interfaith service marked the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism to commemorate the elimination of violence against women.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Rohee calls for more Albouystown residents transparency at GECOM furious over flood situation

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

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he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has registered its concern over the failure of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to publicly announce the names of persons it is currently training to work on elections day.

The Party’s General Secretary Clement Rohee said that the PPP was never informed of GECOM’S decision to recruit and train Election Day staff, complaining that as a major political stakeholder, and the oldest political party in Guyana, it should have been made aware.

He explained that while the electioneering body is an independent entity, it still has a responsibility to disclose such information to all stakeholders.

“The party was made aware of this through the media”, Rohee told reporters on Monday. He, on behalf of his party is there-

PPP/C General Secretary and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

fore “calling on GECOM to publish the names and addresses of those persons recruited for polling day staff.

Especially those for the positions of returning officers, elections clerk, and clerical assistants”.

Such a move, Rohee claimed will provide an opportunity for public scrutiny and confidence building in the entire process. The move, he also explained, will negate any doubt the public and other government agencies might be beginning to develop about

GECOM. “GECOM is an independent body and I think it is in the best interest of GECOM to let stakeholders know.

Whenever something is “shrouded in secrecy it generates some interest.

Rohee disclosed that the election body has already come under scrutiny, not out of any suspicion that something was done wrong.

“So it is important that it lifts every shroud of secrecy which would cause this to become a reality”.

Meanwhile, the General Secretary told reporters that his party was in favor of the move by the elections commission to enter into a seventh cycle of registration.

This, he said, demonstrates transparency in the electoral process. He said the party has been continuously feeding the election commission with the necessary information to assist it in the transparency process and is satisfied that it is moving in this direction.

Police promise to weed out ganja cultivation along Berbice River

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Division (Berbice) Commander, A s s i s t a n t Commissioner Brian Joseph said strong focus will be placed in the next few months on “weeding out” ganja cultivations along the Berbice River.

Joseph said these exercises will be done in collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and “will continue during the Christmas period”.

Speaking about the Division’s security plans for the festive season, he said that next month joint Police/Army patrol will conducted in the Berbice River.

In the past, ranks from the Division have led operations to both communities and have destroyed several fields of the illegal plant.

Baracara, a village along the Berbice River has been a community where marijuana is suspected to be cultivated on a commercial scale.

A section of the ganja cultivation in the Canje Creek before it was destroyed by Police

A large portion of the drugs cultivated is reportedly for the Surinamese market.

Police have not been able to arrest anyone connected with the trade in recent times. Sources close to the Police have indicated that those involved in the illegal cultivation have placed lookouts for law enforcement officials at various points along the Berbice River and Canje Creek.

On most occasions,

Police only find the fields cultivated and would destroy them.

Last Thursday, Police in Berbice destroyed five fields of marijuana cultivation during an operation in the Canje Creek.

According to the Police, the five fields were about nine acres in size, with some 10,000 plants, ranging in height from one foot to eight feet.

The plants were destroyed along with four wooden camps.

P

andemonium broke out last evening among residents of Albouystown, Georgetown when their homes became inundated with water owing to a breakage of the Koker at Sussex Street, Georgetown.

The flooding in the Albouystown community comes weeks after a similar situation occurred in Providence on the East Bank of Demerara, which saw residents experiencing major losses.

The Albouystown residents, during their boisterous protest, blamed the Public Works Ministry for the mishap.

They told Guyana Times International that they are at their wits end at the level of inattention the community is receiving.

Coupled with the rising water in their homes, the residents who had gathered at the site were also deeply concerned over another possible crisis since a high tide was predicted sometime later in the evening.

When GTI arrived at the scene, an engineer from the Mayor and City Council was already at work.

The once gushing water was contained with assistance lent by members of the Guyana Fire service.

Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase Green who was also at the scene, told this publication that she became aware of the situation earlier in the afternoon. According to her, it is alleged by residents that someone might have tampered with the koker’s lock and opened the door.

However, while that could not be proven, she was concerned about the safety of affected residents in the community. “There is still some amount of water gushing in so they are going to activate the pump to ensure that that water that is flooding in the Albouystown area would be pumped out”, Chase Green told this newspaper, noting that the situa-

Albouystown was flooded last evening following the breakage of the Sussex Street koker

tion was unfortunate.

The koker attendant was not present at the time of the incident. In fact, according to Chase Green, based on what was told to her, the pump attendant is required to service several sluices.

She said maybe in his absence, someone may have tampered with the koker.

Residents also complained about the presence of oil in the water.

“What we were told is that someone might have emptied some oil from a barrel in the water, we don’t know”.

Chase Green observed that the revetment which was built to preserve the existing uses of the shoreline as a defence against erosion was broken in.

This, she explained, has made little space available for the holding of water.

“Maybe what the Ministry of Works could do is build a proper revetment with concrete and bring it to the height of the entrance of the koker which will give you a better capacity to hold the water in these eventualities”.

Residents in their frustration criticised the operation of the sluice, noting that the work being carried out by those responsible is ineffective.

“Instead of them listening to people who know what is to be done, they are not listening to nobody”, one obviously upset resident told GTI. The man explained that the “good” pump was removed earlier in the day and was replaced with another that was worn out.

Another resident, Dexter Haughton told reporters on scene that since February the Public Works Ministry had installed the new pump there. He said while the pump works efficiently form time to time, the buildup of garbage would get into the foot valve of the equipment, causing it to choke.

The pump, he explained, operates mainly when there is intense rainfall. He explained that while he is working to assist the residents of Albouystown with his skill, he is not being given any attention.

“I did what is called a video footage of the different canals in the city.

Every time I try to meet with the hierarchies, no one wants to see with me because I am an ordinary person. I tried to see the Minister of Local Government but nothing,” the distraught resident opined.

Residents say the Sussex Street koker was allowed to deteriorate to its current state and leaves much to be desired.

“Imagine we used to play in this as a boy child”, one resident said.

“This is how it is though”.

In early October, officials from the Public Works Ministry were forced to replace a new sluice door on the koker which services the Peters Hall and Providence neigbourhood on the East Bank of Demerara.

The koker door reportedly caved under the pressure of the rising tide.

Residents experienced severe losses during after that incident.

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Queens immigrants react to Obama’s immigration announcement

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he day after President Obama’s announcement on taking Executive action for immigration, over two-dozen immigrants from DRUM – South Asian Organizing Center and other organizations gathered in Jackson Heights to express how pleased and relieved they were.

After more than a year and a half since grassroots groups around the country started the #Not1More campaign to move the President to halt deportations, end programs that criminalize immigrants, and expand the relief granted to young people in 2012, DRUM says the sacrifice and courage of its members and immigrants across the country who pressured the Administration has led to results.

A beneficiary of the program, 13 year old Nushin Tarannum said that “when my father was detained, I decided that we couldn’t suffer in silence anymore and be-

Members of DRUM display placards in support of Obama's immigration announcement

gan to organize for administrative relief. As a result of this announcement, my father will be able to work safely and without fear of detention or deportation.”

Of those excluded from

the program, Amana Begum, spoke about her husband who “has been in this country for over 20 years now, yet still won't benefit from this program. Since the announcement also includes

continued enforcement, he will live in even more fear of being detained or deported.”

DRUM Director, Fahd Ahmed adds, “the national consensus turned against hateful politics and for inclu-

sion. Nation-wide cities are limiting local involvement in federal deportation efforts, including New York City.

With ICE’s abusive actions being rejected across the country, it was only a matter of time before the President had to act. Now, with more of our community safe, we have to fight for everyone left out.

Every single person in our communities is fully deserving of relief and equality.”

City Council member, Daniel Dromm, praised “the courage and efforts of immigrant communities that made this happen. Now we have to work with community organizations to ensure that people are not scammed or taken advantage of.”

DRUM members also used has also started giving out flyers to community members with basic information about the programs, and information for upcoming community information sessions.

Region 2 invests Gy$81M to improve drainage and irrigation – residents, rice farmers thankful

By Indrawattie Natram

T

he Region Two (PomeroonS u p e n a a m ) Administration, through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), has invested Gy$81 million to improve drainage and irrigation throughout the entire Essequibo Coast.

The desilting of the drainage canals comes at a time when Guyana has been experiencing unusually heavy rainfall, which has caused floods in several parts of Guyana.

The works executed are aimed at helping to eradicate flooding in residential and farming areas on the Essequibo Coast.

Beneficiaries of the project, predominately rice farmers and residents, are thankful to the Government of Guyana for executing the project at an opportune time.

The project, which entails the clearing of most canals and the desilting of clogged facades and conservancies, will enable more crop production as well as encourage more and more farmers to open

One of the canals being desilted along the Essequibo Coast

up more lands.

Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud inspected the work throughout the Coast, including the desilting works at Capoey. According to Persaud, the project will help to improve drainage between Johanna Cecilia and Dartmouth.

The Chairman pointed out that desilting works are currently in progress in the Walton Hall-Paradise areas.

Inspections were also conducted at Queenstown which was recently flooded. Persaud said he was pleased with the works done by the contractor.

At La Union, the Chairman, during his inspection, noted that works are being done on the main canal lead-

ing to the sluice mouth.

This, he said, will allow more water to flow easily, and further enable water to flow smoothly from Queenstown and Annandale.

Additionally, inspections were done at Taymouth Manor and Three Friends sluice where desilting works are presently ongoing.

Meanwhile, farmers said that they are thankful and uttered loud praise for the work done. Most rice farmers pointed out that most of the canals and drainage trenches were invaded by tall bushes and weeds, making the flow of water problematic.

The project will minimise flooding in areas as well as boost production.

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11 Anthony says High level TT delegation to National Youth visit Guyana in December to Policy coming soon advance agriculture talks … in face of concerns

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over long delay

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

C

ulture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Monday confirmed that Guyana will soon be benefiting from a National Youth Policy, which was promised some years ago.

In a telephone interview with this publication, Anthony said that the United Nations has agreed to fund the programme, and the Ministry was now waiting on the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) to finalise the process.

The aim of the National Youth Policy is to respond to the challenges facing youths in Guyana, while creating opportunities for them to further transform their lives through equitable access to education, housing, health services, and economic opportunities.

The Policy will be complemented by a strategic implementation plan, inclusive of a monitoring and evaluation framework that identifies clear activities, actions, goals, and timelines.

In October of 2013, the National Youth Steering Committee was in the process of completing data collection to inform the Policy after travelling to most regions in Guyana to conduct focus group sessions, consultations and surveys.

Missing link

The National Youth Policy can be the missing link between the state of hopelessness that is hovering over youths and their ability to make more meaningful contributions to the growth and development of Guyana.

Only recently, the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry staged its first youth award ceremony to recognise outstanding contributions made by individuals and organisations that have focused their efforts on creating and provid-

ing an enabling environment that facilitates youth advocacy and provides effective youth programmes.

Back in 2011, the Minister announced the commencement of countrywide consultations on the document to meet the changing socioeconomic circumstances facing Guyanese youth.

These consultations and surveys during which 2500 questionnaires were distributed were concluded about three years later; and, the Minister said the National Youth Policy is in the process of being completed.

Many persons have contended that the delayed release of the Policy and similar situations jeopardise the outstanding work done by the Government over the last 22 years to advance the interests of youth in the areas of health, education and sport. It also sends the wrong message to young people, who have been eagerly awaiting the impact of Government policy that would have emanated from their direct input.

Youths want to redefine the role they play in the world through Information and Communication Technology (ICT), science and research, and sport. A National Youth Policy, which could be revised every two years, could provide them with the platform to grow and advance in this regard .Other problems such as juvenile delinquency and the emergence of a new cadre of youth criminals could be effectively tackled through prudent planning at the community level. Issues related to domestic abuse, rape, incest and teenage pregnancy are also matters which should be adequately dealt with in this document.

Guyana has to become the guiding light for other Caricom countries and its South American neighbours. It must advance the best National Youth Policy to further develop the aspirations of young Guyanese, who are already making sterling contributions the world over.

It is time Guyana brings the long overdue visionary and guiding document to fruition.

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

T

rinidad and Tobago’s Food P r o d u c t i o n Minister Devant Maharaj and Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment Vasant Bharath will lead a 10-member delegation to Guyana in December to advance agriculture relations with Guyana.

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy disclosed on Tuesday that the high profile team comprising eight Trinidadian investors will arrive in Guyana during the first week of December.

Last September, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) setting the stage for the leasing of lands in Guyana by private investors of Trinidad and Tobago for the pursuit of agricultural production including agro-processing.

During this upcoming meeting, the Trinidadian counterparts will indicate the type of crops to be grown in addition to the proposed areas.

In March of this year, Trinidad’s Food Production Ministry called on investors to tap into agricultural opportunities in Guyana, but from all indications, the investors were trickling in.

The process only ended recently.

Last year, the Trinidadian Food

This November 2012 photo shows Trinidad and Tobago Food Production Minister Devant Maharaj (fourth from left) and a team from his ministry following a meeting with President Donald Ramotar, Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy and Natural Resources and the Environment Minister Robert Persaud

Production Ministry expressed an interest in utilising 10,000 acres of land in Guyana for the purpose of sustainable food production. The Guyanese Government had signalled its willingness to provide 1000 acres during the initial stage, had the MoU evolved into an agreement.

The MoU was signed by both Dr Ramsammy and Minister Maharaj on September 6, 2013 in Trinidad and Tobago.

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

Recognising that global food insecurity remains a major problem across the world due to rising food prices amid declining food pro-

duction levels due to climate change, the parties had signed the agreement in their quest to reduce their food import bills. For Trinidad, this plan is in keeping with its National Food Production Action Plan 2012-2015.

The MoU provides guidance for the development, promotion and strengthening of bilateral cooperation between the countries through the development of joint ventures and activities that will contribute significantly to the promotion of food security but it does not impose action targets for either Guyana or Trinidad.

“In the execution of such programmes, projects and activities the parties will give consideration to developing capacity in sectors critical for food security and reducing the food import bill including but not limited to small rumi-

nant production, dairy, beef and poultry production, certified seeds (rice) production, corn and soy bean for animal feed, garlic, onion, legumes, coconuts, citrus and aquaculture,” a section of the MoU stated.

But shortly after the MoU was signed, the Trinidad and Tobago Agriculture Society, United Farmers Association and the Trinidad and Tobago Cane Producers Association objected to the MoU signed between Trinidad and Tobago.

It was contended that the agreement would not bring about a dent in TT’s $4 billion food importation bill. Even farmers in Guyana had signalled their objection, but Dr Ramsammy said it was simply a misunderstanding, explaining that if brought into fruition, easier access will be provided into both markets.

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NBS challenges Ombudsman report on fraud case - writes Cabinet Secretary

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE

T

he New Building Society (NBS), through it legal counsel, has challenged the authenticity of a report completed

by Ombudsman Justice Winston Moore on the Gy$69.9M fraud which allegedly occurred at the entity back in 2006 by registering its concerns with Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon at the Office of the President.

In a letter addressed to Dr Luncheon, Senior Counsel Ashton Chase acting on behalf of the Society, expressed concern over media reports which appeared in the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News following the release of aspects of a report which was undertaken by the Ombudsman.

“It seems that the publications arise from an initial or draft Report of the Ombudsman into our client’s business and which Report has not yet been made public.

“In the first instance, until made public, the Report should not be published and the appro-

priate steps of restraint ought to be taken by the authorities, including the Ombudsman,” the letter said.

No Govt nominee

He said his clients are managed by a Board comprised of persons elected by members of the Society and there is no Government nominee thereon.

“In addition, our aforesaid clients are not a Government Department or prescribed authority and de hors the parameters intended for such investigation by the Ombudsman,” the letter noted.

Chase said “this is unfair and an abuse of the statutory process”, as it would appear from the media coverage, grave condemnations of his clients without them having been given an opportunity to make a response have been made.

He contended that certain statements and comments by the Ombudsman are prejudicial to his clients especially bearing in mind that there are part heard proceedings before the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature touching this matter and

Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Kishore Gopaul

Former CEO of NBS Maurice Arjoon

since it is sub judice, the Ombudsman having regards to his career should know the damage inflicted.

cerned at being stigmatized by you and the comments made thereto in a Report by you, parts of which are published in the Kaieteur News of November 11, 2014 and Stabroek News of November 13, 2014,” the letter stated.

Chase said that as a result of the statements published and attributed to the Ombudsman, his clients are now at a serious disadvantage. This, he reasons, is a breach of the most basic judicial principles.

“Significantly, no mention is made of the heavy financial loss which the society has suffered or of the counter-

AG’s role

“If it was purposeful, it is all the more so, since it features in the newspapers through a former client of the present Attorney-General (AG) who no doubt participated in the Ombudsman’s appointment,” the letter indicated.

Chase has also written the Ombudsman’s Office to protest the statements made in the report which he said has affected the image of the NBS and its board.

“Our clients are con-

claim that they have instituted. The response solicited from the Dr Nanda K Gopaul, MP, has not been mentioned,” the letter reasoned.

“A careful if not sedulous examination is expected of an Ombudsman, more so a retired Judge, and if that had been done in this matter, it would have been observed that the Society never accused any of its staff of fraud.

Their Court Actions are premised on different grounds and an employer is entitled to pursue grievances as seem fit,” Chase’s letter continued.

He advised that it is the Society that has been done a grave injustice by the publication referred to and they deny accusing any of those dismissed of “fraud” as alleged and the actions his clients have taken against them are based on misconduct and negligence.

The NBS on Tuesday (November 18) slammed statements which suggested that it was being managed by former President Bharrat Jagdeo and senior Government functionaries when a Gy$69.9 million fraud was unearthed at the institution in 2007.

“The New Building Society Limited (NBS) categorically condemns any suggestion by those bent on creating mischief and misleading the public that the Society is or was managed by senior Government functionaries, including former President Bharrat Jagdeo,” the bank said in a strongly worded statement.

The NBS cleared the air on several speculative reports in sections of the media following disclosures made by a report submitted by the Ombudsman’s Office.

The bank stood its ground, stating that the three managers who were dismissed were guilty of gross misconduct, a breach of the rules and standing operational procedures, collusion and conspiring to commit fraud.

It maintained that on matters relating to sacked Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Maurice Arjoon, like any other employer, the bank is legally entitled to institute disciplinary action against any employee or employees for infringements which warrant punitive action.

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Caricom staff showcases creativity at Talent Celebrations

Caricom Secretariat staff showcase their talent

T

he creativity of Caricom Secretariat staff is currently on show at the Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown Secretariat during the week-long Staff Talent Celebrations.

“Creativity and Innovation for a Better Tomorrow” is the theme of this year’s staff celebrations.

The celebrations got off to an official start when Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque declared the week of activities open on Monday in

a brief ceremony at the Secretariat, a release from the organisation said.

The ceremony was set amid displays of collectibles, and art and craft mounted by the very artistic and inventive staff at the Secretariat. Secretary General LaRocque said he was very impressed with the talent he saw on show and commended the Caricom Staff Talent Committee headed by Vanessa Stephney for an excellent job.

The displays included digital photographs;

canvas paintings; photographs from around the world; pressed flower art and collectibles such as shoes, hand bags, liquors from around the world; mug collections; scarf collections; and a host of other art and craft pieces produced by staff members and their families.

The week will also showcase poetry, singing, dancing, modelling and the culinary arts. On Tuesday, the Secretariat hosted an evening of Musical Entertainment, Poetry and Palav.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Ramotar likely to remain PPP/C Presidential Candidate

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

v

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has announced that Head of State President Donald Ramotar will most likely remain the Presidential candidate for the party, should a snap election be called anytime in the near future.

Ramotar was selected by the party as its 2011 Presidential Candidate after a number of nominations were carefully looked at and scrutinized. He was serving as the party’s General Secretary at the time.

The Party’s Presidential Candidate and other pertinent issues were up for discussion recently, when the executives commenced discussions on the country’s current political mood, and the possibility of a snap election.

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee, at the party’s weekly Press Conference on Monday, disclosed that the committee has been discussing the issue

President Donald Ramotar

of the presidential candidate but from all indications, the situation will remain the same.

“The central committee started discussion on the matter and has agreed that it will bring it to finality as soon as possible. The issue is being discussed. President Ramotar obviously is the candidate for the time being until the Central Committee or the

Executive Committee closes off on the matter; there is one name there at the moment,” Rohee told Journalists at the Freedom House boardroom.

Prorogation

Rohee said the political situation as it regards to dialogue with the opposition, the pros and cons and the worst case scenarios on how the party would pro-

Karim: New UWI Open Campus in TT to cost TT$561m

P

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training Fazal Karim has estimated the cost of the Esmond Ramesar Open Campus Centre in Chaguanas at TT$561 million. Construction is under way on ten acres of land close to the Divali Nagar site and the first phase is carded to be completed in May. Karim was speaking at the UWI Open Campus Country Sites TT (UWI OCCSTT) annual awards and recognition ceremony on Friday at the UWI Teaching & Learning Complex, St Augustine. A total of 859 students—658 female and 211 male—graduated.

Karim said the open campus, which began as UWI’s Extra-Mural department in 1947/48, had always sought to reinvent the way distance, professional and continuing education were offered to underserved communities across TT. Over the years, it has evolved and now has 19 satellite centres nationwide, St Augustine being the headquarters until the Ramesar Centre in Chaguanas is established.

Karim told the gathering the new centre would be the larg-

TT’s Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training Fazal Karim

est of any facility owned and run by UWI. Some of the features of its first phase are the Academic Programming and Delivery Division (APAD) Centre, Computer and Technology Services (CATS) Centre, Registry, Finance Department, country site administration offices, HR Department and classrooms. The state-of-theart building will occupy 150,000 square feet.

Karim told the management to ensure all the satellite centres were equipped and certified as workforce as-

sessment centres. He also said the institution, when publishing photographs of the graduates, should state their areas of accomplishments, along with the number of graduates in each. “In this way, employers will be made aware of the type of graduates coming out of our tertiary learning institutions,” he explained.

He also recommended that graduations should be the commencement of employment opportunities tagged to the graduation. “Bring the employers here,” he urged.(TT Guardian)

ceed have also been discussed.

“That is a matter that came up and all the issues were discussed and ventilated we will continue to assess the situation because we see it as rather dynamic and fluid notwithstanding the position taken by granger when he vehemently refused to hold any consultations with the head of State.”

He told reporters that the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) may still have its internal faction especially as it relates to President Ramotar’s in-

vitation for consultation.

According to him, “it appears as though there are some elements within the APNU who are bent on not having any dialogue while there are others disposed to having dialogue”. He said that faction may be Granger’s challenge.

“I suspect he is having some difficulties in reconciling the different throng within the party to determine how to answer because I saw him saying he is still pondering how to respond to Ramotar’s letter. I think he’s trying to give it his best shot, having regards to the internal conflict within the party that probably where the answer lies; in his ability to untangle.”

Rohee reiterated that he is “confident as confident can be” that his party would be the victor at any future elections to be held in Guyana. The atmosphere he stressed tells of this.

He said as General Secretary of the party, he continues to move around the country where many people have been exuding confidence in the current administration, registering their interest in assisting it in getting over the “parliamentary impasse”.

“Their view as to getting over this parliamentary impasse is to go straight to election.

They even go further to say that in their view, the PPP/C will not only be reelected to office but they are prepared to work hard in order for the party to regain its majority in the National assembly.”

He explained that the party’s visits to traditional areas where it had lost votes in the last election, and speaking to persons who had had “migrated to the AFC”, have expressed their regret.

“They have reassured us that this time around they will vote for the PPP/C because the AFC has not brought them any good and not made good on their promise.

As far as they are concerned the best thing for them to do is to vote for the PPP/C the next time around,” Rohee said.

When the prorogation of Parliament comes to an end in six months time, Guyanese may have to go to the polls since the combined opposition has maintained that the no confidence motion will be the first item on the agenda when Parliament reconvenes.

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Collusion between airport staff, criminals a major problem

LIAT downplays speculation over staff cuts

- Aviation, security workshop hears By: Jomo Paul

T

he collusion between airport staff and criminals continues to be a major problem for the authorities who are bent on maintaining law and order in Guyana’s aviation sector.

This position came out of discussions held on Monday at a workshop organised by highlevel officials attached to the Ogle International Airport.

The workshop saw the presence of Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee Crime Chief Leslie James, Customs and Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Head James Singh, and other professionals within the aviation sector.

It was attended by several police officials, aviation officials and airport employees who sought to brainstorm ideas to alleviate collusion between crooked officials at the airports and airstrips.

As the workshop got underway the Security Consultant at the Ogle

S Crime Chief Leslie James and CANU Head James Singh during the workshop

International Airport, Harold Hopkinson in his opening remarks, related that irrespective of the society there will always be crooked officials including CANU officials, Pilots, Customer Service Representatives and Guyana Revenue Authority staff, all of whom are in some way or another working at the airport.

These individuals, Hopkinson underscored, are prone to becoming engaged in illegal activities at the airport or wherever they are stationed.

He insisted that by identifying these agents, he should not be seen as attacking anyone but rather identifying a problem that continues to plague the airline industry.

He said, “It is my opinion that there is room for improvement, as we say…security is everyone’s business.”

He noted that over the years criminal elements have been able to entice “grainy and unethical” airport staff members with large sums of monies to collude with them to commit illegalities.

These range from the trafficking of contraband to illegal migration.

Integrity

“These workers have been selling their integrity and jeopardising the lives of the crew and all those on the aircraft” Hopkinson said while noting that many times the monies offered by criminals cannot be attained on a regular salary from the employers.

In another address, Wilfred McIntyre a high level security official for Caribbean Airlines related that some 98.6 percontinued on page 21

LIAT had signalled its intention to reduce its fleet from 11 to nine aircraft

truggling regional airline LIAT on Monday downplayed speculation about possible jobs cuts in light of its efforts to operate “a smaller airline”.

In a terse press release, the airline said the management of LIAT has taken note of recent media reports about proposed job cuts at the company. LIAT’s Head of Corporate Communications, Desmond Brown informed that “any staff cuts that may be required in order to reflect the size of LIAT’s business in the future will only be made in consultation with staff and their representatives.

This process has yet to commence and, therefore, any speculation about the number of cuts remains just that – speculation.”

The airline, owned by the Governments of

Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Barbados, had signalled its intention to reduce its fleet from 11 to nine aircraft in 2015 in a fleet transition programme and reduce its costs to reflect this as it sought to make its operations financially viable.

Chief Executive Officer of the Antiguabased airline, David Evans, said in earlier media reports that like any responsible business “we have to examine our cost base and if we fly fewer aircraft in 2015 than in 2014, we also need to reduce our costs to reflect this”.

But, he said it was “too early to say what impact there may be on jobs as a result of this, and the company will consult with its staff and their representatives over its plans before making any announcement”.

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7th Cycle of Works on East Bank FourContinuous lane Highway moving apace Registration starts D on December 1

T

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally

he Guyana E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM) has announced its decision to launch the 7th Cycle of Continuous Registration on December 1, and made it very clear that its decision was not politically motivated.

GECOM said during its 431 Statutory Meeting on October 14, the unanimous decision was taken to execute the Seventh Continuous Registration Cycle by its commissioners.

After Leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), David Granger began his call for Local Government Elections earlier this year; there was much confusion as to whether the Guyanese population is ready for any kind of election.

Subsequently, because of supposed discrepancies in the voters’ list, the Peoples’ Progressive Party/Civil (PPP/C) Government Administration investigated and found that there were approximately 10,000 persons who have either died or have migrated on the list, including former President Author Chung.

As a result, General Secretary of the Party, Clement Rohee called for the 7th Cycle of Registration to begin on November 17. GECOM said Rohee’s call came over a month after it had already taken the decision to carry out the registration cycle.

GECOM said “it must be noted that the call made by Mr Clement Rohee for GECOM to conduct the 7th cycle of Continuous Registration, which came on November 17, 2014,

came more than a month after the Commission took the decision to so do. Consequently, it must be absolutely clear to all concerned that the Commission’s decision was not influenced by any political party of other stakeholder whatsoever.”

But APNU has since been calling for early elections, following the prorogation of Parliament more than a week ago. It is said that the additional 10,000 names on the voters’ list would have worked in APNU’s favour had there been early elections with registrations being carried.

GECOM reiterated that conducting registration cycles is one of its primary routine functions which has to be done, and is not determined by any political party. It was also revealed by GECOM that for this specific upcoming cycle of registration, it did not consult with any external stakeholder.

This move now sets this registration cycle aside from the rest, because according to GECOM’s routine protocol, on matters which the Commission deems appropriate, the Chairman consults with the political parties who hold seats in Parliament before making a decision.

The 7th cycle of Continuous Registration is expected to promote a more transparent and fair election. Although a date for General Elections has not been set, Parliament was prorogued by President Donald Ramotar on November 10 for a period of up to six months to facilitate dialogue

espite the constant delays in the completion of the East Bank FourLane Highway, officials are confident that the project will be completed soon as work is moving apace.

Speaking with Guyana Times International, Head of the Works Services Group Geoffrey Vaughn disclosed that based upon the last meeting held with the contractors, work on Lots One and Two should be wrapped up by the end of December.

However, he noted that with the current inclement weather, this might not be possible; nevertheless, they are holding the contractors to this deadline.

According to Vaughn, there are some delays with the contractor, Dipcon Engineering, acquiring materials to complete the work in Lot One. The WSG Head explained that the contractor is having financial difficulties, and as such, they sought the Ministry’s assistance is getting the materials and transporting it to the site. He added that

with the Opposition for the smooth running of Guyana.

The prorogation followed the No-Confidence Motion which was put forth by the Alliance for Change and was set to be debated upon the reconvening of Parliament on November 10 and Ramotar said his decision was taken also to preserve the life of the 10th Parliament.

However, the Opposition leaders have since refused to have any dialogue with the President outside of Parliament despite the calls from various local organisations, including the Private Sector Commission and The National Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce of Guyana.

GECOM said it will continue to carry out its functions with the highest level of transparency, accountability and impartiality and reiterated its stance of honouring its responsibilities without instructions from any one political party.

“The Commission does not, and will not take instructions from any political party relative to honouring its responsibilities,” the Elections Commission said.

Contractors working on the high bridge at Diamond

they are also looking at some sort of a payment structure for the materials.

“We’re in the process of working with them in terms of that which is part of the contract,” Vaughn said.

Lot One in terms of progress is about 40 per cent complete. This is not much improvement from the last update given to this newspaper by Works Ministry’s Manager of Roads and Bridges Department, Ron Rahaman, who stated that back in August that works on that Lot is 40 per cent completed.

Meanwhile, works

are progressing in Lot Two in order to wrap up by December monthend. This Lot is 75 per cent complete. As it relates to Lot Three, the completion has been pushed back to 2015 due to the construction of the high bridge located at Diamond. The progress of works on this lot is just over 50 per cent.

The WSG Head further outlined that there are still some issues with regards to the utility that needs to be resolved.

“We are at the stage where we now wrapping up the addendum with GT&T for them to actu-

ally move out the last set of buried cables… this is in Lot Three and the adjoining lot between Two and Three,” he noted.

“So you find that is what we have in terms of East Bank, but we are still pushing the contractors to see how quickly we can wrap up these works,” Vaughn stated.

Additionally, Vaughn pointed out that the cost of the project has not exceeded its budget; however, there are additional costs for payments to the Supervisors who are overseeing the project.

They are being paid on a monthly basis.

20

news

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sun and Sand Hotel project Bill and Melinda Gates give J$226m to Jamaica to commence soon - Govt

P

resident Donald Ramotar on Monday confirmed that the construction of the US$54M Sun and Sand Hotel is expected to commence soon, dismissing misinformation being peddled

by Opposition members that the project lacks transparency and is falling through.

Back in July, Ramotar had turned the sod along with officials from the Indian owned Sun and Sand Group of Companies for the commencement of work on the hotel.

The Hotel, when completed, will include a casino, along with a commercial block and club house.

Rooms

It will contain 163 rooms and provide jobs for several hundred Guyanese. The construction of the five-star hotel is expected to last for approximately 18 months.

In the interim, that work has been delayed somewhat due to teething issues with getting the project off the work.

But Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan is quoted in sections of the media as expressing the view that there might be more to the actual deal that the government negotiated with the Indian investors.

He alleged that his party was of the view that the project appeared less than trans-

parent and that concession and other facilities may have been granted.

Information

Ramjattan is also on record as giving his party’s commitment to ascertain pivotal information about the deal that could remove any suspicion that it is being used as a front to enter in the lucrative operations in the mineral sectors in Guyana.

“We have few details of this deal. It was announced suddenly and we would like to know whether any mining concessions were tied to the hotel construction,” he is quoted as saying.

However, President Ramotar insisted that as far as he was aware, the project was still very much on the cards and there was no plan by the investors to withdraw or cancel their investment in the multimillion dollar venture.

When contacted, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali told Guyana Times International the same. He also denied allegations that the project had fallen through and promised to share more information on its current status with this newspaper.

Construction

Director of BK International Brian Tiwarie told this newspaper that the

company has purchased all the equipment needed for construction to begin.

He disclosed that the officials of the company were working feverishly on completing some very important operational and administrative work.

Tiwarie said that they were still awaiting the approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and some other important paper work from the Lands and Survey Commission.

That, he reasoned, was responsible in part for the delay in the actual start up and operationalisation of the venture.

In addition, getting the plot of land at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara surveyed, on which the hotel is to be built, has also posed a problem.

Efforts to speak with Bhushan Chandna, Chief Executive Officer of the company were unsuccessful as he was in a meeting when this newspaper placed a call to his mobile.

The Sun and Sand Group has also showed interests in venturing in gold mining in Guyana and other sectors of the economy.

The company has mining operations in South Africa and other countries.

for ICT development

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has provided US$2 million (approximately J$226 million) to finance a project to provide Jamaicans with increased access to ICT services, as well as training to promote personal, organizational and national development.

The grant will also fund a mandatory programme of advocacy and sensitization of decision-makers to the value of libraries in the country’s development process, Minister of Education, Ronald Thwaites, told the House of Representatives, as he tabled a Ministry Paper in Parliament giving details of the agreement.

The project costs US$3.1 million (approximately J$350 million). The Jamaican government will donate the other US$1.1 million (approximately $123 million) Thwaites said that beneficiaries will include users of public libraries islandwide, including marginalized groups, senior citizens, persons from rural and inner-city communities, the unemployed and persons with disabilities, including the visually impaired, and ordinary citizens seeking information about selfimprovement.

“The marketing plan, which envisages a major campaign to

Bill Gates

make Jamaicans aware of the project and its deliverables, and will increase the number of library users, is being finalized for implementation commencing in November,” he said.

American business magnate, philanthropist, investor, computer programmer, and inventor, Bill Gates, is the former chief executive and chairperson of Microsoft, the world’s largest personal-computer software company, which he co-founded with Paul Allen.

He is consistently ranked in the Forbes list of the world's wealthiest people and was the wealthiest overall from 1995 to 2009—excluding 2008, when he was ranked third.(Jamaica Observer)

NEWS

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Collusion between “There was a sparkle of light across the country since the PPP/C took office” airport staff... from page 18

cent of crimes done at airports are committed with the help of airport staff members.

It was noted that this related figure was ‘alarming” and some urgent measures needed to be implemented to ensure that it decreases.

Those measures may include better salaries to staff and more appreciation for the work done.

“If you pay peanuts you get monkeys” emphasized McIntyre.

“Who is to guard the guard?” questioned McIntyre who added that “all airport personnel have the moral authority” to report suspicious behaviour of their colleagues.

He related that this figure was acquired from studies and is relative to the Caribbean and South America.

“Civil aviation is vulnerable to crime, crime has no boundaries. Only the law has boundaries” McIntyre said while noting that “the enemy in most instances is within.”

He confessed that this was in a large part due to the fact that the workers had an overwhelming belief that he or she would not get caught in the perpetration of the act.

The Caribbean Airlines official further contended that it is also done due to the fact that

the persons are more than likely to be subjected to a financial difficulty or strain in their personal life.

It was noted too that at present the biggest threat to aviation security in the Caribbean and South America is trafficking in Narcotics.

He related that most international countries impose strict fines on airlines that are found to have facilitated that trafficking of narcotics to its country.

One example as pointed out by McIntyre was the United States of America, which imposed a fine of US$1000 for every ounce of cocaine discovered.

He said it is important that officials keep themselves abreast with the “trends” in the criminal world as there are new methods being discovered everyday to trick the system and transport narcotics.

Meanwhile, Rohee who delivered the feature address reiterated that Guyana and the Caribbean are not the only places affected by collusion among airport staff with criminal elements.

Rohee related that in most cases, no one individual should be sought after as there is always an inside man.

- Baksh tells Wakenaam residents

By Indrawattie Natram

M

inister within the Agriculture M i n i s t r y , Ali Baksh said A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is the old People’s National Congress (PNC) in disguise and the Alliance For Change (AFC) is no different.

A d d r e s s i n g Wakenaam residents at separate meetings at Success and Marias Pleasure, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) on Saturday, Baksh said both political parties are against the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, but unfortunately to stop development.

The Minister urged residents to continue to support the PPP/C, noting that Guyana might soon be going to the polls.

Baksh said the PPP/C was proud of the developments on the island, the majority of which has been achieved under its watch.

Minister Baksh reminded residents that during the dark days of the PNC, the roads on the island were in a terrible state.

He said residents had many “early nights” as

Minister within the Agriculture Ministry, Ali Baksh speaking at a meeting at Success, Wakenaam, Region Three (Essequibo Islands West Demerara)

there was no electricity, coupled with no telephone services, poor access to water and rundown education and health sectors.

The Minister, who was a former Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Chairman said gone were those days, noting that Wakenaam was assuming its rightful place in Guyana, performing well in a number of sectors.

He said the island has been producing a number of intelligent young men and women.

“Young people who leave the island to go further their studies are returning to further develop the island, this is

because of the many opportunities we, the PPP, have exposed them too,” Baksh said.

He said too that he was more than impressed whenever he drove around the small agricultural island and noticed the tremendous transformation in the landscape with the erection of many modern houses.

The Minister told residents that since the PPP/C took office in 1992, there was a sparkle of light, a light that created opportunities, development and progress throughout every region in Guyana.

He reminded residents that the same old

PNC, now disguised as APNU, had destroyed the country during its 28 years of “plunder”, during which human rights abuse, starvation and rigged elections were a central feature.

According to Minister Baksh, then Finance Minister of the PNC Government, Carl Greenidge had said the finance barrel was scraped till it “bore”.

“During PNC days, we had no bread, flour was banned along with split peas, potatoes, sardines and other basic food items, including soap; people suffered, they had to find alternative – grind black eye to make dhal. If we were caught with any of the banned items, such as a loaf of bread, a tin of sardine or any of the banned items, we were charged and jailed; I faced all this,” Baksh related.

At the end of the meeting, residents interacted and raised issues that affect them.

The Minister was accompanied by Region Two Vice Chairman Vishnu Samaroo and PPP/C organisers of Wakenaam Island, Zakir Khan and Mustak Mohammed.

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran also conducted meetings at Ridge and Zeelandia.

Guyanese youth leaders honoured for outstanding work

L

ocal youths, activists and organisations have been nationally recognised for their achievements as the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry on Saturday evening held the first-ever National Youth Awards ceremony at the National Cultural Centre.

The inaugural award hosted in collaboration with CUSO International recognised outstanding individuals and/or organisations that have focused their efforts on creating and providing an enabling environment that facilitates youth advocacy and provides effective youth programmes.

Awards were presented in six categories: regional participation, national participation, service, media, school and an award of excellence.

The regional awards were given to individuals from all the regions except Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

“Here is a mechanism to distinguish youth advocacy and effective youth programmes. Here is an award that recognises young people who have made a difference through their voluntary participation and active voice, whether it is through sports,

Winners of the 2014 National Youth Awards

training, culture and arts,” Director of Culture, Dr James Rose said.

Dr Rose, delivering the keynote address at the award ceremony, said that having examined the long list of areas, the scope of activities covered in the award would have questioned whether it was difficult in finding entries for the category.

He explained that he was instead informed that the difficulty was not in finding entries, but instead in choosing from among so many quality entries.

Great hope

He noted that Guyana has

great hope in her youthful generation to redeem the country from stressful issues and that no one should ever underestimate the power of youth in this, or any other society.

“They have not yet learnt what cannot be done, they have not yet become jaded by life’s heartbreaks and because they do not know what cannot be achieved…”

He noted, however, that these very youthful qualities pose many dangers as young people are sometimes naïve, they do not have the value of experience, give into the silent call of temptation and less likely to older persons who would

want to warn them about mistakes.

Director of Youth, Gillian Frank explained that the award aims to recognise the accomplishments of those within the age range of 14 to 29 years who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in their lives and through voluntary services and youth focus organisations that have promoted and fostered the development of youth welfare and voluntary activities.

She listed as some of the objectives of the award those of highlighting outstanding work that young people contribute to their communities, that is

by providing social services to motivate them to develop a sense of duty and leadership to their community regardless of age, and to establish benchmarks that challenge young people to increase their skills in different fields, thus, improving their personal potential.

Frank said that it is anticipated that gains of the awards will increase the participation of youth in public affairs through voluntarism, increase the ability of youth to advocate for themselves, and the value of youth and their contribution to community and national development.

22 news Massive expansion and improvement for West Coast Highway to commence soon T WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

he Public Works Ministry on Saturday inked a US $46,789,000 contract with several contractors for varying aspects of a major road improvement project, paving the way for a colossal transformation of the West Coast Highway.

Stretching from Vreeden-Hoop to as far west as Hydronie (approximately 30.7km), the road network’s upgrade will cater for pavement rehabilitation, road widening, separation lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, installation of traffic signs, traffic lights and road markings, replacement of the Groenveldt Bridge, relocation of utilities and general repairs.

The money, which was approved in the 2014 Budget, is provided primarily through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Guyana.

The project not only deals with physical road works; in fact, the versatility of the contracts awarded allows for money to be spent on educating the general public on road safety awareness. The project consists of six components.

School Road Safety Awareness This will be carried out

by TRL Limited at a cost of £252,107. This component fo-

Public Works Ministry under this component. The contract is valued US$75,875.

Road works supervision

In order to ensure work is being executed, Road Works Supervision is catered for.

SRKN Engineering, in association with BBFL Caribbean Limited is tasked with managing the day to day operation of this component on behalf of the Public Works Ministry, and to ensure the tasks are executed in accordance with the contract specifications.

Road works

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn presents contract documents to Managing Director of Surrey Paving, Leslie Chang as BK International’s Brian Tiwarie (centre) and Permanent Secretary Balraj Balram (far left) of the Public Works Ministry look on

cuses primarily on road safety education in schools and will be implemented over a twoyear period. It aims to raise awareness of road safety education, establish it in the school curriculum, and build teachers’ capacity in the subject among others.

Community, Driver Road Safety Education Programme

This is another key component, targeting minibus drivers in particular, and the general public and seeks to

deliver a driver’s education course and provide road safety education in the communities served by this road network.

This component will be carried out by GeoTech Vision Guyana Inc, at a cost of US$86,500 over two years, and aims to, among other things, revise the Guyana National Road Safety Council’s course to ensure consistency with best practices, and review the content of the Guyana Police Force’s new drivers’ education

course and make recommendations for improvement.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) focuses on developing a comprehensive resultsbased M&E system for this project. This will facilitate the project’s system becoming transferrable to projects of similar nature to be undertaken. M&E Group is tasked with communicating informative and summative evaluations of this project to the

A 36-month long road works component will be carried out through a collaborative effort between Surrey Paving & Aggregate Company Limited, and BK International Inc. Surrey Paving & Aggregate Company Limited is a Jamaican company, and was only awarded the contract after immense scrutiny by the Public Works Ministry and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The company also boasts an ISO 9000 certification for quality. Both parties expressed delight with the association.

Public Relations

There is as well a Public Relations aspect of this massive project; however, the contract for this has not yet been continued on page 24

news WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014

23

| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Local stars to promote Guyana abroad

- Tourism Ministry launches Ambassador Programme

T

he Tourism, Industry and C o m m e r c e Ministry in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) on Friday evening launched the Ambassador Programme at the 2014 Tourism Awards, where local pioneers in the sector were recognised for their outstanding contribution in promoting tourism in Guyana.

The Tourism A m b a s s a d o r Programme will see popular Guyanese figures being recruited as Tourism Ambassadors for the country at international events. This comes as the Tourism Ministry is pushing “Destination Guyana” with the new concept “Guyana – South America Undiscovered”.

GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh noted that Ambassadors and entrepreneurs are the bedrock of tourism in any country. He noted that the Ambassadors will join in promoting “Destination Guyana”.

“As Ambassadors, they will act as the faces and Brand Ambassadors of the sector, both at home and abroad. They will help to promote ‘Destination Guyana’ and to help others to discover our very diverse, vibrant and exciting tourism product and destination,” he stated.

The GTA Director noted that these individuals will undergo training, adding that some of them have already done so. Additionally, they will have to attend tourism events and trade shows for and behalf of Guyana, where they will make presentations.

Haralsingh pointed out that Guyana will reap tremendous benefits from the goodwill, accomplishments and popularity of the

The recipients of this year’s tourism awards with President Donald Ramotar and other officials

Ambassadors, who have all pledged their commitment to give back to the country.

“They are all role models, leaders, they are all enthusiastic, popular, well networked, respect professionals in their own field; all with the ability to engage and motivate,” he stated.

The GTA Director further emphasised the need to mobilise all of Guyana to be good Ambassadors for “Guyana – South America Undiscovered”.

On that note, he urged all to be better Ambassadors for their country, Guyana.

Power of personality

Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) President Shaun McGrath said that the power of personality has proven to be most effective in any destination marketing strategy.

“Many countries have successful used their famous sons and daughters as tourism spokesman and Ambassadors with a mandate to promote the positives of their destination,” he said, highlighting cases such as Jamaica using athlete Usain Bolt; Australia

Mahaicony man found chopped to death

T

he police say they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Neeraj Michael c/d ‘Buckie’, 19 years, of Champagne, Mahaicony, ECD, whose body was found in the Mahaicony River, at about 0935h. today, with suspected chop wounds to his head.

Police say that investigations have revealed that Michael was at a

function at Hyde Park, Mahaicony River, on Tuesday when he had a misunderstanding with some persons. He later left among other persons in a boat during which it is suspected that he was chopped with a cutlass and thrown into the river.

A man has been arrested and is in police custody assisting with the investigations

using actor Paul “Crocodile Dundee” Hogan and South Korea

using pop singer “Psy”.

“We are confident that the international-

ly recognised Guyanese personalities will take this new and important role to heart and know that they will produce significant results to the benefit of the country,” the THAG President said.

McGrath also underscoring the importance of every Guyanese being full-time Ambassadors for their country, noting that everyone has a role, whether directly or indirectly, to play in promoting the positives.

According to the THAG President, visitor arrivals have been increasing year after year in Guyana while many of the more established tourist destinations are

suffering as a result of the world financial crisis. This, he said shows the successes that the sector has been enjoying.

The first batch of Ambassadors identified are musician Dave Martins; cricket legends Clive Lloyd and Shivnarine Chanderpaul; motor racer Andrew King; body builder Hugh Ross; squash champion Nicolette Fernandez; and cricket broadcaster Joseph “Reds” Perreira.

In brief remarks, Martins underscored the need for a positive platform for the country against all the negatives.

24 News Blame game continues! Bosai employees stage WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

…Sooba says politically-aligned officials are responsible for City garbage situation

protest for wage increase

Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba An excavator removing debris from the Sussex Street Canal on Friday. The build-up of plastic bottles and other impediments in the drains and canals in the city has affected the smooth drainage of water following heavy downpours on Wednesday and Thursday (Marceano Narine photo)

By Erica Williams

A

cting Town Clerk Carol Sooba has slammed “deeply politically aligned” managers at City Council for not enforcing anti-litter laws to combat the indiscriminate disposal of refuse.

Speaking with Guyana Times International on Saturday, Sooba said enforcement of the regulations is outside of her jurisdiction.

The acting Town Clerk’s response comes amid frustration of the slow drainage of water accumulated during recent heavy downpours.

“We are cleaning this canal now and you will see, in a short while it will be dirty again, they just keep dumping garbage.”

The Litter

Regulations passed in November 2013, clearly states that persons found littering can be fined up to Gy$100,000 or be imprisoned for up to three months.

“Any person/persons found guilty of depositing litter in a public place, depositing litter from a moving vehicle unto a public place; and to causing or permitting persons to commit offences one and two above, under the litter regulations shall be liable to a fine of between Gy50,000 to Gy100,000 dollars or three months imprisonment. The absence of a waste receptacle is not an excuse under the law,” she said.

Sooba explained that one of the main contributing factors to excessive litter around the city is street corner vending.

She explained that she

has tried to address this problem since she took office in 2012, but her efforts were short-lived.

She accused senior officials of City Hall of receiving financial gains for allowing illegal vending. This, she said was the reason for vendors being allowed to vend on the shoulders of the road.

It was explained by Sooba that these vendors left their garbage just about anywhere. “If you go by Bourda and Stabroek market, you will see them. They sell right where they throw the garbage.”

Sooba said there are documents that will substantiate her claims of misconduct by some senior City Hall officials.

However, efforts to speak with the officials pointed out by Sooba proved futile.

S

Bosai employees on strike for a wage increase

everal employees of Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Inc (BMGGI) downed tools on Monday morning over several issues, as they demanded an additional two percent increase in salaries across the board.

According to the employees, the management of the bauxite mining company is presently proposing a six percent increase but they are demanding an increase of eight percent and nothing less.

Holding placards bearing slogans such as, “We pocket empty! Get it! We need more money. We need to feed our family”, “Six percent can’t work, eight percent and more, we work, we must be paid”, and “double figures this year, no bribe”, the employees stood outside the north gate of the company.

Vice Chairman of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial, and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) Union’s Linden Branch, Orrin Tischmaker said workers are dissatisfied with the way in which negotiations are progressing with the management of BMGGI. “We are dissatisfied with the way in which management has been treating workers…safety is a real eye sore and when you approach the management they are not doing what they are sup-

posed to do and you are being victimized.

“We are not too far away from our (production) target and I was told by members of the union that the manager said that he is not going to give us any bonus and we have a structure set up, that is why we could demand our bonus,” he said.

He said according to the organized structure, if workers meet a specified production target, they are guaranteed a bonus and the decision is in contradiction to what was agreed to.

“Safety is a serious problem in the mines, we don’t have a proper ambulance for the workers, there is no proper communication.

“It’s like we are playing ‘cat and mouse games’, we have requested to see the owner of the company. He was here on Friday and we still haven’t seen him.

80 percent of the workers are afraid to talk because of the way management is treating them,” he said.

Tischmaker said he is calling on environmentalists from the Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) Democratic Council (RDC), the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) and Natural Resources and the Environment Minister Robert Persaud to look into their plight.

Massive expansion and improvement for West Coast... from page 22

awarded.

Following the signing of the contracts at the Public Works Ministry, Kingston, Leslie Chang, Managing Director of Surrey Paving noted that, “We are very pleased to have formed this joint venture with BK International and it’s an association we’re very optimistic about, and we hope to continue beyond this particular contract.”

Brian Tiwarie, Chief Executive Officer of BK International, echoed Chang’s, commitment to making this joint venture work. “We want to guarantee you that this joint venture will go through.”

Surrey Paving & Aggregate Company Limited brings to the table for Guyana international impetus and outlook, Projects Director, Michael Archer took

time to point out.

“Guyana has an economy that, like Jamaica, is striving to extend and improve the development. We see a lot of opportunities here, we bring a significant amount of experience and we are a Caribbean people, a Caribbean company, we have a regional outlook.”

Surrey Paving & Aggregate Company Limited has done similar projects in Trinidad, Antigua, St Kitts and St Vincent, and in all instances forged alliances with local contractors.

Road infrastructure improvement

Meanwhile, Public Works Minister Robeson Benn pointed out that this project is a major step forward with regards to the development of public infrastructure in Guyana. He

noted that the constant improvement of the road infrastructure has been a primary focus of this Government.

“The Government of Guyana, during the time of the PPP/C has been constantly working to improve our public road network and infrastructure.”

He urged that continued focus be kept on the prime objectives in terms of national development.

The objective of this project is to increase efficiency and safety of road transportation along the West Coast Demerara.

The Government of Guyana has been constantly working to improve the country’s public road network infrastructure, with the aim to bring it to a level to efficiently facilitate the development of the country.

News

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Commander Hicken apologises for rape comment

A

fter a series of protests by women rights activists last week, Commander of ‘A’ Division (GeorgetownEast Bank/East Coast Demerara from Moblissa to Turkeyen) Senior Superintendent Clifton Hicken on Monday issued an apology to persons who took umbrage to his comments made about rape a few weeks ago.

In a release, Hicken said he “wishes to apologise to all members of the Guyanese society who have been negatively affected by his comments made in relation to the offence of Rape.”

He emphasised that his comments were a bad choice of words and does should not be taken to mean he does not understand the social effects of rape.

“The comments made were an unfortunate bad choice of words since, like every other member of the Force, the Divisional Commander understands Rape to be a violent act of power and aggression by the perpetrator on a weaker person. Rapists are criminals who ought to be treated as such, and

victims are certainly not responsible for the violence committed against them.”

The Guyana Police Force has already come out in defence of Hicken after concerns were initially raised with respect to the statement.

The Police in a release said that Hicken’s comment “has been taken out of context” adding that the Divisional Commander had no intention to, in any way, justify sexual assaults”.

The Police noted that Hicken has an abundance of experience which would have led to him making the statement to the reporters last Monday.

Hicken had suggested that in some cases, the mode of dress of victims may have contributed to rape.

“The Divisional Commander felt obligated to share that information as one of his crime prevention strategies focusing on sexual assault…while the males in our society ought not to interpret a female’s mode of dress to be sending a particular type of signal, the fact remains that it is happening to some degree”.

Citizens Bank opens Gy$200M branch at New Amsterdam

C

itizens Bank on Sunday commissioned a spanking new Gy$200 million branch at New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) with President Donald Ramotar calling for credit cards to be used more in transacting business.

The President made the call against the backdrop that Guyana’s financial sector is becoming more developed and sophisticated.

The President said the new banking facility is evidence of the confidence the business community has in the local economy, noting that Guyana over the years has moved from being a Heavily Indebted

President Donald Ramotar (seventh left) and Citizens Bank Chairman Clifford Reis (left of President) with staffers at the new branch in New Amsterdam

Poor Country (HIPC) to a developing country.

“We have the conditions in Guyana to take us to the other level of reaching the status of being a developed country in a short period of time.”

He said over the years, the Government has developed the infrastructure

to keep the country going, but he noted in order to go to the next level “we will need projects like the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project”.

Government, he said will not give up on this project.

Meanwhile, Citizens Bank Chairman Clifford

Citizens Bank on Sunday commissioned a spanking new Gy$200 million branch at New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)

Reis said the County of Berbice is a force to be reckoned with, noting that it is a well established agriculture base, rich in mineral resources, which all speak of the economic importance of Berbice.

“What we have here is a vision of what could be possible in terms of economic activity and creating wealth could now be considered with the creation of a deep water harbour.”

Citizens Bank Managing Director Eton Chester said that the New Amsterdam branch will offer the same standard of services offered at its other locations.

The building was designed by Guyanese architect Sheldon Williams and was constructed Home Designs, a New Amsterdam firm.

26

NEWS

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

“I am not being Probe launched into trafficking of sidelined” - AFC’s five Guyanese men in Suriname Garrido-Lowe maintains

BY ANASTACIA CLEMENTSON

A

lliance For Change (AFC) Parliamentarian and former Executive of The United Force (TUF) party, Valerie GarridoLowe has denied being sidelined in the party, explaining that she has been pulling her weight in the minority Opposition party ever since crossing the floor.

Lowe speaking to the Guyana Times International on Monday stated that no concern was raised by her colleagues in the AFC Executive about her work ethics, contributions, or ability to muster up electoral support for the party at any of their weekly meetings.

She has also denied being silenced within the party and being used as a rubber stamp to attract votes of the Amerindians.

“I feel I have been working very hard in the hinterland”, she told this newspaper while insisting that she has earned her position in the AFC party.

Lowe told this news-

AFC Parliamentarian Valerie Garrido-Lowe

paper that she and Raphael Trotman had a deal when she entered the AFC ahead of the 2011 elections.

The understanding related to her contributions and a promise that she would remain an integral part of the party’s hierarchy.

When questioned about the general leakage of information by other party members about the alleged manner in which she was being treated, Lowe said that maintained that she was not being ignored.

She told this newspaper that she was advised

by the Executive Body of the party “not to worry” about what is being said.

In politics, Lowe said, many persons do not feel secure about their political career and therefore do not work very hard on keeping their jobs.

This is not the case for her and Lowe continued to stress that over the last two years, she has been putting in a yeoman effort in several hinterland communities to improve the lives of the indigenous peoples there.

While Lowe adopted this position, sources close to the AFC had told this newspaper that there have been concerns over her ability to function effectively both as a parliamentarian for that party and a politician that can attract mass support.

The source went further to suggest that while there has been no official communication of the party’s concerns with Lowe, covert attempts were afoot to ensure that she is not nominated for any prominent post at the upcoming AFC Leadership Convention.

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olice in Guyana and Suriname are probing a human trafficking case that involved five Guyanese men as victims. The Guyana Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the investigation and has already conducted interviews with the five men.

In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, the Guyana Police Force said it is investigating the circumstances under which two sets of Guyanese nationals were victims of Trafficking in Persons in Suriname.

According to the police statement, the men have since returned to Guyana.

The men were taken from Amerindian communities in Guyana and taken to Trinidad with a promise that they would be given lucrative farming jobs.

But according to an initial police report, once in Suriname, the men were made to live under harsh conditions with

limited food. They were required to work long hours and were not paid for their labour.

The Guyana Embassy in Suriname was contacted after the men found their way to a police station in the neighbouring country and filed a report. They were visited by Guyana Embassy officials including the Ambassador to Trinidad.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has since explained that it was able to confirm that four of the men are from Region 1 while the other man is from Region 4.

“From the interview, it was also ascertained that the five persons were indeed Guyanese nationals. This confirmation was required since they were all without identification documents”, the statement said.

The Foreign Ministry added that the report received from the five men has been provided to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the relevant law en-

forcement authorities of both countries.

The Government of Guyana through the Foreign Affairs Ministry is advising the Guyanese public to be wary of “too lucrative to be true job offers outside of Guyana and where promises of securing the necessary travel documents and work permits are made.”

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said based on other reports it has received; there must be more vigilance in the interior and Amerindian communities.

Both Guyana and Suriname have been listed in US State Department reports as countries where human trafficking takes place.

Just last week, two officials from the State Department were in Guyana to examine the problem of trafficking in persons.

In the past, Guyanese have found themselves as victims of human trafficking in Trinidad and other Caribbean islands.

FATF lauds Guyana Govt for commitment

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resident of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Roger Wilkins, has written to President Donald Ramotar in response to a letter which the President wrote pledging on behalf of Guyana, the Government of Guyana’s high level political commitment to implement the action plan developed between the Government of Guyana and the International Cooperation Review Group.

The letter recognises the high level political commitment which President Ramotar has given to bring Guyana into compliance with the international AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) regime President Ramotar’s letter was hand delivered by Attorney-General Mohabir Anil Nandlall, in Paris, France, in October 2014, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

Commitment On the basis of this commitment, and the representations made on the Government’s behalf at the AARG Review Group meetings, instead of being blacklisted by FATF, the FATF has identified Guyana in the public document, “Improving Global

AML/CFT Compliance: Ongoing Process”, of October 24, 2014.

The Attorney-General is currently leading Guyana’s delegation at the Plenary Meeting XL, and Special Ministerial V Meeting of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) in El Salvador.

The Attorney-General updated the Plenary Meeting XL on Guyana’s submission of its Action Plan after collaboration with the American Regional Review Group (ARRG).

This Action Plan was submitted and approved by FATF at the Paris meeting, where the high level commitment was given by President Ramotar, pledging Guyana’s commitment to implement this Action Plan.

Guyana was granted until September 2015 to implement the legislative measures and until May 2015 to implement the non legislative measures.

This recommendation was accepted at the FATF meeting in Paris.

The Attorney-General further informed the meeting in El Salvador that the non legislative measures are being implemented with dispatch and there is every likelihood that these will be completed long before the

May 2015 deadline.

With regard the legislative measures, the Attorney-General pointed out that this is the area which continues to pose tremendous challenges to the Government of Guyana since up until the Paris meeting, the majority comprising the joint opposition in the National Assembly refused to lend their support to the enactment of the AMLCFT (Amendment) Bill 2013 which captures all the requisite legislative measures.

He further pointed out that since the Paris meeting there have been some developments in that Parliament has since been prorogued because the joint opposition was proceeding to move and pass a no-confidence motion which would have resulted in dissolution of Parliament and general elections within three months.

One of the grounds for the prorogation of the Parliament was to offer an opportunity by the President for the Government and the joint opposition to enter into constructive engagements in order to arrive at consensus on a number of national issues including the swift enactment of the AMLCFT (Amendment) Bill.

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NEWS

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Enjoy sun and sand and eco-tourism in one package! …Guyana, Barbados partnering to boost tourism

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s Guyana and Barbados embark on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the twinning of the two Caribbean countries as a joint tourism destination, countries in the region are being urged to emulate the move to promote the Caribbean as a vibrant tourist destination.

The terms of the MoU are currently being discussed and are expect to be signed sometime in December. This is according to acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali, who was at the time speaking at the 2014 Tourism Awards Ceremony on Friday evening at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Barbados’ Tourism Minister Richard Sealy was the guest speaker at the event.

The MoU will facilitate a joint marketing strategy for the two countries as a single tourism destination. It is expected to bring benefits to the local tourism

Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali (left) makes a point during a conversation with President Donald Ramotar and Barbados Tourism Minister Richard Sealy at the Tourism Awards Ceremony

sector as well as tourism in Barbados.

“This is an excellent move of twinning Guyana and Barbados as a common destination in the region. You can have tourists who can get the best eco-tourism and still enjoy the sun and the sea in one package,” Minister Ali noted.

He pointed out that this is the direction in

which tourism is progressing and decisions such as these need to be taken in order to remain competitive and maintain a share in the tourism market.

The Minister remarked that every country in the region has something unique to offer and when they compete with the world, they should do so as a single

destination.

“The region is competing with the world and for us to be successful; we have to pool our talents and resources together. We are too small in the region to ever believe that we can compete out there,” he noted.

Collaboration According to Ali, through the Caribbean Tourism Authority

(CTO), the Caribbean can create better tourism packages because of the diverse products each country will bring to the table. He added that the future calls for collaboration, corporation and cohesion and that is where the region is heading.

Barbados’ Tourism Minister Richard Sealy, who is also the Chairman of the CTO, endorsed the sentiments expressed by Minister Ali. Sealy pointed out that with increased annual tourism figures worldwide; this provides an abundance of opportunities to diversify the region’s tourism products.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN WTO) reported that in 2013, the Asian Pacific region recorded its strongest growth with six per cent increase in arrivals with the European and African region following with five per cent increase.

However, in this part of the world, North, South and Central Americas

and the Caribbean, recorded a three per cent increase in arrivals.

This, Sealy stated, reflects the importance of collaborations among countries in the region to find solutions to sustain the sector.

On a lighter note, the Barbadian Minister highlighted that the UN WTO reported in 2014 that between January and August, international tourism arrivals was recorded at 781 million, 36 million more than the same period in 2013.

However, the Americas are in the lead with an eight per cent growth during those first eight months of this year.

Additionally, he disclosed that the Caribbean saw a four per cent increase in arrivals between January and September this year.

As it relates to Guyana, there is a very healthy increase of 7.4 per cent, which is more than the Caribbean growth rate.

Sealy lauded the efforts of the Government in promoting its tourism sector.

Men’s Affairs Bureau urged to Consultant bemoans lack of resources at Guyana’s provide mentorship for boys adequate public nursing schools

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Human Services and Social Security Minister Jennifer Webster

n efforts to foster more positive male role models in society, Labour, Human Services and Social Security Minister Jennifer Webster challenged the Men’s Affairs Bureau to commence a mentorship programme for young boys.

Minister Webster made the call at the Police Mess Annex, Eve Leary, Georgetown on Saturday where scores of men and boys gathered in celebration of International Men’s Day. Addressing the gathering, Minister Webster said males are important for the development of a better society.

“You being here on this earth signify that you have a purpose… your life must be seen as one of value,” Minister Webster

said as she encouraged men and boys to give of their best to their families and country.

She urged the largely male gathering to build better relationships with female family members as this will help them to learn to respect women and make a positive impact on society. On that note, she called on males to be proper role models.

Member of Parliament (MP) Kwame Gilbert and Senior Superintendent Paul Williams also addressed the gathering.

Williams noted that the occasion is a celebration of men’s achievements and their contributions to the community and family, while highlighting the challenges they face.

Gilbert said males

have to embrace their senior role in their families as this is important for a progressive society.

Pastor Diego Alphonso, Administrator of the Men’s Affairs Bureau calls for a world where men fulfil their roles as fathers and husbands.

The lively occasion featured dances, songs and inspirational speeches.

There were moving performances by The Messenger, Winner’s Cathedral, Merundoi and Alister Collins, among others.

The event entitled “Magnificent Man 4” is a collaborative effort between the Labour, Human Services and Social Security Ministry’s Men’s Affairs Bureau and the Guyana Police Force.

It was themed “Working together for Men and Boys”.

According to Pastor Alphonso, the collaboration was born out of an engagement between A Division Commander Clifton Hicken and the Men’s Affairs Bureau.

Both agencies have been going into communities to work with troubled men at the grassroots level, with the aim of helping them reach their full potential.

By Jomo Paul

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rofessor and veteran nurse, Dr Mina Singh said Guyana’s public nursing schools lack a wide variety of resources to effectively carry out their remit and a higher level of service.

Dr Singh, who is attached to York University, Canada, is currently in Guyana as a part of Tutor Development Programme for public nursing schools.

She has been working with tutors from the Georgetown School, Linden School and the New Amsterdam schools of nursing over the past several months in an effort to boost the capacity of these individuals.

But during a recent interview with Guyana Times International, Dr Singh pointed out several limitations that can be fixed through minimal Government intervention.

She explained that with respect to the laboratory facilities, there is need for an updated lab, given that some of the equipment is outdated and limited. The doctor also noted that there

Professor Mina Singh

is a need for textbooks for the tutors since the present ones are also outdated.

Dr Singh said there was also a severe lack of tutors. She pointed out that in one of her trips to the Georgetown Nursing School; there was a class of some 39 students with one instructor.

This, she explained is a fatal flaw given that some of the students will not be given due attention during the edification period, adding that it also represents a “safety hazard”.

During her stay in Guyana, Dr Singh will be completing a standardised edition of the curriculum which will aid the tutors in their training sessions.

She said at present; each tutor has his or her own lesson, noting that this has proven to be illeffective.

“If it’s not standardised then Mary may teach it one way and Susan will teach it another way.”

All of these factors have contributed to the low pass rate at the public nursing schools over the years.

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran had said that the failure of students at the New Amsterdam and Georgetown nursing schools at their final professional nursing examinations can be traced to the change in the curriculum of the schools.

According to the Minister, the failure has nothing to do with students’ inability to cope with the work as is purported by some sections of the public.

In fact, the Minister posited that the students may not have been taught effectively, pointing out that the tutors themselves are not too familiar with the new course of study, and may have been delivering the curriculum using old methods.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Marrying Food, Service, Tourism

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ourism Minister Irfaan Ali has called for hoteliers and restaurant operators to rise to a new standard that would see Guyanese and tourists experiencing a higher level of service and customer satisfaction.

Ali made the comment ahead of the commencement of Restaurant Week 2014, which is being hosted as part of activities planned for Tourism Awareness Month.

He said it was important for local operators of all types of restaurants to understand the role they play in promoting tourism. Minister Ali said that restaurant week offers an opportunity for Guyanese to enjoy their own culture and several other types of cuisine.

“It offers them a chance to dine at restaurants and reputable establishments that they would not have had a chance to in the past because of the affordability of meals and the service offered. I believe that Restaurant Week will no doubt see more tourists and locals enjoying all that Guyana has to offer,” Minister Ali explained.

He expressed the view that the Government of Guyana and Tourism Ministry as well as other key stakeholders will continue to explore opportunities and activities such as Restaurant Week to send a strong message that Destination Guyana is open to the world.

The Minister acknowledged the support of all of the businesses on board with the Guyana Tourism Authority and the plans being made for Restaurant Week.

“This is a golden opportunity for our local producers and restaurant operators to shine. To offer the world an affordable taste of the best of

Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali

the best that they offer.

This is the time to promote the impact that sustainable agriculture can have on the Tourism sector and the economy”, a very upbeat Minister Ali said.

Restaurant Week is scheduled to commence from 24 November to November 30 and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has planned a series of activities to highlight the importance of food safety.

One of the feature activities is an operations awareness talk for restaurants. This was facilitated by Abiola Baker from the Public Health Department of the Mayor and City Council at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

The half-day session saw more than two dozen participants having discussions on topics ranging from food sanitation, hygiene and food preparation, to the licensing of food establishments.

The second session was led by Marlan Cole from the Food and Drug Department, who discussed food safety and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).

Another important event during this period is the running of a mystery shop survey to gauge the public’s perception on quality, services and cleanliness of restaurants

in Georgetown; persons are being encouraged to fill out the survey found on the GTA’s website, after visiting restaurants, as this will assist in raising the quality and service provided by these establishments.

The GTA will target 54 restaurants (fast food, fine dining and casual dining) for the mystery shop survey; this will be undertaken by the public at various restaurants in and around Georgetown.

The results of the mystery shop will be shared with the GTA, which will then be shared with the public on restaurants based on good service, ambiance, location, food, facilities and location, among others.

The main aim of the activities is to raise the level of quality and service provided by establishments, through the facilitation of training, surveying restaurant service and gauging the public’s feedback, while at the same time encouraging restaurants to advertise and serve local foods and beverages during this period.

The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the GTA are celebrating its 19th year of observing Tourism Awareness Month, and have executed a series of educational and entertaining activities over the past two weeks.

The month-long calendar of activities rolled out under the theme “Communication and Information Sharing for Tourism Development” include the mystery shop survey, tourism awards ceremony, photo competition, “Romancing the Fort” dinner at Fort Island and Tourism Open Day; the calendar of activities is available on GTA’s website and Facebook page Visit Guyana.

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31 TT’s Manning considering running for election P news

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Former prime minister Patrick Manning has announced that he is considering offering himself as a candidate for the PNM in the next general election.

Manning made the announcement at the constituency’s regular Monday night meeting.

Sources said the meeting was supposed to be the

forum at which Manning was expected to propose a nominee of his choice to the constituency for screening by the party’s Screening Committee.

The party has called for nominations for the San Fernando East constituency and the deadline for the submission of nominees is December 1.

However Manning told the meeting on Monday that he was considering running for the

San Fernando East constituency for yet another time. Manning has represented the constituency for 43 years and holds the record for being the longest serving MP. Manning who suffered a major stroke in January 2011, was away from Parliament for two years due to ill health.

Since returning to the Parliament, he has never spoken in any debate. He also does not attend par-

‘as long as health permits’: Patrick Manning

ty caucus or party meet-

ings or conventions.

Sources said Manning said he was considering returning as a candidate as long as his health permitted. Manning has challenges with speech as well as mobility.

Manning had previously stated that he would be bowing out of politics after this parliamentary term was over.

He reiterated his position as recently as last October during the Local

Government election.

Thus, his announcement on Monday, caught many by surprise.

The Screening Committee is chaired by Political Leader Dr Keith Rowley and comprises all the officers of the party.

Rowley is currently out of the country.

Up to press time the meeting of the San Fernando East constituency was still in session.

(TT Express)

Consortium invests in Phoenix Park Gas in TT

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O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: An investment consortium, comprising the National Insurance Board (NIBTT), National Enterprises Ltd (NEL), and the Unit Trust Corporation (UTC), has acquired a ten per cent stake in Phoenix Park Gas Processors Ltd for US$168 million.

It was done through the 100 per cent acquisition of Pan West Engineers & Constructors.

Pan West is a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Electric Capital Corporation (GE) and was the holder of the ten per cent equity interest in Phoenix Park.

Phoenix Park’s core business is natural gas processing and natural gas liquids aggregation, fractionation and marketing. It operates Trinidad and Tobago’s only natural gas processing and NGL fractionation plant and is

locally. Acquisition of Phoenix Gas shares is in keeping with our strategy of portfolio diversification which is being pursued to safeguard the National Insurance fund and promote the longterm sustainability of the National Insurance System.”

The joint acquisition of 100 per cent of the equity of Pan West is the largest investment in the local energy sector for the NIBTT, representing 1.5 per cent of its investment fund, a statement said last Thursday.

“The acquisition of

Adrian Bharath, chairman National Insurance Board (NIBTT),

the largest producer and marketer of propane, mixed butane, isobutane and natural gasoline in the Caribbean.

NIBTT chairman Adrian Bharath said

last Thursday: “This transaction provides an opportunity to strengthen NIBTT’s investment portfolio particularly in light of the limited investment opportunities

an additional interest in Phoenix Park’s equity is consistent with NEL’s strategy to increase its equity participation in the energy industry and to continue playing an integral role in the development of the Trinidadian capital markets; Phoenix Park has been a strong performing company that can continue to provide solid returns and value for NEL’s shareholders,” said Kenny Lue Chee Lip, NEL chairman.

In the statement, UTC chairman Wendell Mottley said: “Given its

solid operational and financial performance coupled with its strong level of cash generation level, low debt level and investment rating, Phoenix Park represents an attractive investment opportunity for UTC’s funds with attractive dividend yields and riskadjusted returns.”

As a result of this transaction, Phoenix Park is now whollyowned and controlled by statutory and related entities of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

(TT Newsday)

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Re-discovering Guyana

By Petamber Persaud

‘M

odern Guyana came into being, in the Western imagination, through the travelogue’ of Raleigh, declared the Series Preface to the reissue of the book The Discoverie of Guiana by The Caribbean Press, of which David Dabydeen is the general editor.

The Discoverie of the Large, Rich and Bewtiful Empyre of Guiana by Sir Walter Raleigh was first published in 1596.

The Discovery of Guiana [straightforward title] and its transformation are treasures captured by the country’s attendant literature.

However, the full story of Guyana is still unfolding as a recent discovery by the staff of the London Metropolitan Archives and The Times indicated that Raleigh may have adopted a native boy from Guyana. So the scholarship and literature on this country continue to expand, notwithstanding this article.

Jonathan Morley, in his introduction to the recent reissue of the book stated, “Raleigh created a significant Guianese presence in London, complementing that of the more high-profile Indians from

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony showcasing Discoverie of Guiana by Raleigh

North America such as Manteo and Pocahontas.”

Any adventurer worth his salt knew this was one way to accumulate a healthy credit score to drawn upon in times of need. Raleigh fell upon lean and evil times more often than not.

All he touched did not turn to gold but he was shrew. “At the Zenith of his colonial endeavours…

Raleigh gathered around him an extraordinary constellation of the leading intellectuals of his day” including the mathematician Thomas Harriot, the

playwright Christopher Marlowe, the chronicler Richard Hakluyt, the poets – Sir Philip Sidney, Sir Fulke Greville and John Donne.

We know not where the research on Raleigh will lead but we do know that The Discovery of Guiana led to a rich gold find – the literature of Guyana.

Early references to El Dorado

In 1849, Edgar Allan Poe wrote the poem, Eldorado, which is said to be the last poem written

by that author. Poe has been labelled the originator of the modern detective story. He seemed to have clued in on reaching El Dorado; clues he would follow into the great beyond. Poe, by that poem, had taken the legend of El Dorado to another level - a celestial level. Here is part of that poem: Gaily bedight, A gallant knight, In sunshine and in shadow, Had journeyed long, Singing a song, In search of Eldorado But as the knight grew old and his strength failed him, he inquired of a pilgrim shadow “where can it be/This land of Eldorado”?

He was directed, “Over the Mountains/Of the Moon”.

Poe was not the only writer to tap into the rich lode of El Dorado.

Shakespeare (1564–1616) did so in Othello with reference to the headless warriors; Milton (16081674) did so in Paradise Lost; Voltaire (1694–1778) did so in Candide and so did Joseph Conrad in Heart Of Darkness.

Many Guyanese writers have used El Dorado in their work.

To be continued Responses to this author: telephone (592) 2260065 or email: oraltradi-

tion2002@yahoo.com What’s Happening: • The book, From Ashes to Ferro-Concrete: A History of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1914 -2014 by Joanne Collins-Gonsalves, published by the Guyana Heritage Society will be launched on 8 December 2014 at 18:30 in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

church.

• Coming soon the autobiography of Sir Shridath Ramphal, Glimpses of a Global Life.

• Look out Sharon Maas’ new novel, The Small Fortune of Dorothea Q, and Ryhaan Shah's third novel, A Death in the Family.

• On Amazon is Turtle Myrtle by Juliet MadhooBipa.

The Discoverie of the Large, Rich and Bewtiful Empyre of Guiana by Sir Walter Raleigh

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The brain British Guiana

plantation names

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he June 1948 edition of the British Guiana publication Kyk-overal featured an article from historian James Rodway that looked at the origin of plantation names on the colony.

In the feature,

Rodway states the plantations’ names “anticipate or commemorate struggles and triumphs of the early settlers.”

He notes that up to 1740, only the Dutch were allowed to obtain land, but after that year, when “Essequibo

was thrown open to all nations…” English and French settlers arrived.

Shortly afterwards, when Britain gained control of the colony and cotton was a major industry, Rodway states, “the coasts from Mahaica to Corentyne”

saw an influx of plantation owners who gave their estates names of meaning to them.

Many of these names have remained with us, and are a reminder of a pioneering history that created our multicultural society today.

Emancipation Monument, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (Photo by Amanda Richards)

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By Anu Dev

his semester we’ve been covering the nervous system. I’ve always been fascinated by the brain and all of its neuronal connections, so I was definitely looking forward to this section (and terrified because it’s an enormous amount of material to cover in a relatively short time).

Well, it did turn out to be an enormous amount of work, but thankfully, it turned out to be really interesting as well. I’m even more intrigued by the brain now than I was before.

For our anatomy lab sessions, they usually provide us with several brains to examine. And as I looked at all of these brains just resting on trays, being lifted up, flipped upside down, poked and prodded by curious med students, I started to think about how we were being kind of cavalier with the organ that once held someone’s memories and thought and emotions – their whole life story, really.

Just looking at the brain, sitting on a tray, drenched in formaldehyde, it doesn’t look especially impressive. You see its general shape, all of its fissures and gyri, pick it up and it’s not even that heavy.

But then when you learn about the parts of the brain and about what each part does, it blows you away. You learn that this strip of brain in front of this central fissure – that deals with motor activity – and this part behind the fissure – that deals with sensory information. Each part of our brain is specialized to do a specific task.

All of it got me thinking about what makes us who we are. I started thinking about how our brain stores all of our memories and experiences, processes all of our emotions and controls how we act and behave – all of those things that make us who we are.

And I realized that I found a new way to procrastinate – by having an existentialist crisis.

And I also realized that my brain is thinking about itself. And I started to worry whether our brains are actually separate sentient beings that are tricking us into thinking that they’re a part of us.

I mean, all of our scientific discoveries have been by people using their BRAINS to think. And these brains could make us think whatever they want to think – they control EVERYTHING. I don’t think I’m making sense anymore.

I mean, my brain is the one coming up with these thoughts – it wouldn’t just give away its masterplan to me. But who is “me”? If I’m my brain, that mean my brain is talking to itself about itself? I think I’m having another existentialist crisis right now. I’m just going to stop this right now.

Moving on, it really is very exciting learning about the nervous system. It’s pretty cool knowing what nerve controls my eyelids. And if I ever get stabbed in the back (literally) at least I’ll know what parts of my body will be affected depending on what level of my spinal cord gets injured.

I’d just like to point out that this does not mean that I ever want to get stabbed in the back- either figuratively of literally.

Ladies of the family: Cornelia Ida, Eve Seeking refuge in British Guiana: Leary, Kitty and Sophia Vreed-en-Hoop (Dutch: Peace and Hope) For love of family: de kinderen (Dutch: La Retraite (French: retirement) the children) Mon Repos (French: My rest) La Bonne Mere (French: The good According to Rodway, a grant of land mother) to the early settlers “might have been a treasure”: Diamond, Golden Fleece, Sisters Golden Grove Loyalty or love of country: Haag Non Pareil (unrivalled; from French Bosche (in honour of the Palace of The “non” meaning no/not, and “pareil” Hague) similar) La Belle Alliance (commemorating Beterverwagting (from Dutch “far peace in Europe). better”) Religious and spiritual sentiment: After courageous effort or Joppa, Providence, Paradise, Land of endeavours, downfall and regret, Canaan success, determination not to become Le Repentir (French: penitence) discouraged, and gratitude and Creative or descriptive: Zandvoort appreciation: (sand front; from Dutch “on sand”) Success, La Penitence, Perseverance, Ruimveldt (beautiful view; its literal Reliance, Better Hope, Triumph, Felicitie Dutch translation is “spacious grassland”) Weldaad (Dutch: benefit).

Belfield (wide or fair field, from French Werk en Rust (Dutch: Work and Rest) “bel” meaning beautiful or well) Nog-Ens (From Dutch “nog” meaning still) Bushy Park, Bush Lot Met en meerzorg (From Dutch “with The fortune seeking, adventurous more care”) and pioneering settlers: Adventure, Noitgedacht (From Dutch “gedacht” Enterprise, Industry, Hope, Prospect, meaning thought) Onderneeming (from Dutch “onder Nabaclis (From Irish “Nabocklish” neem” meaning under take) which literally means, “don’t meddle with Goed Fortuin (Dutch: Good Fortune) it” but is usually used as an interjection La Bagatelle (French: trifle) “never mind”/ “leave that(or it) alone”

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Statement by Guyana Solidarity Movement (New York) on the prorogation of Parliament

Demonstrate political will and good faith R espect for the law and order and the Constitution is not an option; it is an imperative. The current political situation in Guyana is indeed unfortunate. The Guyana Solidarity Movement (GSM)-New York urges both Parties to set aside their differences, honor the 2011 electoral mandate, and work together in good faith to build Guyana. To do otherwise is tantamount to a dereliction of duty and a breach of the trust of the people.

The presumption that the Parliamentary Opposition parties could secure a no-confidence motion and immediately terminate President Ramotar’s term of office is naiveté at best and, at worst, a blatant attempt to create chaos and instability to undermine a democratically-elected President by undemocratic means for narrow partisan interest. It is myopic to believe that President Donald Ramotar would acquiesce to this political maneuver, surrender the mandate of

the electorate, end his Administration, and undermine Guyana’s fledgling democracy.

While the debate on prorogation of Parliament by the President will continue, it is absolutely clear that the President’s action is neither dictatorial nor il-

of the Parliament.

The Guyanese diaspora and indeed everyone who embraces democracy and the rule of law have no option but to support the President’s decision. He has determined that the best course of action in this situation is to create a

ways to work together.

Peaceful street protests/demonstrations are valid and valuable as well as an integral aspect of our political culture. GSM supports peaceful political protest and is strongly opposed to any form of violence.

any street demonstration that will take away the holiday season from all Guyanese.

The recent political strategies are, in many ways, unconventional.

Guyanese at home and here in the Guyanese diaspora are skeptical and curious at the same time.

Guyana's Parliament

legal. The power to prorogue the Parliament is enshrined in the Constitution of Guyana.

It is a prerogative of the Presidency, as is the issue of any snap Election. These matters are not within the ambit

space for a final effort to protect the 2011 electoral mandate through dialogue and compromise.

Compromise in the interest of the nation was the mandate of the last election. It is incumbent on all stakeholders to find

Protest can and must be peaceful. The history of Opposition protests is a history of destruction of property, violence and death: an excuse for rioting, looting of businesses, and robbing and molesting citizens engaged in normal business. It is terrorism on peaceful people. The Opposition is incapable of peaceful protest. Law and order must be maintained at all cost. We condemn

The future is uncertain.

GSM recognizes the gravity of the situation but is optimistic. This is an opportunity for all political parties and other stakeholders to 1) demonstrate political will, 2) defend, advance and deepen democracy, and 3) enhance the development of Guyana. It is the time to defuse political tension and find common grounds for the Parliament/President to

work together in the interest of the people.

There is a consensus on the resumption of the 10th Parliament.

The President has expressed his willingness to reconvene the Parliament, the Speaker of the Parliament has invited the Commonwealth intervention, and the United Kingdom, Organization of American States, as well as others, have also expressed support for a continuation of the Parliament. This vindicates the prorogation as against a dissolution.

The continuation of the Parliament is the right thing for the nation.

With dialogue and skillful, strategic compromises the parties can resolve the impasse in the interest of all.

Democracy is a messy business. It could be frustrating but unilateral action/ solution is not. With patience and a commitment to the greater good, a deal can be struck. Whatever the outcome, GSM is confident that Guyana will emerge stronger, better and more mature from this passing episode.

Methoolal Mangal, President Rueben Khusial, Secretary

Lady Saw's new album ‘Alter Ego’ out K INGSTON, JAMAICA: Never one for the conventional, Lady Saw enters new territory with her latest album, Alter Ego, which was released Tuesday by her Hall's Productions through a distribution deal with VP Records subsidiary VPAL Music.

Though Hall's Productions has released songs by Spragga Benz, Beenie Man, Assassin, Sizzla and Ce'Cile, Alter Ego is the first album bearing its seal.

Saw told the Jamaican media that the set is rounded.

"It's Marion Hall (her real name) with a touch of Lady Saw. It's different," she said.

Alter Ego has duets with lovers' rock king Beres Hammond, rapper Flo Rida and UB40 lead singer Ali Campbell.

Saw decided to go the independent route after her previous album, My Way, which was distributed by VP. My Way was released in 2010 and did fairly well in the United States, but the bawdy deejay said it was time to get her productions out on Hall's and Diva's Records, her other label.

"I've been producing songs for some time yuh nuh, but a lotta people don't know," she stated. Saw added that while hit songs are critical to keeping artistes fresh in the dancehall, her interest lies

Lady Saw

with releasing albums.

"It still plays a great role in exposing the artiste. People get to see what you are about with an album," she said.

Lady Saw is the latest act to sign a distribution deal with VPAL which was launched five years ago by VP. The company feeds albums to its international digital, compact disc and vinyl network under distribution deals with artistes, most of whom are dancehall.

Konshens (Mental Maintenance), Busy Signal ('IT' Incomparable Talent), Anthony B (Tribute to Legends) and New Zealand band House of Shem (Harmony) are some of the acts who have similar agreements with VP. (Jamaica Observer)

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The Great Flood

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atiricus was very upset with how folks were lambasting Roop-Na-Rain. Why would they do that when all the man did was save the day for the outfit on which he’s hitched his star??

“How the heck can you have a demonstration at the Square of the Revolution, and not do something “outlandish”?” mumbled Satiricus. Even old man Hite had draped a Guyana Flag over the body of the bandit Blackie.

“Jeez, you had to have a sense of time and place!” thought Roop-Na-Rain.

Here it was, people were droning on for hours when the joint shoulda been jumping. Imagine No-Gel Huge had carried on and on and on about what?? Constitutional change, for Chrissake!! Was he the professor, or was Roop-Na-Rain??

As No-Gel droned on Roop-Na-Rain thought long and hard about what he had to do.

When Rum Jhaat and Naga Man showed they didn’t have the guts to show up at the foot of the revolutionary hero Cuffy, he realised that he was going to be the only Chamaar on the stage.

That was the problem with Rum Jhaat and Naga Man. They only thought of themselves. They were probably in some backstreet rum shop knocking off a “large”. They didn’t realise that they had a duty to represent the Chamaars of Guyana??

They had showed good Chamaar behaviour when they had gone to Linden and provoked the people to burn down the place. Had they lost their Chamaar consciousness??

Roop-Na-Rain was proud that he had been picked by GrainJa to represent the Chamaar people in APANU. Roop-Na-Rain puffed up his chest. “My father was a Chamaar, my mother was a Chamaar…and by God, I am a Chamaar!! I will keep up the Chamaar principles. I will do the most low-class and low-down thing I can think about!”

And so it was when Roop-Na-Rain’s turn to speak came, he came out against all the values he had been taught by the British at their top university. As a Chamaar, they’d taken pity on him and decided to civilise him.

“Burn their newspapers!!!” he screamed. “Boycott them, so they can’t print anything I disagree with!!! Bring them to ruination!!”

More sick people since the floods

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e Hong Kong people start to protest a long time now. And dem still deh pun de streets. Now some people in Mexico start to protest. People all over de world does have dem own reason fuh protest. Some good, some bad. But at least dem have a reason.

In Guyana, Green Jah does love to start a protest, but wid out reason. Green Jah look at lil too much news, see all whah happenin, and he start up. Right away God get vex and send de rain to flood out GT. Green Jah is a man who does protest inside and outside Parliament. And he does call pun all and sundry to join he. Is a good ting most of de people got better sense than Green Jah, includin dem Lindenians.

Before de Guvament change, it never used to have any protest. Every body used to stay in dem house, tek whah ever de Guvament give dem (or don’t give dem), and bear strain. Old people used to seh yuh have to bear yuh chafe.

Plus people had to go to wuk fuh lil bit pay, line up fuh gas fuh dem car if dem coulda afford one, and whenever dem need to use a phone, dem had to go down de road to beg to borrow one. At that time only Burnt Ham people had phones.

Dem was de days Adumb use to con people wid some ting nice in de front page of every day of de Con-icle paper. Now is de same crookishness goin on.

Just that nowadays, Adumb turn from a con man to a Kocheur man.

But since tings in de country start to get better, people findin other reasons to protest. Pullice man Sicken seh some ting sick bout women and next day a setta sick women line up in fronta de Brickdam Pullice Station.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And all of dem dress up (or down?) in de same way Sicken talk bout. Is a lotta sick people deh bout since de floods!

Ban Styrofoam and plastic containers

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learly, the time is now – ban the use of Styrofoam in Guyana. Everywhere, the devastating impact Styrofoam has on the lives of all of us in Guyana is evident.

Globally many countries have already taken action to stop the enormous negative impact of Styrofoam on the lives of people and on countries. Styrofoam has direct and indirect negative implications on the health of our people and animals. Tomorrow is too late; ban Styrofoam today.

Another flood has hit Guyana. Styrofoam contributes to the clogging of drains and contributes to a general non-hygienic condition in communities. No community is spared. Styrofoam plays a role at the beginning and at the end of too many catastrophic events due to climate change today. It plays a role in global warming and it creates an environmental nightmare.

Guyana took a major decision in June 2013 when Cabinet announced that Government will ban the importation of Styrofoam containers into the country, starting from June 2014. June has come and gone, Government has buckled under pressure and delayed the implementation of a progressive measure intended to bring about a healthier environment.

Government has stated that it will decide on a later date on implementation of the ban. Well the Government has another reminder that banning Styrofoam is an action it must take now.

Cities across the globe are taking action to ban the use of Styrofoam. Haiti had by decree banned Styrofoam use since 2012. In Haiti’s case, the use is still too abundant in that country due to smuggled Styrofoam containers.

New York City has passed a law to ban the use of Styrofoam containers from 2015. Washington, DC will ban the use of Styrofoam starting from 2016. These American cities represent the latest in a string of US cities that have banned or about to ban Styrofoam.

Countries and cities around the world have followed one another in a revolution to bring about a healthier environment and to manage the growing problem of unhealthy sanitation.

While Guyana made a progressive policy decision, it is tardy in implementing action to give effect to a policy that is desperately in need for implementation in our country.

Restaurants and stores must stop providing and selling food carts and single-use cups, clamshells and trays, as well as peanut-shaped packing materials, made from a type of thermoplastic petrochemical called expanded polystyrene, commonly called Styrofoam.

Banning Styrofoam in Guyana is urgent. It can be done

without negative effects on people’s lifestyles. Here in Guyana, lead-based paints were banned. Most people now are unaware that lead-based paints are not imported or manufactured in Guyana. Styrofoam must go the way of lead-based paint.

Styrofoam ban in Guyana is consistent with existing policy and leadership in the war against global warming and climate change and entirely consistent with the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). Styrofoam is more than 1,000 times more effective than carbon dioxide in contributing to global warming.

Worst yet, in addition to the immediate impact of clogging drains and overwhelming solid waste capacity, it remains in grounds for centuries without being degraded and during all that time produces toxic chemicals to pollute the environment and add to global warming.

Polystyrene foam is a major component of plastic debris in the ocean, where it becomes hazardous to marine life and could lead to the transfer of toxic chemicals to the food chain. Animals do not recognize this artificial material and may even mistake it for food.

Polystyrene foam blows in the wind and floats on water, and is abundant in the outdoor environment. It can be lethal to any bird or sea creature that swallows significant quantities. Guyana’s sea turtle population has been threatened by floating Styrofoam.

It’s in our plastic cutlery, under our meat, in the lid on our coffee. We use it and we get rid of it not considering that polystyrene, a.k.a. plastic No. 6, will stay in our world for 500 years at least more than us – clogging up storm drains and landfills.

Why is this product still being tolerated? It does not make life better in Guyana. It makes a lot of money for manufacturers, including its inventor, Dow Chemicals, which introduced it in 1938.

But it is costing millions in cleaning drains and canals, in repairing pumps that are destroyed by Styrofoam making their way in the engines, etc. It is costing millions to take them to solid waste sites and to store them for more than 500 years. It is an eye-sore in Georgetown and all along the coast, including the remotest parts of Guyana.

The time has come for Guyana to act as one, boldly with a progressive action to protect the environment and save lives. Government must act decisively by banning Styrofoam containers now. Do this for Guyana, not for foreign interest.

The time has come for the Caricom and the UN to act at the global level. Act now to save Guyana and the world.

Readers are invited to send their comments by email or Facebook to times.notebook@gmail.com.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

This week's Crossword

J k es Hamster on the run

My niece bought her five-year-old daughter, Kayleigh, a hamster. One day he escaped from his cage. The family turned the house upside down and finally found him.

Several weeks later, while Kayleigh was at school, he escaped from his cage again. My niece searched frantically but never found the critter.

Hoping to make the loss less painful for Kayleigh, my niece took the cage out of her room.

When Kayleigh came home from school that afternoon, she climbed into her mother’s lap. “We’ve got a serious problem,” she announced. “Not only is my hamster gone again, but this time he took the cage.”

Comedians' best lines

"Relationships are hard. It's like a full-time job, and we should treat it like one. If your boyfriend or girlfriend wants to leave you, they should give you two weeks' notice. There should be severance pay, and before they leave you, they should have to find you a temp." – Bob Ettinger "Our bombs are smarter than the average high school student. At least they can find Kuwait."– A. Whitney Brown "My mom said she learned how to swim when someone took her out in the lake and threw her off the boat. I said, 'Mom, they weren't trying to teach you how to swim.'" – Paula Poundstone

Cleaning up

Standing in line at a restaurant, I noticed that the few available tables left had not been cleaned off. I mentioned this to the cashier, who told the manager. A minute later, an annoyed-looking teen emerged from the back with spray bottle and paper towels in hand.

"All right," she bellowed clear across the crowded dining room, "which one of you people wanted a clean table?"

This week's Puzzle

The difference

Q. What is the difference between a bachelor and a married man?

A. Bachelor comes home, sees what's in the refrigerator, goes to bed. Married man comes home, sees what's in the bed, and goes to the refrigerator.

Career approach

After a church service on Sunday morning, a young boy suddenly announced to his mother, “Mom, I’ve decided to become a minister when I grow up.”

“That’s okay with us, but what made you decide that?”

“Well,” said the little boy, “I have to go to church on Sunday anyway, and I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell, than to sit and listen.”

Feeding time

An adorable little girl walked into my pet shop and asked, “Excuse me, do you have any rabbits here?”

“I do,” I answered, and leaning down to her eye level I asked, “Did you want a white rabbit or would you rather have a soft, fuzzy black rabbit?”

She shrugged. “I don’t think my python really cares.”

Scared dog

see solution on page 47

A friend of mine is a deputy with the sheriff’s department canine division. One evening, the deputy was dispatched to the scene of a possible burglary, where he discovered the back door of a building ajar. He let the dog out of his patrol car and commanded it to enter and seek.

Jumping from the back seat, the dog headed for the building. After lunging through the doorway, the dog froze and backed out. My friend was puzzled until he investigated further. Then he noticed the sign on the building: “Veterinarian’s Office.”

news

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Star of the week

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cintillating beauty Niketa Tiffany Barker, born 9 July 1990, is a medical student, a model and an ardent philanthropist who hails from New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Although engrossed with medical studies, pursuing a Degree in Medicine & Surgery at the University of Guyana, Niketa finds time for her passions: modelling and philanthropy work. Notably, the philanthropist diligently works with the Volunteer Youth Corp to help give back to her country via various charity projects. Niketa has stormed catwalks at various fashion shows, one being the Guyana Fashion Weekend.

Additionally, she has done photo shoots for many of Guyana’s and the Caribbean’s most renowned designers such as Marcia De Santos, Pamela Fox, Sonia Noel and

37

Deron Attzs. She was featured in the popular Caribbean Magazine: ‘Profiles 98 – Spring Issue 2011’. The top model was a delegate in the Miss Guyana Jamzone 2011 pageant and was awarded the ‘Miss Photogenic’ trophy. On the regional scene, she represented Guyana in the Elite Model Look Caribbean Competition in Trinidad and Tobago 2011 and was a finalist in the Miss Caribbean Hibiscus

2011 pageant. In 2012, she was first runnerup at the Miss Guyana Universe. However, this year, she finally won the Miss Guyana Universe crown. Presently, she is assiduously preparing for the Miss Universe competition to be held in January 2015 in the US. Niketa enjoys fashion, modelling, pageantry, volunteering, travelling, meeting new people and being a part of charitable causes.

(Photo by Keron Bruce)

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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edicated as a place for research “to develop, demonstrate, and make available to Guyana and the international community systems, methods and techniques for the sustainable management and utilisation of the multiple resources of the tropical forest and the conservation of biological diversity”, the Iwokrama rainforest is located in the geographical heart of Guyana. It comprises 371,000 hectares of forest (1.6% of Guyana’s landmass and 2% of Guyana forests).

The Iwokrama Centre was established in 1996 to manage the forest area, following signature the year before of an international agreement between the Guyana government and the Commonwealth Secretariat. Enshrined in an Act of the Guyana Parliament, the agreement gave the centre the mandate to “promote the conservation and the sustainable and equitable use of tropical rainforests in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to

the world in general”. In short, the centre has the task to test the proposition that conservation, environmental balance and sustainable economic activity are mutually reinforcing – that it is possible to use a forest without losing it.

The rainforest is equally divided (for experimental purposes) into a wilderness preserve and a sustainable utilisation area.

There have been intensive baseline studies of the forest and the development of models for sustainable forest management in close co-operation with the local communities.

Ecotourism is an important part of Iwokrama’s strategy for financial self-sufficiency.

The Iwokrama forest and the Rupununi wetlands and savannahs offer visitors exceptional natural and cultural experience set in a learning context.

Iwokrama is a place for all ages and all interests and you choose what you want to do. Your stay at Iwokrama contributes to sustainability for communities that live in and depend on the forest.

The Iwokrama Forest

Unbeatable views from 100 feet above the rainforest floor on the canopy walkway

is a vast wilderness of nearly one million acres – a protected area and homeland of the Makushi people who have used the forest for generations. A unique blend of technology, ancient culture, and traditional knowledge, Iwokrama fulfils its mandate and promise to the world.

There you can retrace the footsteps of the

Makushi people, wander the extensive trail system and discover the unforgettable flora, fauna and Amerindian history so special to this tropical paradise. The Iwokrama Forest is an extraordinary destination for naturalists, birders and anyone seeking an authentic retreat to the jungle.

By 2015, Iwokrama International Centre for

Rainforest Conservation and Development (IIC) intends to become the leading international authority on development of models for commercially sustainable, practical and community-inclusive conservation businesses based on tropical forests and their natural assets.

IIC’s mission is to promote conservation and the sustainable and

equitable use of tropical rainforests in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general by undertaking research, training and the development and dissemination of technologies. For more information, visit www.iwokrama.org or call 225-1504.

feature

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

legal corner

Discharging Taxes in Bankruptcy

By Richard Kistnen, Esq.

Beating

Y

…a dead donkey

ou’ve heard about “dead horses” no?? Even if you keep on beating them, they ain’t going no where.

Well “dead donkeys” are worse: stubborn when alive, they’re implacable when dead. Ralph Ramkarran, ex-PPP Ex-Co member, ex-Speaker and evidently, an exMarxist, keeps beating the dead donkey called “shared governance” in Guyana.

It’s his solution to everything that’s ground to a halt. The PNC…oops!…APNU and AFC create havoc in Linden?? No problem – just roll out “shared governance”. Opposition axes Government’s Budget??

Hey!! What about shared governance?? Record rainfall and flooding of Georgetown?? Why! Try shared governance, stupid!

So now that Ramotar’s irresistible force of prorogation has met the Opposition’s immovable object of “No-Confidence” from the Opposition, this Eyewitness is sorry – but you don’t get any prizes for guessing Ramkarran’s silver bullet is “shared governance!!” Give the man a prize, though, for consistency. Consistency in being airy-fairyily irrelevant, that is!

This Eyewitness has to ask: When is this guy gonna realise that even though he’s spent years cultivating the “Mr Reasonable” air among PPP/C, leaders, he’s not gonna get another bite at the cherry on being a Presidential candidate. Not, as he’s hoping this time, to be the dark horse to be nominated by the Opposition.

He’s already shot his wad…and there’s no second act on Presidential nominations after Cheddi Jagan. Ain’t gonna happen. Period.

Does he really think Granger’s gonna step aside for him?? Granger’s even thrown his sponsor Corbin under the bus, for Chrisssake! What does he owe Ramkarran??

Nada…zero…zilch!

Granger’s long past his expiration date – and he knows it. He didn’t step aside for Greenidge and Norton when they whupped him fair and square – because he so wants to have folks salute him again – and he’s gonna walk all over the likes of Ramkarran?

And Ramjattan?? His objections against Ramkarran makes Granger seem like ringing endorsements!

Ramjattan hates Ramkarran’s guts because when he was a young, struggling lawyer, even though a putative comrade in the PPP/C, Ramkarran never gave him the time of the day.

Supposedly a flaming red Marxist, Ramkarran yet favoured the nepotism of pushing sons over comrades.

No Jagan was he! And then there was the delicate matter of Ramjattan claiming Ramkarran standing mute when he, Ramjattan, was accused of being a “news carrier” for the US Embassy.

No endorsements here!

We wish Ramkarran would ease up on that dead donkey named “shared governance”. It’s cruelty to all cringing in embarrassment for him. Not to mention to the said donkey. …a childish retort Remember, dear readers, those famous, eloquent and profound exchanges in the schoolyard that went like this?? “You hit me first!!” “No you hit ME first!”

NO!! You hit me first!” Repeated, of course, like a stuck phonograph for half an hour! With only the volume getting louder. Well that’s how Granger came across in his “reply” to the President’s question: “Can we talk??”

Here’s a big, grown man, who had no shame to say, “Well, the President didn’t tell ME directly – he did so through the press”. Never mind the fate of the country rests in the balance, “I ain’t talking to him except through the press also!! Do fuh do na obeah!”

It’s a good thing he didn’t stamp his foot and exclaim, “So there!!”

And this is a man who wants to run this country??

Did he call Ramotar to tell him he was welshing on the bargain he’d struck to exchange the raising pensions for raised tariffs on Linden’s electricity??

Dammed right he didn’t! But then, school kids are caught up in their own world, aren’t they? …the rap??

Just got news a priest was defrocked for molesting a 12-year-old, 20 years ago in Dominica. And in our country, worse is done to a boy, and no one even talks about the big one who lectures Presidents??

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any people generally think of bankruptcy as a device to use just when there is significant credit card or medical debt.

While there are certain kinds of debts that bankruptcy can’t really tackle (including student loans or debts that are domestic support obligations), bankruptcy can be a very effective tool in evaluating how to handle outstanding tax liabilities.

While certain types of taxes, such as trust fund taxes, are never dischargeable in bankruptcy, liabilities that arise from late filed tax returns or unpaid assessments from properly filed tax returns

may be dischargeable.

Further, the penalties and late fees associated with such assessments are also dischargeable.

To be dischargeable, the tax liability must meet certain minimum criteria, including that a return was filed in good faith and an assessment has been made. Tax liabilities that have not yet been assessed, such as in the case of an amended filing, are not dischargeable.

When dealing with outstanding tax liabilities, the taxpayer must be careful not to jeopardize any of their rights, either in dealing with the IRS or NYS Department of Tax and Finance, or prejudicing themselves in their abil-

ity to file for bankruptcy.

An unaware taxpayer can take steps that would extend (or toll) certain important time periods (for example, collecting assessments or filing for bankruptcy) that could hurt them - and by hurt, I mean cost thousands of dollars more - in the long term.

Do not let someone tell you that you cannot discharge tax assessments in bankruptcy.

You can. With knowledge and some planning, you can effectively

discharge tax liabilities that may be outstanding.

Even if bankruptcy is not the best option, contact someone who may help you navigate and deal with the tax authority.

If you would like to discuss representation with tax assessments and/ or potential bankruptcy to deal with taxes, contact the Law Office of Richard Kistnen, (718) 738-2324, www.kistnenlaw.com, with offices in South Ozone Park and Manhattan.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The importance of wildlife to our tourism industry

By Annette Arjoon-Martins

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uyana’s healthy wildlife population is a major tourist attraction and many happy tourists have returned from the Iwokrama Reserve boasting of sighting a jaguar, our national animal.

The relative inaccessibility to the natural habitat of our wildlife populations offered much protection in the past and their populations thrived. However, this is slowly changing as Guyana pursues its economic development with the mining and forestry sectors, both of which require access to natu-

ral resources, often located deep in our interior, playing a significant role. These access roadways also enable easy movement for community hunters, some of whom are employed fulltime to supply the mining and forestry camps with a regular quota of fresh meat, as well as recreational hunters with custom-designed vehicles and sophisticated hunting equipment.

Guyana’s commitment to sustainable development through our Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), includes setting aside areas for biodiversity conservation and the protected ar-

The jaguar, Guyana's national animal (Photo by Annette Arjoon-Martins)

eas system comprised of Kaieteur National Park, Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve, Kanuku

Mountains and Shell Beach, offers some protection to our wildlife populations. Connectivity of

these sites in the future can significantly enhance such protection.

The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) has also conformed to the LCDS requirement of limiting deforestation by enabling regulations for sustainable harvesting, which also offers protection to wildlife habitats.

Most encouraging is the recent passage of Guyana’s Wildlife Conservation and Management Regulations, which will be implemented through a proposed Wildlife Management Authority with support, as necessary, from other regulatory agencies.

The

protocols governing conservation and management of our wildlife are clearly laid out, as are the protected species which should not be harvested or hunted.

As most wildlife can be found in the backyards of hinterland communities where local wildlife rangers already possess the capacity for monitoring, it is hoped that they can be empowered to enforce our wildlife regulations on the ground.

Our wildlife populations depend on us for their survival so let us all get onboard to ensure they are around for generations to come.

Young Professionals Cindy Yanasha Bahadur – Marketing Executive

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orn on Valentine’s day 1988 in Georgetown, Guyana, and raised in Parsippany, NJ, Cindy Yanasha Bahadur has the best of both worlds being raised by Guyanese parents. Cindy credits her parents who instill that climbing the corporate ladder isn't just an incredible accomplishment, it's a must!

Cindy successfully completed a MBA in Marketing and currently works for Nielsen Marketing Research Group as a Marketing Manager.

Living in America for over 25 years, Cindy is an adventurous and daring individual who naturally developed a love for do-it-yourself projects. She holds great value in practicing skills necessary to function in a professional work atmosphere.

Cindy loves cooking, and believes that everything should be home-made and any individual can balance both aspects of life – home maker and a career. She has a blog http:// www.yanashaskitchen.com/ This blog demonstrates how to make quick, delicious, impressive home-made meals while still keeping up with your crazy work schedule and saving some of your hard-earned cash.

travel & tourism

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

An exciting horse cart tour

Exciting horse cart tour

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ature trips in Guyana can take days as the country is so big, but thanks to the vision of the Victoria community, home to Guyana’s first mangrove forest reserve, visitors are now enjoying an exciting half-day tour in the company of fully-trained local tour guides.

Visitors experience our Guyanese heritage, a towering sugar estate house, a thriving mangrove forest managed by the local community, a wetland teeming with fish and coastal birdlife, a medicinal plants

with the biggest mango trees you have ever seen in the midst of a beautiful garden. The house reflects an early grandeur in its hewn greenheart beams, pine floors and antique cast iron pillars. Supporting the building’s front gallery are pillars made from bricks brought to Guyana as ballast for sailing ships in colonial days. Displays telling the mangrove story in detail and a beautifully hand-painted mural of the coastline depicting the rich birdlife of our coastal forests are part of the permanent exhibit.

amazing to see how the drivers communicate with their animals by sounds rather than the reins.

The next stop is at Victoria Village, the first village bought by former slaves following emancipation in 1888. The original hut where slaves collected their weekly pay packages is now a busy village shop, and vendors outside offer fresh coconut water and the juiciest pineapples.

The tour continues up the side dam passing by the Ashram where the beautiful temples offer a photo opportunity,

footsteps. It is a fascinating sight: hundreds of fully grown mangrove trees, many of them over 20 feet tall, making a dense forest

that developed, completely on its own, on the swampy foreshore, and now serving as a barrier to the Atlantic tides in the area.

Along the trail, tour guides point out the array of medicinal plants used by Guyanese for generations such as ‘black sage’ – a brew from the leaves helps to combat hypertension and diabetes, and the rigid stems of the plant make a toothbrush substitute. Also there is ‘sweet sage’ used to treat colds; ‘belly ache bush’ that combats gum disease; and a brew from the ‘tulsi’ plant that works to relieve flatulence. The leaves of the ‘noni’ plant are used to alleviate pain, and its fruit builds up the immune system.

After the tour, relax in the benab, which was strategically located in front of a wide wetland area teeming with scarlet ibis, snowy egrets and pelicans; it has become a popular

bird-watching stop.

A unique part of the wetland is a shallow pond teeming with fish (tilapia, hassar, patwa, and sunfish), ideal for recreational fishing. If the timing is right, you can also see local fishermen beating the water to chase the fish into their nets.

In the middle of the wetland is a small island of lush black mangrove where several hives are located as the nectar from the black mangrove blossoms produces a delectable golden-coloured honey, which has become the flagship product of the mangrove reserve. The honey, handmade beeswax candles, and beautiful handicraft are on sale in the Victoria Honey House.

On the return to the centre, a stop at Ingrid’s roadside stand for some local snacks and Guyana’s legendary fresh cane juice is a must.

Enjoy the entertaining acts of the Mangrove Masquerade

Mangrove ranger shows from this display board where the coastal birds are found among the mangroves

trail, and finally drummers and folk singing.

The tour starts at the mangrove visitor centre located at the bottom of the Women Leadership Institute in Cove and John, East Coast Demerara. It is a sprawling three-storey plantation house that is 160 years old and dominates five acres of land covered

The tour continues from the breezy Visitor Centre, and a choice of touring the mangrove reserve can be by either vehicle or by horse-drawn cart – a low carbon form of transportation that is becoming very popular.

Experienced cartmen provide this service, a part from the open air and breezy ride, it is

then to the Dutch koker which is a mini waterfall when in operation.

Arriving at the mangrove reserve, the first community-owned and managed mangrove reserve in Guyana, visitors are guided along a trail where four species of mangroves – black, white, red and buttonwood – are found within the first 100

42

feature

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WPO remembers Kowsilla

– Teixeira urges women to become vocal members of society

G

uyanese women were urged to stand up and speak out for their rights as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) remembers Kowsilla, a mother of four who was ran over by a tractor during a protest against the British plantocracy five decades ago.

The Women P r o g r e s s i v e Organisation (WPO), along with the PPP/C on Sunday remembered the sacrifices of Kowsilla at the Leonora Secondary School, West Coast Demerara.

Kowsilla, 44, known as “Alice” was killed on March 6, 1964, when her body was severed in two

by Felix Barr, who drove a tractor through her.

She was the sole breadwinner of her family.

Addressing the gathering at Leonora on Sunday, WPO General Secretary Gail Teixeira said that looking back at the history of Guyana; women have played and continue to play an important role in the struggle for independence and rights for all Guyanese.

She noted that while not every woman can be a Kowsilla, they can definitely make a change, but will have to continue the struggle.

“You got to stand up and open your mouth.

A section of the gathering at the event to remember Kowsilla’s sacrifice

Stop hiding, you’ve got to be out there, don’t hide yourself. We have to be proud of us as Guyanese women because the change in Guyana came about through the struggle for democracy, the struggle which changed our Constitution and cre-

ated equality and the struggle today to make sure that we don’t go backwards and keep on going forward,” she stated.

Teixeira went on to talk about the strides women in Guyana have made over the

A section of the gathering at the event to remember Kowsilla’s sacrifice

years since the days of Kowsilla, such as being owners of properties, having a sound education and being in politics, among others.

Bravery

Meanwhile, PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee said that

not a lot of people know about the struggles of women such as Kowsilla.

He noted that Kowsilla was an ordinary woman but she stood out because of her bravery to challenge the plantation rulers. Rohee added that her sacrifice contributed to the struggles of sugar workers and eventually to the development of unions, political parties and the country as a whole.

“Things have indeed changed since the days of Kowsilla and it was a result of her contributions that we are enjoying today what we’re enjoying.

The condition of working women today, compared to the conditions of the working women when Kowsilla was alive, is like comparing mangoes with tangerines.

Working women today have much better conditions than Kowsilla had,” Rohee said.

This sentiment was reiterated by the representatives from the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Rice Producers Association, who pointed out that the sacrifices of Kowsilla paved the way for better working conditions for all categories of workers across the country and recognition of GAWU. Kowsilla was an Executive of the Leonora

branch of the WPO. At the time, there were countrywide industrial protests, demanding recognition of GAWU by the Sugar Producers’ Association.

Kowsilla, along with other men and women who were mostly estate workers gathered at the High Bridge, leading to the Leonora Sugar Estate, where they sat forming a human barricade in protest against inadequate wages and inadequate working conditions.

Their actions prevented some scabs from entering the estate to work and based on instructions, one of them drove a tractor on the bridge, causing several persons to jump off into the punt trench while 14 of them who held their ground were injured.

Kowsilla and two other women who were severely injured were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, but she died on her way there.

The two other women Jagdai and Daisy Sookram survived the incident but suffered broken spines and were crippled for life.

The driver of the tractor Felix Barr was charged but was subsequently acquitted of the murderous act.

feature

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Why do Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day? M

any Americans think of Thanksgiving as a wonderful time to celebrate getting out of school for a long weekend, and eating a great dinner. Or, maybe they think it is the start of the Christmas holiday season. What is the real meaning behind Thanksgiving?

Catherine Millard writes: We can trace this historic American Christian tradition to the year 1623. After the harvest crops were gathered in November 1623, Governor William Bradford of the 1620 Pilgrim Colony, “Plymouth Plantation” in Plymouth, Massachusetts proclaimed: "All ye Pilgrims with your wives and little ones, do gather at the Meeting House, on the hill… there to listen to the pastor, and render Thanksgiving to the Almighty God for all His

blessings."

This is the origin of our annual Thanksgiving Day celebration. Congress of the United States has proclaimed National Days of Thanksgiving to Almighty God many times throughout the following years. On November 1, 1777, by order of Congress, the first National Thanksgiving Proclamation was proclaimed, and signed by Henry Laurens, President of Continental Congress. The third Thursday of December, 1777 was thus officially set aside: "…for solemn thanksgiving and praise. That with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their Divine Benefactor;… and their humble and earnest supplication that it may please God, through the merits of Jesus Christ,

mercifully to forgive and blot them (their manifold sins) out of remembrance… That it may please Him… to take schools and seminaries

Ghost'…"

Then again, on January 1, 1795, our first United States President, George Washington, wrote his famed

of education, so necessary for cultivating the principles of true liberty, virtue and piety under His nurturing hand, and to prosper the means of religion for the promotion and enlargement of that kingdom which consisteth of 'righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy

National Thanksgiving Proclamation, in which he says that it is… "…our duty as a people, with devout reverence and affectionate gratitude, to acknowledge our many and great obligations to Almighty God, and to implore Him to continue is… our duty

as a people, with devout reverence and affectionate gratitude, to acknowledge our many and great obligations to Almighty God, and to implore Him to continue and confirm the blessings we experienced…"

Thursday, the 19th day of February, 1795 was thus set aside by George Washington as a National Day of Thanksgiving.

Many years later, on October 3, 1863, Abraham Lincoln proclaimed, by Act of Congress, an annual National Day of Thanksgiving "on the last Thursday of November, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens." In this Thanksgiving proclamation, our 16th President says that it is… "…announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is

the Lord… But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, by the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own… It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people…"

So it is that on Thanksgiving Day each year, Americans give thanks to Almighty God for all His blessings and mercies toward us throughout the year. Author: Catherine Millard.

Text excerpted from A Children's Companion Guide to America's History, Horizon House Publishers, Camp Hill Pennsylvania.

44

NEWS

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

TT’s most wanted man caught

P

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: For over a month, residents of Brasso Seco hid in their homes, shied away from the media and were even afraid to talk to the police amid fears that the man believed responsible for the disappearance and deaths of three of their fellow villagers remained on the run and presumably still in the area.

Azmon Alexander was deemed by the police as a “person of interest” following the disappearance of Irma Rampersad,

Suspect: Azmon Alexander

49, and her daughters, Felicia, 17, and Jennelle Gonzales, 19, and Irma’s granddaughter, one-year-

old Shania Amoroso, when they went missing from their Paria Morne Bleu Road, Brasso Seco, home on October 26.

Their disappearance was reported to the police on October 26.

A family friend, Felix Martinez, 52, also went missing a short time after.

With the discovery of the three bodies, residents of Brasso Seco became even more fearful of the man believed responsible for the killings and, according to several residents, they began imple-

menting an unofficial curfew which saw them all in their respective homes by 8 p.m.

Then also began rumours that Alexander was seen in the area and had disguised himself as a woman in a bid to flee the forest which had been under a heavy police dragnet since investigations into the missing people began.

In the end he was not found in a dress or a wig.

He was not even clean-shaven and was actually arrested wearing 3/4 pants and a T-shirt around 10.30 a.m. along the Lennox-Yearwood Boulevard in Malabar, Arima, in a green Mazda

motor car.

He had a cutlass in his possession and was the lone passenger apart from the driver.

He offered no resistance when the police nabbed him.

Insp Mark Maharaj, who spoke on behalf of the arresting party of officers, stated, “We have been going night and day with this investigation and this morning we are drained.”

He said they did not rely on an anonymous tip but rather quietly gathered information following which they began paying undercover surveillance to the LennoxYearwood Boulevard area

and its environs and on Sunday they decided to act knowing where he would be and what time he would be there.

In Brasso Seco on Sunday, the TT media was told that following the arrest the community’s road to normalcy would be a long one.

Peter Sylvester, the husband of Irma Rampersad, happily spoke to reporters on Sunday.

Asked how he felt about the suspect he said, “I would not ask him nothing. I would beat him.

It is better that I not see he.” said Sylvester. (TT Express)

feature

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Seed of Hope in Jamaica

– MSC push for HIV kids to be functional members of society

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA: One of the original aims of the Mustard Seed Communities (MSC) was to provide room and board for abandoned children who are HIV positive.

However, over the years, this objective has shifted to helping these children become functional members of society, MSC Jamaica Executive Director Darcy TullochWilliams recently told the Jamaican media.

"When we started back in 1996, between 1996 and 1998... we were thinking that we were only providing room and board because they were all going to die, because they must die," TullochWilliams shared. "They are on a very good regiment of medication as well as nutritional programme that is boosting their immune system, so they are living.

"So there are guys we have had from like age three, they are now 18, looking at okay 'what am I going to do'," said an elated Tulloch-Williams,

A team tours the facilities at Jerusalem Children’s Home in St Catherine, one of the many homes across Jamaica that comprise the Mustard Seed Communities. The facility houses about 160 children, including those who are HIV positive.

who disclosed that MSC has not lost a child to the virus in at least the last 10 years.

The medication regiment TullochWilliams spoke of costs the Mustard Seed Communities approximately Ja$1 million monthly to care for the 65 HIV-positive children they house. Some

of the children, TullochWilliams explained, have even become resistant to their medication because they have been living with the condition for so long. These children are then given another medication regiment.

"I know there is one particular young man who we are paying close

to US$500 a month for his medication alone," the executive director revealed.

The children within the MSC are those who have been abandoned because of the stigma attached to the disease. Tulloch-Williams said the children include those who were born with the condition

through mother-to-child transmission and those who were abused and got HIV from their abusers.

Explaining that MSC sees itself as a change agent in society, TullochWilliams said once a need has been identified, the community jumps in to assist. From serving mentally and physically

challenged children, who have been abandoned, to teenaged mothers and now abandoned children with HIV, MSC is constantly looking to serve and uplift the most vulnerable members of society, especially disabled and abandoned children.

The dynamics of caring for children living with HIV change as the children get older. It becomes more difficult, Tulloch-Williams disclosed.

MSC also has to place emphasis on remedial work since, to some extent, their ability to be socialised and educated is also affected. She also said that the fact that they have become institutionalised is also taken into consideration.

"So what we have started to do now is educate them, put them in vocational training to get them to where they can become functional, independent individuals who can now go out in the society and contribute," Tulloch-Williams declared.

(Jamaica Observer)

46 feature Guyanese collection outshines in Haiti F WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

irst Resort created a lasting impression two years in a row at the Haiti Fashion Week held recently. The chic collection was also shown at an inviteonly event in Florida and was a huge hit.

In an interview with Guyana Times, Designer Sonia Noel said, “It feels great to create new markets as a designer and also when people are impressed with your creations.”

First Resort continues to showcase regionally and internationally the distinct talents of the Guyanese designer. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Guyana needs less of more

O Water Street, Georgetown, British Guiana

Another view of Water Street, British Guiana

ld people seh too much of one ting does never be good. That is why old people does advise young people to be satisfied with a lil bit of every ting and not to want too much of any ting. Is only de scraven kinda people who don’t listen to this kinda advice.

But a lotta people don’t listen to old people, so dem belly does be full, but dem eye does never be full. So some people always want more of some ting. And Guyana gettin more of every ting these days.

More rain and more floods in de whole country.

More garbage floatin up in GT. More schools closin every time a lil drizzle fall in GT. More students runnin around de place when it ain’t got school.

More public servants ain’t wukkin. More duty free scam. More remigrants who don’t even turn up to court when dem get charge fuh crookishness. More lawsuits against de Kocheur paper. More threats to de Gee-RA boss man. And more frustration fuh Lil Johnny from Trotman.

More fuel tax. More protest from AP-NOO. More fast food. More supermarkets. More people thiefin. More people tryin to put drugs in dem suitcase when dem goin away. More road accidents and more people gettin killed pun de roads. More gramoxone and more suicides.

More Police men tekking bribes and more animals pun de road, including dem mini bus and taxi drivers, who drivin just like how wild animals does run in de jungle. More fake driver’s licence givin away fuh a price and more people who can’t drive.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! At this stage, Guyana ain’t need more of any ting. In fact, if any ting, Guyana need less of More.

feature

47

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

TT’s Sookdeo tackles love and loss in first novel P

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Letters to Dr Narcissist, Prince of Darkness, by new author Bavina Sookdeo, was launched at Nigel R Khan Booksellers Ltd at Mid Centre Mall in Chaguanas on November 13.

Set in Trinidad, the book, based on the true experience of Sookdeo’s friend, traces the obsessive love of a sheltered young Hindu woman for a Christian doctor. He is so in love with himself that he told her to write him and say how she feels about him.

He literally told her one day, too, that he is the prince of darkness and his dark side is revealed during physically intimate moments when he tries to strangle her.

She later finds out he is married. Devastated, she and the child she bore for him

Author Bavina Sookdeo signs a copy of her book for retired school principal Sitara Gardner.

migrate to a foreign country where she is still trying to get

Simply the Truth

T

he invitation to the “Harvest” or “Thanksgiving” Service at St John Lutheran Church in Williamsburg, Corentyne, was so graciously delivered that it would have been rude to have said no. I went last Sunday, as invited.

The Church is situated on the south side of the Public Road, on the cusp between Rose Hall and Williamsburg.

It was there for as long as I can remember. As a mere slip of a boy, living then in Williamsburg – a stone’s throw away from the Church – it was always a joy to go into the compound.

The compound was well manicured, small flower brushes symmetrically aligned, the broad grated gate painted black, the walkway brushed clean of debris. And those of us who did not belong to the “faith” walked through gates of welcome.

It was most passing strange, upon looking back, that there was

Professor Daizal Samad

no babble nor bray of religion. It was a place of all of God’s children, without the vulgarity of who believed in what nor worshipped whomsoever by whatsoever name. All were given welcome. We were never invited into the church, although the doors were open wide.

There was no need for invitation.

What was important was that we behaved with civility and with honor, things beyond muddy religious affiliation. It was also important that we played table-tennis and

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

over him.

In her address to the small

gathering of friends and relatives at the launch, Sookdeo said light always overcomes darkness through the power of prayer. She said her friend asked her to write her story and gave her the letters she wrote to Dr Narcissist.

She agreed to do it to document what many women go through on a daily basis, she said. Sookdeo said since the book’s release, a number of women have come forward with their own stories.

A 65-year-old woman told her she had a similar experience and was still living in that situation.

Sookdeo pleaded with parents to protect their children and to prepare them to deal with the harshness and darkness of this world.

“There are predators who are just waiting for an opportunity to pounce on the good

Harvest

volley-ball with effort, with winning with grace and losing with grace abounding.

There was, then a volley-ball court which exists no more. The tennis table upon which we played remains as a sad reminder of crusted memories. It is peeled, with a half dozen cheap sundry books littering it surface.

In one short year, as a University of Guyana (UG) undergraduate, my publications would have been more plentiful. When UG was UG, that is. When it was a place of dignity and honour and truth and genuine intellectual effort from students – guided by mentors like John Rickford, Joyce Jonas, Walter Edwards, Ian Robertson and Jeff Robinson.

Now UG is like that peeled and irrelevant tennis table with a littering of scant, worn books, brown and wet from age and sad from not having been opened.

The person I remember best that belonged to the Lutheran Church was Vernon Outar. An unassuming man, empty of arrogance, soft of voice, measured of language, and as decent as the clean breeze.

He blessed me with a visit some nine months ago, when I was abandoned to the noble charity of loved ones. He was as gracious of recent and he was in our youth.

How, then does one repay such a person? On the opposite scale is the befouled who reminded me: “I brought you food!”

This is Berbice, and we

NEVER talk about food given or got. Ever!

The St John Lutheran Church stands still. I went to the Harvest sermon. I was relieved that there was no vulgar noise not pretentious prancing. It

and innocent,” she said.

She said sound morals and values are becoming extinct but urged young women to hold on dearly to them.

Sookdeo, a Guardian writer, is fully convinced that God made her write the book for a purpose.

She said she had no thought of becoming an author at the time but completed it in three months.

Everything just fell into place after that.

Media worker Ronald Hinkson, who was the MC, had a word for those critics who may feel Sookdeo is a man-hating scribe.

“Hold your tongue, you mauvais-langue Trinis.”

The book was edited by veteran journalist and TT Guardian contributor David Cuffy. (TT Guardian)

was staid, simple, in the manner of the Roman Catholic Church, its antecedent.

There was a good congregation, though not as good as back in the days, but good people

helped me to turn pages to find hymns that I may sing along. It was all led by a deacon, and I liked his gentle approach.

I did not sing. I simply beheld as a witness.

48

hollywood

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Kim Kardashian's app to aid AIDS research

R

eality TV star Kim Kardashian is "thrilled" to help in the fight against AIDS by raising money through exclusive content on her 'Kim Kardashian: Hollywood' application.

The 34-year-old is working with multinational corporations Apple and (RED) in honour of World AIDS Day on Dec 1. Through her app, she's offering exclusive new content and funds of all the in-app purchases will be donated to the Global Fund in a bid to eradicate the disease, reports contactmusic.com.

"Players can show their support by participating in special (RED)

events and purchasing exclusive (RED) in-game items like (RED) Beats headphones," she said in a statement.

"As a 'thank you' for their support, players can take a (RED) branded selfie with me and share to their social net-

works! Players can even attend a (RED) fundraiser event in-game. I'm thrilled to be able to support (RED) through Kim Kardashian: Hollywood," she added.

As part of the special features, the "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" star's mother and manager Kris Jenner will become the first member of the family to get her own avatar as she helps gamers get to the top of the A-list.

In the weeks leading up to World AIDS Day, 25 games, including "Kim Kardashian: Hollywood" will be making new content available to raise funds. (TOI)

Brad Pitt to join Rihanna at her Diamond Ball

S

inger Rihanna has enlisted actor Brad Pitt for her inaugural Diamond Ball.

The 26-year-old pop star will be introduced

by Pitt at her first annual Diamond Ball, which will take place on December 11, reports eonline.com.

The gala event, which benefits Rihanna's Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF), will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.

"It is such an honour to have Jimmy Kimmel host this event. There is no one more hilarious to make the first annual Diamond Ball an incredible night. I'm blessed by

Meet the Penguins Of Madagascar

W

ith its wacky characters and a dose of comedy, 'Penguins Of Madagascar' is a perfect family entertainer. As the film releases around the world in 3D and IMAX, here's looking at the four penguins and their individual traits.

Skipper

The leader of the team, Skipper has a no-nonsense attitude

and commands respect. His authoritative style may remind you of Amitabh Bachchan from Mohabbatein.

Kowalski

up and is often kept on a tight leash. He's always bursting with energy, just like Ranveer Singh in Band Baaja Baaraat.

Private

He is the brains behind the operation and a great help with his quick life-saving fixes, much

He might be the baby in the team, but has the biggest heart. Often sidelined by other penguins

like Aamir Khan's character from 3 Idiots.

during their missions, he reminds one of Tusshar from Golmaal Returns.

Penguins Of Madagascar releases November 28. (TOI)

Rico

All about courage, he enjoys blowing things

Ryan Reynolds found his father 'scary'

A

his support," Rihanna said in a statement.

"Brad Pitt is not only a phenomenal talent, but I admire him and am inspired by his philanthropic work," she add-

ed.

CLF works to improve the lives of underserved communities worldwide in the areas of health, education, the arts and culture. (TOI)

ctor Ryan Reynolds says he found his father "scary".

Ryan was once specifically "terrified" of his dad's reaction to the ear piercing that he got when he was younger.

Nevertheless, the 38-year-old, who now awaits his first child with his wife, Blake Lively, says that his father Jim worked "tirelessly" to provide full support to their family, reports contactmusic.com.

Writing further about

the moment he sat down at the table with his father after the piercing had been done, he said: "The little gold earring felt like it was flashing ember-red, as if to say, 'LOOK AT ME!!! Over here! Your son is a tool!

You raised a future Zengarden salesman who collects artisanal bongs!'

"What he was in fact looking at, were four young men, sitting at a dinner table, each, with a freshly pierced ear."

(TOI)

Zayn Malik wants to quit One Direction Oscar Isaac set to play the bad

E

nglish pop band One Direction's member Zayn Malik is reportedly ready to give up his glamorous lifestyle for a quieter life with his fiancee Perrie Edwards.

The 21-year-old is said to be tired of being famous and wants a more relaxed and peaceful lifestyle.

"Zayn is fed up with the whole fame thing.

He loves singing and his

fans but he just wants a quiet life now," a source told Sunday People newspaper.

The singer is also thought to be considering the departure in order to spend more time with Edwards, as he wants to settle down with the singer who he proposed to in August 2013.

"He has become increasingly disappointed with the little amount of time he can spend with Perrie.

Unfortunately she is in a band too, they have so little time together. Zayn appreciates how lucky he is, but life is about family for him and he is seeing too little of his loved ones," the source added. (TOI)

guy in 'X-Men: Apocalypse'

O

scar Isaac will be playing the titular villain role in 'X-Men: Apocalypse'.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the latest X-Men installment, which would see Bryan Singer return to the director's chair, would star the 35-yearold Inside Llewyn Davis as Apocalypse, the character which was seen in a coda during Days of Future Past.

The character was born in the ancient Middle East and is shown as a gray-skinned immortal with a host of

powers ranging from super-strength to telepathy to morphing his body's form and size.

Singer had worked on the story with Michael Dougherty, Dan Harris

and Simon Kinberg, who's also writing the script, and while Days of Future Past was set in the 1970's, this film would be set in the 1980's.

The movie would see Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy and Jennifer Lawrence return to their roles, while actors to play young versions of Cyclops and Jean Grey/Marvel Girl are still to be cast.

The film, which would begin production early in 2015 with Fox, is anticipated to release in May 2016. (TOI)

bollywood

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Priyanka Chopra: 'Bajirao Riteish Deshmukh-Genelia Mastani' role one of blessed with son my hardest ever

B

B

ollywood actress Priyanka Chopra says her character in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming love saga 'Bajirao Mastani' is one of her most difficult roles and working on the film is draining.

The 32-year-old 'Mary Kom' star is currently shooting for the period romance, which also stars Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone.

The film is based on the love story between Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao I (Ranveer) and his second wife Mastani (Deepika).

Priyanka plays Kashibai, the first wife of Baji Rao. The actress took to Twitter to share her experience of filming the movie.

"Didn't even realise how tired I was till I touched my bed. 'Bajirao Mastani' is so intense that I'm depleted! Kashi is one of my hardest parts!" she posted on her Twitter page.

This is the second time that the actress is working with Bhansali, after her special appearance in his last movie 'Ram Leela', which also starred Ranveer and Deepika. (TOI)

Dilip Kumar perfectly fine: Amitabh Bachchan

M

egastarAmitabhBachchan put an end to online rumours about Dilip Kumar's death by tweeting that veteran actor was "perfectly fine".

Rumours about Dilip Kumar's death spread online last evening prompting Bachchan to call Saira Banu.

"Some baseless rumours being spread about Yusuf Saheb - Dilip Kumar, being ill .. Saira ji just informed me he is perfectly fine!," Bachchan, 72, tweeted.

Dilip Kumar, 91, and Saira Banu, 70, recently attended Salman Khan's sister Arpita's wedding reception in Mumbai. (TOI)

club!!

Karan Johar: And humongous congratulations to @Riteishd and @ geneliad on being proud parents to a baby boy!!!!!

Love you lots!!!!!

Nikhil Dwivedi: @ Riteishd congratulations buddy. What super news n he shares his b'day with me!

Milap Zaveri: Yayyyyyyy congrats to the sweetest loveliest

couple I know @geneliad n @Riteishd on becoming parents of a baby boy!

Woohoo!

Lara Dutta: Heartiest congratulations to my dearest @Riteishd and new mama @geneliad!!

Welcome to the best time in ur life!!!

Bipasha Basu: @ Riteishd and @geneliad!

Woohoo! Daddy n mommy! Congrats! Lil baby boy! Wow! (TOI)

Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone in Shimla

A

Amitabh Bachchan visits granddaughter Aaradhya's preschool

D

oting grandfather Amitabh Bachchan recently took time off from his busy schedule to participate in the Grandparents' Day celebrations held at his granddaughter Aaradhya's preschool, the Kookaburra Learning Center. Also present were Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya's parents, Brinda Rai and Krishnaraj Rai. The Bachchan family enjoyed the session, which also involved a video on Aaradhya's activity at school.

Grandparents from a cross-section of society attended the celebration and spoke about

ollywood's beloved on-screen and off-screen couple Genelia D'Souza and Riteish Deshmukh were on Tuesday blessed with a son, their first child.

The excited father took to Twitter to share the good news and posted: It's aBBBOOOOYYYYYY!!!!!!!!"

The couple, who had been dating since 2003, tied the knot in 2012.

Having starred together in movies like 'Tujhe Meri Kasam' and 'Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya', they are often called the 'cutest couple of tinsel town'.

A string of adorable photographs of the duo recently went viral -they featured a heavily pregnant and glowing Genelia in some candid moments with Riteish, who is an actor-producer and son of the late former Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh.

The couple's friends from the Hindi film industry sent out congratulatory messages, welcoming them to the parents' club of Bollywood. Here's what they had to say: Abhishek Bachchan: Congratulations @ Riteishd and @geneliad on the arrival of the greatest gift ever.

Welcome to the parents

the centre's unique educational methodology.

The learning centre's distinct approach helps actualise every child's potential and facilitates their allround growth. Founderdirector of Kookaburra, Tejal Mehta's passion for teaching, humane vision and unbound love for

children is what made her open the centre. The curriculum is designed in such a way that it enhances the brain development of a child at a very nascent stage. The school also holds counseling sessions for parents, to hone their parenting skills. (TOI)

fter setting the screen on fire and the cash register ringing with 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani', Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone have joined hands again for a film that's being produced by Sajid Nadiadwala.

Titled ‘Tamasha’, the film is directed by Imtiaz Ali and music composed by AR Rahman.

Now, we have learnt that the second schedule of the film has begun in Shimla. Interestingly, a major portion of their last film was also shot in snow-capped mountains.

A source says, "The

shooting of the film began in Corsica, France in July 2014. Ranbir Kapoor plays a free spirited person who wants to spread happiness and Deepika's character in the film is of an adventurous and

fun-loving girl. There are several sequences which the duo were dabbling in dance and staging skits for the locals. The troupe is one of the reasons for the film's title Tamasha."

(TOI)

Sitara Devi passes away in Mumbai

E

minent Kathak d a n s e u s e Sitara Devi, who was on ventilator leave Monday, passed away early Tuesday at Jaslok hospital here, confirms her son in law.

"She is no more,"

Rajesh Mishra, the son-in-law of the 94-year-old danseuse, told IANS. Sitara Devi was earlier hospitalised at Cumballa Hill Hospital and was later shifted to Jaslok hospital. (TOI)

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WICB PCL 4-Day Tournament…

Crandon praises excellent Guyana Jaguars – Joseph, Chanderpaul, Hetmyer to replace Windies trio for next round

Esaun Crandon

By Avenash Ramzan

H

ead Coach of the Guyana J a g u a r s Franchise, Esaun Crandon, on Tuesday praised his team’s “excellent” execution against the Windward

Islands Volcanoes, whom they thrashed by 92 runs to surge to the top of the points table in the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) 4-Day tournament.

Playing at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, the Jaguars, led by an eight-wicket haul from left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul on the final day, subjected the Islanders to a second consecutive defeat. By contrast, it was the Jaguars’ second successive victory- following their innings humiliation of the Leeward Islandsand they have now assumed pole position with 34 points, 14 ahead of their near-

est rival, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.

Reflecting on the win against the Windward Islands Volcanoes, Crandon praised the players for their execution of the game plan.

“Definitely, I think we played excellent cricket over the four Keon Joseph

days and I think we did well upfront by putting up a good first innings total,” the former Guyana fast bowler reckoned.

Batting first after winning the toss, Guyana Jaguars, on the back of a sec-

over two sessions.

The Volcanoes failed to erupt, succumbing meekly to the spin of Permaul, who snatched a career-best 8-36 as they folded for 190. Permaul ended with excellent matchfigures of 11-76 to carry his tournament tally to 16 from two games.

“Obviously it was a top performance from Permaul and I think he did an excellent job for us. Hopefully, he can continue in the same vein and win more matches for us.

[Devendra] Bishoo has been bowling well too so we’re pretty happy with the way things are going,” Crandon said.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

Veerasammy Permaul

ond consecutive hundred from Narsingh Deonarine (139) and 62 from Shivnarine Chanderpaul, posted 291 after the game started after lunch on the first day owing to early morning showers.

Deonarine, wielding his off-spin, then snared 5-24, as the Windward Islands Volcanoes were dismissed for 184 in their first innings.

Batting a second time, Guyana Jaguars declared at 175-6 with Chanderpaul scoring 44 and Deonarine 34, setting the visitors a target of 283 in just

Meanwhile, the Guyana Jaguars will be without three key players for this weekend’s third round match against Barbados at the Guyana National

Shimron Hetmyer

Stadium.

The left-handed trio Chanderpaul, Leon Johnson and Assad Fudadin will join the West Indies team heading to South Africa for the upcoming series, and they have been replaced by openers Shimron Hetmyer and Tagenarine Chanderpaul and fast bowler Keon Joseph, according to a usually reliable source.

After two rounds the points standing is: Guyana Jaguars (34), T&T Red Force (20), Jamaica (19), Barbados (12), Leeward Islands (06) and Windward Islands Volcanoes (04).

Narsingh Deonarine

SPort

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DeClou set to return on Big Brawl – 5-fight card set for January 24

Edmond DeClou

By Avenash Ramzan

T

he Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) will stage the ‘Big Brawl’, a fivefight card set for January 24 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The event will be

headlined by the return of Edmond DeClou, who suffered a broken jaw in his last fight in October 2013 against Derick Richmond.

De Clou will now face Gladwin Dorway in an eightround Middleweight clash.

How well DeClou will cope with the ring rust and the fact that he might still be smarting from the injury is left to be seen. The loss to Richmond was only his second in 17 fights, and the first since he initially tasted defeat at the hands of Kwesi Jones in fight number two.

The reigning Guyana and Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) Middleweight champion would no doubt look to improve on his record of 14 wins (3 KOs), two losses and a draw, and get his career back on track.

Dorway, on the other hand, is at the initial steps of what is a promising career, surging to four victories, all by way of knockout. He has however, suffered three losses, all coming in his last three encounters.

At the start of his career, Dorway stopped countrymen David Thomas, Anson Green, Cassius Matthews and Shawn Pile within the distance at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, but subsequently suffered consecutive defeats to compatriot Mark Austin, and twice to Jamaican Richard Holmes, the last of which was in July this year.

Dexter Marques

With the Sports Hall being a happy hunting ground, Dorway would look to get past DeClou and revitalise his fledging career.

In the other bouts, Dexter Marques and Quincy Gomes will square off in a sixround Catchweight contest, while Jermaine Estwick will make his debut against Eversley Browne in a Junior Middleweight fourrounder, and newcomer Keane Allicock will face David Thomas in a fourround Lightweight bout.

The lone female fight will also feature a debutant with Simone Hoyte starting her career against the veteran Shelly Gibson.

Prison inmates to compete at Flex Night

P

ossibly for the first time in the history of bodybuilding in Guyana, prison inmates will be competing with athletes from other gyms nationally and internationally at the Flex Night International event, which will be held on December 7 at the National Cultural Centre.

This development takes the unfolding three-way relationship that involves Flex Night Incorporated, Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited and the Guyana Prison Service to another level.

The Georgetown Prison now boasts a gym facility – Republicans Flex-In Gym – the result of financial support from Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited, and technical assistance from Directors of Flex Night

Flashback! From left: Former Director of the Guyana Prison Service Dale Erskine, Managing Director of Flex Night Donald Sinclair and Chief Executive Officer of Demerara Mutual Keith Cholmondeley with a copy of the MOU

Inc. This initiative itself grew out of a paradigm shift announced by the Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee a few years ago whereby the emphasis would fall more upon correction and rehabilitation than upon punishment.

With financial inputs from Demerara Mutual, an MOU was signed, equipment was acquired and both inmates and officers were trained in the essentials of gym management and basic training techniques.

The entire sport-

Bovell splashes to TT’s first CAC gold

ing establishment will, on December 7, be applauding this breakthrough on the part of Flex Night Inc. and the Guyana Prison Service in attracting those representatives to the bodybuilding stage.

The event will start at 18:00 hours sharp.

TT swimmer George Bovell III, celebrates as he watches the scoreboard which reflects his winning time of 22.230 seconds ahead of Suriname’s Renzo Tjon-A-Joe (22.62) and Cuban, Hanser Garcia (22.69), in the men’s 50m freestyle at the 22nd staging of the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games at the Leyes de Reforma Aquatic Centre, Veracruz, Mexico on Thursday night.

P

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Just as he did eight years ago in Cartagena, Colombia, at the 20th edition, TT swimmer George Bovell III secured this country’s first gold at the 22nd staging of the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games at Leyes de Reforma Aquatic Centre, Veracruz, Mexico, on Thursday night.

Bovell sped home in 22.30 seconds, .07 hundredths of a second outside in 2010 record of 22.23 to turn the tables on his rival for gold well ahead of Suriname’s Renzo Tjon-A-Joe (22.62) and Cuban, Hanser Garcia (22.69).

He previously won gold at the 2006 CAC Games in Colombia in 22.67 while he set a new record enroute to gold in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico four years in 22.23.

With the gold, Bovell improved TT’s overall haul at the games thus far to six, one gold and five bronze. This after Bovell (50m backstroke), along with cyclist Kwesi Browne (keirin), shooter Roger Daniel (individual 10m Air Pistol), taekwondo’s Dorian Alexander (under 68 kg), men’s table-tennis doubles pair Curtis Humphreys and Dexter St Louis all previously got bronze. The other finishers in the final were Venezuelan Christian Quintero (22.82), Bermuda’s RoyAllan Burch (23.10), Mexican duo, Alejandro Escudero (23.27) and Daniel Ramirez (23.32)

and Puerto Rico’s Erik Risolvato (23.51).

In the morning heats, Bovell touched the wall in a slow 23.42 seconds by his standards behind Tjon-AJoe (22.98), Quintero (23.10) and Risolvato (23.34) while the two qualifiers from heat one were Garcia (23.06) and Escudero (23.33) and the duo of Burch (23.23) and Ramirez (23.51). The TT swimmer won his first medal of the on Wednesday, after he finished third, .01 hundredths of a second out of a silver medal in the men’s 5om backstroke final in 25.91 seconds.

In the morning heats, Bovell was second in heat two in 26.65 seconds to trail Molina (26.33) while Subirats won heat one in 26.42 with Colombian Juan Pablo Botero second in 26.67, Cuban Armando Barrera third in 26.74 and Mc Leod, fourth in 26.81.

Also on Thursday night, Cherelle Thompson also failed in her bid to medal for TT in the women’s 50m freestyle when she finished 26.41 for sixth ahead of Bahamian Ariel Weech (26.48) and Mexico’s Maria Fernanda Gonzalez (26.52) Bahamian Arianna Vanderpool took gold in 25.24 followed by Puerto Rico’s Vanessa Garcia (25.63) and Mexico’s Liliana Ibanez (26.04) to complete the top-three.

Aruban Allyson Ponson was fourth in 26.27 and Colombian, Isabella Arcilla, fifth in 26.38.

(TT Guardian)

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Port Mourant hand Guyana ready for Umada Cup, says GCF head Albion first defeat T of the year P

ort Mourant Cricket Club (PMCC) handed Albion their first loss of the year with a three wicket win in the Balram Shane Memorial Cricket 50-over cricket competition on Sunday.

Albion, batting first found it tough on a pitch which offered assistance

men were able to cope with the spin of Devindra Takoodeen (4 for 24) and Beechan Deolall (2 for 46).

In reply, Albion threatened to keep the trophy which they have held for the past three years as PMCC were struggling at 48-3 off 19 overs.

departing with the score on 175.

Meanwhile, Gonzales continued to keep the score board ticking and stayed until the end for an unbeaten 60 (4×4, 1×6). Foo was named man of the match for his 109.

The Balram Shane Memorial Cricket compe-

The winning Port Mourant team pose with the trophy

to the spinners and were dismissed for 187 in 45.4 overs.

Jonathon Foo hit an enterprising 109 (9×4’s, 3×6’s) and was associated in a fifth wicket stand of 81 with David Latchaya who made 29.

Apart from the two, none of the other bats-

Troy Gonzales joined Loyden Lewis at the crease and the pair added 66 for the fourth wicket.

Lewis departed for 55 (2×4) at 114-4 as Ameer Khan came to the wicket and immediately freed his arms for a fast paced 28 (1×4, 2×6) runs before

tition is played annually between the two rivaling clubs and was first contested in 2000.

Albion have won the trophy on eleven occasions while PMCC claimed their third on Sunday. The competition was once rained out.

D’Andrade retains marathon title in Suriname

G

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Trinidad based distance athlete, Lionel D’Andrade successfully retain his Suriname Marathon title on Sunday.

D’Andrade made the event seem easy as he pulled away from the pack to finish clearly ahead of his competitors in Suriname.

D’Andrade stopped the clock at two hours, 57mins 50s to top Suriname’s Sykerio Simpson who finished second in three hours, four minutes 31s.

Guillerme Udenhout was third in three hours, seven minutes and four seconds.

The lanky distance athlete noted that the race was a bit grueling for him and did not want to push the pace.

Trinidad based distance athlete, Lionel D’Andrade

“I had chikungunya so I wasn’t 100 percent and I was not running for time, I was just running to retain my title,” D’Andrade told Guyana Times Sport.

Meanwhile USA based athlete, Euleen Jossiah-Tanner finished second on the distaff side in a time of three

hours and 41mins while Guyanese master’s athlete Carlene Phillips was third in four hours and nine minutes.

D’Andrade is expected to leave Guyana on Thursday for Trinidad where he will compete in his final two events to close his 2014 season.

(Guyana Times)

he Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) is working overtime to ensure a successful hosting of the prestigious Umada Cup Chess tournament, billed to start on Thursday in Georgetown.

The competition, hosted in Guyana for the first time, will run until December 1, with all games being played at the Sleepin Hotel on Brickdam, Georgetown.

During an interview on Tuesday, GCF President Irshad Mohamed pointed out that all systems are in place for the five-day tournament, with some of the overseas players already in the country; while others are due to arrive today.

“Everything is in place as we speak. All the arrangements have been finalised; accommodation and so on, so we’re on track to having a successful tournament,” Mohamed highlighted.

Initially, 17 countries were invited to compete at the fifth annual tournament, but only six would take to the tables come Thursday. Guyana apart, players would come from Trinidad

Irshad Mohamed

and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Suriname and the Dominican Republic.

As the host nation, Guyana has the privilege of entering an unlimited number of players, and according to Mohamed, at least 40 locals are set to do battle against the foreigners.

Suriname is expected to field a team of 14, while Trinidad and Tobago has confirmed eight entries, Barbados and Jamaica three each and two from the Dominican Republic.

Mohamed also used the opportunity to underscore the importance of Guyana hosting such a prestigious tournament for the first time.

“It is important for us to host this tournament.

Hopefully, it can help to lift the level of the game in Guyana, as well as encourage more persons to come and join the chess fraternity,” the GCF commented.

The tournament, according to Mohamed, is being organised under the auspices of current president of FIDE, the world governing body for chess, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov.

The tournament will be held in two categories: one for players in the Open Section and another for those in the Challenger Section.

Both sections will be played under the Swiss System for nine rounds and will be FIDE rated.

A grand payout package of US$16,000 would be at stake.

In the Open Section, the winner will cart off US$2,500, while the second and third place finishers will pocket US$1,500 and US$1,000 respectively. The winner of the Challenger Section is entitled to US$1,500, with the runner-up copping US$1,000 and third US$750. In the case of a tie, the sum of the prizes involved will be shared equally.

Gayle, Pollard fail in Ram Slam Twenty20 League C

APE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: Big-hitting Chris Gayle failed as Lions crashed to a heavy 77-run defeat to Cape Cobras in the South Africa Ram Slam Twenty20 League on Sunday.

Chasing 155 for victory at Newlands, Lions were bundled out for 77 off 15.3 overs, to plunge to only their second defeat of the tournament.

Gayle, who has been in good form in the tournament, made just three from eight balls before falling in the second over, bowled by fast bowler Dane Paterson who finished with three for nine.

Neil McKenzie topscored with a run-aball 31, while Temba Bavuma hit a run-a-ball 20, in a 34-run, thirdwicket stand. Once they were separated, however, Lions lost their last seven wickets for 22 runs.

West Indies allrounder Kieron Pollard took two for 11 with his gentle medium pace.

Earlier, Pollard had also failed with the bat, making just six from 10 balls, as Cape Cobras

Chris Gayle

rallied to 154 for seven off their 20 overs.

Dane Vilas hit 51 from 29 balls and Omphile Ramela, 46 off 38 balls, in a 54-run, third wicket stand.

In the other game at SuperSport Park, Darren Sammy's Titans played to a thrilling tie

with Warriors, in a contest reduced to eight overs per side because of rain.

Sammy made 16 from 12 balls as Titans made 79 for five, but Warriors ended on the same total, with no provision because of time, for the decisive Super Over. (CMC)

Sport

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Guyanese dominate CSCA annual award presentation

By Ravendra Madholall

T

O R O N T O , CANADA: A large number of Guyanese cricketers were rewarded with trophies and other incentives on Saturday evening when the Canadian Softball Cricket Association (CSCA) held its annual and 12th award presentation ceremony at the Royal Banquet Hall, Mississauga.

Jaguar team was crowned winners of the First Division knockout final, A Division Grand Final winners (regular season) and President’s Cup A Division champions, also made a clean sweep of the Division One titles.

Jaguar’s skipper Hemnarine Chattergoon, who is also president of the CSCA, emerged as the top batsman of the First Division, tallying a remarkable 502 runs from 15 matches (13 innings) for an average of 55.78 per innings.

The former Guyana and West Indies Under-19 batsman, his runner up Roy Dhori of Beehive amassed 383 runs with an average

Some members of the victorious Jaguar team pose with their winnings while their spouses share the spoils

of 47.88 from the same number of innings.

Chattergoon, whose younger brother Sewnarine Chattergoon represented the regional side at the highest level and Harrienarine Chattergoon also played for Guyana at the youth level.

Shieldstown’s Shazam Baksh, another Guyanese, took the prize for the best bowler in the First Division category, picking up 21 wickets at 5.20 runs apiece, one

more than Sunshine’s Krishna Gopie whose 20 was gained at 5.83 runs per over and Dave Sirkisson who ended with 18 at 5.42 runs each.

The best batsman in the Second Division was Guyanese Sharaz Hamid of Hustlers who topped with 658 runs for an average of 59.82 while Sachim Gaindalall of Titans (555 runs, average 61.67) and Sunil Sattan of Kings Sports 493, average 49.30) also

shared the spotlight.

Topping the Second Division in the bowling department was Suresh Ragoonauth with 25 wickets at 6.25 runs each with his teammate Javed Parsaram claiming 23 at 3.57 runs apiece and Rising Stars’s Travis Jaglall 23 at 5.71.

First Division centuries were registered by Imtiaz Hussain (Adventure), Lindon Persaud (Adventure), Sharaz Hamid (Hustlers), Sunil Sattan

(Kings Sports), Cassius Waithe (Rising Star), Shaun Gangaram (Sunset Cricket Club) and Gerald Austin (Titans).

Rabindranauth Parasnauth of Sunshine shone with the ball with the amazing figures of seven for four versus Rampage while there was five-wicket hauls for Kamalchand Narine (11Th Army), Roy Sanders (Adventure), Shameel Hamid (Hustlers), Doodnauth

Rajcoomar (Industry), Premnarine Persaud (Ocean’s X1), Cassius Waithe (Rising Star), Travis Jaglall (Rising Star), Shazam Baksh (Shieldstown), SShivon Narine (Star Boyz), Richard Mohabir (Titans) and Suresh Ragoonauth (Titans).

In brief remarks, Chattergoon thanked his hard-working executives for their tireless efforts during the season which he described as being very challenging.

He was serving his first year in that capacity, one of his main objectives in the New Year will be the introduction of a third-division competition.

Chattergoon expressed sincere thanks to all the teams for their participation and also thanked the various sponsors for their continued commitment to softball cricket in Canada.

Vice-president Leon Veeran, who served 10 years as president and Treasurer David Ramasami were also credited for their efforts over the last 13 months.

The evening was concluded with a dinner and dance.

Queen’s Park dominates judo tournament 7-10 category, Suraya Ali (QPJC) gave a good account of herself to win the category which was the first of only two categories for women on the day. Giovanni Lopez of

P

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Queen’s Park Judo Club (QPJC) held its third and final tournament for the year at the Dunross Prep School, Westmoorings, on Saturday.

Some of the top national judo players missing were Khaliqa Mohammed, Sean Lawrence, Devon Brito, Christopher George and Jelanie Boyce who were all on national duty for TT at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Mexico.

However, it still gave an opportunity for good tal-

ent to shine in their absence.

Athletes ranging from seven to 58 years of age were divided into seven categories that treated spectators to some exciting judo, a tournament that was dominated by the QPJC. It was also a historic first in TT as a masters category featured some of the top judoka over the age of 35.

Pint-sized Jeillon Jackman (QPJC) showed his tough spirit after sustaining an accidental blow to the face to go on to win a very close boys 7-10 category. In the girls

Holistic Primary was one of two athletes to stop the QPJC rout as he won a delightfully competitive boys 11-12 division all by Ippon.

Gabriella Wood of St.

Joseph’s Convent Portof-Spain, remained unbeaten for the year and proved to be the most dominant women’s competitor in 2014 with a relatively easy win in the

female open.

QPJC won five of the seven categories as Jason Sieunarine, Thomas Tuefel and Mark Littrean also claimed titles. (TT Guardian)

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