Guyana Times International March 23 2018

INTERNATIONAL THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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Aggressive Delport, a good acquisition for Amazon Warriors Page 51

You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2018

ISSUE NO. 389

Jagdeo slams Gov’t over “repressive, anti-poor decisions” See story on page 8

...says biggest fear is whether 2020 polls would be free and fair

NY importers feeling the squeeze since fish ban took effect Page 13

Govt working to ensure Guyana satisfies US requirements for fish export – Holder

PPP General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo addressing an audience at Red House, Kingston, Georgetown to mark the 100th birth anniversary of the late Dr Cheddi Jagan

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New York City ‘I didn’t conduct welcomed autopsies on record 62.8 remains’ million visitors burnt …says Govt Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh in 2017 Lindo Creek CoI

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Lindo Creek CoI

‘I didn’t conduct autopsies on burnt remains’ …says Govt Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh

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o v e r n m e n t Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh on Thursday testified at the ongoing Lindo Creek Commission of Inquiry (COI) that he never conducted post mortem examinations on the eight (8) miners who were killed.

Sometime between June 12, 2008 and June 24, 2008, miners Cecil Arokium, Dax Arokium, Compton Speirs, Horace Drakes, Clifton Wong, Lancelot Lee, Bonny Harry and Nigel Torres were shot and killed, and their bodies burnt at the Upper Berbice River mining camp, which was being operated by Leonard Arokium.

Sigh told the CoI that after initial attempts to reach the scene of the crime failed, he recalled being at home watching the news when he saw

that the police were able to bring out the bones of the miners to the City.

The veteran doctor said however, that he was never contacted to do an independent autopsy on the bones. He noted further that he became aware by then Police Commissioner Henry Greene that an Indian National from Jamaica was hired to conduct the examinations and as such, he did not participate.

The Government pathologist also told the CoI that he did not see the report done by the other pathologist from Jamaica.

Moreover, he posited that the police should have placed the recovered bones in eight separate bags. "You got to be careful how you removing these things.

The problem is that you

Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh at the COI on Thursday

need to get it separated as much as possible. You just can’t go and scoop them up and put them in a bag and bring them" Singh said while outlining that if he was present at the crime scene he

would have ensured that the bones were separated since it would have provided a better opportunity for examination.

Singh also said that it would be "very difficult” after 10 years to make

any findings now, even if the bones were exhumed.

Chairman of the CoI Justice (ret’d) Donald Trotman, had told this publication in a prior interview that the 10-year time lapse is proving

to be a disadvantage as the Commission does its work.

Trotman had explained that because of the time that elapsed, the DNA evidence that would have been important in giving the Commission more valuable information and leads have been disposed of.

However, he noted that although the majority of the DNA evidence has been disposed of, the Commission has been furnished with the remaining which it intends to use “very importantly and valuably” to further its work.

The Lindo Creek CoI is the first of what the coalition Government has said would be a series of inquiries into the hundreds of killings, which occurred during a crime wave that began in 2002.

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EDITORIAL

The Commonwealth

“C

ommonwealth Day” came on March 12 with hardly a flutter in Guyana, save for a modest ceremony at the Public Buildings, where an almond tree planted on Commonwealth Day 2013 was fenced. The rather strained analogies made by the few speakers, on the robust growth of the tree to the Commonwealth relations, only served to highlight questions about the relevance of the organisation in this new millennium.

Commonwealth Day, of course, succeeded “Empire Day” in 1958, just after Ghana had received independence the year before, and a full decade after India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It was an acknowledgement that “the times were a changin’” as far as the Empire on which “the sun never set” was concerned. It was one other arrangement by Britain to retain the advantages of having colonies without bearing any burdens.

In the Caribbean, they had cobbled together the willing colonies into a “West Indian Federation,” which crumbled under its contradictions four years later. When Empire Day had been officially launched by Lord Meath in 1905, he boasted it was a “symbol of that unity of feeling…to those ideals of freedom, justice, and tolerance for which the British Empire [stood] throughout the world.” The hypocrisy of the statement was palpable, since Indians were still being shipped out to the colonies as “indentured servants” in echo of the slave trade on which Empire had been built. In South Africa, the seeds of apartheid were being planted when those same Indentured Indians were refused full citizenship rights at the end of their service.

The theme for Commonwealth Day 2018 is “Towards a common future,” and this year, for the first time in two decades, Britain will assume the chair of the 53-member organization, after the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHoGM) next month in London. This year, the Queen of England sent a rather ironic message to the Commonwealth Day commemoration at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France: “There is a very special value in the insights we gain through the Commonwealth connection; shared inheritance helps us overcome differences, so that diversity is a cause for celebration rather than division”.

The irony arises out of Britain’s “Brexit”, occasioned more than anything else by the rejection of “differences” implicit by their majority “leave vote”. The British voters made it clear they envisaged a Britain that was much less heterogenous than at present, and that immigrants from countries that were not connected to Britain through blood ties were not welcome. In this nativist iteration, the target is Eastern Europeans in addition to members from “coloured” Commonwealth countries that had been restricted since the late 1960s.

The sad truth is: Britain is looking at the Commonwealth as it had done after WWII at the “Empire” — as a salvation for its comparatively declining economic fortunes vis-a-vis Europe and a New Global Order being created with the rise of China and India as driving forces in global trade. Once again, it wants to reap benefits without responsibilities. We in Guyana cannot forget the cavalier treatment of the “Commonwealth Sugar Agreement” it negotiated with the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries – including Guyana – after WWII, to ensure its citizens their “cuppa”. It transmuted that Agreement into the Lome Protocol when it entered the EU in 1973, and promised it would last “in perpetuity”. Yet it played a lead role in pushing for the end of the arrangement in 2009, with a subsequent 36% cut in sugar prices.

At CHoGM, Guyana and the rest of Caricom must insist that if the Commonwealth is to survive, it must begin to address the concerns of all members, and move from simply uttering platitudes. In a world that rotates on free trade — championed by Britain at the end of the slave trade — the Commonwealth, for instance, can take a lead to return the WTO to its intended role: to create a more level playing field, by insisting that the Doha round be resumed.

President David Granger (6th from left front row), Dominic Gaskin, Minister of Business with responsibility for Tourism (4th from left, front row), Kim Osborne, Executive Secretary for Integral Development OAS, (7th from left, front row). Members of the Diplomatic Core and other dignitaries pose for a photo op. on the first day of the XXIV Inter-American Congress of Ministers and High-Level Authorities of Tourism which was held in Guyana earlier this week.

New York City welcomed record 62.8 million visitors in 2017

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ew York Mayor, Bill de Blasio and NYC & Company—New York City’s official destination marketing organization— announced that 2017 was the eighth consecutive year for record-breaking tourism, with the City welcoming an estimated 62.8 million visitors last year, an increase of 2.3 million visitors over 2016, a news release from the Mayor’s Office stated.

Visitation for 2017 was comprised of 49.7 million domestic and 13.1 million inter-

American markets helped offset drops in our traditional European core markets. At the same time, the City continued its constant trend of reinvention, always offering countless reasons to visit and discover all that our five boroughs only can offer, both iconic and new. And campaigns to counter the negative rhetoric such as New York City – Welcoming the World, reaffirmed our commitment to being an open and welcoming global capital,” said NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon.

well as the excitement and energy that they bring to our streets. Our world-renowned attractions include the Theater District, Times Square and the High Line - and that's just in my Council district alone.

I thank everyone for coming here and everyone who works to make those visitors feel at home in the Big Apple," said City Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

“Tourism continues to be a centerpiece of New York City’s economy, and we’re fortunate to continue to welcome record

New York (National Geographic photo)

national visitors, both all-time highs.

“We’re keeping our door to the world open,” said Mayor de Blasio. “Even with all the headwinds from the White House, we attracted a record number of visitors to our city. That’s a testament to the strength of our tourism sector and the values of our city.”

“Despite geopolitical challenges and a travel ban that made our task of promoting tourism more challenging than ever, we are pleased to see that we overcame these hurdles to realize a consecutive eighth year of tourism growth in New York City, welcoming an alltime high of 62.8 million visitors last year. The strength from our Asia and South

In 2017, NYC & Company launched two campaigns, “New York City – Welcoming the World” and “True York City”, which helped position NYC as a must-visit destination despite challenges in the geopolitical climate and changes in travel policies. Overall, tourism last year grew 3.8 percent compared to 2016, when NYC welcomed 60.5 million visitors.

Domestic visitation grew 3.9 percent, from 47.8 million visitors in 2016 to 49.7 million in 2017. International travel increased by 3.4 percent, from 12.7 million visitors in 2016 to 13.1 million in 2017.

"The world clearly loves New York, and we love our tourists - for the economic boost that comes with their visits as

visitors year after year,” said NYC & Company Chairman Emily K Rafferty. “Despite headwinds we faced last year, the City’s unparalleled vibrancy and energy endured, drawing record visitors once again. I want to thank NYC & Company’s board and the organization’s 2,000 private member businesses for continuing to power City’s travel and tourism industry and for catapulting us to an eight straight year of growth.”

“New York is the cultural capital of the world, attracting more and more visitors from the US and abroad – tens of millions of whom come specifically for culture - to neighborhoods across all five borcontinued on page 9

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Linden mother who died after childbirth suffered from rare blood disorder

..says hospital’s CEO

By Utamu Bell

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inden Hospital Complex (LHC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Farouk Riyasat has noted that 41-year-old Jennifer Gill, who died on Monday following a normal delivery at the medical institution, suffered a blood disorder, referred to as Disseminated I n t r a v a s c u l a r Coagulation (DIC), which caused rapid blood loss and thinning eventually leading to shock and kidney failure.

The CEO made the revelation, which he stated was his belief, during a media brief that was also attended by the Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Romesa McDonald and Public Relations Officer Toshanna Alicock on Wednesday.

Alicock said the institution was saddened by the incident and expressed sympathy to Gill’s family, noting that the Hospital would have completed its investigation and an official report was already prepared and sent to the relevant authorities, including

the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and the Director of Regional Health Services.

She said a Pathologist from Georgetown travelled to Linden on Wednesday to conduct a post-mortem examination on the body of the now deceased woman; however, her family did not show up despite being informed. This led to the procedure being postponed.

Alicock said according to facts from the report, on first assessment by a doctor, Gill was in active labour when she arrived at the Hospital, being dilated at six centimetres (cm) and did not require a C-section.

“On assessment by the consultant, the patient had no criteria for a C- section…,” she noted. Alicock explained that Gill delivered a healthy baby boy and received the necessary drugs and blood that were needed.

“After the patient gave birth, the patient was observed to be haemorrhaging and the patient was then prepped and taken to the theatre to have a hysterectomy.”

She added that Gill went into hypovolemic

shock (also referred to as haemorrhagic shock) and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where treatment was continued.

However, she went into cardio-respiratory arrest, and despite resuscitation, she died at 20:30h on Monday.

Alicock maintains that Gill was treated by a team of expert doctors and that immediate family members were kept up to date on her condition

by Dr McDonald and other members of the team throughout the process.

The CEO noted that the Hospital provided for doctors to be on call 24/7, refuting allegations that there was no doctor available. He said only the anaesthetic consultant was later called in, but an obstetrician had been present with the patient at all times. An obstetrician was the one to decide if Gill needed a C-section, but he said Gill was found to be in the position to facilitate a normal delivery.

Dr Riyasat reiterated that doctors were on site while consultants were always on call and theatre staff were always available. He added that

a doctor was on site when Gill arrived and had observed that she was in labour.

He said the consultant who was called in arrived and did another assessment and Gill was fully dilated by then.

Following the normal delivery, Dr Riyasat said, Gill was doing well until about half an hour later when nurses noticed she was bleeding heavily.

He said she was seen by a specialist who did routine procedures and the bleeding stopped but recommenced. Dr Riyasat explained that Gill’s uterus was not contracting despite treatment and doctors made a decision to remove it via hysterectomy. At this time, he said, she was stable and conscious. After the anaesthetic doctor arrived, Gill was taken to the operating theatre.

“Because of the blood disorder that this girl was suffering from, during the surgery, she went into a shock…because the clotting factors were not present within her bloodstream, it wasn’t clotting the blood as fast as she was bleeding … therefore, she end up

Dead: Jennifer Gill

with DIC, a coagulation disorder – Disseminated I n t r a v a s c u l a r Coagulation … so … the blood gets thinner…”

This, he said, leads to kidney shutdown, but he said Gill was treated for the blood-clotting issue.

Dr Riyasat added that following the hysterectomy, Gill was not passing any urine and died as a result of kidney failure due to rapid blood loss.

According to the CEO, a C-section would have also been life-threatening with the blood disorder, which was only detected

after the hysterectomy.

He said staff also learnt that a family member of Gill also suffered from the disorder and had to have her uterus removed.

Additionally, he said they learnt that Gill, who had two other children, also suffered severe haemorrhaging during one of her other pregnancies.

The CEO said staff only learnt this later, as he explained that specific tests were required to detect the disorder. Prior to this incident, the LHC recorded zero maternal deaths since 2009.

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Work should begin No one really believes that the WPA NOW to ensure would walk away from governance that 2020 polls are free and fair Dear Editor: I have listened to former President Bharat Jagdeo's speech intently that he delivered at the 2018 Babu Jaan commemoration ceremony for Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

It was one of his better speeches. I was happy that he has declared a position on the state of potentially rigged elections in 2020.

I am of the firm belief, like him, that even if the Granger administration tries, they cannot ‘win’ rigged elections in Guyana in 2020. The system will not adequately facility such a situation, especially if a strong diplomatic and civil society presence is launched.

Counting of the ballot at the place of polls and having a signed and completed Statement of Poll in the hands of the scrutineers are two powerful tools against the forces bent on rigging any elections. To further strengthen the forces who are working tirelessly for free and fair elections and elections that are free from fear, it would be a bonus if more Guyanese volunteer for GECOM roles, EAB roles, and civil society roles to ensure the elections are properly conducted and observed.

Sitting on the sideline and resigning yourself to the thought that the PNC will rig the elections will only serve the undemocratic and anti-national forces who want to take Guyana back to the dark days of the 1980 elections when horses and donkeys in Manchester, England were voting in the Guyana elections. The people must stand up now and ensure that democracy prevailed as it is in the United States of America and other constitutional democracies.

All political parties have a national responsibility to ensure that they each have 2,000 STRONG and COMMITTED scrutineers trained from now to ensure every box is observed and counted from start to the end when they receive the signed statement of the poll (SOP) at their command center. There must be no room for anyone to abandon their post and that is why from now scrutineers must be identified and trained to weed out those who are not up to the task. When the domestic terrorists come and rocked the doors at the polling station the scrutineers must stand their ground at all cost. Even if those bent on rigging the elections stuff the boxes in the usual suspected areas, they cannot stuff more than 10,000 votes.

Mr. Jagdeo said the PPP will win by 50,000 votes, so in his case, that 10,000 cannot

overturn the will of the people.

The political parties have to ensure they have well trained political operators at every polling station, unlike some of the mediocre people they had in 2015 who abandoned their post when the domestic terrorists started to rock the doors of the polling places in some areas. I remember my time as a scrutineer at Freeburg School in Lodge in the 1992 elections. When the PNC thugs came and started to rock the door, my resolve then became stronger. I stood my ground as I recited a poem in my mind by Rabindranath Tagore which I armed myself with. The only way they were going to steal the SOP from me in 1992 was over my dead body. But I must commend the police in 1992, who did a fantastic job of bringing calm to a situation at that polling station. Those of us who served in 1992 stood up to the PNC thugs and we did it at no financial benefits to us them but at great personal risk.

I am hearing today the parties have to pay people to do this job. I think this is where the problem is, some uncommitted people to the struggle are doing the job for money and when the going gets tough, they bale. I think the political parties should start screening their scrutineers from now to weed out those who are going to bale when the PNC thugs come to rock the doors in some areas.

In closing, I would like to share that poem that was occupying my mind when fear was uppermost in my mind as a young 20-year-old lad in a room in Freeburg School on Durban Street. It is called "Where the Mind is without Fear".

Where The Mind Is Without Fear Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high Where knowledge is free Where the world has not been broken up into fragments By narrow domestic walls Where words come out from the depth of truth Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit Where the mind is led forward by thee Into ever-widening thought and action Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake."

ALUTA CONTINUA! Yours truly, Sasenarine Singh

Dear Editor, There is no doubt that the Working People’s Alliance is a legitimate member of the Coalition Government, but after reading the party’s threats to perhaps walk away from the Government because of perceived maltreatment, I wonder whether its leaders fully understand what they are talking about.

I recall similar mumblings when Dr Roopnaraine had stepped down as Minister of Education sometime last year.

The party had said then that it was not consulted on a replacement, and had fully expected that a leader of the party would have automatically taken Dr Roopnaraine’s place as a Cabinet Minister. This was not done, and its leaders had complained bitterly back then.

The Granger Administration

must, however, take some of the blame for the way the WPA is feeling and seeing things. It is my firm belief that a system of ‘upfrontness’ with Coalition partners would go a long way in easing the feelings that the bigger parties have little regard for the smaller ones like the WPA. No one really believes that the WPA would walk away from governance, with all the talk that the party is a mere shadow of what it used to be up to the time when its founder and leader, Dr Walter Rodney, was killed in 1980. Many observers also believe that the party would have brought very little votes to the coalition during the campaign, because I think that two generations of Guyanese would have grown up hardly hearing or knowing anything about the WPA. I therefore think that it

might be prudent for the leaders of the WPA to fight their battles internally, rather than in the press, as this can indeed harm the coalition. I also would argue that the latest public display of anger by the leadership team has to do with the decision by the management of the Chronicle Newspaper to dispense with the services of WPA leader David Hinds as a columnist, and the belief that this decision was made by high authorities.

The little I know as a follower and sympathizer is that the AFC also has its grouses, but, to date, has not made any comments similar to the WPA’s. I suggest the WPA take its lead from the AFC. Sincerely, Peter Joseph

The work of the Police is a dangerous one

Dear Editor, On Thursday, March 15, 2018, there was an exchange of gunfire between the Police and suspected bandits at the Georgetown seawall. Three persons, including two who were on the Police radar, died. There have since been conflicting reports in the media and elsewhere as to what actually took place. Some relatives of the dead men are perturbed over the whole issue, and are seeking justice outside of the Police environment.

The debate on the use of force, including deadly force,

sion, negotiation and persuasion have been found to be inappropriate or ineffective. While the use of force is occasionally unavoidable, every Police officer will refrain from applying the necessary inflection of pain and suffering, and will never engage in cruel, degrading, or inhuman treatment to any person.

“The job of the Police is not an easy one. Death lurks around the next corner. I can recall, during 1996, chairing the closing session of a course for Police sergeants, at Police Headquarters. The then Commissioner of Police, Laurie

rather than giving out awards.

The use of excessive force has always been difficult. The use of force, including deadly force, is sometimes a necessary part of the job, but determining what is reasonable is highly subjective.

In the landmark case in relation to the use of force, Graham vs Conner (1989), the Court held that the calculus of reasonableness must allow for the fact that the Police are often forced to make split-second judgments about the amount of force that is necessary in a particular situation in circumstances that are tense, uncertain, and are rapid-

rages. I am not au fait with all the facts in relation to the shooting, therefore I cannot say if the action of the Police was justified or not. Let me be pellucid: I hold no brief for anyone.

As a retired senior Police officer, I am aware that the work of the Police is a dangerous one, and can be unthankful at times.

Sometimes the Police are left in a quandary — damned if they do, and damned if they don’t.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police sets the following guidelines for Police officers: “A Police officer will never employ unnecessary force or violence, and will only use such force in the discharge of duty as is reasonable in all circumstances. Force should be used only with the greatest restraint, and only after discus-

Lewis, delivered the closing address. Among the things he mentioned was that when a Policeman leaves his home to go on duty, he does not know if he will return home alive.

Six hours later, bandits riddled Constable 16418 Adrian Williams, called “Big Six”, with bullets not far from the East La Penitence Police Outpost. He died on the spot. He was the only child of his mother.

I subsequently asked Commissioner Lewis not to utter those words again.

During the last crime wave, 2002-2008, which was described as ‘The Troubles’, a total of 26 Policemen were killed. The then Top Cop, Floyd Mc Donald, had the sad task of constantly attending funerals and paying tributes to his fallen heroes,

ly evolving.

According to Nowicki, “The standard according to this decision is the ‘reasonable objective officer’.

Nowicki, who is a “use-offorce” expert, posits, “There are three rules relating to the use of force by any officer. Rule number one is that you go home the same way as when you went to work: ALIVE. Rule number two is that you don’t go to prison. Rule number three is that you keep your job. If your use of force is reasonable, you protect yourself, your agency, the community, and even your assailant. But when in doubt, always remember rule number one.”

Yours faithfully, Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (Retired)

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Everyone must enjoy benefits of oil sector …President says as int’l experts, Cabinet discuss blueprint for petroleum industry

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resident David Granger says while many people are dazzled by the prospects of petroleum wealth, there is need for greater understanding and education on how the sector operates so that it benefits would be trickled down to every citizen.

He made it clear that even as the sector was about to take off, his Government would not veer from the ‘green’ development trajectory nor would it stray from delivering on pre-petroleum promises such as removal of the development disparity between the coast and the hinterland, creating an ‘education nation’ and a more cohesive Guyana, and empowering people, all of which will translate to a ‘good life’.

Speaking at the HighLevel Caucus on Oil Sector Strategy on Wednesday, which was organised by the Natural Resources Ministry, the Head of State said, “We need to educate ourselves as a Cabinet, as a Government and as a population as a whole. We have to take a sober approach to the exploitation of this valuable resource. We need to create the organisation, the structure that will manage this resource and even now, as I speak, we are in a state of transition.

When the Government came into office in May 2015, it was literally at the same time, al-

President David Granger speaking at the forum

most at the same date, that the announcement of the petroleum find was made. So, we are still putting in place an organisation that is capable of managing this resource and that is one of the reasons why we need this type of advice.”

The core objectives of the forum, which was held at the Baridi Benab at State House, were to build awareness on key issues relating to the oil sector; frame the country’s strategic choices to each of the key issues; to align those choices and to provide a blueprint for a sector roadmap. It brought together a mix of international and local experts on natural resources, governance, fiscal policies, finance and economic development.

During the deliberations, there were recurring themes

such as economic diversification, education, technology and infrastructural development, all of which were identified as priority areas to be pursued in order to transform the country’s socio-economic landscape.

President Granger pointed to the need for legislation and strong oversight institutions to protect citizens from the adverse aspects that could flow from the exploitation of this resource.

“We need to mobilise, not only national will but national resources. This is going to be the single largest industry in Guyana. As a country of just about three quarters of a million people, we need to ensure that our resources are mobilised, so that every Guyanese understands the importance of petroleum… We have to pro-

tect the rights of investors by establishing the institutions to ensure that there is no abuse or misuse of this resource.

Without the institutions, without the judiciary, without the oversight by the National Assembly and without prudent management by the Executive, much of what we are attempting to do will fail,” he said.

Meanwhile, Legal Adviser on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, Sir Shridath Ramphal reminded the Caucus of the ongoing controversy and the hurdle that the country still has to overcome. “We must not proceed as if that challenge does not exist. At the outset, we cannot afford the luxury of running ahead of ourselves,” he said.

Sir Shridath also commended the Government of Guyana’s

efforts which resulted in this matter being referred to the International Court of Justice.

“What is at stake is two-thirds of the country and if Venezuela had its way, almost all of our maritime space… It is a colossal step forward that Guyana has gotten to Geneva. We sought a judicial settlement for over 50 years and it is finally in hand,” he said.

One of the main presenters, Sir Paul Collier, a Professor at Blavatnik School of Public Policy at the University of Oxford, urged the Government to focus on proper policy choices and decisive national leadership. He also spoke of the importance of transforming oil revenues into assets, noting that the oil resource presented numerous opportunities, but the Government must develop a sound strategy to transform those opportunities into tangible benefits for the Guyanese population.

Other presenters at the forum included former United States Ambassador to Venezuela, Patrick Duddy; Dr Valerie Marcel, an Associate Fellow at Chatham House; former Manager of the Chilean Sovereign Wealth Fund, Eric Parrado; Peter Harrington, a Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School and Professor Paloma Mohamed from the University of Guyana.

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Jagdeo slams Gov't over "repressive, anti-poor decisions" ...says biggest fear is whether 2020 polls would be free and fair

G

eneral Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo believes that some of the repressive and anti-people decisions taken by the coalition Government

since its assumption to office, which have had a severe effect on the lives on many Guyanese, were well orchestrated to dismantle the pro-poor policies set by the party’s founder, Dr Cheddi

Jagan.

Addressing an audience which comprised veteran politicians and members of the diplomatic corps on Tuesday evening at Red House, Jagdeo said Jagan

A section of the audience on Tuesday who gathered for a special event to mark the 100th birth anniversary of the late President Dr Cheddi Jagan

worked hard to bring relief to poor and middle class Guyanese.

Jagdeo said he thought it was best to talk about the defining challenges of today and how Jagan’s writings, example and philosophy will help to guide the party in addressing the contemporary challenges.

“We have seen some

trends of this Government for the three years they have been in office that has caused a lot of worry for many people. The first is the dismantling of the pro-poor policies of the PPP, whether in the housing sector, taxation on basic food items, water, and electricity,” he stated.

The former Head of State said the coalition’s Government extends beyond that, because they have been strangely working against the gains made in the local Private Sector.

“One would think that with the pro-poor policies that they will be pro-Private Sector but paradoxically, they are also dismantling the environment in which the Private Sector thrived in the past,” he added.

He claimed that in addition to implementing a slew of taxes, there is now constant harassment of the business community, where there is no longer much dynamism in the sector. “If you do a survey of the business sector you would find that they are all speaking with gloom about the future,” he said.

Another trend of the coalition Government, according to Jagdeo, is the blatant attempt to reverse the democratic gains of the country.

“So Parliament and the separation of powers, sometimes the unilateral or arbitrary interpretation of the President of the Constitution, and the laws of Guyana.”

Jagdeo also pointed to what he described as decisive politics being displayed by the current Government. He referred to the example where hundreds of Amerindians in various hinterland communities had their jobs taken away from them that were created under the PPP Administration.

He also referred to a series of broken promises made by the Government which they are yet to fulfil. The former President noted that certain institutions were put in place prior to the PPP leaving office, but when the coalition assumed office, they began to dismantle them,

including the Integrity Commission.

Referring back to the struggles made by Dr Jagan, Jagdeo said that the bravery, resilience and hard work of the former President must never be forgotten. He noted also that ever since the PPP was formed by Jagan, it has been an all-inclusive party, which has welcomed people of all walks of life to join.

According to him, it is no different today although people would from time to time question the ideology of the party. He said while the major question is whether the PPP is departing from socialism, he said that Jagan’s polices will never die in the party and therefore there is room for everyone.

“There is room for socialist, communist, capitalist or farmer (peasant). It’s not a departure.

It started in the 1950s… because of the policies of Jagan we managed to get the debt down too. We took a bankrupt country and made it viable. If anything that’s the biggest achievement of the PPP. Not the many roads and schools and hospitals we built but making Guyana financially stable,” he added.

Reflecting on the struggles Jagan made to return free and fair elections to Guyana, Jagdeo directed his attention to the diplomatic corps, explaining that the biggest fear in the minds of many Guyanese is whether the coalition would tamper with the election process in 2020.

Jagdeo said the diplomatic community has an important role to play in ensuring that there continues to be free and fair elections in Guyana.

While noting that this is a genuine concern, he urged his party supporters to work harder to ensure this doesn’t happen, and never to give up hope.

This year marks the 100th birth anniversary of the late Dr Jagan who is widely regarded in Guyana as the ‘Father of the Nation’ because of the role he played in fighting for Guyana’s independence.

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GPF inducts 92 new officers …urged to not “succumb to the temptation of corruption”

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he Guyana Police Force on Wednesday hosted a Passing Out Parade for 98 new officers who recently completed the Basic Recruit Courses 364 to 66, successfully inducting them into the realm of the Force.

Training began on September 6, 2017, with 127 new recruits, however, because of the intensity of the courses, only 98 graduated.

The new officers were subjected to teachings in crime, traffic and Information Technology along with other aspects of training to make them well rounded Police Officers.

While delivering the feature address, Assistant Police

The newly minted Police Officers

Commissioner Nigel Hoppie applauded the officers for completing the training course. He noted the fact that they are part of the parade bears testimony to their strong will and dedication toward protecting the citizens of Guyana.

“As the new gener-

New York City...

from page 4

oughs, providing a major boost to local economies,” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl.

NYC has the most active hotel development pipeline in the United States. Even with the 4,000 new rooms added to the City’s hotel inventory last year—bringing the total to nearly 116,500 rooms— demand remained strong.

Last year, the City sold a record 36.4 million hotel room nights, a 4.5 percent growth from 2016.

In 2017, 6.2 million meetings and conventions delegates visited the City’s five boroughs, contributing to the total 13 million business travelers that came to New York City.

NYC & Company also signed more international City-to-City tourism partnerships than any other year to boost travel including new partnerships with Cape Town, South Africa; Toronto, Canada; Tokyo, Japan; and renewals with Mexico City, Mexico; and Seoul, South Korea.

These partnerships included media exchanges to further promote New York City abroad.

In 2017, the City saw several new Midtown attractions debut including National Geographic’s Encounter: Ocean Odyssey, the NFL Experience, Opry City Stage, Gullivers Gate and Spyscape. In addition, Mayor de Blasio launched the NYC Ferry last May, offering the public more ways to access the City’s diverse neighborhoods through its waterways. NYC &

Company continued to promote future developments and cultural offerings across all five boroughs to its global audiences under the banner of the “New New York City.”

In November, NYC & Company unveiled its latest tourism campaign, “True York City,” to promote encourage global travelers to explore deeper and discover NYC’s “true” and authentic culture across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. Last summer, NYC & Company also commemorated the 25th anniversary of the organization’s signature marketing program, NYC Restaurant Week, the first dining promotion of its kind. NYC & Company also continued building on its popular seasonal programs with the launch of the new NYC Must-See Week to boost business at the City’s attractions during slower periods. The organization also continued its collaboration with Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as the City’s Official Family Ambassadors.

NYC & Company’s 2018 forecast anticipate another year of growth, with a 3.7 percent increase to 65.1 million visitors.

All figures, estimates and forecasts are subject to revision as conditions develop and additional data become available.

Due to rounding, there may be minor differences between estimates and final values, the Mayor’s Office said.

ation of Policemen and women you will face moral challenges and high public expectations and you are expected at all times to exhibit that professionalism and dedication so necessary for the execution of duties.

From this point forward until the day you leave this job, you will be in the public’s eyes subject to constant comments… it is just a fact from now on,” he said.

“Remember the oath you took to serve and protect the citizens of this country, this must always be on the forefront of your minds.

Avoid temptation and remain honest when carrying out your functions.

Law enforcement officials are expected to display special qualities,” Hoppie added.

He urged the officers to be committed to serving their communities, to execute their duties without fear or favour and to develop a high degree of self-discipline and integrity. In addition, he challenged the officers not to succumb to the temptation of corruption.

He challenged the new officers to take every opportunity to enrich their knowledge, skills and abilities to address the weaknesses. He noted the officers are required to display high moral and ethical standards at all times, adding they are to not only be Policemen in uniforms.

“You need to be imbued with the understanding that the public comprises people with an infinite variety of attitudes and disposition which will often be at variance with yours,

hence the need to display the level of professionalism that is in keeping with a modern Police Force. Remember this is a service profession. It is your responsibility to protect and serve, never take action based on emotion,” he noted.

“One of the fundamental keys to successful law enforcement is good Police-community relation or the relationship between the Police and the community you serve. Good Police community relations are imperative to developing trust between Police

and citizens, without this trust Police work becomes much less effective,” Hoppie explained.

In presenting the course overview, Sergeant Anderson said since the commencement of the training sessions the ranks were exposed to various techniques and the essential principles of policing practices and principles.

At the parade, the graduates were awarded trophies in the categories of most improved, runner up and best student for each course.

Senior officers with the best graduating student of each course

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Fly Jamaica crew member Top Cop defends fatal shooting of robbery suspects busted at JFK with cocaine strapped to legs A

N

EW YORK, United States (CMC) — A Fly Jamaica airways crew member who attempted to smuggle US$160,000 worth of cocaine into the country, is facing US federal narcotics smuggling charges.

Hugh Hall, a Jamaican, was arrested last week after Customs and Border Protection, CBP, officers found four packages of the drug under his pants.

According to a CBP spokesperson, Hall had approximately nine pounds of cocaine taped to his legs.

“This seizure is another example of our CBP officers being ever vigilant in protecting the United States from the distribution of illicit drugs,” Acting Director of CBP's New York Field Operations Leon Hayward said on Wednesday.

It's reported that Hall, a flight attendant, arrived at the airport on March 17, on a flight from Montego Bay, Jamaica “and presented himself for inspection”.

The CBP said Hall was escorted to a pri-

vate search room where the officers discovered four packages taped to his legs, all of which contained a white powder that tested positive for cocaine.

CBP said he was arrested for the importa-

tion of a controlled substance and was turned over to US Homeland Security Investigations.

Hall will be prosecuted by the US Attorney's Office in the Eastern District Court of New York.

cting Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine, is supporting the action taken by Police officers involved in the shooting death of three suspected bandits on the Kingston Seawall on Thursday last. He says the use of deadly force is justified.

Last Thursday, Police shot and killed Kwame Assanah, Dextroy Cordis and Errol Adams during a shootout on the Kingston seawalls. The men were reportedly about to rob someone who had just finished a transaction at a city bank and had headed to the seawalls. “The Policemen acted in keeping with the law.

They were fired upon, and as law enforcement officers, (they) are authorized to use deadly force; as long as the deadly force is justified, as long as the deadly force is legitimate, to defend themselves. Were those Policemen in the situation (they) found themselves in expendable? Come on, let’s be real! We have to applaud what has happened,” Ramnarine told reporters.

Chronicling the events that led to the shootout, Ramnarine said that, a few days ago, the Police received information that the men were planning the robbery. He said it was through intense surveillance and reliable information that the Police were able to execute their operation successfully.

Ramnarine said he has read social media posts and reports insinuating that the men were executed, rather than being engaged in a shootout.

“No Police officer sets out to execute a citizen. I’ve seen on social media, and read on black and white, (posts) which say in a very strong way that there was some semblance of execution, but I will tell you that the Guyana Police Force, with the strides we have made, the capacity and capability-building that we have done in the last years, no officer sets out to execute anyone,” he said.

Collateral damage

Ramnarine said that while the specifics of what happened could be debated, all the evidence points to the fact that the men were part and parcel of an arrangement to commit a criminal act which attracts serious consequences, and he is happy that was averted. He explained that, had the situation been different, there would have been a lot of collateral damage on Robb Street, Georgetown after the customer had come out of the bank.

“If the Guyana Police Force had not taken that course of action and that (robbery) would have happened there, a lot of collateral damage would have happened on Robb Street, based on the info we received; it is good that it ended up on the seawall, in a more desolate location… I want to make the note that it is not the first time that persons who have left (a) bank would have ended up on the seawall and be robbed. It was not a novelty in that situation,” he noted.

During the shootout, one bandit was

Acting Top Cop David Ramnarine

able to escape on a CG motorcycle and is yet to be apprehended. Ramnarine has said the Police have information on his whereabouts, and are actively pursuing him.

Following the shooting, Assanah’s relatives have called for an inquiry into his death, and claim that the he could not have been a criminal, since he had had a clean record. Their statement came in response to the Police claiming that he had had a record, however, that has since been clarified, with the Police admitting that no such record exists.

Ramnarine went on to say that despite the hullabaloo surrounding the death of Assanah, no one has come forward to dispute his presence on the seawall in the company of the suspected bandits.

“Did we put him there? No one has disputed that he was there,” Ramnarine said.

The Police have said that at about 10:30h on Thursday, on Robb Street, ranks of an anti-crime patrol unit, in an unmarked vehicle, acting on intelligence information, began following another motorcar that two “suspicious looking characters” were reportedly travelling in. As the ranks continued to observe, the suspected criminals led them [Police] to the Kingston Seawall, where an individual who had left a city bank had parked his motorcar.

At that time, the law enforcement officials who were on the stakeout noticed the two individuals — later identified as Assanah and Cordis — exiting their motorcar and approaching the customer’s vehicle, so they intervened.

One of the men was reportedly armed with a gun, and he began to open fire on the Police, resulting in a shootout in which both men died. Two other men came up riding on a CG motorcycle, and they also opened fire on the Police, resulting in the death of Errol Adams, while the other man escaped.

A 9mm pistol along with a magazine containing seven live rounds and four spent shells were found next to the body of Cordis. The motorcar, which was driven by Assanah, was searched, and one driver’s licence, ten passports belonging to himself and family members, a key used by trunkers, two handcuff keys, a bandana and clothing were discovered.

Man charged for assaulting mom, sibling

A

31-year-old man was on Tuesday released on bail after he denied two counts of assault when he appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Marcus- Isaacs at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Shaheed Murray of Lot 4610 Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Rasville, Georgetown, is accused of verbally assaulting his mother and young sibling.

The court heard that on March 18, 2018, the father of three used threatening language against Ann De Ruche and Hassan Murray.

A second charge was read to him which stated that Murray on the same day also threw stones at the Virtual

Complainants while using threatening language.

He denied all the charges.

However, the Prosecutor did not object to bail and he was released on G$20,000 bail.

Moreover, Magistrate MarcusIsaacs ordered the man to seek counselling, which if he defaults, will cause him to spend three weeks in prison.

The man’s mother, Ann De Rushe, told the court that she wishes to discontinue with the charges against her son, citing that the court gave him a warning.

Murray is expected to return to court on March 23.

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Manickchand underscores need for legislative improvements to advance women’s equality

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p p o s i t i o n Member of Parliament (MP) and former Education Minister, Priya Manickchand on Tuesday underscored the recognition and equality that are enshrined in Guyana’s Constitution as it relates to women. However, she observed that even though much has been done to advance women’s rights, legislative changes are needed to ensure that women are treated equally to fully maximise their potential.

The MP made these comments at the hosting of an event to mark International Women’s Day 2018 at Freedom House organised by the Women Progressive Organisation (WPO) of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) entitled, “Women Speak: The status of Women in Guyana 2018.”

Manickchand pointed to several gaps that existed which affect the full realisation of female rights.

Reforms

She urged reforms to the divorce laws, noting that such separations require “fault-based” reasoning. The former

Former Minister Priya Manickchand addressing the gathering at Freedom House on Tuesday evening

Minister also said that for division of property, a woman was entitled to half of what the couple acquired together if she was working, but was only entitled to one-third if she worked “inside the home”. This, Manickchand contends, puts women at a disadvantage since domestic chores can also be considered work.

She observed that while the country’s major political parties were able to come together and pass landmark leg-

islation that favoured the advancement of both young and mature females, there are aspects within our laws that do not address the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) females. The MP believes that there should be adjustments as these persons can contribute to society.

Some of the other progressive advances, she noted, were the Sexual Offences Act, Family Court, Legal Aid and adjustments to Married

Persons Act to give common-law spouses ownership rights after five years.

Support for CJ, Chancellor

At the same time, she renewed calls for the confirmed appointments of Justice Roxane George, SC, and Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards to the posts of Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Judiciary. Manickchand said that these appointments reflected a situation where a female was being replaced by a man, noting that this was a

good example of how women’s rights were “reflected on paper” only.

“Never hold back your talents and capabilities because they are saying, ‘she’s too pushy’,” the MP encouraged.

Tuesday evening’s event was hosted by fellow MP Gail Teixeira, who told the round table gathering that much of the rights women would have attained in the past were been eroded, especially with some 2000 working women being affected directly in the sugar industry. She also stressed that no bill in the National Assembly was passed to advance the rights of women.

Observing that there were still gaps in the areas of politics and health, Teixeira said women must stand up for rights if they want democracy, progress, and peace. Other speakers such as Coretta McDonald, President of Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC); Psychologist Dr Dawn Stewart and MP Gillian Burton-Persaud all gave resounding and moving speeches that urged women to demand their right places at the same level with men so that

they could advance their causes.

They also encouraged female-folk to value themselves and to take note of their mental health. Other women speakers included rice farmer Bibi Mohamed, who noted the challenges of rice cultivation, and Bibi Shareeda Ali, the wife of a dismissed Wales sugar worker.

Ali said that most of all, she wanted her children to be educated and workers not having jobs meant that they would be subjected to a life of poverty.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo was the only male who addressed the audience of women from various walks of life. He noted Guyanese must work together to confront the challenges that women face and observed that programmes such as WoW (Women of Worth) have done much to advance females. He stressed that mothers have a role to play in reducing race-based stereotypes so that Guyana could be a more united society.

International Women’s Day was observed on March 8.

(Shemuel Fanfair)

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WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

GPHC boss urges relatives to show more compassion towards abandoned patients

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ith the increased abandonment of patients at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), the administration is urging relatives of these persons to contact the hospital and collect their family members.

This was announced by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GPHC, George Lewis, during the celebration of Social Worker’s Day. At the event, Lewis used his time at the platform to address the issue of abandonment of patients at the medical facility.

“I would like to use this forum to ask relatives and family members of patients who have been abandoned at the Georgetown Hospital to please assist the administration by coming to the hospital and collecting your relatives and caring for them,” he stated. The CEO further noted that while the GPHC primarily functions as a medium for patients to receive medical treatment, undue advantage is taken by persons who desert their family members that are suffering from a communicable disease.

“The Georgetown Hospital is a medical institution. It is not an institution that deals with abandoned patients,” he noted.

The CEO highlighted that many persons are not aware of the circumstances surrounding patients with these communicable diseases, the most popular one being Tuberculosis (TB).

“I would also like to ask relatives and family mem-

GPHC CEO George Lewis

bers out there to not abandon your relatives because in your opinion, they’re suffering from a communicable disease such as tuberculosis. Tuberculosis, while it may be a communicable disease, it’s also a treatable disease and many patients, when they come to this institution, after receiving medical attention, they’re cured.”

However, persons desert their loved ones because of the stigma attached, that other persons who are in close proximity to the patient can still contract the disease, but this is not the case, he added. Thus, Lewis is urging relatives of the patients to show some compassion and take their family members home.

“It is not fair to those children, who are abandoned in our wards. It is not fair to those aged persons. So please, help the administration of the Georgetown Hospital by collecting your relatives,” Lewis explained.

These are steps that the organisation is taking towards achieving their vision of providing an efficient, well-managed hospital, comparable to the “best in care, education and research”.

Guyana’s draft Green State Development Strategy closer to reality

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overnment’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) draft framework could be approved in a matter of months.

This will pave the way for a final policy document that will guide the country’s plans for the environment, its eco-system, and how this will tie into the social and economic development of the country.

Environmental Consultant to Government, Andrew Bishop, made this disclosure at a workshop held by the Environment Department on Monday at Parc Renaye. The focus there was primarily on the RIO Mainstreaming Project, which is aimed at sensitizing media operatives on the Rio conventions.

Bishop told workshop participants that the framework of the GSDS includes key provisions in the energy and forestry sectors that would control emissions.

He said, too, that the Climate Resiliency and Strategy Action Plan is still being reviewed, to ensure it is aligned with national plans.

The former Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) also told media practitioners that Guyana’s reporting obligations to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNCCC) in the forestry sector, inventory of greenhouse gases, is ongoing.

Bishop said the ultimate goal is to mainstream the conventions with national processes, starting with a National Forest Plan, since it cross-cuts all the conventions.

Stakeholder Management Coordinator of the Department of Environment, Aretha Forde, in her remarks, stressed the importance of the GSDS to the national development trajectory.

“It (GSDS) is intended to help Guyana achieve a green economy.

So the green economy is the destination and the GSDS is how we will get there,” she told media professionals.

It was noted that there are

Participants of the Department of Environment (DOE) and the United Nations Development Programme/Global Environmental Facility (UNDP/GEF) workshop for media workers

public misconceptions about the strategy. However, it was also noted that Guyana currently has a GSDS framework document.

Regional consultations will help to guide the formulation of a sound policy, but not without the input of citizens and other stakeholders.

Patsy Ross, a Multilateral Environmental Agreements Specialist with over 20 years’ experience, was one of the presenters at the workshop. She spoke about issues relating to the UNCBD. She said lands are being degraded globally, and the estimated economic cost is now billions of dollars each year. Based on this, it is estimated that there will be a demand for energy, food, water and other things by 2030.

“What is so important about the land? Land degradation affects fibre, fuel, nutrients cycling, carbon sync, regulating climate services, recreation, and eco-tourism among others,” Ross told the workshop.

The environmental specialist said deforestation in mining and agriculture are drivers of land degradation in Guyana; therefore, there is a need for these plans to align to livelihoods and sustainable development.

“There is also a reporting requirement on what has been done to address land degradation,” she added. Guyana is reportedly one of the first countries to volunteer to establish a programme to address this issue.

The GSDS comprises seven thematic areas, such as: sustainable management of the environ-

ment, renewable energy, resilient infrastructure, human health and well-being and governance.

The three conventions are: the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), ratified August 29, 1994, the focal point agency of which is the Office of Climate Change (OCC); the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), ratified on the same date, the focal point agency of which is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and the United Nations Conventions to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which was ratified on June 26, 1997, the focal point agency of which is the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC).

As a means of getting the local press corps to cover more environmental issues, the workshop was hosted on Monday by the Department of Environment (DoE) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme/ Global Environmental Facility (UNDP/GEF).

The aim of the workshop was to improve public awareness on issues relating to the environment, especially in the area of climate change, land degradation, and water preservation, among others. It also focused on increasing awareness and understanding of the Rio Conventions on climate change.

The workshop formed part of an implementing project titled, “Strengthening technical capacities to mainstream and monitor Rio Convention implementation through policy coordination.”

Granger calls for action on protection of Guiana Shield’s water resources

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resident David Granger on Monday issued a call at the opening ceremony of the eighth World Water Forum (WWF) for the introduction of further initiatives to protect freshwater resources, particularly the rivers of the Guiana Shield, which, he said, has an important role to play in ensuring global water security.

The Head of State also outlined a three-point action plan aimed at enhancing a global commitment to continuous attention and unceasing action; to increased collaboration among States, especially neighbours which share the waters of rivers; and to improve conservation of water resources and the protection of the environment everywhere in order to maintain the integrity

President David Granger met with a South Korean delegation led by the Prime Minister of South Korea, Lee Nak-yon on the sidelines of the World Water Forum in Brasília

of the earth’s rivers and lakes.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Forum in Brasília, Brazil, President Granger said, “Guyana calls on this World Water Forum to take action to protect and preserve the Guiana Shield as a vital source

of the world’s freshwater reserves. At stake is nothing less than humanity itself. Guyana, a small State, is part of the Guiana Shield, an area spread over 2.7 million square kilometres, making it bigger than Greenland. The Shield is a zone, which encom-

passes parts of Brazil, Colombia and all of French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname and parts of Venezuela. The Shield, described as the “lungs of the Earth” and the “greenhouse of the world” is a global resource because of the environmental services it provides.”

He added that the Guiana Shield was vital to global water security, because it contained 15 per cent of the world’s freshwater resources.

The rivers of the Guiana Shield discharge an average of 2792 cubic kilometres of water annually, with one of the highest specific discharge rates for a zone of that size.

However, water quality and environmental security are exacerbated owing to the adverse effects of climate change such as droughts, flooding, rising sea levels and other extreme weather events.

“The world’s freshwater supplies, unfortunately, are under threat.

Water stress is increasing in many parts of the world. Aquifers are depleted faster than they are replenished. The growth of the world’s population will increase

demand for water by 55 per cent by the year 2050, placing even further strain on freshwater reserves…. Rivers must be protected from pollution, including that caused by environmental degradation and the discharge of effluent from industry, mining, and agriculture. River pollution impacts adversely on water quality, on health, and the economic and social well-being of citizens,” President Granger is quoted by the Ministry of the Presidency as saying.

The Head of State also explained that protection of the sources of the world’s fresh water was essential to ensuring citizens’ entitlement to water, communities’ access to safe and sanitary water, and countries’ and the continent’s water security.

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WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘Water must be seen as a source for growth verses an economic good’ …Guyana’s Opposition MP tells World Water Forum in Brazil

M

aking water a fundamental right for people was emphasised by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) and former Housing and Water Minister, Irfaan Ali who chaired three sessions on the role of parliamentarians and rights to water at the 8th World Water Forum in Brazil.

While addressing the audience on Tuesday, Ali stressed the importance of water being a fundamental and constitutional right. “For this to occur we must address issues of equality and the issue of water as a source for growth verses an economic good,” the MP told a large gathering of MPs from across the globe.

opment, production and conservation is needed,” he explained.

The former Minister said MPs should all look carefully at how to marry the issue of water as a fundamental human right versus water as an economic commodity. “What are the basic elements or framework MPs can follow in the push of water agenda. I think these are questions and issues we should tackle,” he said.

At the completion of the session of MPs, a draft Parliamentarians’ Manifesto was developed with certain clear strategies in helping to ensure water security, universal access to safe drinking water and sustainable development. The MPs will

Opposition MP Irfaan Ali

Ali cited the high capital cost and investment made in water treatment plants and facilities by many developing countries. But he noted that the issue of increased access to concessional financing must be tackled, as more often international development agencies have been reducing funding.

“Continuously, the allocation in terms of concessional financing to water and this is severely affecting developing countries. Issues of equality, we have to tackle the issue of whether a minimum limit in national budgets for water devel-

therefore be pressing for water security to be priority in the allocation of budgetary and non-budgetary, national and international for countries with difficulties, among others.

It was also decided and included in the manifesto that MPs will work to make viable the legal changes and public policies that improve water governance, rational use of water, water efficiency in productive processes and research and innovation in the areas of water and sanitation; guarantee budgetary resources for public works and polices, as well as improved effi-

ciency in the use of water resources.

The MPs also agreed to adopt the actions established in the manifesto to strengthen their roles in the universalisation on the human right to water and sanitation; reinforce the need to prioritise measures to mitigate climate change that are related to water security, among others.

Meanwhile, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman also addressed the forum affirming Government’s commitment to the development and preservation of the world’s water resources.

Trotman, who is part of a team accompanying President David Granger to Brazil, acknowledged the important role the forum plays in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement and in also providing an avenue to engage stakeholders in support of the management and preservation of the world’s water resources.

The Minister highlighted Guyana’s plans to advance management and development of water as a resource in context of the green development strategy that is the roadmap for the future development of Guyana’s resources. He also highlighted the establishment of a Water Catchment Area in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), Guyana as a local example of ongoing efforts to find long-term solutions for communities during periods of drought or who still experience limited access to water and assured the gathering that plans were underway to better understand the opportunities and threats involved.

Minister Trotman further affirmed Guyana’s commitment to the goals and ideals of the forum.

NY importers feeling the squeeze since fish ban took effect

By Jarryl Bryan

U

r g i n g Government to accept responsibility, a Guyanese born Queens, New York businessman, whose business enterprises include fish imports, has called on the coalition Administration to do whatever it takes – even if it means bringing in a consultant – to fix the issues that led to the ban on catfish import into the United States from Guyana.

In an interview with this publication, concerns were expressed by Dave Narine, owner of Dave’s Guyana Fish Market situated on Liberty Ave, New York. The businessman stressed that since fish exports from Guyana are heavily dependent on the catfish family, the ban will have dramatic effects on business, both locally and in NYC. “The impact will start, first and foremost, with the fishermen,” he related. “They would have the biggest impact. And then our market here will have a definite impact.

About 70 per cent of the gross sale of fish coming out from Guyana is in the form of the Catfish family.”

“They should hire a consultant or a consultancy firm to address this matter. Because it would take more than a regular staff to look after this (ban). I think they should hire a consultant or consultancy firm to fix it.”

As such, Narine noted that the ban would most certainly have a devastating impact on trade in the sector between Guyana and the US. According to the businessman, Government should accept full responsibility for the situation fishermen now find themselves in since they were informed of measures since 2015.

“The Government should accept full responsibility for this. I’ve tried

NY businessman Dave Narine

to bring it to their attention. And everybody always knows a lot. I was aware of this fact because it (emanated from the) United States Agriculture Department.”

“But I think what happened with them; they changed their Veterinary Public Officer. And I think they (may not be) equipped enough or experienced enough to handle this problem,” he related.

Compliant

Meanwhile, a representative of the locally-based Gopie Investments Incorporated also raised concerns about the ban. According to Raoul Gopie, the Managing Director of the fisheries export business, catfish are an important part of Guyana’s export of fish. “Had we been dependent on exports of catfish, the move by the USA surely would have been catastrophic to our business,” Gopie related. “It does however prevent us from exporting any catfish to the USA however small the amounts were, which more than anything will be affecting our customers who supply many Guyanese in the Diaspora.”

“On the whole, catfish exports do represent an important part of our country’s export service and therefore the only way to fix this problem would be to have

our Government departments address this problem quickly by becoming compliant with the new US regulations.”

Requirements

Veterinary Public Health Unit Director, Dr Ozaye Dodson had said previously that the imposition from the US export market was just a temporary technical barrier to trade. Dr Dodson said the move by the USDA was a “protectionist measure” by that country’s public health system, lobbied for by the catfish farmers.

The US Food Safety Inspection Services (FSIS) asked Guyana to provide the relevant documentation to verify this country’s inspection system equivalence to the US standards, or its equivalent public health system.

Dr Dodson claimed Guyana complied with the request. However, the country fell short of the US standards in three areas: firstly, on the issue of the presence of inspectors; secondly, there was insufficient documentation detailing verification of each step in the sanitation and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) process; and thirdly, there was insufficient documentation specifying how the industry manages adulterated catfish products.

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WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Independent third party needed to manage revenue coming in from Guyana’s oil sector …says Trinidad expert

G

uyana has been warned of impending corruption within the oil and gas sector, after being told that it should heed Trinidad and Tobago’s mistakes and shortcomings.

This warning came from Trinidad and Tobago Transparency

Institute (TTTI) Chairman Dion Abdool on Saturday evening.

In his address to the Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI) annual fundraising dinner, Abdool called for an independent third party to be responsible for reconciliation and accounting of revenue and transac-

tions.

“This is of paramount importance, and there must be an independent third party looking at the revenue coming from the corporation that is extracting the oil and from the entity – the Government – that is receiving it,” he stated.

Abdool proposed

that the independent third party should be the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GEITI).

“Like TTTI, the Guyana Transparency Institute sits at the EITI table, they must insist for transparency and accountability in the reporting of the revenue so that there can be no tax leakage. Learn from our lessons well in Trinidad; it will redound to your benefit,” the TTTI Chairman urged.

Abdool’s suggestion came as a result of Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Minister identifying “tax leakage” as the reason behind a drop in revenue; this drop was initially thought to be caused by a simple decline in production.

Additionally, Abdool urged that Guyanese be aware of entities within their own country, noting that “rip-offs” can come from locals, rather than just foreigners.

As an example, he cited Trinidad’s recent experience of a fake oil scandal. He explained that an audit of the State oil company found that the country was swindled of millions of dollars within a few months.

“In just a few months,

Trinidad and Tobago Transparency Institute (TTTI) Chairman Dion Abdool addressing the audience at Saturday’s dinner

they found that the volumes recorded by and reported and based on which the extractor was being paid were wrong to the tune of many, many millions of dollars. Learn from our experiences,” he pleaded.

“Disclosure is in everyone’s best interest.

The absence of information leads to mistrust.

All may be well, but the mere fact that the information is not available

leads to mistrust in the public’s mind.”

Abdool said this to highlight that it was integral for data to be readily available in order to build and maintain trust between citizens, corporations, and Government.

There are also plans to equip Journalists with the requisite training so that they could play a part in the anti-corruption cause.

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Think-tank slams Govt for wasting money

…questions benefit, transparency of projects

T

he Guyana Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI), a think-tank of financial professionals who have been analysing successive budgets from the Government, is of the view that funds were so poorly allocated that few will benefit from any trickledown effect.

This is expressed in the group’s report, ‘Guyana; Taxpayers lost almost G$1 Billion to Financial waste and abuse at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure over two years’.

According to the report, the Public Infrastructure Ministry was flagged for almost G$1 billion

in financial mismanagement, waste, abuse, and non-compliance with the law.

Described as their first in a series of reports, the group noted that there are projects which lack clear compliance with procurement regulations, and a clear benefit to the pub-

lic. Here they zoomed in on the controversial D’Urban Park project.

According to the report, the project should have been facilitated through a public tender process.

“For example, the G$409 million spent on the controversial D’Urban Park development project, a proj-

ect with no clear public benefit, was paid to a special purpose company (Homestretch) Development Inc,” the think-tank cites in its report.

The report also noted that the inefficiency at the Ministry has cost tax payers hundreds of millions of dollars. Yet, they observed, there is little public awareness on how tax payer funds are actually spent every year.

“The misspending of public funds represents a significant loss to tax payers and the economy.

Taxpayers are deprived of the opportunities that these expenditures were intended to create. The total of almost 41 billion could pay for a new public road from Georgetown to Mahaica, or retain 500 sugar workers on a monthly salary.”

It noted that the 2018 Budget was presented under the theme “the Journey to the Good Life Continues,” but unfortunately, this is not referring to children, farmers and sugar workers; other low-skilled workers, or low-income families – the biggest losers in the budget.

“At a time when 50 per cent of children and 40 per cent of adults are

Head of the think tank, Economist Dhanraj Singh

living in poverty, budget 2018 represents a missed opportunity for the Government to reduce poverty and give struggling families a chance at success,” it stated.

It also noted that while the budget included additional funding for education, and set aside some funding for affordable housing, these allocations are too insignificant to meaningfully impact the livelihood of families struggling to make ends meet.

According to the group’s website, the think-tank was founded last year by Economist and Executive Director Dhanraj Singh, a former Lecturer at the University of Guyana. Its Chief Financial Officer is Boamattie Singh, who continued on page 21

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Woman details horrifying experience at GPHC’s maternity ward

By Lakhram Bhagirat

A

first-time mother has accused the nursing staff at the Georgetown Public Hospital’s (GPHC) Maternity Ward of grievous mistreatment during and after her child’s birth on Monday last.

Jennifer Jagdeo of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, said she is still traumatised at the treatment meted out to her at the GPHC during her admission to deliver her child. The 36-year-old woman told Guyana Times International on Saturday that after experiencing intense pain on Monday, she visited her doctor to have a check-up but her doctor had an emergency result-

ing in her being referred to the GPHC. The woman, who was seven months pregnant at the time, explained that she was forced to wait for a long period of time before she was attended to at the medical facility.

“One nurse pass me and she ask me if I getting pain and I said yes. She said that you ever make babies before, you know what pain feel like and I said no this is my first baby and when I tell her that she said alright let me take you,” she said.

“To see (if I was ready), she said you know what, you gotta run. So she hold my hands pulling me to run with that condition I was in and when I reached to the end of the wall, all I do was I brace the wall and I feel like all my life coming out and I was going on the floor,” Jagdeo added.

She further explained that after the humiliating experience, the entire staff and patients in the Maternity Ward began laughing at her, after which she was picked up and placed on a bed to be checked. Tearfully relating her experience, said that she was then checked to determine whether she was fully dilated. She said that having realised that she was fully dilated, the nurses wheeled her into the delivery room. The grieving woman related that throughout her pregnancy, she experienced complications.

“The baby was in a breached position and I tell them that I need a C-section because my doctor had already told me to tell them that I will have to get a C-section and I tell them,” she recounted.

“One of the midwife say why I can’t push out the baby on my own and then afterwards they wanted that but then she said okay signup the form for the C-section and when I sign up now, them tell me that somebody was in the (operation) theatre and I’d have to wait. They were leaving (the delivery room) and I feel the baby

sliding out. Them (the nurses) tell me that don’t push and I wasn’t pushing but I feel the baby sliding and when they done walk out the room, one of them turn around and she see the baby coming,” Jagdeo added.

Jagdeo said that because of her complication, she was told that there is a strong possibility that her baby girl would not survive. However, she said that due to the treatment meted out to her, she feels that the nurses contributed to her baby dying.

“When I come out labour room, the doctor came and they tell me because during the pregnancy, I had some complication and they told me that my baby won’t make it. They have the baby in the incubator and they just pumping some air, so when the doctor finish, they said the baby won’t make it and I said okay,” the woman explained.

“I was bleeding a lot.

I sit down and the doctor come and give me the baby to hold… I want to share that moment with my husband seeing that my baby already passed away,” she added.

Jagdeo is calling on the management of the hospital to ensure that their nurses are trained to deal with patients professionally and with some amount of humanity. The family has since indicated that they intend to lodge an official complaint with the GPHC and then have an independent examination of Jagdeo, who is still unable to walk and is bleeding.

“I felt like worst than dog treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital. I never wanted to go there, my husband and I we planned to go to private but after the situation came up with the doctor, so come he end up to tell them put me over there (at the GPHC),” she related.

The funeral for Jagdeo’s baby was held on Wednesday, the day after she was discharged from hospital.

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WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyanese businesses urged to Joey Jagan be prepared to take advantage backpedals on of oil and gas opportunities comments

…or lose out to foreigners

firms failing to adhere to safety standards; but also the fact that some employees do not take OHS seriously. “(We offer) safety training, which involves working from heights, confined space procedures, risk assessment.

These are all introductory programmes we are offering. In terms of products, we’re offering the V12 brand of safety boots, fire detection items, (etc).”

It is understood that Kronoco intends to provide quarterly quality checks, providing continued support to workers.

By Jarryl Bryan

W

ith a view of introducing safety gear, training and services to the Guyana market, a Trinidad company is urging locals to take advantage of the chance to build their standards to qualify for the opportunities oil and gas offer or bear witness to those opportunities going to foreign firms with more capacity.

Trinidadian company, Kronoco Safety Solutions, on Friday held an official local launch at its office on Sheriff Street. There, Kronoco’s Chief Executive Officer and Cofounder, Latoya Jack, stressed the importance of companies building their capacity.

“The time for opportunities is here for Guyana, but unless we can do what it takes to grab hold of those opportunities, it will be lost to those who are willing and ready,” she related.

She added that Guyana’s safety culture is very relaxed and “while we have existed for many years without monitoring man-hours to safety compliance rules, the culture surrounding oil and gas is very different. As such, the fear is if local businesses do not conform to these requirements, we will not be the ones benefiting from the opportunities in this land.”

Quoting the famous Guyana Lottery Company motto, she noted that firms must remember “if you don’t have a ticket, you don’t have

Kronoco Safety Solutions co-founder Darrel Gilkes Jack

a chance.” She related that her company aims to improve knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in the extractive sectors.

Meanwhile, the company’s co-founder Darrel Gilkes noted that Kronoco is distinguishing itself as the “new kid on the block” in terms of quality and training. He explained that the company intends to maintain high-quality standards.

He noted that the training Kronoco will provide aims to prepare young people for a working environment.

According to Gilkes, the company’s market research on Guyana has determined less than international safety standards; particularly relating to the use of safety boots.

He also revealed that from conversations with local companies, the problem is not just

Think-tank slams Govt... holds a Masters in Accounting from the College of Saint Rose in New York. Also on board the think-tank is Susan Botros, a Policy Analyst.

Last year, the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman, Irfaan Ali, had requested further probing be done by the Auditor General into specific projects. Among those projects was the D’Urban Park Project, for which the AG, in his 2015 report, listed some G$36.5 million in Lotto funds being used for rehabilitative works.

Ali had stated that these requests were in relation to follow-ups from the findings that had been included in the AG’s 2015 Report. In his 2015 Report, the Auditor General had said that following checks on the accounts, it was found that while Government transferred G$1 billion of the Lotto money to the Consolidated Fund in 2015, it held onto just over half a billion dollars to remain under the control of the Ministry of the Presidency, and it spent G$305 million on various activities.

But the audit into the D’Urban Park project has pre-

…he is known for saying one thing and then suddenly switching his position at another time, says commentator Dr Joey Jagan

The wonder boot

Rick Corbin, a representative of V12 safety footwear and Völlner Lighting, also provided the audience with demonstrations. Corbin showed the audience the specific features of the V12 to back-up contentions that the safety footwear is both durable and comfortable.

Corbin further explained that the bottom of the V12 boot is puncture and bulletproof, as the boot contains Kevlar midsoles. The foot beds of the V12 are made from memory foam and a shock-absorbing foam called “PORON”.

As part of his demonstrations, Corbin took a small lead ball and bounced it on a foot bed made of traditional material and one made of PORON. This publication observed that while the ball bounced on the more traditional foot bed, the force of its landing was absorbed by the PORON foot bed. from page 16

Mired in controversy: the D’Urban Park Project

viously been hindered by a lack of access to pertinent information, with the Audit Office being forced to write to the Public Infrastructure Ministry requesting documents.

This was revealed by Auditor General Deodat Sharma, who spoke to the media after handing over his 2016 report.

According to Sharma, he wrote to the Ministry requesting information on Homestretch Development Inc. Notwithstanding the trouble to access information, how-

regarding PPP victory

ever, Sharma had stated that the audit was still ongoing.

In January, Sharma subsequently stated in sections of the media that records from the company are yet to be provided, and that when a request was made to the Permanent Secretary of the Public Infrastructure Ministry, he had pleaded ignorance.

In the report, Sharma had related that while he intended to write to the company, he would wrap up his audit by year end, with or without the documents.

By Michael Younge

P

olitical novice, Joey Jagan who is the son of the founding leader of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), on Wednesday backpedalled on his prediction that his father’s party will emerge victorious in future elections if the party redoubles its focus.

Guyana Times had reported that Jagan, speaking at an event organised by the Indian Arrival Committee last week in honour of former President, Dr Cheddi Jagan, had predicted a PPP victory at 2020 elections in presence of high-level PPP officials, IAC representatives and admirers of Dr Cheddi Jagan’s legacy.

“I come from the PPP. I grew up in the PPP. So I have sympathy for the PPP. I will always have sympathy for (them). I feel the PPP is the birth of politics in this country, and will end up as the party to carry this country forward eventually. Everybody will come back to the PPP, just like it started. That’s what is going to happen,” he predicted.

“If you understand history, the PPP is like the Romans.

The Romans took a beating from Hannibal in one afternoon and the Romans came back with two armies three months later. So the PPP are like the Romans. You can knock them down, you can hit them down. They will come back.”

Soon after Dr Joey Jagan,

who has suddenly blossomed into a supporter of President David Granger’s A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change coalition which opposes his father’s party, sought to distance himself from his statement via a technicality, saying he never predicted a PPP victory at the next elections.

But a senior political commentator said the fact that Jagan made the statement speaks volumes about the work that the PPP has done since its electoral defeat in 2015. In fact, that commentator explained that Jagan is probably under pressure from the coalition forces he is now seeking to promote for the statements he made.

“I think Dr [Joey] Jagan wants to distract us by mentioning a specific year. He said in the future. He left it open for interpretation. The next election is 2020. What stop’s anyone from drawing that inference from his open statement. Media people must not be bullied and cowed by politicians like Dr Jagan. Why does he not dispute the facts and the thrust of the report,” the commentator said.

The commentator also said “Dr [Joey] Jagan has a history of disloyalty and is known for saying one time and then suddenly switching his position at another thing if it is not advantageous to him or convenient. No one needs Dr Jagan to school them on politics…”, the commentator said.

22 NEWS

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Govt working to ensure Guyana satisfies US requirements for fish export – Holder I n wake of the United States (US) ban on the import of catfish species, Government is seeking to assure it is taking measures after the fact to address the ban; something likely to have a ripple effect on a number of fishermen.

In a brief interview

the water, and a number of things,” he said.

“But we’re working towards it. The ban applies to us, to Canada, the West Indies, everywhere. This is like them trying to protect their industry. That’s what they’re trying to do.

What we supply is not

full responsibility for the plight created for local fishermen.

Jagdeo said he has noted the coalition Government’s silence on the matter, and the arguments from Government quarters that this is somehow a ‘protectionist move’ by the United

Catfish is usually a prized commodity

with this publication, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder declared that Government is trying to satisfy the requirements it had been warned it would be in default of.

“We’re putting things in place to satisfy the requirements. The requirements are stringent and it’s difficult to meet some of them, easily because of the laboratories, the analyses of

farmed fish, our (fishes) are from the ocean,” Holder added, ending the call before further questions could be posed.

Amid calls for Government to speedily rectify the issues involving the recent imposition of a ban on exports of Guyana’s catfish species, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo recently said the first thing that must be done is for the administration to accept

States (U.S.). However, he said these arguments have since been exposed as shallow and disingenuous.

The Opposition Leader had said that had it not been for the statement from the local U.S. Embassy in Guyana, stakeholders would have maintained a misguided view.

“I am of the firm view that the Coalition Government is fully re-

sponsible for the plight of local fishermen, given that they were notified of the USA’s pending changes to export regulations since November 2015,” he stated.

He had noted that despite having received notice of these changes, the Government failed to communicate effectively with the stakeholders of the fisheries sector, many of whom have invested heavily in this area.

“To make matters worse, the Coalition Government received an extension until February 3, 2018, to bring Guyana into compliance with the new export regulations, and failed again,” he pointed out.

This failure, Jagdeo believes, is further evidence of the ineptitude that continues under the current Government, and it seems to be the defining characteristic of the current Administration.

Technical assistance

The former President also said he has noted the offer made by the U.S. to provide technical assistance to the Government to help Guyana’s fishermen and women to comply with the new export regulations. He therefore

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

called on Government to immediately take measures to support compliance with the new regulations, and also take measures to support the local fisheries sector in the meantime.

“The fisheries sector cannot be allowed to suffer irreparable losses, as we have seen in other productive sectors since the APNU+AFC Coalition Government took office,” he added.

Veterinary Public Health Unit Director Dr Ozaye Dodson has said the imposition from the US export market was just a temporary technical barrier to trade. Dr Dodson said the move by the USDA was a “protectionist measure” by that country’s public health system, lobbied for by the catfish farmers.

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Border controversy

Guyana team preparing to present pleadings to World Court

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lmost two months after United Nations Secretary General António Guterres referred the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy to the World Court for judicial settlement, the coalition Government is currently working on its pleadings to submit to the

International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“You will hear later in the month or ear-

ly next month exactly when it’s going to be submitted. The lawyers are working on it,” a senior Government official told Guyana Times International.

The official went on to reveal that Guyana has already selected the panel of lawyers to represent its interest be-

fore the World Court.

“These are international lawyers who have been working on such things

elsewhere and then, of course, there is going to be a local team,” he added.

According to the Government official, the Foreign Affairs Ministry is currently working on building that local team. He noted that the Ministry has since enlisted the help of diplo-

mats and historians to work on the case.

This publication was told that the border con-

Two hospitalized following chopping incident in Corentyne

T

hirty-eight-yearold Rajindra Balkaran, called ‘Gomes’, and his uncle Vishnu Gopaul, called ‘Strokeman’ and ‘Balbala’, a pork vendor at the Port Mourant Market, traded chops on Monday afternoon at Kitten Dam, Portuguese Quarters, Port Mourant Corentyne; and are now both hospitalized at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, with Gopaul being listed in critical condition.

Reports reaching this newspaper detail that Balkaran was under the influence of alcohol when he accused his uncle of being a “cochore”. After hurling several expletives at his uncle, Balkaran walked over to Gopaul’s donkey cart and pushed it into a nearby drain.

At that, Gopaul ran out of his yard with a cutlass. “Is the same cutlass he does use fuh cut meat,” one eyewitness said.

“The two of dem start to argue, and ‘Gomes’ (Balkaran) telling he that he is a cochore and Gopaul cussing he (Gomes),” an eyewitness offered.

The argument intensified, and Gopaul reportedly chopped his nephew several times to the upper body. Balkaran received chop wounds to his hands and neck, but was able to overpower and disarm his uncle, and he turned the weapon on the pork vendor.

Gopaul received chops to the face, neck, chest and hands, and is reportedly in a critical condition at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

The donkey cart that was pushed into the drain

Injured: Vishnu Gopaul

When the Police arrived, Gopaul was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Port Mourant Hospital, from whence he was transferred to the New Amsterdam facility. Balkaran has also been admitted a patient at the hospital.

Police are investigating the incident.

troversy case can take as much as six years before litigation is completed.

After Venezuela reignited the border controversy, with new claims to Guyana’s territory back in 2015, the coalition Government has maintained that the issue was a legal one and needed to be settled via a legal process.

After some two years of failed mediation, the UN Secretary General, on January 31 this year, announced in a statement that he has sent the matter to the ICJ for resolution, a decision the Spanish-speaking nation had not accepted.

According to the UN Secretary General’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, enough progress was not made towards solution of the controversy and as a result, Secretary General Guterres referred the matter to the ICJ. This is in accordance with the framework left by his predecessor, Ban Ki-moon.

However, Guterres did not rule out the continuation of the good offices process of the UN to complement court proceedings.

The border controversy gained new life when oil giant ExxonMobil announced in 2015

that it had found oil in Guyana. Venezuela has staunchly been against oil exploration in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, where multiple oil deposits were found

by ExxonMobil, and has since renewed its claim to the Essequibo region, which represents twothirds of Guyana’s territory.

In the meanwhile, ExxonMobil is continuing its successful exploration activities, making its seventh discovery of “high-quality” commercial oil offshore Guyana last month. According to the company, this will help bring Guyana’s production to more than 500,000 barrels per day when oil production commences in two years’ time.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman had told a gathering of members of the local legal fraternity during the Guyana Oil and Gas Law Training Development Conference two weeks ago that preparations were already underway for first oil in 2020.

In fact, he disclosed that Government’s fast-tracking of oil production is “inextricably linked” with the border controversy with neigh-

Attorney General Basil Williams

bouring Venezuela. He said that Guyana has been strategically pushing for first oil in 2020 in light of the claim by its western neighbour over waters offshore Guyana that are being explored by the US oil giant.

The Nicolás Maduro Government had issued a decree in late May 2015, claiming most of Guyana’s territorial waters, including the Liza Field located some 120 miles off Clonbrook-Mahaica.

That decree, which extended into Surinamese and Barbadian waters, was subsequently withdrawn.

24 news

WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

India expresses interest in T&T woman fatally stabbed by lover oil blocks offshore Guyana in broad daylight I A

ndian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, on Thursday during a press conference said that his Government is interested in oil blocks offshore Guyana and has indicated this to the Guyanese Government.

Discussions in this regard, this publication understands, were held during the recent high-level Ministerial and Presidential visits to India.

Additionally, the Indian government, which currently buys oil from several Latin American countries, said it is also interested in purchasing oil from Guyana when production starts in 2020.

Guyana’s Head of State, President David Granger recently visited India to attend the International Solar

Alliance (ISA) Founding Conference and Solar Summit.

During a bilateral meeting held in New Delhi, India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told President Granger that India is willing to do whatever it can to support Guyana’s development and pointed out that there are many areas for cooperation, particularly in the sugar and oil sectors.

This meeting followed closely on a visit to India, in January of this year by a delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge during which Guyana and India signed three cooperation agreements-one on renewable energy, one on cultural exchange and the framework agreement on ISA. A number of companies, such as ExxonMobil, Tullow,

domestic dispute yesterday (Wednesday) turned deadly for a 27-year-old woman, after she was stabbed in the neck by her lover in broad daylight at the Croisee in San Juan. Anita Bahadur, of Evelyn Trace, San Juan, later succumbed to her injuries at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mount Hope.

The suspect, who is said to be in his early 30s, was chased down by eyewitnesses, including a T&T Defence

away,” Samuel said.

Samuel, a father of two daughters, admitted that he himself went through domestic problems in the past. He grabbed the opportunity to send a strong message to men, “Give up!

Give up and let them go.

Do not allow yourself to reach that position. Just give up!”

Samuel said he was saddened to see Bahadur lying motionless on the stretcher after the attack.

“This was just awful.

So sad for me to go and look at her. I just tell my-

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam

CGX, Ratio oil, among others, currently hold petroleum blocks in Guyana and with the world class discoveries

made by Exxon, a number of big players have expressed interest in coming on board.

Corentyne man killed after walking into path of vehicle allegedly - Police driven by drunken driver

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hire car driver, who according to the police was intoxicated, is currently in custody following a fatal accident which occurred about 20:25hrs on Wednesday at the Letter Kenny Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

Dead is pedestrian Donavan Baromasi, 54, of 86 Bloomfield, Corentyne.

According to the police, the vehicle, HB 7178, which was driven by a 33-year-old resident of Rose Hall Town, Corentyne was reportedly proceeding east along the northern carriageway of the road when Baromasi allegedly walked across the road from north to south into the path of the vehicle and was struck.

The pedestrian was rushed to the Port Mourant Public Hospital in an unconscious state and was pronounced dead on arrival.

This publication was informed that a post mortem examination will be conducted tomorrow (Friday).

The driver is assisting with the investigation.

Anita Bahadur (Trinidad Express photo)

Force member, who were stunned at his brazen knife attack on the woman. He was held several metres away from the busy Croisee intersection and badly beaten before he was handed over to officers of the San Juan Police Station.

The incident occurred at about 2.30 pm.

Speaking afterwards, a still shocked eyewitness Aldwin Samuel, 59, told the T&T Guardian moments before the mother of four was stabbed, the suspect walked up to her and asked her for his gold chain and money.

“I was sitting and he (the suspect) standing up next to me watching straight across the road.

I notice when he walk across the road and walk past she, then he walk back to she and stood at her side. He ask she ‘where is my money and where is my gold chain?’

“Then I see the man start to stab she up. He run and I take off behind him. About three of us and an army man made it four. We hold him by the book store and we beat him. When the police come we hand him over,” Samuel said.

Samuel said he later learnt that the man and Bahadur were seen a few minutes before the stabbing incident at a nearby grocery engaged in a conversation.

“I was told that he was telling she that she owed him $80,000 before he left and walked

self that she gone. It was a hurtful thing, really wasn’t nice to see. I just feel proud that we were able to hold the man and give him to the police.”

Another eyewitness who helped catch the suspect, Garvin Tesheira, said he could not have sat idly by and do nothing after seeing the attack.

“I see the happening.

The man had a big, long knife. I see the blood and when he jump up and run, I run him down and we hold him and beat him.”

Up to late last night, the suspect remained in police custody.

An autopsy is expected to be conducted on Bahadur at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, today (Thursday).

This latest incident occurred even as the funerals of murdered La Brea teacher Abigail Jones-Chapman and her daughter Olivia Chapman were being held yesterday.

Domestic violence victim Jones-Chapman and her daughter were killed at their Sobo Village home last week, alongside Olivia’s friend Michaela Mason and landlord Michael Scott.

Bahadur was the 14th female killed for the year so far and the second victim for this month. In 2017, 52 females were killed.

Investigations are continuing.

(Trinidad Guardian)

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‘Coalition not doing any good for Guyana’ – WPA threatens split from APNU

WPA executive, member Tacuma Ogunseye

By Jarryl Bryan

C

iting instances of decisions being made at Cabinet without consulting the smaller coalition partners among other exhibitions of strong-arm politics, a Working People’s Alliance (WPA) executive member is of the view that coalition politics in Guyana has failed to live up to expectations.

According to WPA heavyweight Tacuma Ogunseye, leaders of the party owe it to their members to put their continued involvement in A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on the agenda for serious discussion. He noted that there are concerns that the party’s time in the coalition has not done the party, and the country as a whole, any good.

“Relations with the WPA and the PNC/R in the APNU,

on a number of issues, have been a serious problem. It has created a lot of internal tensions within the party, both at home and overseas. And I believe that during the last almost three years in Government, many people in the party, both abroad and home, have varying views as to whether the WPA’s presence in Government has been beneficial to the country and the party,” Ogunseye disclosed.

He made it clear that after observing coalition politics and the way it has played out in Guyana since 2015, he is convinced it has failed to live up to his expectations.

According to Ogunseye, coalition politics has involved the cabinet making and executing policies with the WPA party leaders ultimately being informed through the press.

“I am disappointed that in the APNU, the way in which the coalition has developed over the last three years leaves much to be desired. There is little consultation. Little forum for articulating concerns and views; and in any coalition, the groups form policies and the cabinet executes the policies that are designed by the parties.

“But the way in which matters have developed in this coalition is that the cabinet usurps both positions,” Ogunseye explained.

Ogunseye stressed that this is not how a coalition is supposed to work. According

PNCR General Secretary Amna Ally

to him, a comparison with the PNC’s dealings with the WPA and with the Alliance for Change (AFC) shows that the latter party is shown more consideration than his party, and for obvious reason.

“The AFC will have to speak to what extent they are satisfied…(but) the AFC is in a position to make the Government collapse. It’s a strategic position, (and) they have to deal with them differently,” he explained.

Additionally, he noted that the AFC negotiated an arrangement, the Cummingsburg Accord, with APNU. He pointed out that the WPA was not afforded the opportunity to negotiate a formal arrangement for the 2015 elections. As such, only the PNC’s “moral decency” could hold it to the principles of coalition politics when dealing with the WPA.

In the meantime, Ogunseye noted that the WPA has been forced to accept collective responsibility as a party on issues it played little to no part in. Far from improving, he expressed concerns that things were getting worse.

“We don’t believe it is helping the coalition. The coalition is not getting better. We don’t believe it is helping the country, because the country is not getting the best demonstration of coalition politics. Coalition politics is gradually becoming the politics of the past.”

No concern

Meanwhile, PNC/R General Secretary Amna Ally has expressed unconcern to talk of the WPA breaking away.

According to Ally, things were being blown out of proportion.

When contacted, WPA Executive Dr David Hinds dispelled any ambiguity about the party’s intention. He noted that contrary to Ally’s assertion, the party leaving has always been on the agenda, and its members have always been aware that the day may come when hard decisions would have to be made. Early talks of leaving, however, were suppressed in the interest of “the collective and country.”

“The strength of the Coalition is its (unity). Yet the Minister is saying that she is not worried that one partner is so dissatisfied that some of its leaders are raising the possibility of leaving. How can a spokesperson of a Government

WPA Executive, Dr David Hinds

and Coalition with a tiny majority in the National Assembly not be worried that there is grave dissatisfaction within the coalition?”

But Hinds made it clear that the idea of a coalition party was much more popular with voters than the idea of the individual parties: the PNC, AFC and WPA. He made it clear that none of the parties could have achieved victory at the polls in 2015 on their own.

“The Coalition won the election in 2015 because a small majority of the electorate perceived that a coalition of parties stood a better chance of defeating the incumbent PPP,” Hinds explained. “And my knowledge of Guyanese politics tells me that any rupturing of that coalition would work to the disadvantage of the Coalition at the next election.”

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Sir Wilson Harris: Guyana’s literary master

By Albert Baldeo

“H

is life was gentle; and the elements so mixed in him, that Nature might stand up, and say to all the world, THIS WAS A MAN!” -William Shakespeare Sir Wilson Harris, who recently died at the age of 96, was an iconic figure among the writers of the Caribbean and Central America.

Nominated for the Nobel Prize in literature on more than one occasion, with some of his original manuscripts stored in the Harry Ramsen Collection at the University of Texas in Austin, he ranks right up there with the best.

A major, noteworthy achievement is that he gave the large indigenous Amerindian population of Guyana, consisting of nine major ethnic groups so often marginalized, including the Akawaios, Arawaks, Arekunas, Caribs, Makushis, Patamonas, Wapishanas, Warraus and the WaiWais, historic and literary acknowledgement.

All Guyanese and Caribbean people are proud of the achievements of Sir Wilson Harris, fellow Queens College alumni even more so. Born in Guyana in 1921, he attended the elite Queen’s College, Georgetown, Guyana from 1932 to 1937. Whereas Q.C. nurtured his genius, it was his work experience that gave him wings. Before he became the world famous writer, his oyster for gathering the settings and landscape for his works came from his interaction with the majestic hinterland of Guyana, which he experienced as a surveyor.

I had the privilege of seeing Guyana’s hinterland as a Magistrate, where I often traveled by speed boat, canoe, ferry or small aircraft when I performed my duties as the youngest Magistrate appointed in Guyana’s history at the age of 25.

Indeed, Captain George Grandsoult, whose body was never found in Guyana’s interior after his plane crashed, had just flown me in the week before the same plane dropped out of the sky.

Everyone else was afraid of the hinterland, so I was tasked to hold court in these remote, but scenic towns.

At the prestigious Queens College, we also studied the magnum opus of another Guyanese giant, Jan Carew’s “Black Midas,” which dealt with the changing fortunes of a Guyanese pork knocker-and life itself. Carew

Sir Wilson Harris was not a conventional writer, but one who charted his own course to greatness.

Here, he poses with his medal after receiving a Knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II during the Royal Investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on October 13, 2010 in London, England. The Guyanese writer was honored for his contribution to literature. Source: WPA Pool/Getty Images Europe.

became a professor at Northwestern University and Princeton University.

These experiences helped me analyze Harris’ work in context.

Harris was born in the small community of New Amsterdam, in British Guiana, now Guyana after independence. For him to be admitted to the elite Q.C. school during such colonial times was an achievement by itself.

The diverse races were all mixed in him, making him the quintessential West Indian, a man for all seasons. His father, an insurance broker, died when he was two, and his stepfather disappeared, believed drowned, in the rainforests in 1929.

From 1945 to 1959 he worked as a land surveyor, mainly in the majestic and beautiful hinterland of Guyana, where he interacted often with the indigenous people who lived there, and researched their way of life. This unique experience influenced the imagery of his writing, and equipped him with the mystique and mythology of Guyana’s indigenous peoples, and living in Guyana in the early 1960s. During this period, he shared ideas and visions with other notable Guyanese figures such as Martin Carter, A.J. Seymour, Ivan Van Sertima and Sidney King (Eusi Kwayana), icons in their own right.

Harris went on to establish an international reputation as a leading figure in postcolonial literature. One thing that set Harris apart was his originality, and his knowledge of physics, anthropology, mythology, alchemy and the pioneers of the unconscious, including Carl Jung. He also cautioned

against the trap of victimhood in postcolonial fiction, which could lead the oppressed to become as prejudiced as their former oppressors, a confluence of thought, vision and philosophy he shares with Nelson Mandela.

These early tragedies and challenges shaped his life and produced genuine themes in his work told from an original perspective. Other childhood memories influenced the themes of his work. He could relate genuine interactions with imagery, and did not have to think hard and long to capture his audience.

He found inspiration, refuge and development from his experience with his native country’s continued on page 47

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By Chevon Lim

reat things are in store for Season two of the Kids Today, Leaders Tomorrow (KTLT) television programme.

KTLT is a pre-recorded, one hour programme which is aired on TVG Channel 28 in Georgetown and Essequibo, and Channel 12 in Berbice on Saturdays at 11am and rebroadcast on Wednesdays at 4pm, and Fridays at 8:30am. According to the Television Coordinator, Mr. Neaz Subhan, the primary goal is for the young participants and the audience to be groomed for the future, to expand their repertoire and to foster their creativity.

Alluding to new aspects to be added in season two, the TV Coordinator assured that the additions will contribute to the further enhancement of literacy skills, among other abilities. He said, “We will introduce a new reading programme which is geared towards advancing and enhancing literacy skills. This will be extremely beneficial as we plan to have various guests on the show; they will make a short appearance and read to the children.”

This segment will feature guests (such as local celebrities, famous personalities and others) who read to the children or be interviewed by

them on the show. What is unique about this segment is that all the questions asked, based on their understanding of the person and their roles, will be composed by the children participating on the show.

Another exciting aspect to be included is the ‘news segment’ which will see children reporting on events and sharing general knowledge facts in various fields including, science and technology.

Crucial support

Addressing the challenges, Mr. Subhan expressed the hope that corporate partners and education officials will come to realise the impact that the show already has on the young participants and the audience, and will be encouraged to contribute to the continued success of the programme. In addition, he expressed the hope that more educators will get involved which will propel the show to even greater heights.

During an interview with the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, the show’s producer, Ms Robin St. Marthe, explained that this “pioneer” children’s programme com-

bines education and entertainment for nursery and primary students. The show which appeals to ages 4 to 11, aims to make learning fun with its holistic, wellthought-out programmes presented to get children active – not only physically, but mentally.

More importantly, KTLT’s interactive, educational activities and teaching techniques, which are backed by childhood-development principles and quality research, are being used successfully in many classrooms around the country.

Consisting of four main segments geared t o w a r d s developing cognition, ‘Kids T o d a y , Leaders Tomorrow’ provides insight to parents and guardians on how to effectively use its teaching methodologies at home. Subject areas covered include craft, proper hygiene, storytelling, English, science and math.

KTLT is hosted by Ms Taneka Sanchara, the director of Unique Play School & Daycare which was recognised by the Ministry of Social Protection’s Childcare Services as being one of 13 schools licensed to operate in Guyana, and Ms Kimell Thomas, a practising teacher for over 13 years and a social worker for four years.

Thomas currently serves as a welfare officer at Stephen’s Primary, providing guidance, counselling and support to children and their parents.

Empowerment

posed to the camera and a live audience has boosted their confidence and enhanced their ability to effectively communicate. Initially, they were shy and introverted, today almost all of the young participants are very outspoken. They have transformed over a couple of months,” Production Supervisor, Mr. Delroy Dash added.

The young KTLT participants are drawn from various schools across the country and remain excited about the project and always eager to explore new ideas for the show. The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Incorporated (GBTI), in 2017, collaborated with KTLT to raise literacy awareness in Guyana; teachers hosted literacy, art and craft sessions with the camp. Several of the young participants expressed their delight at being a part of the beneficial summer programme.

“I really like this summer camp. Some things I’d like to learn are arts and craft, folk takes and folk songs. We also get to learn history of Guyana at this exciting camp, in the old age and in the present,” eight-year-old Akil Elcock articulated. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

“The fact that they are ex-

Participants in the Summer Camp were mesmerised by the folk tales of Mr. Alan Fenty

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&

By Chevon Lim

G

Ms Darshanie Kistama

uyanese Designer, Darshanie Kistama is multi-talented and her works reflects her versatility. During a recent interview with the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, the artist re vealed that she currently working on pursuing a degree in "Fine Arts" Themes : The sea at an overseas life: Medium : hand Art institute. painted bottle “I feel that I am a lot better at working in more than one field of art rather than doing just paint ing and tex tile design.

I am taking the opportu nity to further enhance my skill, as well as learning a few more disci plines such as youth art education, photography, in terior designs and much more,” she explained. The young Guyanese artist re vealed too that, once she has completed her studies, she aspires to open an Art School of her own. “I can be able to give back to my community by teaching what I learnt to

the younger generations,” Darshanie said.

Darshani Kistama was among veteran Guyanese artists exhibiting their artwork at Castellani House, last year , during the exhibition titled Ganga Ship 1917: The Long Journey”. It was her inaugural exhibition at the art gal lery. Darshani displayed ar tistic paint ings, draw ings, saris and beauti fully handpainted bottles.

She is inspired by na ture and her “com mitment” to her reli gion, which is a central theme in most of her art.

She continues to en courage young and aspiring artists to “paint what you feel; everyone may have their own different techniques and skills, which makes them unique at what they do, but stay true to yours; do not give in to discouragement and always try to excel yourself in whatever form of art you wish to pursue”.

127 graduate from Sophia Training Centre

Social Cohesion Department Programme Coordinator Sharon Patterson

O

ne hundred and twenty-seven Sophia Training Centre (STC) students graduated on Wednesday after successfully completing the 31st Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training Programme (YEST) in a variety of disciplines.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the National Cultural Centre (NCC), Social Cohesion Department’s Programme Coordinator, Sharon Patterson told the graduates that the completion of their course was a stepping stone to a better future.

“I am certain that many of you here

today would be repeating this particular journey at some other stage of your life. I believe you will seek to move to higher levels in your respective fields of study,” Patterson said.

The Programme Coordinator urged the students to be willing to always learn and never turn away from opportunities that would serve to benefit them in the future.

Patterson said the Government has designed the programme to ensure it served as an effective avenue that instructed youths in self-development and as a result, the development of the country.

Valedictorian Lafia Yearwood advised her classmates to apply the knowledge and skills learnt during their training as they enter the world of business. She also encouraged them to continue striving for excellence.

Instructor Brian King thanked both the private and public organisations who provided tours and work-study opportunities for the students. These, he noted, allowed the students to gain valuable experience. He was optimistic that there would be continued collaboration with both private and public organisations.

YEST is a programme that offers youths between the ages of 16 and 25 training in cosmetology, information technology, masonry, carpentry, welding, and mechanical and other skillstraining programmes.

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Scout’s

S

couting is a nonformal programme that complements the formal academic programmes within schools.

Membership starts from 7 years onwards to adulthood with no limitation attracting both males and females. Scouting assists in molding children to become rounded adults preparing them for the working environment.

By Chevon Lim

The St. Stanislaus College Scout Group known as Saints is one of the largest and very active scout groups in Guyana with a membership of over 100. They are an opened group where children and adults from other schools are allowed to join. The members and participants enjoy a variety of activities, including outdoor camping, hiking, swimming, sur-

vival skills training, pioneering, recycling, upcycling, first aid, rope work, sports, drama, orienteering, career building, community service and much more. Their goals are usually centered on family oriented objectives and values.

In addition to the various activities, the participants are also involved in altruistic efforts. Saints’ has been

involved with many community projects such as removal of garbage from the sea-walls, painting of pedestrian crossings, feeding the destitute, visiting orphanages and providing emergency first aid support for special events, just to name a few.

The most recent assistance was

given to the Rupununi Music Arts and Festival event where a small team of Saints’ scout leaders travelled to the Manari Ranch where they built a monkey bridge which is completely constructed with staves and rope, a Brynbach Tower, gateways, campfires and assisted with the general security of the campsite.

The scout group meets at the St. Stanislaus College in

Brickdam every Friday from 16:00 hrs to 19:00 hrs where the agendas comprise of games, classroom sessions and practical skills training.

Should anyone be interested in the group and require additional information, please contact the Group Scout Leader Mr. Laurence Fung, mobile: 662-8600 (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

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By Chevon Lim

D

uring the past few weeks, students from across the country ranging from nursery to secondary schools showcased numerous projects which captivated fellow students and onlookers as part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). This year, the STEAM Fairs were being held under the theme: “Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics paving the way for a sustainable society.” Several events were staged in various regions across Guyana.

According to Deputy Education Officer of Region Four, Jeanne Jeffrey, once developed, the initiative can be used to tackle some of the challenges faced in Guyana.

She was at the time addressing the STEAM Fair earlier this month, which opened at Queen’s College.

“This combination of disciplines, once

ond while Annandale Primary took the third position. Diamond Secondary was the winner.

This year however, Annandale Primary bested host Diamond Secondary to take home the top prize at the biennial Region Four Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Fair.

According to a statement from the Region Four Regional Democratic Council’s Public Relations Department, Annandale Primary’s Mathematics project was adjudged the overall winner. Second place overall was awarded to former champions Diamond Secondary, while first-time competitor Lancaster Secondary was third.

Region 2

Students of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) were not left out as they presented a series of witty projects dur-

Students from Region Two highlighting the sections of a rice factory

projects were focused on the theme,” he stated. Singh said too that he was proud of the work that the students in the region had done, noting that they are ready and rearing to journey to Georgetown for the National STEAM Competition in April. “We are ready; we are hoping to take at least 10 projects to Georgetown for the national competition.”

Region 3

Students of Diamond Secondary receive a trophy donated after winning one of the categories in the Region Four Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Fair (Region Four Public Relations Department photo)

effectively used, can solve many of our environmental and community problems that plague our society today,” Jeffrey says.

The Region Four (4) Fair was launched on Monday March 5, at the Diamond Secondary School. The twoday fair which concluded on Tuesday March 6, saw the participation of some 47 schools representing nursery, primary and secondary levels, competing in 27 categories Students competed in the Lower Secondary in Home Economics, Environmental Science, Agricultural Science, Social and Behavioural Change and Mathematics. In the Upper Secondary they matched skills in Environmental Science, Integrated Science, Agricultural Science, Visual Arts, Home Economics, Mathematics, Industrial Technology, Information Technology, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, while in the Nursery Category, students competed in Craft and Environmental Science and Science and Mathematics, and in the primary category, the categories were Mathematics, Craft and Visual Arts, Environmental Science and Science.

A collective future

Participating schools were challenged to create a project reflecting the theme. During the launch, students attending and participating in the STEAM fair 2018, were urged to be inquisitive in order to pave the way for a green and sustainable society. Coordinator of the fair, Loren Park, said that the fair is used as a platform to showcase students’ skills and abilities, and also provides an opportunity for a collective future with a shared destiny.

In the 2016 Edition of the competition, President’s College was sec-

ing their event.

The competition, which was held at the Cotton Field Secondary School on March 7 and 8, garnered participation from 26 schools resulting in excess of 50 projects being presented. Many of the projects focused on sustainable development, oil and gas, and promoting a greener society.

Innovation Amongst the impressive presentations was Abram Zuil Secondary which showcased a neem, garlic and pepper project, and Wakapoa Secondary innovated a way to rid the Pomeroon River of debris. Abram Zuil’s neem, garlic and pepper project was aimed at eradicating pest infestations and reducing air, water and land pollution. Meanwhile, Wakapoa Secondary, which is located in the Pomeroon riverine area, opted to work on a project that hits close to home. The inventive students have thought up a way to systematically clean the Pomeroon River and by extension any river in the country. Students noted that they selected this project due to the massive amounts of pollution in the river, causing it to be clogged on occasions. The ‘Marine cleaner’ is powered by a renewable energy source.

Lima Nursery came out on top of the Nursery category, while CV Nunes took away the first prize in the Primary category for their Mathematics project. In the Secondary category, Anna Regina Multilateral, Abram Zuil Secondary and Wakapoa Secondary copped the top spots. There was also an open category in which Essequibo Technical Institute presented two projects.

The Coordinator of the event, Deodat Singh, explained that the fair ran smoothly and was a success. “Yes, it was a success. The theme was paving the way for a green society and all our

The Department of Education Region Three held its 2018 Regional Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Fair the Leonora Secondary School on March 8th, Prior to the exhibits being viewed, the day’s activities began with an opening ceremony which was chaired by a teacher, Mr. Julian Cambridge.

Delivering the feature address and declaring the Fair open was Regional Education Officer (REdO), Ms. Annesta Douglas.

According to Ms. Douglas, the hosting of the STEAM Fair is setting the stage to further develop Guyana. She said that the children’s participation in the event exposes them to a number of scientific methods.

The REdO encouraged the students to be explorers whereby they are always looking for new and innovative ways to solve the problems that exist in society.

Skills enhancement

Further, she said that children stand to benefit tremendously through their participation. Among the many benefits are that children will gain additional knowledge, improve their speaking and writing skills which will enhance their self-confidence.

Ms. Douglas highlighted that much has changed over the years whereby technology has evolved. She said that these changes are an indication as to how the world is moving. She urged the students from the nursery, primary and secondary levels to think outside the box when attempting to solve society’s problems. Some of the exhibits addressed the issue of recycling, using renewable energy to produce electricity and woodwork.

Region 10

The Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Department of Education on March 6th, presented its leg of the biennial Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Fair.

This year, the Arts have been incorporated into the event, which showcases the innovative skills of students and teachers from schools at every level. Region 10’s exhibition was hosted at the Wisburg Secondary School, Wismar, Linden and featured a host of presentations by students.

Speaking during the opening ceremony for the event, outgoing Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland said he was impressed with the quality of work displayed by the various schools, as he encouraged students to continue to be creative ,”dream big”, step out, invent, and achieve great things.

Trailblazers

Holland, in sharing his own experiences, further gave encouragement to all to inspire young creative minds to “think outside the box” and become active trailblazers.

In an overview of the ever-evolving event, District Education Officer (Nursery) Shivon Greene-Brewster said the objective of the exhibitions has always been to stimulate young minds to analyse and evaluate situations with the aim of exposing students to critical thinking skills.

Meanwhile, District Education Officer (Primary) Lashanna Anderson said the activity formed part of the strategy to promote Science and Technology, provide the opportunity for students and teachers to showcase, disseminate and share knowledge relating to these fields.

District Education Officer (Secondary) Sonia Fraser-Pearce said the Fair provided an opportunity for creativity as well as the showcasing and sharing of knowledge and skills. The national STEAM Fair will be hosted in Georgetown from April 36, where the winners from these events will be given an opportunity to participate. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

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Players gave their all for Caribbean fans, says Windies coach

Blaming the victim…

T …in sugar

he arrogance of this Government and its minions knows no bounds. Your Eyewitness still can’t get over the comments made by the PNC-appointed REO of Reg 6 at the event to commemorate the 105th anniversary of 14 workers murdered by the colonial government on behalf of the sugar producers in 1913. She said the 5700 fired sugar workers are too “timid and afraid” to take advantage of the Government’s “diversification” of the sugar industry, and wanted them to know what it took for them to be “enjoying the good life” delivered by the PNC Government!!

Can you believe this? Especially being delivered to folks whose parents were among the 14 killed and scores wounded. And yes, that kind of carnage couldn’t be inflicted by single-shot rifles, but by one of the new “machine guns” that would be used in the upcoming “Great War”. It was like shooting fishes in a tank. And they would have grown up on stories of their parents’ sacrifice, not delivered to them from books, but at the knees of those who lived to tell of the horror.

“Timid and afraid”?? Does this REO know of the grit and determination it takes to wake up even before the cock has crowed to head to the fields to cut their minimum quota of two and a half tons of cane? And then fetching those two and a half tons of cane ON THEIR HEADS to dump in punts after jumping dozens of drains? And to do that six days a week for months? Does the REO know of the courage it takes to be a cane cutter, knowing before they turn fifty, “their hair will be grey but not with years”? And with broken bodies? Defining them as “cane harvesters” – as the PNC did in the seventies – suggesting they were gathering cane like flowers, didn’t change anything about lives that were “nasty, short and brutish”.

But what “diversification” is the REO talking about.

The PNC Government PROMISED that all right; but where was it delivered? Have they even SUGGESTED grading the fields that are specially adapted for sugar cane to accommodate, say, lentils? How about “aquaculture,” which was also mentioned? Is this another case of waiting till “you GOTTA go”, before you start building latrines? Well, the s***t has hit the fan…but sadly it’s the cane cutters who’re caught in the mess.

“Good life”?? Where?? Your Eyewitness isn’t even confining his question to the sugar belt…pick ANY community outside of the Government’s ministers and favoured insiders and let’s see this “good life”!

This is the kind of contempt that’s developed when a party knows it is assured of being returned to office.

By hook AND by crook!! Mostly by crook. …in green power generation Well, here it was, one citizen wasn’t “timid and afraid” to respond to the new Government’s call for the nation to “Go green”. But, unfortunately, he dared to believe the Government really meant for Guyanese to explore and exploit non-fossil sources for generating energy, and not just painting his Hotel APNU green!! The sad tale unfolded in the eastern end of our dear country (but no “wise men” advised this hotelier!), where the enterprising citizen imported a windmill that could generate 350KVA of electricity.

Being in excess of what he could utilise, he’s frustrated by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and GPL refusal to take off this power from his hands – in Berbice where power shortages and outages are endemic during the day. In so many words, the poor fellow confessed it was like tilting at windmills, and he’s about ready to ship the windmill from whence it came! (India, not Holland!!)

Seems like GPL has informed him that, unlike, say, California, where you can supply ANY amount of excess electricity to the grid (and be credited) in a process called “net metering”, you have to generate at least 1.5MW before GPL will look at you!!

The poor fella would’ve been better served if he’d painted his hotel green!!

H

The West Indies team celebrates their qualification for next year’s ICC World Cup competition in England. (Photo courtesy ICC website)

ARARE, Zimbabwe (CMC) — Head coach Stuart Law has dedicated West Indies' successful World Cup qualification to Caribbean fans, and said they had been had the forefront of the players’ minds throughout the tournament.

The Caribbean side ensured their place at the 2019 showpiece in England next year by edging Scotland by five runs under under Duckworth-Lewis-Stern, after rain washed out their final Super Six match of the ICC World Cup Qualifiers at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.

“There are a lot of people who support us back home and wishing us very well and this is for them,” Law said following the triumph.

“The boys have worked extremely hard to get where they are. They don't like missing out on practice, they don't like doing less work – they like to work and that's essentially paid off in this tournament.

“They've spilt blood for the people back home and I'm really happy we can celebrate something when we get home.”

West Indies struggled in OneDay Internationals last year, winning just three times in 23 outings

to miss out on automatic qualification for the World Cup. Favourites to win the qualifying tournament here, West Indies navigated a few tough moments during the preliminaries to finish unbeaten. They were stunned

by Afghanistan in their opening Super Six match to leave their qualification bid in peril before pulling out the stops to beat hosts Zimbabwe in a dramatic run chase to remain on course.

“The journey we have been on for the last year, we have had some bad times, some reasonable times,” the Australian recalled.

“We came here to qualify for the World Cup, and we have played some pretty good cricket along the way. Today, we were pushed

by Scotland, credit to them, they fought hard.”

West Indies knew they had a fight on their hands when impressive seamer Safyaan Sharif (3-27) struck twice with the new ball to reduce the Windies to two for two in the third over.

But opener Evin Lewis (64) and veteran stroke-maker Marlon Samuels (51) added 121 for the second wicket to repair the damage and help get the two-time former World champions up to 198.

Seamer Kemar Roach then also got early wickets to reduce Scotland to 25 for three in reply and though they recovered to be 125 for five in the 36th over, they were still short of the DLS par score of 130 when heavy rain ended the match prematurely.

Law praised his players for the way in which they had fought back after finding themselves behind.

“For Marlon Samuels to come in at two for two and put on 121 runs was crucial once again. It would have been nice if Samuels or Evin Lewis had gone further into the innings, but they absorbed pressure and managed to get enough on the board,” he explained.

“Credit to Scotland. They fought hard too, and we were lucky enough to pick up a couple of wickets. [Ashley] Nurse, Kemar Roach and Jason Holder bowled their hearts out. All round [I am] very happy with where we are.”

He added: “We can now sit down and plan for the Cricket World Cup which is good. We can get this out of the way and go home and start thinking about what we are going to do and how we are going to play in English conditions.”

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en the opportunity to have my voice heard.

What inspired you to start singing?

T

he Times Sunday Magazine is honoured to share with you an interview with the gorgeous and talented Alyssa Raghu.

Born to Guyanese parents, 16 year old Alyssa is a student at Lake Nona High School in Orlando, Florida and also plays the

old. I got to see my grandparent's old house and we also went to Reliance, Essequibo where my Step Mother, Seromanie Raghunandan is from originally. It was so beautiful. I remember the flowers and fruits and vegetables. Everything was so fresh and everyone was so

I think my first performance as a sixth grader in school really made me enjoy singing along with the music and seeing people smile. That's when I realised I wanted to do this for a living. I was in music class and the teacher was asking for volunteers to audition for a part in the upcoming music show. A friend pushed me forward because I was being shy.

When the teacher called upon me I did my best to sing the part and she liked it ! I was given the solo for the show. After seeing the

The young role model with her parents and siblings

guitar. On her Facebook page she describes herself as “just a 16-year-old girl chasing her dreams, one song at a time.”

-Where in Guyana is your dad from?

Actually my dad was the first of our family born in America. He was born in Georgia. My grandfather and grandmother moved to the U.S. in the late 70's and he joined the Army. My grandfather, Praimraj Raghunandan is from Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara.

My grandmother, Anjanie Raghunandan is from Pouderoyen, West Coast Demerara. My dad also served in the military with the Air Force. My mother is from Mexico. I'm half Indian and half Mexican.

Have you ever visited Guyana?

If not, will you visit?

I did when I was 8 years

Alyssa’s grandparents.

kind and caring. We also went to Lake Mainstay and swam and had a wonderful cookout with all the family and played cricket (which I'm terrible at), but it was a great time. I hope to go back one day and see Kaieteur Falls.

Does anyone else in the family sing?

Not really. Apparently my great grandmother was a Hindi teacher many years ago and would sing at the Hindu temple but she passed away before even my father was born, so I have to believe my abilities are a blessing regardless of however or whoever I got them from.

I'm just thankful I'm being giv-

crowd enjoy it I felt a rush of emotions that I knew I wanted to keep feeling. I have been working hard towards that goal ever since.

What prompted you to audition for American Idol?

I actually first auditioned for a smaller singing competition the week before called "Orlando Idol" The prize would have been a 'front of the line pass' for the real audition with American Idol the following weekend.

I went and the judges at Orlando Idol didn't think I was good enough I guess because they gave 5 prizes out and sent me home empty handed. It honestly was the best "No Thank you" I have ever heard. I was sad, but my passion for music and wanting to be heard by the world made me audition for the show the next week.

I figured if I loved singing more than anything else,

16 year old Alyssa Raghu auditioning for American Idol

and I was determined enough, then maybe I could have a chance. So I waited in line in the hot Florida sun with my dad and an umbrella for 12 hours and when my turn came, I sang my heart out. The producers liked it and sent me to Los Angeles to tryout in front of the Celebrity Judges.

When I went to LA I was so determined, I knew if I just focused and sing from my heart, I had a chance.

Fortunately they liked what they heard and gave me the Golden Ticket to Hollywood! The lessonNEVER GIVE UP.

What about your Guyanese roots do you especially appreciate?

I appreciate how well connected we all are. We look out for each other and always look at the good in people. I can meet someone and they will ask “Where are you from" and when we get to talking we find out we have roots in Guyana and that type of bond and friendliness is so loving.

It makes me feel happy to be connected to such a beautiful place with such carrying people. I feel like we are giving, kind hearted people who are hard workers and determined to succeed despite the struggles that come with life. We never give up.

What is your determination in the competition?

My determination in the competition is to show people that anyone can make it if they have their heart and soul in it. Don't listen to the naysayers! If someone doesn't believe in your dream that's fine, but if you stop believing in yourself you will miss out on your true purpose.

I feel like this is what I'm supposed to with my life and I am determined to give it my all.

How has your Guyanese roots helped you to develop as an individual?

My Guyanese roots help me expand on my music knowledge, not just the regular pop music but to be diverse. I love the rhythm of the soca and chutney music we play in the house on weekends when we are cleaning up and doing the normal chores as a family. I love the wonderful Indian movies we watch and their soundtracks. I feel like I can add that fun that is uniquely Guyanese with my love

their first kiss, dance at their wedding and celebrate fun and happy times.

What are your future plans for your music career?

My future plans include releasing music that everyone can enjoy.

I would want to keep releasing great music and never stop. American Idol is an incredible opportunity and I want to make the most of it.

Other than music, what interests do you enjoy?

I enjoy playing ping pong (Table Tennis) and watching 80's films. I also like scary movies. I secretly

Alyssa and her mother ,Brenda Amillano, who lives out of state but is still a big part of her life

of tradition- a l American music.

Its heart and soul and love that I feel to my core. I try to express that in all I do.

If you win the competition, what are your plans?

If I do win the competition, I would love to make people smile through my music, dance, and have a good time. My goal is being signed by a record label and becoming a well known person who can make a difference in this world through my music.

Not giving into the negatives and focus on bringing happiness to this world though music. I want to write the music people fall in love to, have

dream of being an actress too! I mean why not right?

What advice would you give to young Guyanese who dream becoming a star someday?

My advice to any young Guyanese and all people in general is that you have to be focused.

This has to be your first love, above everything else. Determination, humbleness, and gratefulness will take you extremely far. There are many distractions in life that can take you off course. Just because someone says NO, you shouldn't give up.

If you put in the time and hard work, good things will happen. (Interview conducted by Enoek Alves) (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

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Addressing objections to a federalised Guyana

By Ravi Dev

M

ost of the objections to the federalist proposals have come from African-Guyanese. This is a remarkable position, since minorities across the globe, from Assam to Zimbabwe, have been clamouring for federalist principles to be instituted to protect their interests against actual or potential majorities.

The reason is that, in

Guyana, Africans literally do not see themselves as a “minority”. Their history of having slaved to build the foundations of the country, their dominant Creole values, their occupancy of the key state institutions etc. have served to engender an entrenched belief of greater legitimacy to the national patrimony.

The corollary, of course, is that until this belief is addressed, Africans will not concede legitimacy to

a Government perceived to be representative only of Indians. Federalism acknowledges the Africans’ right to a just share of their birthright.

Federalism and Partition When the federalist proposals were first broached, the present writer, with a large measure of surprise, noted that many Guyanese saw it as a Trojan horse for “partition”.

There may have been two reasons for this mistaken

assumption. Firstly, back in the sixties, with the spectre of open ethnic conflict, Eusi Kwayana (then Sydney King) had proposed that the country be partitioned into three zones – one for Indians, one for Africans, and the third for all those who wanted to live together.

That this proposal may have been in the minds of Guyanese forty years after its presentation leads to the second, related, possible rationale. It is most likely that the ethnic conflict has proven so intractable for almost half a century that many Guyanese do not see any resolution, and either desire partition or fear that the sentiment is so strong that, given an inch with federalism, secessionist elements would quickly demand the “mile” of partition so as to get on with their lives.

Small populations not viable: It has been pointed out that the populations of the proposed states may be too small to be viable. This criticism ignores the fact that, right in Caricom, there are a dozen full-fledged independent states that are doing much better than Guyana. It also looks at the population of Guyana as if it would be static; but if Guyana regains stability, we can be sure that the population would rise. The

original thirteen States of the US at the time of the union each had much smaller populations than today.

In 1999, Canada carved out a new territory — Nunavut — for its Inuits in the north, who only number 25,000. Today, size is not as important as before in an integrated, globalised world, where tradebloc access guarantees markets.

Improvement in technology creates efficiencies of production at increasingly smaller scales of production.

The State/regional governments would require too large a bureaucracy: The argument on the need for extra layers of bureaucrats — that would prove to be a financial burden — goes to the need for bureaucratic efficiency and cost – potent arguments. However, the system duplicates many activities performed at the federal level, and viceversa. It presently has more workers than the proposed federal system would need, because of the streamlining effect of the clearer demarcation of responsibilities (exclusive competencies) that would be precipitated by the federal reforms.

Guyana would be weakened to external threats: It has been suggested

that a federal Guyana would be weakened and become more vulnerable to external threats. This allegation is related to the accusation that federalism would lead to a break-up of the Guyanese State. As has been emphasised, Guyana will remain a sovereign state, and the federal Government, having less to do, may perform better at the duties left at that level, such as defence and external affairs.

The Army (GDF) would be a federal institution that would be deployed primarily at our borders, from where our major external threats will come.

Citizens would have to move, or be restricted in their movements: Since Guyana would remain as a single country, all citizens would be free to move throughout the country in an unhampered manner. While states/ regions may set residency requirements for certain benefits, they would not be able to prohibit any Guyanese citizen from moving into a state, or settling there.

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44 travel & tourism

L

aluni is located on the Soesdyke Highway and access to the community is via a nine-mile road from Kuru Kururu. Laluni has been setup as a farming community from the beginning. This community is famous for its agriculture diversity, including its cherries which are supplied to some of the major juice factories in the country.

The community started off with 11 farmers and workers, a number which then grew to 50 persons farming tobacco. Cash crop farming in the area became popular when the Demerera Tobacco Company (Demtoco) ceased cultivating tobacco there in the early 1990s.

A number of residents turned out in Laluni to celebrate their 63rd anniversary as a CDC community and the first ever village day, last Sunday. Laluni came into being through the efforts of Wilfred Henry on 3rd March 1955.

According to Chairman of the CDC, Aaron Defreitas this will be an annual

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Road to Laluni by Alva Solomon

event. He pointed out that the village day is being used primarily to bring villagers together, as a means of enhancing an already close-knit community.

Defreitas further noted that Laluni, an agricultural community, will seek to further promote the many agricultural products that persons can access from the area. “Our village day is one that is being executed with a difference, as it allows a number of persons across Guyana to see the rich benefits of this agricultural community.

In Laluni through the many products that come from this community, we can further enhance the economic development around us,� the Chairman said.

A monument was unveiled at the observance and the community also raised its first village flag. According to Ruth Henry, great-granddaughter of the founder of Laluni, the flag’s design depicts the agricultural and other benefits of the community. (Excerpts from DPI, photos by Alva Solomon) (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Laluni is known for its lush vegetation

Villagers enjoing a vollyball match

Children from Laluni

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Everything in moderation; even health?

rthorexia Nervosa is a term used to describe a fixation on righteous eating. It is a condition wherein the person with the disorder is obsessed with eating in the way they believe is healthiest.

Typically, the disorder

person based on the way that person eats.

The disorder progresses to a point at which the person is consumed with the thought of food. They would spend hours planning and purchasing food, and should they slip up on their diet, would feel intense regret, which can be

is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Although healthy eating might be good for you physically, an obsession to the point where you spend most of your time thinking about the food you eat cannot be good for your

progresses from being a simple desire to eat healthier to a compulsion and obsession, to the point where a person’s mental and social health are threatened.

People who have beaten the disorder describe the need to eat completely healthily as a dependency; as if they do not stick to the incredibly specific diet they have set out for themselves, they feel “unholy”, or “ashamed”. When they eat the “right” way, they feel superior to others. Their diet is the source of their selfworth, and they tend to value and judge a

abated only by stricter dieting.

It is this type of behaviour that makes Orthorexia a disorder. Similar to the better known disorders of Bulumia and Anorexia, instead of being obsessed with the quantity of food, the person becomes obsessed with the quality of food. You might ask: Is this really a serious thing that can happen? And the answer is yes. Although eating healthily is always advisable, obsession never is. to According the World Health Organization, “Health

mental state.

Most people suffering from the disorder report feeling an “anxiety” towards food.

Furthermore, because their validation comes from the way they eat, messing up their diet can come with feelings of worthlessness and depression. On the other hand, social well-being is threatened, too. Humans don’t eat food just for the sake of nutrition.

The idea of eating together is highly valued in our society, even if we don’t notice it.

Whether it’s breakfast with the family, lunch with friends, or din-

By Ashley Anthony

O

The anomaly… ner with a significant other, eating together means more than just consuming food. It means interaction; socialization. Eating provides an excuse to meet and give each other attention. Imagine, then, being someone who has Orthorexia.

Imagine feeling nervous when your neighbour invites you to a BBQ, and having to cancel because you can’t stand the idea of looking at people eat so “badly”.

Imagine not being able to socialize with your colleagues at a work party because you’re disgusted by the food being served. It seems to me like a lonely existence.

However, like any life-consuming addiction, the first step is recognizing that there is a problem. The next is taking the necessary steps to fix that problem. In most cases, those steps are seeking a nutritionist; and maybe a psychiatrist, who can help you separate eating from selfworth, and who can slowly wean you off of your obsession.

It’s a rum story S

atiricus was happy with the new developments in the sugar belt he’d just read about in the papers. He’d been agonising about the fate of all those folks who’ve been fired, but now there was hope. The Demerara Rum Company (DRC) needed molasses for making its world-famous rum, and had been agonising even more about where it was going to get its supply, with all these sugar estates closing down faster than “piss-a-bed” plants when touched.

“Did you hear about DRC working with the Government to reopen Kenmore Estate to produce molasses?” Satiricus asked excitedly, as soon as he sat down at the Back Street Bar. “Abee hear,” replied Bungi nonchalantly, as he sipped his beer. “Wha’ de big deal?”

“Big deal?? Big deal??” asked Satiticus in surprise. “Cane-cutters will get back their jobs, and the factory will be humming again!!

Happy days are here again!!”

“Sato…wha’ wrang wid you, budday?” asked Cappo. “Yuh know anyt’ing ‘bout suga’?”

“Well, a little bit from you fellas,” Satiricus confessed. “What am I missing?”

“Everything!” said Hari, who worked as a bookkeeper on a sugar estate. “Bungi, tell him

what the molasses will cost!!”

“Look, Sato,” said Bungi. “Dem still gat fuh cut de cane. Yuh know wha’ dem cane-cutta guh call fuh ‘abstacle’ pay??”

“More money,” said Hari.

“An’ dem still gat fuh pull de punt and chap up and grin’ de cane fuh get de juice, and den b’il am,” pointed out Cappo.

“More money,” intoned Hari.

“An’ if dem na tek out de suga’ like dem seh, and lef’ ev’ryt’ing as molasses,” said Bungi.

“Me wan’ fuh know how much DRC guh pay fuh am?”

“See that, Sato?” asked Hari. “Molasses without sugar was US$83/a ton…and sugar was US$275 a ton…and GuySuCo was losing its shirt.”

“Suh how much DRC guh pay?” demanded Cappo again.

“The full price,” suggested Satiricus.

“Suh GuySuCo guh still lose money,” concluded Bungi. “And now DRC guh lose money?”

“Or rum price guh go up!!” exclaimed Cappo in alarm.

Satiricus fell silent.

T

…of “democratic” propaganda

he Chronic is in the news again; and ultimately, for the same reason it scandalised folks who actually believed this PNC-led coalition would be any different from the first PNC government in 1964-1985. Right after it slid into government in 2015, during its first Budget debate in August of that year, a Chronic reporter penned a story headlined: “Govt blunders on Budget Estimates…violates laws assented to by President Granger”.

PM Nagamootoo, who’d been reduced to running the state media, objected vehemently to the headline and story, and later berated the reporter in the corridors of Parliament. He said bluntly, “State media should favour Government’s view”. Later, he elaborated, “…it is a Government paper, and I would expect that, for a paper, that it has a point of view that supports a Government’s perspective… is a Government newspaper…it is a fully supported established company of the State…one would expect that it would merit the views of Government.”

Nagamootoo clearly saw his role as being “Minister of Propaganda”!!

It was an astounding statement from a man who’d worked for the Mirror when Burnham banned newsprint in an effort to silence other opinions than those of the state media, which he controlled with an iron fist! His statement simply echoed Burnham’s position — that the “Government” was equivalent to the “state”, and both should be subservient to the party running the Government.

The Guyana Press Association (GPA) trenchantly criticised the PM for his dictat. They revealed their “awareness of the weekly meetings between the Prime Minister and senior executives of the state media, which continues to be used as a tool to dictate editorial content and to silence or trivialise Opposition views.” And this is exactly what’s playing out with the firing of two columnists – Hinds and Lewis — by editorin-chief of the Chronic because they dared to include a couple of brickbats in the bouquets that they normally threw at the Government.

But, more specifically, because they dared criticise the AFC for their craven behaviour in reference to the degutting of the Cummingsburg Accord and for going along with Granger’s unilateralism on the oil bonus to the appointment of (Chief?) Justice Patterson to the GECOM Chair. In fact, the AFC said, “People like David Hinds should be GRATEFUL to the AFC for being able to criticise the Government”!!! It would appear to the AFC – and this has to be Nagamootoo and his DPI – that the WPA isn’t part of the Government!! Oh! How quickly they forget!!

In the opinion of your humble Eyewitness, this latest cracking of the whip at the Editor of the Chronic to have him jump through hoops is the handiwork of the AFC! Fyaah on them!! …must be corrected Your Eyewitness calls upon Guyanese – especially those who support the Government – to wake up and smell the coffee. Back in the day, Burnham convinced them they should overlook his rigging because the alternative would be to have the PPP back at the helm.

And they went along, even though Burnham destroyed their livelihood, family and country.

But it’s said, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me!” The Government partisans have to see where the actions of this Government are taking them: right back to PNC-I!!

On the Chronic becoming a rag for the Government, they have to bite the bullet and demand the state divest itself of all media. Burnham could get away with the state media as presently configured because he declared Guyana was a “socialist” state, but it’s 30 years since Desmond Hoyte brought back democratic governance and a free market economy. A totally independent BBC-type media isn’t an option. We clearly don’t have the traditions of independence that sustain such impartiality.

Place the state media on the blocks! …of rum, not sugar DDL’s stepping into the (sugar) breach to resuscitate Enmore because it needs molasses for its rum business.

So your Eyewitness asks again: What’s gonna be the price of this molasses, since it’s not just a “byproduct”??

feature 47

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J

enell Pierre is the CEO of Bow Jay, a fashion accessories line, based in Georgetown, Guyana. A 2011 graduate of St. Stanislaus, and former science major, Jenell started out making bow as a just as an ‘accidental’ hobby. It quickly became apparent that this teenage pastime was much more than that. As her designs caught

the right people led her to join the Women’s Entrepreneurship Network (WENET), through Youth Challenge Guyana, who equipped her with the knowledge and skills to run a successful business.

Jenell has presented her designs locally at GuyExpo 2011, during several panel discussions through YCG,

Jenell Pierre (centre) , the CEO of Bow Jay showcases her pieces at the Women in Business Expo 2017

the eyes of her family who wanted her to make pieces for them and offered to pay for her work. Her hobby soon grew into a unique and compelling passion and in August 2011, at the age of 17, Jenell founded Bow Jay, which specializes in bow ties, rings, hair and other accessories.

In an earlier interview, Jenell revealed that constant networking with

and Camp Girls Leading Our World (GLOW). Her exquisite wearable art are all hand crafted and consists of a wide variety of unisex bowties and hair accessories with equally cute names like Priscilla, Angela and Rebecca.

Jenell is also a poet and singer and was a 2011 GTT Star Finalist. The young entrepreneur has also represented Guyana in the prestigious Caribbean

Sir Wilson Harris... sprawling savannahs and rain forests, majestic rivers, exotic landfalls and virgin terrain, all bounded together in natural formation, which imbued him with a deep, mystical perception, and put him in a class apart from other writers. It gave him a vision as broad and as deep as the Essequibo River, as turbulent as the world famous Kaieteur Falls, and as indigenous as the interior civilizations, which was transformed into majestic works of poetry, novels and essays that have enriched the literary landscape.

His expeditions charting the great rivers of the Guyanese interior and their effects on the coastlands gave instant value to geography, but the greatest benefit crystallized in his work where he inculcated the finer aspects of his writings.

England became the beneficiary of Guyana’s loss when he migrated to England in 1959, after he found it impossible to stay in Guyana and write, because there were no publishers in the West Indies. But Sir Wilson was removed only by distance, not in philosophy and works. He finished his first novel, Palace of the Peacock, which was published soon after his arrival in 1960.

His prolific and complex mind yielded a quartet of novels with consummate ease.

The Guyana Quartet, which incorporates The Far Journey of Oudin (1961), The Whole Armour (1962), and The Secret Ladder (1963). He later wrote The Carnival in 1985, The Infinite Rehearsal in 1987 and The Four Banks of the River of Space in 1990, a triumvirate of novels.

His gifted craft yielded a prolific number of works.

It was fitting that this Guyanese

from page 31

legend should write about Jonestown (1996), which tells of the massacre of one thousand followers ordered by cult leader Jim Jones in his native Guyana. It was not a factual account of Jim Jones’s community in the Guyanese jungle or its galling end in mass suicide and murder, but an investigation of the roots of evil and power within human personalities and civilizations, yet encompassing the possibilities of redemption.

The Dark Jester was published in 2001. The closest he came to an autobiography was The Mask of the Beggar, which came out in 2003. His most recent book, written at a time when he was looking toward the sunset of his life in 2006, is appropriately entitled The Ghost of Memory.

In recognition of his tremendous work, Sir Wilson Harris was awarded honorary doctorates by several universities, including the University of the West Indies (1984) and the University of Liège (2001). He has twice won the Guyana Prize for Literature.

A proud moment came in June 2010, when he was knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honors. He won a Lifetime Achievement Prize from the AnisfieldWolf Book Awards in 2014. His concern for humanity, especially the marginalized he empathized with, led him to highlight the suppression people inflict on each other, greed and disdain, in his works. He vividly conveyed in prose and poetry the haunting silence of the indigenous Amerindian cultures, Kyk-Over-Al, and the mystique of the rainforests.

Guyana should dedicate a library showcasing his works in his honor.

Call to Action Entrepreneurship Challenge 2015 in which she fell among the top five finalists. The business has also been featured at the Women in Business Expo over the last few years.

Jenell’s goal for the future is to have an established location to sell her products. She also hopes to expand her business to the Caribbean and the US. Jenell’s advice to others is “If you are interested in becoming an entrepreneur, do something you love don’t

ever get into anything unless you love it. When it becomes very challenging and difficult, your desire for what you love propels you to go forward.” Other products designed by Bow Jay include hair bows clips, pony holders, bandeaus, hair bands, bow chains, bags, purses among others. The business is now located at 15 South Half Henry Street, Werk-en Rust. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

48 Bollywood

R

ani Mukerji has turned 40. Her film Hichki, which hits screens on March 23, marks her comeback in Bollywood after embracing motherhood. In this interview, Rani talks about her roles and making a comeback.

Twenty years in the industry, and you’ve played some very out-of-the-box characters. You played a rape victim in your first film and now a teacher fighting for inclusivity in Hichki.

I organically feel these things. I have literally grown up in this industry. I was sixteen when I started and now I am turning forty. It is a gradual process of a person’s life.

How we evolve. How we become over the years. What kind of people we become.

What subjects matter to you in different stages of our life and career. Both have been interconnected for me. So, I have played roles that have attracted me, or spoken to me at that time.

How did you prepare for Naina Mathur’s role? What is she striving to say?

The film’s primary message is to turn your weakness into your strength. It is also about the discrimination that people

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face from the outside world.

When people tell you that you cannot achieve something because of your ‘weakness’, you have to prove them wrong in your own way. Naina is trying to say through this movie that nobody can decide what you can and cannot achieve in life.

A person has to take charge of their own issue, overcome it and turn it into their strength.

A weak person won’t feel weak if the outside world doesn’t make them feel that way.

We have also spoken about how every child deserves equal opportunity. Children who are brighter get more attention than children who are not that bright, or maybe a child from a certain socio-economic background is treated differently than the one who is less fortunate. That is the message Naina strives to deliver.

You are also talking about various social ‘hichkis’. What are some ‘hichkis’ that you have personally faced, and the ones that have upset you?

The fact that when I entered this industry and people spoke about my height, I kind of turned that into my strength. People thought I didn’t have the height, looks and voice to be an actor. I reached the heights of achieve-

ments, and not my actual physical height.

Then of course, my voice. It was a bit of a concern in the beginning, but then I worked on it, and it worked out in turn. I used to stammer too, but

An actor grows with every role they play. What are the roles you think really made you the person you are today?

When I worked with Mani Ratnam for Yuva. He made me understand that performance i s

I worked very hard on it and didn’t let it affect my acting.

So, in my life, I have dealt with so many ‘hichkis’ that if I talk about those now, then other people who are facing certain ‘hichkis’ in their lives, will be able to get over theirs.

Especially when people discriminate between a girl child and a boy child, my whole emphasis is why do we even have to call a child a girl or a boy, why can’t a child be a child?

This kind of discrimination, we should get over and done with.

not always about trying to perform. It is more about being there, being in that moment, and just saying your lines like you would in a normal conversation.

When I did Hey Ram with Kamal Haasan, I understood that an actor doesn’t always have to be with loads of makeup. You can look naturally beautiful on-screen even without make-up, and it is up to the cameraman who shoots you. That’s the first time I shot without make-up, and I was comfortable and confident in

my own skin.

Then in Black, I got the opportunity to play someone I was not, and it was so challenging and rewarding at the same time. I also really learnt a lot while working on Saathiya.

When it comes to marriage and having children, female actors’ decisions are scrutinized at every step, but it doesn’t happen with male actors.

I think it is high time that the audience in India become like the audience in the west.

The west has actors marrying at whatever age they want, have children, probably marry twice or thrice without being judged. They freely work in the profession they want to work in, and they are treated as thorough professionals.

Their personal lives don’t have a connection with their professional lives. Similarly, I think things here are also changing.

Actresses are getting married, having children and being part of films they want to be. The key to this is that the actor has to look the part and should be able to portray the character in the right spirit, only then will people start changing their views towards the actors.

(Indian Express)

Ranveer Singh believes in having ‘chameleon-like’ quality

R

A

ace 3 is one of the most awaited Bollywood films of 2018. From Monday, Salman Khan has been sharing looks of his costars in the film. The actor tweeted on March 19, “Is hafte milata hoon #Race3 ki family se,” and

a title teaser, Salman’s first look and Jacqueline Fernandez’s avatar from Race 3. Remo D’Souza’s directorial Race 3, which stars Salman, Jacqueline, Bobby, Anil Kapoor, Saqib Saleem and Daisy Shah, will hit theatres on Eid this year.

keeping the promise, the actor has now shared the first look of Race 3 star Bobby Deol.

“Yash: The Main Man . #Race3 #Race3ThisEid @thedeol @SKFilmsOfficial @ TipsOfficial,” tweeted Salman Khan with a picture of Bobby. Bobby Deol also re-tweeted Salman Khan’s post and wrote, “When Sikander calls you the main man! Yeh race toh ab aur interesting ho gayi.. #Race3ThisEid.” We have already seen

We have seen a lot of photos and video of the film’s stars in past few days. And in all of them, we can see how the actors are enjoying working on the film. A video of Anil and Bobby is also making the rounds on fan pages where they are displaying their bromance.

Remo will direct the third installment of the Race franchise. The first two installments Race and Race 2 were directed by Abbas-Mustan.

(Indian Express)

fter delivering his careerbest performance as the notorious Alauddin Khilji in Padmaavat, Ranveer Singh will be seen as a police officer in Simmba, street rapper in Gully Boy and as cricket star Kapil Dev in ’83. Experimenting with roles is nothing new to Ranveer.

From the desi entertainer in Band Baaja Baaraat to the introvert and brooding man in Lootera and the raw and flamboyant character in Goliyon Ki Raasleela RamLeela — versatility has been the mainstay in his Bollywood portfolio.

“I am attracted to those performers the most who have that chameleon-like quality and have that ability to transform into each character. Like the Hollywood actors Daniel Day-Lewis and Johnny Depp… These are some of my biggest heroes,” Ranveer told IANS in a recorded response.

“They pick an eclectic mix of

characters, they keep switching things up from film to film which I have aspired to do in my own filmography. It is very exciting for me to switch things up.

“It keeps you stimulated, challenged and it is my constant endeavour and I aspire to be recognised as a versatile performer.”

Ranveer said he enjoys surprising the audience with something new. He wants every filmmaker to believe that he has the ability to excel in various genres.

”I want the audience to remain excited about my work. I hope they will look forward to my work thinking ‘I wonder what he will do next’.”

The 32-year-old, who has courted praise galore with his Padmaavat role, keeps saying his “best is yet to come”.

“Hopefully, I will continue to work hard. It was a very rewarding process to be playing Alauddin Khilji. I learned a lot and I grew a lot in performing the role and I hope I continue to do that in ‘Simmba’, ‘Gully Boy’ and ”83′.

“Having mentioned the three films that I am currently committed to, I must express how excited I am to be working with these filmmakers, some of the finest in the business — Zoya Akhtar, Rohit Shetty and Kabir Khan.

“Each of them is making a film that has their signature all over it. So, I feel very blessed.” (Indian Express)

Anupam Kher’s ‘Indian hospitality’ for Robert De Niro

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eteran actor Anupam Kher and Hollywood star Robert De Niro, his wife Grace, director David O. Russell and a few other friends went to a popular Indian restaurant in New York. The supremely talented actor also continues to share a warm equation with all his co-stars and was recently overwhelmed when Hollywood legend Robert De Niro threw him a surprise on his birthday.

Anupam Kher who has been shooting for his international television series in New York, was invited by his Silver Linings Playbook co-star Robert De Niro and his wife Grace to the Greenwich Hotel in

the Big Apple for a special birthday dinner.

“It was a wonderful evening. I took Robert De Niro and his wife Grace, David O. Russell and his wife Holly and their friends out for dinner to an Indian restaurant. They absolutely loved the food there. We were there for over two hours,” Anupam said in a statement about their visit to the restaurant last week.

Anupam has been shooting for an international TV series here. De Niro had earlier surprised Anupam by hosting a birthday dinner for the Indian actor, who turned 63 on March 7. (Indian Express)

WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Wonder Woman 2: Gal Gadot starrer DC film to begin shooting in June

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he shooting on DC’s Wonder W o m a n 2 will start i n

June this year. Contrary to earlier reports that stated that the filming will take place in the UK, the film will be shot in the US around the area of Northern Virginia/District of Columbia, reported Omega Underground.

Gal Gadot, who played the iconic superhero in the blockbuster original film and later reprised it in Justice League, will be back for the sequel along with director Patty Jenkins. In June last year, Jenkins had stated in an interview that the sequel would be

set in the US. “The story will take place in the US, which I think is right. She’s Wonder Woman. She’s got to come to America. It’s time,” Jenkins had told Entertainment Weekly. Actor Kristen Wiig recently came aboard the project and will be essaying the role of supervillain Cheetah.

Patty Jenkins had earlier tweeted, “So excited to confirm the most thrilling news. Yes! It’s true! So incredibly lucky to welcome the sensationally talented Kristen Wiig to our Wonder Woman family. Can’t wait to finally work with one of my favorites. And SO excited by what we have planned. #Cheetah!!! @ GalGadot”.

To this, Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot tweeted, “I’m SO excited welcome on board Kristen! This is going to be WONDERful!” Just like the first instalment Wonder Woman 2 will also be helmed by Patty Jenkins and is expected to hit the screens in November 2019.

(Indian Express)

‘Black Panther’ actor Michael B Jordan to produce WWII drama ‘The Liberators’

Hollywood 49

Disney’s hit musical ‘Lady and the Tramp’ to get a live-action reboot

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he hit musical Lady and the Tramp will get a live-action rebooted. It will be helmed by The Lego Ninjago Movie director Charlie Bean. The movie, however, is one of the priority projects for Walt Disney’s forthcoming digital streaming service.

The digital platform will start with the domestic audience before going overseas. However, its price points have not been determined, reports aceshowbiz.com.

The animated film was originally released on June 22, 1955. The film follows a spoiled cocker spaniel named Lady. Lady is saddened by the fact that her owners treat her rather coldly as they are expecting a baby. While her two friends, Jock and Trusty, try to explain what a baby is, a streetwise mutt named Tramp interrupts the conversa-

tion.

He says, “When the baby moves in, the dog moves out.” They experience a series of events with Trump always being by Lady’s side. Eventually, Tramp is adopted by Lady’s owners and the two dogs get married.

Brigham Taylor, who produced “The Jungle Book”, is on board as the producer. Meanwhile, Andrew Bujalski, known from his work on “Computer Chess”, is tapped to pen the script. The movie is set to launch in fall 2019.

In addition to Lady and the Tramp reboot, the mouse house will release live-action remakes of Aladdin, The Lion King and Mulan (2019). A liveaction remake of Sword in the Stone, which is still in the works, is also rumored to debut on Disney’s streaming service. (Indian Express)

George Clooney to narrate Shimon Peres documentary

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ctor Michael B Jordan will be backing the upcoming World War II drama The Liberators.

The Black Panther star will produce the project through his banner, the Outlier Society Productions, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The film is about the 761st regiment in World War II, an entirely African-American combat unit, whose heroism led to the desegregation of the armed forces.

However, there is no word yet on whether the 31-year-old actor will star in the project or not. Jordan had recently announced that he will be adopting the inclusion rider for Outlier Society, a special clause in a contract that requires studios to hire a diverse crew and or cast for a project.

Michael B Jordan played the main antagonist Erik Killmonger in the recent Marvel blockbuster Black Panther.

He portrayed the son of N’Jobu and

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ame of Thrones star Peter Dinklage has been confirmed for the Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity

War. The new poster of the film, which was unveiled along with the second trailer, revealed that the 48-year-old actor will play a role in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe movie.

Dinklage’s casting has been rumoured for some time but it was never confirmed.

His name can be spotted on the bottom of the poster between Benedict

the cousin of T’Challa played by actor Chadwick Boseman who challenges the throne and seeks to overthrow his brother.

Set shortly after Captain America: Civil War, Black Panther shows T’Challa returning home to the isolated, technologically-advanced African nation of Wakanda to become king.

The Marvel film grossed $27 million in its fifth weekend, according to Disney studio estimates, pushing its domestic haul to $605.4 million.

Worldwide, Black Panther has grossed more than $1.1 billion.

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said, “There have been plenty of conversations as we were putting together the first Black Panther. We have ideas and a pretty solid direction on where we want to head with the second one.” (Indian Express)

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ctor George Clooney has come on board to narrate the documentary “Never Stop Dreaming: The Life and Legacy of Shimon Peres”. It is based on the life of late Israel President Shimon Peres. It’s the 16th film produced by Moriah Films, the film division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles. The production company generates documentaries focused on the Jewish experience as well as contemporary human rights.

Nine months before Peres died in 2016, the 92-year-old had asked Moriah Films to create a documentary on his life story, reports Variety.com.

“Never Stop Dreaming: The Life and Legacy of Shimon Peres” will include interviews with President Bill Clinton, President George W. Bush, President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and American singer-songwriter Barbra Streisand. It will be released later this year.

“We deferred production on our documentary about David Ben-Gurion to start working on ‘Never Stop

Dreaming…’,” said director Richard Trank.

“We wound up with about 50 hours of footage of Shimon and I was struck by how he wanted to keep learning. He said that dreams are what kept him young,” said the director.

Trank said the documentary has been scheduled for a June 13 screening at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The release is likely to coincide with the anniversary of Peres’ passing on September 28.

Peres served twice as Prime Minister of Israel and negotiated the 1994 Israel–Jordan peace treaty, winning the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize together with Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for the Oslo Accords.

Clooney had met Peres several times and agreed recently to come on board as narrator. (Indian Express)

Cumberbatch, who plays Doctor Strange, and Idris Elba, who portrays Heimdall in the MCU. Dinklage is most likely to be playing a member of Thanos’ supervillain team Black Order, which consists of characters like Corvus Glaive, Proxima Midnight, Cull Obsidian and Ebony Maw. The actor is no stranger to superhero genre having played the role of Bolliver Trask in 2014 film X-Men: Days of Future Past.

The Avengers: Infinity War will see

the culmination of the MCU and will see a mammoth cast of superheroes battle it out against supervillain Thanos who has been teased in the MCU since The Avengers.

Thanos is being played by Josh Brolin, who will also be seen in another superhero movie, Deadpool 2. The Ryan Reynolds starrer will see Brolin as the bad guy, Cable. While Infinity War will release everywhere on April 27, the sequel to Deadpool 2 will hit the big screen only a few days after the Marvel release, on May 18. (Indian Express)

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WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Esau leads Regal to coveted cup …Narine shines for Floodlights Masters

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blistering knock of 53 off 23 balls from Sarfaz Esau saw Regal All Stars knocking over Assassins by seven wickets in the final of the Orlando Softball Cricket League (OSCL) Orlando Cup two on Sunday at the Hogshead Park in Florida.

In brilliant sunshine and in front of a huge crowd, the Regal skipper, Esau first won the toss and took the field.

In the preliminary rounds on Friday, Regal bowled out their finals opponents for just 69 runs and were on course for a repeat but some lower order resistance saw the New York based team rallying to 131 for 9 from 20 overs.

Roger Parsram hit one six and three fours in Assassins’ top score of 29 and was supported

by Prem Singh with 18 not out (1×6) and Pooran Beria with 17 (2×4).

Once again the Regal All Stars bowling was led

by Rohit “Beast” Dutchin with 2 for 20 with Fazal Rafeik with 2 for 36 supporting well as were the other bowlers and excellent fielders.

In reply, Regal All Stars lost the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) Richard Latif without scoring half way through the

opening over to a catch at the wicket off Prem Singh (2/41).

However, Esau came to the crease and immediately took the attack to the opposition on the relatively big outfield. In all, he hit three sixes and seven beautifully timed fours in a quick 67-run second wicket partnership with opener Navin Singh. When he was dismissed at 68 for 2, Singh took over and dominated a 47-run stand with Rafeik who made 16 (1×6) before he was dismissed with just 17 runs required for victory.

Singh continued to

hit the ball sweetly and remained unbeaten on 45 (3×6; 2×4) as Regal reached 132 for 3 off 14.2 overs to win by 7 wickets with 5.4 overs remaining. Sewchand Budhu was not out on 1.

Regal took the winning Orlando Cup and US$4,000 while Esau was named Man of the Match in the final. Regal bowler, Delroy Perreira was adjudged the tournament’s best bowler and Latif the best batsman as well.

In the Masters Over54 years old, Ramesh Narine single handedly took Floodlights Masters

to victory over nemesis Regal Masters.

Narine also fondly called the “Little Master” took six balls to get off the mark due to excellent bowling first up from the Regal opening bowlers.

However, after getting his eyes in, he then used his next 50 balls to reach a well compiled century in the final over of the innings. His heroics of 100 not out from 56 balls (9×6; 3×4) was really the difference in his side winning by 12 runs in a tantalizing affair.

At 34 for 3 in the seventh over after winning the toss and bat-

ting, Floodlights needed a miracle and they got it through Narine.

The Essequibian featured in a 74-run fourth wicket partnership with Ravi Lutchman who made 31 (2×6; 2×4) that really rescued Floodlights. When Ravi Lutchman was bowled

by Fazleem Mohamed in the 14th over his brother, Akash joined Narine and continued the slog fest. Akash made 14.

After losing two wickets in the 15th over, Narine motored along to help Floodlights score 63 runs off the next five overs including 18 off

the last overs to bring up his hundred. Floodlights ended on 192 for 9.

Opening bowler, David Harper picked up 2 for 28 and his opening partner, Parsram Persaud 1/25. Throy Kippins with 2 for 46 (4 overs) and Fazleem Mohamed 1/22 (2 overs) also got wickets but were not spared the assault.

Regal Masters captain, Mahendra Hardyal bowled impressive despite not picking up a wicket. His first three overs yielded 18 runs but was taken to the cleaners in his final over which went for 18 to finish continued on page 52

“Topgun” Hopkinson wins silver in Suriname

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uyana’s most active hand gun shooter, Harold ‘Topgun’ Hopkinson has once again done his nation proud when he won a silver medal in the Open Division at the Amazon Level 3 Shoot held in Suriname over the weekend.

The shoot which was sanctioned by USPSA/IPSC saw Dr. Hi of Suriname claiming the 1st place with Brian Armstrong of Trinidad and Tobago, third. Hopkinson, the IPSC Regional Director for Guyana, using a Shay Akai Custom 2011, 9mm major, with a 171 power factor also placed 3rd to the Open World Champion, Christ Tiley in Stage 12 of the 14-stage shoot.

Nine countries took part in the competition - Aruba, Curacao, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Germany, French Guyana and host Suriname. A total of 15 shooters competed in Hopkinson’s category.

The Suriname compe-

Harold "Top Gun" Hopkinson at the Amazon Shoot in Suriname

tition was the second for 2018 for the self-sponsored ‘Topgun’ having already competed at the Florida Open. He now has his gun aimed at

competitions in Aruba, Grenada, Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, among others.

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‘Green Machine’ to participate in Americas Rugby Challenge

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fter the resounding success of the first three seasons of the Americas Rugby Championship, the continent will inaugurate a new performance tournament for countries in Sudamérica Rugby and Rugby Americas North.

The Americas Rugby Challenge will be played from August 24 to

with the final round set for Saturday September 1. The winner will be the team with the most tournament points.

Paraguay and Colombia are in the 40th and 41st World Rugby Ranking positions and are the best ranked teams after the four participants in the Championship. Guyana

competing in a tournament such as this is great news for rugby in the Americas.”

“The growth of the game in the continent is increasing and tournaments such as this generate the aspiration for countries to be better and more competitive,” Pichot said.

“I congratulate the

A big test awaits the Guyana’s National Men’s Rugby team

September 1 in Medellín, Colombia, in the 15’s format.

The first edition of this new tournament created

by Rugby Americas will be run by the Federación Colombiana de Rugby, which has chosen the city of Medellín to host it; the venue will be the Estadio Cincuentenario.

Two representatives from each region will take part: Guyana and Mexico will represent the North and host Colombia and Paraguay will represent the South.

Each team will play three games in the round-robin tournament – Sunday August 26 and Wednesday August 29,

arrives as 2017 RAN Senior Men’s Champion and Mexico has been invited because of its Major Market designation.

For the 2019 Americas Rugby Challenge, and in subsequent years, the two RAN teams will be those which qualify first and second in RAN qualification.

World Rugby VicePresident and Americas Rugby Chairman Agustín Pichot, said, “It is a great honour to announce the dates, venue and participating teams for the newest tournament for the continent.

We see competitions as the key factor in growth and to have four teams

Federación Colombiana de Rugby for organising what we know will be a great event that will enhance the development of the four participating unions and our two regions.”

The President of the Federación Colombiana de Rugby Andrés Gómez, added: “We are delighted to be hosting in Colombia this new platform for the game, which integrates countries from the whole continent. This will be a great sporting challenge for Los Tucanes which will help them raise their performance.”

The match schedule will be announced in a subsequent release.

Esau leads Regal...

from page 51

wicketless for 36 runs.

In reply, the Regal Masters needed to score at just under 10 runs per over to win but were hot and cold in the chase and eventually ended on 181 for 8 falling short by 12 runs.

Opener Mahesh Chunilall with 147 runs in three innings before the final with two half centuries was first to go in the fourth over at 12 for 1.

Rudolph Baker then joined his skipper, Hardyal at the crease and blasted 38 from 21 balls (3×6; 3×4) before he was run out. His cameo brought the contest back in the balance until Eon Abel (7) and Hardyal were dismissed in quick succession to hand the

momentum back to their opponents.

The pendulum will swing in Regal’s favour once again when Eric Thomas smashed 56 off 26 balls (4×6; 5×4) and shared in a 65-run partnership with Mohendra Arjune who made 15.

When Thomas became another run out victim in the 19th over at 169 for 6, there were still 23 runs to get from almost two overs which turned out to be a tall task for the lower order and eventually Floodlights took the championship.

Akash Lutchman (2/18) and Ramesh Narine (2/20) were the pick of the Floodlights bowlers.

At the Presentation

ceremony, Narine was named Man of the Match while Bhim George was the MVP and Masters Over 45 tournament’s best batsman. Hardyal won the best bowler prize and collected the purple cap and shirt and a trophy.

In the Master’s Over 50-years old category, Orlando Masters were adjudged champions after a high scoring final with New York Maters Premier.

In all, the three-day tournament attracted 25 teams in the three categories and was held at two venues.

The next stop on the international softball calendar is New York for the Independence Cup in July.

Aggressive Delport, a good acquisition for Amazon Warriors

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s one of the international players in the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise, South African batsman Cameron Delport will have tons of responsibilities come August 8 when the sixth edition Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) bowls off in Guyana.

He is a batsman who has added a lot of impetus to the Warriors at the top of the order. It is left to be seen whether he will partner the in-form Luke Ronchi. The Warriors have opted for a mixed team as per normal; with a few power-hitting all-rounders and Delport’s addition could see him or Windies young prodigy Shimron Hetmyer partnering with Ronchi.

Delport is a product of the famous Kwa-Zulu Natal county team in South Africa, a club which is famous for producing all-rounder legend Lance Klusener. Some of Delport’s club mates include two South Africa’s current Test players’ spinner Keshav Maharaj and fast-bowling all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo.

Delport has been somewhat of a T20 mercenary. His aggressive nature was tailor-made for T20 and he has made full use of it by representing world-wide franchises such as: Lantau Galaxy Riders, Leicestershire, Royal Bengal Tigers, South Africa ‘A’, South Africa Emerging Players, Dhaka Dynamites, Dolphins, Sydney Thunder among others.

With over 3000 T20 runs under his belt with three centuries to boast, the 28 year-old has also tasted the CPL atmosphere before having represented current Champs Trinbago Knight Riders. His impact was more significant as he hit a match-winning 50 in the 2015 finals to help the then named ‘Trinidad & Tobago Red Force’; to their maiden title.

He should further bolster the franchise’s chance of capturing the elusive title. The batting all-rounder first made his name playing for Leicestershire in England’s NatWest T20 Blast tournament as well as the Australian Big Bash League T20.

Only in last year’s edition he spanked a career-best 109 from 59 balls against Nottinghamshire which

took Leicestershire to the NatWest T20 Blast quarterfinals; for only the second time in 11

seasons. His last recent piece of action was curtailed when then Lahore Qalandars were miserably knocked out o f the 2018 Pakistan Super League (PSL), after losing seven of their 10 matches; thus finishing in last place.

A renowned six-hitter and a brilliant fielder, Delport played just two of those 10 games for Lahore scoring just 8 and hitting two sixes in his other knock of 15. With his selection to the Guyana franchise a good one on paper, it will be left to the big Protea to deliver similar success and help win a title as he did three years ago.

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Guyana’s Ramdhani, Mangra to attend monthlong camp in Guatemala

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op National Players Priyanna Ramdhani and Jonathan Mangra will be attending a High Tech Badminton Training Camp “Road To Barranquilla” in Ciudad de Guatemala from March 21 to April 22, 2018.

The Camp organized by the Panam Sports & Badminton Panam Confederation and endorsed by the Guyana Olympic Association will see World Ranked Players from the Panam Region taking part.

Guyanese Players taking part also were chosen because Guyana’s Narayan & Priyanna Ramdhani are in the world rankings in the Badminton World Federation listing and because of this we were given two spots to attend this Camp.

Narayan is scheduled to be at the Commonwealth Games in Australia 2018 therefore Guyana’s number 2 ranked player Jonathan Mangra was sent in his place.

This Camp will benefit the Guyanese players as it will give them more ranking points and a

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WEEK ENDING MARCH 25, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

shortlisted for Lady Jags CFU Challenge series

– Guyana grouped with T&T, Suriname and Grenada

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Jonathan Mangra and Priyanna Ramdhani

place in the CAC Games scheduled to take place

in Colombia from July 19 to August 3.

n a release on Tuesday, the ers.

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) “This past w e e k communicated they have shortlist- end, as part of the “Lady ed 21 locally-based players as prepa- Jags” relaunch, a rations begin for Guyana’s participation in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Women’s Challenge Series Tournament, scheduled for April, 2018.

Among those selected are two Goalkeepers, six Defenders, nine Midfielders and four Forwards from five GFF-Scotiabank Academy Training Centres.

Squad: Goal Keppers: Natalie Nedd (Fruta Conquerors), Ruth George (Fruta Conquerors); Defenders Odessa Romeo (Guyana Women’s Development Defence Force), Shania Riley ( Fruta Officer Tricia Conquerors), Veyansa Hope (Kuru Munroe Kuru Warriors), Samara Rodrigues (Kariburi Village), Cloetta Dublin (Guyana Defence Fore), Anastacia mini camp was held in Toronto, which Horsham ( Fruta Conquerors); was attended by 19 internationallyMidfielders: Jimmaica Hunte (Fruta based players. We are looking forward Conquerors), Shennel Daniels (Fruta to integrating our internationallyConquerors), Lakeisha Pearson ( based players with our Guyana-based Fruta Conquerors), Shamika Marcus players to produce a team that will (Foxy Ladies), Shontel Greene (Foxy not only be competitive and exciting to Ladies), Siacy Adams (Foxy Ladies), watch but will truly represent the diTiandi Smith (Foxy Ladies), Jalade versity that is Guyana football.”

Trim (Kwakwani Strikers), Izannah The locally-based squad will train Rogers; Forwards: Sasha James (Fruta twice weekly and will focus on techniConquerors), Annalisa Vincent (Port cal and tactical skills and fitness.

Kaituma), Kendra Thomas ( Guyana Guyana has been placed in Group Defence Force), Sherrilyn Kingston E of the five-group tournament with (Demerara Queens).

Suriname and Grenada and will have Additionally, Tricia Munroe, GFF’s its first match against Grenada on Women’s Development Officer, said April 25 at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Guyana is using this tournament Trinidad beginning at 16:00hrs. as preparation for the CONCACAF Second match is scheduled for the Qualifiers, scheduled for May 2018, April 27 at 16:00hrs against Suriname and the final squad will include over- and willface host Trinidad and Tobago seas-based players on the April 29 from 17:30hrs.

“In keeping with the Technical The format includes four teams Development Strategy, the provision- placed in five groups. The matches in al Team Guyana has 21 locally-based each group will be played in Round females, many of whom were taken Robin format, each team playing one from the GFF-Scotiabank Academy match against each of the other teams Training Centres (ATCs). To increase in the same group. our competitiveness in the tournaThe tournament will be held from ment, Guyana will put forward the the April 18-29 and will be played best team possible so the final 18 in St. Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica, will comprise the most-talented Haiti, Antigua and Barbuda local and overseas-based players. and Trinidad and Tobago Guyana will also use this tourThe other groups are: nament as preparation for the Group A: St. Kitts and CONCACAF Qualifiers so ensurNevis, St. Vincent and the ing match readiness is key at this Grenadines, Dominica, St. moment.”

Lucia; Group B: Jamaica, Turks Meanwhile Women’s and Caicos, Barbados, International Team Cuba; GROUP C: Coordinator, Paul Haiti, Martinique, Beresford, said the USVI, Dominican international “Lady Republic and Group D: Jags” programme Antigua and was re-launched Barbuda, last weekend and Guadeloupe, he is looking forC u r a c a o , ward to have inMontserrat. tegration of the international playPaul Beresford

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