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Cash-strapped GuySuCo gets G$2B lifeline ISSUE NO. 364

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017

See story on page 18

Appoint GECOM Chair without any further delays

...Diaspora urges President Granger Page 17

New Amazon office in NYC will create 2,000 jobs - Governor Cuomo Page 9

President David Granger greeting President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Michel Temer, on Wednesday morning. Also in photo are Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge and Michael Ten-Pow, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations. The two leaders, along with their reps. met on the sidelines of the the 72nd UN General Assembly, New York. (DPI photo)

Guyanese man gets 21 years for fatally stabbing wife in NY

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyanese man gets 21 years for fatally stabbing wife in NY A

Queens-based Guyanese man who murdered his wife last December on a Richmond Hill, New York street, nearly decapitating her with a kitchen knife, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison, prosecutors said on Wednesday.

According to Dnainfo.com, Prem Rampersaud, 51, who lived in Guyana but was temporarily staying with a friend in South Jamaica, New York was sentenced after pleading guilty to manslaughter in July, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.

Investigators said that Rampersaud attacked Rajwantie Baldeo, 46, around midnight on Dec. 5, at the corner of 103rd Avenue and 124th Street.

Following an argument, Rampersaud began slapping

Dead: Rajwantie Baldeo

Jailed: Prem Rampersaud

and choking her before pulling out the knife and stabbing her multiple times about her body, police said.

The victim, who was found nearly decapitated, was rushed to Jamaica Hospital where she was pronounced dead, officials

said.

Rampersaud later told investigators that last year he gave Baldeo US$9,000 to come to the U.S. from Guyana.

He also said that he arrived in New York several months later and was temporarily staying with his friend, when he found out that she was dating someone she had met online.

He then purchased a long kitchen knife and waited for her to leave work at a restaurant, before attacking her, police said.

“The defendant ended the life of the woman he purportedly loved by repeatedly stabbing her following a heated verbal dispute,” Brown said, according to Dnainfo.com. “This was a very violent and vicious crime that should not have happened.”

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International

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Tel no: (592) 223-7230/1, 225-7761.

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

EDITORIAL

Building bridges

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etails of the G$146 million Feasibility Study by the Dutch firm of LievenseCSO for the new Demerara River bridge (DRB) have finally been released by the Public Infrastructure Minister (MPI), after a series of leaks that titillated and exasperated the populace over the past month.

The titillation was mostly over the news that a financier of the Government’s last political campaign serendipitously owned the land on the western bank of the Demerara River where the DRB will terminate. It is not known when the land was acquired.

The exasperation was precipitated by the revelation that unlike what the pre-feasibility study, done in 2013 by a local team assembled by the previous PPP administration, had recommended – a fixed, high-level four-lane concrete structure – the proposed new structure would be a low-level, three-lane structure that would still have to be retracted to allow passage to ocean-going ships. Since one of the biggest bugbears of commuters across the present structure is that their lives are governed by its “openings and closings”, the Government gave very short shrift to this objection. The commuters are supposed to be happy they will now be able to park on the bridge rather than on the roadways. The river view would presumably still their frustrations.

Moving on to more substantive matters, we have finally been offered a tentative cost of the retracting structure – US$150 million, excluding financing costs which would have to be guestimates at this time. If these are in the same ball park as presently exists, the latter would add another US$20 million in pre-financing costs alone. We are informed that the highlevel bridge would have cost another 20 per cent or US$30 million, bringing that project to around the US$200 million figure that the pre-feasibility study had suggested, for a mere G$5 million. It is our contention that in the larger picture, there should be wider consultations and discussions before the low-level retractable bridge becomes a fait accompli. After all, the fixed cost, massive governmental spending to cover the ambitious plans for clover leaf entrances and exits and some 11 km of access roads will remain the same.

The elephant in the room, of course, is the financing for the project. The feasibility study concludes that on its own, the bridge is not feasible, since at the very best, it will take a 250 per cent increase in the present toll-rates to simply take care of operational expenses. The Government will have to inject US$39 million within the first five years to keep the venture financially afloat. It is to be noted that this just about the TOTAL cost of the Berbice River Bridge which was constructed on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model, which precipitated a tsunami of criticism about the investors and financiers from the Government when they were in Opposition.

It is of more than passing interest that the feasibility study had also recommended the Government consider the BOOT model for the DRB, in line with what the World Bank and all other International Financial Institutions (IFI’s) have been promoting for the last few decades. The most obvious benefit of going this route, of course, is that the Government does not add to its debt portfolio which is growing alarmingly like Topsy and which will eat up an even more alarming percentage of governmental revenues.

But if it chooses the BOOT model, the Government will finally have to grapple with the realities of financing a mega-project that involves the Private Sector, and possibly understand the financial wizardry that former President Jagdeo had to perform to bring Berbice River Bridge to fruition. For instance, the private companies that agreed to purchase the common shares still have not received a single cent in dividends after 10 years, even as they are regularly castigated by the Government and its media backers for the sin of being patriotic.

It is our hope that the public look beyond the fancy computer-generated images of the proposed DRB and seriously examine the feasibility study.

Education Minister Nicolette Henry on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 was handed a commemorative cricket bat from the Team Operations Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Omar Khan. It bears the signatures of all the players who represented the Amazon Warriors during the Caribbean Premier League 2017 tournament.

Curbing road deaths in Guyana T

he Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is reporting that almost one year after “Operation Safeway” was launched, there has been a marked improvement in terms of reducing road accidents in Guyana.

On September 15, 2016, the Traffic Chief launched “Operation Safeway” with the intention of decreasing accidents and deaths on the roads and promoting better road safety awareness. Giving a brief report on the programme’s success thus far, Traffic Chief Dion Moore was quoted in the media as saying that “Operation Safeway” “has borne us some amount of fruit”. That fruit is a reduction in the number of fatal accidents this year compared to the same period last year.

The Traffic Chief reported that this year, to date there has been a 22 per cent decrease in accidents and a 20 per cent decrease in deaths in comparison to the same period last year.

From January to September 2017, the GPF has recorded 65 accidents with 72 deaths. He noted that speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol remain the leading causes of accidents on the roadways.

It should be noted that when the campaign was launched in 2016, the GPF had already recorded 89 accidents with 96 deaths. That was a 33 per cent increase in fatal accidents and a 17 per cent increase in deaths compared to 2015. The year 2016 was one of the deadliest for road users with 116 fatal accidents resulting in 127 deaths by the end of that year.

If we are to go by the statistics provided by the GPF, even though the achievement has not been that great, it could still be regarded as an improvement which needs to continue. The GPF must continue to mount certain targeted campaigns to halt the level of lawlessness we see daily on our

Traffic Chief Dion Moore

roadways.

Almost every week there are reports in the media of someone being killed or badly injured on our roadways. Despite action on several fronts, including Government enacting the relevant legislation, civil society groups mounting numerous protest marches for stronger action against reckless drivers, and the Traffic Department carrying out a number of ‘campaigns’, the road fatality rates remain unacceptably high.

The reasons for the high rates of road accidents are well known and there is no need to rehash them here except to say that, while there are various factors which impact on road safety, there is little doubt that the single most important in a general sense is enforcement of the traffic laws.

The Government has enacted the relevant legislation in relation to driving under the influence, loud music in vehicles, overloading, speeding, etc, but if the laws are not adequately implemented, they become useless. It would be interesting to find out how many of the drivers/conductors who are stopped for breaking a traffic law/s are actually charged and brought before the courts.

While it is not our intention to paint the entire Police Force with the same brush, as there are many professional

and honest officers within the Force, we are convinced that unless what is perceived as the endemic corruption in the organisation, and the traffic section in particular, is addressed in a systematic way, we will not achieve the desired results.

Importantly too is that along with the measures being undertaken by the law enforcement authorities to reduce road fatalities, there is need for all Guyanese to move away from the culture of disregard and irresponsibility in relation to using the roadways.

In this regard, the Education Ministry and other relevant stakeholders should examine the possibility of strengthening the school curriculum with the aim of increasing knowledge, skills and understanding among children and young people about the responsible use of our roadways. Similar efforts should also be made targeting the adult population as they too are sometimes found to be irresponsible when using our roadways.

Too many of our citizens continue to lose their lives or are becoming permanently disabled at a young age due to road accidents. For a small country such as ours, we cannot afford to continue along this path.

NEWS 5

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jagdeo calls for Patterson to be fired for ‘blatant lies’

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pposition Leader Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has demanded that Head of State, David Granger immediately fire Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson over what he described as a repeated plethora of "blatant lies" in an attempt to defame the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and its approach to building a new Demerara River crossing.

Jagdeo told reporters Minister Patterson had not only lied in his utterances with regard to him having doled out all of the Petroleum Blocks available for exploration, but in his pronouncements over the new crossing for the Demerara River.

Speaking to the new river crossing, Minister Patterson during an Alliance For Change (AFC) press engagement this past week had insinuated that the Jagdeoled Administration had not only gone to tender for a new bridge, but that he was peeved since the then favoured location would have seen his friend profiting.

Jagdeo said that the PPP commissioned a pre-feasibility study in 2013 at a time when he had already left office and had, in fact, invited Expressions of Interest for three different locations, a clear testament to the fact that the Administration had not yet settled on a location for the construction of the new infrastructure.

Opposition Leader, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Jagdeo also spoke to Patterson’s reaction to his prediction of impending acts of corruption through the award of Exploration Licences to be issued to companies currently applying that share close linkages – through complex shareholding structures – with Ministers of Government.

According to the Opposition Leader, the ploy employed by Patterson was, in fact, a strategy to deflect from the substance of the allegations laid in relation to the corrupt practices and focus attention on further misrepresentation of fact.

Misrepresentation, he said, is readily reported by the Kaieteur News, which the former President accused of being in the pockets of the

regime as an outlet to peddle misinformation.

Still on the lies exhibited by Minister Patterson, Jagdeo drew reference to his assertions that the PPP/Civic Administration under the former President had given out all the licences – information that could have readily been had since that is available at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

Speaking specifically to the coverage of what he deemed as “fake news” being provided by the outlined news outfit, Jagdeo drew reference to the fact that when Patterson’s lies had been exposed using maps and information supplied by the GGMC, this was carried by all of the media houses except the Kaieteur News.

In his criticisms, Jagdeo noted that although the news outfit was provided with a copy of the map showing the available blocks, this was not represented.

He expanded by saying that with the perception being peddled by Minister Patterson that all the oil blocks had been given out, the Administration can secretly enter into deals for the remaining blocks since the impression given by Patterson is that there are no available petroleum blocks.

According to Jagdeo, “this Minister should be fired for lying…what Patterson said at that press conference is a lie and no amount of obfuscation, no amount of the Kaieteur

Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson

News’ lies that they keep peddling and the fake news can change that fact.”

Having established that Patterson had lied on the matters related to the petroleum blocks, the Opposition Leader also called out the Minister over his misrepresentations on the proposed bridge across the Demerara River.

In seeking to debunk the assertions made by Patterson, the former President drew reference to a document which the Minister had displayed at his press conference purportedly requesting in excess of G$100 million in order to fund a pre-feasibility study.

According to Jagdeo, that study commissioned by the PPP in 2013 after his tenure in office, in fact, cost just over G$5 million, a far cry from the

more than G$150 million the coalition paid for a substantive study.

The former President was adamant that following their pre-feasibility study in 2013, the Government then tested the market by inviting Expressions of Interest (EoI) specifying the three locations that had been identified.

Jagdeo said Minister Patterson needs to understand the concept of testing the market and pointed out if the then Government had already made a decision on the Houston-Versailles location, it would not have issued an EoI request in the latter part of 2013 identifying the three possible sites that were proposed in the pre-feasibility study.

Jagdeo told media operatives that when the matter was first raised by the PPP/C, the questions related to the proposed financing structure, possible subsidies, Government guarantees and toll increases – questions he said Patterson is yet to answer.

He pointed to the study conducted by Government which indicated various options for tolls and subsidies.

According to Jagdeo, the PPP/C is merely seeking to solicit answers to questions from Government on the likely increases in tolls, subsidies and debt guarantees to be borne by the State among other uncertainties.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyanese sugar workers Guyanese Americans rally for against closure of estates DACA in Richmond Hill Dear Editor, The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) finds it incumbent to respond to Mr Gobin Harbhajan’s letter, titled “Not doom and gloom for sugar workers”, which appeared in sections of the media on September 16, 2017.

Mr Harbhajan seemed very upset by the GAWUorganised march and public meeting which was held at Corriverton, Berbice on September 12, 2017. Like Mr Harbhajan says, “action speaks louder than words”, and quite clearly the workers, by their actions, have demonstrated that they are opposed to plans by the APNU/ AFC Government to sell out Skeldon and to close Rose Hall and Enmore/ LBI Estates.

It seems that the erstwhile gentleman is failing, for some odd reason, to recognize that the people have staunchly rejected his Government’s anti-people plans.

It would have been thought that, given the wide condemnation that the sugar plans have attracted, Mr Harbhajan and colleagues would have returned to the drawing board, rather than rigidly and wrongly holding on to their misplaced plans.

Governments the world over, even some dictatorial-type ones, have gone down such paths, but it seems the APNU/AFC Government, which professed its love for the sugar workers, has chosen to break the mould.

We must admit that

we find it laughable that Mr Harbhajan, like an errant driver going up the wrong side of a one-way street, maintains that our Union hasn’t offered “sensible and workable solutions” regarding the situation in the sugar industry, when probably all of Guyana and many beyond Guyana’s shores are fully aware that the Union, on February 17th this year, shared its thoughts with the Government at a meeting chaired by none other than his colleague, Vice President Ramjattan.

We urge Mr Harbhajan, as we have done before, to check with his colleagues before making clearly misleading assertions.

Also, Mr Harbhajhan, just to tell you: the Government has never said to us that what we have proposed is unmeritorious.

Despite the very active debate on sugar that has been playing out in the press for some time now, Mr Harbhajan calls to attention the strike data from GuySuCo. It seems that the Regional Councillor and former SEI Director is not aware that the vast majority of those strikes relate to price disputes, which concern just a few workers, and are legitimized by the agreement between GAWU and GuySuCo. While the author speaks about the decline in sugar production, he – conveniently or otherwise – fails to explain how, despite the industry receiving $32 billion from the

State, in the era of his Government, is on track to deliver its worst performance since 1990.

Mr Harbhajan, just to let you know: strikes have fallen by 44 per cent between last year’s first crop and this year’s; and rainfall, though a bit unusual, was just 15 per cent above the average. Certainly, the usual scapegoats aren’t the culprits. Then what is, Mr Harbhajan?

The parading of the industry’s employment cost is most disingenuous, and is obviously meant to convey that sugar workers earn boatloads of money.

But we recall the sugar workers being told, during the 2015 elections’ campaign, that they were underpaid and they deserved a 20 per cent increase in pay. It is intriguing that, all of a sudden, the workers are earning too much. Mr Harbhajan’s clear duplicity stands nakedly exposed.

Mr Harbhajan then goes on to say that workers will not lose their jobs should the industry be privatized. Maybe it is that the author has a crystal ball, or is performing some kind of ‘voodoo’.

Experience has taught us otherwise, and as Jamaica has shown us, there is no guarantee all workers would be retained and would receive similar benefits. Such a situation is certainly not in the interest of Guyanese and Guyana. We urge Mr Harbhajan to become acquainted with the facts.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine

Dear Editor, A couple dozens of Indo-Guyanese and IndoTrinis, joined by a few nationals of other countries, rallied mid-afternoon on Saturday, September 16, in Richmond Hill in support of DACA (Deferred Action on Child Arrivals) which was terminated

by President Trump on Sept 6. Meanwhile, four Indo-Guyanese lawyers in Richmond Hill held a legal clinic, or session, to assist DACA people.

DACA is a limited federal programme that was designed to protect immigrants who came to the US illegally as children (known as Dreamers) with their parents. There are some 800,000 such child immigrants. Some 1266 Guyanese and 3600 Trinis applied for DACA up until last year. Tens of thousands of Caribbean nationals applied for DACA. There are 42,000 DACA recipients in New York.

Most DACA applicants are from California and are nationals of Spanishspeaking countries. They were brought into the US as children without any fault of their own. They have virtually no experience in, or knowledge of, the countries or societies where they were born.

They have studied and worked in the US. Former President Barack Obama issued the executive order in 2012 to prevent these children from being deported. It has given them temporary status — to be renewed annually — to live, go to school, and work without fear of deportation.

The programme will be phased out in six months,

unless Congress passes legislation to address it with an alternative plan.

The rally attendees, led by Ms Aminta Kilawan Narine, want to help DACA people to become legal residents, and to live normal lives just like everyone else. The attendees at the rally called for a repeal of DACA termination, as announced by the President, and an amnesty for DACA folks, so they can become legalised.

Those at the rally said they came to support DACA recipients, and to stand with the organizers of the rally. The attendees held a banner, walked a bit, and chanted a few lines chastising the president and his administration for ending DACA. They said they wanted restoration of DACA and legalisation for the undocumented.

Speakers at the rally urged President Trump to rescind his decision, and for Congress to implement legislation granting permanent protection for DACA recipients. It was noted that DACA helped to restore some dignity and respect for these undocumented children. The organisers noted that the Indo-Caribbean community has to join the fight for all undocumented communities.

But it has been difficult to get Guyanese to attend a rally on any issue, except when it affects their bread and butter issues, like collecting rent on illegal apartments.

Thus it was not surprising that the turnout at the rally was small, as opposed to, say, a rally on illegal apartments, which

attracted thousands. I attended dozens of pro-immigrant rallies over the last couple decades. There was sparse Guyanese representation. As Chuck Mohan would attest, it has been almost impossible to get Guyanese to attend immigration rallies, although Guyanese are beneficiaries of those rallies. Even the struggle for restoration of democracy in Guyana, during the 1970s thru 1992, involved only a handful of us.

Sarcastic comments were made about the sparse turnout by Guyanese in support of their country folks on immigration.

The DACA rally took place in front of Sybil’s take away restaurant at 133 Street on Liberty Ave. The restaurant was packed with Guyanese shoppers, with virtually none of them showing any interest in the rally just feet away from them.

They did not even bother to query what the rally was about. They just went about their business, showing no concern about the issue.

One of the recipients of DACA, not of Guyanese origin, spoke at the rally. She has an Americanborn child. If she were to be arrested and deported, it would lead to breakup of her family.

Speakers at the rally urged Caribbean nationals to write their Members of Congress to take up this issue.

Meanwhile, Trump has cut a deal with Democrats that could extend DACA when it expires in six months.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Significant increases in school dropouts in Amerindian communities Dear Editor, A Education Ministry report of November 6, 2008, revealed that, up to 2007, 13,844 students had dropped out of the primary school system, representing four per cent of the national population. The report continued: “… according to Evelyn Hamilton, Chief Planning Officer of the Ministry of Education, the situation is much worse, particularly in primary and secondary schools in hinterland areas, like Region One [BarimaWaini] and Region Nine [Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo], where rates are more than tripled.”

However, the previous Administration had significantly lowered those figures when the Education Ministry in March 28, 2014, reported that school dropouts had significantly decreased through the implementation of

the Guyana Secondary Education Improvement Project, the objective of which was to increase the number of students with access to secondary school Mathematics teachers, who were benefiting from continuous professional development nationwide. This project was one of several projected to increase the number of students in secondary schools with improved learning conditions in targeted regions.

By the time the previous Administration demitted office in 2015, Guyana had achieved the United Nations Millennium Development Goal in Primary Education and was well on the way to achieving the UNMDG in secondary education.

This fact was underscored by impactful examination results in every region and, because of the requisite facilita-

tion to educational resources, Amerindian students emerged shining stars in the firmament of Guyanese scholars.

Sadly, of recent times, there has been a reversal of the prior educational trends in hinterland communities; for several reasons, but mainly due to socio-economic dysfunctions within Amerindian communities.

Additionally, factored into this equation, is poor attendance, low education expectations, low socio-economic status, poor education of parents, large number of siblings and not living with natural parents. The limited opportunities for academic success also inhibits higher education accessibility, exacerbated by constrained access to resources in schools as well as high pupil/teacher ratios instead of full

complements of trained teachers contributing to the drop-out rates.

The implications and consequences of children dropping out of school will contribute to unemployment, a life of poverty and all its related social ills, which will evolve in a vicious cycle of less than healthy lifestyles for generations to come.

As we celebrate both Amerindian Heritage and Education Month, we must take cognisance of the increase in school dropouts in our Amerindian communities and its related ills.

It is devastating and greatly distressing to see the reversal of over two decades of increased school attendance and the emphasis placed on education at the village level by the previous Administration.

During that period, access to school systems and educational dynamics in hinterland commu-

nities across the country had been tremendously improved, with our children being afforded greatly-enhanced opportunities in upgrading our standards in life through education.

Indeed, many of our children have returned with their academic successes in the various professions to serve their own communities in hinterland regions.

For our nation to return to an upward growth pattern, it is vital that all our children, especially those in the hinterland regions, be given the opportunities and resources to learn and be able to develop their own communities through the requisite economic and extended support to sustain and improve academic output.

Naming Lethem and Mabaruma as towns, for example, requires more than just that; but

it must be accompanied with educational and economic pillars that will see our hinterland communities, and especially our young people – the leaders of the future, be provided the requisite support – at every level, to achieve their optimum potential for personal growth to develop themselves and to subsequently contribute to the development of their communities and, ultimately, their country.

It is important that the government of the day recognises the imperative of governing for all the people of the land with equity and without favouring one community over the other. The Amerindian children of this nation should not be short-changed because of any prejudicial consideration and should all be treated equally.

Regards, Alister Charlie, MP

news 7

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Cocaine mule jailed, Cash-strapped GuySuCo pays sugar fined G$2.5M workers after two weeks

after Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) ranks noticed him acting in a suspicious manner.

As such, Watkins was questioned, and immediately taken to CANU Headquarters where he confessed to the offence. The taxi driver was then taken to a city hospital where he excreted the illicit substance.

At his arraignConvicted: Julius Watkins ment, Watkins appealed for lenien3 8 - y e a r - o l d cy, telling the Chief taxi driver was Magistrate that he was jailed and fined facing a financial crisis when he appeared and was unable to send at the Georgetown his children to school.

Magistrates’ Courts This was the explanacharged with traffick- tion he used to justiing in narcotics. fy his selected means Julius Watkins was to earn some extra injailed for four years and come. fined G$2.5 million on Chief Magistrate Tuesday when he admit- McLennan before handted to Chief Magistrate ing down the fourAnn McLennan, be- year sentence took tween September 12 into consideration and 15, he swallowed that Watkins did not 114 pellets, which were waste the court’s time. laced with a total of 960 He was whisked away grams of cocaine. into Police custody beThe father of four fore being transported was nabbed as he at- to jail where he would tempted to board an out- commence fulfilling his going flight to Canada debt to society.

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The Wales Sugar Estate

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n light of high-level meetings regarding the financial state of the sugar industry, workers were finally paid but only after information surfaced that several categories of employees had not been paid for their services for about two weeks.

At Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) request for urgent monies was granted which paved the way for workers across the estates to receive their salaries. Guyana Times International was told that workers at Uitvlugt and at Wales received their weekly salaries by Wednesday afternoon.

The disbursements for workers at Wales followed a nearly threehour meeting at that

entity on Wednesday morning where workers, in some tense moments, had demanded to know why they weren’t paid up to that point.

Many workers had earlier contended that their dwindling finances were affecting their ability to feed and send their children to school and to meet other financial needs. This publication was made aware that the lack of finances during the period also hit the village economy.

It was only Wednesday that Guyana Times reported that the industry’s “cashstrapped” status was directly impacting workers. This newspaper had also reported that workers across the industry were turning up at the various estates only to be told that there was no

money available to pay them.

Workers still attached at the downsized Wales Sugar Estate had been called to a meeting on Monday, where they were informed of the industry’s financial state.

When workers inquired as to when they will be receiving payments, officials at Wales were, at that time, reportedly reluctant to commit to a date but said that as soon as finances are available, the sugar workers would be paid.

On Monday, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo along with GuySuCo’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Clive Thomas and Chief Executive Officer, Errol Hanoman, met to discuss “urgent cash flow relative to wages, salaries and other payments

at GuySuCo.” GuySuCo had revealed that at the high-level meeting, it was agreed on the steps to be taken to ensure the employees are paid for services provided to the Corporation for the past week. GuySuCo had disclosed that the Chairman and the CEO were “given assurances that the matter is being given the utmost consideration by the Government and the Corporation.”

At present, the Guyana Sugar Corporation employs close to 17,000 people but it has been estimated that its planned downsizing could directly affect the livelihoods of some 10,000 sugar workers and thousands more via their family members and communities that depend on the sugar industry. Government has long contended that the necessary measures to re-organise sugar must be implemented for it to be sustained and the Wales Estate was the first entity to be closed under the policy decision which was met with much criticism and protests.

8 news

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

New Demerara River Bridge not feasible without huge Govt subsidy – Consultants T

he Guyana Government is forging ahead with its plans to construct a new Demerara River crossing currently pegged at US$170M minus additional costs, such as for the mandatory accompanying road networks, but given the cost of the entire project, it is not feasible without the input of billions of dollars annually from the Government.

This warning is encapsulated in the Feasibility Study which was commissioned by the Coalition Administration at a cost of in excess of G$150M. According to the consultants Lievense, “The Project is financially not viable without support from the government.”

The findings have since indicated that the revenues from the tolls make up for the operation expenditures but cannot support the debt service and that the toll rates can be increased, but there is a limit to that since “a too large increase would make the toll unaffordable for many of the people who have to use the bridge.”

While the consultants did indicate that there seems to be strong appetite and sufficient liquidity in the financial markets of Guyana and the region to fund

An artist's impression of what the new Demerara River bridge will look like

the Project, since loans or bonds and preferred cumulative shares issues provide for the required funds, “this socalled Project Financing Structure requires a Government supported Special Purpose Company (SPC)".

It was pointed out that a Private Public Partnership (PPP) structure like BOOT (Built, Own, Operate and Transfer) whereby an investor signs a concession agreement with the government to build and operate the bridge and in which the concessionaire has to arrange the financing “can only be successful if the government provides support in case contribution

and certain guarantees.”

The required Debt Service, according to the consultants, weigh heavy on the financials of the Project and are high in comparison with the Operational Expenditures.

Debt service includes interest and repayments of loans or bonds and generally the loans/ bonds are medium term and require yearly repayment, and together with the interest the yearly cash needed for debt service is considerable, “as a result of the high debt service it was concluded that the Project is not financially viable without a contribution from Government to support

the cash shortfall.”

The consultants in their report acknowledge that the government expressed the wish to maximise funding from the non-government sector in order at to limit the government contribution to the funding of the Project as much as possible.

The consultants have since determined that this “means that the Project has to be structured in a Public Private Partnership (PPP), i.e. a Built, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) type of arrangement or a Project Finance structure whereby the commercial banks and (institutional) investors are involved, or a inter-

mediate structures like DBFM (Design, Built, Finance and Maintain).”

According to the consultants, for the new bridge, a Special Purpose Company (SPC) is assumed in that it holds the assets and operates and maintains the bridge.

In case of a Project Finance structure, the government will be the sole owner/shareholder of the SPC, as envisioned by the Consultants.

In such a scenario, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Ministry of Finance will be the two governing bodies and the the SPC will be a legal entity with limited liability under the laws of the

Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

According to the consultants, the investment is budgeted at approximately USD$150M of which approximately 20 per cent will be denominated in Guyana dollar (G$).

The report has also taken into account the limits for increasing the toll rates are set by affordability, social responsibility, willingness to pay and what is politically acceptable, as well as the fact there are no alternatives for crossing Demerara River safely except for the ferryboats.

According to the consultants, it was concluded that none of the projected toll increases are not nearly enough to cover for the Debt Service as well, even with the highest increase of toll rates of 200% on top of the existing toll rate.

As a result the Government will have to arrange a contribution (subvention) on an annual basis to cover the gap between the revenues and the cost.

The consultants noted the main reasons for the need for significant Government contribution are the short period of the financing in combination with the high interest rates.

Mrs. Granger, CARICOM and African First Ladies Cop dies after crashing motorcycle and Spouses to advance investment in women

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A

P o l i c e Constable on Saturday morning lost his life after a motorcycle which he was test driving crashed on the Unity Old Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Dead is Elroy Newton, 37, of Lot 70 Voorzig, Mahaicony, ECD, who was stationed at Transport Workshop, Eve Leary.

Reports are that the accident occurred sometime around 19:30h while the officer was test driving motorcycle CE 4555.

This publication was told that at the time of the accident, the Constable was proceeding north along Unity Old Road allegedly at a very fast rate. It was revealed that Newton was not wearing a safety helmet.

In the process of negotiating a sharp turn, the Officer lost control of the motorcycle and fell

Dead: Elroy Newton

to the road, sustaining multiple injuries about his body.

He was picked up by public-spirited persons and rushed to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a statement sent out its condolences to the wife and children of Newton.

uyana’s First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, yesterday, joined with the First Ladies and Spouses of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), members of the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) and First Ladies from other continents to commit “to mobilise resources so as to prioritize investments in women’s and youth’s health and in particular, the sexual and reproductive health of adolescent girls”.

According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, Representatives of the African Union Commission (AUC), United Nations agencies, the private sector, philanthropists, and civil society, including youth organisations, also attended the high-level meeting, which was hosted in the margins of the 72nd United Nations

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger (second from left) is flanked by, from left to right, First Lady of Haiti, Mrs. Martine Marie Etienne Joseph, First Lady of Trinidad and Tobago, Mrs. Reema Carmona and First Lady of Belize, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow at the United Nations.

General Assembly in New York.

A Communique issued at the close of the meeting said that the group committed to forming partnerships to advocate for commitments to further secure the rights of young women and adolescents, the MotP said.

The First Lady has been a firm advocate for the empowerment of women through education and is engaged in

several projects aimed at improving opportunities for them to lead productive lives. Mrs. Granger and the First Ladies and Spouses of CARICOM, through the ‘Every Caribbean Woman, Every Caribbean Child” Initiative, aim to share their knowledge and experience with the view of impacting policy direction for the good of women and children throughout the Region.

The First Lady, in

collaboration with the Government of Guyana, is also working towards the reintegration of adolescent mothers into the education system and their social and economic development. She has also thrown her support behind the creation of youth friendly health centres for teenage girls and boys and teenage parents, which provide counselling and other support services.

NEWS 9

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

New Amazon office in NYC will create 2,000 jobs - Governor Cuomo G

overnor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that Amazon will expand its presence in New York City with the addition of a 359,000 square-foot administrative office at 5 Manhattan West.

This latest investment and expansion will create 2,000 new, high-paying jobs in finance, sales, marketing, and information technology, a release from the Governor’s office stated.

"Amazon's further expansion in New York is proof positive that our strong economic climate, diverse workforce and talent, are helping to attract top-notch companies from around the world," Governor Cuomo said. "We will continue to support the growth of this state's business sector, which in turn supports economic growth and the creation of quality, good-paying jobs across the Empire State."

According to the Governor’s office, to encourage Amazon's expansion in New York State, the company was offered up to US$20 million in performance-based taxed credits through Empire State Development's Excelsior Jobs Program. Amazon will invest US$55 million to outfit the 359,000 square-foot office space at 5 Manhattan West using energy-efficient standards. The expansion will create 2,000 new jobs in finance, sales, marketing, and information technology that will earn an average of US$100,000 annually. Amazon will also

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

retain over 1,800 jobs in New York State.

Amazon's new office at 5 Manhattan West joins several of Amazon's job-creating expansions in New York State.

Since 2012, Amazon has invested US$9 million into an innovative Fashion Photography and Videography Studio in Brooklyn, creating over 50 direct jobs and supporting more than 300 jobs, with US$2 million in performance-based tax credits offered through the Excelsior Jobs Program.

In 2014, Amazon established a 350,000 square foot administrative office at 7 West 34th Street, creating over 500 jobs with US$5 million in tax credits offered Excelsior Jobs Program "We're excited to expand our presence in New York - we have always found great talent here," said Paul Kotas, Amazon's Senior Vice President of Worldwide Advertising.

"Last January we announced our plans to create 100,000 full-time,

Venezuelan busted with illegal firearm, ammo

A

Venezuelan woman, who entered Guyana illegally, was busted, along with two others with an illegal firearm and ammunition at the Itaballi Police Checkpoint, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Reports are that about 12:00h, ranks conducted a search on the vehicle in which the suspects were travelling and the items were found. As such, the three were arrested.

Meanwhile, Police also reported that about 13:45h on Saturday, ranks were conducting a river patrol in the Mazaruni River when a 53-year-old miner of Fifth Avenue, Bartica was nabbed with a quantity of cannabis.

A search of his vessel revealed 506 grams of cannabis. He is being processed for court.

full-benefit jobs in the U.S. by mid-2018 - and we are on track to reach that goal."

On September 6, Governor Cuomo announced a new US$100 million Amazon fulfillment center in the Global Logistics Park on the West Shore of Staten Island, which will support the creation of 2,250 new, fulltime jobs. As Amazon's first fulfillment center in New York State, the 855,000 square-foot facility will offer opportunities for employees to engage with advanced robotics in a highly tech-enabled workplace.

ESD President, CEO, and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Amazon's decision to locate this major project in New York is further proof that our economic development strategies are working, actively and effectively growing quality jobs in the Empire State."

Congressman Jerry Nadler said, "I am thrilled that today we are announcing that

Amazon will expand its presence in New York City and add 2,000 new permanent high-paying jobs in finance, sales, marketing and information technolo-

gy on Manhattan's west side, New York City's newest neighborhood for business, culture and residential. I applaud Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development who have worked extremely hard to ensure that this deal becomes a reality. But it goes without saying that of course, Amazon the largest internet-based retailer in the world, has to have a large presence in NYC, the financial and cultural capital of the world."

Senator Brad Hoylman said, "I'm elated to learn that New York will be capturing an important piece of the upside from the expansion of online commerce, namely job

creation. Amazon's expansion at 5 Manhattan West in my Senate district will be a boon to the local economy. I'm grateful to Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development for their efforts in creating 2,000 new, good-paying jobs."

Full-time employees at Amazon receive competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, 401(k), company stock awards, and parental leave benefits, including up to 20 weeks of paid leave and innovative benefits such as Leave Share and Ramp Back, which give new parents flexibility with their growing families, the release added.

10 news

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Opposition MP challenges Prisoners demand steak for Govt to re-establish ERC breakfast during I another uproar at Camp St

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The Camp Street Prison

risoners housed at the Camp Street Prison on Tuesday morning caused uproar at the penitentiary, demanding steak for breakfast.

Reports are prison officials had to intervene after the inmates, comprising of those who recently escaped and were recaptured, began behaving disorderly while demanding steak instead of porridge for breakfast.

Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels when

contacted said t the situation at the prison was under control. “The escapees wanted steak for breakfast and it was not available,” he told this publication.

In July, prisoners set fire to the penitentiary, raising the Camp Street facility to the ground, killing one prison officer in the escape bid. During the incident six prisoners escaped. The fire displaced over 1000 prisoners.

t may talk the talk, but the Government has not been walking the walk of social cohesion. This is according to a former Chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), who believes that the Government has no serious intentions of re-establishing the ERC. He noted in a recent interview that the Social Cohesion Ministry has done a substandard job at facilitating the type of community level engagements needed to bring about true social cohesion. In light of this, he called for the ERC to be re-established.

“That is why they should go ahead and get the Ethnic Relations Commission functioning.

But this Government doesn’t want an Ethnic Relations Commission.

The Committee of Appointments, headed

by Dr Norton, has concluded its work months ago. It’s on the Order Paper for the approval of the (nominees). If the Government was serious about the Commission, they control the agenda, and sitting after sitting it’s not being addressed.”

According to Edghill, the Government’s delay might stem from their discomfort in some of the persons

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton

who were nominated on the Appointment Committee.

“I think we are at an all-time low where (ethnic) relations (are) concerned, even with this administration talking about social cohesion.

Their actions, rhetoric, personnel, behaviour have been so divisive and sectarian that it has not helped.”

He noted that this can be seen as stonewalling, adding that “they prefer to keep using the mantra under the Ministry of Social Cohesion.

The Ministry of Social Cohesion has done nothing substantial to help to bring Guyanese closer.”

The ERC plays an integral role as a constitutional entity which serves to protect and preserve the interests of all stakeholders, as far as creating an atmosphere of tolerance and harmo-

ny among the different races and ethnic groups in Guyana’s diverse society.

The Commission initially comprised representatives from seven different constituencies, but in 2015 it was increased to 10. ERC members represent the three main religions – Hinduism, Islam and Christianity – and are drawn from labour, the Private Sector, the youth and women’s affairs organisations. The three new additions which fall under a new category – the Cultural/Ethnic Group – comprise one representative each from the three major ethnic groups of Guyana– the Indo-Guyanese, Afro-Guyanese and Indigenous Guyanese.

Subsequently, the National Assembly was informed that the Committee consulted the approved list of entities for nomination to the ERC; and those entities met, and later submitted their nominations between April 30 and June 6, 2014.

The next step in the process, after finalising the 10 nominees, is for the Committee to submit the names to the National Assembly for approval via a motion. It is required that there be

PPP/C MP, Bishop Juan Edghill

a two-thirds majority approval before the nominees can become official and be presented to the President for swearing in.

The ERC is a constitutional body established under the Herdmanston Accord. It works with persons and agencies to promote harmonious ethnic relations. The Commission also deals with complaints, promotes training in racial harmony, and fosters a sense of security among all ethnic groups.

The Commission has been virtually dysfunctional since 2011, when then Opposition Leader Robert Corbin secured an injunction against the body, barring the Chairman and two Commissioners from taking any decision, making any recommendation, or issuing any direction on behalf of the constitutional body.

St Lucia PM proposes new US Caribbean trade initiative

S

t Lucia's Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet has proposed the establishment of a new US Caribbean Trade initiative.

Chastanet, in an interview with the US business network CNBC, said the re-

cent hurricanes that have devastated parts of the Caribbean have shown the need for diversity as it relates to sources of food.

“The support has had to come from the south because while we were going through this, you had two hur-

ricanes heading up north and Miami was literally shutdown.

So unfortunately the American hub got shutdown for almost ten days.”

Chastanet suggested that the island look to Panama as another source for food.

H o w e v e r , Chastanet said the resilience of the Caribbean is very strong and the region will band together to recover from the disasters.

The prime minister also proposed the establishment of a new

St Lucia's Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet

private sector led initiative that would allow US companies to invest in St Lucia tax free and have their resources sent back home without facing heavy US government taxes.

He said there are great investment opportunities in the Caribbean for American companies.

“Can we not get an incentive? That's what we're in discussions with the US about, if US companies invest

into the Caribbean, that those investments in our books are always tax free that the US allow those funds to be repatriated into the US taxfree, only on those investments.”

“So it accomplishes getting the funds back into the United States of America. It creates an avenue for the private sector to participate in this growth and brings a lot of money to the table,” Chastanet said. (CMC)

news 11

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana continues to be imperilled by militaristic …Granger tells world threats from Venezuela leaders at UN

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President David Granger addressing the 72nd Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York

uyana continues to be imperilled by the ever militaristic threats from Venezuela which has laid claim to more than two thirds of Guyana’s territories, a situation that threatens the very existence of peace in the Caribbean region once protracted.

This was the clarion call of Head of State David Granger, who in his third appearance at the United Nation’s General Assembly in New York, appealed to world leaders dedicating a third of his presentation to the escalating conflict over Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo.

Addressing the more than 180 world leaders

in attendance, President Granger reminded the Assembly of his warnings in September last, and reminded that Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s territory, “has not diminished or been diverted…

Guyana remains imperilled.”

The Guyanese Head of State in bringing the border conflict to the world stage, acknowledged that the disturbing developments within Venezuela have attracted the world’s attention and roused the concerns of many over the privations of its people.

He cautioned world leaders however, that while the Caribbean people wish for the Caribbean to be a zone of

peace, “the Venezuelan claim to Guyana’s territorial integrity, however, would be a threat to that zone.”

Reminding that Venezuela is more than four times the size of Guyana, with a claim of more than two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, including its maritime space, the President said “we depend on our territorial and maritime resources for development and for the release of our people from poverty.”

According to Granger, “Guyana warns the world, through this Assembly, that peace will be at stake in our Region if justice does not become ascendant, not only within Venezuela, but also in

respect to its border controversy with Guyana.”

Four UN Secretary Generals have been apprised of Venezuela’s claims, and Granger said the choice has become one between just and peaceful settlement in accordance with international law, and a Venezuelan posture of attrition that is increasingly more blustering and militaristic.

“In this matter, protraction is the enemy of resolution and the ally of sustained conflict,” he cautioned.

The Guyanese Head of State did acknowledge that “fortunately, as they indicated publicly, former Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and current Secretary General António Guterres have decided that, under the 1966 Geneva Agreement, if by the end of the year 2017 significant progress has not been made toward arriving at a full agreement for the settlement of the controversy, the International Court of Justice will be the next means of peaceful settlement, unless Guyana and Venezuela jointly request otherwise.”

Guyana, he said, has

continued working assiduously with the Secretary General’s personal representative. “Guyana looks to the international community to ensure that Venezuela is not allowed to thwart the processes of judicial settlement which is the clear and agreed path to peace and justice.”

Foreign policy The President did use his time at the UN to also give Guyana’s position on international affairs. In what can be perceived as a direct appeal to the Donald Trump Administration, the Guyanese President reiterated Guyana’s longstanding position that all embargoes against its Caribbean sister country Cuba, be lifted by the United States of America.

“We demand the withdrawal of the injurious economic embargo against the Caribbean island of Cuba… The embargo frustrates that State’s right to development,” according to Granger.

Speaking to another of Guyana’s long standing foreign policy positions, President Granger also reiterated the country’s demand for a two-

State solution to the decades’ old Israeli/ Palestinian conflict.

“We affirm the right of the Palestinian people to a homeland and to a dignified existence,” President Granger said as he reminded world leaders that, “striving for peace must aim at resolving long-standing inter-state conflicts and in this regard, Guyana supports the call for the reform of the Security Council to give even greater voice to developing countries.

He told world leaders, striving for peace has been the principal purpose and preoccupation of this organisation throughout its existence and in fact “must be humanity’s ceaseless quest.”

Acclaiming the United Nations as the paramount global instrument of peace, Head of State Granger emphasised on the world leaders present that “nothing is more important in this General Debate than that all delegates should respect the relevant theme – Focusing on people: Striving for peace and a decent life for all on a sustainable planet.”

12 news

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana Govt, Exxon exploring use of natural gas for electricity E

xxonMobil and the Guyana Government on Wednesday wrapped up another round of high-level technical talks aimed at looking at the feasibility of using natural gas transported from its wells in the Atlantic to shore, in order to be used to supplement the nation’s electricity demands.

The first in what is being heralded as a series of continued discussions on commercial and power generation issues began on Tuesday last when officers of the Government of Guyana and technical members of ExxonMobil met in Georgetown.

That meeting follows one held a day earlier by Head of State David Granger and ExxonMobil’s President, Stephen Greenlee, on the sidelines of the 72nd Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Greenlee in early 2017 had revealed that the company was excited by the results of a production test of the Liza2 well, which confirmed the presence of high-quality oil from the same high-porosity sandstone reservoirs that were discovered in the Liza-1 oil well completed years before in Guyana.

The technical working group which met on Tuesday and Wednesday

ExxonMobil President Stephen Greenlee

featured technical persons from the Ministries of Public Infrastructure, Natural Resources, Finance, and Business; the Guyana Energy Agency; and the Guyana Power and Light Inc, along with ExxonMobil’s power generation specialists and analysts.

According to a public missive issued by the Public Infrastructure Ministry, the working group will focus on natural gas and the surrounding commercial and economic issues as it relates to offshore transportation for onshore power generation.

“Compared to Guyana’s current use of liquid fuels for electricity generation, natural gas is cleaner and its use for energy production could

reduce the country’s fuel bill, and in turn, reduce the cost of electricity,” a release from the Ministry stated.

It was further pointed out that the working group will continue dialogue on local and international power generation experiences, including domestic infrastructural requirements and considerations for the potential of natural gas into gas-fired power generation.

The agenda was said to also include an overview of commercial power generation structures and approaches to power investment. It is expected that capacity building for local and key technical Government officials will be the major output of the twoday session.

“This is particularly important in light of the recent consultations held by the Ministry of Natural Resources on local content policy and its focus on maximising benefits and value retention from Guyana’s petroleum resources through local content and capacity development,” according to the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s statement.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson in that missive explained that “the first of such sessions, the Government of Guyana looks forward to furthering its un-

derstanding of the technical and key dynamics of proposed projects in an effort to diversify the energy mix in Guyana.”

Minister Patterson further emphasised that the sessions will not serve as an occasion for negotiations or review of contractual obliga-

voir off the coast of Guyana, increasing the total discovery to about 500 million barrels.

In late April, a team comprising of Ministers Raphael Trotman, David Patterson, Dominic Gaskin, Winston Jordan and Joseph Harmon, engaged in extensive dis-

tions between Guyana and ExxonMobil.

Rather, he said, “It is intended to continue dialogue with an intended wrap-up summary, including presentations updating key Ministries on the joint discussions having taken place over the twoday session.”

ExxonMobil first discovered major reservoirs in nearby Guyana in 2015. After their initial huge discovery of the Liza oil field two years ago, ExxonMobil had later announced that they discovered more oil in the Payara reser-

cussions with high-level ExxonMobil officials and executives over the two-day visit at ExxonMobil headquarters.

During that meeting, members of the delegation were updated about ongoing and planned exploratory activities following the significant discovery in the Liza 1 well, and engaged in interactive sessions that covered important topics such as an exploration update, development of the well for production, capacity building to ensure Guyanese involvement and ownership of development of the industry.

Pensioner killed by drunken mini-bus driver

Rambarran’s stepson, Edmond Singh is grieving the loss of the caretaker

By Shemuel Fanfair

D

espite intensified efforts by Police to curb drunk driving on the nation’s roadways, another person was killed as a result of the scourge.

Sixty-six-year-old pedal cyclist, Basil Rambarran of Farm Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was on Tuesday afternoon killed at Herstelling, EBD after he was struck down by minibus BLL 4739 driven by a 44-year old Soesdyke, Back Road resident.

The driver was subsequently arrested after he failed a breathalyser test where he was found to be over the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

Police stated that the minibus driver was heading towards Timerhi when the cyclist reportedly crossed the road in the path of the oncoming minibus, which resulted in a collision. As a result, the elderly man fell onto the roadway and sustained severe injuries to his body. The father of two was employed with the founder of WRHM Channel 7, Senior Counsel Rex McKay as a caretaker and handyman for over 30 years.

Guyana Times International was told that when the accident occurred at 16:45h Tuesday, Rambarran was heading home from work. Relatives and friends recalled that the man was a quiet and friendly person who always checked in on his neighbours.

“Every morning I will see he and he will tell me ‘morning’,” his neighbour ‘Sunita’ told this publication. Another neighbour described Rambarran as having been a “good person”.

His step-son, Edmond Singh is trying to come to grips with the loss. He said that he was especially close to the deceased as he would normally take care of him.

When this newspaper arrived at the dead man’s residence on Wednesday afternoon, Singh and other relatives were preparing the yard for the wake. “Me step-father was good to [me], never show us a bad face. He comes and gaff and laugh with everybody on the road

and he never disrespected anybody; he don’t drink. He [goes] on he bicycle and go he way straight and come he way straight,” the grieving man told Guyana Times International.

Singh further related that his step-father had assisted in the upbringing of his [Rambarran’s] grandchildren. The dead man’s immediate family members were present at a post-mortem examination (PME) conducted on Wednesday which revealed that the caretaker died from “multiple injuries”.

The driver of the minibus is expected to make his first court appearance at the Providence Magistrate’s soon.

Rambarran leaves to mourn his common-law wife, Agnes Singh, his two daughters, numerous grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

The body of Basil Rambarran at the Lyken Funeral Home on Tuesday

Berbice teen accused of sexually molesting two boys

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olice are investigating allegations that a Berbice teenager, who is a school dropout, has sexually molested two boys who are both nine years old.

The incident is alleged to have been committed in the Upper Corentyne area.

Guyana Times International understands that the boys were forced to perform oral sex on the school dropout, whose age was given as 13.

It is alleged that the suspect is a school dropout who would wander the streets and lure students smaller than him to a secluded area and force them to perform sexual acts on him.

Reports are that the two nine-yearolds were questioned about the issue and provided some information to an adult who contacted the parents.

Both of the boys were taken to be medically examined and this publication was informed that the medical examiner found that there was no sexual penetration. However, based on the detailed description that both of the boys gave as to what transpired, the Police were called in and have begun to investigate.

Reports are that the 13-year-old works as a labourer in the vicinity of a market on the Corentyne. (Andrew Carmichael)

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Some Guyanese desperate to return home following Hurricane Irma

By Samuel Sukhnandan

S

everal Guyanese living on some of the islands that have been ravaged by Hurricane Irma have expressed interest in returning home, while others prefer to remain and assist with the rebuilding efforts in their adopted homes, Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Director General, Colonel (retired) Chabilall Ramsarup, has said.

Ramsarup told this publication on Monday that a team consisting of Citizenship Minister Winston Felix, two members of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, one from the CDC, and a public relations official from the Office of the Prime Minister visited Antigua, St Maarten and Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

Arrangements were put in place by Caribbean Airlines to evacuate those who wish to return home.

Caribbean Airlines offered free evacuation flights, for one day only, from Princess Julianna International Airport in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten to Piarco International Airport in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.

Last week, Guyanese nationals living on the BVI have been encouraged to return home.

A senior Government official on that island was reported as encouraging non-nationals, including Guyanese, to leave the British Overseas Territory. This call was made even as several Guyanese and Vincentians were among other non-BVI nationals being housed in a centre partially destroyed by the hurricane.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) has reported that a number of Guyanese had opted to join the flight. Charter flights are still operational, while commercial flights have been temporarily halted.

Meanwhile, the CDC Director General told this publication also that an aircraft with 2900 pounds of relief supplies was sent to Antigua, and that a number of containers are being prepared to be sent there also.

Relief supplies such as food, medicine and pharmaceuticals are part of the items to be shipped.

While the Guyanese team to Antigua, St

CDC Director General, Colonel (rtd) Chabilall Ramsarup

Maarten and Tortola was due to return on Monday, members were unable to do so, because all airports were closed to facilitate the passage of another hurricane.

In the meantime, the team, he said, will continue to monitor the situation and see how best they can assist Guyanese who are in dire need of emergency items for themselves and their families.

Ramsarup also explained that the local private sector had a consultation to determine how they could assist. He said there have been favourable responses coming from the body representing that grouping — the Private Sector Commission.

Relief supplies have been donated for shipment to the affected islands.

No praises

Meanwhile, although DPI reported on September 16 that Guyanese living on St. Maarten had expressed gratitude to the Government for sending in the needs assessment team, a Guyanese living on that island, named Carshena Gordon, said in a social media post that she was not informed of the meeting with the Guyanese team.

“I’m one of the few who are able to connect to social media, and I was not aware of any meeting. Every day I check social media, and only read that an assessment team was being put together. Why wasn’t there any post with date and time of meeting?” she enquired.

Gordon also in-

quired why people only heard of the meeting after it was held, and what were the findings. “Nobody asked me ‘jack squat’; so are you guessing my needs and those of others to send what y’all want, when y’all want?” she further questioned.

The Guyanese national feels that relief being assembled will be distributed to a selected few. She also used the opportunity in that social media post to thank the Governments of St Maarten and Dominica for food and water. “If I had to depend on my own I’d be dead by now…Anytime I hear relief from Guyana share and I’m not informed I’m writ-

ing the Minister.”

Although rebuilding efforts have commenced in some islands, a lack of communication still remains a major issue that the regional response effort faces.

While there is a basic framework of communication, such as Honorary Consuls, Ambassadors and other diplomatic representatives, the storm has ravaged communications infrastructure, especially in places like St Maarten, St Barts and Barbuda.

Hurricane Irma was one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded over the Atlantic Ocean. It has completely devastated Barbuda, and affect-

Citizenship Minister Winston Felix

ed jurisdictions such as St Maarten, St Barts, St Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, and the British Virgin Islands.

14 news

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Mashramani 2018 officially launched …celebration themed “Let’s cooperate and celebrate Republic 48”

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he 2018 Mashramani observances were officially launched in Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) on Saturday, amidst lively cultural presentations and performances.

A colourful mini Mashramani-like parade which culminated at Republic Avenue formed a spectacular prelude to the official launching ceremony, which took place on the tarmac of the Linden-Georgetown minibus park.

Next year’s official theme, coined by winner Harry Narine, “Let’s cooperate and celebrate Republic 48” was also

Some of the revellers on Sunday during the launch of Mash 2017

unveiled, in addition to the official Calendar of Events which showcases over 20 days of activities. Scores of patrons and officials gathered at the venue to observe the launch of the festival, which commemorates Guyana becoming a Republic on February 23, 1970.

In delivering the feature address, Social Cohesion Minister George Norton emphasized that “Mashramani represents the essence of social cohesion”, as he made a call for the celebration to return to the Linden community — its birthplace. Norton hailed the festival as one of the most prominent celebrations in Guyana, and supported earlier calls by Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland for the festival to become one of the most prominent in the Caribbean.

“We must take Mashramani, that has become internationalized…Mashramani from Linden has to take its rightful position…I agree with the idea that we must not only do the launching in Linden, we must also bring it back and celebrate it in Linden. It is a true Guyanese celebration, which provides for the opportunity to highlight the country’s rich cultures and diversities and heritage, as a people from all walks of life…,” the Minister said.

He also hailed the Jaycees Committee and its members, noting that they are owed depths of gratitude for organizing the first Mashramani celebration. Norton said, come next year, he hopes to see members of the diaspora actively involved and participating in the events associated with the celebration. Further, he challenged the Linden community to have its own steel orchestra.

Mayor Holland, in his remarks, noted that or-

ganizers of the celebration and Lindeners each have a role to play in producing an outstanding Mashramani celebration, one that would draw visitors both local and foreign, while at the same time preserving the rich diversity of the people.

“The prodigal celebration has returned to her place of origin. It was here that Mashramani was innovated, and here it was perfected. It is time we embrace and execute a return of this legacy, by ensuring that Mashramani 2018 embodies the rich cultural heritage of our proud town and region,” the Mayor said.

Further, Holland pointed out that foreigners must not only actively plan to attend Carnival and Caribana, but Mashramani as well, in an effort that the country’s culture, craft, fine local products, eco-tourism, hospitality and much more can become internationally popular.

Regional Chairman Renis Morian said the celebration goes beyond just celebrating Mashramani in terms of frolic, but also the achievements of young people and children across the Region.

He urged those present to look at the celebration in the individual sense of “achieving after working hard”.

“It will take not just hard work, but collective work; because Mashramani speaks of communities, groups, families working together…Your dreams and aspirations could be realized once we take note of the emphasis of Mashramani — ‘celebration after hard work’,” Morian said.

Following the ceremony, the event culminated with the hosting of the ‘Mash Splash Spectacular,’ which saw the performances of several local artistes ripping the stage.

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Ramnarine notes GPF’s ‘organisational discipline’ challenges …as Detective Training programmes launched

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A section of the gathering at the launching of the detective training programmes

he Canadian Justice Education Society (JES), in collaboration with key international partners, launched three detective training programmes at the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Training Centre on Monday. The courses are geared to build and strengthen the justice system in Guyana.

Police have, over time, come in for scrutiny over their handling of evidence in some major cases, but it is hoped that this public distrust could be reduced, since police ranks, during the course of this week, will take the courses to improve their skills is such cases.

The United States Embassy has announced support for the Canadian initiative, which will see participants being trained in major case management; undergo an investigation course; and participate in another course in training the trainers for interviewing, note taking and reporting.

Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine upbraided both junior and senior ranks for being late at Monday’s event, using the occasion to highlight the need for discipline. He stressed that the public demands more professionalism from the Force.

“I know we have challenges with our organisational discipline, and it tells me that there are question marks over our personal discipline,”

Ramnarine stated in referring to the lateness of course participants. “(There are) opportunities that exist right now for us to quickly get into stride, mentally and otherwise, and appreciate that there is an increased demand for professionalism,” Ramnarine urged.

The acting police chief also stressed the need for integrity, accountability and competence. He also highlighted the important role that the police play in the criminal justice system, and moreover noted that course participants will have the opportunity to have practical exercises during the week-long training.

“Observation in the court room, visiting along with you at scenes of crimes…is the best way to get the maximum benefit and use from it [the training],” the acting Police Commissioner stressed.

Fifty ranks will benefit from the training, which is being held through a collaborative effort between JES and the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). This is part of the ‘Strengthening the Criminal Justice in Guyana’ project.

Retired senior Canadian police ranks Victor Adam and James Hardy are among the course trainers. They have years of experience in managing major cases.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Parents call for probe into daughter’s death

By Lakhram Bhagirat

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a m a n t h a Kandasammy and Michael Singh; the parents of three-yearold Anisha Singh, are accusing some doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) of serious malpractice, which they claim resulted in the death of their child. Anisha, of Lot 2 Edon Street, Tucville, Georgetown, passed away at a private institution at around 02:00h on Monday after her parents transferred her from the GPHC. Chronicling the incidents that led up to the death of her daughter, Kandasammy related that she took her toddler to the GPHC on July 7, 2017 for medical treatment after she was dreary and had a cold. She explained that she related the child’s symptoms to the doctor who said that she did not have a cold and requested that a CT scan be done for further evaluation. Following the CT scan, the doctors informed Kandasammy that they discovered a mass and that a Magnetic Resonance Imagery (MRI)

Samantha Kandasammy and Michael Singh, the parents of three-year-old Anisha Singh

test was needed. The MRI revealed what doctors suspected to be an abscess in Anisha’s brain and treatment was administered but the child’s health began to spiral downwards.

Anisha’s health took a further turn for the worst when her parents realised she was unable to urinate and defecate. She was immediately rushed again to the GPHC but the doctors turned her away dismissing her condition as one not to worry about.

“She was sent away and then I got up some money and went to a private hospital and when I go to the hospital, the man take in

the baby right away. When he checked the baby, he find pneumonia on she and he start treating she and he said she got to get admit but we tell he that she can’t get admit because we don’t have money,” Kandasammy said.

“He wrote a referral letter and sent us to GPHC,” the grieving mother recalled, but while at the GPHC, her child was again discharged.

The woman said she then took her daughter to the private hospital once again where she was admitted for two days and treated for pneumonia but money ran out and the fam-

Appoint GECOM Chair without any further delays ...Diaspora urges President Granger

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he Association of Concerned Guyanese – USA (ACG-USA) and the Patriotic Coalition for the Restoration of Democracy (PCRD) are calling upon President David Granger to appoint a Chairperson for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) from the third list of nominees proposed by the Opposition Leader, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, several weeks ago.

“Like other patriotic organisations, the ACG-USA and the PCRD find that the latest list from the Hon. Bharrat Jagdeo has several individuals who not only meet the Constitutional requirements but also meet the ‘fit and proper’ conditions,” the Diaspora groups said in a press release issued on Thursday.

With Local Government Elections due in 2018 and General Elections in 2020, the groups said, “Time is of the essence,” while highlighting that GECOM needs a leader to begin to ensure that all requisite preparations are in place for a free and fair elections in Guyana.

Moreover, the Associations call upon the “ABC” Countries to join with them to ensure that a Chairperson is appointed from the recent list of nominees submitted to the President, without any further delays.

“The ABC Countries are keen on promoting democracy around the world. We see no reason why that same interest is not applicable to Guyana. We hope that we can count on them for their full support to ensure that GECOM’s work is no longer hampered by the President’s inaction,” the groups said.

The Opposition Leader had submitted his first list of six nominees for the GECOM Chairperson position during the latter part of 2016. However, President Granger had maintained that the list was “unacceptable.”

The second list submitted by Jagdeo was also met with rejection, with Granger saying that the nominees did not satisfy the criteria.

The President had maintained that Article 161 (2) of the Constitution of Guyana prescribes for the Chairperson of the Elections Commission to be “a person who holds or who has held office as a judge of a court…or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge, or any other fit and proper person…”

As such, businessman Marcel Gaskin had moved to the Court to seek clarity on the Constitutional requirements for the appointment of a GECOM Chairperson.

Recently, acting Chief Justice Roxanne George ruled against President Granger’s interpretation of Guyana’s Constitution for the appointment of a GECOM chairperson, saying that there was no preference for judicial persons.

Nevertheless, during the latter part of last month, Jagdeo submitted his third list to the President Granger, who has since acknowledged receipt and told the media that he is in the process of examining the candidates.

In a press statement issued today (Thursday), Jagdeo confirmed that the political Opposition is still awaiting word on the latest submissions, after the first two were rejected by Granger.

“Right now we are still waiting on word from the President…what we do in the future will depend on the answer we get from him,” he said.

The candidates on the third list include, Major General (Rtd) Joseph Singh, Teni Housty, Sanjeev Datadin, Ms Annette Arjoon-Martins, Onesi La Fleur and Krishnadatt Persaud.

Jagdeo has since made clear that the nominees meet the Constitutional requirements. “I believe that there are people (on the list) with the requisite qualifications…I am sure he (President Granger) could find one of the six who could be suitable,” he said.

GECOM has been without a chairman since February 2017, when Dr. Steve Surujbally, a veterinarian, retired.

ily was once again in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Unit of the GPHC. Anisha, whose health was rapidly deteriorating, was made to wait some four hours in the A&E Unit before she was admitted and had to wait additional hours before she was given any medication.

The distraught mother related that the child’s condition improved slightly but that improvement was short-lived since the doctors at the GPHC continued to treat Anisha for a brain tumour, indicating that she would not make it.

Medical records

Kandasammy and her husband, Michael, told this publication that the doctors refused to produce their daughter’s medical records when they requested a copy in their attempt to seek a second opinion and possibly treatment at other institutions.

“To get her out of the

hospital was a problem and we tell them that we want to take self-discharge and take she to another facility and to give we the baby and they don’t want to do that… They refused to give us the medical report and till this morning (Tuesday) when the baby done dead then they send the report.

We had people going up to them telling them that we need the report to go overseas and they didn’t give the record,” an irate Michael Singh said.

The medical report, seen by this publication, stated the three-year-old was diagnosed with brainstem glioma. Childhood brainstem glioma is a disease in which benign (no cancer) or malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissue of the brainstem. The report said that no surgical intervention was recommended.

The report did give permission for the parents to move the child via air ambulance for the requested overseas treatment.

However, that consent came a little too late.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the GPHC George Lewis, told this newspaper that he is aware of the incident.

“I know of the matter.

I know of the transfer that was requested by the relatives. I know that the doctors at the Georgetown [Public] Hospital advised the relatives that the child

Three-year-old Anisha Singh

should not be moved because it was dangerous.

There was a demand for the child to be moved and the child was moved against the advice of the medical practitioners,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings told this publication on Tuesday that she is unaware of the incident but noted that she will ask for a briefing on the matter.

Challenge

Anisha’s parents are now contemplating action against the doctors, whom they blame for the death of their youngest child.

The grieving father noted that he hopes the hospital launches a probe into the death of the toddler.

On September 3, 2017, one-month-old Hailey Henry lost her life at the GPHC, with her parents claiming that she was overdosed with antibiotics.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Cash-strapped GuySuCo gets G$2B lifeline ...from sale of lands

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cash-strapped Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) was, by the end of Thursday, expected to conclude the sale of large portion of lands in order to meet with its immediate G$2B requirements to, in part, meet wages and salaries.

The sale is being executed between the Corporation and the Government’s Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

The sale of land was confirmed by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who, on Thursday, in providing a Post Cabinet briefing told media operatives that the matter had been ventilated by the Council of Ministers which met on Tuesday last and was chaired

by Prime Minister, performing the duties of President, Moses Nagamootoo.

Minister Harmon reported that the decision was taken following a Cabinet deliberation focused on the financial position of the sugar corporation which was presented by Minister

within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma.

According to Minster Harmon, “Cabinet considered the report and authorised the Minster to assist with the management of GuySuCo with their ongoing discussions with Central Housing and Planning Authority to finalise the sale of lands and to facilitate payments for such lands to GuySuCo urgently.”

Minster Harmon, when questioned by this publication, conceded that the G$2B to be raised by GuySuCo by selling off some of its lands will not be enough to meet the requirements of the corporation and indicated the entity will require more money before the end of the year.

He told media operatives “GuySuCo requires more monies, this is an emergency intervention...as you know, sale of lands was always a part of the diversification process of GuySuCo.” According to Minister Harmon, there was a request for G$2B and as-

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

sured that the monies to be had through CH&PA would cover this request.

“Government has suggested that Junior Finance Minister assist CH&PA pay for lands which have been identified,” Harmon disclosed.

He explained that the lands will now be put under the purview of the Central Housing & Planning Authority and “will be available to the Guyanese public.”

The Minister was at the time unable to identify precisely where the lands identified for sale are located except to say, “those are matters

which are within discussions of GuySuCo and CH&PA but what I can say is that the G$2B will be made available.”

He told media operatives the transaction between CH&PA and GuySuCo, with the assistance of the Junior Finance Minister—currently acting in the substantive position—“will be completed today (Thursday).”

The financial state of affairs at the corporation had reached a point where there had been significant delays in payments of wages and salaries.

This, among other factors, led to an emergency meeting on Monday last ahead of the Cabinet meeting with Prime Minister Nagamootoo, GuySuCo’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Clive Thomas and Chief Executive Officer, Errol Hanoman, to discuss “urgent cash flow relative to wages, salaries and other payments at GuySuCo.” Meanwhile, as part of the ongoing divestment of the assets belonging to the beleaguered GuSyCo, Minister Harmon also announced that Colvin

Keith-London has been appointed as head of the Special Purpose Unit (SPU).

That unit has been tasked with the divestment of GuySuCo’s assets inclusive of its lands, and according to Harmon, Keith-London will be based at the Kingston Headquarters for the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

That unit was first announced by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, when in recent months he presented a Policy Paper to the National Assembly on the future of the sugar industry.

That unit was allocated some G$130M “to provide for the establishment of a Special Purpose Unit to manage the reform of the sugar industry” when the Government in July last requested a Supplementary request to tap the national coffers. The National Assembly has since approved the monies for the unit.

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana-Suriname border controversy

Joint commission could be reactivated this year

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hile Suriname has not showed any form of aggression towards Guyana although the two countries still have a border issue over the New River Triangle territory, the process of mediation aimed at coming to a friendly settlement could commence before the end of this year.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge has said that while there has not been any progress with regard to the request made by Guyana to have the Netherlands assist Suriname with documents to support their arguments, a joint commission that was established for many years now could be reactivated.

“The joint commission is to be reactivated between the two sides and this is one of the things they will take up again. We have identified members of that commission on our side and they haven’t met since 2015. One can expect they can meet before the end of this year and that will breathe some life again into that dialogue so that we can resolve this issue,” Greenidge said.

Back in October 2015, President David Granger had called on Suriname to hand over its documents to Guyana for scrutiny, taking into account that Guyana has already done the same. Granger has said that Suriname should ask the Netherlands Government to open the relevant Dutch archives to facilitate research by both sides, but Suriname has not been forthcoming with any information.

The President had also called on Suriname to take the border issue to an internationally recognised adjudicatory body if it is convinced that its claim can withstand legal scrutiny. He said Guyana was of the view that if an agreement could not be reached at the bilateral level within a given time-frame, the matter should be taken to adjudication so that this controversy could be concluded.

President Granger has explained that Suriname’s claim to the Corentyne River area also remained a matter of contention since there has never been a treaty that clearly demarcated the boundary between the neighbouring countries.

He had said that Guyana was confident that the boundary between the countries was definitively established by 1936. He added that there was an agreement as to what constituted the territory of Guyana and what constituted the territory of Suriname despite the fact that there was no formal treaty that captured that agreement.

Greenidge said recently that while the main issue of contention right now as re-

Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge

gards border matters was between the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, the Foreign Affairs Ministry would continue to actively pursue the matter between Guyana and Suriname aimed at hopefully reaching an amicable solution.

In mid-2011, Surinamese President Desi Bouterse brought up the issue again and said that his country would be pursuing actions, based on international law, to explore the possibility of the issue being handled by means of a friendly settlement.

The New River Triangle border issue between Guyana and Suriname dates to 1840.

In 1936, a Mixed Commission established by the British and Dutch Governments agreed to award the full width of the Corentyne River to Suriname, as per the 1799 agreement.

The territorial sea boundary was deemed to prolongate 10 degrees from Point No 61, three miles from the shore.

The New River Triangle, however, was completely awarded to Guyana.

The treaty putting this agreement into law was never ratified, because of the outbreak of World War II. In 1936, the Dutch representative Conrad Carel Käyser signed an agreement with British and Brazilian representatives, placing the tri-point junction near the source of the Kutari River.

Desiring to put the border issue to rest before British Guiana gained independence, the British Government restarted negotiations in 1961.

The British position asserted “Dutch sovereignty over the Corentyne River, a 10° line dividing the territorial sea, and British control over the New River Triangle.”

No agreements were made and Guyana became independent with its borders unresolved. In 1969, border skirmishes occurred between Guyanese forces and Surinamese militias.

In 1971, the Surinamese and Guyanese Governments agreed in Trinidad to withdraw military forces from the Triangle.

The maritime boundary has long been disputed between Guyana and Suriname as well, and led in 2000 to conflict between a CGX oil rig doing work for Guyana and the Surinamese coast guard.

Guyana close to implementing advanced plane tracking system – aviation boss

By Jarryl Bryan

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ne of the prevailing criticisms of Guyana’s aviation sector has been its lack of high-tech systems like the Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADSB) to keep track of planes. But the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is pushing back against suggestions that it is dragging its feet.

According to GCAA Director General Egbert Field, the authority has in fact had this technology in operation since 2015.

Field noted, however, that it was limited to tracking planes flying at a certain altitude.

“I would like to inform individuals that if they check the AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication) manual, they would see that the ADSB was in operation since 2015,” Field recently expressed.

“The use of the ADSB was for flights above flight level 24,000 feet. Below, we had to put in the infrastructure.”

Field explained that this infrastructure largely includes four outlying relay stations for the ADSB technology. These stations are located at Kaieteur in Region Eight; Annai in Region Nine; Kamarang in Region Seven, and Port Kaituma in Region One. “Work at them has been completed, and we hope to have testing started by the end of this month. That system would take the place of radar. Provided that the transponder is fitted in the aircraft, Air Traffic Control would be able to identify that aircraft as it flies. And I am told by my air navigation services that with the four stations operational, we should be able to track an aircraft right down to landing,” Field explained.

He said that experts are currently checking the stations to ensure that there is proper transmission of data. The retired Lieutenant Colonel also

GCAA Director General, Egbert Field

observed that the project would have cost the Government hundreds of millions of dollars.

Blind spot

Issues related to tracking planes came to the national forefront as early as 2014, when an Air Services Limited (ASL) Britten Norman Islander plane piloted by Captain Nicholas Persaud went down over the jungles of Region Eight. To this day, the plane, pilot and crew have not been found.

Since then, however, the aviation sector has faced a flurry of plane crashes. The most recent crash involved Captain Imran Khan, 41, of Essequibo Coast, Region Two, who had been attached to ASL. At the time, he was flying from Chi-Chi to Mahdia (Region Eight) when his Cessna 206 (8R-GFM) aircraft went down late last month, killing the experienced pilot.

On August 8, 2017, a single-engine Cessna aircraft piloted by Captain Dominique Waddell was taking off from the Eteringbang airstrip in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) when it crashed. The Wings Aviation plane was on a shuttling mission from Eteringbang to Ekereku when the incident occurred.

On July 25, 2017, Captain Collin Martin, a retired Guyana

Defence Force Major, was piloting a Roraima Airways aircraft when it crashed, killing him almost instantly. Martin perished after the BrittenNorman Island aircraft he was operating crashed on landing at Eteringbang.

In a recent letter to the media, one operator had highlighted some of the deficiencies in the sector.

CEO of Roraima Airways, Captain Gerry Gouveia, had zeroed in on problems such as the lack of effective search-and-rescue operations. In his recommendations, Gouveia had also encouraged that aircraft be equipped with the Automatic Dependent Broadcast Surveillance (ADBS) tracking systems. He urged that the ADSB systems be fast tracked to completion and is always operational and functioning.

Gouveia recommended that spot trackers be installed on every aircraft operating in Guyana; and that each local airline must have the ability to track and flight follow their aircraft moment by moment.

He also urged that the GCAA mandate the use of high-end moving map Global Positioning System (GPS) in every plane.

He also recommended pilots be equipped with a secondary back up GPS. “Mandate that local pilots are trained and competent to use the GPS systems,” Gouveia advised. “Mandate that pilots are trained, and must understand the safety accuracy checks of the GPS prior to each flight, using the ground based navigational systems at the CJIA. “Establish flight corridors for every route into the hinterland runways using agreed- on GPS waypoints. Establish procedures using GPS waypoints to assist pilots in maintaining stabilized flight and stabilized approaches to all runways,” Gouveia had added.

T&T Granny was suffocated

…churchyard death for ‘killer’

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randmother Haniffa Bedassie operated a mini mart in her Chaguanas community for over two decades without ever being robbed, until yesterday.

The criminal took not only her valuables, but her life.

She died in the apartment adjoining her shop. Bedassie, 54, is believed to have suffocated on a piece of clothing stuffed into her mouth by the thief to silence her. The thief was shot in the compound of a nearby church by patrolling police officers. He died at hospital.

Relatives of Bedassie said that they knew the thief because he grew up in the community and his mother ran a sewing business on the same compound.

Bedassie, 54, a mother of two, and grandmother of two, was attacked midmorning in

Grandmother Haniffa Bedassie

her minimart.

She ran to the back where her apartment is located where she was cornered by the thief.

He tied her hands and feet on the floor of her apartment and muzzled her with a piece of clothing.

“This was the first time that she got robbed here. I found it

strange that someone who had been renting there would come back and rob her. It is really unfortunate that he killed her”, said her relative, Deenalee Siew.

“The neighbours were not seeing her and they went to look for her. They were banging down the door.

But the bandit was still there. When the people left he ran out through the back.

Her son came and found her and started to bawl. The pastor of the church right next door stopped the police and told them that a man with a back pack was running down the road. The police shot him.

They shot him in the church compound, the Redemption Worship Centre”, said Siew.

The thief is yet to be identified, police said. (Trinidad Express)

22 NEWS

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Man in custody for robbing 6, fingered Granny jailed in attack on ret’d ACP’s daughter for 4 years,

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he Guyana Police Force has detailed, through its Public Relations and Press Officer Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, that a group of six persons, inclusive of three females were robbed on Tuesday morning at Second Bridge, Mocha, East Bank Demerara by a lone, armed perpetrator.

According to Ramlakhan, diligent work on the part of the Force has resulted in the arrest of a 27-year-old unemployed suspect of 96 Nelson Street, Mocha who was on Wednesday positively identified by the victims.

The suspect, Dillion Joel Dublin, has since been charged with six counts of robbery under arms and will be arraigned before a Magistrate soonest, said the police PRO is a statement.

Meanwhile, Ramlakhan posited that Dublin is also being questioned in relation to an attempted robbery and shooting of a cashier, Kathy Vyphuis and her supervisor identified as Tommy Lee, which occurred at Plantation Providence about 02:00hrs on Tuesday.

Vyphuis, a single mother who has also been identified as the daughter of retired Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), George Vyphuis, was left in a traumatized state after she was attacked by an armed and masked bandit in front of her Plantation Providence, East Bank Demerara home.

Speaking to this newspaper on the day of the incident, Kathy Vyphuis was in tears while describing her horrifying encounter, and constantly praising her neigh-

Kathy Vyphuis

bour, Nicole Telford for coming to her “rescue.”

According to the single parent, she finished working at around 02:00hrs, and was given a drop home by her supervisor- identified only as Tommy Lee. She recalled that as soon as the car pulled up in front of her flat concrete home, she noticed a masked man approach her supervisor in the driver’s seat, holding a gun.

Vyphuis recalled that she quickly scrambled out of the vehicle after hearing the bandit ordering “Tommy Lee” not to move.

The supervisor then accelerated and managed to flee in his car, but not before being shot once to his hand. The bullet reportedly went through his hand and punctured his leg.

The bandit then turned on

Vyphuis who was attempting to flee on foot, but instead stumbled and lost her footing, crashing into a nearby gutter.

“I was crying and throwing my bag at him and telling him I don’t have anything. Let him take my bag. I was begging for my life,” she said.

At that point, the perpetrator reportedly picked up the woman’s handbag and hopped onto his bicycle, leaving the scene.

The sobbing woman began running towards her neighbours’ doors, shouting for help but was met with no one opening their doors for her, except for her “life saver” Nicole Telford.

“I called for help and no body open the door except for Ms Telford. She opened her door and asked if anyone was with me, and I said no. She tell me walk and come slowly and mek sure no one was following me.”

It was only after Vyphuis reached the safety of Telford’s home that she realized she was covered in mud and blood, after reportedly being shot once to her hand. She however, could not recall when she was hit.

The two women sought to contact the police as well as Vyphuis’ father.

The single mother was subsequently treated at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.

This publication was reliably informed that the supervisor, who was on Tuesday admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital for his wounds, is in a stable condition but has not been discharged from the hospital.

fined G$6.2M for trafficking cocaine

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grandmother looking to raise quick cash was on Thursday sentenced to 4 years in prison and fined G$6.2M after she pleaded guilty to the charge of attempting to traffic cocaine.

Seeta Rampersaud, 59, was in tears as the court heard that on September 18, 2017, she was intercepted in the scanning area of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) by a Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) officer who noticed strange items in her carrying case. Upon further inspection, it was observed that a quantity of cocaine ( 2.318kg) was hidden away in a secret compartment at the back of suitcase.

The unemployed woman sought to explain to the Chief Magistrate, A n n McLennan, that she was recently laid off from a job where she resided in Suriname and had only just come back to Guyana when she became friends with a woman identified as "Nandy" in a minibus.

She said that the woman gave her a contact number for another person, and indicated that he would be able to help her raise funds and all she has to do is travel abroad.

Shortly after meeting the man -who had not identified himselfRampersaud said she was instructed to travel to New York with a suitcase that her recruiter provided her with.

The elderly woman indicated that she had asked if it was laced with cocaine and the man had answered in the negative.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

New Demerara River bridge

Opposition says Govt’s subsidy plan a recipe for bankruptcy T he political Opposition is in support of a new bridge across the Demerara River. However, the party has insisted that it will not support a bridge that is mired in corruption, is already slated to exceed the Berbice Bridge in cost, and is financially unsustainable.

Demanding answers on some of the project’s more shady details, the People’s Progressive Party, in a statement on Saturday, questioned the financial structure of the bridge and the relationship between a businessman and the Government’s choice of the location for the bridge.

According to the PPP, the public will note that the Government has been unable to explain how and why the bridge terminates upon land owned by APNU financier Stanley Ming; and that this bridge is estimated to cost US$170 million, which is three times more than the Berbice River Bridge.

The Berbice Bridge, which was opened in 2008, cost some US$40 million to build. According to the party, that bridge did not cost the Government anything in subsidies.

Moreover, the party noted that the rates charged at the Berbice Bridge were comparable to the cost of using a ferry. It contrasted this with the new Demerara Bridge proposal.

tunity to draw attention to two bridges constructed in neighbouring Suriname by a previous Government under arrangements that were financially unsustainable.

The strain that this had

did was a pre-feasibility study, and not a feasibility study. This pre-feasibility study dealt only with possible locations and the different types of bridge suitable for each (site). It did not treat with detailed

nounced acquisition of lands only at Houston, but not Versailles.

“With this new structure, what would be the cost of tolls for commuters and for commercial transporters?” the PPP ques-

costs and other variables.

It identified three possible locations for the bridge: Hope–Patentia, alongside the current bridge, and Houston–Versailles.

By no means was a conclusive decision taken by the PPP/C Government on any model or any location for the bridge.”

tioned. “Since the feasibility study indicated that increase of tolls will be inadequate to finance this project, what would be the level of Government subsidy/financing?” the PPP wanted to know.

“What is the financing model for this bridge?

Would it be a public/private partnership (PPP) or the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model?

“Would the selected contractor be responsible for financing and building the bridge, as well as other infrastructure to ac-

Artist impression of the bridge

“No sources of finance have been identified, and the Government is committed to subsidising this bridge at unsustainable levels. For example, according to the Government feasibility study, if the 2017 toll rates are to be increased by 100 per cent, it will still attract a subsidy of over US$140 million over the first 12 years. That is over Gy$28 billion, which is equivalent to approximately Gy$2.3 billion per year,” the party said on Saturday.

“We take this oppor-

put on the Treasury of that country catapulted its economy into chaos.”

The site

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson had claimed that the previous Government itself had identified and touted the Houston-to-Versailles site in its pre-feasibility study. However, the PPP has denied this, noting that the study had identified three possible locations, and had offered opinions on each.

“In terms of the location of the bridge, what the PPP/C administration

Questions

The party went on to question what would be the cost for Government to acquire lands at Houston and Versailles.

It also queried why the Ministry of Public Infrastructure had an-

commodate usage of the bridge; or would it be two separate awards?”

Noting that Government has not shared copies of any social impact assessment or environmental impact assessment into the proposed bridge, the PPP has demanded that the responsible minister inform the nation how this site would affect businesses in the vicinity of both sides of the proposed location.

“Since, within a specific distance determined by international standards, mooring of vessels are restricted for safety purposes in the vicinity of this bridge, how will this impact the publicly announced on-shore oil-andgas facility; investments made by Muneshwer’s Limited at Houston; and other existing fishing establishments, fuel terminals, and other wharves that service ocean-going vessels?” the party also questioned.

“As it relates to traffic flow and congestion, is there a network of roads that was considered? And how does the proposed Ogle-to-Diamond bypass road fit into this scheme?” the PPP also questioned.

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Granger’s Petroleum Advisor agrees with Jagdeo …advocates auctioning off available petroleum blocks

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resident David G r a n g e r ’ s P e t r o l e u m Advisor, Dr Jan Mangal, has come out publicly in support of the calls by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, and has since called for the auctioning of the available petroleum blocks.

Dr Mangal was at the time responding to queries raised and published by the Guyana Times and attributed to the Opposition Leader, who this past week raised the matter as a worrying case of cronyism evolving, wherein relatives, friends and associates of Ministers and senior Government functionaries have been incorporated into companies through complex shareholding arrange-

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

ments, and are applying for exploration and production licences for oil and gas in the blocks still available.

Speaking to the need for the available blocks to instead be auctioned off rather than having preferred companies apply, Jagdeo sought to

point out that a premium must be considered.

Jagdeo suggested that the world-class discovery of oil in Guyana could be compared to a ‘gold shout’, and said the moment oil was discovered, “there is a premium now to owning offshore blocks and getting an exploration or production licence”.

The Opposition Leader has since found support in the utterances of Granger’s petroleum advisor, who in a public missive over the weekend said, “The process of one-on-one negotiation, or the open door method, where the Ministry of Natural Resources negotiates directly with the interested party, exposes the country to very real risks of corrupt activi-

Petroleum Advisor, Dr Jan Mangal

ties.

“There is a very serious risk of corruption with this method, due to the lack of transparency and accountability… Most countries have abandoned this method, as experts recommend against using it. Guyana should

no longer be awarding petroleum acreage via one-on-one negotiations after the Liza discovery in 2015,” said Dr Mangal.

According to the President’s Petroleum Advisor, as he echoed the sentiments of the Opposition Leader, “After the Liza discovery in 2015, Guyana was in a position to use the method of competitive bidding for the award of leases…The Liza discovery de-risked Guyana, and as a consequence, all the major oil companies recognise that there is oil in the country. Hence all the oil companies will be interested in bidding for leases in a transparent way, which ensures that Guyana incorporates market forces to maximise its share.”

Dr Mangal used the opportunity to reiterate that, “the petroleum adviser’s position has consistently maintained that competitive bidding is indeed the best approach for Guyana.”

He has since called the public’s attention to a direct correspondence from May 2017 with one such oil company attempting to acquire acreage via one-on-one negotiation.

According to Dr Mangal, that company was advised by him that: “Now that Guyana is on the radar post-Liza, it is my personal view that all future acreage should be leased in a way which maximizes benefit to Guyana, hence in a market-orientated way by an open bid round, to ensure competition. And acreage should not be negotiated one-on-one between the Government and a prospective developer.”

According to Dr Mangal, the risk of Government’s friends and family illegally obtaining leases will be significantly reduced if an independently managed and well audited competitive bidding process is used.

“There is no rush to award more leases, since Guyana is already occupied with the developments in the Stabroek Block,” Dr Mangal said.

Opposition Leader Jagdeo, in similar warnings to that of Dr Mangal – of Government friends and family illegally obtaining leases – had stated that several of the local companies applying for petroleum licences “have no means whatsoever.”

According to Jagdeo,

President David Granger

those companies he referred to as aligned to Ministers and their families, and some others, cronies, “have no means of finding hundreds of millions of US dollars to do the exploration work.”

As such, he opined that the companies in question “will get these blocks and, weeks later, they will sell the blocks without any competitive process being followed”.

Jagdeo suggested, too, that even some of the foreign companies that have been making applications had “unhealthy contacts with some Ministers and their surrogates”.

The Opposition Leader posited that were these companies to secure licences, there is the possibility of them earning tens of millions of US dollars.

He told members of the media that according to industry experts he has been in communication with, “the big companies will just buy these up (licences).”

Jagdeo used the opportunity to suggest that were President Granger serious about transparency in the sector, he would shut down the application process and instead have the blocks auctioned off.

“The process is not transparent now. They should look at the beneficiaries, the shareholders of these companies; they are very complex now. There are a lot of front people, and they should go to an auction, because now this is a valuable resource.”

Jagdeo also reminded that, given the discovery of oil, the blocks could now be sold at a premium.

“If you go to an auction, money that the middle men will make will come to the State… so if they auction off these blocks, the companies that will buy it, they don’t have to get middle men who will buy it and sell it to them without any tender in a secret process.”

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Scenic Kopinang W

ith some of the tallest Pakaraima peaks in the distance, mountain streams, waterfalls, vast savannah land and pristine rainforests, Kopinang is a bucket list adventure.

Described as “one of the most beautiful villages in Guyana�, Kopinang, located in the North Pakaraimas (Potaro/Siparuni), is home of the indigenous nation, the Patamona.

Wokumung/Kopinang Mountain takes up most of the background of Kopinang Mission - some of the highest peaks in Guyana, some reaching up to 6,000ft. They make up part of the North Pakaraimas in the Potaro region. The entire area is scenic and is well-kept by the community.

Aerial view of a section of the village (Photo from The Beauty of Kopinang page on Facebook)

Another of Kopinang's many waterfalls (Photo from The Beauty of Kopinang page on Facebook)

Picturesque waterfall in Kopinang (Photo by James Deeges)

Kopinang Primary School

Pit stop in Kopinang

Breathtaking scene in Kopinang (Photo from The Beauty of Kopinang page on Facebook)

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Myths, Legends and Oral Traditions - an appreciation in archaeology, indigenous culture

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Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton taking a selfie with students from St. Margaret Primary School

he Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology on Wednesday hosted its annual Myths, Legends and Oral Traditions of Guyana, a two-day fair that offers dramatic storytelling, poetry, art and craft-making at the Umana Yana.

Several students and teachers from nursery and secondary schools attended the event, which comes under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Cohesion.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, observed that highlighting Guyana’s first peoples’ culture and contribution is necessary as it affords persons, in particular students, an opportunity to learn about the contributions made by indigenous Guyanese.

“Year after year, this activity has been sustained due to its importance in raising awareness and showcasing the rich culture of the indigenous peoples and their contribution to Guyana and this is why I must commend it, the headmasters, the headmistresses, and teachers who brought the students here today,” the Minister noted.

Minister Norton spoke of the value of children being exposed to the country’s different cultures, since as future leaders of Guyana they will carry on the tra-

dition as part of their national identity.

He reiterated that greater understanding and appreciation of indigenous culture will aid in its preservation, hence the importance of involving young people in such events. Norton noted that without a doubt indigenous people have greatly contributed to the molding of the nation’s diverse society, for which they must be recognized.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, thanked the children for their participation and noted that the activities offered will give them an insight into the myths and legends of the indigenous peoples.

The fair forms part of the Indigenous Heritage Month’s observance, under the theme, “Guyana’s First Peoples: Sustaining a Rich Cultural Environment”.

In 2016, the Walter Roth of Museum of Anthropology hosted its first ever combined exhibition and fair (Exhi-fair) with the aim to creating an understanding and fostering an appreciation for archaeology in addition to recognizing the contributions made by pioneering Guyanese Archaeologists and Anthropologists.

(DPI)

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The first peoples were migrants, arriving to face an infinitely different environment from present day

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Paleo-Indian projectile point, north-western Guyana

ccording to Guyanese anthropologist Denis Williams, the Americas began to be populated around 12,000 years ago when global decline in sea levels led to exposed land below seas that allowed the crossing of early man through the Bering Strait from East Asia into North America, and gradual southern migration.

These migrants, known as paleo-Indians (old Indians), are also described as big game hunters since they are known to have hunted the large

The coastlands of an ancient era were markedly different from the present day Guyana coastline.

Evidence from the deep mud below today’s coastline suggest stands of mangrove forests existed some 8,000 years ago, and as proof of continual rising of coastline and sea, mangrove forests are indicated some 7,000 years ago, until the sea reached its present level some 6,000 years ago.

As continuous land penetration and coastal erosion occurred over the millennia, old

crust. As the land surface subsided, the water table rose. As clay sediments were deposited, they were gradually covered by varying thickness of pegasse accumulating under the water table, forming the vast 3,500 square kilometres pegasse swamps of the North West.

It is in this period, beginning some 7,000 years ago – regarded as the Archaic period – that the meso-Indians (middle Indians) or hunter gatherers because of their subsistence on hunting, fishing and gather-

Fish trap petroglyph, Kassikaityu River

game of the late Ice Age era. Using flaked stone tools to hunt, it is the discovery of their tools and implements throughout the Americas, as far as at the edge of Argentina, that records their southward migrations.

Williams noted that the first peoples entered northwestern Guyana about 11,000 years ago when Trinidad was yet part of the South American mainland, and grassy savannahs extended far out into the Atlantic Ocean we know of today.

beaches were isolated that comprised either shell or sand. These reefs, Williams noted, have provided the foundations for the earliest railways of the 19th century, and have been of significant cultural importance.

According to Williams, while the clays of the Coastal Plain were being deposited to the east of the Essequibo River by a rising sea, the land west of the Essequibo River was subject to continual subsidence resulting from movement of the earth’s

ing or collecting wild plant foods, thrived.

However, unlike North West and Pomeroon huntergatherers, those of the Guyana interior were nomadic, constantly moving their sites from place to place. In fact, there is some variance in settlement patterns in the contrasting environments.

While Rupununi and North West hunter-gatherers’ degrees of permanency varied, settlements along the Oronoque and New rivers in the rainforest areas were more

fixed.

In the Pegasse swamps of the North West, food resources included fish and crustaceans, beetle larvae and wild plant sources such as wild cashew and the ite palm from which a type of flour was produced. Among the savannah peoples, water fowl, fish, turtles, caiman and deer were bountiful food sources, while during the rainy season there is evidence of sustenance from the forest such as sloth and monkeys.

Hunter-gatherers of the rainforest sustained themselves on the abundance of fish at the end of the rainy season, along with a staple of wild nuts and wild prey.

From their early settlement in what is now Guyana, the indigenous peoples developed or maintained and extended their culture and heritage now being celebrated during Indigenous

Arawak Timehri petroglyphs

Heritage Month. With the history of slavery and indentureship, colonialism and independence, the history of Guyana’s indigenous peoples is now linked with the relatively new arrivals to

add to the country’s diverse yet integrated heritage. (Photos taken from “Pages in Guyanese Prehistory”

by Denis Williams.

Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, 1995)

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

…a few factors that contributed to Cynthia Dookie winning the coveted Miss Global International 2017 crown

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unday Times Magazine recently interviewed Guyanese fitness trainer, advocate, and the newly crowned Miss Global International 2017, Cynthia Dookie. Below is her interview on overcoming doubts, winning t h e

M i s s Global International 2017 pageant and what she hopes to accomplish via the crown.

Sunday T i m e s Magazine: What was instrumental in you winning the Miss Global International 2017 title?

C y n t h i a Dookie: The competition for this pageant was very tough, each delegate brought their ‘A game’.

Several factors were instrumental in winning

this title: support I received from my team; strength from God; and determination in my heart.

I went there [Jamaica where the pageant was held] with one mission - to defend my country to the best of my ability. I am proud

Miss Global International 2017, Cynthia Dookie

to have accomplished this for myself and for Guyana.

Sunday Times Magazine: Prior to the pageant, what was your determination?

Cynthia Dookie: I am a sound believer in, ‘I can do anything I set my mind and heart to’.

No matter the challenge or the obstacles in my way, I can overcome it all through prayer and confidence. With everything I do in my life, I set out to make my parents proud. I also say to myself, ‘My dad is up in heaven looking down on me and I want to make him proud of the person I am today’.

Sunday Times Magazine: Who/what contributed to you winning the pageant?

Cynthia Dookie: From the beginning, I have always had the best team anyone can ask for: my national directors [Miss Global International Guyana franchise holders], Mr Hashim Alli and his beautiful wife, Mrs Melicia Partab-Alli, along with Ms Gina Macedo, who is like my sister. This is my ‘dream team’. They have been my support system every step of the way; I could not have done this without them. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to t h a n k them and m y

Displaying her national costume at the Miss Global International 2017 pageant in Jamaica

supporters and sponsors.

Sunday Times Magazine: Did you ever doubt winning the pageant?

Cynthia Dookie: In the beginning, I had my doubts. However, I always believe I could do it. I prayed for strength and guidance, and I stepped out and did my best every day leading up to the pageant. I believe if I gave it my all, I would come out victorious. I thank God that I did. In the end, hard work and dedication always pay off.

Being in Jamaica, and having a Jamaican contestant in the pageant, I thought the other delegates and I would have had just a few supporters. However, to my surprise, I had quite a lot of non-Guyanese supporters, who came out in their numbers, picked a delegate and show their support by screaming

and applauding from beginning to end. I'm absolutely honoured to say I was one of the delegates they were supporting.

Apart from winning the crown, I was awarded Miss Most Aware and a special award for Best Evening Gown [designed

by Guyanese fashion designer, Randy Madray].

Sunday Times Magazine: What do you hope to accomplish via your new title?

Cynthia Dookie: Being the Miss Global International 2017 title holder, I have the ability to lend my voice to various charitable causes and social issues, which is what I intend to do. I don't want to stand on just one platform. Most importantly, I want to lend a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves.

One of my main responsibilities as the Miss Global International 2017 title

holder is to uphold the motto of the Miss Global International franchise – ‘Uniting the World through Beauty and Tourism’.

I intend to work diligently to promote peace, love and harmony among our neighbouring countries. I will do my best to motivate young women to be confident in themselves. I will promote the tourism factors in my country and around the world, educating people on how beautiful the world is and measures we can take to help care and protect the world and beautiful people in it.

I have a special project near and dear to my heart, which I’m currently planning to launch soon.

Visit Miss Global International Guyana on Facebook for more information.

With Hashim Alli (left) and Melicia Partab-Alli (right)

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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Norris Cummings is known for his positivity and infectious smiles

hile most of us find the movement of our head and hands as natural as breathing, Norris Cummings knows what it’s like to experience the loss of such abilities as he has been living with Cerebral Palsy, commonly referred to as ‘CP’, since birth.

Norris has overcome obstacles many may never know. Due to Cerebral Palsy, a physical disability affecting his balance and impairing the use of his upper limbs, Norris often experiences debilitating pain from his neck down. Despite this, Norris is known among his colleagues for his sense of humour, infectious laughter, and his determination to overcome adversity.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Norris disclosed that it was the nurses’ negligence by delaying his delivery and lack of oxygen to the brain at birth that caused him to be born with CP. But Norris has not allowed CP to prevent him from pursuing his dreams.

A skilful entrepreneur

Norris attended the Diamond Special Needs

School, where he learned much about independence from his teachers and others like himself.

At home, his siblings assisted him with everyday activities, which ultimately taught him to fend for himself.

The 26-year-old mentioned he reads all the time, which has contributed to him being able to articulate fluently despite his slurred speech.

After special needs school, Norris attended the Open Door Centre in Sophia. There he studied information technology, covering programmes such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and reprogramming of computers.

Having limited control in his hands, he skilfully uses the computer with his feet.

“I started practicing using my feet when I was in the special needs school to write. Like any normal nursery student, you start off tracing letters which I did. I then moved on to write in cursive, which later helped in using my feet effectively to operate the computer. I didn’t really get into computer hardware because of the fact I’m using my feet, and certain parts are very

small and fragile. After I completed my courses at Open Door, I went to Global Technology to do graphic design. Although they didn’t have facility at that time when I enrolled, they implemented this to accommodate me, which I think is very commendable,” he remarked.

Equipped with his certification in computer software, Norris opened his small business, Foot Works Graphic Printing & Photocopying Shop, at his home in New Hope on the East Bank of Demerara. He works as a graphic artist designing brochures, ads, newsletters and much more. He also helps out students in his village with the typing of their assignments.

Interestingly, Norris uses his feet expertly even for eating. “For eating, I use my feet very comfortably. I can also clean myself. When I’m out, though, I would need assistance as there aren’t any facilities really for those with disabilities. I have a couple of really good friends who would help me when we hang out. I have friends with and without disabilities. I’m thankful for the support I receive from my friends and family,” Norris expressed.

Challenges

But the young entrepreneur is irked at the reaction of others when they see his disability.

They stare and would make fun of him; however, he is “too smart to bother with illiterate people”.

Additionally, Norris is resolute to never allow what others say or do to him to discourage him.

Using his feet to type on the computer

Tips on disability etiquette by the National Commission on Disability:

-Talk to adults as adults; don’t treat persons with disabilities like children.

-Never ask, “What happened to you?” People with disabilities don’t want to focus on their disability; they want to be treated normally.

-Speak directly to the person with a disability, don’t ask their relative or companions questions about them.

-Use a normal tone of voice. Don’t shout or talk overly slowly.

-Never assume what a person with a disability wants, ask them.

-If offering assistance to someone, wait for them to accept before going ahead.

-Use physical contact in the same way you would for any other person. If you would normally shake hands, shake hands.

-Say “person with a disability” and avoid using “differently-able, the disabled, handicapped, crippled, deformed, defective, bruk-up”.

Another challenge he encounters is the use of public transportation.

Norris said it is very difficult for persons with disabilities to travel using minibuses.

“Most of the time I would travel by myself using public transportation. Only those who know me would stop, the others just slow down and when they see me they drive away. This makes me feel like I’m not a human to these persons. But what I want to highlight is that we never wish these things upon ourselves. Accidents and unforeseen occurrences can make us paralysed for life, so I don’t think they should treat people with disabilities differently,” Norris declared.

Goals

Norris’ goal is to one day make his business into an empire, where he could employ others with disabilities. As part of Young Voices Guyana, which advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities, Norris wants to do more in seeing the rights of the disabled fulfilled. He is focused too on creating forums with various locations on implementing facilities that are disability friendly. Norris also wants to see a better attitude from minibus operators in helping people living with disabilities.

His advice to those with disabilities is to know it is “not the end of the world” and that they should not give up on their goals. He encourages them to be as positive as possible and never allow others to dissuade them because of their disability.

“Take a page from my

'DJ Foot' on his mixer

book,” he insisted, “I am not permitting anyone to stop me from pursuing my dreams.”

Recently, Norris, who is also a DJ and goes by the moniker, ‘DJ Foot’, graduated with a certificate in computer re-

pairs from the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

Check out Foot Works Graphic Printing & Photocopying Shop on Facebook to find out more about Norris’ work or call 592-638-0465.

Norris (left), with colleagues, recently graduated from BIT with a certificate in computer repairs

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Minority Report…

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…in Procurement ot so long ago, there was a movie, Minority Report, starring Tom Cruise. The futuristic plot centred around three individuals who could “see”, and project on a screen, crimes unfolding just before they were committed. The job of Cruise’s team was to stop the crime in real time before it actually happened. The three clairvoyant individuals’ brains were “wired together” for unanimity, but sometimes the more gifted one would see things a bit differently, and would file a “Minority Report”.

Well, in Guyana today, something analogous is playing out, but, as always for us, there’s a twist.

Here, for decades, the APNU/AFC Opposition had accused the PPP Government of committing megacrimes while procuring billions and billions’ worth of goods and services for the Government’s use.

They insisted, challenged, and demanded a fiveperson Public Procurement Commission (PPC) be wired together to look into crimes that might be committed in procurement, going forward.

Not as futuristic as the clairvoyants – but what the heck?! Better late than never; and hopefully, by locking up a few (high level) miscreants, this would have a chilling effect on others who might be contemplating raiding the Consolidated Fund’s cookie jar. Well, the fact that after the Opposition APNU/AFC got into government they dragged their feet, kicking and screaming and took more than a year and a half to appoint the PPC should’ve been a tip-off that things na regulah. They’d been making a fuss about crimes in procurement because that’s what they had in THEIR minds. They were projecting!

In that year and a half, there were all sorts of crimes (and a couple of misdemeanours) committed from the moment they got the keys to their offices.

Those crimes were all swept under the rug, which contained so many bodies that when a $605 million whopper was committed in pharma purchases, the mega-bulge just had to be explained.

Well, the PPC was finally in place, headed by no other than the wife of the former leader of the PNC, who’d stepped aside gracefully for the present pressie to become leader.

While there were sceptics, hope beats eternal, doesn’t it? There was an investigation into the pharma scam, headed by the member nominated by the PPP. But, amazingly, the report was submitted without that fella’s signature. He’d indicated he had his own opinion on what really went down – and just like with the most gifted clairvoyant in the Tom Cruise movie, you’d expect him to submit his “Minority Report”, wouldn’t you?

Well, that’s what the fella figured, too…but his report’s been buried. In the movie, this meant somebody higher in the organisation had committed the crime.

What’d you think happened here? …in Mash Just when everyone thought “Mash”, which had defined “Republic Day” for so long, was being phased out as our “national celebration”, in favour of Independence Day, up comes news about this year’s version. Mash is going back to its roots with a vengeance. The Govt’s Minister of Social Cohesion – who’s also Minister of Culture – gave a preview of what lies ahead in a launch of Mash 2018 in Linden.

The theme, we’re told, is “Unity in Diversity”, but the Chronic captured the essence of what transpired in the town where Mash started 48 years ago – “get ready to Mash down the Town”!!! And that’s why your Eyewitness has to file his Minority Report.

After years of sober citizens complaining about the vulgarity into which Mash had descended, there were hopes that the more sober commemoration last year would set a more fitting tone.

But it looks like Cuffy’s bold sacrifice, that set us on our course to independence, is once again going to be symbolised by gyrations and dutty wining. …on the Police Your Eyewitness wants to know whether the Police upper echelon is undergoing a shakeup or a bloodbath?!

Was the crackpot “assassination plot” the cause for the long knives, or was it simply the occasion?

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

A Historical Focus

By Isahak Basir, CCH

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harity, Pomeroon River, is said to have existed about 3,000 years ago.

It has a population of over 5,000 and exhibits a well laid out housing scheme which is ever developing. This small township is the main intransit point leading to Region One, Venezuela and Trinidad and holds a rich cultural heritage.

Charity has all the basic amenities inclusive of banking and customs facility as well as road and river transport system. It is an exciting hub for tourists.

Originally, Charity was occupied by the Dutch settlers in 1640.

In the area of Vryden Hope, cotton was cultivated. By 1840, the Portuguese occupied much of the abandoned Dutch plantations in

the lower Pomeroon, and the area of Vryden Hope was divided and part of it was allocated as Charity by Alfred Surroung and Manuel Gouveia. These two families cultivated coffee and established the first steam-driven coffee mill in 1896.

The intermarriages of Goveias, Vansluytman and Stolls saw the rapid economic and cultural development of this enclave. At that time, the Portuguese land owners were solely dependent on African and indentured laborers to cultivate their farm lands.

Access to the Pomeroon River was by the Tapakuma Lake or by sea until the road link between Dartmouth and Charity was discovered in 1908. The trail was discovered by three

The post office

The 100-year-old masjid

young hunters- Jerry Goveia, John Baharally and Gusy Surroung.

It was an early morning expedition by these three trail blazers. The starting point was at the eastern end of the Charity coffee estate now known as “bamboo bridge.” After trailing for eight hours in swamps and tall grass teeming with wildlife, they saw rising smoke in a remote direction and followed it only to discover that they had reached an Essequibo civilization.

This happening was historic and the colonial government agreed to purchase the coffee estate of Charity and surrounding area for $8,000 Guyana dollars and commenced building the twelve kilometers road. The Portuguese community donated the school and church lands and Goveia’s house was used as the new administrative office.

The police station was relocated from

Marlborough in the lower Pomeroon, and the Court Hall from Macaseema, upper Pomeroon, to Charity.

The first school was built by the Catholic Church. The first medical centre was built in 1928 but was rebuilt to facilitate a hospital in 1935 when a pregnant mother gave birth to twin girls on the Charity market wharf.

The first fuel outlet was made by the Raliims in 1938, opposite the site of the old hospital.

During the World War 2, rubber was a scarce commodity, so rubber trees were planted in 1939. Some rubber trees are still around today.

Another legendary event was during the excavation of a Dutch canal in 1880 where an indentured shovelman found a jar of Dutch gold gilders at Charity.

The estate owner, Timothy Vansluytman, made sure that the labourer was given special elite status for the

rest of his life.

Charity is home to many landmarks. One such valuable landmark is the Jacklow Masjid, originally built in 1912 by Mohamed Sarafraz. It celebrates 100 years of existence this year. Sarafraz and his wife Gafooran came to Guyana from India as indentured Indians.

Sarafraz came from the province of Punjab while Gafooran came from Uar Pradesh. They arrived in Berbice in 1885 and were bound for Hampton Court sugar plantation. After serving six years of being indentured servants, they were released and found temporary shelter at an abandoned estate at Plantation Beer Success in 1892.

The road link from Darthmouth to Charity in 1908 allowed easy access to the Pomeroon River. Sarafraz and fellow “Jahajees” in 1911 occupied several ten acres of land between Marndale and Siriki in

the Pomeroon River.

Sarafraz estate was known as “Rabeah.”

His colleagues, Hamid, Refeedeen, Kallod and two others, supported the first troolie roof Masjid built by him in January 1912.

The mosque was rebuilt in 1924 and later in 1959 as its present structure. This Masjid serves an area of thirty miles where several Muslim families reside. All the Muslim calendar events are observed there. Subratee, who came as a small child with his parents from India in 1902, was a regular member of the Jamaat. He lived for 103 years. This gives evidence of the longevity of this landmark.

The traditional landmark, the huge silk cotton tree, still stands tall on the river side of Charity township. The bamboo bridge site, the rubber trees, and silk cotton tree should be preserved for posterity.

(Photos by Marco Basir)

40 feature

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com 'Enjoyment' by Jerry Marco

Go on a remarkable journey where legends, themes and worlds come alive through evocative art

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Painting by Victor Captain

orks of art can stimulate, astound and transform us. For this reason, a visit to the indigenous art exhibition being held at Castellani House is a must.

The exhibition, which opened on September 6 in celebration of Indigenous Heritage Month, showcases aweinspiring, naturalistic paintings, drawings, crafts and sculptures.

Additionally, the art exhibition, which is being held in collaboration with the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, pays homage to a pioneer promoter of indigenous art and craft, Sr. Theresa La Rose, R.S.M. At the opening of the exhibition, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dept.

of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr George Norton spoke on La Rose’s role in the preservation of indigenous art and craft, noting that art forms an integral part of Guyanese culture.

According to Minister Norton, the exhibition “offers persons a better appreciation of the time, efforts and sacrifices that were put into the art by the artists, something that most persons take for granted; as such there is no better way of preserving this aspect of indigenous culture than the hosting of such an exhibition to portray the works of Guyana’s first peoples to the eyes of the wider society.”

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, urged indigenous artists

to keep the works of La Rose alive.

“I am hoping that one day, through these very artistic ways, we can be able to shape a nation that is as colourful as the rainbow. The rainbow is not beautiful because it is divided… it keeps its formation, so if we keep our understanding of our roots, we keep our culture… each and every one of us… then we come together with respect, we will be as beautiful as that rainbow…” expressed Minister Allicock.

Sr. Theresa La Rose, who died in 2009, lives on as an ‘Amerindian’ icon. She was from the village of Santa Rosa in Region One (BarimaWaini). She was born Mary Theresa La Rose to Edmund and Amelia La Rose. She took the name Sister Theresa La Rose she became a nun.

She received her early education at Santa Rosa School and, having entered the religious order of the Sisters of Mercy in 1953, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the College Misericordia in Pennsylvania, US. As an educator, La Rose served in schools located in Guyana’s interior as well as in Georgetown.

Subsequently, she worked as a government official in various capacities among Guyana’s hinterland population.

It was during this time as a government official

"Palace of the Peacock" by George Simon. Oil on canvas

"Blue and Yellow Head" by Victor Captain

that she focused her attention on identifying and nurturing the creative talents of Guyana’s indigenous peoples. She went on to manage a craft shop that showcased and sold indigenous crafts, seeking out works of highest quality for local and international exhibitions, up to the time of her death.

The exhibition, which continues until September 27, currently displays works by indigenous artists Victor Captain, Jerry Marco, Guy Marco, George Simon, Desmond Alli, Wilkie George, Ronsford Simon, Oswald Hussein and Roland Taylor.

G a l l e r y hours are 10am to 5pm on Mondays to Fridays and 2pm to 6pm on Saturdays; the gallery is closed on Sundays and holidays.

Castellani

House, National Gallery of Art, is located on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown. For more information on the exhition, call 225-

0579. (Information extracted from comments by Laureen Pierre.

Additional reporting by Paula Gomes)

Painting by Ronsford Simon

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

The last to know

S

atiricus knew he was headed for dangerous waters. But he had his answers all ready for the onslaught he knew would come down on him, once he got to the Back Street Bar. His better half, Caustic, had already given him more than his fair share that made him speed up his exit from his house and hearth. He wasn’t disappointed.

“Suh wha’ mek Rum Jhaat na just resign?” Bungi demanded even before he could get comfortable, much less begin on his beer. “’E a wan real waste!”

“What are you talking about?” said Satiricus with a straight face, hoping to buy some time.

“You didn’t read the paper today?” asked Hari, as Satiricus shook his head affirmatively.

“If Rum Jhaat in charge a de police,” Bungi wanted to know. “How come he a complain de Kranik know ‘bout all dem police big bais guh get knack aff befo’ he?”

“Well, it was a leak, you know,” said Hari in Satiricus’s defence.

“Me know a wan leak,” said Bungi heatedly. “But dem na suppose fuh gyam wan hint befo’ de res’ a de Cabinet?

“He’s a very busy man,” said Satiricus weakly.

“Suh ‘e police jab a only fuh fix-up police stayshan?” Bungi wanted to know. “An’ wuk pan ‘e alcohol prablem?”

“But tell me something,” said Hari, still trying to rescue Satiricus. “Isn’t Nagga Man in charge of the Chronic? Couldn’t he plug the leak?”

“Budday! Da jus’ show me bin right all de time,” said Bungi, slapping the table. “Rum Jhaat and Nagga Man jus’ like C’rismuss blow-blow in dis guvment!”

“He’s right, Sato,” conceded Hari. “Especially since Feel-Licks took half his job.”

“I suspected this would happen,” said Satiricus, shaking his head. “Moon ah run till daylight ketch am.”

Bungi and Hari laughed in surprise as they clinked beer bottles.

Fishy story at Wales

S

atiricus was bemused at some latest news coming out of Wales, the sugar estate that had been closed so abruptly by the Government. His buddy Bungi had a vested interest in those goingson, since he’d worked all his life in the industry.

Satiricus figured ruefully that, for Bungi, he had seen the future, and it was Wales. Maybe he’d be able to clear up the news during their Back Street Bar gyaaf.

“What’s really going on at Wales, Bungi?” Satiricus asked as soon as he’d clinked his first beer with the fellas.

“Wha’ yuh mean?” replied Bungi. “Dem bais a play card nowadays, and some a dem gyaal a ketch fare fuh min’ dem pickney.”

“Jeez!” exclaimed Satiricus. “I didn’t think it was that bad already. But I mean about whether they’re planting rice or rearing fish.”

“Yeah!” butted in Hari, as Bungi finished off his beer and signalled for another. “Or whether your friends will get land to farm?”

“Ah who hut a’yuh

head?” Bungi wanted to know. “Yuh mus’ pick sense fram nansense. Me daady always tell me, ‘If oil ah float, watah deh ah battam!”

“Bungi, what the arse you mean?” asked Satiricus. “Don’t give us your parables!”

“Budday, a lil evidence can tell yuh de trut’!!” smiled Bungi. “Ah who tell a’yuh ‘bout fish a Wales?”

“That Veer Ra fella,” reported Satiricus, as Hari nodded. “Da wha me mean!” said Bungi. “Da wan maan who bin own wan whole suga’ estate.

How come ‘e na grow fish?”

“Well, he said the rice they planting,” said Hari, “is to feed the fish.”

“Hari, me fr’en’, nah tek yuh mattie eye fuh see wha in front a yuh,” advised Bungi. “Specially if yuh mattie name Veer Ra!” “You mean, donkey ears long, but he doan hear he own story, right Bungi?” grinned Satiricus. “Veer Ra failed in everything, so we mustn’t listen to him?”

“Let’s drink to that!” grinned Bungi.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Bartica aims to better accommodate yachters

A

proposal for the construction of a marina in Bartica was on the agenda when Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin travelled to the Region Deven community and met with stakeholders to discuss the project.

The marina will add to the growing number of attractions that are slowly making the

new township one of Guyana’s premier tourism hotspots.

The initial stage of the project will see the construction of a dinghy dock and the laying of moorings to facilitate 'pleasure' yachts. Once completed the infrastructure will ensure the provision of safe, secure anchorage facilities for visiting yachts and re-

duce the risk of damage.

After examining the proposed site, Minister Gaskin endorsed the project and complimented the various stakeholders for their enthusiastic support. The Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall and Chairman of Region Seven, Gordon Bradford, who were also on site, expressed optimism that the project

Yachts from this year’s Nereid’s Yacht Rally

will materialize in the very near future.

Two of the driving forces behind the project, Christopher Kit Nascimento and yacht aficionado David Matelicani, were also present. The fifth season of the Nereid’s Yacht Rally is currently in Guyana, with seven yachts docked at the Hurakabra River Resort in the Essequibo River.

During a luncheon and reception for the yachters, on September 14, calls were made by organizers of the rally, for the construction of a marina at a prime location.

Guyana is seen as an ideal hurricane-free

tourism destination for yachters, and with the construction of the marina, the annual rally will see a significant increase in yachts participating.

The Rally departed Guyana on Friday, September 22 to its final destination, via Suriname, at Saint Laurent on the Maroni River in French Guiana for an elaborate welcome by the Mayor of the town, complete with Trinidad & Tobago steel band.

Countries represented at this year’s rally were from Sweden, Australia, the United States of America, France, Italy, and England. (DPI)

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Ramjattan is battling for relevance within Coalition Administration Dear Editor, I am very much unsurprised at the recent desperate tirades by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, as he made another futile attempt to personally attack the good name and character of the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party and Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo.

While it is cognisant that any response to Mr Ramjattan would dignify his utterances, it would be remiss if I didn’t point out that such reckless, spurious and juvenile outbursts have become characteristic of him and demonstrative of his indisputable monumental ego as he battles for relevance within the coalition Administration. To say the least, it is unbecoming of someone entrusted with the reputable office of a Vice-President of our country bringing its reputation into dispute with such rancor.

Nationally embarrassed after being sidelined with his responsibilities as the nation’s Security Minister drastically gutted and having lost the Leadership of the Alliance For Change (AFC), he resorts to shamelessly exploiting every media-related opportunity to clutch at any semblance of relevance. With every such unbridled immature rant, it appears that he continues to fail in his frantic efforts to be accepted into the hierarchy of the Administration.

I wish to inform Mr Ramjattan that if he were to spend less time being consumed with Jagdeo, who was the nation’s sixth Executive President, and focus on his taxfunded ministerial portfolio so that the continual escalating crime wave can be effectively combatted, it would not only best serve his interest, but that of all Guyanese who are living in fear on a daily basis as the situation spirals out of control. If it’s any solace, he should take comfort that his responsibilities have been drastically slashed removing any excuse of him being overwhelmed.

That should be his priority rather than lashing out when he cannot provide meaningful answers when questioned. Having failed abysmally in the execution of his national security duties as

evident by the Camp Street Prison riots in which seventeen lives were unfortunately lost, the decimation by fire of the facility a year later, the escape of dangerous criminals some of whom are still on the run and the daily assault on innocent Guyanese by criminal elements, Mr. Ramjattan’s capabilities to hold such office are woefully deficient and his presence in that position continues to be of a disservice to the nation.

I would like to remind him that Cheddi Jagan recognised the brilliance and leadership quality of Jagdeo at a very young age and drafted him into the Executive Committee of the Party.

When the PPP/C won the 1992 National and Regional Elections, Jagdeo was made the Junior Minister of Finance and then promoted to Senior Minister of Finance. Ramjattan was never trusted by Cheddi and Janet Jagan because of his lust for power. One should never forget during the PPP/C Government from 19921997, Ramjattan mounted banners on the Corentyne demanding that he becomes the Minister of Home Affairs or the Minister of Legal Affairs.

Unlike Ramjattan, Jagdeo, who, through visionary and prudent leadership, led the transformation of Guyana through unprecedented infrastructural and technological development.

During those prosperous times, the lives of Guyanese were positively transformed, many successive years of tangible economic growth were recorded and numerous visionary transformational projects to further improve the lives of our people were embarked upon.

Today Mr Ramjattan continues to reap the benefits of Mr Jagdeo’s selfless dedication and vision.

Ramjattan would therefore be best advised that instead of holding an obvious grudge over Mr Jagdeo’s success which were for the betterment of Guyana and the Guyanese people, he should try to reverse the failures he continues to engineer while executing the important responsibilities he has been entrusted. In his vile and bitter excursions to attack Jagdeo’s credibility, it appears that Ramjattan is exhibiting symptoms

of convenient amnesia with regard to his own.

While space will constrain the extensive list, Ramjattan would recall that he was the Attorney for one of the bidders of the proposed beneficial Specialty Hospital while being a Member of Parliament and who opposed the project simply on the basis that the company he represented was not awarded the contract.

Not satisfied with such glaring conflict of interest, Ramjattan publicly boasted after the 2015 elections that financiers of his Party must be rewarded. Having received a posh new office, he boisterously defended the benefactor when millions in government contract was awarded even though a related lack of capacity to execute was strenuously pointed out.

With a track record of such unethical behaviour, Ramjattan is completely devoid of any semblance of credibility to so accuse anyone. Jagdeo’s contribution to the development of Guyana remains unquestionable and has been lauded by many international organisations evident from the “Champions of the Earth” Award and many more.

Having been in the “belly of the beast” as Mr Ramjattan so eloquently boasted, he would know that it was a belly fortified with commitment to genuinely and positively transform the country and lives of its people. That has been accomplished with all the evidence staring Mr Ramjattan in his face. From his own utterances, it appears that Ramjattan could not and cannot appreciate and handle success, hence his continuous wallowing in failure.

Bharrat Jagdeo remains the most popular political leader in our country and the most internationally recognised. He has made the most positive contribution to this country and is indisputably, the most successful President of our country. He is the most respected Guyanese Politician in and out of our country.

His achievements are there for everyone to see.

Zamal Hussain Vryheid, West Canje, Berbice

Just a gyaff…

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…on gas fter he stuck his foot into his mouth by insisting he’d get Exxon to pay up-front for oil to be shipped in the future, Trotman still didn’t accept he knew absolutely zilch about the oil industry. He went on to insist he was going to establish a US$500 million “oil facility” on Crab Island. Once again, he didn’t check with Exxon whether they’d be using such a facility but rushed to take out ads in all the major dailies to tie up the lands around his site.

Turned out, the land was already owned by private folks and Exxon had already signed an agreement for its FPSO, rigs, and ships to be serviced out of a wharf in Mc Doom Muneshwars had developed! But Trotman still wasn’t fazed…you know the one about fools rushing in and all that!! He then came up with the bright idea (he thought) about a refinery in Guyana. Exxon once again pointed out that weren’t adding no value to their oil in Guyana, thank you: they had all that excess refining capacity in Louisiana.

Maybe Trotman would open up a refinery on his own with Guyana’s share of the oil it would be getting based on the terms of the secret contract with Exxon? But after he suddenly dropped that idea like the proverbial hot potato, the smart money figured that just confirmed Guyana was getting zilch from its “share of profits”! And this brings us up to Trotman’s latest brainwave being discussed with Exxon – firing GPL’s generators with gas that’ll be brought up along with the oil.

But what exactly will be discussed?

Exxon’s already announced in its development plans it will be pumping the gas back under the sea and has no plans to run any pipelines or whatever to utilise the gas ashore. So like the oil refinery brain-wave, where will Trotman be getting the money to bring the gas to GPL? And which GPL plants? Everyone knows (excepting Trotman, it seems) that GPL’s generators are all along the coast.

So in addition to the 150 mile pipe

Goddesses and violence against females

“T

here is no need to request You, Oh

Durga, To protect and save us.

For does the mother on whom children solely depend, Ever need such a request?

And so our salutations to You; So pray the Gods to You.” Nau Raat began Wednesday. Nau Raat is the time Hindus specifically dedicate (twice annually) to worshipping God as “female”.

As a Hindu young woman who has chosen to worship God as female — in my case specifically Mother Saraswati — I’ve sometimes wondered how some Hindu men, who also worship

the Divine in her various female forms and incarnations, can inflict violence on females. But, of course, violence against women isn’t confined to Guyana, and certainly not only to Hindus.

It’s just that since we Hindus were enlightened enough to have elevated women to the ultimate Divinity, I was kind of hoping that our menfolk would’ve seen us in a bit kinder light than those men from other religions who insist that God is exclusively male.

In Hinduism, by contrast, while God is ultimately beyond categories — including sex or gender — the conceived female aspects are actually endowed with the Shakti, or animating power. In other words,

the male manifestations are posited as completely inert (Prakriti) without the female. They can’t do a thing! So we have, for instance, the Creator, Vishnu, with his female counterpart, Lakshmi. She’s the power behind whatever “creation” — or “projection”, as we Hindus prefer — that’s going on.

One-third of Hindus are “Shaktas” – those whose major object of worship is the Mother in her various manifestations. In Guyana, most Shaktas originated in South India, and are lumped together as “Madrassis”, since they left India from the port of Madras.

While Vishnu has incarnated first as fish, tortoise, boar and halfman/half lion, in all his human incarna-

Anu Dev tions — whether as Ram or Krishna — Vishnu is accompanied by his Shakti. As Ram, for instance, his double is Sita. Bringing matters to the human level then, supposedly to provide a model for us to imitate, when one marries, the women is said to be “the Lakshmi of the house”.

In offering prayers to the Divine, the male householder is incomplete, and the offerings aren’t accepted if he’s

under the sea, there will be another 150 miles to connect the latter?

Jeez!!

But as usual, your Eyewitness is convinced nothing will come out of this detour and frolic also.

The tip-off was the announcement that the present talks between the Government and Exxon’s technical people aren’t going to result in any changes in the contract! So how will you now ship gas if the contract doesn’t cater for this?

Isn’t it time discussion of Trotman’s ideas in the oil sector be moved to a rum-shop? It’s always just a gyaff, isn’t it? …on Police CoI leak We have the crime mystery of the century to be solved: “Case of their Purloined CoI Report”.

Your Eyewitness had a frisson of excitement like he used to get whenever he got a new Hardy Boy’ mystery! He also used to read the Nancy Drew mysteries, but this is no time for true confession!!! What are the facts?

This was a one-man CoI – in the person of former Asst Commish Paul Slowe – who was never slow on the draw when he was in harness! So, we can’t end up like those Agatha Christie mysteries where you had a dozen or more suspects and all sorts of red herrings being dragged across cold trails! The first question has to be: “Who’d he give the report to?

Well, we know he DIDN’T give it to the Public Security Minister – who he publicly complained he was hoping to get a peek, when it was shared to Cabinet. Slowe said he gave a copy to Prezzie – and we know Prezzie doesn’t leak.

Now that leaves one!! …about cussbirds Your Eyewitness must confess he’s a tad disappointed Prezzie took the exposed cussbird from his office to the UN with him.

But then again, maybe he wanted to tell off those “spics” from Venezuela?

not accompanied by his “Lakshmi”.

So what goes with all this wife beating and violence against females in our society?

Why hasn’t our elevation of women among Hindus as Goddesses increased respect for women? Well, for one, in the “modern” world, we have all accepted that “religion” is just one aspect of “life”. Religion, as “Dharma”, a seamless, integral way of life as posited by Hinduism, is “old fashioned” and “backward. Traditional Hinduism, we are convinced, can’t be “modern”. So our menfolk worship the Mother of the temple in the temple, and then knock around the Mother of the house in the house.

The view that the man is the owner of all he surveys — in reflection of the man with the grey beard, who’s floating in the sky above,

looking down at us — undergirds what is called “patriarchy”. In modern Hindu homes, unlike the original model of society in which the female was the boss in her own domain, boys and men are still socialized to see females as “their own”. And in a capitalist society, this becomes translated as their “property”. And more to the point, “sexual property”, which he “jealously” guards.

If we’re ever going to get rid of this mindnumbing violence that’s inflicted daily on females, this structural power imbalance between males and females — which starts in the home, ironically by mothers — must be eliminated.

What was it they said about “the hands that rock the cradle”? It can help to make “ruling the world” a bit more fair. All hail the Devi!

feature 47

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Andrew Carnegie

By Petamber Persaud

W

henever we think about the history of the National Library of Guyana, the name Andrew Carnegie looms large in those considerations and reminiscences. But his is not the only name of substance, nor is his most fundamental gift of establishing the library the only noteworthy contribution carrying the library into its 108th anniversary in September 2017.

However, his was the most significant contribution to the library.

The National Library has grown in stature since the early years of 20th century, overcoming many challenges, even the death knell of books sounded over a generation ago, which was indirectly a death knell of libraries. But there will always be books, in whatever form, and there will always be libraries, in whatever form.

I’m not using the

phrase “in whatever form” with reference to books and libraries lightly. And there is an important reason for this: the maker(s) of the library’s mission statement was/ were cognizant of change when making reference to ‘information in printed and other formats’.

The full mission statement spells out the role of the National Library, thus: “To satisfy both nationally and internationally, the informational and recreational needs of the library’s users through the collection, organisation, dissemination and preservation of information in printed and other formats”.

It is written that ‘the only thing that is constant is change’, and the National Library has never shied away from change. When the library opened its doors to the public in September 1909, it was a closed access system in place meaning that the user’s selected material was guarded handed to him/her. Also at the be-

ginning, the name of the institution was the Carnegie Free Library.

There were several name changes: it was named the Georgetown Public Free Library, then the Public Free Library, and now the National Library.

A major change occurred in 1940 when the library became an open access system wherein the user was free to go to the shelves and choose reading material. This resulted in increased usage of the institution.

Another major change occurred a decade later resulting in the expansion of library services directly to other parts of the country.

According to two former librarians, Gwyneth George and Gillian Thompson, writing “A Historical Perspective of the National Library of Guyana”, stated: “The third significant development occurred in 1950.

Public Free Library Ordinance (No.13 of 1950) was passed by the Legislature.

The title read ‘An Ordinance to amend the Georgetown Public Free library Ordinance in order to provide for the establishment of branch public libraries and other public library services at any place within the colony’.”

Today, the National Library, which is referred to as Central Library, has five branches: Corriverton, New Amsterdam, Ruimveldt, Linden, and Bagotville.

The library also boasts of a bookmobile service, over 30 centres and numerous ‘Deposit Collections’ in communities too small for the establishment of a centre, all “in service to the community” - as its motto reads.

Today, the National Library continues its mandate to empower the community as it strives to improve the literacy and numeracy level in this information age.

All of this would not have been possible without the initial contribution of Andrew Carnegie, philanthropist and visionary. The National Library of Guyana was established in 1909 with funding provided by Andrew Carnegie, who in the 1880s set up a fund for the establishment of libraries all over the world. This library was among five libraries in the West Indies that was founded by Carnegie. It is recorded that he was responsible for the establishment of some 2,500 libraries.

Apart from having money, Carnegie had a vision for society through the services of libraries.

A few of his quotations will attest this: A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert.

I choose free libraries as the best agencies for improving the masses of the people, because they give nothing for nothing.

They only help those who help themselves.

There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration.hank you Andrew Carnegie and happy 108th anniversary National Library!

Responses to this author telephone (592) 2260065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

Photo showing signage over the entrance door, 'Carnegie Building'

A new type of literacy W

ith this month of September having been designated Education month, there is a lot of discussion surrounding literacy and numeracy rates amongst the Guyanese populace. Obviously, this discourse centers on traditional learning, such as being able to read, yet, in this day, there are other forms of literacy that are incredibly important and need to be emphasized.

Whilst being able to read and write are inarguably essential in today’s world, our children should also be technologically literate. There is no debate that our society is changing. Once, it was that only an elite few were given the privilege of an education. Now, education is seen as a fundamental right. With the advent of improved technology, we saw something similar happening, where only a select few were computer literate. However, it is now becoming evident that being computer literate is less of an asset and more of a necessity.

Yet, we concentrate on traditional forms of literacy for our young children. It seems as though most adults regard computer literacy as a secondary skill, something that can be learned later in life.

While this may be true, is there a time too early to start? Technology is always evolving and improving, and therefore, we in turn need to be continuously learning. Arguably, it is easier to adapt when you have been introduced to computers from an early age.

There is understandably some reservation about the abuse of technology, and the poor effects that it can have on a child’s developmental mental and physical health, especially if introduced to them when they are quite young. However, it is often argued that children learn in different ways, and that technology used in the right way can assist students. I don’t need to talk about the many ways that technology has vastly improved self-study; from educational videos on Khan Academy, to learning games for toddlers, to providing

By Ashley Anthony Social media as an avenue to easily distribute surveys for Social Studies. These benefits are easily noticeable.

Contrastingly, perhaps what often go unmentioned are the hidden skills that children pick up from doing seemingly “mindnumbing” tasks on their devices. For example, a parent may despair at their child playing video games on their ipad for an hour or two, and even chastise them, suggesting that they should go read a book instead. However, videogames can help to improve practical abilities such as hand eye coordination, they can teach structure and order, since young children will be forced to accept and obey the game’s rules and conventions in order to play, they can teach valuable transferable skills such as accuracy, attention to detail and precision. The major reason why I believe most adults see the increased use of devices such as tablets, phones, and personal computers as dangerous is because they associate them with the mind not being engaged, whilst this is almost always not the case.

Although ensuring their child is technologically literate may not be the first concern of a parent, it should be a major one. Of course, devices are expensive, and classes are even more costly, but initiatives such as the one laptop per family help to make computer literacy more attainable for some. Finally, I want to say that just because it may not seem as though something is directly educational, it might be helpful in less obvious ways. Video games and social media aren’t inherently bad, and can assist learning if used in moderation.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Karisma Kapoor pulls a throwback Thursday …while wishing sister Kareena Kapoor on her 37th birthday

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eere Di Wedding Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan turns a year older and love and blessings are pouring in from friends and family on her special day. Sister Karisma, who went down memory lane, shared a picture of her and Kareena’s childhood. Filmmaker Karan Johar also posted lovely pictures with the actor, who is a friend, his fashion police and ridicules him for wearing weird clothes to the airport.

Karisma has a heartwarming message to give to Bebo on her 37th birthday. She says, “Happy birthday to my

darling baby sister and best friend#fashionistas #learningearly#the80’s# throwback #birthdaywis

hes#happybirthday#lov e#happiness#togetherne ss#memories#family#si sters#myrock.” Karisma

and Kareena have been giving some serious sibling goals with their several photos together.

From twinning in their military jackets to going out on vacations together, the two sisters have always made their fans love them even more.

When Lolo has posted an adorable wish for her sister how can her bestie Amrita Arora stay behind? Sharing a beautiful click with Kareena, Amrita chose to keep it simple as she captioned the photo, “Happy happy birthday my darling beebo Karan who addressed Bebo as a Jagga Jasoos who stalks airport looks of people on his chat show "Koffee With Karan" wished Kareena was

his sibling as he wrote, “Happy birthday to the sibling I wish I had!!!!

Love you so much bebo”.

Karan and Kareena have not been this close always. There was a time when Karan had a fallout with Kareena in 2002. Revealing about it in his autobiography, "An Unsuitable Boy", Karan mentioned how he didn’t talk to the "Jab We Met" actress for nearly nine months after she asked for a huge amount of money for doing "Kal Ho Na Ho" and he had to then cast Preity Zinta in the movie. (Indian Express)

Bollywood actress Shakila passes away Rishi Kapoor on backlash over abusive

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esteryear Bollywood actress Shakila, best known for her roles in ‘Aar Par’ and ‘CID’, passed away on Wednesday evening after a massive heart attack. She was 82.

Shakila’s nephew Nasirr Khan took to Facebook to share the sad news. He wrote, “With a heavy heart I have to inform you all that my maternal aunt (my mom’s older sister) Shakila Aunty has passed away. She was a star in her own right in the 50s and 60s. Babuji dheere chalna, pyaar mein zara samhalna. Please keep her in your prayers.

May Allah grant her Jannat. Aameen.”

Talking to indianexpress.com, Nasirr, who is veteran actor Johnny Walker’s son, said, “Because of her age, she had kidney problems. She was diabetic. Recently, she had some cardiac problems also. All these things led to her demise. She passed away last night. As we can’t wait too long for funeral in Islam, the burial happened today early in the morning.”

He also added, “She was a very jovial person, and because she and my dad worked together in Aar Par, they would talk a lot about cinema. On the film’s set my dad met her younger sister Noorjahan, and the two got married. Shakila aunty was very happy

tweet to woman: 'I am no saint'

T

with the work she did, and was a content person. We will miss her much.”

The funeral was held on Thursday morning at the Mahim cemetery in Mumbai.

Some of Shakila’s other popular films include ‘Shriman Satyawadi’, ‘China Town’, ‘Post Box 999’, ‘Dastaan’, ‘Sindbad the Sailor’, ‘Rajrani Damyanti’, ‘Aagosh’, ‘Shahenshah’, ‘Raj Mahal’, ‘Armaan’, ‘Alibaba Aur Chaalis Chor’, ‘Lalpari’, ‘Roop Kumari’, ‘Hatim Tai’ and ‘Al-Hilal’. She was last seen in 1963 film ‘Ustadon Ke Ustad’.

She is also fondly remembered for performance in hit songs like “Babuji Dheere Chalna”, “Neend Na Mujhko Aaye” and “Ae Mere Dil Hai Nadaan”.

(Indian Express)

Sushant Singh Rajput to play ‘The Great Khali’

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fter wowing fans with his trueto-life portrayal of cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni in MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Sushant Singh Rajput is all set to give fans a special treat with one of his upcoming projects

dio has spoken to the Punjabi wrestler and he has given them the rights to make a film on his life. Sushant has been approached to play the titular role and he has in principle agreed to do the film. The source also added, “People only

as well. As per reports, Sushant will be playing the legendary wrestler The Great Khali in a film.

An insider told DNA, “The biopic is on the life of wrestler Dalip Singh Rana, better known as Khali or The Great Khali in WWE circle. The stu-

know about the sporty side of this Indian-born American semi-retired professional wrestler, promoter and actor. But there’s an untold story behind his super success.

He was an officer for the Punjab state police and struggled for years

before making it big in wrestling. The story will be about his journey.”

While we know Sushant is one talented actor with his stellar performances till now, this is going to be a difficult task for him. Especially because Khali has a huge frame as a wrestler, seven feet one inch and weighing 157 kilos, to be precise.

DNA also reported a trade analyst’s comments, “What worked in Sushant’s favour during Dhoni was that he looked, walked and talked like MSD. Here, Sushant has no similarities with Khali when it comes to his body prototype and his height.

Unless there’s a lot of VFX involved, it’s difficult to pull off a film on Khali. No hero in Bollywood will look convincing as The Great Khali, unless there’s CGI.”

here is no doubt that Rishi Kapoor has a reputation for being politically incorrect. The actor doesn’t mince his words and we have seen that happen a number of times in his Twitter outbursts. And this time is no different.

The 65-year-old actor has been facing a huge backlash on Twitter for being abusive to a woman user on Direct Message who had trolled the actor earlier this month. And Rishi has something to say to the haters yet again.

In a late-night tweet yesterday Rishi wrote, “Rubbish.I am seeing now tweets now abusing

me I am no saint I will react in your own language. So shut your complaints. Tit for tat.”

Well, the entire fiasco started when a user named ‘DardEdiscourse’ shared a screenshot of an abusive DM or Direct Message reportedly from Rishi Kapoor on social

media. And this user named Shivani Chauhan was also not one to shy away, sharing the screenshot, she wrote, @chintskap showed his khabdaani manners.

Hetero savarna uncle.

Do research on their upbringing not just slums Dalits.” (Indian Express)

Priyanka Chopra experiences a fan moment as she meets Malala Yousafzai

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riyanka Chopra is busy with her duties as the Goodwill ambassador of UNICEF. The actor is travelling and spreading word about the importance of education, especially for the girl child.

Priyanka also experienced a fan moment at an event yesterday in New York. The actor met Malala Yousafzai, the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate. Priyanka just could not believe that she had the chance to meet her. Malala shared a picture with the star and wrote, “Can’t believe I met Priyanka Chopra,” the actor corrected Malala and wrote, “Oh @Malala no words will be enough…I can’t believe I..met..U!!You’re just a young girl with so much heart…and such achievements.so proud.”

At an event yesterday, Priyanka took a pledge for lending as much as support needed to educate as many girls as possible. She took to her Twitter and shared a picture with a caption that read, “I raise my book in solidarity with children who deserve not just school books, but quality education. Education is every child’s right!” The actor was on a panel where she laid down points about why girls opt out of education. She emphasised that menstruation hygiene and violence around the school premises are reasons why most of the girls in places like India, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Jordan have not even attempted to take up higher education.

Priyanka felt ecstatic to share the stage with Gloria Steinem, who was one of the panelist along with her. She shared a picture and expressed how Gloria is a hero.

“It’s was so incredible to be on a panel

with @gloriasteinem . An icon to the world and definitely one of mine all my life. A true feminist. A fearless fighter for women’s rights no matter what, no matter who, no matter where… everything about this legendary woman is selfless. She will never stop. She told me herself. Nor will I @gloriasteinem thank you for always giving a voice to the voiceless. U r my hero.”

Priyanka also attended the UN Global Goals Awards where she spoke about the importance of empowering girls. The actor also met the youngest goodwill ambassador of UNICEF, Muzoon Almellehan who is also known as The Syrian Malala.

Sharing a picture on her official Instagram account, Priyanka wrote, “Kicking off #UNGA to advocate for the importance of education. Proud to stand alongside my fellow @unicef Goodwill Ambassador 19 yr old @MuzoonAlmellehan, her strength… her determination…her hope…is nothing short of inspiring. We endeavor to be the voices of all children around the world that are denied an education because of poverty, displacement or war.” (Indian Express)

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ Dakota Johnson says fame is a scary word

‘F

ifty Shades of Grey’ star Dakota Johnson has likened fame to an ‘incessant mosquito noise’. In an interview to Spain’s Vogue magazine, the star admits fame is ‘very weird’ for her and slammed the need for people to ‘judge’ each other all the time, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Dakota Johnson also told Vogue that she has been judged by the people

for her role as Anastasia in ‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’ and said, “People feeling the need not only to judge everyone all the time but also to pronounce themselves on it, it’s extremely boring, my interests are very specific, and I want to see certain women acting on screen and drawing attention to some particular issues.”

Talking about fame, Johnson said, “Fame is

a scary word. No one wants to say that they want to be famous, nobody wants to sound like they like being famous, nobody wants to sound ungrateful, nobody wants to sound like they’re in denial. It’s like an incessant mosquito noise. Very weird.

People feeling the need not only to judge everyone all the time but also to pronounce themselves on it, it’s extremely boring. A waste of energy and time,” she said.

Earlier, the 27-yearold actor revealed she feels as though she ‘exploited’ herself on Instagram. She said, “There I was and it was making me feel like I was being exploited – only by myself. I was literally exploiting myself. And I felt so raw and vulnerable and it was all my own fault.” (Indian Express)

Jamie Foxx is proud of daughters Corinne and Anelise A ctor Jamie Foxx says he is proud of his daughters Corinne, 23, and eight-year-old Anelise.

Corinne was named Miss Golden Globe 2016 in November 2015. The 49-year-old actor supported Corrine when she walked the runway for Sherri Hill during New York Fashion Week, and although the star is aware that the fashion industry can be ‘crazy’, he says it marked a great moment for his ‘incredible’ child, reported People magazine.

“In this business, sometimes it can get crazy, but my daughter, she’s just incredible 23 years old (and) graduated from college. It was just a great moment.

It’s amazing to see our kids grow up. We’re so proud of them. They ended up being okay,” Foxx

says. Gushing about his younger daughter Anelise, the ‘Django Unchained’ star reveals she can already drive one of his ‘little’ electric boats, which can carry approximately 15 people.

“I got a great house in Westlake. There’s this little electric boats, and we can pile about 15 people in these boats. You can literally swim faster the boat. I let my daughter drive … the little one.

She’s eight, and she’s

been driving since she’s like four.”

Recently Jamie Foxx also spoke about his equations with Jay Z in an interview with People and said, “I took my father to see Jay-Z, not too long after 9/11… this was our first moment of bonding, and I was like, ‘I’m gonna take you see somebody, pops.’ And we watched that guy, and we had a great moment”.

(Indian Express)

Hugh Jackman unveils the new look of his next film ‘The Front Runner’

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ugh Jackman, last seen in the 10th installment of the X-Men series Logan this year, has unveiled the first look of his upcoming film The Front Runner. The film, directed by Jason Reitman, is a biopic on Senator Gary Hart.

Hart ran for 1988 United States presidential elections but had to drop out over allegations of extra-marital affair with Donna Rice. The film is based on All the Truth Is Out: The Week Politics Went Tabloid by Matt Bai

who has also helped write the screenplay along with Jason Reitman and Jay Carson.

While Jackman steps into the shoes of Senator Gary Hart, The Conjuring series star Vera Farmiga plays his wife Oletha “Lee” Hart.

The movie also stars Sara Paxton, Molly Ephraim and J. K. Simmons.

Sharing the look, Hugh Jackman wrote, “Day 1.

Principal photography. The Front Runner. #thefrontrunner @JasonReitman @ BronStudios”

Leonardo DiCaprio announces $20 million deal for environmental grants

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ollywood star L e o n a r d o DiCaprio has awarded USD 20 million in grants through his environmental foundation.

The Academy Awardwinning actor – who founded The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998 – has announced that the huge sum is to be spread across more than 100 organisations that are committed to environmental sustainability, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Speaking at a climate change conference at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, DiCaprio said, “We are proud to support the work of over 100 organisations at home and abroad.” These grantees are active on the ground, protecting our oceans, forests and endangered species for future generations and tackling the urgent, existential challenges of climate change.” The

long-time environmentalist observed that investments in these organisations can help to build towards a “brighter future for all of us.”

“There exists today many proven technologies in renewable energy, clean transportation, and sustainable agriculture, that we can begin to build a brighter future for all of us. “Our challenge is to find new ways to power our lives, employ millions of people and turn every individual into an advocate for clean air and drink-

able water. We must demand that politicians accept climate science and make bold commitments before it is too late.”

DiCaprio, 42, also spoke out on the issue of climate change after he collected his Best Actor Oscar for his performance in “The Revenant”. On the work front, he is currently working on ‘Robin Hood’ as a producer. He was last seen in Fisher Stevens documentary film ‘Before The Flood’.

(Indian Express)

Matt Damon to receive Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award

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he British Academy of Film has announced that Matt Damon will be the recipient of the Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award for Excellence in Film at this year’s ceremony. Damon will take the stage at the event, as will previously announced honorees Dick Van Dyke, Ava DuVernay, Claire Foy and Kenneth Branagh, reported Deadline.

Hosted by British comedian Jack Whitehall, the awards ceremony, sponsored by title sponsor AMD and presenting sponsors American Airlines and Jaguar Land Rover, is set to be held October 27 at the Beverly Hilton.

“Matt Damon is undoubtedly one of the most talented and respected actors working in films today. Having made a remarkable impact at a young age with ‘Good Will Hunting,’ he has developed a phenomenal career — combining both big-budget studio movies and acclaimed independent films.

“As a favourite of some of the top contemporary directors in our industry, it seems particularly fitting that we are honouring his career with an award bearing the name of the legendary Stanley Kubrick,” said BAFTA Los

The photo shared by the actor shows him giving a speech to a crowd. The political scandal over Gary Hart’s alleged affair made a lot of headlines in those days but it is now largely forgotten.

The Australian actor does not do a lot of political roles and it would be interesting to see him essaying the role of Gary Hart. The film will track his rise as a Colorado Senator to his run as a Democratic Party presidential candidate. (Indian Express)

Angeles chairman Kieran Breen.

The Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award is given to individuals “upon whose work is stamped the indelible mark of authorship and commitment, and who has lifted the craft to new heights.”

Jodie Foster, Meryl Streep, Robert Downey Jr., George Clooney, Warren Beatty, Jeff Bridges, Tom Cruise, Daniel Day Lewis, Robert De Niro, Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, George Lucas, Sean Penn, Steven Spielberg, and Denzel Washington have previously received the prize. (Indian Express)

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

'Every time I go out I try to be myself' – Tagenarine Chanderpaul

By Akeem Greene

A

t 21, Tagenarine Chanderpaul carries a surname internationally known to be that of a prolific batsman. Tagenarine, the son of batting legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul, has endured the years of comparisons from since his early days and it does not help that his unique batting stance mirrors that of his father.

There must be immense pressure every time he walks out to bat, with the hope that he reciprocates the runs-machine his father was known for both Guyana and the Caribbean.

H o w e v e r , Tagenarine said, he focuses on what he can do and not what his predecessor has accomplished or continues to do.

“Every time I go out, I try to be myself.

I cannot be like him [Shivnarine], I only can be myself. I try not to think about it and just do what I can do,” the left-handed batsman told Guyana Times International Sport.

In January 2016, after more than two decades and 164 Test matches, Shivnarine, one of West Indies’ fin-

est batsmen, has retired.

Chanderpaul finished as the secondhighest West Indian Test run-scorer, 86 runs short of Brian Lara: Lara got 11,953 while Chanderpaul scored 11,867 (all for West Indies).

He scored 30 Test centuries and averaged 51.37 in the format. He held numerous records that are likely to last for a long time, including batting for more than 25 hours in a Test series between dismissals – he did it against India in 2002, when he faced 1050 consecutive deliveries without losing his wicket.

He also played 268 ODIs for 8778 runs at 41.60 (the last of which was during the 2011 World Cup), and 22 T20Is. With his departure from the scene and giv-

en the aforementioned stats, cricket enthusiasts began to look to Tagenarine to possibly fill the gap.

Young ‘Tage’ as he is fondly called made his First-class debut in 2013 against Leeward.

Since then, he has just played 16 matches with a high score of 81.

During 2015/2016 Regional –day season, it was most productive since he scored 327 runs inclusive of two half-centuries.

In his first match of the 2016/2017 – March of this year – he played against the Jamaican Scorpions in Kingston, he made a compact 58 in the first innings, but before he got off, the mark in the second innings he suffered a broken finger.

Tage was bowled a short ball from pacer Jerome Taylor that jagged back and took him on the small finger of the left hand. The injury meant he played no further part in the season when the Guyana Jaguars won their third consecutive regional four-day title.

“The broken finger was rough, since I had two pins in it. It was six weeks out. I was looking forward to the rest of the season since I finally got a game in

Jamaica. It was unfortunate,” the former West Indies under-19 player disclosed.

Playing for West Demerara in the ongoing Jaguars Franchise Three-day League, “Brandon” as he is known at home, cracked a scintillating 176 against East Bank just two weekends ago, which suggested he is back to his best.

“The finger is com-

ing along nicely with the rehabilitation work I have been doing. It was good to get some runs, when you get in you have to go and get a big score.”

The 2017/2018 season is set to come on October 26 and the player who spent his early days in the sport with his grandfather, Khemraj, at Ghandi Youth Organisation, has been spending a lot

of hours trying to improve his game.

“I have been doing a lot of basic practice; learning to leave balls alone more and play later. I’m taking it step by step. Right now I’m focusing on the threeday league and trying to get some runs and then hopefully get selected for Guyana and get some runs there as well,” the player expressed.

Paul pushing in extra hours as Regional 4-Day looms

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fully-fit, hungry for further success Keemo Paul says he’s aiming to be the top utility player for Guyana across all formats, while pushing in some extra training to ensure he makes the final cut ahead of the upcoming Cricket West Indies Regional 4-Day tournament.

The hard-hitting batsman told this newspaper on Tuesday, during an exclusive interview, that following the recent end of the 2017 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), he immediately got back to training and playing in the local Jaguars 3-Day Franchise League as a means to further maintain form and increase his chances of representing the Guyana Jaguars again.

“I have been training pretty hard since I came back from CPL and I’m feeling very fit so I just want to make full use of the remaining 3-Day franchise games in order to do well and to get selected for the 4-day team,” Paul stated.

After returning from the CPL brimming with confidence despite not blowing the roof off the tournament the way he had wanted, the 19-yearold explained that the exposure and the chance to

learn from a bevy of international and regional players was a huge plus, adding that he learnt a great deal from a few of his Guyana Amazon Warriors teammates.

“Playing CPL was a tremendous step for me, but I just want to take it all in and improve my cricket, work harder and become a household name in the Caribbean. I have learnt a lot from my CPL stint, I have boosted my self-confidence and it has encouraged me to train even harder and be a better cricketer.” He continued, “I learnt a lot from the likes of Luke Ronchi and Chadwick Walton in the batting department, in terms of keeping my shape when trying to go big and reading game situations better. I have also altered my batting stance a bit because I was falling over sometimes, so I am definitely working hard on that because I want to be a consistent all-rounder for Guyana in all formats.”

With Guyana bagging the Regional 4-Day title for a record three years in a row, the Essequibian had his moment in the spotlight when he bagged a career-best 6-28 against the Windward Volcanoes in the penultimate match of the 2016/17 competi-

tion, effectively bowling his team to their third title with a match to spare.

He highlighted the importance of being part of the national camp, which he said has done wonders for his career. “Being part of the Jaguars set up has been a tremendous boost for my career, getting to train 4 days a week in order to get better while being paid is excellent. I’m contracted now so the work gets a bit tougher but I’ll be looking to improve day by day,” the allrounder admitted.

Concluding his interview, the former West Indies U-19 Vice-captain said his journey to date has been nothing short a wonderful experience, further reiterating the opportunities to play for the West Indies youth team, Guyana Jaguars and in the CPL as key factors to his ongoing development.

“Winning the World Cup was truly great but that’s gone now, so I just want to keep improving and be the best I can be.

I’m not satisfied at just being good, I want to be excellent and I will strive for that. I’m gaining maturity all the time but I’m still learning my trade as I go on the hard work never stops, I’m always motivated to do better,” Paul stressed.

Brathwaite cleared to bowl again

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art-time West Indies off-spinner, Kraigg Brathwaite, has been cleared to bowl in international cricket after having his action approved by the International Cricket Council.

In a release on Wednesday, the world governing body said the 24-year-old Barbadian's action had been “found to be legal and the player can continue bowling in international cricket.”

The assessment of Brathwaite's action at the Loughborough testing centre in England last month confirmed that the elbow extension for all of his deliv-

eries were within the approved 15-degree level of tolerance.

Brathwaite was reported to the ICC following the day/night first Test at Edgbaston a month ago when West Indies slumped to an innings and 209-run defeat inside three days.

Known more for

his prolific scoring at the top of the order, Brathwaite struck 134 and 95 in the second Test at Headingley to help West Indies square the three-match series with a five-wicket victory.

The tourist lost the final Test at Lord's by nine wickets. (CMC)

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sport 51

Singh aiming for another splendid series against Sri Lanka “A” …Test experience is an asset

By Akeem Greene

“M

y personal goal is to get back to scoring heavy runs. I would love to equal or better my record against Sri Lanka where I scored over 300 runs,” Vishaul Singh stated in an interview with Guyana Times International Sport on Wednesday after a training session with the Guyana Jaguars at the Everest Cricket Club.

The left-handed batsman is currently preparing for another stint with the West Indies ‘A’ team in a home series against Sri Lanka “A”. When the two sides last met in October 2016, the pint-sized Singh weighed in with 324 runs in the three-match series including a high score of 161.

His average was a staggering 64.80 after the tour.

His aggregate was the highest for both teams and it certainly laid the platform for his elevation to the senior West Indies team for the Test series at home against Pakistan in April this year.

However, in the Test series, the compact lefthander only mustered 63 runs from the three matches. Admitting, by his standards, it was a disappoint-

ing debut series statistically but he was still adamant that it was a valuable learning experience.

“For me it was a fantastic experience being around the coaching staff and the players.

Unfortunately for me it was not successful but I came back with a lot of knowledge. I know I had a lot of things to work on which I have been doing so far and I [am] hoping to put that in place in the series against Sri Lanka.”

Though diminutive in size, Singh has appetite for big runs as was evident during the 2015/2016 Regional when he racked up the runs, finishing third on the batting charts with 712 runs at an average of

50.85. over the period, he struck three centuries with a high score of 150.

Those stats and his form on the tour to Sri Lanka laid the platform for him receiving his maroon cap but it also highlighted some possible technical flaws given that several of his dismissals were identical against a world-class Pakistani bowling attack.

“Looking back I didn’t think there was a lot of technical issues. With respect to falling over that might be a bit of technical issue but I don’t think that was prevalent in the series.

There was a lot more talk about getting out,” the 28 year-old contended.

The Georgetown Cricket Club player added, “Looking back, that was not my game.

That is not my technique, that is not how I play but there are worse things that came out from that tour that I have been working on.”

West Indies senior team has come under tremendous criticism over the years due to their underperformance. The critics

have bashed from players to coaches but for Singh, his love for the sport keeps him focused on his goal ahead.

Fitness is another crucial area that the Alexander Village-born player plans to improve especially given the intended heavy workload.

“I am ready, trying to get my body back to full fitness. I’m trying to get there every day to cope with all the cricket that is coming for Guyana and West Indies.”

Furthermore, the Windies “A” team vice-captain expressed confidence that his troops will be able to change the 2-1 series result in their favour on this tour.

The two sides will clash in three unofficial Test matches from October 11 to 29 with all the games scheduled for Jamaica at the Trelawny Multiplex and Sabina Park. There will also be three one day matches between November 1-5, also in Jamaica.

The Windies “A” Team squad for the first two ‘fourday Tests’ reads: Shamarh Brooks (Captain), Vishaul Singh (Vice-Captain), Sunil Ambris, John Campbell, Yannic Cariah, Rahkeem Cornwall, Sheldon Cottrell, Jahmar Hamilton, Montcin Hodge, Damion Jacobs, Keon Joseph, Reynard Leveridge and Oshane Thomas.

After a quiet series against Pakistan, Singh knows the importance of having an impressive outing against the visiting Sri Lanka "A"

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sri Lanka secure World Cup berth after Windies defeat

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ri Lanka have become the eighth and final team to qualify automatically for the 2019 World Cup, following West Indies' seven-wicket defeat against England in the first ODI at Old Trafford.

With September 30 set as the cut-off date, West Indies (78 points) now cannot move ahead of Sri Lanka (86 points) in the ICC ODI rankings, irrespective of how their remaining matches against England pan out.

They had gone into the five-match series needing to win by either 4-0 or 5-0 to amass enough points to leapfrog Sri Lanka, but their fate was sealed in a 42-overa-side contest in which a Jonny Bairstow century guided England past their victory target of 205 with more than 19 overs remaining.

Sri Lanka, World Champions in 1996, now join Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa as the confirmed participants in the 2019 event, which will be held in England between May 30 and July 15.

West Indies, twotimes champions in 1975 and 1979, must now compete in a 10-team qualifier in 2018, where they

Confident darts team depart for Brazilian test

Chris Woakes claimed the wicket of Chris Gayle (Photo: Getty Images)

will be joined by the bottom three sides in the ICC team rankings Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland - as well as the top four sides from the ICC World Cricket League Championship and the top two sides from the ICC World Cricket League Division 2. The top two sides will complete the World Cup line-up.

"You always know there's the potential of that [not qualifying direct], we knew it was going to be a tough ask," said Toby Radford, West Indies' batting coach.

"But we are very positive as a group and are trying to develop in all formats.

If it means the qualifiers next year, it means the qualifiers next year and we'll build our way back up."

Upul Tharanga, Sri Lanka's ODI captain, was relieved to have avoided that fate: "It's no secret that we have been going through a tough time, but I want to say a big, big thank you to our fans who've kept faith with us when things looked bleak.

"ICC events have always brought out the magic in Sri Lanka cricket, and I look forward to proving that once again.

"We have a clear plan toward the World Cup, and we will work hard at achieving each step.

As we say in the dressing room, - Little 'w's [wins] add up to make the big 'W' - so that's what we'll be focusing on and I know you will see Sri Lanka's special brand of cricket out there once again soon." (ESPNCricinfo)

A

From lef: David Dharamraj, Dr Terrance Joseph, Lallchand Rambharose, Luiz Miguel Ramierz-Merlano, Victorine Chandro, Sudesh Fitzgerald and GDA president, Sheik Yassen

five-member team comprising national champion Sudesh Fitzgerald, Luiz Miguel RamierzMerlano, Lallchand Rambharose, Terrence Joseph and Victorine Chandro departed Guyana on Wednesday for neighbouring Brazil where they will compete in the Professional Darts Corporation World Championship Qualifier for Central Caribbean and South America.

The players are aiming for places in the William Hill World Darts Championship set for December in London.

President of

the Guyana Darts Association, Sheik Yassen wished the team well on their journey and urged them to perform to their best given the stakes on offer.

Fitzgerald won the Caribbean and South American Masters in 2008 which qualified him to represent Guyana at the PDC World Darts Championship, held in London in 2009.

He felt that as a team, they stand a good chance of producing a strong showing and possibly winning the tournament.

In 2008, he reached the semi-finals in the

World Darts Federation Americas Cup singles.

The former Caribbean champion explained that they were part of intense training sessions at the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) and moved to different venues as a way of learning to perform at an optimum given that they are unaware of what to expect in Brazil.

The team will also have the presence of David Dharamraj, who is a strong supporter of the sport. The threeday tournament will be held at the Girasol Plaza Hotel and begins on September 22.

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