Guyana Times International

New Yorkers urged to prepare for bitterly cold temperatures

INTERNATIONAL

Page 4

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

for FRee distribution guyanatimesinternational.com

You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com WEEK ENDING december 31, 2017

ISSUE NO. 377

Guyana set to earn over US$7B from first phase of oil production See story on page 3

…Govt, Exxon brief stakeholders NCN CEO resigns …Board reportedly dissatisfied with performance

Page 9

Guyana’s Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and ExxonMobil Country Manager Rod Henson in conversation shortly before the briefing was done on Thursday.

Verdict pending in lawsuit over 2011 CAL plane crash in Guyana Page 8

Lennox Cornette

Birthday celebrations turn deadly Page 29

…as speeding mechanic crashes into lamp post

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31 , 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31 , 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 3

Guyana set to earn over US$7B from first phase of oil production ‌Govt, Exxon brief stakeholders

A

s promised, after mounting pressure from various segments of the population, the Guyana Government on Thursday released the controversial contract with ExxonMobil, CNOOC Nexen, and Hess under which several billion barrels of oil will be produced.

During a high-level presentation on the contract at the Ministry of the Presidency, it was disclosed that Guyana stands to gain some US$7Billion over a twenty-year period from the LIZA Phase One well only.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon hosted the briefing on behalf of govern-

Government Ministers, members of the media and other key stakeholders during the briefing on Thursday at the Ministry of the Presidency

ment while presentations were made by Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and Exxon Country Manager Rod Henson.

Minister Trotman gave a background and overview of the contract while Henson made a detailed presentation on the terms of the contract, focusing on those aspects which were renegotiated, according to the Department of Public Information Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman announced a major 3.2 Billion barrels oil reserve by ExxonMobil.

Henson said that the continued on page 24

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31 , 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International

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

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

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

EDITORIAL

Highway to Brazil

L

ast week, the Government of Guyana announced grandly: “Construction of the Linden-Lethem road is closer, following the signing of a Complementary Agreement to the Memorandum of Understanding between Guyana and Brazil which created the “Guyana-Brazil Joint Commission to Develop Infrastructure Projects”.

Guyanese have heard about a highway to Brazil being built for so long, its origins have been shrouded in the mists of antiquity.

There was, of course, the “cow trail” that had been hacked from the Rupununi to Georgetown in the early decades of the last century, to bring “beef on the hoof” to the coastal markets.

Leading a delegation to Brazil in the 1970s, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham raised the possibility of Brazil becoming involved in the highway. Nothing came out of it by the time the PNC departed in 1992.

The win-win scenario for both countries, however, was always clear. For Brazil, the highway would have to culminate with a deep-water harbour on the Atlantic, which would then offer them a faster route to North America and Europe for their industrial goods produced in the city of Manaus, deep in the heart of the Amazon. As it is, the goods take at least weeks to move by river to the eastern Brazilian port of Belem: this would be reduced to a matter of two days to a Guyanese Atlantic port.

For Guyana, in addition to earning transit and port charges, northern Brazil would be open to Guyanese exports such as rice and sugar etc. Most importantly, this highway would open up Guyana’s interior for development.

With that long history, by 2013, the IDB, while conducting a feasibility study on a “Guyana-Brazil Land Transport Link and Deep-Water Port Project”, at the cost of US$1 million, noted: “The improvement of the Linden-Lethem road has been the subject of intermittent discussion and study over many years.

The following studies are the most relevant: 1989 TecnEconGibb Feasibility Study, funded by the European Union; 1995 Environmental and Social Impact Report, funded by the World Bank; 2000 ADK-Gibb Feasibility Study, funded by the European Union; 2006 GOPA Transport Sector Strategy Study, funded by the European Union; 2008 Mott MacDonald-CEMCO PreFeasibility Study, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank; 2012 SNC Lavalin: Feasibility Study funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank.”

In 2003, on a visit to Brazil, President Bharrat Jagdeo and President Lula of Brazil had initiated feasibility studies on what was called the “Guyana-State of Roraima integration project”.

This involved the construction of a highway linking Georgetown and Boa Vista, the capital of Roraima; the construction of a deep water harbour; a hydro-electricity facility in Guyana; and the development of an industrial area in Boa Vista. The Takutu Bridge across the river of the same name was completed in 2009, and was supposed to be the first phase connecting Boa Vista with Lethem. Jagdeo’s successor, President Donald Ramotar, and Lula’s successor had approved plans for the remainder of the project by the time they demitted office in 2015 and 2016.

Subsequently, the new APNU/AFC Government continued the studies. Earlier this year, it earmarked an 80-mile section of the road, stretching from Linden to Mabura Hill, for rehabilitation. The project is being funded by the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) and is being administered by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). A bridge is also planned to replace the pontoon crossing at Kurupukari, and provide 24-hour access over the river. The CDB awarded a grant of G$1.06 million to fund a feasibility study for the project, which has been handed over to the Government of Guyana.

Thus the Government will have to be a bit more specific about what exactly it is negotiating with Brazil: the entire road from Lethem to the Coast with a Deep Water Harbour, or the portion from Mabura to Lethem, with Brazilian goods to be shipped from the clogged Port Georgetown?

It is also hoped that there would be no more “feasibility studies”.

Opposition Leader Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, accompanied by other PPP/C officials, took time off to meet and greet shoppers during a walk-about in Downtown Georgetown.

New Yorkers urged to prepare for bitterly cold temperatures

N

ew York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has urged all New Yorkers to take precautions against dangerously cold weather that will be affecting the entire state until January 2. Southern and western areas in the North Country will be experiencing dangerously cold wind chills through at least Thursday night where wind chill temperatures could reach -15 to -25 below zero with some areas of the southern Adirondacks reaching as low as -40 below zero. Temperatures in Long Island and New York City are forecast to be 15 to 20 degrees below normal with high temperatures remaining below the upper teens to mid-20s and overnight lows reaching the single digits through Friday, and from Sunday through Tuesday.

Winter Weather Advisories are also posted the Finger Lakes Region with Lake Effect Snow Warnings in place for the typical lake effect band areas of Western New York and the North Country.

"Bitterly cold winter temperatures have settled in across the state and New Yorkers need to make sure they are prepared for this dangerously cold weather," said Governor Cuomo. "I encourage New Yorkers to stay informed and safe during this inclement weather - we will continue to monitor conditions and stand ready to assist any communities in need."

Safety tips:

Alternate sources of home heating are a major cause of winter residential fires. Make sure all levels of your home have a working smoke alarm and check it on a monthly basis.

Fire Safety

Wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and heaters can add a cozy glow, but make sure you are using them safely.

Always keep a screen around an open flame.

Never use gasoline to start your fireplace.

Never burn charcoal in-

Before Cold Weather

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

doors.

Do not close the damper when ashes are hot.

When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation. Keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot surfaces.

Have your chimney checked before the season for creosote buildup -- and then clean it.

Establish a well-planned escape route with the entire family.

Kerosene Heaters

If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips: Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Use only the correct fuel for your unit.

Refuel outdoors ONLY and only when the unit is cool.

Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.

When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.

Staying Warm Indoors

If your heat goes out during the cold weather, you can keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need. Dress in layers of lightweight clothing and wear a cap.

Protecting Water Pipes

To prevent the mess and aggravation of frozen water pipes, protect your home, apartment or business by following the simple steps below.

Locate and insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing, typically those near outer walls, in crawl spaces or in the attic.

Wrap pipes with heat tape (UL approved).

Seal any leaks that allow cold air inside where pipes are located.

Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

When It's Cold

Let hot and cold water trickle at night from a faucet on an outside wall.

Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink or appliance near an outer wall.

Make sure heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees.

If you plan to be away: (1) Have someone check your house daily to make sure the heat is still on to prevent freezing, or (2) drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinkler systems).

If Pipes Freeze

Make sure you and your family knows how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst.

Stopping the water flow minimize the damage to your home.

Call a plumber and contact your insurance agent.

Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch.

Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.

Outdoor Safety:

To avoid frostbite, stay inside during severe cold. If you must go out, try to cover every part of your body: ears, nose, toes and fingers, etc. Mittens are better than gloves. Keep your skin dry. Stay out of the wind when possible. Drink plenty of fluids since hydration increases the blood's volume, which helps prevent frostbite.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigcontinued on page 16

NEWS 5

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31 , 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana’s sugar workers vow to up fight for severance pay in 2018 W

ith the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) having denied its efforts to have the local Court of Appeal “urgently” adjudicate its application to prevent the closure of the East Demerara and Rose Hall sugar estates, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) will be moving to the streets in the coming year to ensure that displaced workers are adequately compensated.

This was revealed

by President of GAWU; Komal Chand who told Guyana Times International on Wednesday that the Finance Minister should announce a substantial budgetary allocation to pay workers their severance. He pointed out that in the meantime, the displaced employees will turn out in large numbers to protest the non-payment of severance in early January.

Many of these Wales workers were protesting since early February for their severance pay (Shemuel Fanfair file photo)

“We have to ascertain for certain that there will be a budgetary commitment to pay the workers,” the long-time GAWU head stressed.

The two Unions – GAWU and NAACIE (National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees) had appealed Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne

George’s November 10, 2017 denial of their application to quash the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and Cabinet’s decision to close the East Demerara and Rose Hall estates.

They contended that the closure decisions were improper and there were insufficient consultations among the Government and

GuySuCo, and the GAWU and NAACIE. Now that the CCJ has denied the Union’s request to the matter to be called up before December 31, Chand revealed that GAWU will petition the local courts to ensure that workers receive adequate compensation for their loss of employment and lack of benefits.

“We were trying to

speed them up and have a decision before the 31st but that unfortunately didn’t happen so we have to wait until the court hearing. The appeal is not only for them to hold hands on the closure but to compensate the workers…many of them will not be able to sustain a proper livelihood during the rest of their working life,” he observed.

Meanwhile, sugar workers formerly attached to the Wales Sugar Estate related also on Wednesday that they have had enough of waiting on the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to pay their severance.

They highlighted the many far-reaching challenges of not having consistent employment over the past 12 months.

Wales ended operations on December 31, 2016, and many workers since then are still to be paid severance after refusing to take up employment at Uitvlugt Estate, some 22 miles from the West Bank Demerara estate. Those workers were affected and thousands more family members and the surrounding villages also faced the impact of the closure. Earlier this month, the retrenchment of nearly 4000 workers attached to Rose Hall, East Demerara and Skeldon Estates was revealed continued on page 10

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31 , 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyanese diaspora will mount vigorous lobby to avoid any “punishment” due to UN vote on Jerusalem Dear Editor, I must salute the Government of Guyana for its vote on Thursday in the United Nations on the issue of Jerusalem. I must, however, express my disappointment that the 14-member Caribbean Community (Caricom) did not vote in unison in favour of this UN resolution. Seven members abstained, or did not vote.

Prior to the vote, both US President Trump and UN Ambassador Halley issued warnings that America would take note of the names that voted for the resolution, and that aid to those countries would be negatively affected in the future. So, was this threat the

reason why seven Caricom member states abstained, or did not vote at all?

Was it Caricom’s strategy to have half the member states support the resolution, thereby making it difficult for the Trump Administration to “punish” the region as a whole, should it choose to carry out its threat?

In my view, this split vote provides for the current US administration to “pick off” Caricom member states individually, thereby making it hard for us in the diaspora to lobby as a collective Caribbean against any possible “punishment” against the seven countries that supported the resolution.

As much as I am disappointed in

the way some Caricom member states voted on this issue, I still maintain an abiding faith in the regional integration process. I suppose our unity in CARICOM does not preclude a plurality of positions on key issues; it pre-supposes it.

Jean Kirkpatrick, many years ago, while serving as the US Ambassador to the UN in the Reagan Administration, had suggested that US aid to developing countries should be in keeping with their percentage of votes consistent with the US vote in the UN system. Her suggestion was inconsistent with the shared values which form the foundation of the relationship between

the member states of Caricom and the US; and so, too, does the threat from the Trump Administration.

I hope that, should the US Administration attempt to “punish” Guyana in any way because of its principled position, as represented through last Thursday’s vote, the Guyanese diaspora in the US will mount a vigorous lobby to avoid any “punishment” that might be contemplated. I am committed to being part of that lobby, should it become necessary.

Sincerely, Wesley Kirton

APNU/AFC must stop An objective analysis is interfering in the functionality needed of Guyana’s social, of constitutional agencies economic, political well-being

Dear Editor, This A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) coalition Government has been most sinister, deceptive and vindictive, as it relates to their blatant default regarding promised and expected performance of constitutional obligations.

President Granger and his Ministers continue to employ manipulative tactics, which consistently politically interfere in the functionality of constitutional agencies which ought to be autonomous and impartial.

The deliberate manipulations by APNU/AFC cohorts are being effected not only through delays in establishment, but also efforts to contaminate and suppress by: restraining resources, placement of political stooges and outright defiance of independent decisions made by the agencies.

Consequent to the foregoing, Guyana has become a dark place lacking of buoyancy and luster. There is no one-off anomaly as the cyclical intolerable behaviour continues to be repeated, reducing the effectiveness of the agencies’ insulation of citizens while perpetuating the opportunities for fraud by those in Government.

Notably, the efforts to intensify this contaminated infusion by this disappointing Government are on the rise.

The existence of numerous recent occurrences gives testimony. Among the many examples, a few instances for the purpose of highlight are as follow: * First, the Guyana Elections Commission is now pauperised in terms of the need to balance the staffing under its employ; and its transparency outlook based on the unilateral appointment of a Government advisor, to its helm. As such, opposing parties are now forced to be extremely vigilant in ensuring that the Voters List is one that is thoroughly updated and verified, and no sort of bullish nonsense is accepted in this regard. Also, that counting in the place of Polls thoroughly attended to, and that very early rejection of sub-optimal approaches are made definitive and public. There is also a need for strong advocacy towards the prioritisation by the Judiciary of related dispute matters, as ones of national security to be heard and pronounced on immediately. * Second, the Public Procurement Commission is another agency made into a toothless poodle that is moving at a snail’s pace. This occurs, even as the APNU/AFC Cabinet continues to pronounce on procurement matters, in breach of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board ap-

proved legislation and procedures. * Third, the Police Service Commission is another institution which has been illegally and personally targeted by President Granger; when he ordered that the organisation must halt its constitutional mandate, of considering and recommending Police promotions.

The APNU/AFC clan first moved to de-mobilise the constitutional agency by removing its head (which is still to be replaced), with the infamous introduction of ‘not fit and proper’ due to Granger’s view, that the Chairman was unsuitable because of his age. The diabolical hypocrisy has become a public spectacle as the rightful challenge to Granger’s dictatorial pronouncement, has been recently ruled illegal in the High Court. * While not least by any specific purpose of design, the Local Government Commission (LGC) seems to be another targeted agency which efficacy and expected deliverables, the APNU/ AFC is stealthily moving to keep in the starting blocks after all the fight and advocacy. * Although monies were previously budgeted for the LGC, it was brought to light during the 2018 Budget debates that the Commissioners still do not have an office. Minister Bulkhan said the Commissioners are having meetings at the Parliament Buildings.

Investigations have revealed that the LGC is being deliberately pushed around. The Commission held one meeting at the National Library where they had to pay for the venue. Why is it that such an important constitutional ‘body’ cannot have a fit and proper office?

More serious is the fact that after several months, the Commissioners are still to receive salaries.

The Minister of Communities during the scrutiny of the Estimates accepted that he did not budget enough money for the administering of the LGC in 2018. Simply put, this serious limitation of resources serves to reduce the entity to the toothless and voiceless poodle that the APNU/AFC wants in place. Why was a carefully organised and proper plan with all the necessary finance support, not prepared for the 2018 Budget? It seems as if the Communities Minister wants to starve the Commission and prevent them from doing their work effectively.

We demand that the Government fully equipped the LGC office.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Dear Editor, Every end of year many people take stock of their lives and make resolutions to do better in the New Year.

What we also need to do is to take stock of the Guyanese nation over the last 50 years and see where we can do better.

In this regard, I call for a re-evaluation of Guyana’s social, economic and political well-being over the last 50 years.

Instead of just analysing the performance of a People’s National Congress

Government vs a People’s Progressive Party Government, we need to evaluate the years in terms of every 10-year period.

Our starting point could be the years 2010 to present until we encapsulate all the years since 1966. In this way we will be developing a narrative of our history without casting blame.

Objectively analysing your performance can lead you to do better.

Yours faithfully, Sean Ori

Disappointed at the attitude of some CARICOM Governments who are still to join CCJ Dear Editor, It seems to me that no other country will join the Appellate Division of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) before the retirement of the second President, Sir Denis Byron in July next year. The first President, Michael de la Bastide and three other Judges have retired since the court was established in 2005, and we were only fortunate to see four countries on board.

I am very disappointed at the attitude of the Governments of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and a few of the Eastern Caribbean states who are still to join. Only Belize and Dominica took steps to join Guyana and Barbados by abolishing appeals to the Privy Council, thus making the CCJ the final court.

St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada failed to get the mandate from their electorates because the referenda to pave the way failed, but I am of the view that the referenda were not successful because they were loaded with other aspects, like removing the Queen as head and giving more powers to the politicians. The Jamaicans are reluctant, claiming that the CCJ was in favour of the death penalty; Trinidad and Tobago has numerous excuses and is flip-flopping. Antigua and Barbuda is awaiting the outcome of a referendum which has been postponed in order to sensitise the electorate of the move.

This seems like a lame excuse.

Meanwhile, the CCJ has made tremendous strides since its 12 years existence. It has top class video conference equipment which can be used by attorneys in various jurisdictions.

There is no need for lawyers to travel to Port of Spain to argue their cases; they can do so from Georgetown,

Belize City, Bridgetown or Roseau.

The court has dealt with several controversial cases and made a landmark decision in the Shanique Myrie case when it awarded substantial damages against the Barbados Government for denying a Jamaican woman entry in Bridgetown. The Judges found that the Immigration officers breached the Treaty of Chaguaramas by denying a Caribbean Community (Caricom) citizen entry.

I should emphasise that the CCJ is not fearful to rule against governments and has done so in numerous occasions against Belize and also the Cooperative Republic. A very important issue will soon come up for hearing. The “term limit” case in which the court will decide whether former President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo can again serve as President having completed his two consecutive terms as Head of State. The matter will come up for case management on February 6, 2018.

Although only four countries have abolished appeals to the Privy Council, the CCJ hears a large number of cases in its original jurisdiction. In fact, the Myrie’s case originated from Jamaica which is not a member of the appellate jurisdiction. I am baffled why so many jurisdictions have not yet severed ties with the Privy Council. Unfortunately, it seems as if the whole process gets so caught up in political manoeuvrings that most countries are still tied to the apron strings of the London-based Privy Council.

Sincerely, Oscar Ramjeet

news 7

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31 , 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

'2017 the most eventful year for CARICOM', says PM Mitchell S T GEORGE'S, Grenada (CMC) — Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Grenada's Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell, says there is no doubt that 2017 has been “a most eventful year for CARICOM”.

“We experienced a scale of multi-country devastation never before seen in the region as two category five Hurricanes, Irma and Maria, raged through the Caribbean within two weeks,” said Mitchell in CARICOM's end-of-year message.

“The Governments and people of our Community immediately responded to assist their brothers and sisters with the generosity and spirit of togetherness which is our trademark.

“I, therefore, must pay tribute to those who so willingly extended a helping hand in the hour of need of our brothers and sisters in the stricken countries,” he added. “Even before the hurricane season was over, the resilient people that we are, we had begun to rally. We determined that we could use the rebuilding process to become the first climate resilient region in the world.”

Recognising that the region did not have the resources to achieve that goal

on its own, the CARICOM chair said the region sought the assistance of the international community.

First, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), he said the region organised the CARICOMUN High-Level Pledging Conference, “Building a More Climate-Resilient Community,” which was held in November at the UN Headquarters in New York.

It brought together nearly 400 high-level representatives from governments, multilateral and civil society organizations and the private sector, and raised more than US$1.3 billion in pledges and over US$1 billion in loans and debt relief, Mitchell said.

In early December, at the One Planet Summit in Paris, he noted that a Caribbean Climate-Smart Coalition was launched in partnership with British billionaire Sir Richard Branson.

The Caribbean ClimateSmart Coalition seeks rapid implementation of a US$8 billion climate investment plan that will transform the regional energy system, build resilience, drive economic growth “and set us on the road to being a climate resilient region,” Mitchell said.

He said key areas for the initiative are: Resilient Housing and Shelter; Renewable Energy; Tourism and the Blue Economy; Physical Infrastructure; Government Systems and Security; Food Security and Climate-Smart Agriculture; and Human Capacity Development.

Mitchell said there has been “a tremendous international response” to the Caribbean Climate-Smart Coalition, stating that the private sector, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) “have also played key roles as core partners of this initiative.”

In addition, he said the Green Climate Fund and The Nature Conservancy “have also come forward with support”.

“We anticipate starting implementation across the Caribbean in the New Year, while there is on-going emergency work already being carried out in the affected countries,” Mitchell said. “Together, we can build thriving economies fuelled by clean energy, nature-based resilient design and innovation.”

Mitchell said the region has been “moving ahead in other areas as well.”

He said heads of government welcomed and approved the Human Resource Development 2030 Strategy, as well as the Roadmap for a Single ICT Space.

“This would enhance the environment for investment and production, provide an opportunity for innovation to flourish, support a sustainable increase in growth and jobs, enhance efficiency in, and increase access to public services,” he said.

In addition, Mitchell said there has also been progress in efforts to enhance the safety and security of Caribbean people.

He said several member states signed the CARICOM Arrest Warrant Treaty, which simplifies the procedure of returning fugitives to the country where charges have been laid.

An expansion of the Advance Passenger Information System and planned introduction of the Advance Cargo Information System also signify the importance attached to the issue of security, Mitchell said.

During the year, he said the region “also took a hard look at the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and approved an Implementation Plan for 2017-2019 to ac-

Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell

celerate the use of the measures under the regime.

“A lot has been achieved in implementing the CSME, including legal and institutional measures and mechanisms to support the free movement of goods, services, skills, and cross-border establishment of businesses,” Mitchell said.

“However, we will continue to review progress regularly to ensure that the benefits of this important aspect of our integration are accruing to our citizens.”

The CARICOM chairman said one of the most important drivers of the Community's economy, tourism, received special attention, “as we sought to address both immediate and long-term initiatives aimed at stimulating sustainable growth in tourism.

“We focused on marketing strategies and agreed to support various public-private sector initiatives, which would entail engagement with other Caribbean

countries, companies and multilateral organisations,” he said.

Mitchell said engagements at the highest level with the presidents of Mexico and Cuba enabled CARICOM to solidify those relationships, resulting in “increased strands of co-operation, particularly in disaster risk management.

“This is a particularly important area for us, given the predicted rise in the intensity and frequency of climatic events for our region,” adding that lessons learnt from this year's experiences will serve the region well, “as we go forward in the era of the 'new normal.'

“We have proven that we can withstand the slings and arrows of misfortune and bounce back stronger than ever,” he said. “Let us continue to band together and ensure that we build a resilient Caribbean Community for the benefit of our children and grandchildren.”

8 news

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31 , 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Suspect in stabbing death of Verdict pending in Sophia man to be arraigned soon lawsuit over 2011 CAL plane crash in Guyana A

A

federal judge is considering whether an airline should pay damages to a Connecticut woman injured in a plane crash in Guyana in 2011.

According to the Associated Press, Judge Michael Shea in Hartford presided over a three-day, nonjury trial earlier this month in a lawsuit by

down as the plane landed and that the pilots failed to reduce excess power during landing and did not use the plane's full deceleration capabilities.

The airline has settled all other claims in lawsuits filed in connection with the crash by more than 150 other passengers, including Shiwbodh's husband and adult daughter,

Associated Press, documents in Indrawatie Shiwbodh's court case say her head struck the seat in front of her, causing a laceration to her forehead that required several stitches to close. While getting out of the wreck, she had to jump off a wing about 12 feet above the ground, aggravating a lower back injury and

Waterbury resident Indrawatie Shiwbodh against Caribbean Airlines. The judge is expected to rule sometime after February 9, when final briefs are due.

Shiwbodh, formerly of East Haven, was among 157 passengers and six crew members on a Boeing 737 that overshot the runway and broke in half at Cheddi Jagan International Airport on July 30, 2011. No one died, but dozens were injured. The flight originated from Kennedy Airport in New York.

Investigators concluded that coordination between the captain and co-pilot broke

said John Maggio, a New York-based lawyer for Caribbean Airlines.

Terms of the settlements are confidential and the airline has not admitted to any wrongdoing in any of the cases, he said.

Shiwbodh's husband, Yadram, referred questions Wednesday to the couple's lawyers, who did not return phone and email messages seeking comment.

Passengers on the plane have described how the landing initially seemed normal and there was applause that quickly turned to screams, with people and luggage being tossed about the cabin.

According to the

injuring her right knee and right ankle, the documents say.

Shiwbodh also suffered "substantial" mental trauma as well as financial damages from being unable to work because of her injuries, her attorneys said. She said she has racked up more than US$125,000 in medical expenses and lost more than US$130,000 in income.

Lawyers for the airline said in court documents that Shiwbodh's damages should be limited to the head wound and other injuries caused by the crash, and not the injuries that occurred after she jumped off the wing, according to AP.

34-year-old father of one is now dead after he was repeatedly stabbed on Christmas Day after ‘hailing up’ residents of C Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Celwyn Alleyne, also called “Marcus”, formerly of Lot 936 C Field Sophia and of 1342 Cummings Park, E Field, Sophia, was stabbed several times by the suspect, “Spoonhead”, a known character in the community. The dead man’s girlfriend, Nalydiah Henry was also stabbed a few times – once to her neck, head, right shoulder and back.

According to the Police, the incident occurred about 19:30h.

Initial investigations so far revealed that the now dead man interfered with a friend of the suspect and although he was warned not to do so, he continued.

The suspect, who also goes by the name Kevin, retaliated by whipping out a knife and attacked Alleyne and his girlfriend.

After committing the act, the suspect fled the scene and the injured couple were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where Alleyne

Dead: Celwyn “Marcus” Alleyne

was pronounced dead on arrival. Henry was treated and sent away.

The suspect was later arrested and has reportedly confessed to the crime.

However, at the house of the now dead man’s mother, the injured Henry related a different story. She told Guyana Times International that they were walking up the street when Alleyne greeted a few persons, but was told by a ‘tall boy’ to desist from doing so.

“The boy come up and start chasing Marcus and when we walk up the road and pass the street, a boy name Kevin come up to he (Alleyne) and pull he by he clothes and drag he back to Fine Man shop and the ‘tall

boy’ hold he and the other boy (Kevin) jook he up,” she said.

“When I hold on pon the boy that jook up Marcus, the boy turn around and start jooking me up and then he pick up a 2×4 and lash Marcus in he head and then throw he in the trench and then lash me in the head,” Henry added.

Meanwhile, the dead man’s mother, Judy Alleyne, related that her son and his fiancée were returning from her home when the incident occurred. The grieving woman told this publication that her son was mistaken for someone else; hence, the reason he was attacked.

“By the time I could have run out there, the Police was going with him and they said I have to go to the hospital, but everybody on the corner saw my son and his fiancée going home quietly and didn’t trouble anybody, but this man just run and stab him up … when I go to the hospital I see my son lying down and his eyes open, I rock him, rock him; no response but I close his eyes,” she related.

The suspect will be arraigned shortly.

Suspect confesses to killing Corentyne labourer

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ollowing the gruesome murder of a Corentyne labourer late Saturday night, Police have arrested one of the suspects who has since confessed to the crime. They are currently seeking his brother, who is believed to have fled the country.

The suspect goes by the nickname “Saltfish”.

Reports are the duo killed Anand Sookram, also called “Radesh” and “Halfway” at his Lot 50 Friendship, Corentyne, Berbice home on Saturday evening. The 42-year-old labourer’s body was discovered in a pool of blood on his bed about 07:30h on Sunday with his throat slit.

Guyana Times International was told that the deceased man’s 17-year-old son made the gruesome discovery after he went to check on his father.

According to the teenager, when he arrived at his father’s house, the door was open and after calling and receiving no answer, he ventured inside, only to see blood on the floor. The teen said he realised something was amiss and ventured to his father’s bed where he saw

his motionless body lying in a pool of blood. The 17-year-old related that he then raised an alarm and neighbours and other relatives gathered. The Police were subsequently summoned.

This newspaper was told by a neighbour that screams were heard coming from Sookram’s house.

According to a neighbour, the man was shouting a particular name, which has since been related to the Police. However, despite his screams, no one went to his assistance.

The dead man’s brother Alan (only name given) told this publication that on Saturday night he saw the two suspects on the road, adding that they had previously threatened to kill his brother over an old grievance.

According to Allan, he was also threatened by the brothers previously. ‘“All you nah get long moh to drop; one all you got to dead before this year out,’” he related was the threat to him.

Sookram had moved from the house after the brothers threatened the family, but returned on Friday.

Police were able to arrest the prime suspect,

Dead: Anand Sookram

who has since admitted to committing the crime.

However, even as the other suspect remains on the run, another son of the dead man, a 14-year-old, said he had a frightening encounter with the “Raju” since the incident.

He said he and some of his siblings and friends were on the road when the wanted suspect was passing by and he called out to him saying he was going to kill him. The 14-year-old said he ran away. The incident has since been reported to the Police.

Meanwhile, another son of the now dead man had one of his ears severed two years ago by the suspect who is in custody.

Sookram leaves to mourn seven children, a wife, his mother and several siblings.

NEWS 9

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31 , 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

New housing schemes for Guyana in 2018

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he Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) is working towards identifying areas for new Land Development Schemes for the year 2018.

This is according to Commissioner Trevor Benn, who last week said: “When people come to the office to apply for new land, we don’t have a plot number to say we have these available. So, we are looking at developing new areas like the Linden Highway so that people can have access to lands.”

According to Benn, GL&SC has been challenged to open new areas for houselot distribution as a result of limited resources.

M e a n w h i l e , Commissioner Benn said the GL&SC has received many expressions of interest for lands in 2017 from citizens, here and abroad.

Benn said the Commission during 2017 worked on compiling

plans for various areas for the benefit of all clients.

“Most of our plans are individual plans, relating to a specific plot of land across the country. This has not been very helpful to investors and the Government who want to engage in infrastructural work,” Benn is quoted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) as saying.

Benn said work has already been done in the Houston, Great Diamond, Herstelling, Eccles to Peter’s Hall and Farm to Covent Garden areas.

In 2018, the Commission hopes to continue the exercise to ensure that all the areas in all the regions are completed, “so that customers can visit the office and acquire one plan”, Benn said.

In the long run, he explained, the Commission hopes to have a national plan showing in greater detail the information required.

GL&SC Commissioner Trevor Benn

According to Benn, the Commission has been able to provide new forms, which reflect applicants for commercial and individual purposes.

He also highlighted that “chief among the Commission’s challenges” was the issue of squatting.

“No matter what part of Guyana you go, people are squatting. Many times, they are encouraged by local authorities to squat on the embankment and reserves. We are trying to push back on that. In 2018, we will work a little harder to enforce that [squatting is illegal],” Benn warned.

NCN CEO resigns …Board reportedly dissatisfied with performance

C 2 jailed for robbing church members at gunpoint

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Jailed: Negus Lamaizon

ormer murder suspect in the Laing Avenue shooting, Negus Lamaizon and his alleged accomplice, Corinth Taylor, made their final court appearance on Wednesday before Magistrate Dylan Bess at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts as their robbery trial closed with a guilty verdict.

In April last, the two were arraigned before the court and remanded to prison for robbing four church members at gunpoint when they crashed a farewell party on Regent Road in Georgetown. They had denied the allegation and were remanded to prison.

On Wednesday, the Magistrate declared that the prosecution had successfully proven its case against the two beyond reasonable doubt.

After taking into consideration several mitigating factors in the circumstances, Magistrate

Bess was inclined to deduce some time from the sentence he otherwise would have handed down, considering the length of time spent on remand.

Lamaizon was sentenced to four years and two months in jail, while Taylor would serve four years and six months in total.

The men were found guilty of robbing Adidre Liverpool, Robin Tibruce, Lester Andrews and Quacy Waldron, of a quantity of jewellery, smartphones and other valuables totalling over G$500,000.

In a separate incident brought earlier this year, Lamaizon was hauled before the courts after he was implicated in the murder of Orin Malik David, but was freed by Magistrate Bess after the prosecution’s evidence was ruled to be largely insufficient to commit him to stand trial in the High Court.

He was slapped with the robbery charge two weeks after the murder charge was dismissed.

The second suspect, Samuel McIntyre also walked away a free man while their alleged accomplices, Jermaine “Smokey” Jeffers and Howard “Spleen” Rambarose were committed by Magistrate Judy Latchman in a separate Preliminary Inquiry (PI) as the prosecution managed to

Jailed: Corinth Taylor

make a prima facie case against them.

hief Executive Officer for N a t i o n a l Communications Network (NCN) Lennox Cornette has tendered his resignation reportedly after a unanimous Board dissatisfaction over his performance.

Cornette’s resignation has been accepted by the Board’s Chairman Enrico Woolford and will take effect on March 15, 2018. He is expected to proceed on accumulated leave sometime during January next year.

This newspaper understands that the Board had continuously voiced concerns over Cornette’s leadership style and inabili-

Lennox Cornette

ty to implement its decisions in a timely and effective manner. It had also related concerns over the management of key internal departments which were still bleeding the company’s finances.

“There is also a lot of power rifts and fighting between Mr Wooldford and Cornette for control.

They hardly agree. In the end, the employees suffered and the company was not achieving its objectives.

The Prime Minister is aware of the concerns of the Board and Cornette too has had his ear”, said a source.

Cornette’s resignation also comes at a time when his contract is nearing an end.

“He knows that it will not be renewed by any board which Mr Wooldford heads.

So he basically bit the bullet”, the source related.

Cornette’s suitability for the top post came in for question after he was selected ahead of several more suitably qualified individuals including Woolford.

He replaced Molly Hassan who served as the entity’s last CEO under the former PPP Government.

She too resigned citing concerns about the manner in which she was being treated following the change of Government back in 2015.

(Michael Younge)

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31 , 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jamaican-American named Guyana’s sugar CNN 'Young Wonder workers ... of the Year' A from page 5

TLANTA, United States (CMC) — The Atlanta, Georgia-based Cable News Network (CNN) has named a Jamaican American among its five “Young Wonders of the Year.”

Haile Thomas, 17, who lives in New Windsor, a town in Orange County, Upstate New York, was named by the network on its “Young Wonders: A CNN Heroes Special.”

All five “CNN Young Wonders” were also honoured during “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute.”

CNN has described Thomas as “a teen health activist,” stating that her “HAPPY organisation” is leading the next generation toward a healthier future by bringing cooking lessons and nutrition education to children in underserved areas.”

The popular network said the five “extraordinary young people” are “making a difference in their communities.

“Their inspiring stories serve as reminders that you are never too young to change the world,” CNN said.

It said Thomas is an international speaker, health activist, vegan food and lifestyle influencer, podcaster, the youngest Certified Integrative Health Coach in the United States, and the founder/chief executive officer of the nonprofit HAPPY (Healthy Active Positive Purposeful Youth).

Thomas, who is the daughter of Jamaicans, said on her website that she founded HAPPY when she was 12 years old to “address the need for free/affordable plant-based nutrition and culinary education in underserved/at-risk communities, as well as in schools and through annual summer camps.”

She said she has personally engaged over 15,000 kids since beginning her activism in 2010, stating that she was inspired to pursue this passion after her family successfully reversed her father's

type-2 diabetes “without the use of medication, only healthy eating and lifestyle choices, and upon learning that kids were also increasingly being diagnosed with conditions like diabetes, heart disease and obesity”.

Thomas said all of her programmes, projects and initiatives are geared towards engaging, educating, motivating and empowering young people to make healthy lifestyle choices to live their best life.

She also hosts the podcast “Girl Empowered,” interviewing, inspiring and empowering women; “therefore fulfilling its mission to broadcast female voices of empowerment.”

Thomas is one of the first eight young chefs featured in season one of “Rachael vs Guy Kids-Cook-Off,” and also on “Cupcake Wars Kids,” both airing on the Food Network.

She also worked for two years as the Jr Chef Advisor for Hyatt Hotel's “For Kids – By Kids” Menu, with her kids' menu recipes serving at all Hyatt Resorts in North America and the Caribbean.

Thomas said she has been featured on the “Today Show,” “Dr Oz,” “Home and Family Show,” and “The Rachael Ray Show,” and highlighted in several major publications, including O magazine, Teen Vogue and YES magazine.

She is the first teen to be featured on the cover of Experience Life Magazine in the October 2016 issue.

Additionally, Thomas said she creates creative and artistic lifestyle and vegan recipe videos through her channel “PlantPowered Haile” on YouTube.

Thomas started to work at the Canyon

Ranch Institute in 2015 as a nutrition Haile Thomas

science assistant; and, in 2016, she partnered with the nonprofit Harlem Grown organisation to educate people about urban farming, sustainability and nutrition.

Thomas and her family moved from Arizona to New York in September 2016, “so she could expand her business.”

In 2017, Thomas was the youngest graduate of the Integrative Nutrition Health Coach program at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

“Nutrition is super important for our growth and development for our brains and our bodies,” Thomas says.

“Haile is an example for all of you, what your little powerful voices can do to change the world,” said former US First Lady Michelle Obama on Thomas's website.

and those employees have expressed fear of facing a similar fate to their former colleagues at Wales who are still awaiting their outstanding packages.

Many civil society bodies and other interest groups have been urging the coalition Government to re-think the closure of estates and to implement plans that will tackle the welfare of workers. In its end of year statement, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) highlighted that come 2018, it will in fact be 5000 sugar workers who will be left unemployed if Wales is factored into the current numbers. The body is of the view that this action will have “serious repercussions” for the New Year.

“The Commission stands by its proposal which was previously submitted asking that Government reverse these decisions and rethink a plausible solution that would alleviate the dire economic and social consequences of layoffs and hardships,” the PSC noted on Wednesday.

It was in August that the PSC had proposed for Government to enter into public-private partnerships to invest in and manage selected estates. However, in the coming days, estates at Rose Hall, and Enmore would cease operations, while Skeldon is slated to be privatised. Meanwhile, only three would be kept in operation – at Albion in East Berbice, Blairmont in West Berbice, and Uitvlugt on the West Coast of Demerara.

(Shemuel Fanfair)

NA prisoners graduate from anger management programme

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wenty-one inmates of the New Amsterdam Prison were on Thursday last recognised after successfully completing a three-month Anger Management and Reentry programme.

Nine women and 12 men participated in the 12-week programme.

Officer in Charge of the New Amsterdam Prison, Superintendent Paul James, told this publication that participants were chosen based on their age and length of their prison term.

The programme was conducted by Solutions Training Consultancy and Counselling Services.

Among those who graced the stage all decked out in their gowns were high-profile and special watch inmates. Both convicted and remanded prisoners were also given an opportunity to participate in the programme which focused on imparting skills with the aim of preparing the participants for reintegration

The inmates from the New Amsterdam Prison who graduated from a three-month Anger Management and Re-entry programme

into the society, and being able to deal with issues which will confront them so that they would not have to be placed in such a facility again.

Managing Director of Solutions Training Consultancy and Counselling Services, Wil Campbell, said the inmates were all happy and willing to participate in the Anger Management programme. According to him, there were noticeable changes in the attitudes of those who participated in the programme.

Anger management

programmes have been conducted in the prisons over the years.

“But I think that ours is a bit different in that we used a therapy approach rather than a teaching approach, so what we do is help the participants to understand themselves, understand the source of their anger and thereby learn how to deal with it,” Campbell told this newspaper.

“Because it is not just about giving information about anger and how to deal with it but helping them understand their own unique

situation; their own circumstances and to learn techniques that they can use that are specifically adapted to the individual,” he posited The programme was part of two pilot skills training programmes being undertaken by the Guyana Prisons Service.

The other was a similar programme held for inmates of the Timehri Prison.

During the threemonth programme, inmates were helped to understand the nature of anger and to appreciate that it is something normal and okay

to be angry. “We looked at some of the causes of anger, things like communication blocks, irrational thinking, the feeling that you must get respect from everyone and this whole idea that respect must be earned or demanded. We also looked at the importance of forgiveness,” Campbell said.

He noted that many persons are angry because they are holding on to past hurts and as a result, that anger is misdirected to random people or others who are not the real source of the anger. “So we taught them

how to let go of past hurts, how to forgive and also how to apologise and how to accept apologies,” Campbell explained.

According to Campbell, who is also a psychologist, it is hoped that the programme will be extended to other prisons.

In brief remarks, Senior Prison Officer Paul James encouraged the graduates to see the positives that can result from their incarceration, and use it as a building block for a better future.

(Andrew Carmichael)

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GuySuCo’s production target unachievable – GAWU …as 2017 production expected to be lowest since 1990

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he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is contending that the 115,447 tonnes of sugar production target for 2018 is unrealistic, since only three estates will remain operational. This, they said, is grounded in the fact that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is expected to fall behind its 2017 production target which is expected to be the lowest in 27 years.

“The Budget tells us that sugar production will reach 115,447 tonnes next year from the three estates that will remain under GuySuCo’s management. This year, those three estates have produced aggregately 88,116 tonnes sugar… and therefore, are budgeted to record a 31 per cent improvement in 2018. For the GAWU, which has been associated with the sugar industry for decades now, this is a magnificent improvement and we cannot help but wonder whether it is grounded in reality,” the Assistant General Secretary of the Union, Aslim Singh, noted.

In his 2018 Budget speech, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said the key to the Special Purposes Unit (SPU) is tasked with examin-

GAWU President Komal Chand

ing and articulating the way forward with respect to the divestment of the Skeldon, Rose Hall, and East Demerara estates.

He noted that the SPU would also work to reconfigure operations to guarantee economic viability at the Uitvlugt, Albion and Blairmont estates.

Lacking leadership

He also said the Government intends to uphold its duty to the communities and families in the areas affected by divestment, as part of the GuySuCo’s restructuring.

During GAWU’s end of year press conference, Singh told reporters that that sugar production is not expected to exceed 140,000 tonnes in 2017; representing a 23 per cent decline from 2016’s production

Elderly couple robbed at gunpoint shortly after arriving in Guyana

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ours after an elderly couple arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, East Bank Demerara, they were attached and robbed by three men, one of whom was armed with a handgun.

Based on reports received, upon arrival at the airport, Manboth and Kamala Shivran boarded a taxi and requested to be taken to their Lot 233 Ginder Lilly Avenue, Eccles, East Bank Demerara home.

They had travelled from Texas, United States to Guyana to spend the Christmas season with friends and family. However, as they were heading to their destination, and in the vicinity of Craig, EBD, the driver, Jermaine Stephens, claimed he had suffered a puncture.

Stephens reportedly disembarked the vehicle to attend to the flat, leaving the two elderly people in the car. In the process of changing the flat, a white Toyota Premio motorcar bearing registration number PSS

3916 pulled up alongside the car and stopped.

Three men exited the car and Stephens assumed they came to his aid, but instead one of the men whipped out a handgun and held the two-elderly people along with the driver at gunpoint.

The elderly couple was relieved of close to US$15,000 in items and cash. The gunmen also relieved the driver of his cash and mobile phone.

The bandits also took the couple’s passports and phone.

This newspaper understands that after committing the robbery, the men fled the scene. The matter was reported to the Police, but no arrests were made. Over the past few days, several persons including business people were robbed of cash by gun-toting men.

This occurrence, as seen in the past, is prevalent during the Christmas season. In November the Police launched the Christmas Security Plan for the festive season, including an increase in mobile patron.

of 183,000 tonnes. For 2017, GuySuCo’s expected production is 152,000 tonnes of sugar.

“It may have missed many that sugar production this year will be the lowest since 1990. As at last Saturday (December 16, 2017), sugar production for the year stood at 137,233 tonnes. With the cessation of cane cutting across the industry, from all indications, sugar production may not top 140,000 tonnes sugar. For us of the GAWU the excitement which greeted the 231,000 tonnes sugar production in 2015, has now come crashing down as production has plummeted by over 40 per cent between then and now,” he said.

“The dramatic decline of the industry has to be placed squarely at the feet of the industry’s leadership. Clearly, their stewardship is questionable and obvious questions about their performance have arisen,” Singh added.

He noted that the Union is cognizant of the fact that the Corporation’s administration is seeking to cast blame on the workers and the Union but alluded to statements made by Labour Minister Keith Scott, where he reported a 49.1 per cent decline in

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

strikes for 2017. He noted that GAWU is eagerly awaiting the next excuse from the Corporation as they seek to defend what he terms as a miserable production.

Mountain out of a molehill

Meanwhile, GAWU’s General Secretary Seepaul Narine noted that the 2016 financial statements revealed that the Corporation recorded a profit of $905 million in 2016, adding that it is intriguing considering that production in 2016 stood at just over 183,000 tonnes sugar; a 26 per cent decline from the previous year.

He said the average price GuySuCo received for sugar rose by nearly 20 per cent in 2016, projecting had the Corporation realised its original 242,000 tonne

target in 2016, revenues would have been G$5.6 billion higher.

Additionally, Narine said had the sale of the Skeldon Co-Generation plant been reversed as recommended by the Commission of Inquiry into sugar, GuySuCo’s revenues would have been enhanced by at least G$9.5 billion more.

He further explained that Government’s G$11 billion subvention to GuySuCo may not have been required since the Corporation would have been in an even more profitable state.

“Clearly, the data serves to indicate that all is not lost, and the Corporation is seeking to make a mountain out of a molehill,” he said.

He added that there is need to also emphasise that faced with daunting challenges, the workers did not give up hope.

“They stood up and defended militantly their jobs, their families and their communities. They demonstrated an indomitable will to succeed and to call attention to and overcome their plight.

Their laudable actions to counter the deathly hands of the State on their jobs and livelihood found sincere sympathy among a wide cross-section of Guyanese and

also from several overseas organisations.”

According to the Union, the workers sustained struggles brought several allies who spoke up in their defence in the press, in social media and elsewhere. “This is a monumental achievement and one that workers should take great pride and solace in,” the Union said.

Last week, following the High Court denial of its application to quash the decision to shut down the Rose Hall and East Demerara Estates and the subsequent adjournment of the appeal, GAWU moved to the Caribbean Court of Justice to have a hearing.

GAWU President, Komal Chand, told a press conference that as a result of the adjournment of the case locally to January 15, 2018, the Union approached the CCJ to have the matter heard since it is one that is based on time.

In what is described as the largest retrenchment by a private or public corporation in recent history, GuySuCo is expected to send home an estimated 4000 workers by the end of 2017 as part of plans to restructure the sugar industry.

PSC distributes gifts to children of laid-off sugar workers at Skeldon

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he Private Sector Commission (PSC), less than two weeks ago, commenced a toy drive aimed at bringing a touch of Christmas cheer to the worst off of the children of laidoff sugar workers in the Skeldon community.

This drive, at the insistence of members, expanded to become a major toy and hamper drive with members giving generously towards the effort. The Commission now plans to extend the hamper drive to the worst-off families of the other sugar estates, beginning with Wales this week.

According to the Commission, “the Skeldon workers were first targeted due to the existence of a strong partner in the community – Sectoral Member, the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCCI) – which was equipped with information on the workers and willing and able to assist with distribution”. The UCCCI will also host a simple

The distribution of toys and hampers took place at Line Path, Skeldon, Corriverton on Friday last

party at which the chil-

dren will receive their

gifts.

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President Granger releases eight students from NOC, pardons five women from NA Prison

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cting under Article 188 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Guyana, which states that the President has the power to grant any person concerned in, or convicted of, any offence under the laws of Guyana, a pardon, either free or subject to lawful condition, President David Granger has ordered the release of eight students from the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) so that they can be re-integrated into their families. In addition, the Head of State

President David Granger

has pardoned five females from the New Amsterdam Prisons under Articles 188, 189 and 190 just in time for Christmas.

Under Article 189 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana, ”There shall be an Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, which shall consist of (a) The Minister for the time being designated under paragraph (2) of the preceding article, who shall be Chairman, (b) the Attorney General (if he or she is not the Chairman) and (c) not less than three and not more than five other members, who shall be appointed by the President, and of whom at least one shall be a person who is a qualified medical practitioner.”

Article 190 states, “Where under the law of Guyana any person has been sentenced to death by any court other than a court martial for any offence against that law, the Minister designated under Article 188 (2) shall cause a written report of the case from the trial judge, together with such other information derived from the record of the case or elsewhere as the Minister may require, to be taken into consideration at a meeting of the Advisory Council, and after obtaining the advice of the Council, the Minister shall express his or her own deliberate opinion to the President as to whether he or she should exercise any of his or her powers under that article in relation to that person.”

The President may also grant to any person a respite, either indefinite, or for a specified period, of the execution of any punishment imposed on that person for such an offence. He may

also substitute a less severe form of punishment for any punishment imposed on any person for such an offence, or remit the whole or part of any punishment imposed on any person for such an offence or of any penalty or forfeiture otherwise due to the State on account of such an offence under Article 188.

The women released from the New Amsterdam prison with effect from December 25, 2017 are Shabana Asgar, 37, Shellon David, 24, Ronella Junor, 27, Maxine Baird Sampson, 27 and Reino Varges, 54.

The release of the eight students of the NOC comes on the heels of a visit by President Granger on June 16, 2017, where he had indicated that he has commenced a process to look at the early release of girls and boys housed at the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) at Onderneeming in the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region (Region Two).

The Head of State had visited the facility to speak with the 85 young people, the majority of whom have been committed to the institution for Wandering. He said that as part as an overall plan to ensure improvements to the physical conditions and the programmes offered, Government will be in the short term be setting up criteria and a system to ensure that regular early release is an option for those who qualify.

President Granger remains focused on education and youth empowerment and strongly believes that children are better off in educational institutions rather than in incarceration or detention. “Going to school is important for me and staying in school is important for me and it is important for you too, because in whatever you do, you must be able to read, write, spell and count…

You must be literate.

We cannot build a country with illiterate persons and that is why I want all of you to take your education seriously. It is my vision that you must get the best possible preparation for when you are ready to take over this country,” the President told the children. (MOTP)

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T&T teen killed after Couva pool party

Isaiah Mitchell’s mother, Mamawa Guy, at her Couva home yesterday (Wednesday).

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he sound of machine-gun fire sent patrons of an allnight private pool party scampering for safety in Couva yesterday (Wednesday) and left one teenager dead and another injured.

Witnesses said patrons had hide behind fences and in drains, while the gunmen walked along Deonarine Junction Mc Bean, Couva, randomly shooting.

Police said more than 30 gunshots were fired.

Several spent shells were found at Shark Street and Mc Bean Road.

A witness, who only identified himself as Farmer Brown, said the gunmen began firing wildly around 6.30 am just as patrons were leaving the Jungle Fever pool party.

Isaiah Trevor Mitchell, 19, was killed instantly and Hakeem James, of Couva, was wounded.

“Isaiah got hit on the road. It was no dispute.

They were just playing wild and he got hit,” Brown said.

However, Mitchell’s mother Mamawa Guy said there were different versions of how her son got killed.

“One man said they came for someone else and he tried to stop them by holding the gun so they killed him. He was trying to make peace and that was how he died,” Guy said.

She added that another person told her that Mitchell had a dispute with someone and that was when he got killed.

(Trinidad Guardian)

New Yorkers urged to prepare...

from page 4

arettes. Caffeine constricts blood vessels, preventing warming of your extremities. Alcohol reduces shivering, which helps keep you warm.

Cigarette use shuts off the blood flow to your hands.

Frostbite First Aid

Until you can get indoors: Don't rub or massage cold body parts.

Drink warm liquids.

Put on extra layers of clothes, blankets, etc.

Remove rings, watches, and anything tight.

Once Indoors

Don't walk on a frostbitten foot. You could cause more damage.

Get in a warm, NOT hot, bath and wrap your face and ears in a moist, warm, NOT hot, towel.

Don't get near a hot stove or heater or use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or a hair dryer.

You may burn yourself before feeling returns.

Frostbitten skin will become red and swollen and feel like it's on

fire. You may develop blisters. Don't break the blisters. It could cause scarring.

If your skin turns blue or gray, is very swollen, blistered or feels hard and numb even under the surface, go to a hospital immediately.

Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, especially in children and the elderly.

Watch for the following symptoms: inability to concentrate, poor coordination, slurred speech, drowsiness, exhaustion, and/or uncontrollable shivering, following by a sudden lack of shivering. If a person's body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, get emergency medical assistance immediately. Remove wet clothing, wrap the victim in warm blankets, and give warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids until help arrives. (Taken from the Governor’s website)

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Guyana eagerly awaits decision of UN boss on border controversy …Private Sector maintains support of Govt’s position

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uyana’s main Private Sector umbrella representative organisation, the Private Sector Commission (PSC), has reiterated its support for Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, and in particular the Guyana Government, in ensuring that claims to local lands be refuted.

The PSC commitment comes in light of the recent border controversy that was sparked between Guyana and Venezuela.

The decades-old controversy was brought back

Norwegian Diplomat, Dag Nylander

into the spotlight following the discovery of oil in Guyana which led to Venezuela reiterating its land claims.

Relations between Guyana and Venezuela have worsened ever since United States oil giant ExxonMobil announced in 2015 that it had found oil in Guyana. Venezuela has staunchly been against oil exploration in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, where multiple oil deposits were found by ExxonMobil.

Venezuela has long claimed a huge tract of land in Essequibo, which comprises nearly 40 per cent of Guyana’s current territory. But Guyana has maintained that Venezuela’s claim on the nullity of an award is a legal matter that must be resolved at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Minister Greenidge said the country is awaiting the final decision from the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, now that another year of the Good Offices Process is almost done.

The Secretary General’s Personal Representative, Norwegian Diplomat, Dag Nylander, had to submit his report on the meetings he facilitated between the two countries to Guterres.

The engagements between the UN representative and the two countries were concluded in November and according to Greenidge, there have only been three meetings between the two countries since.

Greenidge said Guyana has intensified its bilateral activism with other countries to ensure the Secretary General honours his obligations which is to refer the matter to the Court (International Court of Justice) at the end of 2017

unless there is significant progress in resolving the matter.

The 1966 Geneva Agreement identified the UN Secretary General to resolve the matter using a menu of measures under Article 33 of the UN agreement. Minister Greenidge said, “We call on the Secretary General to look at his mandate and to refer the matter to the highest court in the world, the ICJ.” At the recently concluded MERCOSUR Summit held in Brazil, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said Guyana’s South American neighbour has been updated on Venezuela’s contention that the 1899 Award is null and void, and remains resolute to its original position.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that the border controversy issue was recently raised with Brazil and that country has maintained its support for Guyana, noting that the boundaries of the sub-continent should remain where they are and have existed for decades.

“The matter was raised with Brazil as per normal. As neighbours, we always have exchanges on this. The President gave them an update as to where we are, and Brazil has not indicated any movement from its traditional position, which is that the boundaries of the sub-continent should remain where they are,” Minister Greenidge explained.

In addition, Minister Greenidge said Guyana is awaiting the final decision of the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, who undertook to have the matter sent to the World Court, should there be a failure to have an amicable settlement between Guyana and Venezuela.

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31 , 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

The battle to stay sober…

A rehabilitated drug addict tells his story

By Lakhram Bhagirat

N

ot everyone can say they turned their worst period into an experience to teach others, to mend broken souls and to create beautiful memories, but for Sheik Shamshudeen, he can! He can painfully tell you what it is like to be homeless, to find sustenance in the refuse of others but he can also tell you how to conquer your demons and build a beautiful family. He can make you dream so big that it is hard to contain the smile that envelops your face while he speaks about finding true love during a period when he thought love no longer existed for him.

Sheik is now 49 years old and he is now beginning a journey, which many of us begin at a much younger age. “I feel now is the right time for me to take this step and I am more grounded now, so I can take care of my responsibilities the way I should do,” he notes while smiling at the thought of going home to his almost oneyear-old son.

Sheik’s life was not always a bed of roses; rather it is what some might consider a bed of thorns. At the young age of nine, Sheik had his first draw of marijuana and his world changed forever. He explains that he remembers his first drag like it was yesterday and regrets every other drag he took after that.

He was born into a traditional family from Cane Grove in Mahaica, on the East Coast of Demerara, and Sheik says he was “unruly” from a young age.

The level of disrespect he exuded was incomparable. A young Sheik had no respect for his elders and would hang with the elder boys in the village, often doing things way beyond his comprehension skills.

He tells that it was the same group of boys that would lead him to his first drag, followed by his first sniff and subsequent homelessness.

“I used to fit in with the rude boys and that is where they introduced it (marijuana) to me. I see them smoking and I decide that I should try it too and I decided and I was between 9-10 years when

Sheik with his wife, Nadira and their son, Samuel

I took my first draw of marijuana,” he remembers.

However, those are the memories that still cause Sheik some deal of pain and resentment for his choices. He explains that he became addicted to marijuana and his life spiralled out of control. In order to regain some semblance, he moved away to St Nevis where he worked and tried putting the broken pieces together, but all that effort went down the drain when he returned for a brief vacation in 1989.

It was while back home on vacation, Sheik met up with some old friends and one of them would lead him to the local drug yard where he was introduced to the “big boy” drug – cocaine.

He recalls when he took his first sniff it was as if he was floating through and everything fell into place.

He would later spend most of his few weeks’ vacation time holed up in the drug yard getting high, ignoring the reality of the world.

Nevertheless, he returned to St Nevis where he unsuccessfully tried to procure cocaine and he returned home about one year later in 1990, where his first stop was the drug yard.

It took less than a year for Sheik to end up friendless, family-less, penniless, jobless and most devastatingly, homeless. He

wandered the streets with just the clothes on his back, eating from garbage bins, begging so that he could get his next fix, worked underpaying odd jobs to satisfy his cocaine craving and slept on the cardboard lined pavements.

“I lost everything I had. I ended up living in the streets wandering aimlessly and doing whatever it took for me to get that cocaine because I needed it,” Sheik said.

“I had been living on the streets in 1991 to November 9, 2009.

That is when I surrendered my life, recognising that drugs was destroying me. I was given the opportunity through the Salvation Army Drug Rehabilitation Centre,” he adds.

He sees his addiction as the disease that made him so selfish that he did not realise his entire world had been destroyed and he was slowly sinking. It was at that point when Sheik decided to turn a new chapter, since the current one was overused. He describes the rehabilitation process as awesome but also challenging since he had to confront his demons without the help of his former best friend – cocaine.

He spent six months at the Salvation Army’s in-house drug rehabilitation centre where his body was forced to adjust to the comforts of having a regular bath, sleeping in a bed, prop-

er hygiene and most importantly, living without cocaine.

“I took all the teaching and I do apply them in my daily life. After completing the six months in-house treatment, I didn’t had any-

where to go and they see it fit to keep me in the half-way house and subsequently they do some evaluation with me and they see that I am physically fit and they employed me to work right in the realms of the rehabilitation centre,” Sheik proudly boasts.

He has been clean for the past eight years and is thankful for the assistance he gets in maintaining his sobriety. These days Sheik is not only thankful for his sobriety, but he is also grateful for the love he receives from his wife, Nadira and his infant son, Samuel.

“I am very excited to say that this child came through prayer because in my active days I used to see people hugging their families and going to church and I was jealous,” he said.

“I used to see this young lady and I never said a word to her and one day after completing a hard day work from the office, I went to the gate. I was refreshing my mind and I see this very young

lady pass and I waved and that is where it started,” Sheik fondly remembers.

He explains that he met Nadira in 2012 and they maintained a friendship, which over time developed into unconditional love, and they eventually tied the knot in April of 2014 and Samuel was conceived on December 23, 2016.

For Sheik, Samuel is his Christmas baby and the reason for him to stay sober. He wants nothing but the best for his son and now spends his time working with the Salvation Army as an Office Assistant and since it is the festive season, he is out Kettling.

When asked what advice he has for the general population, Sheik says, “Push as hard as you can. Say no to drugs and yes to a better future. Use me as an example and make yourself better, the drugs and the high is not worth missing your life. I have fought my demons and I am winning, you do the same.”

Sheik out Kettling for the Salvation Army

22 NEWS

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31 , 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Former GDF rank tipped to be new Chancellor

By Michael Younge

K

enneth Benjamin, the current Chief Justice of Belize, is tipped to be Guyana’s Chancellor of the Judiciary, according to highly-placed sources and luminaries in the legal profession.

Guyana Times International learnt on Saturday that Benjamin was interviewed earlier this year for the post and was handpicked by a committee put together by President David Granger and his Attorney General, Basil Williams.

Benjamin is a former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officer, having served as a magistrate and judge advocate during his stint before migrating overseas. He studied at the Hugh Wooding Law School before going on to hold several high-level portfolios in the judicial system at home, in the Caribbean and abroad.

“While he is very qualified, one cannot help but notice the fact that he served in one way or another in the GDF. Of course, that has its own connotations and denotations. That only means that President David Granger would have seen him as ‘fit and proper’ as they say or

Chancellor (ag) Justice Kenneth Benjamin Yonette Cummings-Edwards

as suitable because the President has a special liking for former GDF officials,” one source said.

According to the source, President Granger intends to appoint Benjamin in the New Year, but has run into some difficulty in the process, which the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Attorney General Basil Williams are actively looking to resolve.

“Whether we like it or not, Mr Granger has accepted the full recommendation and report of his committee. He is excited about this particular candidate and has already made contact with him to ensure that this is communicated,” the source related.

The source also revealed that the President was concerned over the recent posture of Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo since he believes that the former President may not “consent or agree” to the appointment of someone who has resided outside of Guyana so long.

“The President is still hopeful that the consultation with Jagdeo will go smoothly despite his own personal feeling,” the source remarked.

It is not clear whether acting Chief Justice Roxane George or acting Chancellor Yonette Cummings-Edwards applied to be confirmed in their respective posts.

Non-appointment

Meanwhile, former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran also hinted in his weekly column published in another section of the media that Benjamin was likely to get the top judicial post.

In his “The Conversation Tree” column, Ramkarran said Benjamin was “no doubt…qualified to hold the post”, as he noted that if appointed, he would have several important issues to tackle in Guyana.

“The first would be the inevitable fallout

from displacing a popular chancellor (ag), CummingsEdwards, whose confirmation was anticipated supportively by the entire legal profession,” he noted.

Ramkarran also noted that CummingsEdward and acting Chief Justice Wiltshire may be reverting to their original posts as Appeal Judges until one was selected for appointment as Guyana’s substantive CJ. “The second issue that Chief Justice Benjamin will have to face is whether the Leader of the Opposition will consent to his appointment,” the columnist wrote.

He said that the process would have to be truly consultative between President Granger and the Opposition Leader as the candidate was not likely to be known by the latter.

Noting that the process and subsequent appointment were immensely important, the Senior Counsel called for the Opposition Leader to be given access to all of the information about the process and recommendation of Benjamin.

“They cannot properly do so unless both have had an equal opportunity to make an informed decision,” he remarked.

Kenneth Benjamin

Back in March 2017, President Granger consulted with Jagdeo before appointing Cummings-Edwards as acting Chancellor and Wiltshire as acting CJ. Article 127 of the Constitution says “The Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.”

The Government had said then to ensure that there was an open and transparent process that helps the President and the Leader of the Opposition to reach an agreement; it has begun a process of selection, which will include consultations between the two parties.

Both posts were then advertised and appli-

cations have been received as recommended

by President Granger.

Minister Harmon was quoted then as saying, “A panel was put together, which comprised former Justice of Appeal, Ms Claudette Singh; Mr James Patterson, and Mr Harold Lutchman.

The panel, of course, met and we are awaiting the report of that panel.

Once that is submitted to His Excellency, the President, he will, in due course, make his decision on the matter.”

An undertaking was made to have the report and the information derived from the interview process submitted to the Leader of the Opposition, according to the Minister of State.

“We will have to have consultations so at that point the Leader of the Opposition will be invited to consultations … That process also requires that he be given in advance the names of the persons who are proposed, the Curriculum Vitae of those persons and all information, which we will have at our disposal and that information will come out from the interviewing process, which took place recently. So, we will submit all of that informacontinued on page 23

NEWS 23

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31 , 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

IMF urges review of Guyana’s income tax system A revealing assessment report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has shed light on deficiencies in tax administration systems in operation in Guyana and other countries in the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

The IMF found there is need for revenue authorities to review decades of incremental tax changes that have needlessly complicated personal income tax (PIT) systems. This review, the report notes, must be a fundamental one.

The report, which originated from the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department out of an assessment that began earlier this year, noted that PIT systems “generally comprise multiple allowances and deductions that hamper the implementation of efficient filing (and) payment arrangements; (for example) prefilled tax returns or withholding at source as a final tax.”

“A complex PIT system has two consequences: it deters voluntary compliance (the no-filing rate is above 50 per cent in the region), and it consumes an important workforce to provide immediate assistance, follow-up on no-filers, and enforce collection.”

The report also stated that normal Value Added Tax (VAT) and income tax regimes have not adapted to the limited compliance capacities of small and micro businesses. The report notes that this is especially so in low and lowto-middle-income countries.

According to the IMF, tax authorities impose proportionally higher compliance costs on this segment. In turn, this impacts overall filing and payment

Commissioner-General Godfrey Statia

rates. A less-than-satisfactory rate of tax collection in Guyana has been highlighted in the past, most notably by the Audit Office of Guyana.

“Only a few countries have introduced, or have planned to introduce, a genuine turnover-based presumptive tax regime with minimal accounting requirements for small businesses. In those countries, this initiative is synchronized with the increase of the VAT registration thresholds.”

The report noted the necessity of overall reforms, but observed that authorities are distracted; and, as such,

Former GDF rank tipped...

from page 22

tion to the Leader of the Opposition so that he will recognise that the choice which was made was a good one and I’m sure, will find his agreement,” the Minister of State said then.

The Minister of State was adamant then that Government believed that this process sent a strong signal to professionals in the conduct of their public life as their record would be scrutinised as they seek to advance in their careers.

“What we have done is to basically introduce a process, which will add to the entire architecture of the legal system in this country that will see our Judges going through a process before they are actually appointed and, therefore, the things like the quality of the judgment which they give once they want to move to higher office, all of these are issues which are taken into consideration,” he remarked.

CCJ

Recently, Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) President, Sir Dennis Byron condemned the fact that since former Chancellor Desiree Bernard demitted office, agreement has not been reached for the substantive appointment of a Chancellor.

“This has brought us to the situation today where the number one and number two officials of the Guyana judiciary have not been substantively appointed. This is a most unfortunate state of affairs,” the legal luminary stated before arguing that “this situation has moved well beyond what ought to be acceptable in a modern democracy, where respect for the rule of law is maintained. The Constitution envisages the judiciary of Guyana to be headed by officials who are substantively appointed and enjoy all the legal and institutional mechanisms to

secure their tenure.” Article 127 (2) of the Constitution states: “If the office of Chancellor is vacant … then until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of such office…the functions shall be performed by such other of the Judges as shall be appointed by the President after meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.”

Commenting on this, Justice Byron noted that the language of the Act suggested that the appointment was to be a short-term one, before a substantive appointment. He noted that even from a subjective analysis, the Constitution never intended for the years it has taken to fill the substantive positions to elapse.

The CCJ President said that if the right framework to appoint the Chancellor and Chief Justice was not being used, now would be the opportune time to make regulatory or statutory changes. He noted that that too may be a basis for judicial intervention. “Section 127 (1) ascribes an obligation to the President and the Leader of the Opposition that is mandatory in nature and not discretionary (to appoint the Chancellor and Chief Justice). Any failure in fulfilling this obligation must, therefore, be regarded as a breach of the Constitution,” Sir Dennis also said.

Speaking during his second press conference since he took office in May 2015 which lasted for one hour, Granger revealed that the person proposed for the position of Chancellor has accepted the nomination and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo will be consulted. He did not release the person’s identify nor indicate where the person currently resides.

the question of reforms does not receive sufficient attention and resources. It notes that before reforms can take effect, a number of changes must be made.

“Experience shows that adopting this model without strengthening headquarters’ functions, shifting to a functional approach, introducing taxpayer segmentation, improving compliance and performance management, enhancing data exchange, and modernizing IT systems has had limited or no impact on revenue mobilisation,” the report states.

Tax returns in Guyana

In Guyana, the Auditor General’s

2016 report had revealed that over 70,000 self-employed persons escaped the Guyana Revenue Authority’s purview last year. Auditor General Deodat Sharma had noted that as of December 31, 2016, only 18,337 filed returns.

These income tax returns totalled some G$4.045 billion. However, there were 92,326 active self-employed persons registered in the GRA’s database, meaning this sum was derived only from 20 per cent of this category filing their returns.

While GRA’s systemic weaknesses were the highlight of the report, the tax authority, in a statement after the IMF assessment was published, had committed to advancing reforms.

According to manager of the GRA’s Public Relations Unit, Melissa Baird, it was Commissioner-General Godfrey Statia who requested an assessment from IMF’s regional Technical Assistance Centre, and some of the issues highlighted are a work in progress.

“In September 2016, CARTAC alerted that such a service (TADAT) was available through the IMF. The IMF did its TADAT assessment, and in its report of May 2017 outlined the GRA’s main strengths and weaknesses.”

“Upon the receipt of the said report, a request was made for a follow-up study to advise on the next steps in modernizing the Authority. This assessment was done in September 2017, and a draft report was submitted in October 2017. Like in the TADAT report, this final report will be made available when released.”

24 news

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31 , 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Ban on public smoking U.S. Govt takes full effect in Guyana partners months’ imprisonment.

Corporate bodies can also face fines of up to G$9 million for infringing on the ban regarding advertising. The advertising ban includes promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products, even by electronic delivery systems.

By Jarryl Bryan

A

midst much contention, the coalition Government pushed through a Tobacco Control Bill in July of 2017. Now the grace period, which was supposed to be used by health officials to launch an aggressive awareness campaign to familiarise the general public with the new laws, has expired.

An order was signed by Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence and dubbed the ‘Tobacco Control (Commencement) Order 2017’. It declares that the Tobacco Control Act will henceforth come into operation.

The Tobacco Control (Commencement) Order 2017 is retroactive, thus it takes effect from a date prior to its operationalisation. In this case, the order was made retroactive by the Minister from December 11, 2017, making any public smoking after that date illegal.

Government’s Tobacco Control Bill provides that public smoking of cigarettes and other tobacco products, such as cigars, will be prohibited by law. Moreover, no

Oppressive

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence

person shall be permitted to smoke in any waiting area or queue in a public place.

Those public places include, but are not limited to, any public transport stop, bus stand, or bus park. Smoking would also be prohibited in any park, playground, or amusement park; any stadium, arena, or any kind of sport of performance place; or any space for commercial service of food or drinks.

The Act says it shall also be illegal for persons to smoke in any area within five metres of a window, door, or ventilation inlet to any public place or indoor work place.

Smoking shall also be prohibited anywhere on the premises of — or within five metres from

the outside boundary of — any healthcare, educational or child care facility.

Further, no person shall smoke in any part of any indoor working place; indoor public space in any public transport, whether or not the transport is carrying another member of the public; or in any vehicle which is carrying a minor.

Part Five, section 16 (3) of the Act states “Any person who smokes in any place where smoking is prohibited commits an offence, and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of G$10,000 for the first offence, and G$20,000 for any second or subsequent offence.”

The bill provides for a number of other fines and penalties, ranging from G$200,000 and six

Within days of the bill’s passage, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) had come out urging the Government to consider the civil rights aspect of the bill. The commission had stressed that the bill be referred to the Special Select Committee.

The Demerara Tobacco Company Limited (Demtoco) had also expressed concerns that the bill would negatively impact retailers of a legal product. They had argued that the Government can regulate the industry in a more reasonable manner.

The company therefore echoed the calls of the private sector and other stakeholders that the bill be sent to a committee. In addition, it called on the President to intervene and have any excessive measures removed, as well as to have the bill sent to a committee.

According to data released in recent years, although tobacco is acknowledged as a dangerous substance, at least 11 per cent of children in Guyana are regular smokers, and at least 20 per cent of them began smoking before they were 10 years old.

The International Monetary Fund had also recently revealed that, out of a total of 163 countries, 66 middle or low income countries have neither legislation nor polices that regulate the sale, marketing, or use of tobacco.

with Berbice NGO in youth project T

he United States Government has partnered with a community-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) to encourage positive development among young people.

Family Awareness Consciousness and Togetherness (FACT), a Corriverton-based NGO, received a US$64,800 (GY$13,353,000) grant from the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Community, Family and Youth Resilience (CFYR) programme to carry out after-school activities in Corriverton, Berbice.

The programme will provide 80 children, between the ages of 10 to 18, from five schools, with after-school activities which include lessons and homework support integrated with creative arts, life skills, and sports.

This follows a call for proposals to organisations operating in five target communities in Guyana, including Corriverton.

The successful grantees will deliver comprehensive interventions in Corriverton, East La Penitence, East Ruimveldt, Lodge, and Sophia. The activities will encourage student participation in positive youth development activities that reduce vulnerability to risky be-

haviours that lead to violence.

Although the event focused on the Corriverton community, the after-school programmes will eventually reach the remaining aforementioned communities. The programme will increase youth’s self-efficacy, improve their computer knowledge and skills, and ultimately improve school attendance by engaging them in a stimulating and rewarding set of activities.

Moreover, parents will be encouraged to get involved in the academic life of their children and share in the journey by participating in regular meetings for the duration of the programme.

CFYR is a USAID programme designed to reduce youth involvement in crime and violence. It features a comprehensive package of interventions that build the resilience of youth ages 10-29, strengthen family support, and encourage community cohesion.

Each of the five communities participating in the CFYR programme is supported by a group of volunteers who form Community E n h a n c e m e n t Committees that help residents to identify and implement local solutions to reduce violence and support positive youth development.

Guyana set to earn over US$7B from first phase...

from page 3

US$18m signing bonus was paid for the 10-year extension of the pact.

The document has indeed confirmed that the government received a US$18 million bonus, paid into a special Bank of Guyana account and it also confirmed the 2% royalty and 50/50 profit sharing between the government and the oil companies after costs are

recovered.

After months of public pressure from the Parliamentary Opposition, the Private Sector and other key stakeholders, the Guyana Government agreed to release the contract in December.

The Government had expressed concerns that the contents of the document would have compromised the country’s nation-

al security.

Opposition Leader Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and other opposition members of parliament were invited to the briefing but did not attend.

To view the full contract, please follow the link below. http://www.dpi. gov.gy/contracts/

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Birthday celebrations turn deadly …as speeding mechanic crashes into lamp post

T

he holiday road carnage continued on Tuesday night when a 43-yearold mechanic was killed after he lost control of the speeding car he was driving and slammed into a lamp post in front of the National S t a d i u m , Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Dead is Salim Deen, called “Tony”, of Lot 158 Marty’s Ville, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

He was reportedly celebrating his birthday on Boxing Day when the accident occurred just after 20:00h.

The mangled car after the accident According to reports, Deen he lost control of the vewas driving motor car PGG 2276, head- hicle and slammed into a ing in the northern lamp post erected at on direction along the west- the median in the center ern carriageway on the of the Providence Public East Bank Road, report- Road. The impact resultedly at a fast rate when ed in the vehicle turning

turtle and in the process, the mechanic was flung out. He sustained severe head injuries causing his brain matter to splatter on the roadway.

news 29

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WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31 , 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

GBTI 2018 Calendar Art Competition

Aaron Gangadeen

T

he GBTI Calendar Art Competition, which was resuscitated last year, dates back 15 years ago following the aftermath of 9/11 in the US, which sent shockwaves throughout the world. What could be described as a global catastrophe, touched the hearts of many and no doubt, the hearts of bankers at GBTI. Consequently, this saw the launch of the very first Calendar Competition in 2001 which focused on the topic, “If you had a chance to make a difference in this world today, what would you do?”

This year, the competition saw an overwhelming response in excess of 127 entries of art pieces from all across the width and breadth of Guyana – from Kamarang in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region to Skeldon, Berbice.

'Sustainable Life' by Aaron Gangadeen

Children ranging from nine to 17 years old submitted art pieces under the theme, “Saving; the Key to a Brighter Future”.

The bank decided to keep the theme close to home this year with the key word being “savings” as the bank realises the value in teaching children to save at an early age, as evident with its GBTI’s Early Savers Club Account.

“We at GBTI feel that saving is a habit that must be inculcated by children so that it becomes automatic as they enter the world of work and adulthood and sees savings as an essential skill acquired for balancing life and finances. GBTI cares for our little account holders and I must reiterate that our Early Savers Club Members are offered a myriad of benefits just by being a Club Member.

From having their

very own Kaieteur Classic Debit Card to discounts from participating merchants across the country, summer camp, annual prize drawings and bursary awards, these are just some of the benefits they enjoy…”

Pamela Binda, GBTI’s Public Relations and Marketing Manager, said at the calendar’s launch event.

The seven art pieces were adjudged winners by three judges from the Guyana Women Artists Association. The winners are: Rasheed Franklin, 16, of Christ Church Secondary, is a talented individual, which is somewhat inborn.

His father is a wellknown artist who painted the leatherback turtle monument in Kingston, Georgetown, just opposite the Umana Yana – a monument enshrined in the National Trust of

Siddarth Ramessar

'A Good Education' by Siddarth Ramessar

Omawattie Ramnarain

'Financial Literacy Initiative' by Omawattie Ramnarain

Guyana.

Rasheed’s drawing depicted an appreciation for finance.

Azalyah Exeter, 10, of Marian Academy, showcased being assured of a bright future as she takes a firm hold on her pink piggy bank in her art piece.

Noel Sukhai, 16, of Anna Regina Multilateral School, was focused on getting his dreams accomplished by acquiring the skill of saving from an early age.

Noel’s illustration was explained in the form of a short story

Rasheed Franklin

Noel Sukhai

Azalyah Exeter

Rena Marshall

that tells of the plight of a young orphaned girl named Cindy.

O m a w a t t i e Ramnarain, 16, of St Joseph High School, depicted in her drawing how wealth can be built by saving.

Rena Marshall, 10, of Kamarang Primary School, showed that she can develop her community through saving.

S i d d a r t h Ramessar, 9, of Ermsville Primary School, is the youngest winner this year.

He outlined in his illustration how a good education and saving

can lead him to his dream job of becoming a Professor of Visual Effects.

This is Aaron Gangadeen, 13, of Skeldon Line Path Secondary School, second time as being a GBTI Calendar Art Competition winner – special honorary mention had to be made.

Aaron’s art piece showed a collection of drawings for which someone is thinking about their future plans with savings being at the heart of it all. (Guyana Times Sunday Magzine)

'Appreciation for Finance' by Rasheed Franklin

'Dreams Accomplished' by Noel Sukhai

'Assured of a Bright Future'

by Azalyah Exeter

'Financial Security' by Rena Marshall

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31 , 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Who speaks for whom?

By Ravi Dev

T

he evident demise of the AFC reminds me of some comments I made back in 2006 about their refusal to break out of the rut established by the PPP and the PNC, purporting to create socalled “multiracial parties” that spoke for all groups in Guyana.

Ultimately, all politics is “identity politics,” as we seek to ensure justice and equality according to some criteria of our identity — be it race/ethnicity, gender, religion etc. But, in Guyana, no one wants to openly represent “ethnic/racial” interests, even though that’s what the people vote for.

Over the years, I have repeatedly asked the question, “Who speaks for whom?”

There is the classic Liberal position of “representation by ideas”, where any individual could be chosen to represent a group once he “re-presents” the ideas that further their interests.

The classic Liberal position, however, assumed that one was dealing with a homogenous people distinguished only by non-ascriptive interests – such as ethnicity/race. One of Liberalism’s founders, JS Mill, in fact declared representative democracy was not possible in an ethnically divided society.

The other position, which has been pushed particularly by feminists since the seventies, is the “representation by presence”. In this view, the members of some social groups, especially those who, in the past, have been excluded from the corridors of power, should personally represent their interests in the marketplace of ideas.

Having personally experienced the situation that is sought to be rectified or changed, representation by presence adds an immediacy and life to the articulated ideas and interests, which may be missing when the representation is one level removed.

In Guyana, onethird of the candidates for Parliamentary office must now be women.

But we baulk, however, when it comes to selfidentified ethnic groups.

There is also a semantic confusion in Guyana between “multiracial/ethnic” parties and “non-racial/ethnic” parties, and it has twisted us into all sorts of po-

litical contortions. A multi-racial/ethnic party can only be one that firstly accepts the validity of racial/ethnic interests; and secondly, has within it individuals who are willing to overtly represent those interests through ideas – and as may be warranted by presence. Such parties can be a coalition of selfidentified racial/ethnic parties, as with UNMO in Malaysia (Malays, Chinese and Indians); or through self-identified caucuses, as in the American Democratic Party (Congressional Black and Hispanic Caucuses). By this definition, none of the parties in Guyana has been truly “multi-ethnic”, since no individual MP can speak specifically for an “identity” group.

A “non-racial/ethnic” party, on the other hand, believes only in the “representation of ideas”, and rejects the articulation of specific “ethnic” interests – as has, historically, all our major parties, including the PPP, PNC, and the AFC in 2005. So we were returned to square one: an electorate that votes ethnically but with representatives that refuse to overtly accept ethnic interests, and are thus forced to represent them covertly (if at all) to the resentment of other groups, who see the “multi-racial/ethnic” label as more salt in the wound.

ROAR felt that this was not the way to break the logjam in Guyanese politics. The goal was not “multi-ethnic parties”, but “multiethnic governments” with parties specifically representing all the various ethnic groups.

ROAR declared itself an “Indian ethnic party” and declared its willingness to work with any party openly identifying itself as representing ethnic interests. In the “unity talks” between the smaller parties preceding the 2006 elections, it was because of the ethnic identification of ROAR that the AFC took the position that Ravi Dev could not be a candidate on a unified list. He was deemed “too divisive”. ROAR went into coalition with GAP, the Amerindian party.

I wrote then: “I believe that the entrance of the AFC is a positive development in Guyanese politics, but I believe, too, that unless it deals with the contradictions of representation, including those listed in this arti-

cle, its effectiveness for being an instrument for change will be dulled in the coming years.”

Sadly, the AFC has all but imploded, and the APNU/AFC coalition is seen representing only “African” interests.

Yet, they and all other parties in Guyana still insist they are “multiracial/ethnic”, speaking for all, even as the country becomes even more divided on ethnic lines.

The tragedy continues.

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View of Bourda Market from the north-eastern corner

n the late 19th century, the decision was made for the construction of a market that would stand the test of time in order to accommodate the increasing number of vendors in Georgetown; that market has survived to this very day.

While little official information appears available about the history of Bourda Market, previous unofficial research relates that Bourda market was originally built in 1880, and was soon reconstructed in 1902 to accommodate a growing number of vendors and consumers.

The market got its name from the fa-

mous colonial, Joseph Bourda, who was also the proprietor of the Vlissengen Plantation, and was one of the many colonials who found their final resting place in the Bourda cemetery which is opposite the market. A place now neglected and overgrown with bush.

The actual Bourda market borders on the north and south

by Robb and Regent Streets respectively, and on the east and west by Orange Walk and Bourda Street. The market has a long history that goes back to the 1870s when mention was just made of the Bourda market in the City Council’s min-

utes book.

The area in which the market is situated seems from very early in its history to have been where people gather to vend their produce on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

From this humble beginning the area later developed into a marketing centre.

Beginnings

According to Schulder Griffith, who was Clerk of Markets at the time of the study, vendors who normally occupied the Stabroek area came down to the Bourda area to do business after the construction of the Stabroek market began. As ear-

ly as 1878, a shed was erected to accommodate the increase of vendors that now occupied the Bourda area. The Bourda Market was declared a temporary market in 1880.

The report of the City Council of 1881 asked the Council to decide whether to make the temporary structure which was the shed to become permanent. After three and a half years of existence, the shed had become unsafe and was therefore in need of much repair. The report added that if the market was to continue permanently it would be necessary to erect a more substantial building and fence it securely. The construction of Bourda Street and drains in the area was laid out in that same year.

The 1882 estimate of the City Council shows that a sum of $651.80 was set aside for enclosing the Bourda market an area of 125 x 50 feet approximately. The estimate also includes erecting and painting the fence. In 1901, a plan was prepared of a “new iron market” for Bourda, but due to the high prices for materials in that year, the decision was made to start construction in the following year. Provision was then made in the 1902 estimates for the construction of the new market.

Construction

The foundation stone of the Bourda market was laid on 12 December 1902 enclosing an area of 12,500 square feet, accommodating some 2,328 stalls. Bourda market, like Stabroek market, is enclosed with iron railing. It is a giant timber framed shed with three giant truss roves constructed of wood. A simple iron railed fence surrounds the entire structure. A clock tower was also constructed, which still exists though it is apparently not functioning.

This tower is not an imposing structure like its more famous sister, Stabroek Market is - people using the areas can go by the market without really noticing the clock tower.

The Bourda Market clock was built by W Potts and Sons Makers of England in 1902.

The clock bell is of cast bronze and weighs approximately 500 pounds. Legend has it that this bell is a commemorative bell cast for the coronation of England’s King Edward in 1902.

The market was later extended to include what was once called the Bourda Green.

The Bourda Green was paved with concrete, and vending was permitted in the 60s, but the area was later or-

Stairs leading to the clock tower

ganized and improved by requiring vendors to build stalls so as to remove their produce from off the ground.

Further improvements were made as the area was provided with electricity, and stalls had to be made secure to prevent people from sleeping in them since the area that housed the Green was not enclosed.

The Bourda Green is a famous historic site because it was where the politicians in the 40s and 50s would gather to stage their political meetings. Many of them launched their political careers on that very ground. The vendors who occupied the Green were mostly from the East Coast of Demerara. The Green is now so filled to capacity that the Merriman’s Mall and an allotted space are used by vendors.

The Bourda Market is a very popular market, and is always buzzing with activity on a daily basis. Almost anything can be purchased in this market without having to go anywhere else.

While in need of repair, and in the shadow of the famous Stabroek Market, Bourda Market remains one of the most well-known and utilised traditional buildings in Georgetown.

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

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Musings…

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…on Christmas and Scrooge

our Eyewitness takes his hat off to Charles Dickens, who – even though he wrote his novels in the mid-nineteenth century – still speaks to us in Guyana with immediacy. It’s not coincidental that Karl Marx was writing about the same phenomena of poor and the powerless – in somewhat less riveting prose! Every year around this time of the year, your Eyewitness returns to the Dickensian classic, “A Christmas Carol”.

And no, you young whippersnappers, it’s not about belting out “Deck the halls with boughs of holly!!” It was a time when the grungy English Industrial Revolution was at its apex, and making money (and more money!) was the mantra of the day. In other words, not much different from today; in the developed countries at least – where the top one per cent own 90 per cent of the wealth!

Here in Guyana, there isn’t really enough wealth in our top one per cent to appreciate what real income equality’s all about. Let’s just remind you that Jeff Bezos, the owner of Amazon, saw his wealth increase by US$27.6 billion between 2016 to 2017 to over US$100 billion!! To give you an idea of what that means, Guyana’s ENTIRE GDP in 2016 was US$3.5 billion!! That’s right – he earned in one year more than eight times what the entire Guyana produced that year!! But since everything’s relative – especially deprivation – our disparities are still as stark, aren’t they?

So, back to Scrooge and his still-relevant story.

Even if you don’t know the story, dear reader, surely you recognise the name “Scrooge” being synonymous with “mean and selfish” from the movie that’s been gracing your TV screen all week!

The money-lender Scrooge, was so tight-fisted on those rare occasions when he took a five pound note out of his wallet, the Queen blinked!! To make you understand, he was so mean he wouldn’t have minded throwing five thousand workers into the streets if it meant making a few bucks more profits.

“Profits over people” was his mantra!!

Anyhow, he had a dream one night on Christmas and is visited by his dead partner, who’d been as mean as he was and who tells him he’d be visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future.

“Christmas Past” takes Scrooge to see his young self – suffering and lonely at the hands of a cruel father and the death of his beloved sister. Christmas Present shows folks all over London having a good time with their families, even under the most dire circumstances. Christmas Future shows him dying a miserably, unmourned and lonely death.

Scrooge, wakes up, wises up and changes his ways. Will our Scrooges, piss poor only yesterday, change their ways? …on Christmas gifts Your Eyewitness isn’t too big on all this gift giving and all that jazz. It’s not that he’s a Scrooge or anything like that (he hopes!!) but he just has this thing about the over commercialisation of what he sees as ought to be a close family affair. It’s just TOO over the top for him. Christmas has joined all the other manufactured “Days” – “Mother’s Day”, “Father’s Day”, “Valentine’s Day”, “Teachers’ Appreciation Day” etc…etc…etc when you’re forced to PROVE your love by buying a gift!

Your Eyewitness prefers to show his appreciation of significant others by sitting down with them and breaking bread. What can beat enjoying a meal together, with good conversation and possibly some good Vino or beer? It doesn’t matter what the food is…It doesn’t have to be a suckling pig or a fatted calf. The warmth and joy of being together with those you love will make even thin gruel, taste like New England Clam chowder!

Salute to all this Christmas!! …on what might’ve been Your Eyewitness promised himself he wouldn’t haul the usual suspects over the coals this Christmas Day – even the leaders of the AFC. “De mortuis nil, nisi bonnum” – of the dead one should only speak good!!

H

ave you ever thought about how sorrel drink became part of our culture, especially at Christmas? Well, it is believed that sorrel may have come from Africa to the Caribbean since the 1700s.

The sorrel plant is an annual shrub, normally planted in August and reaching maturity in December. After flowering, the sorrel petals fall of leaving the sepals (fruit) and these become enlarged and turn crimson as they mature. A beverage made from the fruit of the sorrel plant is made by steeping the sepal in hot water with ginger for about 24 hours. It

Notably, sorrel has a vast array of health benefits associated with it. Along with being a unique flavour in your dishes, sorrel also provides significant amounts of fibre, very few calories, almost no fat, and a small amount of protein. In terms of vitamins, it is rich in vitamin C and also contains vitamin A, vitamin B-6, iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

For digestive health, the high content of dietary fibre that can be found in most varieties of sorrel mean that your digestive health can be improved by adding these leaves to your soups and salads.

Sorrel plants

is then decanted and sugar is added and rum, if desired.

Sorrel drink is called by other names reflecting its country origin. For instance, in Latin America it is referred to as agua de flor de Jamaica; in North Africa, it is called karade; and in the Ivory Coast this red beverage is called da bilenni (where the plant itself is called da).

However, many think of this plant as being useful only to make a drink. For this reason, the rest of the flower is discarded without much thought. Cultures around the world have been growing and using sorrel for centuries, in everything from soups and salads to vegetable side dishes and the creation of strong tea.

The high content of oxalic acid in sorrel makes it poisonous to a small degree, so intake should be regulated. In smaller quantities, eating sorrel is completely harmless. The oxalic acid is also responsible for the tart, tangy taste that is almost reminiscent of wild strawberries or kiwi. The leaves are the major part of the plant that is eaten or used in culinary preparations. Sorrel is also a key element in a number of different tea preparations due to its strong antioxidant compounds, including the famous Essiac tea.

Dietary fibre adds bulk to food as it moves through the digestive system, improving your gastrointestinal health and reducing conditions like constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, and cramping, as well as more serious gastrointestinal issues. Dietary fibre can also help to reduce total cholesterol in the body, thereby protecting heart health and reducing chances of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

Also, sorrel has a very significant level of potassium (1 cup

Tasty glass of sorrel drink

contains 15 per cent of your daily recommended intake), which is an essential mineral for human health. Potassium is a vasodilator, as well as being instrumental in maintaining fluid balance throughout the body. This means that potassium reduces the stress on the cardiovascular system by relaxing the blood vessels and arteries. Lowered blood pressure reduces the chances of dangerous clotting and excessive strain on the heart that can lead to coronary heart disease and other complications.

For eyesight improvement, sorrel is recommended. Vitamin A, another of the essential vitamins found in sorrel, has been closely connected to the improvement in eyesight and a reduction of macular degeneration and cataracts. Beta-carotene, which is a derivative of vitamin A, acts as an antioxidant, and combined with the other important antioxidant compounds in the body, sorrel can greatly boost eye health and prevent age-related degradation of that vital sense.

Vitamin C content in sorrel is impressive (a single cup of sorrel contains 106 percent of your daily recommended intake), which means that your immune system can be optimized and brought up to full strength when you add this to your diet. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, stimulates the immune system and increases the white blood cell count in the body, which is the first line of defence against pathogens and other foreign invaders in the body.

Vitamin C also helps to reduce swelling, prevent scurvy, and even has analgesic (pain relief) properties when consumed in high quantities.

The significant levels of iron in sorrel mean that it boosts red blood cell production and prevents anaemia (iron deficiency).

Increased circulation boosts oxygen levels throughout the body in the vital organs, boosts hair growth, increases energy levels, and speeds up the healing process (in conjunction with the protein content of sorrel). (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Crimson sepals used to make the drink

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By Peter Halder

T

he observation and celebration of Christmas in Guyana dates back to the 17th century. It began, circa 1627, among the Dutch immigrants who had established permanent settlements in Essequibo. The celebration later spread to Berbice in 1627 and then Demerara in 1746.

The counties of Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice, which subsequently became British as a result of European wars, were merged in 1831 and became British Guiana.

In the new British colony, the largest ethnic population were African slaves captured

by British and Dutch slave ships and brought to Guyana to work on colonial sugar plantations.

Guyana's Christmas stamps dated 1967

Christmas was a popular season during the slavery era for most of the population except the Amerindians who lived in scattered communities in the hinterland observed and celebrated their own tribal festivals totally unrelated to Christianity.

It was peculiar at that time that while Christmas was about the birth of Christ, for a long while, little religious emphasis was placed on it. The few churches which were in Essequibo, Berbice, and Demerara in the 17th century held no

Children infront of a banner titled 'Father Christmas at Uncle Vivian (Ace Advertisers Robb and King Sts)' n.d.

Christmas services on December 25 or on Boxing Day, December 26.

The religious observation and celebration of Christmas may be linked to the coming of the Rev John Wray.

In 1810, the London Missionary Society, a Protestant body, sent him to Guyana. He set up a mission for slaves at Plantation Le Ressouvenir, a large cotton estate on the East Coast of Demerara. A church building was constructed and was named Bethel Chapel.

It had a congregation of some 600 people.

Rev John Wray launched the religious observation of the Christian festival of Christmas at his church. Church sermons featured the birth and life of Jesus Christ. An added feature was baptisms and marriages on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. The popularity of the Christmas services and their added attractions gave the slaves forbearance to

their miserable lives, remembering how Jesus Christ was beaten and crucified on the cross. Christmas celebrations quickly spread throughout the country and was popularly known as “the Season of Festivity”. From then to today, Guyanese extend to family, friends and anyone “Season’s Greetings” or “Happy Festive Season”.

Christmas and the Christmas season were celebrated not only by the African slaves but by their white masters as well, each in their own way. The occasion expanded from just religious services to family parties and get-togethers on Christmas and Boxing Day. Special lunches and dinners for families and friends translated into feasting and drinking which remains the culture until this day. The whole country became a moving scene of feasting, drinking, dancing and gaiety. Cheerful groups traversed the lanes and paths in villages dressed

in gaudy trappings, hair cut and fashioned in a variety of shapes, some decorated with beads, bits of ribbons and tinsel ornaments. They were accompanied by drumbeat and singing.

Some wore wigs.

Christmas also became a time for gift giving. It perhaps was initiated by the white gentry who shared out clothing, food items and drinks, including alcohol, to their slaves and at the same time wishing them a “Merry Christmas”.

The slaves accepted the gifts for what they were worth but never forgot the whip lashes they received or expected in the future from their masters. But inspired by the idea and the Christian charity of it all, slaves also began to give gifts of whatever they could afford to their immediate families. And so gift giving became consonant with the Christmas Season. (https://peterhalder.wordpress.com) (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

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Why spunks…

W

…towards the US?

ell…well…well! Guyana voted against the US (and Trump) on that country’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. In case you’d imbibed too much in the Christmas party, dear reader, and missed the dust-up at the UN…here’s the scoop. Trump, being Trump, decided to jettison decades of US policy not to go along with Israel’s insistence that Jerusalem was the capital of the state of Israel, which they’d created after driving out half of the Palestinian population.

Jerusalem, however, remained with a Palestinian majority, and in recent proposals to bring peace to the Middle East, the UN-sponsored “two-state solution” (divvying up the state of Israel into Palestinian and Jewish parts) was acceptable to 165 countries, except the US and Israel. The Palestinians would make East Jerusalem into their capital.

While the US is only one country, it’s the lone superpower standing, so all of this was turned on its head by Trump’s decision to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem!

The matter was brought to the 15-member Security Council, where even close ally Britain joined the 14-1 vote against the US decision. The latter, of course, used its veto to prevent a resolution being moved against it. Trump wasn’t moved – his stock rose in the domestic gallery he was playing to – he was sticking it to the UN, full of “furriners”! The counter resolution in the General Assembly, which Guyana and the other 127 countries voted for, doesn’t have any legal effect; it’s just sending a message to Trump.

So the question arises: Why did Granger have his Government go along? Principle? Well, the book on Granger’s hero, mentor and model – Burnham — was written by Tyrone Ferguson. The title he gave it was “To survive sensibly or to court heroic death”!

The point he made, of course, is that unlike Jagan, Burnham had no desire to “court certain death” by taking on the US so in the beginning. Once ensconced in power, it was a different story!

In the matter at hand, US UN Representative Nikki Haley had warned countries – with individual notes – that the US was “taking names”! Of the 193 member countries, 8 voted with the US, 35 abstained (including TT and Jamaica) and 24 didn’t vote. The last two groups must’ve listened to Trump: “We’re watching those votes. Let them vote against us. We’ll save a lot. We don’t care.” They wanted to “survive”.

So, what gave Granger spunks? Well, Burnham got spunks after he got power, because the PPP was anathema to the US, and so the US had no choice but to put up with the PNC’s nose-thumbing.

Is the PPP once again beyond the (US) pale? …against Opposition MPs Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Issacs, sent out a missive defending the police invasion of the Parliament Chambers to eject Opposition PPP MPs. And what a strange defence it was – reminiscent of AG Basil Williams’s forays in the Courts of Law! He started out with: “Referring to an incident in the United Kingdom’s House of Commons, the 24th edition of Erskine May Parliamentary Practice at page 457 states that the Speaker directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove a Member of Parliament who refused to comply with an instruction to withdraw. The Sergeant-atArms, “finding that force was necessary, brought in his officers… ” Well, excuse your possibly optically challenged Eyewitness, but didn’t that say the Sergeant at Arms “brought in his officers.” Issacs should check further and he’d find the Sergeant-atArms works with the “Office of the Parliamentary Security Director”.

Then he refers to ejections from the South African Parliament. Yes, that happened, but did Issacs not read, “CON-COURT RULES POLICE MAY NOT REMOVE MPS FROM PARLIAMENT”??

But why’s the Clerk suddenly so pro-active?

Anything to do with mining concessions? …on curfew Who says the Public Security Minister has no power? He just relaxed the 2am curfew for the holidays!! Makes sense, doesn’t it?

Just when they’ll be the most drunks on the roads!!

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An evening on Waikin Ranch

A

Ite Palms and Deer Creek close-by to the ranch

Front view of the shed covering the campers as seen upon entering the compound

working ranch with cattle and other livestock including multiple fenced pastures, vegetable fields, fruits trees, adequate water and beautiful vistas with refreshing breeze, Waikin Ranch offers relaxation and adventure.

Waikin has boundaries from the main Rupununi trail to the Ireng River on the Brazil border to the west and Pirara River. The ranch covers almost 33,000 acres of mostly rolling savannah plains dotted with bush islands, ponds, lakes and creeks. This is the ambitious investment of businessman Victor Pires.

The windy rolling savannah plains at the ranch are particularly spectacular. There are also vistas of the Ite palm trees with a backdrop of the blue Kanuku Mountains.

This area has natural springs being a source for the wetland’s ecology.

Starting from the open savannah, in March 2011 work began and soon after the planting of trees and vegeta-

bles crops, which are richly bearing fruits.

Waikin continues to develop with the intention to make the land more viable: rearing of livestock, growing of timber and other trees along with fruits and vegetables. There has been much success already seen in the incredible increase in the amount of birds and natural life around the ranch.

Visitors can enjoy the richness and simplicity of ranch life. Picking fruits and vegetables and have them prepared for the next meal; take a walk to explore the surrounding ponds, or maybe try horse-back riding. You can consider taking a driving tour to the nearby lakes and rivers, or go canoeing. However you wish to spend your time, you can explore or just lay back in a hammock.

For more information, visit Waikin Ranch on Facebook or call 699-1266. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Rounding up cattle on the ranch

Learn how to become a vaquero or just enjoy a refreshing horseback ride through the savannah

Indulge in fresh fruits and vegetables, like this gigantic avocado, grown and harvested at Waikin

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n Caribbean culture, to give a whole home-baked black cake as a gift is a sign of great affection and intimacy. But have you ever thought about the origin of black cake?

According to Guyanese historian Sushima Naraine, who resides in Canada, black cake is the Caribbean version of the British dessert plum pudding, but with “some slight Caribbean-esque changes(hence the rum)”.

Food and Cooking in Victorian England: A

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History stated: “Banned by the Puritans in the 1660s for its rich ingredients, the [plum] pudding and its customs came back into popularity during the reign of George I. Known sometimes as the Pudding King, George I requested that plum pudding be served as part of his royal feast when he celebrated his first Christmas in England after arriving from Hanover to take the throne in 1714. By 1740, a recipe for ‘plum porridge’ appeared in Christmas Entertainments. In the

Victorian era, Christmas annuals, magazines, and cookbooks celebrated the sanctity of family as much as the sanctity of Jesus’ birth, and the tradition of all family members stirring the pudding was often referenced…Poorer families made the riches version of plum pudding that they could afford…

Even workhouse inmates anticipated a plum pudding on Christmas Day.” Andrea Broomfield [Praeger:Westport CT] 2007 (p. 150-151) “While Christian missionaries made their British Christmas pudding

Slice of Guyanese black cake

ways through Caribbean communities, they left an indelible mark in the foods that continue to be a staple of the Caribbean diet. Plum pudding is but one example of the remaining British presence throughout.

“It’s impossible to have a Christmas without black cake especially because many people gift these cakes to each other. As well, it’s common for everyone in the family to get involved in the actual baking process. Dad might be in charge of soaking the fruits in the rum, while mom takes care of mix-

ing the ingredients. All the children – if they can be trusted with this task – would be involved in mixing the icing. The prep for baking black cakes is time-consuming, but the results are always amazing. As well, because of the concentration of rum these cakes can last for a really long time – my family keeps black cake on the kitchen counter for months afterwards…”

Sushima noted.

Interestingly, the cake went by another name - the Empire Christmas pudding. This dessert was a staple of the British Empire and,

of course, a special cake made and eaten during the Christmas holidays.

It gained popularity during the Victorian era when chefs were able to preserve fruits from summer and use them during the winter.

“The Empire Christmas Pudding”, an artwork by F C Harrison produced for the Empire Marketing Board, is a recipe from 1926-1939 showing various ingredients being sourced from different countries, including sugar and rum from British Guiana.

English cakes were soaked in liquor to preserve them on sea voyages. But according to Jessica B. Harris, a culinary historian, black cake's Caribbean character is found in the rum (British cakes usually use brandy) and in the cake's intensely dark colour.

Black cake reflects the British presence in the Caribbean.

The brown sugar, molasses and rum are reminders that it was the quest for sugar, and the slave labour that harvested it, that kept British colonialists 'The Empire Christmas Pudding', artwork by F C Harrison in the isproduced for the Empire Marketing Board lands.

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Sophia man 'Give Another stabbed to Chance Foundation' death, fiancé making a difference in society injured G A

Sophia resident was stabbed to death by another man during an altercation in C Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown on Christmas Day while his fiancé sustained injuries as well.

Dead is 34-year-old Celwyn Alleyne also called ‘Marcus’ formerly of Lot 936 ‘C’ Field Sophia and of 1342 Cummings Park ‘E’ Field Sophia who was stabbed several times by the suspect, ‘Spoonhead’, a known character in the community.

Alleyne’s girlfriend Nalydiah Henry was also stabbed a few times- one to her neck, head, right shoulder and back.

Based on reports received, on the day in question, the now dead man interfered with a

friend of the suspect and although he was warned not to do so, he continued.

The suspect who also goes by the name Kevin, retaliated by whipping out a knife and attacked Alleyne and his girlfriend.

After committing the act, the suspect fled the scene and the injured couple was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where Alleyne was pronounced dead on arrival. His fiancé was treated and sent away.

Meanwhile, the prime suspect has since been arrested and subsequently confessed to the crime.

The dead man leaves to mourn his 9-year-old daughter, mother and siblings.

Unlimited Christmas cheer

S

atiricus was on a high, and he hadn’t even imbibed anything at the Back Street Bar which he’d just entered! It was the season to be jolly, and he was in a “Ho! Ho! Ho!” mood as he meandered his way to where his buddies had already stationed themselves.

“Can you believe our good luck this year?” he asked excitedly as he took his seat and simultaneously signalled the waitress for a beer.

“Wha’ good luck?” asked Bungi in a surly tone. “All me cane-cuttah fr’en dem get fyaah!”

“Is a good t’ing me bin a ‘Merica an’ketch me han’,” said Cappo. “Or me wo’lda get fyaah too.”

“You all looking at the glass half empty,” advised Satiricus. “And you miss the good things happening!”

“OK, Sato, spill it!” said Hari with a sigh. “Looks like you’re bursting to tell us this ‘good news’.”

“Didn’t you read Rum Jhaat cancelled the order for bars to be closed by 2 am?” said Satiricus, as he finished his beer and called for another. “We can drink till dayclean for the next two weeks!!”

“Sato, leh me aks yuh somet’ing,” said Cappo carefully as he looked at Satiricus. ”Yuh mean fuh tell me wid all wha’ guh-laang, all Rum Jhaat can do a gi’e abee mo time fuh drink?”

“Is the same thing I said,” said Satiricus with a smile. “You-all only looking at the glass half empty.”

“Me na drink fram glass!” said Bungi curtly. “Wha’ yuh mean?”

“Rum Jhaat know you and your sugar-estate friends are depressed at the closing of the estates,” said Satiricus. “And he knows you’all need more time to drown your sorrows. He gave you that time!!”

“Suh lemme get dis right,” said Cappo. “Rum Jhaat na do nuttin fuh dem suga workas jab, but dem must t’ank he fuh time fuh drink mo?”

“Yes!” said Satiricus. “You finally got it!”

“Suh Rum Jhaat guh gi’e de suga workah money fuh buy de rum fuh drink?” asked Bungi.

Satiricus fell silent.

ive Another C h a n c e Foundation (GACF) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation registered in Guyana, with more than eight years of giving back to the society.

Its staff spans a range of disciplines from the social sciences, public policy, technology, and the creative arts. This interdisciplinary team collaborates to bring crossdisciplinary insights to a future that combine complex challenges and require unconventional perspectives.

The Board of Directors is committed to the financial, operational, and intellectual vitality of the organisation. From the earliest days, the Board has collaborated with management to evolve the organisation’s mission, resources, and administrative practices to meet the demands of a changing world.

Give Another Chance Foundation works in rural and outskirt urban communities of Guyana.

These areas are known for high levels of poverty and low levels of educational achievement.

The Foundation works on self-reliant projects where its education programmes focus not just on access, but on

Spreading Christmas cheer

the Foundation’s livelihood programmes that work to create secure incomes. The organisation also helps to improve agricultural practices and market awareness for farming communities.

GACF’s goals are to improve children’s lives by creating a social movement that delivers effective health, education, nutritional programmes; to give children an opportunity to realise their own personal achievement whether academically, artistically or within the realms of sports; and to promote peace, justice, understanding and friendly re-

and urban communities.

It believes that whether you are addressing healthcare, poverty, population control, unemployment or human rights, there is no better place to start than in the corridors of education.

Give Another Chance Foundation works with girls and boys in rural communities of Guyana to ensure they are able to learn the skills and gain the knowledge that will help them break out of poverty and secure their future with an After School Teaching programme.

Laying the foundations for learning, the

Notably, the Foundation works with men and women in rural communities to ensure they are able to earn a living, support their children’s education and have enough food to feed their families.

The Foundation helps communities find longterm solutions to poverty through innovative education and livelihood projects, which empower an individual to earn a livelihood. Its goal is to increase awareness on a range of issues – from healthcare to appropriate social behaviour to understanding one's rights, and in the process

The community of Baramita, North West District, received a basketball court, a collaboration between GACF and Mr. Thakur of the Atlantic Mining Company

attainment – ensuring vulnerable children have the right infrastructure, resources, teaching and parental support in order to have a quality education, and go on to lead productive, happy lives.

This is complemented by

lations between the people of Guyana and people of the nations.

The organisation is committed to providing basic education from preschool to university, and healthcare to underprivileged children in rural

organisation focuses on delivering quality early learning programmes.

It ensures children get the best education at primary level, focusing on math, literacy, sciences, health, agriculture, critical thinking and more.

help persons become better citizens.

Visit Give Another Chance Foundation on Facebook to see all the good work it has been doing throughout the years. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

48 Bollywood

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31 , 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Shah Rukh Khan on receiving Shahid Kapoor, wife Mira his first award: I felt my parents Rajput and daughter were watching me from heaven Misha’s perfect family selfie

W

ith the award season just round the corner, Shah Rukh Khan addressed the media at the announcement of the Filmfare Awards, that will be held on January 20, 2018. The superstar spoke about how he first witnessed an award show on his television screen years back when it was just a non-glamorous event. Although he had no idea that he would be an actor, the Baadshah of Bollywood said that the feeling was enticing and he too wanted to achieve the same kind of love and respect in his life.

As King Khan spoke about his journey from standing as an audience at award shows, to taking the stage by storm, we realised how life has drastically changed for him in his 25 years of film career.

Taking the opportunity, indianexpress.com asked the Raees actor about his emotions when he was first nominated and also when he took home his first award. Smilingly, he said, “In 1965, in a hospital in Delhi, when a child was born, he shouted, give me an award (laughs). But on a serious note, I had the feeling that I will win it for Deewana. A year back, another actor, a friend, had won it for his debut, and I too had the inkling that it will come my way.”

He further added, “It was a very emotional moment for me when my name was announced. As you would have seen in my movie Fan, my biggest

attempt is to make a grand film not just in terms of its canvas but emotions and drama also. That’s the only way I feel that my parents would be watching it from heaven. And when I won my first award, I thanked my mom, and it might sound cliche but that very moment I actually felt that my parents were looking at me, happy.”

We further quizzed him about the time when he loses an award to another actor. In his usual witty self, SRK replied, “Tab dusre ke mummy daddy dekh rahe honge (Their parents might be watching them).”

The superstar, who has a record number of awards to himself, still feels its importance as he told the media, “It is not to personally convince myself that I have done a great job or to profess to the world and showcase it as a medal but I have always loved awards.

While I was growing up, I was into sports and it was a very special feeling to lift the trophy. And that sensibility and passion has continued and I even participate in the parents’ race at my child’s school. It is an open secret that I train for it also, since it’s getting difficult as AbRam’s classmates’ parents are usually under 30. But I want to kick their butts and win that race as it makes me happy. I even love the little crown that comes on our name after winning Ludo on the iPad. So yes, I wouldn’t lie that it doesn’t matter and it’s okay, for I would always love getting awards.” (Indian Express)

Kartik Aaryan is proud of his new image as the ‘Bromantic hero’

K

artik Aaryan, who got famous for his portrayal of Rajat in Pyaar Ka Punchnama, has reunited with his mentor Luv Ranjan again for his next film Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety.

The actor recently revealed that he is very happy with the positive response for the movie and especially with the new tag, Bromantic hero.

“After ‘King of monologues’, now I’m loving the term Bromantic hero. I’m glad that the youth feels connected with my characters and I’m thankful to my director, Luv sir, who gives me such relatable characters. I love the fact that I’m able to create my own niche which is different yet lovable at the same,” he told ANI. Kartik Aaryan is

playing Sonu’s character in Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, who is trying to save his friend, Titu, played by Sunny Singh, from Sweety (played by Nushrat Bharucha), whom he is going to marry.

While talking about his character in the movie, Kartik noted, “Sonu is a kind of

friend you need to have and once you watch the movie you will crave for a Sonu in your life.

He is very relatable, lovable and a friend with that motherly instinct.”

The film, set in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, is scheduled to release in February next year.

(Indian Express)

T

alk about good-looking families in Bollywood and Shahid Kapoor’ family will surely find a place on the list. The actor, who has been breaking hearts with hot pictures on his Instagram account, is spending some quality time with his family. On Tuesday, Shahid took to Twitter and posted a very cute picture in which we just cannot take our eyes off Misha who is all smiles. The actor wrote, “Happy Holiday” and looked extremely happy to finally have a time of his own with Mira and Misha.

Shahid and Mira are for sure the head-turning couple of Bollywood. The two were seen attending a wedding in New Delhi and their glow like newlyweds caught everyone’s attention.

However, we did miss them marking their presence at Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli’s wedding, which took

place in Mumbai on December 26.

Recently in an interview, Shahid shared that the strongest people in his life have been women, especially his mother Neelima Azeem who has been a single parent. He also calls his wife Mira and daughter Misha his “whole world” and says he couldn’t have been happier in his life than now.

On the work front, the actor’s film Padmavati, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is under the scanner for alleged distortion of historical facts about the fabled Rajput queen. The film was scheduled to release on December 1 but was deferred. So far, no announcement has been made about the new release date.

Shahid Kapoor would soon start shoot for Batti Gul Meter Chalu, directed by Toilet Ek Prem Katha fame Shree Narayan Singh. (Indian Express)

Amitabh Bachchan’s old injury aggravated

B

ollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan, 75, is suffering aggravated pain on the left shoulder due to an extra tear in the rotor cup. He is getting some relief with a sling and an ice pack.

“An old injury to the left shoulder has through time and activity and age been giving nagging pain… That has recently got aggravated due to some strong usage on set. Though the pain became unbearable, the medication and the Tunnel visit has shown that it is an extra tear on the rotor cup, but that it is (has) not reached an

alarming stage,” Big B, 75, wrote on his blog early on Wednesday.

“The medication, the ice compresses and the sling and ice wrap are under constant follow…

They say it should be in a better heal soon,” he added.

The actor also shared some photographs of himself from a shoot as well as from newly-weds Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s reception on Tuesday. He says his pain is “not as bad as it looks”.

“The green wrap is the ice pack, and the black sling is the sling.

Both are designed to

give relief and comfort… They do,” he wrote with an image in which he sports a fluorescent green ice pack on his shoulder and arm.

While he was on a set, it was camouflaged with a shawl. At Virat and Anushka’s reception, Amitabh was accompanied by his daughter Shweta and son Abhishek. He was happy to meet the “admired lot”.

On the work front, Amitabh Bachchan will be next seen in Thugs Of Hindostan alongside Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh. (Indian Express)

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31 , 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sylvester Stallone gets a surprise visit from Arnold Schwarzenegger on Christmas

H

ollywood actor Sylvester Stallone got the surprise of his life when fellow action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger dropped in for Christmas. The two actors are wellknown for having a camaraderie rarely seen between rivals in Hollywood.

Sylvester Stallone uploaded a photo on Instagram and captioned it, “Well look who drop by on Christmas! @ schwarzenegger always fills the room with positive energy!”

The two macho men of Hollywood have appeared in four films together as of now: The Expendables, The Expendables 2, Escape Plan and The

Expendables 3.

Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger were last seen together in The Expendables 3. The two have a close bond and after doing The Expendable 3, Sylvester

Stallone had announced that he will not star in the film series further.

After his announcement, Arnold Schwarzenegger had also said that he will not be appearing in The Expendables 4 if

Sylvester Stallone is not there in the film.

A r n o l d Schwarzenegger is known for his work in movies like Conan the Barbarian, The Terminator and its sequel, The Terminator: Judgement Day, Predator and Total Recall. Sylvester Stallone is known for playing Rambo in the Rambo film series and the boxer Rocky Balboa in the Rocky franchise. Both Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger are well-muscled heroes and have been playing larger than life characters in action movies almost from the beginning of their careers. (Indian Express)

New ‘Black Panther’ clip features stunning visuals and slick action

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lack Panther will begin 2017 for Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the hype surrounding the film is rising.

Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther, whose real name is T’Challa, debuted in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War (fighting from Tony’s side) and even before the film was released, a standalone film on the character was announced.

Marvel Studios have released a TV spot as part of promotion of the film. The short 30 second clip showcases a lot of action and the astonishing visual quality of the futuristic but fic-

tional African country Wakanda that we also saw in the trailer. The action and CGI too look slick.

This would be a crucial test for the young king and his alter-ego.

For those who have read the comics, Killmonger is a deadly enemy and more than a match to Black Panther with his fighting skills. Assisting Killmonger is Andy Serkis as Ulysses Klaue,

a black-market dealer.

As far as foes go, this duo is going to be more than a handful for Black Panther.

Black Panther will release on February 16.

(Indian Express)

Dwayne Johnson is ‘blown away’ by reactions to his latest film

D

wayne Johnson says he is overwhelmed by the audiences’ reaction to his latest release, Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle. The 45-year-old actor said he is grateful to the people for showering their love on the film, making the occasion even special with Christmas festivities around.

“Grateful and blown away by your reactions after watching #JUMANJI. I wanted to make a fun Christmas movie for generations of families to enjoy around the world. I also wanted to make a movie for all the lovers out there…

When the sun goes down, the sexy smoldering eyebrow goes up when you see the movie. Yup, nine months from now they’ll all be delivered… #JumanjiBabies. Enjoy the movie!” Johnson wrote alongside a video of himself.

In the clip, the professional wrestler-turned-actor thanked the people for making Jumanji… a “must-see movie”. “The biggest weekend of 2017 is among us, we have Christmas weekend, we have

Jumanji weekend, Christmas and Jumanji all wrapped up in one. I want to say guys thank you so so much…” Johnson said.

One of the highest-paid actors in the showbiz, Dwayne had recently received a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star and was overwhelmed with the acknowledgement.

“You don’t have success alone.

You don’t do it alone,” the actor had said on the occasion. “It takes a team so I‘m so grateful right now to recognise a few people in my life and it is just a few and they are here, and without them there would be no me.”

Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle was released on December 20 this year. (Indian Express)

Hollywood 49

Gal Gadot shares her most heartwarming moment of 2017

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o many, Gal Gadot gave one of the most precious moments to comic book fans this year by taking probably the most iconic superheroes of all time to the big screen.

Gal Gadot, who played Wonder Woman/ Diana Prince in this year’s blockbuster movie Wonder Woman, has revealed the most heartwarming moment she experienced this year, which was more endearing to her than any onscreen or on-set moment.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the 32-year-old actor revealed that she experienced the happiest moment of her life when the embargo for her movie was lifted.

She said, “It was a Thursday evening and I knew they were lifting the embargo for the reviews at 9 p.m. It was my first time going through such a thing. Usually, I’m not in the loop on when the studio is lifting the embargo. So I put my six-year-old daughter to bed and I said, ‘You need to fall asleep, I need to do some work tonight.’ And of course that night she was very much awake. I said, ‘Okay. I’m going to bring my computer and sit next to you until you fall asleep.'”

Prior to Wonder Woman, Gadot had debuted in ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’. While she felt as though she and director Patty Jenkins were crafting something “special” while working together, she was largely unprepared for what came next.

The actor further added, “So, I bring my computer and I start to read all the reviews. I got so excited I called [director Patty Jenkins]. And the moment I called Patty she answered the phone – it didn’t even ring. She immediately picks up.

She’s all, ‘What’s going on? I’ve been meditating for 20 minutes, not reading anything, liter-

ally waiting for you to call me.”

The Justice League star explained she couldn’t find the words to express her happiness in words, she simply screamed into the phone, prompting Jenkins to ask her about the reviews. “‘It’s unbelievably amazing! I can’t believe this is happening to us right now!’ Gadot recalls.

“And my daughter, who’s 6 now, and was part of the production – when you work so many hours [your children] come to set and become part of the circus. My daughter got so excited,” shared Gadot.

While the reviews were an unforgettable moment for Gadot, it was the pairing of the moment with her daughter which made the embargo lift truly heartwarming.

“My daughter asked me, ‘What’s happening, mama?'” Gadot said. “I told her – ‘People are liking the movie. See, if you work hard enough and you have good intentions sometimes in life people appreciate it.’ She jumped at me with teary eyes and said, ‘I’m proud of you mommy! That was a moment I’ll never forget as a parent and a mother. It was a very special thing,” concluded Gadot.

For her portrayal of the Amazonian Princess, Gadot is all set to receive the #SeeHer Award at this year’s Critics Choice Awards. #SeeHer Award is an award which recognises a woman that pushes boundaries and changes stereotypes in entertainment to accurately portray women.

Gadot will be handed the award by Patty Jenkins, who directed her in ‘Wonder Woman’.

Wonder Woman broke records when it was released, earning more than USD 820 million worldwide. There is also a sequel in the works too, which is expected to be released in 2019 (Indian Express)

50 sport

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31 , 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Windies swept again after depressing collapse C

HRISTCHURCH, New Zealand - There was no end in sight to West Indies' misery after they suffered a depressing 66-run defeat in the rain-ravaged third One-Day International here Boxing Day to endure the pain of another clean sweep to New Zealand.

Not even the return of the fit-again Chris Gayle could inspire the Caribbean side as they folded meekly for 99 for nine, chasing a target of 166 in a contest reduced to 23 overs per side at Hagley Oval.

The Black Caps, opting to bat first, were 83 for three after 19 overs when persistent rain halted the match for nearly five hours.

Left with only four overs to face on resumption following the revised playing conditions, the Black Caps got up to 131 for four with Ross Taylor unbeaten on 47 and Captain Tom Latham getting 37.

Left-arm pacer Sheldon Cottrell was the best bowler with two for 19.

In reply, the Windies surrendered without so much as a whimper in pursuit of a revised target under Duckworth/ Lewis. They were steamrolled by lethal left-arm seamer

Trent Boult who claimed three for 18 and left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who picked up three for 15.

Pacer Matt Henry finished with two for 18.

He and Boult combined in a devastating new-ball spell to reduce the Windies innings to ruins at nine for five, and only Captain Jason Holder with an attacking 34 from 21 balls managed to resist.

Holder was the only one in the top six to reach double figures, with number nine Nikita Miller (20 not out) the only other player to reach 20.

The defeat was the Windies' seventh in their last eight ODIs and left them with a single win in their last 14 matches.

More dishearteningly, the Caribbean side is still without a win on tour after being swept in the two-Test series and also failing to win any of the warmups.

Hoping to salvage some pride after already having conceded the series, the visitors started strongly, reducing New Zealand to 26 for three in the sixth over.

Cottrell got left-hander George Worker (2) to drag on a pull at a short ball in the

Chris Gayle

third over, and Gayle pouched a couple of chest-high catches at first slip to account for Neil Broom (2) and opener Colin Munro (21) off Cottrell and Holder, respectively. However, Taylor combined with Latham in a 73-run, fourth-wicket stand to rally the innings on either side of the protracted rain break.

The right-handed Taylor struck six fours in a 54-ball

knock, while Latham, a lefthander, faced 42 balls while hitting five boundaries.

Unbeaten on 32 when the rains arrived, Taylor led the charge on resumption as the Black Caps gathered 48 off the remaining 24 balls.

West Indies were then quickly in strife, losing Gayle for four to the sixth ball of the innings, caught by Munro running back at point after the

left-hander miscued a heave over the infield.

Shai Hope (2) pulled the fourth ball of the next over from Boult to Taylor at midwicket and his older brother, Kyle, departed to the first ball of the following over, lbw to Henry for one.

Jason Mohammed missed a drive at a full length delivery from Boult and was bowled for one in the fourth over, and half of the Windies side were gone three balls later when the Man-of-the-Series strike bowler yorked opener Chadwick Walton without scoring.

Holder arrived to make a fist of it, playing with abandon to strike three fours and a six as he put on 48 for the sixth wicket with Rovman Powell.

But having spent 22 balls over 11 without hitting a single boundary, Powell swung wildly at the next ball he faced from Santner, managing only to top-edge a catch to short third man, and end a promising partnership.

Ashley Nurse (1) was bowled by a Todd Astle googly in the next over and once Holder holed out to cover off Santner six balls later in the 13th over, the Windies' serious resistance was over. (CMC)

of Champions’ Boxing Day Card…

West Indies pacer ‘Sons ‘Lightening’ Allicock too fast for Gibson Beaton reported for suspect action T

W

est Indies pacer Ronsford Beaton has been reported for a suspect bowling action during West Indies' second ODI against New Zealand on Saturday.

Beaton sent down eight overs in that match and picked up 1 for 60.

As per the ICC's regulations pertaining to suspected illegal actions, Beaton's action will now be further examined. He will have to undergo testing within 14 days. Beaton can continue to bowl, though, until the results of the test are known, which means West Indies can continue to use his services in the third and fi-

nal ODI against New Zealand in Christchurch on Tuesday.

Even so, Beaton's suspect action is now an added cause for concern for a West Indies side that has struggled in ODIs this year. West Indies have already conceded the ongoing series 2-0 and have lost 15 out of the 21 ODIs they have played this year.

The setback comes early in Beaton's international career. He made his debut in the current series against New Zealand, and in his first two ODIs conceded 102 runs in 17 overs while picking up one wicket.

(ESPNCricinfo)

he return of the Boxing Day fist fight action to the National Gymnasium proved to be wholesome entertainment for all that attended the sizzling collaboration between the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) and Briso Promotions themed ‘Sons of Champions’. The talk of the town prior to the event was can Clairmont ‘Vibesman’ Gibson stop the ‘Lightening’ Keevin Allicock but the latter once again proved to be unstoppable for the Guyana Defence Force fighter in the bantamweight bout.

The pocket rocket Alliock, a Commonwealth Youth Games silver medallist ensured there is no doubt as to who is the better in their rematch, winning across the scorecards on his way to the unanimous decision.

More so, Desmond Amsterdam who was on the hunt for policeman Dennis Thomas was instead served Alloko Best and had his gloves off in no time with a second round stoppage.

Julius Kesney was also in a class of his own and put on a boxing clinic against Junior Hyman to pull out a victory inside the distance (round two).

Meanwhile, in three

Clairmont Gibson (left) and Keevin Allicock await the judges’ decision after their gruelling vbout

very competitive fights which could have arguably gone either way, Isiah Moore defeated Omar Pollard while Sherman Morrison and Deshon Elcock got the judges nod over Christopher Moore and Emanuel Pompey.

Other winners on the 11-fight card included Shaquancy Wright (over Deron Williams), Travis Inverary (versus Richard Howard), Mickel Worrell (versus Justin Winfield) and Aubrey Headley who fought John Mars.

Allicock gladly accepts the winning prize from promoter Seon Bristol on Tuesday night at the National Gymnasium

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31 , 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sport Feature 51

Golf champion Joaan Deo talks about balancing sport & academics

Joaan did not win the Guyana Open but won the prize for the Best Net

By John Ramsingh

F

rom the tender age of 10 years old, Joaan Deo began golfing at the country’s only golf course at Lusignan and the sporting discipline has enabled her to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Surgery in 2017 making her one of the most successful sportswomen in Guyana.

One may say that Joaan was born to play golf since she was born into a golfing family.

Her father, Chatterpaul, who is the current captain of the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) patiently taught her the finer details of the beau-

tiful game that saw her rising to the top in the male dominated sport.

On the maternal side of her family is her uncle Papo Haniff who is the best golfer produced by the Lusignan Golf Club and nine-time Guyana Open Champion. Uncle Papo was also very instrumental in Joaan’s success on the fairways to date.

Along the way, Joaan has carted off the prestigious Guyana Open on two occasions (2014 and 2016), the Grand Coastal Open since 2009, the Scotiabank Open, Courts two-day Classic, MACORP Open, The Vish Trading Open, The Guy-Canam 2016

when she was paired with Jaipaul Suknanan; then there was that special occasion when she was paired with her dad to conquer the Sanjay’s Jewellery tourney.

In 2017, the pintsized golfer played in three tournaments winning the Maersk and the Silica Sand Port Open while missing out at the Guyana Open. Her appearances on the fairways were limited in 2017 since Joaan was focused on completing her Dental Surgery Degree from the University of Guyana.

After graduating in November, Joaan said “Despite Dental Surgery having the disadvan-

Joaan is now a certified Dentist following graduation in November

tage of being extremely complex, the joy of creating a beautiful and healthy smile has for me, far outweighed such a strain. Of course, the professional respect, the job security and the financial independence, which come with being a doctor, all complemented my choice,” when asked why such a profession.

In a society which is dominated by fast paced games including cricket and football, golf sometimes has a different stigma of being boring but the former Marian Academy student was quick to dismiss such claim. “Golf, as portrayed by the media, would appear to be a boring sport. But it is not until a neophyte has ventured to the tee box that he or she will be able to experience the excitement of this sport. I think the mistake which most persons make about golf is that they base their views of it based on appearance, and I would say this to them – don’t judge a book by its cover.

You need to come to the course, grab a club and hit a ball. That’s all it takes. Golf is a lifetime

The ‘Extractor’ during a slow period at work

sport which requires discipline and practice, and the rules are drafted in such a way that no one is left behind.”

Now that Joaan has successfully balanced academics and sport by putting in the long hours on the fairways to be a champion golfer and the even longer hours boxing the books to complete her degree, she is very adamant that it is not impossible. “The proverb, all work and no play makes Jack (or Jill) a dull boy (or girl) fits perfectly with the need to complement one’s life of sport with academics.

Athletes are already disciplined in sport so it is not that difficult to excel in academics. I consider myself an athlete, but that does not mean I will limit myself to merely that; we must always try to balance the equation. It is my strong opinion that athletes need that balance in their lives,” the athlete added.

As it pertains to 2018, Joaan will be working hard to bring down her handicap to single digit as she seeks to compete on the international scene. The sky is the limit.

52 sport

WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31 , 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Holder’s ODI captaincy on line

Jason Holder

A

fter an inauspicious year, it won’t be surprising if Jason Holder is sacked or resigns as captain of the Windies OneDay International (ODI) side.

He won just three of the 21 ODIs he led the West Indies in during 2017, while suffering 15 losses with three no-results for a meagre 16.66 percentage winning record.

Under his leadership this year, the Windies lost 3-0 to England, 2-1 to Pakistan, 3-1 to India and drew 1-1 with Afghanistan in the Caribbean before being whitewashed 4-0 and 3-0 in away series in England and New Zealand.

Overall, since becoming the One-Day cap-

tain in 2015, Holder has skippered the Windies in 49 matches. He tasted success just 11 times and endured the agony of defeat 34 times for a meagre 25 per cent record. There was one tied match in addition to the no-results.

His predecessor, Dwayne Bravo, led the Windies in 37 ODIs – 12 fewer than Holder – but had 17 wins while suffering 18 losses with two tied matches. Bravo’s winning percentage was 48.64.

Darren Sammy, who skippered the Windies in 51 ODIs between 2010 and 2013, had 19 victories and 30 losses, with a tie and a no-result for a 39 per cent winning record.

Just before Sammy, Chris Gayle led the

Windies in 53 ODIs between 2007 and 2010. He logged 17 wins against 30 losses with six no-results for a 36.17 percentage record.

What makes Holder’s stint as captain in this format even more unremarkable is that the Windies failed to qualify for this year’s Champions Trophy in England, which featured the eight top-ranked teams in the world.

Additionally, the Windies were unsuccessful in their bid to gain a direct passage into the 2019 World Cup in England.

Consequently, the winners of the first two World Cups in 1975 and 1979 have been subjected to a qualifying tournament in March next year against nine ICC af-

filiates for the last two available spots.

As a player, Holder had a solid, if not spectacular year with bat and ball.

He captured 23 wickets with steady seam bowling at an average of 38.73 and an economy rate of 5.30 runs per over.

The tall right-handed middle to lower order batsman, scored 410 runs at a strike rate of 99.51 and an average of 25.62. He recorded two half-centuries.

Improving Shai Hope was not only the Windies’ top batsman in Test cricket this year, but also in ODI, with 600 runs in 22 matches at an average of 33.33.

He didn’t score a ton, but had four half-centuries, while his strike rate was a pedestrian 67.26. As a wicket-keeper, he effected 26 dismissals.

Jason Mohammed also hit four half-centuries in 22 matches while amassing 523 runs at an average of 29.05, with a strike rate of 71.93.

Opener Evin Lewis, with a hundred and halfcentury, totalled 512 runs in 20 ODIs at an average of 32.00, and a strike rate of 82.84.

Off-spinner Ashley Nurse bagged 21 wickets at 40.61 runs apiece, with an economy rate of 5.19, while promising fast bowler Alzarri Joseph snared 19 scalps in 12 ODIs at an average of 30.61, but his economy rate was 6.31 runs per over. (Barbados Nation)

Guyanese depart for Windies World Cup title defence

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(L-R) Raymond Perez, Ashmead Nedd, Ronaldo Alimohamed and Bashkar Yadram at the Eugene F Correia International Airport on Wednesday morning (Johsua Persaud took the photo)

haskar Yadram, Raymond Perez, Ashmead Nedd, Ronaldo Alimohamed and Joshua Persaud departed Guyana on Wednesday morning for Barbados where they will join the rest of the Windies under-19s for the journey to New Zealand where they play the 2018 ICC Youth 50-over World Cup. They are expected to leave Barbados today (Thursday) to have a camp in the host country as they beef up preparations for their title defence.

Yadram and Persaud both would have been on tour with the squad since they began their preparations earlier this year. The dashing Yadram is one of the most senior figures in the squad given his First-Class exposure and is expected to be the engine room of the top-order.

Given captain Emanuel Stewart is a wicketkeeper, the talented Persaud may not have the glove job but has the ability to deliver with his eye-catching stroke-play.

The late entrants to the squad, which would have come on the heels of their splendid performances in the Cricket West Indies (CWI) under-19 tournaments this year are also expected to play key roles.

Based on the recipe for success at the 2016 edition, where head coach Graeme West made full use of allrounders Keemo Paul and Shemar Springer, the cunning medium-pace and power hitting of Alimohamed could be the side’s ‘x-factor’ in conditions where seam bowling should be dominant.

Likewise, Nedd’s previous knowledge of the conditions, since he played in January 2015 for Trinidad and Tobago’s Tony Hartford U-17 Academy, will be useful. Albeit just aged 16, the left-arm spinner is an immense revelation for a cricketer his age.

His best known attributes are being able to starve batsmen for runs at

the business end of an innings and at a same time is still a genuine wickettaking option.

The hopeful stardom at the top comes in form of shot-filled Perez.

Simply but yet attractive is usually the modus operandi for the opening batsman when at the crease and though he previously told this publication he is not under any pressure to live up to expectations, much will still be expected.

He was the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the regional under-19 tournament held in St Kitts in 2017 where he complied 348 runs from six innings finishing unbeaten on three occasions finishing with a staggering average of 116 runs per innings.

The defending champions are installed in Group of A and will play their first match against hosts, New Zealand on January 13 followed by a clash with South Africa four days later then their final group match is against Kenya on January 20.

Full Squad: Emmanuel Stewart – Captain (Windward IslandsGrenada), Kirstan Kallicharan – Vice Captain (Trinidad & Tobago), Ronaldo Alimohamed(Guyana), Alick Athanaze- (Windward IslandsDominica), Cephas Cooper- (Trinidad & Tobago), Jarion Hoyte- (Barbados), Kimani Melius- (Windward IslandsSt. Lucia), Ashmead Nedd- (Guyana), Kian Pemberton- (Leeward IslandsSt. Kitts & Nevis), Raymond Perez(Guyana), Joshua Persaud- (Guyana), Jeavor Royal- (Jamaica), Keagan Simmons- (Trinidad & Tobago), Bhaskar Yadram- (Guyana) and Nyeem Young- (Barbados).

Management Team: Graeme West- (Head Coach), Dwain Gill(Team Operations Manager), Corey Collymore(Assistant Coach), Khevyn Williams- (Physiotherapist), Zephyrinus Nicholas- (Strength & Conditioning Coach) and Dinesh Mahabir- (Analyst). (Akeem Greene)

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