Guyana Times International

Army rank on G$1M bail for causing death by dangerous driving

INTERNATIONAL

Page 9

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com

‘Limits society places on us do not define ISSUE NO. 360

our capabilities’

See story on page 11

– Guyana’s top CSEC student

Diehard Warriors!

- Fans turn out in their thousands for Guyana leg of CPL matches

WEEK ENDING August 27, 2017

CSEC 2017 top student, Michael Bhopaul – 24 Grade Ones and one Grade Two

See stories and photos inside

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WEEK ENDING AUGUST 27, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 27, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Three Guyanese entrepreneurs selected for Young Leaders of Americas Initiative T

he U.S. Embassy in Georgetown has announced the Guyana cohort of the 2017 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellows Program. The fiveweek program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, will bring 250 young leaders from 36 countries in the Caribbean and Latin America to the United States to augment their business or social venture plans, learn from U.S. coun-terparts, and share best practices.

The YLAI program supports the United States’ commitment to increase trade and investment in the region and, in the words of Vice President Mike Pence, “bring even more of our business culture of entrepreneurship and innovation all across [the Caribbean] so that your prosperity and our prosperity will continue to expand together.”

Out of well over 3,000 ap-

Suzanne Hamilton

plications submitted from the region, three young Guyanese leaders have been accepted to the Program: Suzanne Hamilton, Founder of Sosh Solutions in Linden, which offers globally recognized professional qualification courses for local entre-

Charles Hutson

preneurs and addresses the unavailability of professional and youth development opportunities in the fields of accounting, business, and finance.

Charles Hutson founded Ecab, a mobile app for calling taxis that allows cab-seekers to electronically hail the clos-

Christine Profitt

est available cab while allowing drivers to earn more by saving on gasoline and time.

Christine Profitt, founder of The Scrubs Hub, an organization that provides quality medical garments and personal protective gear for medical professionals across

Guyana at an affordable cost.

As part of her social responsibility commitment, Christine has committed a percentage of the organization’s in-come towards the "I CAN" project for disadvantaged youth, single parents, and other young adults in Agricola.

The YLAI Professional Fellows Program kicks off in Atlanta, Georgia. The young leaders then partici-pate in four-week fellowships in cities throughout the United States, where host-businesses mentor and guide the fellows through an entrepreneurship curriculum. The program concludes with a closing summit in Washington, D.C., focused on leadership and skills development training. Fellows return to their ventures with new skills, resources, on-going support from U.S. counterparts, and an improved network, strengthening business ties between the United States and Guyana.

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WEEK ENDING AUGUST 27, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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EDITORIAL

Charlottesville and Linden A second deliberate attempt

E

xactly a week after the “Unite the Right” movement staged its demonstration in Charlottesville, Virginia, sparking condemnation for its racist implications, there was a demonstration in Guyana that suggests some parallels with Charlottesville. There, a number of whites marched to aggressively express their disagreement with the decision of the town to pull down the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. To most Guyanese, this may have been a rather arcane issue to rile up counter demonstrations resulting in the death of one and injury to nineteen of the latter members, when a supporter of the Robert E. Lee partisans rammed his vehicle into them. But the issue should matter to us, since, at its core, is the long reach of slavery into the present, surviving as structural racism. While slavery was abolished by the British in their colonies in 1834; in the US, where there were even more African slaves than in the West Indies, it was continued to provide free labour for the cotton and tobacco plantations in the southern states. While there was a widespread debate for the abolition of slavery, the southern slaves dug their heels in and refused to agree to the right of Africans to be free.

It was not until a war was fought from 1861 to 1865, between those who wanted slavery abolished, (the Northern states) and those that wanted to maintain it (the Southern states), and after the latter were defeated that African Americans became at least free. General Robert E. Lee was the leader of the Southern army (the Confederates) who fought against the Union forces. The present battle over whether to maintain or remove his statue in a state that fought to retain slavery is thus a trope for a larger battle — as to where exactly does America stand on the question of the enduring legacy of slavery/anti-African racism.

Guyana is connected to that battle because the ideology used to justify the enslavement of millions of Africans in the US by whites was the same ideology deployed in the West Indies to justify African slavery here on the sugar plantations. The Biblical story of Ham and the curse by his father Noah — that his descendants become slaves — was interpreted by whites to identify Africans as those descendants and therefore mandated that they be slaves. The Mormons, for instance, explicitly quoted this passage from Genesis to justify their position on slavery.

Fighting racism through the hundreds of years following slavery has taught us that all kinds of oppression can be, and have been, justified by arbitrary interpretations of texts that may not necessarily be relevant to the circumstances in which they are now applied. There is the matter of time, place and circumstances being changed, and compelling one to relook at older interpretations with new sensibilities. Even the Mormons had to re-examine the interpretation of the “curse of Ham” by 1978 and jettison it.

We now arrive at the demonstration in Linden, where it was reported that one group of citizens marched against homosexuals being possibly given the right by the Government to engage in same-sex intercourse. The latter would have to change the present law that was written by the British in the 19th century and justified by Biblical citations similar to the one used to justify slavery. Ironically, the British changed their law on the subject right after we received independence.

Because President Granger had declared that he is “prepared to respect the rights of any adult to indulge in any practice which is not harmful to others,” the action in Linden was intended as a broadside against him.

While, as in America, free speech is guaranteed here, right thinking citizens must condemn boot-strapping justifications to oppress fellow citizens who may be simply different from others.

If it was wrong to oppress some for the colour of their skin, why is it not so for oppressing others today for the object of their love?

President David Granger being greeted by Amerindian groups on his arrival for the National Toshaos Council Meetings

at besmirching my integrity

Dear Editor, A letter which appeared in another section of the media under the title “Will the Auditor General investigate the deputy chief elections officer?” is the second deliberate attempt at besmirching my integrity – obviously with clandestine objectives.

And it brings to mind something that a former boss of mine had continuously repeated; i.e. a lie repeated often enough metamorphoses to become the truth.

That is the only reason why I have taken the decision to respond to this piece of mischief, lest the general populace internalize the contents of the letter to conclude that I have been involved in corrupt undertakings, and that somehow I am being shielded and protected.

The motive behind this targeted aggression is anybody’s guess, and it leaves great room for speculation.

The forensic investigations that are currently being conducted by the Auditor General into allegations of fraud have nothing to do with me. Accordingly, I will not comment on this, except to note that reference to this was made at the opening of the letter to create the platform to launch the mischief aimed at me.

I am not at all surprised at this letter, because of reasons I need not mention here.

However, I find it astounding that the author(s) of the letter would attack the Auditor General in an attempt to dare him to launch an investigation into me relative to allegations that were published in the

Guyana Chronicle last year. In so doing, the author(s) failed to recall that I had debunked those allegations via the said articles in the Guyana Chronicle. One year later – here we go again.

Specifically, the letter asked: Why was Vishnu Persaud signing contracts and documents as deputy chief election officer and public relations officer”?

And “whether I was usurping the functions of the substantive PRO at the time…”

In this regard, please note the following:I have never signed any contract in my capacity as Deputy Chief Election Officer; nor have I signed any as Public Relations Officer. Documents prepared by me — in my capacity as Deputy Chief Election Officer and Public Relations Officer — for submission to GECOM personnel above me were required to be signed by me for obvious reasons.

There was an instance in which I prepared the evaluation of quotations pertaining to Civic and Voter Education during the high activity period of preparations for the conduct of the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

This is an activity that I had been doing over the years, as authorized by the Commission.

In so doing, and in the interest of saving time, I had copied the format from the last evaluation I had done and made the required changes accordingly. The evaluation was submitted to the CEO for approval with my designation unintentionally stated as Public Relations Officer, as had been copied from the earlier evaluation. The CEO brought

this to my attention, and I requested that he return the document to me so that I can append the rubber stamp of the Deputy Chief Election Officer, sign accordingly and return it. This was done. In retrospect, I admit that I should have printed a new page and signed thereon, or at the least cancel my signature as PRO. I have never usurped, nor even encroached upon, the functions of the PRO at reference.

In view of the foregoing, I wish to categorically state that, throughout my tenure at GECOM — which commenced in November 2001 — I have never conducted myself in any way, shape, or form that could have brought disrepute to me or the Commission. On the contrary, I stand grounded in my conviction that I have always carried out my responsibilities with loyalty to the organization, and with consistent efficiency, to the satisfaction of my superiors.

I therefore have no reluctance or objection to avail myself for any investigation pertaining to any area of my conduct relative to official activities that were undertaken by me at GECOM. As it relates to the use of quotes, I will close with this simple one that was taught to us by all of our grandparents: “Do nothing, fear nothing”.

This is my only and last public position on this matter.

Kind regards, Vishnu Persaud Deputy Chief Election Officer

Discrimination in any form should not be tolerated Dear Editor, I refer to an article, ‘Linden church leader stages march against homosexuality’, appearing in sections of the media. I shook my head in disbelief as I read this; and I thought to myself that women are raped and battered every day in this country, and this is what this man of God chooses to march against – homosexuality; which is in fact taking a public stand on discriminating on people

that are different from him.

I am always so curious about why people seem to have such harsh opinions about others’ lifestyles that have no impact on them. So this march was to counter SASOD’s efforts to appeal Guyana’s buggery laws. Well, I wonder if the goodly and godly pastor knows that the antiquated buggery laws also apply to heterosexual persons who may also practise this act.

In Guyana we love to practise with I call ‘othering’ — ‘them and us’. We see this in politics, diaspora, race, etc.

True humanity and godliness, in my view, is to practise understanding and love for others who are also different from us. In the case of homosexuality, you do not have to accept, but at least make a space for understanding that many are born this way, turn to page 6

NEWS 5

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 27, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

CAPE highflier hoping for scholarship President Granger briefs Baroness Valerie to pursue medical studies Amos on Guyana’s

By Shemuel Fanfair

O

ne of the two top performers at this year’s Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) has highlighted the winning combination he had used to attain his remarkable achievement.

“Hard work and dedication,” CAPE student Vamandev Hiralall told Guyana Times International in an interview, was his motto; and it has led to his success over the past three years – first at CSEC and then at CAPE. The Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) student secured eight grade ones at CAPE this year, sharing the top spot with St Rose’s student Shawn Shewram.

Hiralall, however, amassed 13 grade ones and 3 grade twos in 16 CAPE units over the two-year period. He is hoping to get a Government scholarship to the University of the West Indies, where he intends to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery.

Hiralall explained that his passion for the medical field came from

his involvement in a project which saw him conducting surveys on diabetes and hypertension in various villages, allowing him much interaction.

“I surveyed residents of a rural village and I gathered information on their lifestyle and physical body, and I did hypertension and diabetes screening,” he noted.

Hiralall’s academic performance over the last three years has been consistent with the 20 ones and the one grade two that he achieved at CSEC in 2015.

Commenting on calls to reduce or limit the number of subjects that candidates can write, the budding medical doctor suggested that capacity of each student must be considered.

“I disagree with that sentiment of capping the number of subjects.

Every student has potential. I believe the better thing to do would be to assess every student’s potential to see how many subjects they can write. Knowledge is not a burden, so when opportunity comes to a person a lot, they should take it,” the young man rea-

time,” he noted.

Hiralall added that the school he attended played an instrumental part in keeping him in line, and this had allowed him to remain focused.

‘green’ agenda

St Rose’s shine

Top performer Vamandev Hiralall amassed 16 units over 2 years at CAPE

soned.

“If you want to make a change for the better, you must be willing to sacrifice your time to dedicate to your studies, if you want to keep your goals,”Hiralall observed.

He also highlighted that avoiding the influence and frequent use of technological devices was among the sacrifices he had made in order to maintain his consistent academic performance.

“In order to achieve my goals, I had to consistently work on them, and have that mindset all the

And Shawn Shewram, in a brief interview on Tuesday, said he was relieved, and contented with his results after all the hard work he had invested to attain his success.

“Sixth Form has been one of the biggest challenges that I’ve ever taken part of, and there were many times I doubted myself and wanted to close my books, but I knew that this was something I started and knew I had to finish,” Shewram explained.

The teenager has secured grade ones in 8 CAPE units, and noted that he intends to pursue a degree in Law. “Be dedicated, put your best foot forward, and always believe in yourself,” was the encouragement that Shewram offered to others, echoing the sentiments of this year’s top CSEC student.

P

Baroness Valerie Amos

resident David Granger, on Wednesday, met with Baroness Valerie Amos, now Director of the SOAS-University of London, former Leader of the House of Lords and representative to the United Nations (UN), where they discussed, among other issues, Guyana’s ‘green’ development pathway, according to a government release.

President Granger, during the meeting, which was held at State House, said that Guyana is committed to combating the effects of climate change and global warming by protecting its biodiversity through the adop-

tion of a ‘green’ development agenda.

He told Baroness Amos that the preservation and sustainable management of the environment is central to Guyana’s development, despite the country’s future as a petroleum-producing nation. The President also briefed Baroness Amos on his plans to establish Protected Areas in all of the Regions of Guyana in order to devolve greater responsibility for conservation and for environmental protection to the administrative centres across the country. turn to page 7

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WEEK ENDING AUGUST 27, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Caricom countries beginning Guyanese in New York hold forum on to feel effects of humanitarian ‘ballot box martyrs’ crisis in Venezuela

Dear Editor, The Guyanese Solidarity Movement (GSS) in NY, along with the 100th Anniversary Foundation and other co-sponsors, held a forum last Sunday to pay tribute to the ballot box martyrs of 1973, as well as to remember the rigged referendum of 1978 that led to the foisting of the authoritarian Burnham constitution.

The forum, held in Richmond Hill, also discussed potential electoral fraud in the 2020 elections, and offered suggestions on combating potential electoral fraud.

Discussants expressed fear that the next election will be rigged similar to what took place between 1966 and 1992. They suggested that a strong, independent-minded GECOM chair is needed to guard against poten-

tial fraud.

The organisers of the forum wanted to memorialise the Berbice ballot box martyrs Bholanath Parmanand and Jagan Ramessar, and others who were injured when soldiers opened fire on them during a peaceful exercise. The two Guyanese patriots were killed by GDF forces as they protested the removal of genuine ballot boxes at Number 63 Primary School, Corentyne during the rigged 1973 elections.

The election was massively rigged.

The speakers paid glowing tributes to the martyrs and those injured, as well as those who struggled for free and fair elections during the years of the PNC dictatorship. Many lost their lives and/or were savagely beaten by thugs during this period.

The forum also re-

membered the rigged referendum of 1978 and the return of democracy on 5th October 1992, when the PPP/C was re-elected to government after the first democratic elections in post- independent Guyana.

Speakers included attorney-at-law Rakesh Rampertab, Dr Tara Singh and Dr Leslie Ramsammy, the former Minister of Health and Agriculture in the PPP government.

The speakers plan to approach US members of Congress, the Carter Center, and other NGOs to assist in guaranteeing free and fair elections in 2020. They urge Guyanese to lobby politicians worldwide to put pressure on the Government of Guyana to hold a free and fair election.

Yours faithfully, Vishnu Bisram

Addressing the dynamics of suicide

Dear Editor, Recently, sections of the local media inaccurately cited the statistics on suicide by the World Health Organization (WHO) when they reported that Guyana’s suicide rate stood at 20.6 per 100,000 in 2015. Editor, there is no truth to this.

A visit to the WHO website (http://www.who. int/mental_health/prevention/suicide/suicideprevent/en/) revealed a suicide rate of 30.6 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2015, which is significantly higher than what is reported by the local media.

Such inaccuracy spurs widespread speculation that some sections of the media may be hiding the suicide problem for political reasons. Further, WHO has reported a sharp increase in suicide for the year 2012 (44.2 per 100,000 inhabitants), and then a robust drop in 2015. I remain skeptical about such statistics. A significant decline in the suicide rate is not rationally possible.

Editor, how can there be such a huge reduction in the suicide rate when the primary triggers of this problem remain unaddressed, and any kind of therapeutic intervention remains severely limited?

One needs to be cautious about the suicide statistics, because of mountainous problems.

Although WHO is a rep-

utable and well-respected organisation, it needs to be clear that WHO acknowledges that data from numerous countries are of poor quality due to inherent problems of under-reporting and misclassification.

Furthermore, the accuracy of such statistics remains questionable due to poor data collection methods and procedures in this country.

Clearly, multiple problems reduce the accuracy, validity, and reliability of the suicide statistics. And due to such problems, I remain skeptical about the reported decline in the suicide rate.

Importantly, these issues cannot be ignored when interpreting and drawing conclusions from such statistics.

I reasoned that a significant reduction in suicide can come about only by addressing the abnormally high levels of stress arising out of the catastrophic social, economic and political conditions. Stress mechanistically drives suicide directly or indirectly by disrupting brain functions, thereby unleashing mental illness (e.g. depression, schizophrenia, etc.) or substance abuse (e.g. alcoholism), or both.

Stress basically hijacks the brain in eliciting suicidal behaviours.

Although such an intricate dynamic is working to propel suicide, it must also be recognised that genes can also

augment this problem.

Sadly, this dynamic remains unaddressed.

Specifically, a reduction in suicide requires reducing the massive unemployment rate, reducing the massive crime rate, curbing widespread discrimination, ending dysfunctional leaderships, stamping out corruption, bringing ethnic diversity and much-needed skills, as well as ending dysfunction at the Ministry of Social Protection, among a slew of other measures.

Unfortunately, as it stands, this Ministry hurts Guyanese rather than helps them. This has been my personal experience.

Furthermore, a robust reduction in the suicide rate can come about only by eliminating the primary triggers of suicide, together with making available meaningful therapeutic interventions (counselling, community support, reducing access to pesticides, etc.).

It needs to be noted that although therapeutic interventions are appreciated, valued and necessary, they cannot alone bring down the suicide rate, and are Band-Aid approaches with marginal and transient gains, if any at all, because victims will inevitably relapse into suicide.

Sincerely, Annie Baliram

Dear Editor, Guyanese organizations (listed below) are calling on Governments and civil societies of Caricom to recognize the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis currently being experienced by the people of Venezuela.

Caricom countries are already beginning to feel the effects of the tens of thousands of refugees seeking asylum in neighbouring Latin American countries as a result of the severe economic disintegration and political instability fuelling that crisis.

The humanitarian crisis is characterized by a shortage of medicines and food, the collapse of public services, the world’s highest inflation rate, overt violence, and serious human rights’ violations. The political institutions of the State are in crisis, and allegations of torture and illegal detention are widespread.

The effects of the economic chaos are reflected in the mounting numbers of refugees threatening to overwhelm welfare and health systems in border regions of countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Panama, with a potential for similar effects in neighbouring Caricom territories.

A particularly worrying dimension of the Venezuelan crisis for Caricom territories was pointed out in June 2017 by UWI Professor of Sustainable Development, Dr. Anthony Clayton, quoted in the Jamaica Gleaner to the effect that, “The problem we are facing is, because with Venezuela’s economic collapse, there is now evidence of weapons flooding out of Venezuela, initially into Trinidad, but which will come percolating through the Caribbean.

Venezuela has got more guns per person than almost any other country in the (western) hemisphere, including the United States.”

He went on to point out that former President Chavez armed militias all over the country to combat the threat of invasion, and “now, with the economy collapsing, a lot of them are selling their weapons, and they are selling them for groceries, pharmaceuticals and basic survival items”.

Reluctance to ‘interfere’ in domestic politics has been a guiding principle of Caricom relations, with respect to both its own membership and its external relations. More to the point at the present time, however, is whether this posture of avoidance has discouraged Caricom Governments from developing or adopting reception policies through which to address a major influx of refugees.

Moreover, in view of the arms flooding out of Venezuela, will this tendency be fortified?

However, despite the security issues and the fact that Caricom territories’ capacity for delivering health and welfare services is limited, these factors do not absolve Caricom countries from the responsibility of developing just and fraternal reception policies, and respecting the fundamental rights of individual refugees.

Without some measure of preparedness of this nature, Venezuelan refugees are vulnerable to the kind of treatment experienced by the isolated cases of Angolan, Haitian, Cuban and other refugees who have found their way to our shores. The default response has been to treat them as illegal immigrants, often detained for months on end.

As civil and faithbased organizations, our responsibility to engage with the humanitarian dimensions of the Venezuelan crisis is no less real than that of Governments. For this reason, in a spirit of solidarity and social jus-

tice, and in collaboration with relevant international agencies, we commit to engaging with the challenge of promoting the protection of the fundamental rights of Venezuelan refugees.

A collaborative approach to governance encompassing relevant civic, business and Government agencies might begin by ensuring registration of Venezuelan refugees arriving at our borders, thereby both providing them with legal protection and discouraging illegal entry through porous borders and beaches.

A principled and rights-oriented humanitarian response of this nature is consistent with Caricom’s inclination to avoid becoming embroiled in Venezuelan domestic politics.

Additionally, such an approach to the humanitarian crisis would also strengthen the possibility of more orderly reintegration of the refugees into their own country when circumstances permit a safe and minimally decent life.

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • •

ENDORSING ORGANIZATIONS, Anglican Diocese of Guyana Rt. Rev Bishop Francis Alleyne RC Bishop of Guyana BENAB – (Youth) Church Women United East Coast Clean-Up Committees Guyana Society for the Blind (GSB) Guyana Environment Initiative (GEI) Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) G u y a n e s e Organization of Indigenous peoples (GOIP) Jesuits in Guyana Policy Forum Guyana Red Thread Rights of Children (ROC) Transparency Institute Guyana Inc Ursuline Sisters in Guyana

Discrimination in any form should... and do not have the choices that heterosexuals do.

Depression and suicide are high among the gay community, I understand. Many who discriminate against LBGTQ people are the loudest critics against racism and other forms of abuse. Often, we are very vocal about issues that affect us directly, but sometimes we need to stretch beyond ourselves and place our-

selves in the shoes of others. We all have to be our brothers and sisters’ keepers, we must all be open to speaking up on issues that may not affect us directly but have terrible impacts on others. This is not a religious issue at all; this is a human rights issue!

A few months ago, there was an idea floated about a referendum to have Guyanese choose whether to repeal the sodomy law.

Imagine, an issue like this

from page 4

left up to citizens, where discrimination against the LBGTQ community is rife.

Discrimination is learnt, and at some point discrimination becomes a choice; but to have laws that go against the fundamental practise of human rights is cause for deep reflection within ourselves and as a nation.

Yours truly, Dr Raquel ThomasCaesar

news 7

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 27, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Mid-year Financial Report: GBTI records G$603M profit

… crime continues to dampen struggling economic growth – Chairman

A

fter-tax profit made by the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) and its subsidiaries between January and June 2017 stands at G$603 million, down from the G$961 million recorded for the same period in 2016.

The GBTI Mid-Year (Interim) Financial Report has detailed that the company earned just over G$902 million net profit after tax from its operations conducted during the first half (Jan/June) of 2016; but has recorded G$599 million net profit after tax for the comparative period in 2017.

Moreover, a slight change in the company and group’s asset holdings has seen its worth decrease by some G$2 billion for the first half of 2017, but the company’s cash resources have moved from G$19 billion in 2016 to G$22 billion in 2017.

This financial performance was, no doubt, due in part to the fraud perpetrated on the bank earlier this year, and partially because of economic issues facing the local financial sector, it has been said.

Chairman of the GBTI Board, Robin Stoby, said in his report that the local economy experienced significant disruptions in the first quarter of the year due to cyclical fluctuations in the foreign currency market.

“The (GBTI) is hap-

Chairman of GBTI, Robin Stoby

py to report that it has been able to resume significant correspondent banking relationships, which have relieved the pressure on the delivery of foreign exchange supplies,” he explained.

The chairman noted that crime continues to dampen both the struggling economic growth and the investment climate. He referred to local banks, including GBTI, being faced with rising levels of non-performing loans, and slower credit with growth in the private sector.

Disclosing that the GBTI has provided for the fraud perpetrated on it, Stoby declared, “We remain optimistic that the legal process will be completed before the end of the year.”

Stoby had, in May 2017, told GBTI shareholders that the bank

would recover the G$941 million lost in a fraudulent transaction allegedly conducted by gold dealer Saddiqi Rasul. He had said that while, in the short term, the bank would have to make provisions for the loss, affecting earnings for the year, the board’s intention was to make an insurance claim for the money, in addition to conducting civil proceedings in an attempt to recover as much of the funds as possible.

The former Chief Justice, Senior Counsel Ian Chang, has been contracted as a special prosecutor in the case, as the board was “not satisfied with progress on the matter.” Chang has been authorised to pursue the bank’s interest in an urgent manner, and prosecute the case to finality with the help of the Guyana Police Force and the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Rasul, owner of SSS Minerals Trading, was on April 3rd charged with six counts of fraud, wherein it was alleged that between March 21 and March 22, at Bartica, with intent to defraud, he obtained from GBTI G$96 million, G$290 million, G$89 million, G$45 million, G$298 million and G$138 million by falsely pretending that he had cash in a Citizens Bank account to honour cheques that he had written. Rasul has denied the charges, and has been placed on a total of G$3million bail.

President Granger briefs...

“It will allow our citizens in those regions to exercise stewardship over their regional protected areas and I am confident that given the varied landscape that we have inherited, every region will be able to have a distinctive, a unique protected area; one that is different from any other region,” he said.

The Head of State said that even as Guyana continues to pursue this line of development, he expects that Guyanese citizens, particularly those involved in the tourism industry, will take advantage of the opportunities for eco-tourism, which are presented. Baroness Amos said, like the President, she too has a deep interest in mitigating the effects of climate change and the protection of the environment. She noted that it is commendable that Guyana is taking

up a lead role in the fight against climate change and has already begun taking steps to protect its biodiversity.

The former Leader of the House of Lords, who assumed the position of Director for the SOAS –University of London (formerly known as the School of Oriental and African Studies) in 2015, was born in in Dry Shore on the Essequibo Coast and lived in Wakenaam until she was nine years old. She is now the first woman of African descent in the United Kingdom to head a University.

Before taking up the post at SOAS, she served as Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator at the United Nations (UN).

She has also served in a number of roles in the public sector in the United Kingdom including in local government

from page 5

and as Chief Executive of the Equal Opportunities Commission.

Baroness Amos served as an Advisor to the Government of Nelson Mandela on leadership, change, management and strategy issues between 1994 and 1998. She was appointed a Labour Life Peer in 1997 and became a member of the Government of the United Kingdom in 1998. According to her biography, she was a Foreign Office Minister, Secretary of State for International Development, Leader of the House of Lords and Lord President of the Council. She also served as UK High Commissioner to Australia before joining the UN. In June 2016, she was made a Companion of Honour in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited head office

Businessman lands in Court for shooting bandit

L

inden businessman Lloyd Thomas, accused of discharging a loaded firearm at Anthony Rogers with intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or cause him actual bodily harm, was on Wednesday arraigned before Georgetown Magistrate Annette Singh, charged with the offence.

Unrepresented by legal counsel, the

43-year-old defendant denied the charge, allegedly committed on August 17, 2017 at Sand Hills on the LindenSoesdyke Highway, and explained to the court that he was on the road when he was attacked by a bandit who attempted to snatch a gold chain that he was wearing at the time.

Thomas said he put up a fight, during which he was able to disarm the

bandit of his gun, and he used it to shoot the bandit.

Because the Police Prosecutor did not object to the defendant being placed on bail, Thomas was placed on G$50,000 bail, and was ordered to report to the police station nearest to his home until the conclusion of this matter. The case will continue on September 11.

8 news

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 27, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Private developers owe housing authority over G$1B …SOCU Head tells Lands CoI

CH&PA’s Director of Operations, Denise King-Tudor

T

he Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into land ownership heard that several discrepancies were unearthed by a forensic audit into the Central Housing and Planning Authority’s (CH&PA’s) operations relative to the allocation of land to private developers; and although those developers reportedly owe that housing authority more than $G1 billion, no system exists that would enforce agreements existing between the CH&PA and those developers.

Head of the Special Organised Crimes Unit (SOCU), Assistant Police Commissioner Sydney James, read excerpts from the reported findings of the forensic audit into the operations of the CH&PA, done by Ram and McRae, when he appeared on Wednesday before the Commission of Inquiry into lands. He told the CoI that the report has been referred to SOCU. This CoI, established under the Commission of Inquiry Act, is designed to examine and make

recommendations to resolve all issues and uncertainties surrounding the claims of Amerindian land titling; the individual, joint or communal ownership of lands acquired by freed Africans; and any matter relating to land titling in Guyana. However, the Amerindian aspect of the CoI has been put on hold until further notice.

Having submitted to the Commission a copy of the audit report, which was tendered into evidence, James said investigations are still ongoing, but declined to comment when asked about the allocation of land to a popular hardware company at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.

However, according to the report, he did indicate that the CH&PA is owed more than G$1 billion by private developers.

“The investigations are ongoing, and I submitted a copy of (the) forensic audit and notes (detailing) that a number of observations were made: that there were discrepancies in the procedures…, (that) there were delays in the start of construction, and (that) there was no evidence that the chap had systems in place to monitor or enforce the agreements with the developers.

“We also noted significant outstanding balances that totalled G$1,174,294,600 (one billion, one hundred and seventy-four million, two hundred and ninety-four thousand, six hundred dollars) owed to the Central Housing and Planning Authority by

SOCU Head, Assistant Police Commissioner Sydney James

developers,” he read.

CH&PA Director of Operations, Denise King-Tudor, had taken the stand before the Commission on Monday, and was questioned extensively about the operations of her office. She alluded to some discrepancies with land allocations in some sections of the country.

The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) is in the process of repossessing allocations of land from private developers who are in arrears of fees and have failed to honour the terms of agreements entered into with the CH&PA. In cases where irregularities were discovered and legal advice is being sought before engaging defaulting parties, the housing authority has accordingly forwarded those agreements to the Attorney General’s Office.

The CH&PA has also taken the Bai Shan Lin subsidiary, Sunset Lakes, to court for breaching the agreement entered into with the housing authority.

“Look to the future rather than the past” …UK envoy says in response to calls for reparation

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espite repeated calls by several Caribbean territories to be paid reparations by European nations for their involvement and benefit from slavery, the United Kingdom (UK) believes that such calls are not the way forward. The calls are for financial compensation to be paid to descendants of enslaved peoples but the UK, Guyana’s former colonial ruler, indicated that countries should look to the future rather than the past.

This was the expressed view of British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn who told media operatives that his country is maintaining its position regarding the reparation calls.

“We as a Government do not believe that reparations are the way forward and that we need to look to the future and not the past. I know Caricom Reparations Committee has been looking on this but I’m not quite sure what the status is of what they may have produced and whether they would have made that claim or request to the UK,” the Ambassador explained.

For over 400 years, colonial European powers benefited from slavery. The trade brought over 10 million captured Africans to work in sugar and cotton plantations throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Governments

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn

in the Caribbean have estimated that reparations for the slave trade could be trillions of dollars, and some have floated the idea of debt relief.

Caribbean leaders in 2014 had approved a 10-point plan to seek reparations from the former slave-owning states of Europe. In July 2017, Guyanese President David Granger suggested that more awareness and education was needed to allow for support in calls for reparative justice.

“Reparative justice is not a ruse for development finance or international handouts. It is a demand aimed at ensuring recompense for crimes against humanity, enslavement and native genocide, and for the atrocities of indentured immigration. The demand for ‘reparative justice’ must not be confused with developmental assistance,” the President stated at the National Rastafarian Conference earlier this year.

Ambassador Quinn recalled that it was his country’s past Prime Minister, David Cameron, who had suggested that reparations were not the way forward.

“Look back at what Prime Minister Cameron said when he was in Jamaica in September 2015 and that is still the position,” Ambassador Quinn maintained.

When Cameron had visited that Caribbean island, Jamaica’s then Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller reiterated calls for reparations to be paid by Britain but on a sidelines interview, the former UK Prime Minister had responded in the negative.

“I don’t think reparations are the right answer but the purpose of my visit is to look to the future,” the former Prime Minister, who later resigned in 2016, had stated.

Some 46,000 British slave owners, including a distant relative of former Prime Minister Cameron, and distance relatives of UK television and film actor, Benedict Cumberbatch, were among those compensated at a current-day equivalent of £17 billion for “loss of human property” after the country emancipated its slaves in 1833.

Britain subsequently replaced slavery with indentureship, offering immigrant workers small payments and marginally better living conditions. (Shemuel Fanfair)

Alleged iPhone thief granted G$100,000 bail

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man accused of snatching an iPhone appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman to answer to the charge on Wednesday.

J o n a t h o n Mohammed, 26, of La Penitence, Georgetown, denied that he stole the phone valued G$220,000 from Rupert Singh at Middle Road, La Penitence, on August 17.

According to Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves, the Virtual Complainant (VC) was walking along the public road in La penitence when he was approached by two men. The other perpetrator, who is yet to be arrested, reportedly formed a conversation with him.

However, Mohammed used the opportunity to sneak up and grab the

phone after which both men made good there escape, the Prosecutor said.

The matter was reported and the defendant was subsequently arrested and charged with the offence.

Gonsalves had no objections to bail being granted. The defendant was released on G$100,000 bail. The case will continue on September 11.

NEWS 9

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 27, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

15-year-old commits suicide …following tragic death of 12-year-old “girlfriend”

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ollowing the tragic death of 12-year-old Amber Richards, who was crushed to death by a fallen house at La Bonne Intention on Friday last, her reported “boyfriend” took his own life upon receiving the news.

Dead is Ricardo Niranjan of Lot 410 Block 12, Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara.

The duo reportedly met through a cousin of the 12-year-old more than six months ago and started a relationship.

However, information reaching this newspaper revealed that the young man’s mother and two sisters travelled to Suriname to visit a relative and he was left at home alone.

His body was discovered on Monday evening by another sister who went to check up on him after he was not seen since Sunday evening.

His body was discovered hanging from one of the rafters in the living room of the house.

The Police were contacted and the body removed and taken to the Lyken’s Funeral Home where it awaits a post-mortem examination. Rajni Niranjan, a sister of the dead teenager, told this newspaper that her brother and the now dead girl have been together for the past year.

Suspect in D’Urban St waitress murder found dead in prison cell

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Dead: Ricardo Niranjan

“He come home and tell mommy that he like some girl and that they does normally talk and so… But meh mother warn he about getting too involved with she because she was only 11-years-old when they start see each other,” the sister noted.

The cousin, she added, sells greens at a bridge in the community. Nevertheless, she explained that ever since the tragic accident that claimed Richards’ life, her brother has been emotional.

The distraught sister

Dead: Amber Richards

related that there was a wedding in the area and on Saturday evening, he reportedly told friends that he was going to end his life claiming that he had no one to live for.

This threat was not taken seriously.

On Sunday evening, he reportedly drank a few beers and got “high”.

She further explained that she was under the impression that her brother was staying at the wedding house but it was until his friends called on Monday afternoon to enquire about his whereabouts, she

went to look for him at her mother’s house.

When she got there, she called out for him but there was no response. “The door de lock from inside and it had a little crease so I peep in… it was then I see he with the rope around he neck…,” the woman cried.

She immediately went home and related what she saw to her husband and they raised an alarm. The door had to be broken to gain access to the house. The teen leaves to mourn his mother and four siblings.

helton George of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, who was on remand for the murder of D’Urban Street Chinese Restaurant waitress, Debra Blackman back in August 2014, was on Tuesday morning found motionless in one of the cells at the Lusignan Prison.

Upon the discovery, the 22-year-old was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

When contacted, Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels told Guyana Times International that the man was seen in good spirits on Monday evening while noting that although the accused was in a wheel chair, he did a lot for himself.

Samuels noted that the immediate relatives of the dead prisoner were contacted.

In addition to the murder charge, George was also charged for the attempted murder of former Magistrate Fazil Azeez.

After allegedly committing the acts, George absconded and went to Suriname where he

was shot by law enforcement there, which led to him being wheelchair bound. He reportedly suffered spinal injury and lost a kidney.

Nevertheless, he returned to Guyana and was residing with his mother upon his arrest.

Police contented that on August 23, 2014, Shelton George murdered Debra Blackman, a waitress. It was reported that based on surveillance video, the accused along with two others, arrived on motorcycles at Delicious Chinese Restaurant on D’Urban Street, Georgetown.

It is further alleged that after making a purchase and engaging in a brief conversation with Blackman, George whipped out a gun, pushed his hand through the cashier’s cage and shot the 50-year-old woman.

The Police had issued a wanted bulletin for George. Meanwhile, on the second charge, it was reported that on April 25, 2015, at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, George discharged a loaded firearm at Mohammed Fazil Azeez, a former Magistrate, with intent to murder him.

Army rank on G$1M bail for causing death by dangerous driving highway en route to the Rubis Service Station at Soesdyke to purchase an item, when a vehicle belonging to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) struck them off the cycle.

They were both

A

Zamani Archibald

24-year-old Manchester, Berbice man attached to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was granted G$1M bail when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates Court on Thursday to answer to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

Zamani Archibald, a Lance Corporal, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

The charge alleges that on March 11, 2017, at Soesdyke Public Road,

East Bank Demerara, Archibald drove pickup DFB 1566 in a dangerous manner resulting in the death of 65-year-old Harry Persaud.

The accused is expected to re-appear in court on August 30, 2017.

It was reported that on the day in question, Persaud, also called “Saw doctor”, a pensioner of Lot 7 Public Road, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, was giving his 2-year-old granddaughter Divya Gurucharran a ride on his pedal cycle as he traversed the East Bank Demerara

picked up by the same GDF vehicle and taken to the Diamond Regional Hospital, where the 65-year-old Persaud was pronounced dead on arrival while his granddaughter was

transferred to, and admitted a patient at, the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The Guyana Defence Force, in a statement, declared that a Board of Inquiry has been es-

tablished to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, which occurred at about 10:30hrs and involved a pick-up that was driven by a GDF rank.

10 news

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 27, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

MMA illegally took 2000 acres of land from cattle ranchers – Land Inquiry told

By Lakhram Bhagirat

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hairman of the Abary Cattle Ranch Company Limited (ACRCL), Hemraj Kissoon, told the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into ancestral land ownership that the Mahaica, Mahaicony, Abary-Agriculture Development Association (MMA) illegally took possession of some 2000 acres of land that belonged to the company without any reason or explanation. He added that the decision should be revoked and the land should be transported and returned to the company.

Providing a background of the ACRCL, Kissoon said the company is a limited liability company which has been in existence since 1909 with the responsibility for fattening animals in the Abary area. He said that they have over 3000 heads of cattle, utilising approximately 7784 acres of land.

However, he noted that this amount of land is not sufficient with each head of cattle, requiring at least

four acres of land to graze since sections of the land is swampy and grass does not grow in some parts.

He explained that the lands owned are leased, free to hold, titled, DHMP (During Her Majesty Pleasure now During His Excellency Pleasure) and land under permission and that the ACRCL have documentation for all of the land it owns. He tendered a number of those documents to the CoI as evidence to support his claim. However, in 2015 following a survey, the MMA, without any explanation or reasoning, took possession of over 2000 acres of DHMP and leased land from the company.

Kissoon added that when the lands were taken they wrote to the MMA objecting the decision but they are yet to receive any response. Detailing the work and history of the ACRCL, Kissoon explained that prior to the MMA, the company had its own drainage network to irrigate their lands.

“The canal and conservancy was built on it (the

Commissioners (from left), Berlinda Persaud, Professor Rudolph James, David James, Chairman George Chuck-A-Sang, Paulette Henry, Lennox Caleb and Carol Khan

ACRCL land). The conservancy took away some of it. The main canal divides the land in two because it runs from North to South into the conservancy. It is written down from the MMA to the farmers that any problems come about they would resolve all of it.

If you lose land they will give you alternative land, they will pay you for it or they give you compensation one way or the other. All of this was decided with the MMA and farmers before they started the (MMA) scheme,” Kissoon related.

He further related that

although their lands have been surveyed and properly demarcated, they were asked by the MMA to have the land surveyed and had to pay some G$3 million to have that done. He related that after the ACRCL made the payment the land was surveyed and the combined 2000 acres were taken from them. He proposed that the land be given back to them and transported so that they can continue their rearing. A representative from the Paradise MultiPurpose Co-op told the CoI that they would like to have back their farm-

Chairman of the Abary Cattle Ranch Company Limited (ACRCL), Hemraj Kissoon

lands in Enmore, Hope, Foulis and Bachelors

Adventure on the East Coast of Demerara. He related that the lands are ancestral lands taken up by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and later abandoned. He is also seeking reparations from GuySuCo. President David Granger in March of this year established the CoI under the Commission of Inquiry Act, to examine and make recommendations to resolve all issues and uncertainties surrounding the claims of Amerindian land titling; the individual, joint or communal ownership of lands acquired by freed Africans, and any matters relating to land titling in Guyana.

The Commission is headed by Reverend Oswald Peter ChuckA-Sang, and includes Paulette Henry, David James, Carol KhanJames, Professor Rudolph James, Lennox Caleb and Berlinda Persaud. The public hearings are being conducted at the GL&SC Secretariat in D’Urban Backlands.

Broadcast board debunks claims that 2017 payments rejected … private radio, TV broadcasters claim otherwise

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number of private television, cable and radio broadcasters have claimed that the Guyana National Broadcasting Agency (GNBA) has refused payments for 2017, but GNBA Chairman, Leslie Sobers, has debunked those claims, stating that there seems to be some “mix up” about the issue. He confirmed that the new Board welcomes all broadcasters to fix their applications and to settle their arrears.

Guyana Times International spoke with several of these broadcasters, who all claimed that the fees were rejected. The owner of the National Television Network (NTN), Anand Persaud, said his company has an unblemished record and has been paying its fees. The last payment was made in 2015.

Persaud said, however, “I called three weeks ago and someone in the finance department of the GNBA said that the

Board instructed them not to accept any payment for 2017.”

The NTN owner, has been in broadcasting since 1999, and also owns a radio station, claimed that this move was ‘wicked’, “because they already had in mind what was the plan.” He was referring to the Broadcast Amendment Bill which when becomes law, automatically terminates all broadcasting licenses.

Raymond Cummings of Freedom Radio also

told this newspaper that based on his knowledge; the GNBA is not taking payments for 2017. He related that Freedom Radio would have paid for the entire 2016, and only 2017 fees are outstanding.

However, Sobers told this newspaper on Tuesday that he does not believe payments for 2017 were rejected.

“What I think happened is that there may have been advice that they have to make themselves GNBA Chairman Leslie Sobers

compliant as of 2016, before we can consider who is going to be licensed in 2017,” he stated.

The GNBA Chairman lamented that several broadcasters have certain incomplete procedures in relation to their original application.

While noting that it is nothing major, he said there are others who have arrears and are still seeking to pay to get a licence in 2017.

“I don’t know which part of the world they operate in, where they can find that you have outstanding arrears for 2015 and 2016 and want a licence for 2017. So, we haven’t rejected any request for a licence for 2017, but advising that you have to become compliant as of the end of 2016,” he explained.

Some radio operators

have indicated to Sobers verbally that they were advised that they should hold off on payments for their radio licence until the Board sorts itself out.

But the GNBA Chairman said that instruction was not passed on to the staff by the Board he currently chairs.

“I can’t speak for any other Board. The Board I am now heading which was appointed as of February this year does not reject and would never reject. We are calling on people to pay. If broadcasters were told, I am speaking particularly in terms of radio, to delay or hold back for the time being, that could not be something that they should believe and hold on to because that board is no longer in authority.”

At present, the GNBA is going through the list of compliant broadcasters, to determine who will not be reissued licences. In addition to this, the GNBA Board is also contemplating moving away from issuing one-year licences, rather issuing those that could last for two years.

The law allows the GNBA to grant licences for not more than 10 years.

“We find that this one-year licence is a bit onerous. So we will do that. And they have to become compliant.

So it’s not that we are rejecting money. continued on page 11

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WEEK ENDING AUGUST 27, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

“Limits society places on us do not define us or our capabilities” – Guyana’s top CSEC student

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he Education Ministry on Tuesday officially announced this year’s top performers at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

During the press conference hosted at the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD), it was revealed that a total of 26 students across Guyana managed to secure 12 Grades Ones and more at the 2017 sitting of the CSEC examination.

Recording a landmark achievement for his school and country was 16-year-old Michael Bhopaul of Queen’s College, who managed to secure a groundbreaking 25 passes at the secondary level regional assessment.

Bhopual, who scored a massive 24 Grade Ones and One Grade Two indicated that he is ecstatic but mostly satisfied that his efforts were not in vain. While speaking with Guyana Times International on Tuesday, the aspiring professor of Quantum Physics underlined what prompted his ambitious leap to pursue 25 subjects.

He relayed, “I just want to show students across the Caribbean that the limits society places on us do not define us or our capabilities, we are beyond that,” while continuing, “Whatever you set your mind to, you can achieve it, as long as you’re consistent and you’re dedicated.”

As such, the QC student copped the top spot among a list of 26 local top rankers at CSEC 2017.

Coming in at second is Rawleeta Barrow, also of Queen’s College, who earn herself 19 Grade Ones at this year’s sitting.

In her interview with this newspaper, the Chief Justice in the making outlined her climb to success. In doing so she stated, “Preparation wise it was a lot of studying, I had to determine my goal and just focus on it. It was a lot of time, energy, dedication and I couldn’t be happier with the results.”

As such, Barrow noted, “I’m ecstatic actually, but I think the overwhelming emotion that I feel is gratitude to all those who helped me through this experience.”

Ranking third is yet another QC student, Roshawn Cummings, who walked off with 16 Grades Ones at this year’s CSEC examinations.

The aspiring politician expressed delight in his performance and thanked his supporters for the part played in his success.

“I’m very proud of myself first of all, I mean I didn’t expect to do that well but I’m grateful I’m thankful to God and all the people that helped me to achieve this incredible feat,” said Cummings.

The QC top ranker further conveyed, “I look forward to moving forward in life and serving my country.”

The remainder of the top five spots was filled

by Keshini Digamber, who attained 16 Ones and one Three; as well as Shontel Archer, scoring 15 Grande Ones and three Twos. Both of the girls hail from the Saraswati Vidya Niketan in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Essequibo Coast Meanwhile, also present at the press conference on Tuesday was the top performer of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), who hails from Anna Regina

CSEC 2017 top student, Michael Bhopaul – 24 Grade Ones and one Grade Two

Multilateral on the Essequibo Coast.

Nicholas Headley, 17, scored 15 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos and as such is calling on other students from his region to follow in his footsteps. Commenting on his accomplishment, the Essequibian relayed, “Naturally as any other student would, I’m excited, overjoyed, overwhelmed… preparations for the exams I would say I put in a fair amount of studies with the aid of the teachers. I also remember the almighty above, he is a very important person/aspect in my life.”

Berbice top ranker, Puran Subramanie – 13 Grade Ones “I would say to any student, if you feel that you have a natural desire, the natural ability to achieve well, go ahead, don’t hold yourself back, go ahead as my teachers would have always told me,” Headley expressed while extending words of advice to students looking to mirror his success.

A total of 26 students ranked among the top performers in Guyana at the 2017 CSEC examination, with each of the young minds gaining Grade One passes in 12 subjects or more.

Among the high-flyers are students of Queen’s College, ISA Islamic and Marian Academy in

Broadcast board debunks...

Which entity rejects money? The GNBA is run on the revenues earned from licenses.”

“The whole process of regulating the broadcasting industry requires work and staff that must be paid,” he further argued, explaining that the monies to do that regulatory work comes from licence fees. “So we can’t reasonably reject money that is due and payable to us,” he added.

Sobers said the GNBA will not issue licences to

anyone unless they clear their arrears. “And if by the time the amendment to the (Broadcast Amendment Bill) is assented to and you have 30 days to put yourself in order and you don’t something else will happen.

But once people bring themselves up to date, and then there assurance of being relicensed is very high,” he stated.

He continued, “So, it is nothing intended to scare people away or drive people out of the industry.

from page 10

The job of the regulator in this instance here is to ensure that we have quality broadcasting, the playing field is level and everybody has an equal access to the same resource as they so desire to utilise it.”

The GNBA head said the rationale behind this move is to bring equity to the broadcasting industry. “So, that also we will address and ask the broadcasters to address their minds as they seek to be relicensed.”

Rawleeta Barrow – 19 Grade Ones

Roshawn Cummings – 16 Grade Ones

Georgetown, Saraswati Vidya Niketan, on the West Coast of Demerara, Anna Regina Secondary on the Essequibo Coast, and Tagore High in Berbice.

Tagore Memorial Secondary, a school which has been under investigation after allegations surfaced that a teacher was offering students illegal drugs, is now boasting success at this year’s CSEC, as two of the students from the class that was at the centre of the investigation have topped the region.

Kamella Parsudial of Number Naught Village, Corentyne, has topped Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) with 13 Grade Ones and

two Grade Twos while her classmate Puran Subramanie of Number 67 Village, Corentyne, copped 13 Grade Ones.

Parsudial is the daughter of a rice farmer and Subramanie is the son of a fisherman.

Speaking with Guyana Times International, Parsudial said she wanted to challenge herself and wrote 15 subjects. The young woman explained that there was a lot of competition which pushed her to excel.

Not quite sure what she intends to do, in a positive voice she said it will be something in the medical field.

M e a n w h i l e , Subramanie says he

Essequibo Coast top performer, Nicholas Headley – 15 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos

had to give up watching television and spent many nights studying.

“Some nights I went right through. My mother would tell me to go to my bed and get some rest but she understood that I was up doing my studies. When I am finished I would go in. My mother was very, very supportive when I was studying.”

The young man is still to decide what he wants to make his career since he has two options. “It will either be in the medical field or aviation. I am not sure as yet but I like both of them,” he said.

12 news

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 27, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Cops still to locate woman accused Education Ministry of fatally stabbing abusive husband dissatisfied with

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hirty-year-old craft woman Wavney John of Dredge Creek, Upper Pomeroon River, a Region Two community, is still at large after allegedly stabbing dead her reputed husband, 54-yearold Alfo Adams, aka ‘Fro’, with a pair of scissors at about midday on Monday, August 21, 2017 at Dredge Creek Upper Pomeroon River.

Detectives from Police ‘G’ Division have combed several areas in the dense forest of the Pomeroon riverine community where the incident occurred, and have made several checks at various ports of entry along the coast, but these checks had proven futile.

Police are, however, continuing their investigations into the incident which has led to the death of Adams, a labour-

er of Himacobra, Moruca, North West District, Region One, who is alleged to have tragically lost his life after aggravating and insulting his wife, accusing her of having an

portedly spawned an 18-month-old child and had been residing at Himacobra, Moruca, but because of the constant abusive behaviour of the deceased, John was forced

affair with her cousin.

According to reports, the suspect had, for the past six years, been living in an abusive relationship, and the deceased was said to have been in the habit of accusing his wife of having an affair with her cousin whenever he consumed alcohol.

The couple had re-

to relocate to Dredge Creek to live with her aunt.

Adams had reportedly showed up at John’s residence at about 07:00h on Monday, but the suspect and her aunt were then selling craft creations at Charity Market. He was seen imbibing at a nearby shop, and at about

11:00h, he reportedly followed John and her aunt into the boat in which they were travelling to return home.

As the women went about their daily chores where they lived, Adams, who was by then intoxicated, started to slap John, accusing her of having an affair; and reportedly to defend herself, John is alleged to have grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed Adams to his chest. Adams fell to the ground, and was rushed to the Oscar Joseph Hospital at Charity, where he succumbed.

Police ranks, including Commander Stephen Mansell, subsequently visited the home where the incident occurred, but the pair of scissors was not recovered. Police are continuing their investigations. (Indrawattie Natram)

2017 CSEC results

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espite Guyana recording a minimal increase at the 2017 Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) examinations, the Education Minister has indicated that she is not satisfied with the country’s performance, especially given alarming results attained in critical subject areas such as Mathematic and English.

The Ministry on Tuesday released its annual report on the country’s performance at the CSEC examinations, during which it was revealed that Guyana this year recorded a 0.29 per cent increase in the overall performance.

This was as Education Minister Nicolette Henry took to the podium at NCERD on Tuesday to present an overview of the country’s accomplishments at CSEC 2017.

Henry conveyed to the gathering, “Overall we saw an increase of one per cent and there were 35 subjects that we took this year.”

She went on to say, “Guyana achieved 63.68 per cent pass rate with Grades One to Three and that is against 63.39 per cent in 2016. Of these, 12.49 per cent of the entries gained Grade Ones, 22.72 per cent gained Grade Twos and 28.47 per cent gained Grade Threes.”

While outlining the performance of the students, Henry indicated that of the 35 subjects pursued this year, there was a 100 per cent pass rated achieved for two subjects while for 10 other subjects areas, 90 per cent of the students managed to secure outstanding performances.

An additional 14 subjects have seen improvement in the overall pass rate as well.

However, despite of those positive accomplishments, the Education Minister lamented over the fact that four subject areas projected no improvements, while a whopping 11 subjects recorded a decline in performance.

Mathematics, English Language (English A) and Literate (English B) were all among the subjects recording worrisome pass rates.

Whereas the already troubling pass rate for English A at the 2016 sitting was recorded at 59.3 per cent, this year saw a further decline with only 57.99 per cent of the students gaining Grade Threes and above at this essential subject.

With that, Minister

Education Minister Nicolette Henry

Henry posited that despite the improvements in some areas, the results this year do not merit a national celebration.

On that note she relayed, “When you recognise that you’re you know going downward in terms of performances in several subject areas. I looked at 11 subject areas I will think it will not be consistent with normal behaviour for us to be celebrating that today.”

As a result of the unsatisfactory performances, the Education Minister indicated that strategies will be put in place ensure improvement at CSEC in the coming years.

“It seems to me there is a lot of work to be done, this is not the worst performance we have seen but Guyana certainly needs to be moving in a different direction when it comes to education,” Henry expressed.

Moreover, emphasising the need for actions to be taken to better cater for the nation’s youth, Henry reassured those in attendance that, “It seems to be a long road ahead of us. The good thing though is the battle that we believe is quite a winnable battle and we will do all that we can possibly do with resources available to us and the Ministry of Education to ensure that we are on the right path where we can eventually get to the place where all you can see is joy and celebration,” but stressed, “we are not there as yet.”

Nevertheless, of 12,684 candidates registered for CSEC this year, a sum of 164 students secured Grade One passes at eight subjects and more at the 2017 examinations. The results also reflect outstanding performances emanating from regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Ten and Georgetown.

Of this total, 93 of the top performers hailed from schools across Georgetown, with Queen’s College walking away with the majority, producing 41 of the high flyers.

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WEEK ENDING AUGUST 27, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Toshaos’ Council cites political interference in Amerindian communities

President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Indigenous People's Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock, NTC Chairman Joel Fredericks and members of the National Toshaos Council at the opening on Monday

By Samuel Sukhnandan

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s the National Toshaos Council (NTC) conference got underway on Monday at the Cyril Potter College of Education, several burning issues affecting Amerindian communities were brought to the fore from the onset, some of which included the alleged political interference in Indigenous communities and the need for strengthening of the NTC – the largest organisation representing this particular ethnic group.

Vice President and Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister, Sydney Allicock stated in his address at the opening of the annual conference that the NTC leadership appears to be weak and disjointed and urged leaders to work towards strengthening this institution. Allicock said however that leadership among villages and communities seems to be much stronger than that of the NTC executive.

“I detect the need for a stronger, more unified approach to decision-making at the lev-

el of the executive. I urge that we recognise the need for deepening the process of consultation on some critical issues between that body and the wider leadership of the NTC – this means you,” the Minister stated.

Allicock questioned whether leaders that form the NTC have been consulted on issues affecting their respective villages and whether they know what happens after the executive of the NTC makes a decision on a particular matter. On that note, the Minister said a lot more focus needs to be placed on creating positive changes in the many Amerindian villages that spread across Guyana.

According to him, too much negativity is often peddled in forums like that conference. He said while it’s important to highlight challenges that face these Amerindians villages, it would also be good to suggest sound development plans that could help with bettering the livelihoods of the people of the villages.

M e a n w h i l e ,

Machine operator crushed to death by bulldozer

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machine operator was on Tuesday afternoon crushed to death by a bulldozer after it encountered mechanical problems at 111 Miles Mahdia, Pataro River, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). Dead is Kennard Craig, 55, of Number 67 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Reports are the man was operating the heavy-duty machinery and in the process of climbing a hill, the equipment encountered problems and suddenly cut off.

Nevertheless, he

managed to restart the machine with the help of a colleague. It was after the machine restarted, it rolled backwards and trapped Craig. From reports received, the man’s head was completely crushed by the machine.

He was taken to the Mahdia Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

F Division (Interior locations) Commander, Rabindranauth Budhram confirmed that the accident occurred, while noting that an investigation was launched.

NTC Chairman Joel Fredericks told the delegation at the conference that there is political interference, in the execution of programmes and policies in Amerindian communities, such as the estab-

lishment of towns. This includes areas such as: Lethem, in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo); Bartica in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); and Mahdia, in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni).

“We need to have consultation, Mr President; all of these without the Indigenous participation through FPIC (Free Prior and Informed Consent).

This is troubling and needs redress mechanism,” he posited, while calling for the establishment of the Indigenous Peoples Commission.

Fredericks said apart from this issue, the most reoccurring issue affecting Amerindian villages until now is land rights.

While acknowledging that these issues can only be addressed over a long period of time, the NTC Chairman said more work is needed in this area.

The NTC Chairman also urged leaders to work together to resolve the issue of the

Amerindian Act. He said, “Let us work together instead of back and forth, pulling and tugging. We need to attack the issues and change our mindset of attacking personalities.”

Land titling and demarcation, and amendments to the Amerindian Act of 2006 are being discussed at this year’s NTC Conference.

Land demarcation of Indigenous settlements, especially with regard to mining activity, has long been a contentious issue among leaders of these communities.

Many Indigenous leaders and organisations have voiced concerns over the imposition of mining activity on their lands to Government and the public over the years.

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Confessed carjacker to spend 14 months behind bars

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elf-confessed carjacker Curt Savory was on Monday jailed by Leonora Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool before whom he was arraigned mere hours after his 1:00 am apprehension by Police Officers conducting a morning patrol in Dennis Street, Sophia Georgetown.

Unrepresented by legal counsel, the 24-yearold resident of Lot 100 D4 South Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara admitted to the magistrate that between July 27 and 28, 2017, at Tenez Ferme, Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara (WBD), he stole Toyota Spacio PSS 3642, property of Musad Yusuf.

The Prosecution contended that the virtual complainant (VC) had secured his car on the day it was stolen, but found that it was missing some time later. A report was made to the La Grange Police

Station, and based on information, the car was recovered on August 11 at Turkeyen. Attempts were made to contact the defendant, but he had managed to evade Police.

Wanted by the police in connection with several carjacking reports, Savory had bolted after seeing the lawmen on Monday morning, but was pursued, captured and escorted to the La Grange Police Station, from whence he was handed over to police at Leonora, West Coast Demerara. Police contend that the allegation was put to Savory, and he admitted to the offence.

Questioned by Magistrate Liverpool as to why he had committed the act, Savory responded, “I just saw the keys in the car and I took it (the car). I had no reason for taking the car”.

Savory was accordingly sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment.

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More objectivity needed at the table …Govt Minister says in response to concerns over oil and gas sector

Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes

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ith continuous criticism raining down on Government from various quarters over its handling of the oil and gas sector, Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes has called for some amount of objectivity to be put forward.

The Minister who is also an executive member of the Alliance For Change (AFC), made the call recently in the company of other executive members at the party’s press conference.

The party was being questioned about its stance on the oil and gas sector, particularly about Government’s failure to release the details of the contract Government has signed with the USbased exploration company ExxonMobil.

ExxonMobil is said to have had some run-ins with its part of the deal in many oil producing countries. The issue has seen many stakeholders berating Government for moving blindly even with the necessary facts before it.

Hughes said even with the known realities, there must be some objectivity by persons putting information in the public domain.

“The assumption that we are pushing out every day is that we have problems that this Government is weak and all the oil money will be stolen”. Hughes said, noting that is no real suggestion at this point in time that upholds that. “And so there is some amount of objectivity that needs to come to the table,” the Minister said.

She said as a citizen, she wants to see

all Guyanese benefiting from the oil sector. According to her, she is very sure it is the case of all agencies that are giving advice to the Guyanese populace and making relevant information available.

“And that is why the media and other agencies … that want to bring advice and mobilise the population bring information as to what is going to be possible to Guyanese and how we are going to promote local content that is an aspect of the discussion that needs to take place on an equal level with our fears,” she said.

While acknowledging that the fears should not be overlooked, Hughes said there must be conversations on how the nation will benefit from the oil sector.

“Let’s have conversations with young people, telling them ‘why not start looking at the petroleum sector’. Those are the kinds of thinking that must balance this discussion. We don’t want to be consumed by this fear that Guyana will be like many other countries that were not able to make the best of it”.

Hughes said the challenge lies in the country’s failure to give an objective view to the issue. She said while ExxonMobil may have had challenges in other countries and specific areas, Guyana has not been making an analysis of other areas Exxon has invested in over the years.

Meanwhile, AFC Executive and Business Minister Dominic Gaskin said the project is very significant and is something that both Government and party want to see happen.

“We understand the significance of it; we understand the kind of revenues that we are talking about and what those revenues could be used for,” he said.

According to him, Government was told by a number of advisors who were critical of some aspects of the process, that Guyana could have been much worse in choosing a partner for the project.

He said Exxon is a fairly reputable company as far as oil companies are concerned, reiterating that Guyana could have done a lot worse.

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Controversial Broadcast Bill: Govt refuses to budge …rules out consultations with broadcasters

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hile the President is yet to assent to the Broadcast Bill 2017, the Government is holding firm to its position that it will not hold consultations with broadcasters who will be affected, before the Bill becomes law.

Broadcasters have been clamouring for meaningful consultations on the Bill, as some of its clauses have been deemed ‘oppressive’. The political Opposition and international agencies have also expressed the need for consultations.

However, during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Friday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon ruled out Government consulting with broadcasters before the Bill becomes law.

“No there is no possibility (for) that. I mean you’re speaking to the quality of the consultation, not to the fact that there were consulta-

tions. It is not for me in any capacity to say that the National Assembly, having debated and voted on this matter, that any individual can come and say stop it.”

“Unless something is egregiously (wrong), is not in keeping with the law, which the Attorney General (Basil Williams) can advise that this is not in keeping with the law and (he) advises to that effect. But as far as I am aware, nothing like that has taken place.”

Broadcasters had called on the Government to delay passing the Bill until meaningful consultations were held with them. A letter to this effect was dispatched to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

The Minister, however, argued that consultations were indeed carried out.

“There’s always consultation. And so the Broadcast Bill was subject to that type of consultation. Once it goes

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

through the National Assembly (and) the debate was completed, the Clerk of the National Assembly (Sherlock Issacs) submits the draft for consent to my office.”

He noted that it is then sent to the Attorney General, who then verifies “that the law is the true reflection of what happened in the National Assembly and it then goes as a recommendation for (the President) to assent.”

However, the political Opposition has for some

time argued that the broadcast bill infringes on a number of legal, constitutional rights of broadcasters. For one, the Opposition has said that the Bill threatens proprietary rights guaranteed in Article 142 of the Constitution.

The article guarantees that the private property of individuals could not be acquired by the State without adequate compensation being paid to the owner of the property. In addition, the Opposition has ar-

gued that the Bill tramples on Article 146 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.

It is on this basis, and the fact that the Guyana Press Association, Reporters Without Borders and other local and international groups opposed the Bill, that the Opposition had promised to mount a challenge in court.

The Bill

Part two of the Bill sets out that broadcast agencies will be mandated to broadcast public service programmes for a total of up to one hour daily. Broadcast agencies will be airing these public service programmes free of cost and as requested by the Government between 06:00h and 22:00h.

The Bill also states that the GNBA reserves the right to direct a broadcaster to broadcast emergency notices for any length of time. This

can even be done during peak or prime advertising time.

A broadcaster will have the right to file a complaint with the GNBA within 24 hours of being asked to broadcast a programme free of cost if, in the agency’s judgment, it is not considered a public service broadcast programme.

But there is a warning for broadcasters daring to oppose the legislation: the Bill states that any broadcaster the GNBA finds to have “arbitrarily refused” to broadcast a public service broadcast programme without lodging a complaint has committed an offence.

Even before its passage, broadcasters have already come out in opposition to the new proposed measures. Using its seat majority, however, the Government had forged ahead with its passage over the Opposition from the other side of the house.

SOCU to benefit from another British expert – Quinn

BY VAHNU MANIKCHAND

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he Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) is expected to benefit from more training and capacity building by experts from the United Kingdom.

This is according to British High Commission, Gregory Quinn, who told reporters last week that his Government is committed to lending more support to the local financial investigative body.

P r e v i o u s l y , the British High Commission had sponsored Ireland-based financial investigation expert, Dr Sam Sittlington, as an advisor to SOCU. Dr Sittlington returned to the UK earlier this year after completing two short stints here. He spent a total of 14 weeks here. However, High Commissioner Quinn noted that the new expert that will be SOCU headquarters

here is going to come for a longer period; maybe two to three years.

“Because that is going to be a longer term commitment than what existed when Sam was here, there is a tendering process that needs to be undertaken until that person is appointed. Now I don’t know whether the company Sam works for will submit a proposal to make that tender but if he does, it will be looked at in exactly the same way as everybody else who submits a tender,” the British Diplomat explained.

He added that they are looking to have the new expert in Guyana by November the earliest but before the end of the year. Quinn noted that if the expert does not come by that time, then they will definitely be in the country early in the next calendar year since his Government would already make a decision on who to award the contract to and what their

British High Commissioner Gregory Quinn

work schedule is going to look like going forward.

While, the British High Commissioner is not sure that Dr Sittlington will be the one to return, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has stated sometime back that he would like for the Ireland-based fraud expert to come back.

British fraud expert, Dr Sam Sittlington

The Minister had explained that since Dr Sittlington had made certain recommendations to strengthen SOCU, he would be the fittest person to determine whether those were properly implemented.

The Irish consultant had come in for much criticism during his final stint in Guyana.

He was at the helm of a probe that led to the arrest of several former Government Ministers and officials, including former President and current Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, over the purchase of plots of land at the Sparendaam seawall area, commonly known as “Pradoville II”.

The parliamentary Opposition had accused Dr Sittlington of going beyond his advisory role and taking on executive functions with regard to the arrests, pointing out

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

that he was going on operations such as raids and arrests.

The British Advisor was with the team of SOCU ranks who had gone down to the Opposition Leader’s Church Street, Georgetown office to arrest him back in March over the Pradoville probe.

High Commissioner Quinn subsequently clarified that Dr Sittinlington is at SOCU in an advisory and training capacity and not in an operational role. In referring to statements the financial fraud expert had made to media operatives, Quinn noted that he was merely explaining the legal basis and rights on which SOCU took the actions they did.

Days later, Dr Sittlington found himself in more hot water after it was revealed that he along with Minister Ramjattan and oth-

er top officials of SOCU had converged at a popular city night spot to “sip wine”. This newspaper had reported that SOCU Head Sydney James, Dr Sittlington and Ramjattan were seen clinking glasses in an extremely celebratory atmosphere.

This was on the evening of the second day SOCU had hauled in the former prominent Government officials for questioning. Ramjattan had subsequently confirmed that this happened, saying that it was a farewell for the British expert who was leaving the following day after completing his work.

That celebratory event had come on the heels of resounding cries that the Executive has been giving orders to SOCU to attack former Government officials as part of its witch-hunting exercise.

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President Granger urges Army to be vigilant at borders

BY VAHNU MANIKCHAND

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n light of recent discoveries of illegal aircraft and other items in the hinterland region and reports of criminal activities allegedly by foreign nationals crossing over from neighbouring countries, Commanderin-Chief of Guyana’s Armed Forces, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger, told Army officers to be vigilant at the country’s borders.

He gave this charge during a recent visit at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Base Camp Kanuku, located at the border town of Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

There, the President received a briefing on the administration and operations of the Base and the work being done by its troops to maintain the territorial integrity of that region. He also toured the Base and inspected the facilities on the ground.

During an address to the troops there, the Commander-in-Chief emphasised the need for a continued and strong security presence at the nation’s borders. He also reiterated his policy of Total National Defence (TND), and told the troops to remain vigilant at all times

Commander-in-Chief, Brigadier David Granger addressing ranks at Base Camp Kanuku (GDF photo)

so that they can prevent intrusion into the country’s air and land space by foreign elements.

Noting that every section of society has a role to play in matters of safety and security, he explained that the re-establishment of the Guyana People’s Militia (GPM) is in keeping with that vision.

President Granger also explained that a component of the GPM will be established in every region and will have the capability of rendering both military and civil services.

“There must be some means of collecting and passing information from the district, to the municipality, to and from the region, to the Central Government level… so when we speak of total national defence, we don’t only speak of a horizontal distribution between the Defence Force, the militia and the Police,

we also speak about vertical integration between the central, regional, municipal and the local levels.

Every citizen has to play a part in this architecture of national defence. I am calling on all of these organs; the Private Sector, the non-governmental organisations, the Ministries, the security forces, the Government departments, the municipality and the region to look at the security of this region as one of its top priorities,” he said.

Last Sunday, ranks of the Joint Services discovered an illegal twin-engine Beechcraft aircraft at a makeshift airstrip in Region Nine. Acting on information received, the ranks went to the area where they discovered a 5400-foot long, 45foot wide airstrip that appeared to have undergone recent repairs.

However, while the ranks were leaving the

site, an aircraft landed and three persons were seen running from it.

Commander of F Division (Interior locations), Ravindradat Budhram, disclosed that a search of the area unearthed three abandoned camps, in which canned food and other items were found.

Additionally, 16 ten-gallon containers, which are suspected to have contained aviation fuel, were also discovered.

Meanwhile, the ranks found several pieces of communication equipment, including cellular phones, flashlights, a quantity of dried ration, medical supplies and an identification card inside the aircraft.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, recently told this publication that they are trying to verify the origin of the aircraft and whether any criminal records are associated with the identifying

documents found on the aircraft.

A history of the aircraft shows that it was owned by 11 companies in the past 27 years. It is currently registered to Banco Brandesco – one of Brazil’s third largest banks.

However, an official from the bank said that they do not own any planes but it is registered to them, since the owner may have acquired a loan to purchase it. A mining company named Riwa SA Incorporated Investments and Participants operated the aircraft.

No trace of narcotics was found on the plane but identification cards of Venezuela and Brazil nationals were discovered on board. A multi-agency taskforce is still in the area conducting investigations. The aircraft is expected to be flown to the city following minor repairs.

Back in September last year, a Joint Services patrol had discovered an illegal twin-engine Cessna aircraft hidden just off of the Yupukari Airstrip, Region Nine with United States registration number N-767-Z. However, that registration was subsequently found to be “bogus”.

Of recent, there have been several cases where

local mining camps were attacked and robbed reportedly by nationals crossing over from both Venezuela and Brazil.

In fact, last month, several mining camps in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) were attacked and robbed by groups of heavily armed men who made off with large quantities of raw gold.

It was reported that the bandits were speaking fluent Portuguese and Spanish which suggested that they are not Guyanese.

However, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had told this newspaper that local law enforcements have not received any information or evidence to prove that these were foreign nationals carrying out the attacks.

In fact, he noted that they could very well be Guyanese who are bilingual having lived in the neighbouring countries or close to the borders.

Moreover, there was also an incident where three Guyanese men were shot and killed in their sleep after a group of armed men stormed the mining camp at Imataca, Venezuela, where they were working. Another Guyanese was also injured during the shooting as he and seven other miners took cover.

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Pregnant woman PPP roasts AFC over after being “hypocritical”, “comical” dies crushed by house statements during freak storm

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File photo: Executive Members of the Alliance For Change at a press conference

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has called out the Alliance For Change (AFC) over what it says are hypocritical and comical, among other things, statements made by executives at a recent press conference.

“In a desperate and hasty attempt to appear relevant to the large number of Guyanese in the diaspora, who are in the country for cricket, the Alliance For Change (AFC) held a press conference last Thursday, putting on display several of its leaders. The pronouncements which emanated from this high-level AFC team were, at best, hypocritical and contradictory; and at worst comical,” the Parliamentary Opposition said on Saturday.

According to PPP, the AFC, which is the minor

party in the Coalition Government, is a spent force with very little relevance in electoral politics, a reality which the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is well aware of.

“This is the precise reason why the AFC did not contest the 2016 LGE (Local Government Elections).

The Guyanese people have quickly seen through their false promises to the sugar industry and rice farmers; their contradictory position on the parking meter and VAT on private education, both of which they supported at the level of Cabinet but subsequently and hypocritically conveyed the impression that they are pressuring the Government to change its positions on these two issues,” the PPP noted.

The party has said

that with the AFC having already begun to campaign for the 2019 LGE, Guyanese should take note that the party is only going to its community to campaign for the elections.

It was also pointed out that the AFC was spinelessly silent on President Granger’s continuous attempts to railroad the constitutional process of appointing a Chairman for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

“The public has also seen their duplicitous vacillations on the need for disclosure on important contracts entered into by the Government of Guyana.

While in Opposition, they were loudest in the calls for public disclosures of such documents.

Now in Government, they are the chief protagonists in defence of

keeping such contract away from the population’s scrutiny,” the PPP asserted.

On this note, the Parliamentary Opposition referred to a statement made during the media briefing that AFC Executives “are not bribable”. The PPP said the Guyanese population knows a different reality, and about the wanton and widespread corruption that has engulfed the entire Government, including the AFC. The former ruling party pointed to allegations of corruption regarding gun licences; the scandalous Guyana Power and Light (GPL) meter contract; the million-dollar tax write-off for an AFC financier; the secret wind farm project being undertaken by an AFC financier, among other projects.

Setting up of Local Gov’t Commission still in the pipeline, says Bulkan

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etting up of the Local Government Commission (LGC) is still in the pipelines, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan has said.

He has given his full assurance that the process is still ongoing, and iterates that there is no intention on the part of Government to abandon the setting up of that body.

Bulkan told Guyana Times International on Monday that discussions in this regard are still taking place; but, “regrettably, we have not arrived at a position as it relates to the full composition of that Commission, (so it) can be named, sworn in, and become operationalized.”

He, however, noted that a few months are still left.

“But the administration is committed, as previously indicated:that that Commission becomes operational be-

fore the end of this year,” he added, explaining that the Government is cognizant of the importance this body will play in creating a robust and independent local Government system in Guyana.

The minister told this publication that while the Government had set previous deadlines, it will work hard to ensure that the next deadline is met. He said the appropriate site to house the facility is still being sought after, explaining that the problem is trying to get a suitable location.

Former Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud has said it is extremely disappointing that after all the statements and concerns expressed by the coalition Government — to enhance democracy and to rush bills, while promising to give more

autonomy to the local Government bodies, the LGC is yet to be established. He said the delay exposes the coalition’s “falsity.”

This long-awaited commission will be tasked with oversight of the various local authorities, rather than have directives issued by the Communities Minister.

It was previously reported that the Commission will be able to monitor and assess the performance of the local government organs, administer disciplinary action and implement policies such as tax collection.

At a post-election press conference on March 19, Minister Bulkan had stated that the operationalisation of the commission was expected to be “fairly imminent”. He had also noted that the appropriate Government property to house the Commission

has been identified, and stressed that a rental may have to be paid.

Bulkan had announced in 2015 that the body would be established and be operational in 2016. After a 22-year absence, Local Government Elections returned with a turnout of just over 47 per cent.

The ruling APNU/AFC (A Partnership for National Unity /Alliance For Change) coalition won six out of nine towns and the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic claimed 28,000 more overall votes than the ruling Administration.

In the 2016 budget estimates, some G$30 million had been allocated by the Government to the non-functioning LGC. When asked, Bulkan had stated that this was to allow the Commission to operate independently of Central Government.

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Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford

woman, who was seven months pregnant, is now dead while several others are injured after a house collapsed at Jawalla, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), during a freak storm last Friday.

An emergency team from the Regional Democratic Council’s office has been dispatched to the village to conduct a preliminary investigation.

Dead is 29-year-old Marsha Jordan. She is the mother of two girls, ages three and 11. It is unclear whether the father of the children was around when the incident occurred but this publication was informed that a relative is housing the children.

According to reports, at around 16:00h, heavy winds, lightning and thunderstorms wreaked havoc on the Amerindian village, damaging several houses in the process.

Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford when contacted confirmed that one of the houses that collapsed was responsible for the woman’s death. She died immediately after the collapse and was removed from the debris.

“I got a call late yesterday afternoon and I was told that a storm passed through Jawalla and it damaged several houses, one house collapsed with a woman and her child and the woman died but the child survived,” Bradford related.

The Regional Chairman said a resident from the village contacted him and informed him of the incident. He added that he was informed that the stormed

moved in the direction of Phillipai village, noting that this is the first instance of such a storm.

“We have a team of three persons who we sent to do an initial assessment and feed us back the information but we are yet to hear from them. The thing is there is great difficulty to get information from villages in the Upper Mazaruni area,” he said.

According to Bradford, the team reported that four houses have been destroyed, while several business places and private homes have been partially damaged. He added that sanitary blocks at the Nursery and Primary schools have been totalled.

He told this newspaper that immediately after hearing the report, he activated the Regional Disaster Risk Management plan and that the committee has met and they are monitoring the situation with the team on the ground.

The preliminary report was forwarded to the Civil Defence Commission and the regional administration would request assistance where and when necessary, the Chairman related.

Deputy Director General of the Civil Defence Commission, Major Kester Craig, told this publication that they are monitoring the incident and keeping abreast with the regional administration. He added that they would be mobilising a team to render assistance to the administration. (Lakhram Bhagirat)

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British envoy urges appointment of GECOM Chair

…before preparations commence for Local Gov’t Elections

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ith GECOM to begin preparing next year to hold Local Government Elections in 2019, British High Commissioner Gregory Quinn is calling on the authorities to appoint a Chairman for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as soon as possible.

The British diplomat told reporters last Thursday that the appointment of a GECOM chairman should be fast tracked. “I think next year, 2018, is gonna be fairly a crunch year to make sure all the preparations for 2019 are in place… The sooner we get a chairman for GECOM in place, the better it is going to be for that process,” Quinn expressed.

President David

Granger has already rejected two lists of nominees for the position of GECOM Chairman submitted by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who has since agreed to compile a third list.

Last month, Jagdeo told reporters that he was in the final stages of preparing a third list of nominees for the GECOM Chairmanship post. “I had committed to submitting a third list publically and with the President, and I believe that I should continue with that process…

(And) I am hoping that from this third list, someone would be chosen, and then it would become a moot issue,” Jagdeo had stated.

However, the Opposition Leader explained that while he is committed to submit-

British High Commissioner Gregory Quinn

ting the third list, persons are skeptical about having their names put forward as nominees because they do not want to be considered unsuitable.

Nevertheless, Jagdeo noted that should President Granger deem this new list of names

unacceptable, there is a process agreed upon to ensure that a suitable candidate is appointed.

President Granger has been holding strong that Article 161 (2) of the Constitution of Guyana prescribes for the Chairman of the Elections Commission to

be “a person who holds or who has held office as a judge of a court… or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge, or any other fit and proper person…”

Having interpreted “fit and proper” to mean any group of qualified persons, the Opposition Leader in December submitted his first list, nominating the following persons: Attorney Christopher Ram, Conflict Resolution Specialist Lawrence Lachmansingh, (retired) Major General Norman McLean, Business executive Ramesh Dookhoo, Indian Rights Activist Rhyaan Shah, and History Professor James Rose for the post at the helm of GECOM. The Head of State rejected the list, saying that the nominees have to be a judge, retired judge, or possess qualifications to be a judge, as well as not be an activist or member of any political party.

Following weeks of impasse, Jagdeo finally agreed to return to the drawing board, and submitted a new list of nominees, comprising: retired Justice of Appeal BS Roy; retired Justice William Ramlall; former Magistrate Oneidge Walrond-Allicock; Attorneys Kashir Khan and Nadia Sagar; and businessman and pilot, Captain Gerald Gouveia.

President Granger rejected this second list as well, saying it was “unacceptable” and that ALL of the nominees should be a judge, retired judge, or qualified to be a judge. The President has argued that he needs to have options on the list, so all of the nominees have to be qualified.

In the meantime, local businessman Marcel

Gaskin had moved to the High Court back in March to challenge the constitutionality of President David Granger’s reasoning behind his rejection of Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo’s first list of six nominees for the GECOM Chairmanship post.

In the court action, Gaskin sought from the Court a declaratory order on the meaning of Article 161(2). The businessman, who is the brother of Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, wanted to know whether the list of nominees to be submitted by the Opposition Leader must include a judge, a retired judge or a person qualified to be a judge, as being claimed by the President.

Acting Chief Justice Roxane GeorgeWiltshire, SC, overruled the President’s interpretation of the Constitution, finding that there is no particular preference for the appointment of persons within the Judiciary for the GECOM chairmanship.

In her determination, Justice George found that there was no valid argument to support the idea that the Chairman should be a judge, former judge, or person eligible to be a judge; and noted that persons from each category are equally eligible for the post.

The Chief Justice pointed out that the word “any” in the other category, “…any other fit and proper person”, widens the category, and “does not restrict the qualification or profession” from which the nominee should be drawn. She added that there was no mandatory category, and all the categories have equal weight.

Alleged rapist remanded for escaping police custody

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olice contend that Cleveland King, charged with allegedly engaging in sexual activity with a minor (child), was on August 17, 2017 under lawful custody at Kuru Kururu on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway when he escaped from the police outpost.

At King’s arraignment before City Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday, Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves contended that the 24-yearold excavator operator

of the Kuru Kururu, EBD community simply walked out of the police outpost on the day in question.

He also strenuously objected to King being placed on bail because of the serious nature of the offence.

According to a source, the accused was reportedly heard saying, “This girl been living by me”, in relation to the alleged case of sexual assault.

King was remanded to prison until August 28, 2017, when next his case would be called.

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Mararunau – keeping their Indigenous language alive

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Some homes in Maruranau

ararunau is a small indigenous village located deep-south of the Rupununi in Region Nine. It has a population of over 800 persons, all of whom are Wapishanas. It is surrounded by the majestic Kanuku Mountains, which create a mesmerizing view for your eyes, no matter how many times you have seen it.

It would take you ap-

miles away from its current location.

A unique village

The community is unique in its own right, because it has been able to do what over 90 percent of the other indigenous communities have failed to do. That is to preserve their culture, but more specifically their language.

“One of the things that make this village

Toshao of Maruranau Patrick Gomes enjoying a swim in the Creek

proximately nine hours to reach the village from Georgetown. This includes almost one and a half hours flying from the Eugene F. Correia International Airport to Lethem, and the remaining hours travelling overland.

It would take little over a day if the entire trip is by land. A journey that is so breathtaking, one blink and you would miss out on Mother Nature’s magnificence.

The current Toshao/ Leader of the village is Patrick Gomes. The Department of Public Information (DPI) sat with him and got an insight into the village.

Brief history

It was fascinating to learn that the current location of the village is not where it used to be 200 years ago.

According to the toshao, in October 1919 a decision was made by the then leader of the community and a catholic priest to relocate. This was due to the rising water level of the creek, from which the village got its name. The previous site of the village was approximately five

unique is that it is one of the villages that keep their Wapishana language very much alive.

Every single person in the village speaks the language, and that is something unique,” Toshao Patrick Gomes said. You might question yourself as to why the preservation of language is something unique.

Well, language is an integral part of a people’s culture, and without one’s culture one is like a ship without a sail.

Being one of the few villages that speak their native language, Gomes said, he cannot pinpoint exactly how the village has been able to keep the language alive.

“I guess it’s the way the people are being taught. For example, this is one of the villages that is an academic village,” he posited.

Academic prowess The village has a history of producing intellectuals. In October 1947, the first primary school was established in the village. Today there is a larger primary school with a nursery section added.

Another fascinating fact about Mararunau is

that “most of the teachers are from this village, both in the primary and nursery schools (teachers), from this village. No longer do we have coast landers coming to work in the village,” the Toshao explained.

Most of the teachers were trained at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

According to Gomes, those who are not trained will soon be trained formally. However, he pointed out that many persons from the village are teachers who work in the region and on the coast, lecture at the University of Guyana, are medics and even engineers.

Gomes is planning to upgrade. He explained, “We are working to see how best we can develop this health post into a health hut, so we can have more facilities and it can have more resources, not only health workers, but we can have a midwife and

maybe even a Medex in time to come; but we are working on that”.

Agriculture on the move

Like most indigenous villages, livelihood in the village of Mararunau is mainly through subsistence farming; and as is cus-

Health expansion

Mararunau currently has a single health post, which Toshao

A man and his family riding through the Savannahs

tomary, surplus produce is sold to earn extra cash. Nevertheless, over the years, there has been a new trend in the community, and it has great potential for economic development.

“I notice farmers start to increase the production of bananas. I was speaking with one farmer and he said he planted 800 banana trees (suckers)… he has to start looking for market outside, and we have like three or four farmers who are now embarking on banana cultivation,” an optimistic Gomes said. Other crops include yams, plantains, potato, peppers, and of course cassava, which is used to make a number of indigenous dishes. (DPI feature)

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Guyana Premier, an all-Guyanese brand promoting everything local, aims to empower youths through 'self-elevation' Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) students from both areas. Upon listening to their stories, we saw the need to give back to these disadvantaged rural communities.

Guyana Premier was

I

Students from Belvedere Primary School with their backpacks

n an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Dave Lalltoo, founder of Guyana Premier, said youth empowerment is one of the biggest aims of Guyana Premier. He believes that “the key to true empowerment is through self-elevation and making the most of one's education at a tender age is essential to this since good buildings are built on strong foundations”.

Although most children are given an equal opportunity in terms of access to education in Guyana, Lalltoo said not all of them are able to use it to its fullest po-

tential because they lack some of the basic resources. This led Lalltoo and his team to the idea of giving back to rural communities by providing essential school items to those who are otherwise unable to afford them or find difficulties in doing so. Thus, Guyana Premier's ‘Back to School Drive’ was born.

Lalltoo along with his dedicated team took it upon themselves to approach both the private and public sectors to gain their support on this venture. According to Lalltoo, corporate Guyana stepped up to the calling and the initiative was eventually

exclusively supported by these private entities.

Adequate school supplies were gathered to provide for the needs of almost 250 children, which was the goal set by the team, so the drive was closed off and necessary arrangements for the distribution went underway.

Recently, students in Leguan (Essequibo) and Belvedere (Berbice) benefitted from the annual ‘Back to School Drive’.

“One of the main reasons we decided to give back to communities like Leguan and Belvedere in Berbice is because we were incredible touched by the two top National

launched five months back and this is the first of many charity events,” Lalltoo said.

Officials from Maryville Primary School in Leguan and Belvedere Primary School in Region

Six were contacted and the dates were set for the team to visit. On August 2, 2017, Guyana Premier embarked on their first set of distribution in Leguan. turn to page 35

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‘Kids Today, Leaders Tomorrow’, a new TVG children’s programme, makes learning fun

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ecognised as a pioneer children’s programme in Guyana, ‘Kids Today, Leaders Tomorrow’ (KTLT) combines education and entertainment for nursery and primary students.

KTLT is a pre-recorded, one hour TV programme produced by Ms Robin St. Marthe. It is aired on TVG Channel 28 in Georgetown

successfully in many classrooms around the country.

Consisting of four main segments geared towards developing cognition, ‘Kids Today, Leaders Tomorrow’ provides insight to parents/guardians on how to effectively use its teaching methodologies at home. Subject areas covered include craft, proper hygiene, storytelling, English, science

are done by children.

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

and math.

A special segment features guests (such as local celebrities, famous personalities and others) who read to the children or be interviewed by them on the show. What is unique about this segment is that all the questions asked, based on their understanding of the person and their roles, are composed by the children participating on the show. This ultimately means, as is substantiated by overwhelming response from viewers, that the programmes are relatable to children as they

“We also receive positive responses from head teachers and the teaching community, which would give pointers to help make the shows even more ‘edutaining’ – this we are grateful.

Going forward, we want to have a KTLT Club where we can compete in

debates, have those who pass through teach others, and ultimately grow up to be the leaders of this nation. As it is right now, there is so much potential and we are going to keep going,” St. Marthe declared.

This year, KTLT was part of GBTI’s Early

Savers Summer Camp, where its teachers hosted literacy, art and craft sessions with the camp.

For more information on ‘Kids Today, Leaders Tomorrow’ children’s programme, please call 592223-7230 or 592-2237231.

Role play is an active, social activity used to help children reflect on and develop their knowledge of a topic

Having fun on set

and Essequibo, and Channel 12 in Berbice on Saturdays at 11am and rebroadcast on Wednesdays at 4pm, and Fridays at 8:30am.

The children’s show, which appeals to ages 4 to 11, aims to make learning fun with its holistic, wellthought-out programmes presented to get children active - not only physically, but mentally.

KTLT’s interactive, educational activities and teaching techniques, which are backed by childhood-development principles and quality research, are being used

Learning is fun on KTLT

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

The children participating on KTLT are drawn from various schools across the country. They are excited about the project and always eager to explore new ideas for the show.

According to the show’s producer, Ms Robin St. Marthe, since KTLT’s first showing in July 2017, it has received “great feedback from both kids and adults”.

Learning about shapes on the show

Craft segment

Some of the crafts made on the show

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he Guyana Philatelic Society (GPS) aims to create greater interest and activity in the study of British Guiana and Guyana stamps and postal history.

It is a source of information for British Guiana and Guyana collectors, where they can connect via exhibitions and group meetings, and by using the Society’s social media internet sites being developed.

With these tools, GPS facilitates a collectors exchange or the buying and selling of stamps by its members. This includes all philatelic materials, envelopes, collections, books, to name just a few.

The Society also offers philatelic advice from its experts and conduct appraisals of single stamps or collections of stamps from Guyana.

One of GPS' most notable stamp collections is on cricket. Issued August 3, 1976, a collection of stamps featured the World Cricket Cup won by West Indies team in 1975 (SC #243-244) was released. Then there was a collection issued on January 8, 1968 cel-

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ebrating the visit of the Marylebone Cricket Club to the West Indies (SC #36-38).

Objectives of GPS

The purpose of GPS is to provide up-to-date information on Guyana stamps; assist collectors to build bigger and better collections by providing greater opportunities to obtain philatelic material; and educate the youths of Guyana on stamp collecting.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Ann Wood, founder of the Guyana Philatelic Society, related that the Society was started in 2012 as a non-profit organisation based in California, U.S.A. “I started out by holding a small stamp show with displays of British Guiana stamps at the Sleepin’ Hotel in Brickdam. I was pleasantly surprised at the attendance and interest in stamp collecting. It seemed like everyone that came was a collector during a period of their life or knew someone that was a stamp collector. Needless to say during that show, I felt compelled to start a stamp club to renew

Stamps celebrate World Cricket Cup won

by West Indies team in 1975

the interest and provide support for collectors in Guyana, thus GPS started. In 2013, I contacted the former Postmaster General, Mr. Henry Dundas, about exhibiting at GPO in Georgetown,

since the Philatelic Bureau is located there.

He gladly welcomed us and we have been exhibiting at GPO regularly since then,” Ann recalled.

Ann is originally from Kitty, Georgetown, and has lived for more than 30 years in the United States.

As a child, she became fascinated by the stamps on the letters that her father, Dr. Sam Ramphal, a radio evangelist, received as a result of the radio programme, “Deliverance

Time”. During that period, she started her collection and is still an avid collector of British Guiana and Guyana stamps.

Over the years, Ann acquired most of her Guyana stamps through the mail with the help of the Guyana Philatelic Bureau where she has held an account for more than 30 years. She also regularly attends stamp shows throughout the world and searches the internet to find stamps.

Ann is a member of the American Philatelic Society, The Royal Philatelic Society London, the British West Indies Study Circle, The British Caribbean Philatelic Study Group and other specialized stamp clubs. In addition, she is an expert with the American Philatelic Society for British Guiana and Guyana stamps.

The avid stamp collector travels from the US to Guyana twice a year to organize stamp exhibitions, workshops and school visits, and gives away free stamps at all events to promote the hobby.

In 2014, Ann, with the guidance of former Postmaster, Henry Dundas, visited and photographed all 70 of Guyana post offices, something that has rarely been done by anyone. She

has also created postcards of the post offices.

Ann continues shares her knowledge, time and resources so that others can enjoy and learn from stamp collecting just like she does.

“We hope to use stamp collecting as an educational tool in schools across Guyana; to help collectors increase their knowledge of stamp collecting by providing access to philatelic books and catalogs for research; and to provide philatelic resources for collectors,” Ann noted.

In May 2016, the Society was at the World Stamp Show held in New York with over 100,000 collectors in attendance.

GPS displayed the postcards with the post offices of Guyana and held a members meeting with many of its international members in attendance.

GPS has grown to more than 200 members in several countries and continues to grow rapidly.

Its members are people from all walks life: those who collect new issues from Guyana to those who have only very limited stamp budgets. Above all, GPS stamp club offers the friendship, knowledge and experience of its members who give advice on all aspects of collecting.

For more information, visit https://guyanastamps.com or Guyana Philatelic Society on Facebook.

Issued on January 8, 1968 this stamp collection features the Marylebone Cricket Club to the West Indies

Cricket fans at Bourda in 1955. This photo is featured in legendary Guyanese cricketer Rohan Kanhai's autobiography, “Blasting for Runs”

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Guyana steals spotlight on opening night of Carifesta XIII

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Education Minister Nicolette Henry leading the Guyanese procession at Carifesta XIII

ollowing an unfortunate delay in the commencement of the Caribbean’s major festival as a result of the passage of Tropical Storm Harvey, Barbados on Sunday came to life as Carifesta XIII kicked off with a grand display of culture and talent from across the Region.

The Queens Park in Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados

was ignited by a colourful parade as participating countries in the 13th edition of Carifesta, took to the regional stage to display their cultural traditions while adorned in costumes of their national colours.

Attending the opening ceremony of Carifesta XIII were the hosting Prime Minister Freundel Stuart of Barbados; along with the

Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, as well as Government members and other officials of each of the participating countries.

While taking to the stage to raise the curtains on this highly anticipated regional celebration, Barbadian Culture Minister Stephon Lashley, pos-

Empower, Inspire ...

As a proud product of Leguan himself, Lalltoo was ecstatic about beginning this project in his alma mater, Maryville Primary. He promised that there were great things in the future for the children of Leguan and around the country as Guyana Premier aims to fulfil its mandate. The students were fitted with shoes, provided by Guyana Medical Relief, and given backpacks packed with essential supplies.

Lalltoo and his team then ventured to Region

Four to the Belvedere Primary School, Berbice to provide essential school supplies to underprivileged children.

“The ‘Back to School Drive’ was indeed a successful one.

We’re thankful to Massy Stores Guyana, Hallmark Guyana, C&L Construction Company, Branderz Guyana, Java Coffee Bar, Doolie's Bakery, Modern Grafix, Guyana Medical Relief, Shermol Cleaners, K’s Pharmacy, Pandit & Son’s, The Outdoor Store & Pet Shop, Bibi Halal

ited that Carifesta XIII will be remembered as a turning point in the Region’s quest to further economic diversity and a time for deepening cultural ties within the Region.

Adding to that, Lashley in a reminder to the gathering highlighted that the festival was birthed by Caribbean Literary Artists who advocated for the event becoming a reality years prior. On that note, he relayed, “Guyana hosted the first event and we salute Mr Forbes Burnham for leading the way as the first host. Guyana has always been a strong representative at the event and they must be

Caricom in a unique way.

As such, he noted, Carifesta aids in promoting a regional identity while strengthening ties among the countries.

M o r e o v e r , Ambassador LaRocque said Barbados’ hosting of Carifesta XIII demonstrated in a tangible way, the country’s recognition of the significant contribution that culture and the creative industries can make to economic and social development of member states. He continued by saying it reaffirms the country’s commitment to Caricom and to regional integration.

“The cultural flagship, Carifesta is a high-

time that this mega cultural festival is being hosted in the ‘Land of the Flying Fish’ as Barbados also took on the festivities for CARIFESTA IV in 1981.

CARIFESTA XIII is expected to run for 10 days but is off to a late start due to the tropical storm.

Nevertheless, a delegation of about 60 Guyanese has journeyed to the island and has been representing Guyana with outstanding performances at this edition of the biannual regional platform.

Tabled on the official agenda for Carifesta XIII is a list of over 500 events to be hosted at

from page 31

Corner, and many others who came on board to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate,” Lalltoo expressed.

Lalltoo mentioned that he and his team are currently planning a medical outreach for unprivileged children and elders in December.

Additionally, the ‘Back to School Drive’ will be an annual project targeting many more rural areas of Guyana.

For more information, visit Guyana Premier on Facebook or www.guyanapremier.com

Representatives from each country take to the streets of Barbados to showcase their national colours at the opening parade of Carifesta XIII

celebrated.”

Echoing the sentiments of the Minister was the Caricom Secretary General who told the opening ceremony that the arts is a cornerstone of the regional integration movement, and a force that binds, inspires us, and defines

ly-valued Caricom event that is near and dear to our hearts. Since its inception in 1972 in Guyana, it has given us a regional platform where we can share and exchange, showcase our talents.” the Secretary General expressed.

This is the second

25 venues throughout the island of Barbados.

The celebrations will reflect the theme for this; the 13th observance of the Caribbean festival, which has been established as, “Assert Our Culture and Celebrate Ourselves.”

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Empowering youths through theatre arts

By Ashraf Dabie

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t is essential for investments to be made and avenues for growth be readily available for the development of youths because they are the future leaders of our country. These avenues often revolve around leadership, entrepreneurship, technology, sports, and the arts.

Notably, through theatre arts, renowned local actress Simone Dowding has, for many years, been engaging youths in meaningful activities geared at developing their talents and creating exposure, which will inherently build on their social skills. After about 35 years in the performing arts industry, dramatist and television personality, Simone Dowding, launched her

Georgetown.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Simone said that the annual Children’s Drama Workshop was started because of her love for the limelight, but lacked the opportunity to showcase her talents.

“I wanted to do something that will involve children because I didn’t have the opportunity to do the things I wanted to do. The idea of ensuring young people have a spring board to get into theatre and have some knowledge of the arts is what really got me excited,” Simone noted.

Impacting Lives

With those objectives in mind, training takes the form of weekly workshops within the months of July and August. Via these workshops, Simone is able to impart basic

Simone with participants of the Purple Arts Children Drama Workshop while promoting their production on a local morning show

actors. This experience culminates with the actress tasking the students with putting on

of approximately 25 students, which continued to be the amount for five years in a row.

The actress recalled being blown away by the students’ inherent creativity. She pointed out that they brought their own ideas to the workshops, many of which addressed prevalent social issues within the Caribbean.

“What I did was to allow them to say what they wanted to say and then scripted it. So I always give credit to the children because it’s their stories. All I did

when they did the play ‘Sliding Floor’; I was truly amazed with the story these children came up with. To listen to them is a joy. I can never master looking at them on stage and not shed tears of joy.

To see how they progress during the workshops, initially not knowing anything about the arts, is what makes me truly happy,” Simone declared.

The veteran actress added that the workshop was created to help keep children off the streets and get them occupied in meaningful activities.

“That is what gives me the joy to work with the children. We also help them understand that there is nothing that can stop them from being themselves. I always teach them confidence and encourage them to use every rock as a stepping stone,” the actress conveyed.

For this year, the Purple Arts Production’s Children Drama Workshop is already underway with about 20 students benefiting from the sessions offered by Simone and her team of experienced tu-

Simone Dowding joined by participants of the Purple Arts Children Drama Workshop on a live television programme

very own drama academy in 2007, the Purple Arts Production.

Sadly, Purple Arts Production was dormant for a number of years.

However, after a five-year hiatus, Simone decided to once again embark on her ground-breaking initiative, which now stands as a highly anticipated ‘summer’ event for students, especially in

principles of theatre and performing arts, setting the pace for a lifetime in the spotlight for those budding artists, who are generally between the ages of 8-16. As such, her sessions zoom in on acting, directing, playwriting, stage and costume management, and even extend to incorporate advanced skills such as mastering the art of breathing necessary for

their very own production, which is customarily staged for a public audience.

Reminiscing on when she started the workshop in 2012, Simone admitted she was sceptical about students showing up to her workshop.

However, this anxiety was dispelled when participants began arriving in their numbers. In the first year, she had a class

Preparing for the staging of the Workshop’s production

Participants of the Drama Workshop taking the curtain call after the staging of their production

was nurture, guide and help lead them along the way, but they already knew exactly what they wanted,” the doting tutor expressed.

Consequently, under Simone’s tutelage paired with the students’ ingenuity, stellar performances are produced yearly, highlighting serious social issues such rape and abuse, among others.

“For the past years, we did plays that were always written by the children, and they never cease to amaze me. There was once instance of this

“So when they come to the workshop, I have a lot of walls to break down. Because some of them, we don’t know the situation in their homes, so they come to the class and they’re in a corner, but by the third workshop they’re more flexible,” she averred.

Simone added that the skills, network and experiences gained from the workshops help to propel participants into assuming leadership roles within their schools, places of employment, and communities.

tors, who are also attached to the Theatre Guild Playhouse. After the completion of the workshop, there will be a staging of its annual production, which is set for August 26 at Theatre Guild. The public is invited to witness the outstanding performances by the workshop’s participants as they take to the stage with four dramatic pieces: “School Time”; “My History”; “Warrior of Dignity”; along with a spoken word performance - all of which are promised to be educational and entertaining.

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Settling ambiguities…

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…in “ancestral” lands ell, your Eyewitness is happy the CoI into African “ancestral lands” has finally started its work. For the longest while, there was the dispute as to whether Amerindian land ownership was also going to fall under the CoI’s auspices; but, thankfully, the Government has decided to drop that — hopefully permanently. No percentage in stirring up THAT ants’ nest!!

Your Eyewitness’s happiness was precipitated by his hope that, at long last, he’ll be able to get some clarity as to exactly what is “African ancestral land”.

He knew that after the abolition of slavery, against all odds, the newly freed slaves bought estates that were being abandoned right, left and centre. Was this the “ancestral land” that needed a CoI? But if it was bought, wouldn’t the title have been conveyed, and so we would all know exactly who owned the lands?

But it isn’t that simple. Your Eyewitness knew also that, after the abolition of slavery, the planters wanted to have their (sugar) cake and eat it too!

They received their compensation from Britain for slaves that up to then had been “property”, but still wanted to keep the freed men and women bound on the plantations. Selling plantation lands to the latter would make them independent of the planters, and this they fought tooth and nail to stop.

They persuaded the government of the day — which was, in any case, there to look after their interests — to pass laws that mandated land could only be sold in blocks of a minimum of 100 acres!

This they felt would be beyond the capabilities of the slaves, even though they’d been working for wages during the “Apprenticeship Period”, between 1834 and 1838; or had saved up from sales to each other of produce from their provision grounds.

But the freed Africans outfoxed the machinations of the planters and POOLED their money, and bought the plantations jointly!! Now, your Eyewitness knows this can present a problem in the present, since the descendants of the original owners would all have some claim to the land that was owned jointly. So, while he understood the allocation of these “ancestral lands” would not be simple, he had all confidence it could be resolved without having Solomon necessarily reincarnated. Just advertise that all who had claims present them within a given time frame!

What confused your Eyewitness was when some folks started writing letters in the press about lands that weren’t in the original deeds and are now occupied by other race groups being “ancestral” — and therefore would have to be seized. This would be a retrograde step.

Could the COI therefore define “African ancestral lands” ASAP? …in procuring pharma When will the rape of the Treasury via pharmacontracts be brought under control? Not stopped completely; we know that’ll never happen in this or any other government, man being man and all that.

But at least not be done so blatantly that it’s like the Rape of the Sabine Women! Your Eyewitness firmly believes that, because there wasn’t even the perfunctory CoI into the warehouse scam and the ANSA outrage, the latest rape took place, and more’s in the offing.

Imagine: a particular company had been nabbed selling almost expired drugs to this Govt, but kept getting contracts. Imagine: the company was caught conspiring with a Govt employee to have inside knowledge of bids, but still kept getting contracts.

Imagine: the company being blacklisted by the IDB for shady practices, but was still able to be awarded a G$30M contract!!

And to rub salt into the wound, the company’s Trinidadian — a country where no Guyanese company is allowed to bid on pharma contracts!

Think something na regulah? …in Carifesta Pressie will now have a new 1823 Monument built at Parade Ground, where the slaves were executed.

Shouldn’t we pull down the one those dastardly PPP people placed at the start of East Coast, where the rebellion occurred?

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Drawing a line… …against drug criminals

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couple of decades ago, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell, outlined the strategy the US military would be using to go after the Iraq forces in the quest to remove Saddam Hussain from power.

“First we are going to cut it off, and then we are going to kill it.” That was it!! You couldn’t be more direct than that, could you?

Well, right here in Guyana, our own Brigadier General David Granger, now President of Guyana and Commander of our Disciplined Forces, made some pretty simple and direct statements when he announced his strategy to take on the drug lords here.

“There are a few criminal people who are holding us back, and I am going to find them and put them away.” Pressie was in Lethem, where another airstrip had been uncovered – this time with an aircraft that was clearly being used to fly in cocaine and other drugs that were later smuggled into the States.

Now we have to notice the difference between the statements of the two generals – Powell used the pronoun “we” – referring to all the US forces, but Pressie said “I”, meaning himself.

Now your Eyewitness knows that Pressie – at the age of 78 – isn’t going to be running out there Rambo-style to take out the bad guys. What his language means is he’s taking this Guyanese “war on drugs” very personally.

But we have to remember that even with the greatest army, air force and navy the world had ever seen, the US wasn’t able to finish the Iraq war — which for all intents and purposes is still ongoing.

In that conflict, the Iraqis were motivated by their nationalistic and religious ideologies that have seen them morph into all kinds of entities that aren’t bound by borders or battle zones.

We’re living in an age of “total war”.

And it is for this reason it’s unlikely that even Pressie’s more personalised threat will lead to the elimination of drug trafficking through Guyana. In the wars on drugs, the combatants are motivated by one of the most destructive forces on planet Earth today – money-fuelled greed. Money in such quantity that the human mind cannot comprehend so many zeroes following the number 1!

The US, with its NSA satellites in the sky, CIA assets on the ground, and Special Forces with helicopters – not to mention local forces in Colombia – weren’t able to win the war on drugs.

Why is it that Pressie thinks it’ll be any different here? Maybe he should set his sights on capturing those four escaped killers?

…on CSEC subjects

The kid from Queen’s who just passed TWENTYFIVE SUBJECTS at CSEC is sure to unleash another round of debate on how many subjects candidates ought to be allowed to write. Former Education Minister Roopnaraine represented the old guard who believed that eight subjects or so were just about enough.

Interestingly enough, Roopnaraine was also from Queen’s, and in fact won the Guyana Scholarship that sent him on to Cambridge University.

What these folks misread is “dis time na lang time” and kids are much more exposed to a host of other sorts of info that needs to be assimilated. In the scholarly community, they talk about two kinds of intelligences represented by the “fox and the hedgehog”. The Fox knows a little bit of many things – but the hedgehog knows a lot of one thing.

The 25-subject-kid put it well…what he did isn’t for everyone, but those who feel they could do it shouldn’t be barred.

The 21st century needs as many foxes as it can produce.

…on wandering kids

Your Eyewitness just found out that most of the kids who end up at Onderneeming’s ironically named “New Opportunity Corps” were brought in under some archaic English law against “wandering”.

Imagine kids being inducted into a course of criminal behaviour just because they “wandered”!!

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Scenes from Hero CPL games in Guyana

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Scenes from Hero CPL games in Guyana

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Guyana’s Steelpan, Tassa, African drumming dominate at CARIFESTA XIII

Guyana’s Tassa drumming team and African drumming team share the stage in an exhilarating performance last night at the Christ Church Foundation School

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hat is known in today’s world as steelpan or steel orchestra is very common in Guyana, though originating in Trinidad.

Some of Guyana’s adroit steelpan players are attending CARIFESTA XIII. On Tuesday night at the Christ Church Foundation School, Guyana’s steelpan team entertained the audience with exuberant performances that brought the cheering crowd to their feet for standing ovations.

Musical Director, Andrew Tyndall is very proud of his team of hard and dedicated workers.

Tyndall said the team has been preparing for CARIFESTA since March and the performances displayed so far are beyond expectations.

According to him, the National School of Music in Guyana has devel-

Some of the Guyanese steelpan players engrossed in their performance last night at the Christ Church Foundation School

oped a strong music programme which includes the steel orchestra.

“We have been grooming young people in music education by teaching them music literacy and practical skills, so what you saw tonight was a result of those works. Also, in keeping with government’s push to reintegrate music in the curriculum we’ve been pushing

to ensure we have qualified instructors so those persons performing tonight are part of the core of instructors who will be working to expand the steelpan in school,” Tyndall highlighted.

The Music Director is confident his team will continue to thrill and entertain the large crowds at CARIFESTA XIII. turn to page 47

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Deep South August Games - bringing people together through sport

taging of the Deep South August Games, started in 1997 by former Aishalton Toshao Tony James and former Morarunau educator Adrian Gomes — two individuals with a love for sport and a vision of bringing people together — is said to be the most anticipated event of the year in communities south of the Rupununi in Region Nine.

Morarunau Toshao Patrick Gomes, in an exclusive interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), said the games were birthed to replicate the annual Mass Games which were held in Georgetown in the 1980s and 1990s, and the idea was to have

to ensure that there is a proper venue for the games to be held, and sufficient accommodation for persons coming from far distances.

mini Olympics. You have parades, march past, a formal opening, and speeches” he explained.

The games were held this year in Awarewanau, some seven hours’ overland travel from Lethem. One of the coordinators of the event, Aishalton representative Patrick Da Silva, also said the level of competition has risen significantly from what had obtained in previous years.

“Since they have

“Every village took part; they came walking, on bicycles, bull carts and horses. That time they had no tractor or (other) means of transportation,” Gomes explained. This meant that,

started,” he said, “the level of cricket, football, and volleyball (has) risen in all the villages, because they have (become) highly competitive games,” Da Silva ex-

I am from Maruranau, and I does go back like 8 or 10 o’clock (at night), depends when they finish. And in the morning, I does come back again, with my family, to enjoy myself here.”

Aside from the athletes and spectators, the games have, over the years, attracted a number of traders from across the country. These traders come from as far as East Berbice, Region Six and the Essequibo Coast, Region Two. Gharbarnan Sookraj, from the Essequibo Coast, has said he has been attending the event for the past nine years.

The trip takes him and his family between three days and a week to be completed, depending on where the games are being hosted.

Sookraj explained: “(I) came to Rodeo one time, then I came another time on business in Lethem, and they had heritage; so we do a little sale by the benab, and I decided to buy a truck.

Well, I had the goods, so I decided to come here”.

students and teachers involved in the activity.

This is one of the main reasons that the games are held in August.

A meeting was subsequently held among villagers of Awarewanau, Maruranau, Shea, Aishalton, Karadunau and Auchiwib to have the games hosted in the Rupununi. Parabara and Masakinari later joined the event.

To get the initiative in motion, Gomes said, a meeting was held among the villages, and after consultations and the sharing of ideas, “it was agreed that there needed to be a social event that (would) bring people together”.

The games were first held in Maruranau, and in the years that followed, different villages would be selected to host the games. The village council of the host community would have

depending on where the games were being hosted, participants sometimes took three to four days to reach their destination.

Cricket, football and volleyball were the very first events featured; but, as time went by, traditional activities such as archery with traditional arrows and bows, cotton spinning, basket weaving, cassava grating and cari drinking were added to the list.

They eventually followed the addition of cultural events and a pageant.

According to Gomes, the games have grown enormously since initiation 20 years ago, and now attract thousands of athletes and spectators. “It has grown in strength. It has grown from then to now tremendously… it looks like what I would say (is) an international event, where you have like, a

plained.

Thomas Perry, a spectator, agreed. “To me, it is better than before, because of the lights in the nights. This is the first time it happen in our villages like this,” he explained.

While some persons

The games continue to attract persons from the coast, like Totaram Gunpat from Berbice, who attended the games for the first time to trade.

He had heard about the games through word of mouth.

Gunpat said “I heard

have camped out at the venue, others chose to travel back and forth daily. However, the journey is certainly not one for the swift, as Perry can testify.

“I am coming to support my village, (located) 10 miles from here.

about it in Lethem; the boys told me, and ‘them man’ bring me up here…”

Gunpat said that of all the competitions, he really enjoyed the volleyball games. He was also keen to point out that he would be returning for the games next year.

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Sinus problems “A large nose is the mark of a witty, courteous, affable, generous and liberal man.”

– Cyrano de Bergerac

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or an organ norAnu Dev mally taken for granted (unless we’re like Cyrano!), the nose is a gateway for more than its fair share of challenges to its owner. We have all experienced or heard about “sinus problems”, haven’t we?

In clinic during my ENT rotation, we saw a lot of patients coming in because of their sinus problems. Many of them ended up having allergic rhinosinusitis – “rhino” referring to your nose, “sinus” to your sinuses and “-itis” referring to an inflammatory reaction.

Your “sinuses” are air-filled spaces within the bones of your skull. The lining of the nose and sinuses are continuous, so usually both are affected in conditions like rhinosinusitis.

For some people, when they’re exposed to dust, pollen or pet dander, an allergic reaction is triggered. Allergic rhinosinusitis, asthma and eczema are called “atopic” conditions and what this means is basically, in these conditions, your body encounters a normal stimulus, but some persons overreact to it. Your immune system is there to protect your body from threats. So when something like a virus or bacteria invades our defences, there is a chain of events that happen to fight off the invading organism.

But with atopic conditions, your body doesn’t just pull out the big guns for actual threats, it does that for relatively benign things like pollen or dust. Instead of just ignoring the stimulus, your body kicks off a chain of events in response.

In rhinosinusitis, special antibodies and cells release chemicals like histamine that cause your nose to become blocked up and runny.

Unlike a sinus infection, in allergic rhinosinusitis, the nasal discharge is usually clear and thin. If the sinuses are infected, the discharge is usually thick and yellow/green.

Because of the congestion and airflow obstruction in the nose, many people with allergic rhinosinusitis have a reduced or even absent sense of smell. One of the things that people with allergic rhinosinusitis tend to do is rub their nose quite frequently to relieve itching – an “allergic salute”.

They might rub their nose so much so that they end up having a crease just above the tip of their nose.

Other triggers of this allergic reaction are house-dust mites which can be found on mattresses and pillows. And is a good reason why we should periodically “dust” these out.

There’s a strong association between allergic rhinosinusitis and asthma- in fact, it can even make asthma worse.

But since allergic rhinosinusitis is an allergic reaction and not an infection, antibiotics aren’t needed to manage it. You’ll only need antibiotics if you end up developing a bacterial infection.

Allergic rhinosinusitis is usually managed with antihistamines and intranasal steroids. And you can see why those things will help – histamine is the main chemical causing the symptoms so antihistamines work against that and since the condition is basically an overblown immune response to a normal stimuli, the steroids help by damping down that immune response.

Nasal decongestants are also used but they should be used briefly and sparingly if at all.

Nasal contestants, if they’re overused, can cause a rebound nasal congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) which ends up worsening the problem.

Like asthma, one of the most important parts of managing allergic rhinosinusitis is to avoid triggers. Try to identify things at home, at work or in your environment that might be triggering an allergic reaction.

I realise I’ve been a bit technical this week, but I wanted you to know your runny nose a bit more so you could take care of its problems.

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Amazon Warriors take on role of ‘Big Brother’ …mentor students at Diamond Special Needs School

Not all equal…

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The Guyana Amazon Warriors while meeting with students of the Diamond Special Needs School on Monday

By Ashraf Dabie

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ust hours after the Guyana Amazon Warriors swept their way to the first home victory in this year’s CPL tournament, the local team on Monday morning took on the role of ‘Big Brothers’ to a batch of students attached to the Diamond Special Needs School.

A group of young sport fanatics currently enrolled at the Diamond Special Needs School were afforded the opportunity of their lifetime as they met with, and were mentored by, players of the Guyana Amazon Warriors cricket team.

Fresh off their victory following a record breaking win against the Barbados Tridents at the Guyana National Stadium on Sunday, the local squad kicked off their week by sharing light moments with students who are living with various forms of disabilities.

The event, hosted at the Georgetown Marriott on Monday, was the result of a partnership between Digicel and the CPL organisation. Vidya Sanichara,

Digicel’s Communications Manager, expressed delight at being part of the Big Brother programme, and even outlined the objectives of this collaborative initiative.

She noted that following the tiresome efforts to secure a win within the past few days, “We are giving them (the players) the opportunity to meet some of the real hearts of Guyana, so that’s why we are doing this activity; to bring the players and Digicel a little closer to the people….”

Moreover, she indicated that given some of the students have never been exposed to the true wonders of the game, Digicel is happy to bring the CPL experience to the students.

On that note, the Digicel spokesperson relayed, “The guys won yesterday (Sunday), we know that. But today they are winning even bigger, because they are winning the hearts of the kids here from the Diamond Special Needs School.”

Adding to that, Sanichara pointed out that this is not the first time an event of such na-

ture was being executed, as it is customary for Digicel to bring the sport festivities to children within the various CPL destinations throughout the Region.

Sharing in the excitement of participating in the meet-and-greet between the students and international cricketers was West Indian all-rounder Rayad Emrit, who is currently enlisted on the Amazon Warriors squad.

Emrit relayed the team’s experience in Guyana thus far, pin pointing their time with the children as one of their highlights. “Being in Guyana is always a good experience for us. The people in Guyana always treat us well. It’s always a pleasure to be there,” the Trinidadian conveyed.

Zooming in on the experience of sharing their morning with the students, the Amazon Warrior continued, “It’s always good to share our knowledge with the kids.

Having played last night and coming out with a victory, the guys are excited to be here with the kids.”

Meanwhile, convey-

ing her gratitude to both Digicel and the Amazon Warriors for taking the time out of their schedule to socialise with the students was Tracey Michael, a teacher attached the Diamond Special Needs School.

Michael relayed that for many of the students, meeting the local and international cricket stars is a dream come true.

“I think they find this is a great opportunity to get to meet the Warriors, because some of them are really interested in cricket,” stated the teacher.

The Diamond Special Needs School is an educational institution that currently caters for 58 students of varying disabilities.

The school has, over the years, seen the support of Digicel, with CPL now coming on board to add to their work of developing the young minds.

However, this is the second time the Guyana Amazon Warriors have taken the cricket cheer to the lesser fortunate Guyanese youth as a part of their home tour in this year’s CPL tournament.

Guyana’s Steelpan, Tassa...

Fifteen-year-old Jaheim Jones, the youngest pan member is overjoyed to be at his first CARIFESTA. Jones said he chose steelpan because “he always liked steelpan and it appealed to him and he is proud to represent Guyana.”

Jovanka Williams, one of the few females in the group of mainly boys (orchestra) is great. She noted that she didn’t choose steel pan but rather it chose her. “I have been doing this since six, so it was just a part of me, I can’t stop. When we play for people, the excitement on their face gives me life.

I love it!! I’m proud to be a female ambassador for Guyana.”

Dedicated member, Javier Marks has been playing steelpan for nine years. Marks never had an interest in steelpan but while involved in work study some years ago he

began playing. That same year he went to his first CARIFESTA event and has never stopped playing.

Marks' encouragement to young people who might want to pursue steelpan playing; “steelpan is a world voice right now in Trinidad, Barbados and other countries. It has lots of opportunity, look at us we’re here at CARIFESTA and this could be you; we’ve also done other festivals in other countries. Music is fun and you will not regret this.”

Tassa drumming is widespread in India and some Caribbean countries including Guyana, and it also originated in Trinidad. In Guyana, Tassa drumming is primarily associated with Indian weddings and festivals. It invites exploration of the distinctive nature of the Indian

Diaspora and its relationship to its ancestral homeland whilst being influenced by the Caribbean music culture.

Included in Guyana’s contingent to CARIFESTA XIII is well known Chutney Soca Monarch, Rajesh Dubraj and his partner Aditya Dubraj who stimulated the audiences with Tassa drumming last evening.

The magnificent performance was well received from the cheering crowd. Excited and proud Dubraj expressed gratitude to the government for the opportunity to be at CARIFEST XII. “While we are experienced and would have travelled many places, we are thankful to come here and showcase our Guyanese culture. Tassa drumming is a big thing back in Guyana and we ae excited to play it here, CARIFESTA began in

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Guyana in 1972 and we are proud to represent Guyana.”

African Drumming was also part of Guyana’s performances last night.

African Drumming in Guyana is synonymous with queh queh, or healing ceremonies, ancestral worship, warrior rituals, as well as social dances.

Head of the Otishka Drummers, Mark Cyrus, was delighted to be showcasing his rich African culture at yet another CARIFESTA. Cyrus said “Otishka means brotherhood, togetherness, we are here to promote Guyana at CARIFESTA and we are proud to do so.”

CARIFESTA XIII continues and the Guyanese contingents will continue to excite the crowds with their various performances, showcasing Guyana’s rich and diverse culture.

(Story and photos by DPI)

…academically

our Eyewitness feels this Lall fella – who keeps pumping out those letters with their convoluted prose – was quite mean-spirited with his backhanded “compliment” to the kid who passed 25 subjects at CSEC!! He at least had the grace to admit his “congratulation” sounded “lame”. So why offer it in the first place?

Well, now that Roopnaraine’s banished, Lall’s the flag-bearer of the brigade that insists that kids should be limited in how many CSEC subjects they can write. Lall dubs the ever-increasing number of subjects written an “insane trajectory”; but why is this so? Your Eyewitness can understand if kids were forced to write these double-digit number of subjects, but the kid said clearly this was HIS choice. In fact, his teachers discouraged him from writing the 25, and managed to bring him down from the 27 he’d originally contemplated.

Lall asks: how many subjects next year? Your Eyewitness thinks the limit will eventually be the number of subjects CXC offers! What is it? 35?

How come they don’t complain about FORCING kids to write AT LEAST five subjects? Aren’t there thousands of kids who just can’t cope with that number? The fact of the matter is that this whole argument’s a tempest in a teacup, since there is already a system in place to evaluate and determine how many subjects can be taken.

In all schools, the students have to get the specific subjects and number of subjects APPROVED by the teachers, HoDs, and eventually the head-teacher.

In the case of the latest exceptional performer, the teachers’ assessments were obviously vindicated, since he passed all his subjects with such flying colours.

But Lall revealed the flawed premise of his “limit” brigade when he asked: what’s the point proven by a batsman who scores 1000 runs when the team mightn’t be doing so well?

But we can see the falsity of this premise, can’t we?

When the kid wrote and passed 25 subjects, he didn’t PREVENT any other student from performing as well – or even better – as would’ve happened when the 1000run batter didn’t possibly allow others on the team to bat. Kids writing many subjects aren’t preventing teachers from teaching others, are they?

The demand that CSEC subjects be limited comes from a misguided urge for an “egalitarian” outcome wherein no kid’s allowed to rise above others – even through his/her own efforts. This is the dumbing down compulsion that will perpetuate Guyana’s mediocrity.

The hero Mallory who ultimately perished trying to scale Mt Everest was asked why he persisted. “Because it’s there!” he said. We always need heroes who can push the envelope.

Congratulations, Michael Bhopaul!!!

…in Cricket

Your Eyewitness is in Cricket Limbo…you know, that state of uncertainty when you’re caught betwixt and between (and not him slithering backwards under some low-slung pole!). On one hand, he’s ecstatic the Guyana Amazon Warriors won their match against the Barbados Tridents and kept hope alive. But on the other hand, the West Indies’ test side was ignominiously bowled out TWICE IN ONE DAY by England; and lost the match by an innings and some 200 -odd runs.

Can there be more shame than this? But who’d send out these inexperienced youths like lambs to the slaughter to play the English on their home turf?

And therein lies the problem, doesn’t it? The WICB, that’s who! How many years hasn’t your Eyewitness been joining some of the most prominent citizens of the West Indies demanding someone get rid of this poisonous Board? CariCom’s tried.

Because its member boards fear setting a precedent that would seal their own doom, the ICC has firmly opposed CariCom getting involved.

So maybe they can do so themselves?

…in comedy

Jerry Lewis and Dick Gregory – American comedians who entertained several generations with their specific brands of humour – both passed away this weekend.

But Gregory, who didn’t ignore the African American condition in his routine, is barely mentioned.

48 Bollywood

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 27, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘Baywatch’ actor Priyanka Chopra features in LinkedIn Power Profiles List of 2017

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aywatch actor Priyanka Chopra has another feather to add to her cap by having found a spot in the LinkedIn Power Profiles List of 2017.

Professional networking giant LinkedIn on Wednesday announced its fourth edition of Power Profiles, a list of the most viewed LinkedIn profiles of professionals in India, read a

statement.

Through the list, the network recognises 50 such professionals, who have successfully invested in building their professional brand on the platform. PeeCee has made it to the Influencers list and grabbed the second position right after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Other influencers are Kailash Satyarthi, Founder of Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Global Chief People Officer

and Priyanka, who are new entries in the list. Prabir Jha, Global Chief People Officer, Cipla, and Manu Kumar Jain, Vice President and Managing Director, Xiaomi Technology, have also returned to the list this year.

Akshay Kothari, Country Manager and Head of Product, LinkedIn India, said, “Our Power Profiles of 2017 have built a strong brand by sharing their diverse experiences and voicing their opinion on issues that matter to our members.”

Ranveer Singh to perform at premiere of Baba Ramdev’s show ‘Om Shanti Om’

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ctor Ranveer Singh will not be seen anchoring Om Shanti Om and will only be seen performing on the premiere episode of the forthcoming TV show.

Ranveer will be seen wowing the audiences with his powerful performance on the song “Gajanana” from “Bajirao Mastani” in the opening act of the reality show. He will also introduce the 14 contestants and the concept of Om Shanti Om. “The concept of ‘Om Shanti Om’ is very unique. I am happy to be a part of the opening episode and introduce the contestants to

Hema Malini on Triple Talaq verdict: It was a necessity for Muslim women

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the viewers. I will kick off the show with a special stage performance.

To know more watch out for the ‘Shubh Arambh’ on August 28,” Ranveer said in a statement.

The show will be hosted by Apaarshakti Khurana and will feature actor Sonakshi Sinha, composer-singer Shekhar Ravjiani and singer Kanika Kapoor as

the judges.

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev will be seen as Maha Guru in Om Shanti Om, which will be aired on Star Bharat.

(Indian Express)

Sara Ali Khan looks exactly like a young Amrita Singh as she starts shooting for ‘Kedarnath’

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On the work front, Priyanka is gearing up for her upcoming Hollywood project titled Isn’t It Romantic, featuring Rebel Wilson, Adam Devine and Liam Hemsworth. She has also shot for A Kid Like Jake which also stars Jim Parsons, Claire Danes and Octavia Spencer.

While there is no confirmation on the release dates of both the films, reports suggest that Isn’t It Romantic will arrive in early-2019 and A Kid Like Jake would head to theaters in 2018.

(Indian Express)

aif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh’s daughter Sara Ali Khan has finally started to shoot for her debut film Kedarnath along with Sushant Singh Rajput.

The beautiful young lady has mesmerised fans with her appearances at B-town parties and other events.

And now, the Salwar Kameez look, which we assume is Sara’s look in

her debut Bollywood film, reminds us of how her mother Amrita used to look during her Betaab days.

Recently, the makers launched the first look of their film. The motion poster did not show Sara or Sushant but just the trishool, which is a weapon used by Lord Shiva and a tagline which read, Love Is A Pilgrimage. The film has been bankrolled by KriArj Entertainments and Balaji Telefilms.

Talking about her decision to support the film as a producer, Ekta Kapoor said, “When we heard the story, we knew this was it. It’s Sara’s debut opposite Sushant.

That makes it a fresh pair and adds an edge to the project. Kedarnath is an emotional and riveting tale that blends India’s beauty with a love story from the heartland.” (Indian Express)

five-judge bench of the Supreme Court on Tuesday in a split verdict ruled that the practice of instant triple talaq in the Muslim community is unconstitutional.

The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India J S Khehar, set aside the practice by a majority of 3:2.

While CJI Khehar and Justice S Abdul Nazeer upheld the practice of triple talaq, Justices Kurian Joseph, R F Nariman and U U Lalit held that the practice needs to be abolished.

In an interview with indianexpress.com, veteran actor and Member of Parliament Hema Malini lauded the government and the Supreme Court for the decision.

“It is a nice thing that has happened. I am happy that my government has got it done. Verdict against triple talaq was a necessity for Muslim women. I am also doing a lot of work with Muslim women in Mathura. With this verdict, women empowerment and equality of genders is promised.

We are working towards this goal, and with Narendra Modi helming our government, I am sure it will happen,” said Hema Malini.

Along with expressing happiness about the verdict, Malini also took an opportunity to share a few things she does in

her Lok Sabha constituency Mathura.

The sixty-eight-yearold actor said, “There are so many Muslim communities there. This time during Eid, I spent a good amount of time with them and we celebrated Eid with a lot of fervour. I am for everybody, not for one particular community, and I have always said that in my speeches too, that our government is not for any one particular sect, but for all irrespectively.

We are here to support each and every one with humanity.”

Hema Malini is also promoting Indian dance forms all over the world.

The ‘Dream Girl’ of Bollywood has invited Sukhishvili (Georgian National Ballet) to India after fifty years. With this the Baghban actor aims to present a cultural odyssey that will expose the world to two ancient cultures, India and Georgia, giving a platform to showcase their talent. (Indian Express)

Ajay Devgn refuses to speak on patch-up reports between Karan Johar and Kajol

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ctor Ajay Devgn today chose not to comment on the reports of his wife Kajol and filmmaker Karan Johar rekindling their friendship. In his autobiography Karan had said that his nearly 25-year-long friendship with Kajol ended prior to the release of his and Ajay’s films Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Shivaay.

Recently, however, there were reports that the duo might have buried their hatchet.

When asked about the same, Ajay told PTI, “I have never ever spoken about personal topics and issues. So this is something very personal I really wouldn’t like to talk about it. I’ve maintained this, in general,

that I do not speak about personal life.” The actor’s next on-screen outing will be Baadshaho which comes after his last year’s release, Shivaay.

Kajol’s latest film, VIP 2 released recently but Ajay says he is yet to watch the movie as he is occupied with Baadshaho. “I haven’t seen that film yet. I

think I’ll watch it once my film releases as I am completely caught up with this. But Kajol and I don’t discuss work, we talk about other things.

There is no time for work. When I go home, I completely switch off from my work,” he added.

Baadshaho is scheduled to release on September 1. (Indian Express)

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George and Amal Clooney donate $1 million in wake of Charlottesville incident

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ccording to The Hollywood Reporter, the Clooney Foundation is partnering with The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) for Justice to combat hate in the wake of the deadly violence at a white nationalist gathering in Charlottesville, Virginia.

While talking about the association, George Clooney shared, “Amal and I wanted to add our voice (and financial assistance) to the ongoing

fight for equality. There are no two sides to bigotry and hate.”

One person was killed and many others injured while protesting a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville on August 12. Shortly thereafter, US President Donald Trump said there were many sides to what happened at the event and that there were good people on both sides. His comments were almost universally condemned.

The Hollywood pow-

er couple also made a donation of a $1 million to SPLC from the Clooney Foundation for Justice.

In the statement issued by the Money Monster star and his wife Amal, they also noted, “We are proud to support the Southern Poverty Law Center in its efforts to prevent violent extremism in the United States. What happened in Charlottesville, and what is happening in communities across our country, demands our

collective engagement to stand up to hate.”

SPLC president Richard Cohen also issued a statement on their association with the Clooneys and thanked the couple for standing with them in such a crucial time.

The statement read, “Like George and

Amal Clooney, we were shocked by the size, ugliness, and ferocity of the white supremacist gathering in Charlottesville.

It was a reflection of just how much Trump’s incendiary campaign and presidency have energised the radical right.

We are deeply grateful to the Clooney Foundation

for standing with us at this critical moment in our country’s fight against hate.”

The Clooney Foundation for Justice, co-founded by George and Amal, was established in 2016 to advance justice in communities around the world. (Indian Express)

Morgan Freeman to be Daniel Craig to cut down honoured with Screen Actors on dangerous stunts Guild Life Achievement Award A

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ccording to The Hollywood Reporter, Oscarwinning actor, Morgan Freeman, will be honoured during the 24th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards which is set to air on January 21, 2018.

SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris said in a statement, “I am thrilled to announce Morgan Freeman as this year’s recipient of the SAG Life Achievement Award. Some actors spend their entire careers waiting for the perfect role. Morgan showed us that true perfection is what a performer brings to the part.”

Adding, “He is innovative, fearless and completely unbound by expectations. As a chauffeur, convicted murder-

er, boxing gym attendant, pimp or president, Morgan fully realized every character, baring their souls and showcasing their humanity. It has been a privilege to see his genius at work.”

This award is the Guild’s highest honour, an actor receives who fosters “finest ideals of the acting profession.”

The Oscar-winning actor will be honored during the 24th annual Screen Actors Guild

Awards, which is set to air on January 21, 2018.

His film credits include ‘Street Smart’, ‘Driving Miss Daisy’, ‘Glory’, ‘Unforgiven’, ‘The Shawshank Redemption’, ‘Outbreak’, ‘Se7en’, ‘Kiss the Girls’, ‘Deep Impact’, ‘Bruce Almighty’, ‘Million Dollar Baby’, ‘Invictus’, Christopher Nolan’s ‘Dark Knight’ trilogy, ‘The Bucket List’, ‘RED’, the ‘Now You See Me’ franchise, ‘Olympus Has Fallen’ and its sequel ‘London Has Fallen’.

Freeman has received four SAG Award nominations over the course of his career. Past SAG Life Achievement award winners include Lily Tomlin, Carol Burnett, Debbie Reynolds, Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore. (Indian Express)

ctor Daniel Craig has agreed to cut back on dangerous stunts for the new James Bond movie because his wife is worried he will get hurt. The 49-year-old will reprise his role as the spy in the forthcoming 25th film in the series but will be opting out of some of the more thrilling stunts after his wife Rachel Weisz begged him to be careful, reports mirror.co.uk.

“It’s a big bone of contention. Rachel doesn’t want him in agony again. None of his aches and pains have gone away completely,” said a source. “There’s a legacy to all these injuries and she lives with them. They’ve come to an agreement about how hard he will push himself and he is pulling back from the edge this time. It’s a prerequisite,” the source added.

Daniel Craig recently officially confirmed that he will reprise the role of Agent 007 in the upcoming film Bond 25 and fans can’t keep calm. On The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Tuesday, Daniel revealed the news.

Previous, the names of many actors had come up who might have been potential James Bonds. Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston and Tom Hardy were rumoured to don the mantle.

“Yes” said a straight-faced Daniel when Stephen asked if he will return as the secret agent. He also added that he has known the news for “a couple of months” now. “We’ve been discussing it, we’ve just been trying to figure things out,” he said, “I always wanted to, I needed a break. I just want to go out on a high note, and I can’t wait.”

Danile Craig had also confirmed that this will be the last time we see him as James Bond. The release date of upcoming Bond film, called Bond 25, is scheduled on November 8, 2019.

(Indian Express)

‘Logan Lucky’ actor 'Wonder Woman’ now the highest Channing Tatum loves grossing superhero origin film ever he Princess of Themyscira for December 13, 2019. Gal Gadot an underdog story is now the ‘Queen’ of superwill next appear as Diana Prince in

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ctor Channing Tatum says he loves to be part of films that tell an underdog story. Tatum has reunited with Magic Mike director Steven Soderbergh for Logan Lucky. Tatum says he jumped at the chance to reunite with Soderbergh.

Logan Lucky is based on two brothers, who in their attempt to reverse a family curse try to pull off a heist during a NASCAR race. The heist comedy is being brought to India by PVR Pictures, and will release in India on September 8.

“We were doing Magic Mike XXL with Gregory Jacobs directing when Soderbergh

told me he had a script about six hillbillies robbing NASCAR,” Tatum said in a statement. He added, “I laughed because the idea of nonprofessional thieves robbing anything, much less a giant organisation like NASCAR, sounded like fun. I love an underdog story. And this band of characters is amazing.

They’re just enough outside of reality to make it fun.”

Tatum added he loves Soderbergh. “That’s the bottom line. But it’s a huge plus that he’s also a master filmmaker. His films are always so different from everything else out there,” he said.

(Indian Express)

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hero origin. According to Forbes Magazine, Patty Jenkins directorial has officially become the highest-grossing superhero original movie in the United States ever, beating out Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man. Wonder Woman, which released in theaters on June 2, has made an estimated $404,008,376 million domestically, eclipsing the original Spider-Man’s long-held record of $403,706,375 million.

The film is the first female-directed, live-action movie to cross $400 million domestic and $800 million worldwide.

The original Spider-man movie, which starred Tobey Maguire as the titular hero, held that top spot since 2002. The only movie that came close to it was last year’s Deadpool, which missed the mark by about $40 million. The movie is not quite done yet as the

movie is yet to release in Japan on August 25 and can beat the worldwide box-office of Spider Man too which stands at $821.7 million.

Wonder Woman, directed by Patty Jenkins, has been a mammoth hit for the studio critically too. Warner Bros previously announced an “untitled event film”

November’s Justice League, alongside Ben Affleck’s Batman, Jason Momoa’s Aquaman, Ezra Miller’s Flash and Ray Fisher’s Cyborg.

Wonder Woman, both the character and the movie, are part of the larger DC Extended Universe that has had films like Man of Steel, Batman vs Superman and Suicide Squad.

Meanwhile, Patty Jenkins is in final talks to helm the sequel of ‘Wonder Woman’ as the director is close to signing a recordbreaking deal for the second part.

In an interview, Warner Bros.

Pictures President and CCO Toby Emmerich had revealed how the sequel won’t take place during World War I but is still likely to be set in the past.

Jenkins was also quoted earlier saying how she would set the sequel in the United States rather than Europe. (Indian Express)

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It’s Alive! Warriors ‘back Corona Beer Invitational Football Tournament on the road’ with playoff Eastville top Flamingo, GFC qualification in sight and Western Tigers draw

By Michelangelo Jacobus

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Amazon Warriors must win their next two matches if they are to move into the playoffs

fter four home games that were chockfull of excitement and thrills on and off the field, the Guyana Amazon Warriors will soon depart to continue their 2017 Hero Caribbean Premier League quest for ultimate glory – deserving capture of the CPL 2017 Championship Trophy.

With two key roundrobin matches remaining, the Warriors will hopefully subdue the Barbados Tridents on Tuesday before disappointing the Jamaica Tallawahs on Friday, September 1, and thus qualify for the playoffs.

Incredibly, for the first time in CPL history, the Guyana Amazon Warriors have found themselves in this des-

perate situation –where their hitherto unblemished record could be tarnished by their missing the playoffs if they do not win their remaining encounters. Therefore, it is imperative that Guyana’s willowed Warriors progress to the next round by improving on the previous substandard performances displayed in earlier clashes.

To accomplish this feat, the Amazon Warriors’ batsmen will have to deal with the opposition in a manner similar to what to what they displayed in their last two matches. If they do, and complement the bowlers, then positive results are inevitable in the upcoming matches.

The clash against the Tridents is expected to

be the more difficult of the two campaigns, although the Warriors had administered defeat to the Tridents on Sunday.

The Tallawahs cannot be written off, but judging from the previous match between the two sides, the Warriors must find the tenacity to go all the way; because the Warriors had dominated most of the last encounter, yet inexplicably managed to fall short, making their qualifying for the playoffs more difficult than it should have been.

Nevertheless, the opportunity to qualify still exists, but everything depends on the outcome of the next two matches.

Happy hunting, Guyana Amazon Warriors!

hen action in the Corona Beer Invitational Football Tournament continued on Monday evening at the Georgetown Football Club ground, Eastville FC scored two late goals to beat Flamingo 3-1.

In a fairly one sided game, Eastville were clearly the superior team throughout the match and opened the scoring after only four minutes in the first half with Michael Charles goal.

Flamingo would equalize 23 minutes later through Carl Sanmelo who poked home a rebound after the Eastville custodian fumbled the ball in the box.

As they teams went into the halftime on level terms, the score line failed to do Eastville justice as they should have had at least a two goal advantage with their forwards failing to convert the many chances that fell their way.

In the second half Eastville continued to play positively and with just two minutes left in the game goals were scored by Travis Hercules in the 88th and Cordel Johnson in the 89th which made sure

The goal scorers for Eastville FC

that Eastville walked away with maximum points.

The second game of the night was played out to an entertaining 1-1 draw between Beacon FC and Camptown FC. Both sides played fluid football with the respective defenses having their hands full.

Beacon would draw first blood through a spectacular Travis Lyken goal in the 7th minute but Camptown maintained their composure and stuck to the basics. They were duly rewarded when Jamal Codrington scored in the 36th minute to level scores.

The remainder of the game was a midfield battle and the game eventually petered out to a draw.

In the feature match of the night between home club GFC and Western Tigers, it was heartbreak for the former as they played well

throughout the game only for Western Tigers to score in added time to equalize and draw the game.

The young GFC side played superior possession football complemented by smart, crisp passing. They were rewarded when a good team effort was finished

by Benjamin Abumchi in the 16th minute to give them the lead.

GFC held on to that lead while the Tigers repeatedly tried to claw their way back into the game. Dwayne McLennon struck in the 93rd minute to draw his team level and walk away with a point.

When the competition resumes on Wednesday, Camptown FC will face Black Pearl FC at 17:00hrs while the in form Northern Rangers FC takes on Flamingo FC at 19:00hrs and Pele FC clash with Riddim Squad FC at 21:00hrs.

Nedd confident of retaining Title

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The team that will be defending Guyana’s volleyball title at the Inter-Guiana Games

he National Under-18 Male Volleyball team participating in the Inter-Guiana Games in Suriname should return home still champions.

Head Coach of the team, Levi Nedd expressed confidence in his players who he believes have what it takes to hold off any challenge.

“I have talked to them about what is expected of them and I have full confidence in them, they are not doing too badly, last weekend we had a warm up match against a first division team and we didn’t do badly,” Nedd told Guyana Times International.

The coach explained that the team has been

through rigorous and intense training with the players being brought to full fitness.

The team consists of 12 players who have been selected from various regions across the country.

Meanwhile, Akil Vaughn who plays in a middle position noted that the training has gone to plan and the team is well balanced.

“The schedule has been excellent, everyone knows their roles, we are setting up plays and the team is playing smoothly,” Vaughn said.

Vaughn like his coach is confident that the team will be performing to its best and will bring back home the title.

The 14 man contingent will depart Guyana on Thursday for Suriname for the Games that runs from August 24-28.

The team is:

Players Kellon Leitch Renaldo Griffith Hellond Singh Andy Rohoman Kristoff Shepperd Omari Joseph Ronaldo Bobb Montel Denny Nicholas Corlette Akil Vaughn Jaleel Roberts Daimyon Ahmad Coaches Assistant Coach Rashaad Razak Head Coach Levi Nedd

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WEEK ENDING AUGUST 27, 2017| guyanatimeSinternational.com

2017: Warriors Captain 'We have been CPL Guptill replaced by fellow very honest' 'New Zealander' Ronchi - Stuart Law T he Guyana Amazon

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West Indies' head coach, Stuart Law

tuart Law, West Indies' head coach, has backed his players to give a better account of themselves in the second Investec Test, after their innings defeat at Edgbaston led to a barrage of criticism from former players and pundits, questioning everything from the team's commitment and desire to their status as a toplevel Test nation.

Foremost among them was Curtly Ambrose, a former great who has also previously served as West Indies' bowling coach. Writing in a column for the Daily Mail, Ambrose called the performance "embarrassing" and "painful to watch". Law said he would have preferred Ambrose to talk to the players in person but admitted they knew they have to play better in the remaining two Tests.

"That is disappointing," Law said. "Curtly not long ago was a coach with this team so it is disappointing that criticism comes. We have to understand why it is there. We are not performing as well as we want. It would have been nice if he had come into the dressing room to talk to the guys and express his displeasure to us.

That would have been awesome but that didn't happen. What can we do?

We have to get our noses down, our backsides up and play better."

West Indies have not won a Test in England since 2000 and Law faces the difficult task of lifting his players after being crushed inside three days. While suggesting that West Indies had faced the worst of the conditions under lights in Birmingham, he said that it was the job of the coaching staff to try and get the best out of a group that lacks English knowhow.

"We did not play

well," he said. "We have been very honest with our assessment. A lot of guys have been asked to look at themselves in the mirror by the captain.

We have been very open and forthcoming with thoughts on how they can get better and we are trying our very best to get it right in a short space of time. We are giving them every ounce of support.

These guys have got a lot of talent. They just need a bit of experience. Once they get that they will be pretty good.

"From 40 degrees in Barbados to 13 degrees in Birmingham - I would be walking around freezing my nuts off as well, with my hands in my pockets.

Poor kids are freezing.

Fielding at night time in England is not pleasurable and when it is overcast with mizzly rain it is even worse so, yes, once again people say it is an excuse but it is a fact. People were sat in the crowd with tank tops on and we were looking for more jumpers to put on over the three we already had on.

"We have addressed our fielding. We know it is an attitude thing, not a skill level thing. Our attitude needs to improve for the duration of time we are out there.

We have spoken about everything we possibly can. Once the players take the field we can't do it for them. We have to give them every support to make sure they are doing it."

In a nod to the criticism of West Indies' batting after they lost 19 wickets in a day, Law referred to Australia's struggles at Trent Bridge during the 2015 Ashes. "These young kids are learning in the toughest cricket arena in the world," he said.

"International cricket's pretty tough and in this part of the world, when you are playing against

an experienced England side, it's even tougher.

Australia came here a couple of years ago, got bowled out for 60, so we're not going too bad."

Jason Holder, the captain, said in the wake of defeat at Edgbaston that his players needed to show more fight and Law was able to point to the experience of rallying to beat Pakistan in Bridgetown earlier this year. He also had praise for the performance of Jermaine Blackwood, whose firstinnings 79 not out was a rare bright spot amid the pink-ball pummelling, describing him as "5ft 2in but he walks around like he is 10ft tall" - the sort of swagger that has been missing from West Indies' Test cricket for some time.

"We sat down and we talked about our Test series against Pakistan," Law said. "We got beaten in two-and-a-half days in Jamaica and came back and won the second Test. We played the same team, they played the same team and our boys stood up. Now we have had a look and seen what England are trying to do to us, we will have better knowledge going into it. We know what is coming, it is a matter of us finding a way to cope with it.

"In dressing room we are very positive. I believe in these young men. They have got high skills. It is just the experience of learning how to play in a very tough environment. That is where we need to improve very quickly but that is going to take time. The criticism will come. I understand that. We can't do much about it. We have to just blank it out, move forward and once we start putting things right on the field that criticism means nothing to us." (ESPNCricinfo)

Warriors have replaced their Captain and opening batsman, Martin Guptill with fellow 'New Zealander,' wicket-keeper/ batsman, Luke Ronchi for the remainder of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) tournament.

According to Warriors Media/ Marketing Officer and Assistant Operations Manager John Ramsingh, unfortunately, Guptill has to return to New Zealand because of an important family health matter and as such the Guyana Amazon Warriors team will be without their appointed Captain for the rest of the 2017 Hero CPL. Ronchi has just completed his stint in the Natwest T20 Blast in England where he played with Leicestershire and is currently one of the top ten run scorers in the League with 429 runs at a strike rate of 180.25.

Martin Guptill

Omar K h a n , Operations Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors said: “it’s unfortunate and hugely disappointing to lose Martin at this stage of the Tournament but we empathize with his situation and he has our full support as he re-

turns home to his family. We welcome Luke to the Guyana Amazon Warriors family and his wealth of experience and explosive batting in this format will certainly be an asset to our team.”

Guptill who scored 142 runs from seven innings was in his fourth year with the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors have a viable shot of making it to the play-offs and will face the Barbados Tridents on Tuesday August, 29, at the Kensington Oval Stadium.

The 2017 tournament will run from 4 August – 9 September 2017.

Guyana Amazon Warriors Full Squad: Rayad Emrit Sohail Tanveer Chadwick Walton Rashid Khan Jason Mohammed Steven Taylor Veerasammy Permaul Roshon Primus Gajanand Singh Assad Fudadin Steven Jacobs Keon Joseph Steven Katwaroo Keemo Paul Muhammad Ali Khan Luke Ronchi

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WEEK ENDING AUGUST 27, 2017 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Warriors end home matches with dominant 7-wicket victory over Stars coming.

The first ball after the midinnings b r e a k , Tanveer came down the track to Shillingford and was stumped, bringing an end to the 51-run third wicket partnership.

By Akeem Greene

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he Guyana Amazon Warriors ended their home matches with a dominant seven-wicket victory over a miss-firing St Lucia Stars in Match 21 of the 2017 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on Tuesday evening at the National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Warriors late run at the play-offs continued to be well intact as they made light work in pursuit of 101, reaching it in 14.4 overs. For the Stars, their lights continued to get darker as they sank to their seventh loss in eight matches.

The thumping win in front of another supportive and vociferous crowd was orchestrated by tightly knit bowling led by leg-spinner Rashid Khan and then assured knocks by Man-of-the match Sohail Tanveer and Jason Mohammed.

Needing a performance quite the opposite of what they did with the bat, the Stars turned to Jerome Taylor who had the in-form Chadwick Walton out LBW with the first ball.

Tanveer, who has a new lease on life with

his new role at the top of the order picked up from where he left off Sunday, having a streaky four off the bowling of Shane Shillingford, then slicing Taylor over extra-cover for another boundary.

Captain Martin Guptill produced his trademark thwack over long-off with a slight shimmy down the pitch against the pacy Taylor.

However, his treacherous run of form continued when he gave a charge to Rahkeem Cornwall and was undone with a clever piece of bowling.

Despite the two quick wickets, the shots were still being rolled out as the Warriors knew the importance of not just

wining, but doing so quickly.

J a s o n Mohammed wasted little time to get into stride as he lofted Cornwall over extracover for a majestic six.

He continued to be fluent and pulled Mitchell McClenaghan for four through mid-wicket. The Warriors were 41 for 2 after six overs.

Tanveer again had the ball greeting the ropes by top-edging McClenaghan for another four. Mohammed seemed to be taking a liking to Cornwall when he played the most delicate of cuts through third-man and the frequent boundaries kept Tanveer struck 5 fours and one six and the home-side were 73-3 in the 11th over.

Mohammed’s onslaught continued, racing the Warriors to their target, hitting 3 fours and 2 sixes, which meant there was little work for Gajanand Singh to do, as Mohammed tapped the final ball to mid-wicket to spark the widespread celebrations at

Providence.

Sticking to the formula from Sunday night against the Barbados Tridents, Warriors ins e r t e d Stars and got two early

breakthroughs. Rashid Khan took a juggling catch at long-off to dismiss Andre Fletcher in the second over.

Next over, a combination of athletic fielding and ball awareness orchestrated an excellent run-out. Shane Watson slashing to point, Khan produced a diving stop, after which Keemo Paul executed a direct hit to the non-strikers stump which saw the demise of Watson who was guilty of ball-watching.

Jesse Ryder, who struggled to find timing early in his innings, crunched a short one from the leg-spin of Khan through cover

which saw Stars reach 26 for 2 at the end of the power play overs.

Stars continued to look dim as power-hitter Johnson Charles lacked intensity in his 22-ball 15. He paid for his lacklustre approach when he held out to long-on, sinking his team further into trouble at 35 for 3 in the eight over.

Ryder looked the Stars most assured batsman at the crease. He played flamboyant shots through the cover region but saw his innings come to an end via another brilliant piece of fielding by Paul at deep mid-wicket. Ryder for an inexplicable reason wanted a second with his taped knee.

The lights got a shade darker for the Stars w h e n K h a n trapped Darren Sammy in front of wicket and then Cornwall’s wild slog was taken via diving catch at long-off.

The abysmal performance with the bat continued as Shillingford diced one of Rayad Emrit’s cutter to cover.

A six off the last ball of the innings rounded off a huff and puff innings by the Stars which had no momentum or direction due to an absence of partnerships.

The St Lucia Stars will suit up again on Friday when they come up against the Jamaica Tallawahs, while the Warriors’ next match will be on August 29 against Tridents in Bridgetown, Barbados.

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