Guyana Times International August 03 2018

INTERNATIONAL

5

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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

‘Be prepared for oil boom’

for FRee distribution guyanatimesinternational.com

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5 , 2018

ISSUE NO. 409

…President Granger says citizens about to witness the most transformative event in Guyana’s economic history

See story on page 3

See stories inside

Lindo Creek CoI APNU/AFC’s track report recommends record remains poor compensation for families Page 23

..Opposition Leader says early budget will not change views of electorate Page 13

2

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘Be prepared for oil boom’ U

…President Granger says citizens about to witness the most transformative event in Guyana’s economic history

rging citizens to take control of their own destinies by positioning themselves lest others profit from the oil and gas sector at their expense, President David Granger had some harsh words for citizens with mixedup priorities.

Addressing residents of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara on Tuesday evening at a Cultural Evening hosted to commemorate the 180th anniversary of the abolition of slavery, President Granger said even though he can have the profits and benefits from oil production equitably shared, it is up to citizens to empower themselves to take advantage of the opportu-

President David Granger addressing the gathering at Beterverwagting Secondary School

nities that will become available.

“When that mighty

Atlantic starts to generate wealth for Guyana, I can do anything possible

to ensure that the profits and benefits are equitably shared; but you and

your children, your sons and daughters, must be educated and empowered

to make use of that new talent. Don’t be like the wicked and slothful servant. This is the chance of a lifetime,” he admonished.

“You who are living today are witnessing the most transformative event in Guyana’s economic history — the coming of the petroleum industry. Don’t be sidelined, don’t be left behind; go to school, educate yourself so you can do for your grandchildren and future generations what your fore-parents did for you,” he charged his audience.

Against this backdrop, the President called out those citizens who remain idle and choose joblessness, instead of becontinued on page 9

4 views

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International

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

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

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

EDITORIAL

Modern-day shackles

O

n Wednesday, Guyana joined with other countries in various parts of the world in celebrating Emancipation. For the slaves, the road to freedom was long and arduous, they, having been kept in bondage and forced to endure inhuman conditions as unimaginable atrocities were meted out to them. But freedom did dawn, with the expectation that the mental and economic shackles would be forever banished.

Unfortunately, over time, the shackles manifested themselves differently, as others are still being forced into situations that enchain them from opportunities for advancement. Obviously, this can never be compared to the dreadful and cruel blot on humanity that slavery was.

With growing disparity across the world, millions are being dumped further into poverty even as they relentlessly struggle to eke out an existence.

A natural characteristic of mankind is to seek opportunities for selfimprovement in order to be better positioned to mitigate life’s ongoing challenges. This is painfully demonstrated by migrants taking to the seas, and refugees being trapped in lands while wallowing in despair. In those circumstances, their dignity is snatched, as they are forced to be consumed with mere survival, as the world appears to be closing in on them.

This is the reality in a now modern and constantly evolving world more than 18 decades after Emancipation. What continues to be both bewildering and unacceptable is that many of the current global situations can easily be addressed, or even avoided in some cases. This, however, does not take away from the complexities of others, taking into consideration pertinent factors.

With that in mind, even a cursory examination of some of what transpired in Guyana over the recent years could be seen as a manifestation of the points made. The current Government, while on the campaign trail for the 2015 elections, had vehemently articulated to the effect that Guyanese were experiencing tremendous difficulties. It pointed fingers to the then Administration, claiming that it seemed oblivious or disinterested, while making accusations of preferential treatment.

The counter-arguments were that the country was basking in unprecedented development and sustained economic growth, evident from the advancement of ordinary Guyanese and the rebuilding of the social and physical infrastructure.

During that period, the business climate was seen as very healthy, and job creation and employment high. Today, the situation seems reversed, as many jobs have been lost and the economy is contracting even as Government keeps adjusting downwards its own positive projections.

But how is this relevant within the context of current-day shackles on human development? The obvious answer is that all administrations are expected to derive innovative mechanisms for the creation of enabling environments to help spur economic activities for human advancement.

While this is largely dependent on the availability of resources, it is crucial to have a holistic vision that is not rooted in political partisanship.

This is where contentions have been fiercely aroused after the 2015 elections when some 2000 Amerindian Community Workers were relieved of their job, and thereby deprived of earnings. Similarly, and this has been extensively dealt with, the closure of estates has led to the termination of thousands of sugar workers. Those actions, alleged to have been executed without any proper assessment and contingency plan to mitigate the consequences, have plunged many thousands further into poverty.

By the same stroke of the brush, the harsh reality is that those affected, in trying to scale the walls of poverty, suddenly find an anchor fastened to their ankles. The effect of this now imposed immobility is not just confined to the affected workers, but extends to their families and the many who depend on such industries. Many are now trapped, and that would naturally infuse humiliation, as dignity evaporates as they are rendered unable to provide for their families.

The mental and economic enchainment which have been swiftly derived may be prolonged, thereby exacerbating despondency, as avenues for a way out seem non-existent, with the immense potential to erode willpower. This, in the local context, epitomises the fact that some of what broadsides humanity may be preventable through a more prudent, humane and bipartisan approach to policy-making.

While advancing humanity must not be toyed with, the unfortunate reality is that it is being used by some for preferential purposes; and when protectionism is factored in, an already bad situation worsens. This precipitates many undesirable situations, including modern-day slavery.

This compels the question of whether lessons were learnt from history.

Not wanting to suggest that nothing was imparted, it may be more practical to state that the lessons are probably being ignored.

For some, this may best offer an explanation as to what has transpired within the country over the past few years. A burning question may be: why exacerbate economic challenges when there might have been possibilities for avoidance?

A tourist group came out to witness the Emancipation celebrations in Georgetown, Guyana (DPI photo).

Many have missed the underlying point raised by Mr Clifford Krauss

Dear Editor, Almost every person of Guyanese nationality welled up with fury at the ‘’alarming’’ description of Guyana by the American Clifford Krauss. Who is he to denounce a country he wasn’t born in?

Well, like all outsiders, Mr Krauss sees Guyana as an underdeveloped, uncivilised and corrupt nation. He didn’t consider that Guyana’s geographic location renders it ‘’a watery wilderness.’’ He didn’t consider Guyana’s unfortunate political past. Why should he consider Guyana’s setbacks? These are matters of no importance to him. He sees Guyana exactly how most or all international people do.

Do you think he cares that Guyana is a cook up rice and chicken curry nation? No, he doesn’t. His focus is on our political structure, our economic status, our Government policies and programmes, and our progressive ideas and plans for the future.

Upon the release and circulation of Krauss’s article, almost every Guyanese became so distracted and offended by his representation of Guyana that they missed the underlying questions.

Is Guyana equipped to manage oil opulence?

Will the leaders mismanage the ‘’incoming wealth?’’

Will corruption exacerbate?

Will there be the creation of Swiss Bank accounts?

Will criminal activities escalate?

Will the money be squandered and stolen?

Will the wealth be unequally distributed?

Will the wealth be hoarded by only the powerful and influential?

Will the political environment be facilitative of foreign investment?

There are so many more questions arising when there is oil wealth on the horizon.

Although these questions were not directly asked by Mr Clifford Krauss, his analysis of Guyana’s political, social and economic environments gave

the implication that these are some of the questions to be asked.

He wrote ‘’But there are obstacles. If history is any guide, countries that discover oil often waste their opportunity, as the resource blends seamlessly with corruption. Countries with weak political institutions like Guyana are especially vulnerable.’’ What untruth can be found in those statements?

He then quoted Guyaneseborn Finance professor Floyd Haynes, who is a consultant to the Business Ministry. Haynes said,’’ You have an alignment of money and power in the hands of the state, so the party in power controls the resources, and the money is usually squandered, misapplied or downright stolen.’’

So really, what Krauss did was present a very objective and analytical article. So why the pettiness? Why the written attacks? What is the purpose of them? Does Guyana appear more couth to international spectators? This solves nothing.

As a country of resilience, commentary like that of Krauss’s should elevate our nation to greater heights, to dream and do bigger things.

Guyana’s been set back for too long; and yes, we’ve made tremendous progress as a nation, but we are still way behind. We who live here see it as nothing, because we are accustomed to it; but to those on the outside,

it is something — something to not sit comfortably with.

At this turning point in our country’s economic landscape, we have the opportunity to install the policies to facilitate growth in every sector; to suppress corruption, open our economy to rewarding investment deals, and to create the route to development for every citizen. The world is rapidly advancing, and Guyana needs to be included in the race.

Guyana’s future can be gleaming with smart cities and automation. We need the environment to realise this.

Mr Krauss’s dissection of Guyana appears negative, but the truth has been overlooked.

Guyana has not experienced the wealth that is now imminent; and as history reveals, poor countries, having grasped and tasted the rewards of oil discovery, often become victims of the enricher.

Another point to note is that with the rise of renewable energy and climate policy agreements, the oil industry can become a falling one. So, excitement is accompanied by contemplation.

It is now left for Guyana to prove herself; to rise in her glory. She is poised to accelerate growth, but she has to be erudite in her executions. So, instead of expressing bitterness to Mr Krauss, thank him and prove him wrong, Guyana.

Sincerely, Althea Hoodith

NEWS 5

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

PPP pushing for judgement on GECOM case before Local Govt Elections N

ow that the Court of Appeal has granted an application to expedite the proceedings filed by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in relation to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) chairmanship case, the Attorney representing the Party is hoping that a decision could be made before the Local or General Elections.

Anil Nandlall told Guyana Times International that the matter was of significant importance, and the issues which the case raises strike at the heart of constitutional democracy and are intricately connected to peace, order and good governance in the country.

“It is important that the appeal be heard and determined, if not for the Local Government Elections, certainly in time for the national and regional elections…The reason being is that these matters should be conclusively settled in the legal system before those elections are held,” he explained.

According to Nandlall, either party may want to take the matter to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) depending on the Court of Appeal’s ruling. He asserted that the appeal at the CCJ would need to be concluded in sufficient time for the 2020 elections to be held with a new chairman if necessary.

Retired Justice James Patterson

Nandlall pointed to the scenario in Barbados where a person was prevented from being registered by the Chief Election Officer in that country. He recalled that that case started in January and by May the entire case was finished, from the High Court to the Court of Appeal to the CCJ, in time for the recent elections in Barbados.

The Court of Appeal on Friday, July 27 granted an application to expedite the proceedings filed by PPP Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha, who appealed the High Court ruling that upheld President David Granger’s unilateral ap-

pointment of Retired Justice James Patterson as Chairman of GECOM. At the first hearing, Mustapha’s legal team, led

by Nandlall, had applied for the matter to be expedited given the importance of the case. That application was granted by Acting Chancellor Justice Yonnette CummingsEdwards, who agreed that the matter was one of “national importance”.

However, this was not before the court heard arguments from both parties.

Attorney General Basil Williams argued that the hearing of the appeal should be postponed to after the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE), which were already set, and monies spent for preparations. However, Nandlall, a former Attorney General himself, dismissed those arguments, saying that the Local Government polls could always be rescheduled pointing out that it was a concern.

After hearing the arguments of the two sides, Justice Cummings-Edwards set October 4 as the soonest possible date for hearing the case.

During this time, the parties will have to file their submissions with regard to the appeal case and the acting Chancellor urged them “to observe the timelines”.

Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall

The acting Chancellor in her ruling on the ‘expedite request’ said that “…a hearing of the appeal should be conducted in a relatively short space of time …This is not to say we are not mindful of other matters that are before us, but such matters of national importance have been dealt with before”.

Shortly after the hearing, Nandlall told reporters that he was pleased with the court’s decision, since the matter could have been fixed at a much later date. And Williams indicated to media operatives that he would be ready with his submissions, since they would be premised on

the same arguments he proffered in court, stating that President Granger properly appointed the GECOM Chair and that acting Chief Justice Roxane George confirmed that appointment in her ruling last month.

However, he was adamant that with November 12 already set as the date for the LGE this year, the appeal proceeding would not affect it.

However, Nandlall contended that no monies were spent and that it would in no way affect the elections.

After rejecting three lists of nominees submitted by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, President Granger went ahead and unilaterally appointed Justice Patterson as Chairman of GECOM. This decision had been, and continues to be, the centre of contention and debate, especially among civil society.

In fact, it was as a result of this that the PPP Executive Secretary approached the High Court to challenge the appointment. But on June 8, 2018, acting Chief Justice George had ruled that the Constitution of Guyana allowed for the President to unilaterally appoint someone to fill the position of GECOM Chair. As such, Mustapha earlier this month filed legal proceedings to appeal the High Court decision.

6

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Our hope is that A perfect opportunity for Guyana’s oil revenue Guyana to advance in will trickle down to the its developmental aims ordinary man Dear Editor, I must commend ExxonMobil for being open with us by releasing the exciting news that the Stabroek Block will yield over four billion oil equivalent barrels, an increase from an earlier estimate of 3.2 billion oil equivalent barrels.

This is fantastic, because ExxonMobil could have hidden this find; but it appears to me that they want to be open and fair with the Government and people of Guyana, and I compliment and thank them for adopting this approach.

Exxon has reported that Liza Phase 1 will produce 120,000 barrels of oil per day, and Liza Phase 2 will have the capacity to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day.

This is monumental.

To put it in perspective, Trinidad and Tobago does not have the capacity to produce oil at this daily rate with 100 wells. We have to understand what this means to Guyana economically. The Guyanese people need to prepare themselves for this flush of wealth, and learn how to invest money wisely and make more wealth.

I sincerely hope that Guyana’s oil revenue will trickle down to the ordinary man. I also hope money from our oil bonanza goes towards noble initiatives, such as upgrading the University of Guyana to the highest level, to make it a world class institution where people from around the world, even from developed countries, would want to come and study.

I look forward to Guyana having modern institutions of technology and top-of-the-line schools with the best laboratories and equipment to produce sterling minds.

I also hope the oil wealth would be used to provide opportunities to those who have lost jobs through no fault of their own, such as the GuySuCo workers, who are now on the breadline.

Some of the oil money should go towards improving and modernizing struggling sectors of our economy. A primary beneficiary should be agriculture, which has been a significant contributor to our economy for decades, and has provided several generations of people with food on their tables.

It should be diversified and developed to a level that puts Guyana in contention once again to be the ‘bread basket of the Caribbean’.

Our agriculture industry can benefit greatly from the incorporation of new initiatives such as hydroponics. We can also develop new breeds and seeds, initiatives to make agriculture more vibrant and efficient, so we can increase exports and get more foreign exchange, as well as create jobs in the sector for young and old persons.

This would be a perfect opportunity to promote entrepreneurship among our people. Our manufacturing sector can also be expanded, allowing us to develop cottage industries and even larger manufacturing operations, so that we can make our own packaging materials and other inputs, which we are currently forced to import.

But I am concerned about politicians being in control of our oil revenue, because I know how much some of them crave power and wealth. Just take a look at Equatorial Guinea, an oil producing nation in Africa that discovered oil about two decades ago. The average citizen is still poor, while the politicians have filled their pockets.

The country’s oil riches have not, in any way, improved the lives of ordinary Equatorial Guineans, because the government has squandered enormous wealth on foolish projects like highways to nowhere and empty 5-star hotels, while filling the pockets of family members. The president’s son, Teodorin Obiang, is reportedly filthy rich, and his global assets are said to be in excess of US$300 million, while the people suffer.

So, yes. Some politicians elevate their relatives and friends to positions of power and authority, where they can benefit for themselves. Some establish fake industries and businesses that are really under the control of greedy political powerhouses in government, who want the entire nation’s wealth for their personal benefit.

As I see it, there are enough questionable Government decisions and actions for patriots to be suspicious about

allowing Government to have total control of the nation’s oil wealth.

That is why I and other concerned Guyanese are so anxious for the nation to set up a proper Sovereign Wealth Fund that is not under political control; that is run by highly educated and experienced persons representing multiple interest groups; and with appropriate checks and balances in place to avoid corruption and mismanagement of our oil money.

In fact, I believe Guyana’s ability to put in place a well-crafted and independently managed Sovereign Wealth Fund, with full accountability and transparency and full public support across all ethnic, political, religious and other divide, is the single most important factor that will save this nation from going down the same road as Equatorial Guinea and other nations infected with the dreaded Dutch disease.

As I wrote several times before, Guyana’s vast reservoir of oil revenue will definitely fatten the eyes of every corrupt politician and official.

Even those who are not yet corrupt will be exposed to enormous temptation. How many would be unable to resist? We need to bear this in mind when setting up our Sovereign Wealth Fund or any other agency that controls or monitors our oil funds.

ExxonMobil’s apparent transparency is commendable, and that company has the opportunity to etch its name in Guyana’s history, and leave a legacy of honour and dignity not only for the credibility and welfare of the company itself, but also for the prosperity and happiness of the Guyanese people.

To do so, the company must be a good corporate citizen and assist any administration in power to educate citizens about crime prevention, and help put in place mechanisms that ensure crime is not exacerbated, like in Trinidad and Tobago, where I believe oil riches became a curse and blight to the economy because it came with massive corruption and criminal violence that is now firmly entrenched.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan Sr

Dear Editor, There is a current wave of optimism regarding upcoming dialogue between Guyana’s President and Opposition Leader, initiated by former US President Jimmy Carter; and expectations by civil society, social commentators, the private sector and politicians as a whole are very high.

These meetings are expected to address a range of issues affecting the forward movement of the country, and it can be agreed by any right-minded Guyanese that the pooling of intellectual resources and ideas is critical to Guyana’s transformation and development.

But perhaps the greatest derivative of these meetings would be a consensus on the most effective utility and investment of imminent revenues from Guyana’s oil bonanza. Guyanese locally and in the diaspora have been cautiously optimistic about the fruits of the oil and gas industry, partially due to the absence of a clearly outlined plan.

There have been variances in views held by operatives on both sides of the political divide, as well as by private sector bodies, as to the most suitable way to spend these monies; and these meetings can provide a platform for a fusion of ideas and proposals re-

garding this very critical sector.

Irrespective of which side of the political spectrum we find ourselves on, this is an opportunity for us to sit with our leaders and channel our ideas upwards, so as to ensure that the best models are considered at the highest level.

It must be remembered at all times that our political leaders are merely elected stewards who oversee what is in effect ‘our wealth’, and we have a duty to ensure that this is done in a way that benefits the country today and in the future.

Regards, Andrew Mc Bean

Restoration of City Hall is a project of national and international importance Dear Editor, Regarded by many as one of the finest buildings in the Caribbean, and claimed to be the most beautiful example of Gothic architecture in the capital city of Georgetown, Guyana, City Hall is in dire need of extensive repairs and restoration. That is a fact no one can deny.

After years of neglect and lack of maintenance, this 128-year-old magnificent structure, built in the 19th century between 1887 and 1889, has been allowed to ‘fall apart’ before our very eyes. Claimed to be the most beautiful example of Gothic architecture, it has become a landmark for tourists visiting Guyana.

How could this have happened?

Unable to prevent the further deterioration and possible collapse of this historical heritage site, allegedly due to resource constraints coupled with the lack of maintenance over the years, there can be no excuse for further delay. After restoring local democracy in 1994 following its electoral victory in 1992, the PPP/C restored local democracy to its rightful place. Those who try to deceive portray a different story.

This is a matter of national importance, and must be given the priority it deserves. The City Hall is not only a National Treasure, but is also regarded as a World Heritage Site.

Mr. Francis Maude, a specialist Conservation Architect, conducted a public session at the Regency Hotel last year, where plans for the new design were outlined at a session organised by the National Trust of Guyana.

Mr. Raghunandan Krishnanand, a Guyanese anthropologist by profession, and I participated in the discussions, which included Ms. Nirvana Persaud, the CEO of the National Trust; the Head of the Guyana Heritage Society; a representative of the National

Archives; students of architecture from the University of Guyana, and their lecturer Mr. Hernandez.

Representatives of the University of Florida explored using the latest 3-Dimensional laser technique to investigate how to proceed as accurately as possible with the preservation of this deteriorating structure.

A meeting was later held this year at Moray House, located at the corner of Quamina and Camp Streets, where they presented and discussed their findings.

The final two-day workshop held in May 2018 was aimed at saving the historic but decrepit City Hall, as the final plans were presented to participants.

The Guyana National Trust, in collaboration with a team headed by Mr. Francis Maude, and Mr. Ed Morton whose specialty is structural engineering, and including Ambassador of the European Union Delegation, Jernej Videtic, were participants; as were the Mayor, Town Clerk and City Engineer, among others.

So, where we do go from here needs serious consideration if we are to succeed in a project of this magnitude.

The recommendation on the way forward in the form of a motion presented at the statutory meeting of the Council held on Monday 23rd July 2018 was jettisoned by the Mayor, who had chaired a special meeting earlier.

The Mayor insisted that the motion was not necessary, as a decision to form a broad-based committee with her as the head had already been made.

The Restoration of City Hall is a project of national and international importance, providing an opportunity for all of us to work together to make this a dream we can realise.

Yours sincerely, Khame Sharma

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Family calls for thorough investigation into drowning of 6-yr-old in Pomeroon River

T

he family of a six-year-old Abrams Creek Primary School student who fell into the Pomeroon River, Region Two, and drowned, is calling for a proper investigation to be carried out into the incident.

The young grieving parents of Ramesh Khanai, a Grade One student of Abrams Creek, Upper Pomeroon River is receiving the legal assistance of former Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

The father of the child, Doodnauth Khanai, claims that his son was at school when the incident occurred.

As such he is alleging that the drowning may have resulted due to negligence on the part of the teachers at the school entrusted with his care.

The distraught father visited the former AG’s office on Tuesday who was able to get a letter dispatched to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) seeking an inquest.

Speaking with this news agency, Nandlall explained that neither the Education Ministry nor the Social Protection Ministry has reached out to the parents of the dead child.

The attorney said that based on the facts that were presented to him, the incident happened as a result of negligence.

Khanai fell into the Pomeroon river about 11:45h on Thursday, July 12

G

Ramesh Khanai

when he went to wash his feet in the river which runs along the front of his school.

Efforts to make contact with the school's administration for a comment on the matter proved futile.

and several valuable items belonging to the man are missing.

Police are investigating the matter.

T

Govt will stand by you …Min. Harmon tells citizens

Kuru Kururu man found murdered in home

Gregory ‘Wayne’ Frank

he lifeless body of 46-yearold Gregory ‘Wayne’ Frank of Lot 686 Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, EBD was in the wee hours of Thursday morning discovered in his home.

The body was dis-

news 7

covered about 04:30h by his father lying face down in the “living room” of his one flat home.

His head was reportedly swollen and the back door to the man's house was found opened.

In addition, the house was ransacked

uyanese have been assured of the APNU/AFC Coalition Administration’s unwavering commitment to their social and economic well-being.

Delivering the feature address at the Buxton Emancipation Cultural Extraganza 2018, Minister of State Joseph Harmon gave this assurance.

Referring to the dismantling of the Cooperative Movement under the previous administration, Minister Harmon said it is the responsibility of the Coalition Government to correct that.

“This Government will stand by you and stand by the work you do,” he noted, while highlighting the establishment of the Interim Management Committee for the Co-op Society.

Since the establishment of the IMC, the State Minister said, some 140 Co-ops have been re-established or established across the country with a total of 1,400 plus in operation.

The “flicker that was dimmed needs to be rekindled”, he noted.

According to Minister Harmon, under the previous administration there was systematic sabotage with many farmlands deliberately destroyed.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

However, with the revenue accrued from oil, Guyanese can look forward to new markets, improved health care and infrastructure and overall development.

“We are going to ensure we give you back that spark,” the minister assured the gathering.

Turning his attention to Emancipation and its symbolism, Minister Harmon called on those gathered to free themselves of the mental shackles similar to how their ancestors were freed legally and physically from slavery.

He reminded of the contributions of persons like Thomas Buxton and others, whose efforts lead to the abolition of slavery.

Minister Harmon believes Emancipation is an ongoing process which starts with the mind.

The Extravaganza which was held at the Buxton Railway Embankment was attended by University of Guyana’s ViceChancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, Chief Executive Officer, Guyana Water Incorporated, Dr. Richard Van WestCharles and hundreds of villagers as well as other visitors.

The event featured several cultural presentations including the singing of folk songs, dancing, drumming, poetry and more.

8

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 9

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

GDF officers complete fighter Guyana begins national consultations for single-use plastics ban pilot training in China

T

he capacity of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Air Corps has been boosted after Second Lieutenants Steffon Cameron and Teffurn James, have successfully completed a Chinese Air Force Basic Fighter Pilot and Officer Development Course.

The two pilots have since returned to Guyana to continue serving, acording a release from the GDF.

Cameron and James both earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Aircraft Systems and Operations, a Bachelor’s Degree in Military Science Aviation Flight and Command, and a Professional Diploma.

The two commenced studies on September 1, 2013 at the Chinese Air Force Aviation University of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in the People’s Republic of China. Military per-

sonnel from Cambodia, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, were among their classmates.

The GDF said the fiveyear programme of study was designed to develop young officers by imparting command knowledge and skills, and also to train the participants to be efficient pilots operating under modern information-based systems.

It included several educational tours and visits to various cities in China, an appreciation of Chinese customs, culture, lifestyle and societal values, and required the graduates to pass the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) level six examination. In addition, Second Lieutenants Cameron and James completed in excess of 80 flying hours on the PT-6 aircraft and 91 flying hours on the J-8 aircraft.

Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Patrick West has since welcomed the two officers back to service with the Force and congratulated them on their sterling achievements, the release added.

‘Be prepared... coming self-employed and drive their village economies through activities such as agro-processing. Further, he singled out those parents who spend money on entertainment, rather than on educating their children.

“Go out there and use your talent to enrich yourself and your children. That is economic emancipation. We must go out there and use our talents. If we make our living by hanging around the corner and liming at the Guinness Bar, we will be forever poor; but if we go into our farms, go into our workshops, go into our schools, we will be able to bring (about) prosperity,” the Head of State told the gathering.

He admonished parents to put their monies towards the development of their children, and “not in vodka, rum and gin.”

“Let us put the children first. If our fore parents were drunkards, we wouldn’t be here today; but they saved their money and bought these villages, not for themselves, but for future generations,” he stressed.

Being very direct and frank in his speech, the President said persons who are unemployed should be ashamed of themselves.

“You must be ashamed if you do not have work. Some people are proud that they don’t have work. They want a raise; they always want a raise. People get a raise today, they expect to come back, to want another raise; but we’ll have to promote self-employment in this village and other villages,” Granger said.

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin had recently announced that the second review of the Local Content Policy is expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year. Many expect that this policy would lay out how shore-based Guyanese would benefit from the oil.

“There is currently a second draft Local Content Policy framework being reviewed and consulted on. We’ve also recently completed terms of refer-

from page 3

ence for a consultancy to complete the Local Content Policy based on consultations and a draft, also an implementation plan, depending on whether or not legislation is going to be needed for the implementation. This process should be completed by the fourth quarter of this year or the first quarter of next year,” the Minister had informed.

He added that it was important for the new legislation to be ‘balanced’, since a ‘too strongly national’ Local Content Policy can jeopardise the efficiency or the viability of the company being relied on to harness the resource.

Gaskin, however, warned that Guyanese would not be able to benefit from the Local Content Policy if they were unable to meet the capacity of the oil and gas sector. According to him, capacity development costs should be borne by the industry that is going to benefit in the long run.

The Business Minister advised that Guyanese should be willing to carry the burden of oil expenditure, and not only seek to benefit from oil revenue.

“As the owners of this oil, Guyanese people must become the main beneficiaries of those production costs. In other words, we have to benefit not only from oil revenues, but from the spending that is associated with oil production,” he pointed out.

Gaskin said despite the fact that oil and gas will provide growth opportunities, persons should not be dependent only on job opportunities in the sector.

He noted, “We should not be blinkered in our own approach to investments”.

The primary aim of the Local Content Policy is ensuring the education, inclusion and advancement of as many Guyanese as possible in the industry.

As ExxonMobil prepares to officially commence oil production in 2020, there is currently ongoing much preparatory work which requires services tailored to the specific needs of the industry.

E

fforts to ban single-use plastics in Guyana are currently moving at a fast pace, as the Solid Waste Department is currently working on initiatives to eliminate these plastics from the environment.

Single-use plastics are those common everyday items which are made of plastic and are disposed of after being used once. The most common ones are bags, straws, and bottles.

Speaking with Guyana Times International, Solid Waste Director Walter Narine stated that a nationwide consultation has begun to engage the public on discussions relating to the ban. After this phase is completed, Cabinet will be engaged to determine if a bill will be passed for the ban to be imposed.

“After the consultations, they’ll take the G$15 million, which is the estimation to go back to Cabinet and if it’s all favourable, then they would roll out the legislations and regulations and put them in place,” Narine said.

He added that while those consultations were ongoing, the Solid Waste Department would be involved in activities during the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) “City Week”, whereby the public will be educated on the dangerous hazards these plastics pose to the environment.

“What we’re doing is that we have the health fair as an event at “City Week”. There, we’ll be promoting reusable items instead of plastics and we have some education programmes as to the dangers of plastics on the environment and humans,” he explained.

Furthermore at the municipality level, a waste preparation pilot project is scheduled to commence during the first week of this month, which will give persons in various communities the opportunity to compost their waste.

Solid Waste Director Walter Narine

Waste separation will also be part of the activities.

“We’ll be continuing on our part from that aspect and from the municipality part, we’re going to be rolling out a waste preparation pilot project where we will identify a community to do the preparation of waste for storage in the household,” the Solid Waste Director said.

“So, we’re hoping to give each household in the designated communities a receptacle that they can put their waste in and we’re also going to teach the community members there how to do composting. Once they learn how to do composting and they already separate that waste, then they can take that waste to do compost, which will be beneficial to them and to us because that would be less waste,” he added.

In the month of June, World Environment Day was observed under the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution: If you can’t reuse it, refuse it” to raise awareness on pollution related to harmful materials which are disposed of in the environment.

During that time, the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had also announced that steps had been introduced to tackle the scourge of plastic-based pollution.

10 news

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

‘It was the President’s decision’ …Harmon says of appointment of new Energy Dept head

T

he appointment of an economist to head the fledgling Department of Energy, which will have responsibility for Guyana’s new oil and gas sector, has already started to raise eyebrows.

Some have opined that a known expert in the oil sector should have been appointed.

The individual, who was named in the State media on Wednesday as Dr Mark Bynoe, is an environment and resource economist.

When contacted on Wednesday and asked specifically whether the position was advertised, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon would only say that President David Granger made the appointment.

“He was hired by Government; in fact, it is the President’s decision,” Harmon noted. “The Department of Energy was created and we (needed to appoint) someone who would head it. So the President appointed Dr Bynoe to head the Department.”

Harmon related that the President would have taken into account the different fac-

tors before making his decision. The Minister noted that President Granger would have made a determination that Bynoe suited the requirements of the job.

“I’m sure he would have taken all those factors into consideration when making the appointment that this is the person that suits the requirements for the job. That is the President’s determination,” Harmon related.

According to the State media article, Dr Bynoe is a former Director of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences (formerly Environmental Studies Unit) of the University of Guyana and is the holder of a Doctorate in Economics (Environmental Economics) from the University of East Anglia, United Kingdom.

He is also listed as having a Master’s Degree in Resource M a n a g e m e n t , University of Edinburgh, Scotland; a Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies, University of Guyana; a BA in

New Energy Department Head, Dr Mark Bynoe

Geography/Economics (Double Major) from the University of Guyana; a Certificate in Environmental Economics and Policy Analysis, Harvard Institute of International Development, Harvard University, United States of America; and a Certificate in Programme Monitoring and Evaluation hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat, St George’s University in Grenada.

In the State me-

dia article, Harmon was quoted saying that “he has actually

been appointed… the President did introduce him to the quintet of Ministers responsible for oil and gas”. It was also stated in the article that Dr Bynoe would take up his new duties from August 1, 2018.

Government had announced its intention in April of this year to take responsibility for the oil sector from Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, following a proposal he made.

Trotman himself had made the announcement in a taped interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), in which he said, “Government will, in the coming months, establish the Department

of Energy, which will be housed in the Ministry of the Presidency.”

Trotman said also that the Department would be “focused only on the development of the petroleum sector”, based on a proposal that he had made to President David Granger last year.

Trotman, and indeed the Government, has received much criticism for the way the budding oil sector was being handled.

Minister Harmon has been designated the holder of ministerial responsibility for this department.

He announced the creation of the Energy Department to oversee Guyana’s oil and gas sector the next month.

23 persons benefit from successful life-saving surgery at GPHC

T

he International Children’s Heart Foundation (ICHF) has performed another 23 surgeries on infants and adults during its latest visit to Guyana.

The ICHF, locally referred to as the Baby Heart Foundation (BHF), has to date performed 100 procedures during 11 trips over the past three years.

During the month of July, a team of cardiac specialists, both from the ICHF and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), performed life-saving heart surgeries on both babies and adults over a period of two weeks.

This is ICHF’s first trip to Guyana for 2018 and speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), ICHF Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Rodrigo Soto detailed the work done in Guyana during this first trip.

Dr Soto, who is also a paediatric cardiac surgeon, said, “We were able to perform 12 surgeries; of those 12 surgeries, eight or you can say over 50 per cent were complex cases that we were able to deal with.

Also, we did another 11 procedures with the cath lab [Catheterisation Laboratory], so in total it was 23 patients in these two weeks having been served by GPHC and Baby Heart.”

The mission of ICHF is to bring the skills, technology, and knowledge to cure and care for children with congenital heart disease to de-

Dr Rodrigo Soto

veloping nations. That aspect is in the pipeline as ICHF and the GPHC continue to engage the Public Health Ministry on expanding the service and equipping Guyanese to perform the service independently.

According to Dr Soto, approximately 1 in every 100 children will be born with a heart defect that is life-threatening and would require immediate surgical interventions.

When asked about the complex cases seen by doctors, he added, “We have a large number of patients with what we call single ventricle, normally the heart has two ventricles, the right and the left, working together and some patients are born with only one of them and we would have to do some palliative procedures in order for this patient to be able to survive, become adults and actually be useful to society.”

In most cases, children with single-ventri-

cle heart defects require intensive medical intervention soon after birth.

Symptoms vary depending on the severity and type of defect. They include blue or purple tint to the lips, skin and nails (cyanosis); difficulty breathing; difficulty feeding and lethargy (sleepy or unresponsive).

Dr Soto indicated that on this trip there were six such cases; however, there was now a difference after surgery.

They remain under medical supervision until clearance is given by doctors for them to be discharged.

The ICHF is expected to return to Guyana October 6-20, 2018.

Parents with babies with congenital heart diseases and suspected heart complications are encouraged to visit the GPHC’s Echocardiogram laboratory for screening and to be placed on a waiting list for ICHF’s next visit.

news 11

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

ECD four-lane expansion 50 % complete

MPI’s Technical Services Manager, Nigel Erskine

W

orks on the four-lane road expansion along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) are progressing well, according to Technical Services Manager attached to the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Nigel Erskine, who is overseeing the project.

The US$50.2 million East Coast Road Expansion project has two components; one features a four-lane expansion of the road from Better Hope to Annandale, and the other caters for an upgrade to the existing two-lane road from Annandale to Belfield. Works are currently concentrated on the four-lane expansion from Better Hope to Annandale.

In an interview with Guyana Times

International, Erskine explained that work on the four-lane is just about half-way completed.

“With respect to the road works, overall, about 55% of the works within the four-lane section have been completed; because, right now, all works are concentrated within the four lanes.

But for the entire project, including the fourlane extension and the two-lane upgrade, we are currently at about 35% completed,” he related.

This component of the project entails a total length of 16.998 kilometres of roads and 33.996 kilometres of drains to be built. It also includes the construction of seven bridges and the extension of 12 culverts. A median along with street-

lights will be placed in the centre of the four lanes.

Erskine explained that the bridges are so far about 35% completed, with works having commenced on four of them; and of the 12 culverts, works are being carried out on the fourth culvert, which brings this aspect of the works to about 25% completed.

The concrete drains are about 90% completed, while the revetment and retaining walls – a total of 190 metres primarily at the Triumph Sluice – are about 60% completed.

With regards to the road work, 95% of the extension has been completed.

The two-year project is scheduled to be completed in September 2019. However, the contractor is aiming to wrap up the four lanes by the end of this year, after which work would commence on upgrading the two-lane next year.

According to Erskine, given the progress of the project, the year-end deadline is likely to be met.

“We are progressing very (well) right now. We had a prolonged rainy season, but the contractor is doing very well…

We should be able to

meet the deadline,” he noted.

Erskine, however, pointed out that although construction of the four lanes may be completed by the end of this year, the traffic lights and other road signs will not be installed at that time.

“The road safety features and traffic signals may not be completed, but they might do that while the two-lane upgrade is being done,” he

Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government had tried to secure financing for the road expansion project, but the money was not readily available; hence the then administration decided to use local funds for preliminary works while it awaited the release of funds from the Chinese to complete the works. The preliminary works for the four-lane upgrade were completed

tion company reportedly put in the lowest bid of US$46.994 million. The PPP/C Administration had stated that it is saving some G$2.8 billion by giving the contract to China Railway First Group.

Upon completion of the widening and improvement of the East Coast Demerara Highway, citizens travelling along the East Coast will benefit from

Works ongoing on the East Coast Road Expansion project are on track to meet various deadlines (DPI Photo)

said.

Guyana has received a US$45.3 million concessional loan from the China EXIM (ExportImport) Bank to finance the road project, and that agreement was signed in January last year.

Initially, the People’s

at the end of 2014.

With the China EXIM Bank putting up most of the finances for the road expansion, Guyana had awarded the contract to China Railway First Group for some US$42.7 million.

The Chinese construc-

reduced travel time and less traffic congestion.

Apart from the road being expanded, the project includes improved drainage for the East Coast, which is usually susceptible to floods.

12 news

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana Govt making plans to settle Venezuelan migrants in one area

Georgetown Mayor decries low property taxes paid by residents, businesses G

G

Minister Winston Felix

overnment on Monday announced that plans are in progress for the development of a homestead settlement area for the 260 confirmed Venezuelan refugees, who are occupying areas in Region One (Barima-Waini).

This was related by Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix at the conclusion of the third multi-agency coordinating committee meeting held at the Ministry of Citizenship, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown.

In addition to the resettlement area being self-reliant, “it is intended that we [will] develop something like a homestead where families are accumulated and eventually, we can move them into cash crop farming.

We can encourage that so that in the first instance, they can feed themselves and if they have surpluses, they can sell. We are looking at crops for their sustenance and their immediate needs. Once you get that … going, then the next thing is to guide them into areas in which they can sustain themselves. The immediate outcome is that we want to see them properly settled and they must be able to sustain themselves…,” the Minister is quoted by the Ministry of the Presidency as saying.

According to him, the agencies on the committee will continue to play their roles in lending whatever assistance is necessary to those in Region One while assessing the migration of Venezuelans into Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

“In the meantime, the Ministry of Health is continuing its vaccination [efforts]…

[The Department of] Immigration is continuing the registration and support work… The Police [are] also following through with the

support work to this committee. So, all agencies, locally, are locked into this committee to provide services and support for the Venezuelans in Guyana. We are also exploring the situation in Region Seven [in order] to find out where [the Venezuelans] are and what numbers we have to [cater for],” he said.

The Committee has also been working alongside the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF); International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Human Rights’ Council (UNHRC) to determine areas of collaboration and support.

Rather than criminalise the Venezuelans, Minister Felix said that the Committee and, by extension, the Government, have chosen to respond to the situation in a humane manner, with concern for the safety, health, and accommodation of the migrants.

Guyana had, in 2016, convened a meeting of Non-Governmental Organisations and the Private Sector to consider the deteriorating conditions in Venezuela. The Venezuelan Government was, however, not open to receiving any material assistance being offered at the time.

Guyana is already providing medical assistance to many Venezuelans. It has been reported that Venezuelan nationals are crossing into Guyana, especially at Region One, to seek medical treatment for malaria.

There have been persistent reports that owing to a troubled economy and unrest that has gripped that nation, shortages of basic services and food exist in Venezuela, including health services.

eorgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green has decried the low fees that residents and business owners pay for property taxes in the capital city as the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) grapples with the environmental impacts from issues surrounding solid waste management.

Chase Green reiterated the Georgetown M&CC’s position on the current rates at the Regency Hotel on Monday as she addressed a gathering at the Georgetown consultation on the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

“We have no (property) valuations in many years, so persons are paying G$1200 per year for their rates and taxes for their disposal of garbage, cleaning of drains, streetlights and sustainable roads, but G$1200 a year cannot work,” the Mayor noted on Monday.

Observing the need for a green and clean city, she called on environmental stakeholders to forge closer collaboration on combating the is-

Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green

sues of solid waste and flooding, which she observed posed the greatest challenge to Georgetown.

Chase Green added that the two issues were compounded by squatting where many canals cannot be cleared and persons determined to live in the city were encroaching on Government reserves.

The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has attempted to remove squatters in various sections of the city, but has faced much resistance and protests.

Green economy

Head of the Ministry

of the Presidency’s Department of the Environment, Ndibi Schweirs reminded the consultation of the aim of the GSDS which seeks to provide the foundation for an inclusive green economy. At the same time, she noted too that the GSDS’s goals include the diversification of Guyana’s economy, safeguarding the environment and the improvement of human well-being and equity.

“We should position ourselves to be part of development paradigms,” she noted.

Meanwhile, UN

Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative to Guyana, Mikiko Tanaka told the gathering that Georgetown must be prepared to handle the possible risks from more extreme weather patterns, such as intense warming.

Before the consultation ended, Communities Ministry representative, Dr Simpson Da Silva pinpointed that the Ministry was fully committed to Government’s green agenda, and he stressed that it would work with the villages and communities to advance the strategy.

Dr Da Silva underscored that he has been working with various Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) leaders to ensure that a part of the constituencies’ 2019 budgets have provisions for a green state development concept. He indicated that the plan was to “green up the spirits and bodies” of villagers and leaders to get them fully on board with the strategy.

Yarde slams APNU/AFC Govt over several ‘unfulfilled promises’ to workers

P

resident of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Patrick Yarde, on Monday expressed frustration over Government’s unfulfilled promises made to public servants.

In blasting Government for this significant disappointment, the GPSU president said that increased wages and salaries were among other failed promises made by the administration.

“When one hears of an early 2019 budget — and this is what was significantly provoking: you giving publicity to a 2019 budget and things you promised in the 2015 budget you haven’t even addressed — this is so baffling. I want to know if I am going crazy, ‘cause I am trying to understand it: we haven’t even commenced salary negotiations for 2018,” the GPSU president said.

“Is it that we’re idiots? Or isn’t there someone on the other side who could recognise that this thing is out of sequence and should be corrected?” Yarde questioned.

Yarde informed the media that numerous commitments made by the Government are yet to be addressed. He noted that, over a year ago, Government sent a terms of reference “for a committee to look at this thing (wages and salaries’ increases for public servants), and we made sure that we sent back

GPSU President Patrick Yarde

the terms of reference and we said we accept it without a change; and over a year ago, a terms of reference for a committee (and) the committee can’t meet!”

He accused Government of providing only “lip service” to its commitments.

Yarde noted that he understands the coalition Government had inherited some ‘baggage’ from the previous administration, but he nevertheless believes that the time has come to end the sufferings of public servants.

“Leaving aside the assorted baggage inherited from its predecessor, the PPP/C regime, it is the considered opinion of the GPSU that the incumbent political administration has been consider-

ably inattentive to addressing the plight of public servants; so that, apart from failing to alleviate the material suffering of its own workers, the Government has — it would appear — been unmindful of the nexus between a suitably equipped and motivated public service and the efficiency and effectiveness of its own administration,” Yarde declared.

Yarde also pointed out that since the Government ascended to office, it “has been, in large measure, a one-sided encounter in which the administration appears to have been deaf to the appeals of the Union”.

The GPSU president opined that the present situation has enormous effects on the workers, and, as such, should be given ‘positive attention’.

Yarde said President David Granger usually speaks of the good life, and so he is calling on him and his cabinet members to address these burning issues.

He added, “We dare the Government to challenge anything that we have stated here”.

The public servants’ representative declared that public servants have been quiet for far too long, and he said their situation has reached a point of considerable frustration, birthed from disbelief that there is no end to their sufferings.

news 13

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

APNU/AFC’s track record remains poor ..Opposition Leader says early budget will not change views of electorate

F

inance Minister Winston Jordan has announced plans to present an early budget, but Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has said the coalition Administration is still ignoring technical problems associated with an early presentation, and has not learned from the past.

Jagdeo said Minister Jordan may be pushing the presentation of Budget 2019 ahead of the Local Government Elections (LGE), which have been set for November 12, 2018.

He said this may be so far many reasons, but mostly to do with the fact that Government may want to use that to influence the elections.

“I thought that maybe they are trying to catch the Local Government Elections; to present a budget with a few goodies to influence people on how they vote. That is still very likely, knowing how this Government operates. It makes a lot of promises and has a poor track record of fulfilling those promises,” he said.

Jagdeo, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), said the larger issue is that Government continues to ignore the fact that early budgets do not make any sense.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

“The issue is: when you go to the Parliament, you go to debate the framework, and the country expects a discussion on the economic performance in the current year; and based on that performance you will move forward. This is not what we are getting,” Jagdeo declared.

He argued that, in presenting an early budget, the numbers included are not final year numbers; rather, they are numbers related to growth by sector, among others things.

But those figures are up to the time when the budget is presented, and the actual numbers are made public only until the following year.

Jagdeo pointed to previous budgets to make the point that after they had been presented, they had

undergone several revisions of the growth rate — in some cases four times — because the final figure was much lower than the projection made.

For 2017, initially Government had projected that Guyana’s economy would have grown by a 3.8 per cent growth rate for 2017. This projection was reduced to 3.1 per cent. It was then revised downwards again to 2.9 per cent.

The actual performance, 2.1 per cent, was disclosed earlier this year.

Jagdeo, himself a former Finance Minister and President, said the fiscal deficit also varied substantially when the actual numbers were presented.

He said if one were to look at the components of the fiscal deficit, one would see a massive change in cur-

rent and capital expenditures, as well as revenue.

“We had false figures on revenue and expenditure, therefore the fiscal deficit numbers were false.

The numbers were patently false figures,” he said.

As such, he said, on the external side, the balance of payments’ numbers also changed massively.

Jagdeo recalled that when the actual outcome was seen, it was worse by US$200 million. According to him, this could be a recurring problem.

Jagdeo noted that the balance of trade was also distorted. As such, he said, if the Minister — and by extension, the Government — is serious about presenting budgets that would have some impact and meaning, then it should wait until January, and they can have actual numbers to work with.

“We have a Minister who says nothing about the concerns that have been raised. What we will have is another debate on numbers that look great, but in a month, when the actual numbers are available for the year end, we will see a totally different picture,” he reasoned.

Previously, Jagdeo had said that an early budget puts the PPP parliamentarians at a major disad-

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

vantage when debating the financial expenditures of the Government in the National Assembly.

He asserted that there will be a month of “basically the Government being able to do what it wants, because it would have come to Parliament with a figure, but that figure would have had projections.”

The former Junior Finance Minister, Juan Edghill, has also maintained that Government’s early budget was a means of evading public scrutiny, and a means by which to hide their underperformance.

Edghill maintained there was no haste for an early budget presentation, noting that, historically, the country’s budget was

presented in the first quarter of the fiscal year.

Government recently admitted that despite some slight improvement in the Public Sector Investment Projects (PSIPs), “tremendous” challenges continue to be faced, particularly with foreign-financed projects.

Jordan has said it is not where he wants it to be. Compiled annually, the PSIP contains capital investment projects funded under the domestic capital budget, and projects financed through external aid.

In February this year, a critical analysis of PSIPs between 2014 and mid2017 revealed that the performances of many projects left much to be desired.

14

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

15

16 news

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

High drama in National Assembly

…as MP Harry Gill sent to Privileges Committee over letter to editor

Opposition MP Harry Gill

M

onday’s sitting of the National Assembly got underway with Opposition parliamentarian Harry Gill being reprimanded for a letter to the editor he wrote which was published in Monday’s edition of sections of the media. The letter alleged bias in the Speaker of the National Assembly’s decisions.

According to Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland, the letter was brought to his attention by an unnamed person. He pointed out that the Speaker can only be challenged through a motion. Dr Scotland did stop short of sanctioning Gill. But not satisfied with the reprimand, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo rose and pushed for Gill to be referred to the

Committee of Privileges.

The PM, who was strangely able to make a lengthy statement against Gill and cite specific cases to bolster his argument for sanctions, invoked Standing Order 91, which speaks to referring Members of Parliament to the Committee when the “powers and privileges” of the Assembly are at stake.

The House descended into an uproar as Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira came to Gill’s defence.

Teixeira was fierce in denunciating Nagamootoo’s motion.

According to Teixeira, the motion was improperly put over

PM Moses Nagamootoo

and moreover, threatened the right to freedom of expression.

PPP/C Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

“The privileges motion was not properly put in the first place. We brought a privileges motion in this House.

What is happening to the privileges motion against (Social Cohesion Minister) Dr (George) Norton? Freedom of expression is protected outside this House. You are damaging the right of freedom (of expression) in this country,” Teixeira said, to thunderous thuds on the desks from the Opposition side.

However, the Speaker ordered that part of her statements be expunged from the records since he did not give her leave to speak. Dr Scotland then took the step of referring Gill to the Privileges Committee.

Set-up

Speaking to Guyana Times International afterwards, Gill was of the firm opinion that the Prime Minister’s preparedness pointed to a set-up.

“It’s obvious that it was a set-up. The Prime Minister had all the documents; he didn’t just Google and pull them up. He came prepared for it. I invite you to look at the video. I put a link in the letter. I invite you to look at the letter and judge for yourself. I must remind you that Dr George Norton was supposed to have gone before the Committee of Privileges almost a year now and nothing

Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland

has happened.

“But they want to bring

me before the Committee of Privileges. What I did, I think, was free speech. I did not condemn the actions of the Speaker of the House. I did it as a private citizen too. I’m entitled to protection of free speech, in our Constitution.

This Speaker needs to see how he is perceived, not only by me but other persons.”

In the letter titled, “There are inconsistencies in the Speaker’s rulings on sub judice and other matters”, Gill had cited cases in which Opposition parliamentarians were continuously interrupted by the Speaker when they criticised the Government side. He referenced the case of frontbencher Irfaan Ali. “During the recent debate on financial bills, Irfaan Ali, another brilliant mind on the Opposition side, was extremely critical of the borrow-and-spend policy of the [A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change] APNU/AFC Government that is likely to see the economy accelerate into bankruptcy if allowed to go unchecked.

“The moment my colleague attempted to expose the dismal statistics to prove the economy was not performing, he was interrupted by the Speaker, who cautioned him continuously to “return to the Bill’,” Gill had also written.

(Jarryl Bryan)

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

17

18

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

19

20 news

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Ex-soldier found guilty of killing friend

F

ormer Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officer Alistair Woolford, who was discharged from the Army after shooting his friend nearly four years ago, was on Monday found guilty of manslaughter.

A 12-member jury after three hours of deliberation found him guilty of discharging a loaded firearm at Devon Howell with intent to murder him on November 21, 2014 at D’Andrade Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

The verdict was returned 10-2 in favour of conviction as Woolford’s friends and family members turned out in their numbers to offer him support. He had little reaction when the decision was read in court.

Howell’s relatives were also present. It was only last week that the accused said that Howell’s death was accidental and noted that he was only joking around when he squeezed the trigger.

Woolford told the court last week that he trusted that his squaddie, Jonathon Williams, would not have given him a firearm with live rounds inside. He had also expressed that he sincerely believed that the firearm, which was a 9mm silver GDF service pistol, was empty.

Howell was hospitalised after the incident, but succumbed to his injuries on December 8, 2014.

Alistair Woolford

Woolford’s friend, Jonathan Williams, had testified that he left his service pistol on top Woolford’s fridge before he used the washroom.

According to reports back then, Woolford and Howell were taking turns feeling the gun Russian roulette style when Howell was shot in the neck.

G o v e r n m e n t Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh has given the cause of death as “respiratory failure” as a result of fractures to the spine.

He observed a circular wound to the neck. He said that he saw wounds to the front and back of the neck.

Howell reportedly received injuries to his upper spinal cord, and died without regaining consciousness. Woolford will be sentenced by Justice Sandil Kissoon when his court resumes in August.

The defendant was represented by Attorneys Compton Richardson and Hewley Griffith while State Counsels Mandell Moore and Abigail Gibbs prosecuted the case.

news 21

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Motion to grant duty-free concessions for FIU officials defeated

…as empty Govt seats shift power balance

By Jarryl Bryan

T

he coalition Government has held a one-seat majority since 2015, but in a series of unprecedented events in the National Assembly on Monday, its own motion was defeated when a division of votes was called.

This was as a result of the absence and even abstention of several Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Government side, which ultimately doomed the motion to grant duty-free concessions to two Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) officials.

The Opposition argued that the motion, in Social Cohesion Minister Dr George Norton’s name, should be withdrawn and the benefits be granted across the board. It was argued that even though the qualifications of the two officials were similar to several Attorneys or accountants in the State’s employ, others did not enjoy duty free concessions for 2000-cylinder capacity (cc) vehicles.

“The fact is the ap-

pointments committee wants to bring a benefit to two employees within that unit. To do this, they have to amend the law and make it part of their benefits in the law,” Opposition parliamentarian Irfaan Ali said.

Ali also noted that the granting of these concessions should reside with Finance Minister Winston Jordan and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner General Godfrey Statia.

“We can’t adjust based on the committee.

We have to adjust based on principles and on position. So, we have to say here we are going to create a new category of posts that would benefit from such concessions.

For example, you will have other persons appointed by the committee that will now say, we are of the same qualification.

We were appointed by the same committee, on the same level. Why is it we are not considered for the granting of such concessions” “So, I want to propose he bring an amendment to the Act to deal with this issue, or we

Opposition MP Irfaan Ali

take a holistic position dealing with all positions in this category, that we will now give equal treatment. And that we cannot direct the Minister of Finance or Commissioner General,” Ali argued, noting that this would breach existing laws and principles.

Criteria

M e a n w h i l e , Opposition parliamentarian Adrian Anamaya argued that certain criteria have to be used before a public official should be granted a duty-free concession. He noted that such persons should not only have a need for the vehicle, but also should have put in years of ser-

vice.

“It is only conferred on you depending on your posting, if where you’re posted requires a vehicle of a certain kind and then you’re qualified.

For example, if you’re a prosecutor in a particular district and you’re required to travel a lot, then you understand that rationale. Similarly, if you’re a Police Officer at the level of ASP, you are automatically qualified. But you would not have reached here unless you put in your dues.”

Former Minister within the Finance Ministry, Juan Edghill, also raised concerns over the motion. As a member of the Committee of Appointments that Dr Norton had chaired, he made his disagreement with the motion clear.

“I sat as a member of the Committee when the terms of reference and qualifications were set for all these positions. The qualifications for the Attorney at the FIU were the same as a State Counsel at the AG Chambers and the Director of Public Prosecutions chambers.

Do the State Counsels

Opposition MP Juan Edghill

enjoy duty-free vehicles of 2000 cc? The answer is no!” Edghill said.

“The criteria for the accountant are the same as the accountant for any ministry or agency. This is not a super person. And do any public servants with ACCA or bachelor degree in accounting enjoy a duty-free concession of 2000 cc? The answer is no!” Edghill added.

A division was subsequently called, but even though the Chambers rang bells calling all members to take up their seats, it was evident that several seats, including Finance Minister

Winston Jordan’s, would remain empty for the vote. By the time the dust had settled, 26 voted for the motion to be carried and 28 voted against.

There are 65 seats in Guyana’s Parliament.

When their names were called, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and Business Minister Dominic Gaskin both announced they were abstaining. A few members, including Jordan, reappeared following the vote.

If passed, the motion in question would have granted the newly-appointed accountant and Attorney-At-Law for the FIU duty-free concessions. The FIU is an agency that acts under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) laws. The powers of the agency – which is intended to liaison with other agencies in the AML fight – when dealing with judicial arms of the State have already been criticised by the Opposition.

Bee Hive accident

One of the victims had just returned from the US to attend friend’s wedding

N

ineteen-year-old Varshni Khemraj, also called ‘Varsha’ and ‘Shelly,’ of Canefield Settlement, East Canje Berbice, and 27-year-old Satyanand Harripersaud, also called ‘Avin,’ of Lot 97 Sawah Village, Cane Grove, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, lost their lives when the car in which they were travelling reportedly collided with another vehicle and ended up in a canal at Bee Hive, East Coast Demerara.

This incident occurred on Sunday at about 22:15h, when the car Harripersaud was driving, PSS 9153, allegedly swerved into the path of motor car PTT 5270 and a collision resulted. Upon impact, Harripersaud reportedly lost control of his vehicle, and it ended up submerged in a nearby canal.

After several minutes under water, the two persons were eventually extracted from the vehicle and were rushed to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.

The driver of the other car, who hails from Atlantic Gardens, East Coast Demerara, was unhurt, but is presently assisting Police with their investigations. A breathalyser test to

which he was subjected found no trace on alcohol in his system.

When this newspaper visited Harripersaud’s Mahaica residence on Monday, his mother, Gomattie Singh, said her son had left home at about 20:00h to go to the KK Service Station to lime with his friend; and at about 22:00h, she received the tragic news of the accident.

She said she and other relatives immediately rushed to the Mahaicony Hospital, where they saw both her son and the young lady lying in the tray of a Police vehicle. She said she had initially thought the Police were waiting on the stretchers to take them into the hospital, but after some time had elapsed, she was informed that they were both dead.

“I say, ‘Nah man! Them ain’t dead! Look them lying in the trunk of the van!’” she noted.

She said it took some convincing for her to believe that her son was gone; because, at the hospital, she did not see any injuries on his body, but she then learnt that they might have drowned.

While she did not have the details about what had taken place, she noted that her son had returned from the United States only on Saturday last, to

attend the marriage ceremony of one of his relatives, slated for this weekend.

“On Sunday night he tell me that he going and reach up he friends… He doesn’t always go to KK when he in Guyana, but after he come back from US on Saturday, he say he want to see he friends,” she recounted.

The dead man’s distraught father said he is waiting on the Police to say what had actually transpired. He said his son had been a welder and a good son.

Another relative told Guyana Times International that as the young man was returning home, he swerved from hitting a car that was exiting a street, but this move turned out to be deadly.

“After he swerved from hitting the car, the car that was coming from the opposite side clipped his rear wheel and caused him to lose control and end up in the trench”, the relative related.

When this newspaper visited the scene of the accident, tyre marks were evident on the roadway. A Bee Hive resident explained that she was at home when she heard the crashing sound, and as she peeped outside, she saw the car in the canal.

She said her son and a few

Dead teenager: Varshni Khemraj, also called “Shelly" and "Varsha”

other men from the village ran to the scene, but the windows of the motorcar were up, and the men were thus forced to break it to get to the injured persons.

By the time the duo were pulled from the canal, they were already in a motionless state.

Harripersaud had probably been drinking, since beer bottles were observed at the scene.

Meanwhile, Shanta Latchman, an aunt of the late Varshni Khemraj, explained that her sister’s daughter was originally from Canje, Berbice, but was spending time with her.

She recalled that, on Sunday night, her daughter and the now dead teen had left home to “take a walk’’ at the popular liming spot, KK Service Station; and

Dead: Satyanand Harripersaud, also called "Avin"

after some time had elapsed, she received dreaded news of the accident by means of a telephone call.

“My daughter say that Shelly and Avin left to go look for food and she stayed back at KK…” she stated.

Latchman noted that after she received the telephone call, she went to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, where she saw the motionless bodies of the two young people.

She noted that it was hard for her to inform her sister of the young woman’s demise, since her sister is ailing.

The bodies of the two young people were taken to the Lyken’s Funeral Home to await a post mortem. (Bhisham Mohamed)

22 NEWS

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana Govt says SWF Green Speeding driver Paper for Parliament by August hits holidaying

T

he Green Paper on the Natural Resources Fund (NRF), which will deal with the question of management of anticipated oil revenues starting in 2020, is anticipated to be laid in the National Assembly next month.

This is according to Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who told reporters last Friday that the Green Paper — a report on Government’s proposals — was presented to Cabinet to be reviewed. According to Jordan, a second review will be done when Cabinet next meets on July 31.

“We will revise the paper in time for presentation to the last Parliament, which is on or before August 10, 2018,” he explained, adding that the draft legislation for the fund is with the Attorney General’s Chambers.

“Once the AG’s Chambers (are) finished with that bill, it will get its review at Cabinet, and then we will put it out for consultations.

We will take back whatever comments, and then we will revise the bill and make it ready for Parliament,” he ex-

French teen at Wales

A

The SWF/NRF Green Paper will be laid in the National Assembly next month

plained, adding that the bill will be laid in the National Assembly by the year end.

In referring to some of the announcements made in a press statement issued by Government through the Finance Ministry, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo recently said he still did not agree with the model being proposed for the Natural Resource Fund, which could cater for a representative from the Opposition.

“We don’t want politicians — we ourselves — to manage this money.

This fund has to be independently technically managed — not by politicians again and stored at the Central Bank. We have a problem with that model; it departs radically from best practices, like (obtains in) Norway and the other countries,” he added.

Government has said that legislation in relation to the fund could be laid in Parliament before the end of the year, as indicated in Budget 2018.

It said that the proposed legislation addresses two main issues: stability of the economy, and saving for future generations.

Advice on this fund is being sought from the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Jagdeo has also criticised the Government for peddling a political assessment of the oil and gas sector. “The real substantive matters are still not being addressed,” he said, while noting that Finance Minister Winston Jordan has been engaged in a lot of fluff talks with members of the public on this matter.

visiting French 14-year-old girl is now hospitalised after a motor car reportedly struck her while she was walking along the Wales, West Bank Demerara Public Road on Saturday.

The vising child has been identified as Trista Bernard.

While information remains sketchy, Guyana Times International understands that the teenager and her immediate family members were visiting relatives in the Wales area and were in the process of crossing the public road when a reportedly speeding driver operating a ‘silver car’ hit her.

Her mother was said to have witnessed the entire ordeal.

According to eyewitness reports, the girl was tossed into the air for a few seconds, but was spared from hitting the road as she ended up on a heap of sand that was near

the road’s shoulders.

This publication understands that she was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH).

The teen suffered lacerations to her body, especially to her legs.

It was also related that moments after the accident, a Police rank was present at the scene, as he was driving a vehicle in the same direction when the accident occurred.

Reports are that the driver, who was identified as a Wales resident, was taken into custody and later transported to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station, where he remains in custody. The Police have confirmed that an investigation was launched into the accident.

The teen remains in hospital, but is said to be in stable condition.

NEWS 23

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Lindo Creek CoI report recommends Man accused of killing father-in-law compensation for families after he intervened T in domestic dispute faces murder charge

A

farmer was last Saturday killed by his son-inlaw after he reportedly intervened in a fight between him and his wife at Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini).

The dead man has been identified as 67-year-old Dennis Williams of Canal Bank, Port Kaituma.

Based on reports received, about 03:00h on Saturday, the 36-yearold suspect and two of his friends were consuming alcohol outside his home and as time swiftly went by, he allowed the two friends to stay over.

His wife and daughter later ventured out into the yard to use the washroom and it was then the suspect accused the woman of leaving the house to see his friends. As such, he began to beat her and created a fracas.

Upon hearing the commotion, her father

who resides nearby crossed the river with his boat and stopped the man from beating his daughter. To avoid a reoccurrence, Williams reportedly stayed with his daughter until the break of day.

Around 06:30h, Williams was returning home in his boat and it was at this time his son-in-law got into a fit of rage and ran him over with a boat.

Williams fell into the water and disappeared.

A search was launched and the now dead man’s lifeless body was pulled from the canal. He sustained severe injuries to his head as a result of the hit he received from the boat.

He was taken to the Port Kaituma Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The suspect was arrested and was expected to be charged with murder.

he completed report for the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the June 2008 Lindo Creek Massacre recommends, among other things, that compensation be given to the families of the eight murdered miners.

This is according to Retired Justice Donald Trotman, who headed the CoI which commenced earlier this year. The report was handed over to President David Granger at State House, Main Street, Georgetown.

The lone commissioner reasoned that the compensation to the families is necessary since they would have faced economic challenges since the death of their loved ones.

Meanwhile, Granger stated that it is the intention of his Government for Guyanese to live in a society without brutality.

To this end, he asserted that the CoI will continue into other past massacres- which he termed as “troubles”- as the Administration is committed to ascertaining the intellectual authors of the various killings.

Almost 10 years after the eight miners were killed, the Commission

President Brigadier David Granger receives the final Lindo Creek COI report from retired Justice Donald Trotman at State House, Guyana.

of Inquiry (CoI) into the Lindo Creek Massacre, which has been dubbed a “kangaroo commission” commenced in February.

Trotman, 80, was the lone commissioner selected by Granger to oversee the CoI. The Commissioner had said that the main objective of the CoI was to find the truth and to bring healing and closure to the nation as a whole.

He expressed hope

that the Lindo Creek and other inquiries would help bring about reconciliation among Guyanese.

President Granger had described Lindo Creek as a “massacre of the innocence”, saying that his Government believed the way the investigation was handled indicated that there was a high level of collusion.

He had also rejected suggestions to extend the CoI’s focus to several years before 2008 when

other major criminal activities had plagued the country.

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

This is just one of the reasons why the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had expressed skepticism about participating and supporting the work of the Commission as the party believes that given the manner in which the CoI was dragged, constituted and the commentary from senior Government officials, it is designed to achieve a political outcome and continue the Government’s programme of witch-hunting Opposition personalities.

The PPP/C has even said that the inquiry should have started from the period 1998 when the real wave of ethno-political violence commenced, which would assist in addressing the root cause of the violence.

24 news

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

US, Germany firms to promote Destination Guyana

A

s part of the growing demand for local tourism, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) on Tuesday announced the appointment of two new market representation firms to promote Destination Guyana in the North American and German travel markets.

The aim of this venture is to increase visits from these targeted destinations.

The new firms, Emerging Destinations in partnership with Green Team Global, will be representing Guyana in the United States and Canada, while Fastforward Marketing, a subsidiary of Travel Marketing Romberg, will be representing Guyana in Germany.

The market representatives will be working year-round to raise awareness and fur-

ther establish Guyana’s presence in these markets, increase demand, and strengthen the direct connections between international tour operators, travellers and the Guyanese travel trade.

There are daily nonstop flights to Guyana available from New York, Miami, Toronto, Panama City, and a number of Caribbean islands, which have direct access to the United Kingdom and Germany.

According to the GTA, in a press statement on Tuesday, the US, Canada, and the UK are Guyana’s core markets, and Germany is an investment market for travellers who are seeking out authentic nature, culture and adventure experiences.

The release further noted that Guyana is well-positioned to become the next must-see

GTA Director Brian Mullis

destination for adventurous travellers.

“Formally entering these markets is a critical component of Guyana’s overall

tourism strategy,” explained GTA Director Brian Mullis. “We are confident that our newly-formed strategic alliances with Emerging

Destinations, Green Team Global, and Fastforward Marketing will effectively bring Destination Guyana into the global tourism

marketplace and meet the growing demand for the increasing number of travellers that are looking for the wealth of natural and cultural heritage we have in abundance.”

The appointment of North American and German market representation firms comes during an exciting time for the tourism industry in Guyana.

With the recent launch of the new Destination Guyana website, the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, increased airlift to Guyana from international carriers such as American Airlines, and the GTA working to secure market representation in the UK Market before the end of the year, the tourism sector is well poised for growth and positive impact.

Criminal elements will be “crushed”

…incoming T&T Top Cop talks tough (Trinidad Guardian)

D

eclaring that “criminals are worse than cockroaches,” incoming Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith says the criminal element will be “crushed.”

And while the criminal element may have no fear of God, Griffith on Tuesday promised: “I will ensure that they have the fear of Gary.”

“The happy hour is over,” Griffith added, as said his job “is to go after the low life elements who continue to deprive law-abiding citizens of their right of safety and security.”

Griffith has been criticised for his reference to the criminal element as “cockroaches,” but yesterday he said he stood by his statement.

“I refer to them as cockroaches, yes that is what they are, what they are doing is affecting the safety and security of every citizen of this country, they are nothing else and they should be crushed,” he said.

Despite this apparent stance, he committed to doing what is required “within the law to ensure the safety and security of citizens is adhered to.”

Speaking on the CNC3 Morning Brew yesterday, Griffith said

the criminal element he referred to as cockroaches are those who “kill people, rape peo-

must know the T&T Police Service “will show what the police can do.”

As he made the me-

them that what they are doing is against the law.

I intend to fight fire with fire within the law.”

Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith

ple, who terrorise people and you are saying they should not be referred to as cockroaches?

Well the day one of your loved ones is killed by a coldblooded murderer and you can’t see them as anything else, that is your perception.”

Asked whether he was adopting a hard-line approach to the criminal element, Griffith made it clear that he was.

“That is what law enforcement is about,” he said, adding those who decide to break the law

dia rounds yesterday, Griffith, in another interview, said the “two to three thousand hardened criminals who have sophisticated weapons have reached the point of no return and the only way to deal with them is by accepting the fact that we have to do it to them before they do it to us and within the law.”

He said he had no intention of negotiating with criminal elements.

“I have no intention to try to influence them verbally or to explain to

He said while some may say it’s a “bullying tactic,” it was the only way to deal with individuals who feel they are in “full control of their own blocks and areas and no one can tell them what they can do. I intend to do differently.”

In doing that, he said the police will have a “minimum force policy which is from verbal persuasion to the communication back up to the pepper spray, the tasers, to rubber bullets to the firearms,” as he

signalled that the police will utilise whatever it has to do deal with dealing with the problem to ensure success.

He said what the country had seen in the last several months was not just gang-related activity.

“The country has become a very violent one where persons feel they can commit criminal activity without any fear of being arrested.”

Griffith said he intended to utilise the 8000-plus “loyal and dedicated men and women” of the police service to “do what is required to ensure safety and security.”

Under his watch, he promised a faster response to calls to the E999, “high visibility, rapid response, improvement in technology, certain things can and will be done.”

Declaring that the Police Service is a very powerful unit, Griffith said there are many dedicated men and women who are willing to serve, and he was confident that working together and with the strategies to be implemented there will be a reduction in crime and homicides.

Griffith refused to give any timeline on when the population will see a difference in the daily rising homicide rate, but he said his intention is to double the effort he made when he was national security minister, “because now I will have the operational ability to implement many things at a faster rate than I was able to as minister.”

“The Commissioner can be the catalyst towards crime turning around or even increase if he does not use his resources in the right manner,” he said.

He would not be drawn into debate on whether acting Commissioner Stephen Williams had failed in that regard, saying as far as he was concerned Williams was “a true patriot”.

“There is nothing I can say other than give him full credit for the sacrifice he made,” Griffith said.

Griffith said his 78-point plan of action will also see the re-establishment of some units which were disbanded, the disbanding or watering down of other units, asset acquisition, training and the use of technology. He also signalled his intention to revitalise the National Operations Centre (NOC).

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

25

26

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

27

28

WEEK ENDING aUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

29

30

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Untouchable…

Y

…PNC big ones

our Eyewitness isn’t the least surprised that the powers-that-be decided no charges would be laid against Simona Broomes for her actions at the Amazonia Mall in Providence. After all, as she pointed out early in her public life – when she insisted on ignoring the Police and leading a “trafficking in persons” (TIP) raid in Bartica that rounded up 29 foreign women, whom she shipped to Georgetown.

Rather than being reprimanded for breaking the law and entering private property without a warrant, the Minister was allowed to get away with her highhandedness!

But the behaviour at Amazonia crossed a line that was forbidden by the LAW OF THE LAND: she filed a “false report” with the Police that didn’t only waste the Police’s time (which is one charge right there, since she knew her statement was false) but her false report “perverted the course of justice” – a much more serious charge. What are the elements of this charge?

Now, dear reader, Broomes satisfied every element of those crimes – “filing a false report” to the Police and “perversion of the course of justice”. She fully knew she was lying in her teeth against those two poor security guards…and she certainly had the opportunity to retract!! Her asking reporters “Wha’ alyu talking ‘bout?” reinforced her unrepentant behaviour over her crime. In terms of reputation, apart from Broomes’s early damage, her partisans have further damaged one of the guard’s reputation by making all sorts of allegations against him.

So we return to the question as to why Broomes is allowed to get away with her bullyism. Well, in Guyana, Burnham’s original PNC made its reputation on “might is right” through the bullyism of folks like Hamilton Green. …James Patterson Because of the existential danger of Executives in democratic governments subverting constitutionally built-in mechanisms that prevent dictatorial rule, in addition to the ‘separation of powers” doctrine, several institutions of the state are given constitutional protection against Executive interference. But this has never stopped the Executive from trying to work around such controls!

One such institution is GECOM. For obvious reasons, since we suffered for 28 years from rigged elections caused by an Executive-pliant body, a consensual mechanism between the President and the Opposition Leader was introduced via Art 161 (2) to prevent Executive unilateralism.

We don’t have to rehearse the stipulations; do we, dear reader?

Yet CJ (ag) George ruled that President Granger could reject the list of names provided by the Opposition Leader and appoint someone originating from the judiciary as Chairman of GECOM!! In interpreting Constitutional Articles, the primary question has to be: “What was the PURPOSE of the stipulations?” In this case, it was clearly to prevent Executive unilateralism!!

Your Eyewitness is pleased this anomaly’s being reviewed promptly!!

31

32 fEATURE

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

CPL 2018

T

he name Keemo Paul has been floating around in the cricketing world for a while now, but now we can safely say that it has been cemented as a player of caliber and pure talent. Keemo is the definition of an Island boy. He was born on the Island of Saxacalli in the Essequibo River and then moved to Wakenaam Island at the age of 8 where he started his cricketing career.

He made his List A debut on 16 January 2015 in the 2014–15 Regional Super50 tournament. In December 2015, Keemo was named in the West Indies squad for the 2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. During the tournament, Paul attracted some controversy when he mankaded (run out a batsman before bowling the ball) in the last over of the final group match between the West Indies and Zimbabwe.

The West Indies won the

finished second in their group, qualifying for the quarter-finals and eventually going on to win the tournament. He took 7 wickets throughout the competition, including 2 in the final against India, as well as averaging over 40 with the bat for the tournament.

He made his first-class debut for Guyana in the 2016–17 Regional Four Day Competition on 18 March 2017. He made his Twenty20 debut for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the 2017 Caribbean Premier League on 5 August 2017. In October 2017, he scored his maiden century in first-class cricket, Keemo with some young fans batting for Guyana against Jamaica in match and consequently the 2017–18 Regional

Keemo celebrates with teammate Luke Ronchi at last year’s CPL

Four Day Competition.

In June 2018, he was named the Emerging Cricketer of the Year at the annual Cricket West Indies' Awards.

On 9 March 2018, Paul was added to the West Indies squad for the 2018 Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament, after Sheldon Cottrell suffered an injury. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut for the West Indies against Afghanistan in the World Cup Qualifier on 15 March 2018.

He was also named in the West Indies squad for their Twenty20 International (T20I) series against Pakistan.

He made his T20I debut for the West Indies

against Pakistan on 1 April 2018.

In July 2018, he was named in the West Indies Test squad for the series against Bangladesh and made his Test debut for the West Indies on 12 July 2018.

A product of the Guyanese age group cricket, Keemo is inspired by state-mate Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Keemo Paul rightly so got to debut for the senior side in ODIs and T20Is. Now Keemo is a part of the Guyana Amazon Warriors once again and this time he intends to make sure that the team crosses the finish line.

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

feature 33

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

By Lakhram Bhagirat

A

No one in Cindya’s family plays professional cricket, but they all share a common love for the game. If one was to measure, then Cindya and her father would outshine her mother and brother. She explains that her father’s love for the game fuelled her love as he would often relate his experiences watching past games at the Bourda Cricket Ground.

“He would share statistics and many cricketing memories with me.

Listening to him speak about cricket gives me goose bumps every time. My dad and I share a strong bond and cricket makes that bond e v e n stronger,” s h e said.

part from professional cricketers, not many people would say that they were born to love the game, but that is not the case with Cindya Khellawan, since she feels that cricket is part of her existence. No, she is not a cricketer, but rather a professional fan.

Ask Cindya about any aspect of the game and she would be able to quite easily explain it, or give you statistics and provide the ranking of each player. Cindya hails from the village of Ocean View, Uitvlugt on the West Coast of Demerara and while growing up, according to her, she was a “girly-girl”.

However, her parents wanted her W h i l e and her brother to this generbe well-rounded ination loves dividuals and exthe shortposed them to many er format of things and for her, the game, from the first time Cindya enshe heard cricket joys watchcommentary, she ing a good fell instantly in g a m e love. of Test “At a very cricket. tender age, I beHaving gan spending a t h a t lot of time lislove for Cindya’s signed Amazon Warriors T-Shirt tening to crickT e s t et commentary cricket on the radio and does not mean she will not watch and watching matches on the television enjoy the other formats, since she says with my dad. It’s obviously exciting to each format holds a special place in her watch matches on the television, but at heart. a young age, I also developed love and Whenever there is cricket in Guyana, appreciation for radio commentary. Cindya is always present and when I I was very inquisitive as a child and asked her whether she would be at the asked my dad questions about crick- Providence National Stadium supportet all the time. This was where it all ing the Guyana Amazon Warriors durstarted. Now, my dream is to one day ing their Caribbean Premier League become a cricket commentator and to (CPL) home games, the answer was an some day start my own television pro- instantaneous “yes!” gramme called “At the Crease with “I will be going to all the Guyana Cindya”.” games! The atmosphere at the

Providence National Stadium for CPL games is always phenomenal and I’m so excited for this year! Absolutely looking forward to celebrating with thousands of other Guyanese at Providence in August and September. I just love how cricket brings us all together.”

When I asked her what are the prospects of the Guyana Amazon Warriors taking bringing home the trophy this year, this is what she had to say, “For quite some time, the Warriors have been considered the underdogs.

However, they’ve proven themselves to be one of the most consistent teams since the birth of CPL. We’re yet to win a title and it will be interesting to see how this year’s Hero CPL unfolds. I’m excited to see our youngsters Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul and Sherfane Rutherford perform. I’m happy Luke Ronchi and Chadwick Walton are with us again this year. They’re bringing a wealth of experience with them along with Delport, Malik and Mohammed.

Tahir, Tanvir, Bishoo, Permaul and Emrit are all good with the ball. We’ve got a good balance and it could very well be our year to win that title and trophy!”

Her excitement when she speaks about cricket is infectious and would

Cindya Khellawan

convince those who are not even fans of the game to at least give it a try. She describes herself as a proud Guyanese in every shape and form, adding that whenever Guyana is playing a game, she always backs them.

“I’ve always been very patriotic to my country regardless of the format and layout of the game. Though CPL is franchise cricket, at the end of the day the Warriors out in the middle are representing the Golden Arrowhead and for that reason I am a Warriors fan.”

Cindya has already secured her tickets to cheer on the Guyana Amazon Warriors, have you? (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Cindya with her father and brother at a cricket match

34 FEATURE HERO CPL

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Akshaya sporting a Guyana Amazon Warriors tee and flying the Golden Arrowhead at the Providence National Stadium during the 2017 CPL Tournament

By Lakhram Bhagirat

O

ne year ago, Akshaya Persaud was sitting in the sun-beaten red stands of the Providence National Stadium cheering on the Guyana Amazon Warriors as they fought a diligent battle against the Trinbago Knight Riders. Today, he cannot believe that he is a part of the Warriors squad heading into the 2018 Caribbean Premier League(CPL) games.

It is truly a surreal experience for Akshaya, but one that he plans to

capitalise on and make his mark in the cricketing world. For the superhyped 21-year-old, cricket runs through his blood and is part of his DNA since he grew up seeing his father playing.

Akshaya is the eldest of four and is a country boy at heart, having grown up in the quiet village of Cornelia Ida on the West Coast of Demerara. Family, for him, is the foundation of everything and their support has never been lacking resulting in him accomplishing great things.

He received his for-

m a l education within his village at the Cornelia Ida Primary School and then the Saraswati Vidya Niketan where he wrote and passed 14 subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level.

Cricket has always been a part of Akshaya’s life as he fondly remembers using his mother’s “beeta” (a wooden bat-shaped object used to wash clothes) to play since he was too young to

Akshaya Persaud

he’s my first coach.”

One of the things Akshaya handle loves about his a bat. Most childhood is of his afterthe fact that noons and he grew up in weekends a community throughthat was tightout primaly ,knitted and ry school inshared a comvolved him mon love for a with his “beegood game of ta” batting cricket. They did for hours as not care whether the other the game was on boys within the streets with the neighmakeshift bourhood wickets or bowled. on the pitch Did it go As time or on the field; for 6? p r o as long as there was gressed, a game they were he graduated from the present. This just fuelled “beeta” to an actual bat, his love for the game and which made the competi- when he turned eight, he tion much tougher, since joined the Cornelia Ida his father would be on Cricket Club and has the sidelines to help with never looked back. his strokes and form.

“I was the youngDespite cricket be- est player on the team. ing an integral part of Many times, my father Akshaya’s life, his par- would sit out for me to ents never allowed him to get an opportunity to lose sight of the benefits play. After making my of a complete education. debut for my home club, When he was around 14 there was no turning years old, Akshaya had back there. I represented to quit cricket to pay the club at all levels,” he much more attention to said. his traditional educaOver the years, tion. This went on for ap- Akshaya would have the proximately three years, opportunity to represent but according to him, the his club at the Under-13, sacrifice was well worth 15, 17, 19 and senior levit, since he would secure els. As he rose through 14 CSEC passes. the ranks, he would also Akshaya is a staunch captain the team at variHindu and says the ous intervals. His success teachings of his dhar- is credited to his hard ma are what keep him work and determinagrounded and focused. tion, but he says that is “My love for cricket only one part as the othstarted when I was start- er part involves a man ing to walk as a baby named Rabindranauth boy. My dad used to play Seeram. cricket and everywhere Seeram has been he went to play, I would coaching the young allgo with him. Sometimes rounder for a number of while they were playing years. Akshaya’s superb on the field, my friends talent with the bat and and I would have our ball would lead him to own game happening at be selected to represent the side of the pavilion. Guyana in the Under-15, My father would usual- 17 and 19 tournaments. ly bowl me whenever he He would later be awardwas home from work. I ed an academy conwould proudly say that tract to train with the

Guyana Jaguars and in 2016, during the inaugural Jaguars Franchise League, he scored over 400 runs and topped the top 10 batsmen list. This success further catapulted him and he scored 520 runs the following year and was again the leading scorer for the tournament.

After two successful years of domestic cricket, he made his regional First-Class debut for the Guyana Jaguars earlier this year against the Jamaican Scorpions at Sabina Park, Jamaica.

So far, he has played two First-Class matches and those are memories he would relish.

He related that when he heard of his selection to the Guyana Amazon Warriors, his immediate reaction was to call his parents and share the news.

“I’ve been looking at the Caribbean Premier League from year one and I really enjoy it and now being part of a team that comprises of players that I look up to is really good. I grew up looking at most of the players play international cricket and being part of a dressing room with them is a boost for my career.”

Akshaya is a versatile player who can bowl economically and play at the top of the innings as well as in the middle order. His style is very simple: he sticks to the basics and so far, that has worked for him.

The left-hand batsman plans to contribute in whatever way necessary to make the Warriors take home the trophy this year.

His advice for aspiring young cricketers is that they focus on getting a balance between education and cricket. He advises that they take things in stride, as patience is the foundation of success. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Social Comparison and Ethnic Relations

T

FEATURE 35

By Ravi Dev

he Ethnic R e l a t i o n s Commission has been reconstituted, and, over the past few months, has been interacting with “stakeholders” from the various ethnic groups, to better appreciate their concerns so as to inform their work programme. On Thursday, two members of the Girmitiya Research Center (Guyana), I and Vikash Ramkissoon, met the ERC Commissioners along with two representatives of the Indian Action Committee (IAC) as members of the Indian community.

The GRI’s focus was to remind the body that they were not in existence only to respond to charges of ethnic discrimination – important as that was, and encompassed in No 10 of their 24 enumerated functions. As importantly, they also are supposed to head off ethnic conflict by appreciating the precursors of ethnic conflict and taking pre-

ventative measures early in the cycle. We described the inevitable “social comparison process” that occurs in plural societies, and its connection to identity, group and individual self-worth. All with emotional wellsprings.

We advised that the ERC has an obligation to insist and advise that the comparisons, especially in the media, be based on facts and are not invidious, since this leads to escalating claims and counter claims. We illustrated the point by citing the oft-regurgitated assertion that “Indians got free land”, which leads to further claims that they were ‘pampered” and given an unfair advantage over other ethnic groups. We showed from the research of Prof Leslie Potter that of the 165,000 Indian immigrants, only 2600 received land in lieu of their return passage, as was the contracted right of all of them.

We cited No 5 of their mandate: “Promote education-

al and training programmes and research projects which provide for, and encourage, ethnic peace and harmony”; and proposed that the GRI could engage in research in conjunction with other groups, to ensure greater acceptance of the facts and make them less contested.

The point of checking the invidious comparisons is they are also tied to the insistence of some groups that they have a greater “legitimacy” to make greater claim to the national patrimony.

Prior arrival; greater contribution to “building” Guyana; greater suffering; earlier acceptance of western culture; are only some of the arguments used to justify jettisoning the norm of equality of opportunity for all ethnic groups.

Group comparison for group worth, to claim greater legitimacy to the national patrimony, we showed, led to the debilitating politics that has typified our postindependence histo-

ry: the politics of entitlement. Indians are increasingly defined as “interlopers” with no right to occupy national office. The very first duty of the ERC, we pointed out, was to, “Provide for equality of opportunity between persons of different ethnic groups, and to promote harmony and good relations between such persons.”

It was very possible, we noted, that some groups may need affirmative action – positive discrimination – such as, for instance, as in the US, when there was verified systemic discrimination against those groups in particular facets of national life.

In such instances, we pointed out, the policy should be clearly stated, as well as the instances of allowed discriminatory treatment. To simply engage in rectifactory action such as sharing out lands to some groups would inevitably lead to charges of discrimination and increased ethnic ten-

sions.

As such, we recommended our longproffered “Ethnic Impact Statement” (EIS) that should accompany or follow governmental policies and actions. In ethnically divided societies like Guyana, especially with the extraordinary intrusive power of the state, such assessments would inevitably be made at the ground level, but almost as inevitably would result in one or another group feeling discriminated against.

We noted that this statement was implicitly covered by Number 11 of their mandate: “Monitor and review all legislation and all administrative acts or omissions relating to, or having implications for, ethnic relations and equal opportunities; and, from time to time, prepare and submit proposals for revision of such legislation and administrative acts and omissions.”

We illustrated our contentions by illustrations from the same day’s newspa-

pers. The Minister of Social Cohesion delivering “steel pans” to the University of Guyana’s music programme. Why not, it was asked, some dholaks (Indian twoheaded drums) which have never been introduced in the primary, secondary or tertiary levels?

The Government also announced it was contributing G$17million to Emancipation Day celebrations, and officially co-sponsoring them. It was asked why there were no comparable contributions to Indian Arrival Celebrations, and would this not lead to claims of unequal treatment?

Portraying a good image of our country

I

n my last article, I took some time to address the article written by Clifford Krauss, in which I specifically pointed out what was being said that was misleading.

However, I did not address why misleading articles such as these are particularly dangerous.

Responses to this article have been impressive. There have been people who fall on both sides of the “issue”. There are those like me who see this as a deliberate gross misrepresentation of our country, and there are those who see it as “pointing out inconvenient truths”.

If you will, for a moment, picture Africa, what is the first image that comes to mind? Is it of starving, scantily clad, dirty children? How many of us can even see Africa as being a whole continent, one where there are numerous countries which experience a variety of economic prosperity?

Do we see a variety of

standards of living, or do we picture one specific image which has been fed to us over and over?

How many of us have even seen a picture of Johannesburg or Lagos?

Meanwhile, when we think of the United States, what do we think of? More than likely, the first places that come to our mind are Manhattan and Washington. We imagine a place of wealth and prosperity, and I highly doubt that any of us automatically focus on the poorer neighbourhoods of the US. The thing is, as prosperous as some parts of Africa are, the “inconvenient truths” that they live with are what we are inundated with in the media. Media is an incredibly powerful tool. An article published by the Washington Post entitled “Media portrayals of Africa promote paternalism”, by Andy Barker, explained that critics believe biased presentation (reporting only on the

negatives) of Africa has led to “misinformation, s t e r e o t y p i n g , validation of white privilege, excessive fear of foreigners and immigrants, and even mishandled foreign policy interventions.”

Most interestingly, the article focused on the idea that, because of the way Africa had been presented to the world, Americans felt “paternalistic” towards the people, a term which here was meant to describe “the authoritative but benevolent relationship of parents to their children, with the latter needing guidance, since children are unable to act “properly” on their own.”

The author of the article designed two experiments to test his theories. In the first, random participants were shown either of two families, one from Cameroon, and one from Moldova, and they were told that the average person from

that country lived on about US$5 dollars a day.

What was found was that respondents from the Cameroonian treatment group were more likely to agree with a statement such as, “There is little that people in poor countries can do by themselves to improve their livelihoods.” The second experiment was similar, with one white and one black family, except that the countries of origin were Armenia and Guyana. And, yet again, it was found that people from the Guyanese respondent group were more likely to agree with a statement such as, “When it comes to improving their economic standard of living, people in poor countries are like extremely sick or paralyzed patients; they are completely unable to help themselves.”

Respondents were more likely to support financial aid for the black family; and further, in regard to aid, respondents were only generous if they

could exercise control over how the aid was being handed out; for example, if the aid was in the form of “free school supplies”, or “trips to the doctor”. However, if it was proposed to give the families so that they could determine how to spend it, the response was largely negative.

This led the author to then conclude, “My findings here reveal a rare case of greater generosity to one’s racial outgroup than to one’s racial ingroup, yet this does not mean prejudice is absent. It is grounded in a widespread underestimation of Africans’ and Caribbeans’ agency, a narrative that surely stems from the pornography of violence, immiseration, and helplessness propagated

by Western media.”

I understand that many might not see the impact of this one article, and may feel like Guyanese are overreacting and in denial of their own issues.

No one is saying that we

do not have issues, or that they should not be spoken about; but our issues are not our entire country. If the article wanted to focus on the preparedness of Guyana to handle the oil find, I fail to see the relevance to mention “children who go to school in dug out canoes”, whilst not mentioning that our high schools typically produce the top students in the Caribbean every year, and that some of those very scholars are at top universities studying petroleum and chemical engineering.

His description of Guyana served nothing but to further fuel the idea that Guyanese are hapless and in desperate need of foreign intervention.

36 FEATURE

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

I

t was Shimron Hetmyer who led the West Indies Under-19 team to their first World Cup victory in 2016 and on Wednesday last it was Shimron Hetmyer who once again led the West Indies to victory against Bangladesh at the Providence National Stadium. But will it be Shimron Hetmyer who leads the Guyana Amazon Warriors to their first ever Caribbean Premier League trophy?

The 21-year-old top order batsman hails from the ancient country of Berbice and has been in love with the game from a young age. He started playing from the age of 11 with the Young Warriors Cricket Club in Berbice and since then had been on an upward trajectory.

He represented West Indies at the Under-19 World Cup in 2014 but only managed three single-digit scores out of the five games that he played in that tourney. Even his first-class debut was far from being memorable as he managed scores of 0 and 4 in both innings against Trinidad And Tobago.

However, destiny gave him a second chance and this time he was meant to marshal the troops in the under-19 World Cup and he responded with crucial fifties in the quarterfinals and semi-finals of the 2016 edition en-route to the silverware.

An attacking and destructive opener, he was picked up Guyana Amazon Warriors for the 2016 edition of the CPL. But he got out for a duck in the only game that he played. His promise

Shimron receiving the U19 World Cup

and perseverance paid off and he was called up for national duties in April 2017 to feature in the three-match Test series against Pakistan. Slotted to bat at number 3, Shimron failed to convert his starts.

He was later picked up for the tour to New Zealand in December 2017 but again starts never materialized into anything substantial. On the same tour, he was exposed to white ball cricket as well.

In ODIs and T20Is, Hetmyer did not have a great time tallying only a handful of runs. He did, however, show a lot

of promise as he scored a ton against UAE in the World Cup qualifiers to start his campaign.

Hard work and dedication paid off on Wednesday when Shimron was playing his 11th ODI against Bangladesh.

He scored a whopping 125 off 93 balls hitting seven sixes and three fours. His ton would prove to be the defining factor as the Bangladeshi failed to match the Windes 271.

Shimron said he is working on his starts by giving much more value to his wicket and that could be expected when he takes to the field representing the Amazon Warriors. “Yeah, the home crowd helped. It was a push for me to have my family and girlfriend here. They all support me hand in hand.

So, thanks to them,� he noted.

Just imagine what he can do during the shorter format of the game with all of Guyana backing him. We can expect bigger hits from him as he may very well be what the Guyana Amazon Warriors need to gain them that elusive title.

This year the Warriors squad is being described as a force to be reckoned with. They would be led by veteran allrounder Shoaib Malik. Malik, who is just three runs short of 7000 international ODI runs, is rated among the best limited-overs players in the world currently with almost 10,000 T20 runs in total, under his belt.

The other members of the squad are Sohail Tanvir, Chadwick Walton, Cameron Delport, Reyad Emrit, Imran Tahir, Jason Mohammed, Luke Ronchi, Veerasammy Permaul, Roshan Primus, Devendra Bishoo, Gajanand Singh, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Keemo Paul, Saurabh Netravalkar and Akshaya Persaud.

The Hero CPL Tournament bowls off on August from August 9.

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Shimron at his High School graduation

After winning the Under-19 World Cup

feature 37

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

By Lakhram Bhagirat

H

ard work, determination, commitment and discipline are character traits that lead one to success and for Romario Shepherd, those are the traits he strives to embody. This year, the hard work is paying off since his dream of playing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has been realised.

The 23-year-old all-rounder has been selected to be part of the Amazon Warriors’ squad, and his fans and supporters are all eager to see him in action. Romario was born in the mining town of Linden, but at a really young age, he moved to Berbice – a move that he described as the best one for him.

Berbice is quite often described as the cricketing heart of Guyana and, over the years, has produced splendid players. One of the most notable crick-

eters out of the Ancient County was the legendary batsman Rohan Kanhai. Kanhai scored 6227 Test runs for the West Indies including 16 centuries with his highest Test score being 256 not out versus India. The legend also scored 29,250 First Class runs from 421 matches with 89 centuries.

Romario says he looks up to the greats and hopes that one day his name would be among them. Reflecting on his childhood, he says that the move to Berbice was a good one, because of his love for the game.

In Linden, he says, more emphasis is placed on football or track events and although he likes other sports, cricket is his forever love. He fondly remembers waking up way past his bedtime to watch the West Indies play various matches.

He attended the Vrymen’s Erven Secondary School in New Amsterdam, and it was then that he was given the opportunity to get into the cricketing world.

He was eventually selected to open the batting for his school’s team and scored a whopping 129 runs; from then, he never looked back.

“The first game I batted 129 and the next game I bowled 5-29 and after that I was introduced to Mr Carl Moore who was then the Guyana Senior Team Manager. I have learnt so much stuff from him about cricket and as a person off the field. His son, Julian Moore, who is also a Level 3 Coach now, was my first coach and he helped me a lot; he will always message me when I’m on tour and stuff, giving me support.”

Romario says no matter how successful he becomes, he can never forget those who were instrumental in getting him to that point. He recalls receiving the news of his selection to the Warriors team as one of the best days of his life. He says just the mere thought of representing Guyana on such a large stage in a tournament of this magnitude makes him want to give it more than his all.

Romario’s cricketing style is very

simple. Like many cricketers, he sticks to the basics and works hard during his training sessions since he is of the belief that fitness is important to being an all-rounder. He places much emphasis on being fit, since he is of the view that a fit fast bowler is the best fast bowler.

Now Romario is at his fittest and, according to him, he is ready to battle for the Warriors. Romario was the most successful fast bowler during the inaugural Jaguars Franchise League three-day tournament in 2016. He was outstanding with the ball and chipped in with the bat for his franchise. He would later make his List A debut against Leewards Hurricanes where he grabbed 3-37 from 10 overs and was named man of the match for his exceptional effort, which propelled his team to a comfortable seven-wicket victory at Warner Park in St Kitts and Nevis in the Nagico Super50 2016.

Additionally, Romario was even part of the West Indies A team when

they played against the England Lions in a recent series.

Romario believes that this year would be the year of the Guyana Amazon Warriors and that trophy would be coming home. He is hyped and super pumped to be back on the field and representing Guyana. He is ready to give it his all both on the field and off the field.

“For the youngsters just train because hard fitness is key when it comes to cricket. Be disciplined which is also key for your development on and off the cricket field and don’t let know one tell you that you can’t make it. Do the right thing and you will get your break.

Be positive and patient because life is a process and it’s the same thing with cricket,” he advises.

Romario is a role model for a number of youngsters hoping to make a career out of cricket and it is a fact that he is well aware of hence the reason he always gives it his all on and off the field.

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

38 feature

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

“I was determined to play for my country at the highest level and I crave for that success. Now, I am selected for the Guyana Amazon Warriors team and I am overjoyed.

I can’t wait to step out on the field and show them what I am made of. The squad that we have this year is A-1 and I feel that we can bring the trophy home this year. We have the talent and the drive to do that.”

By Lakhram Bhagirat

T

he youngest member of the Guyana Amazon Warriors in this year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is all pumped and ready to make his mark, cementing his place as a force to be reckoned with in the cricketing world. At just 19 years old, Sherfane Rutherford is living the best life possible. He is in top form and ready to wreck wickets and hit the ball out of the stadium.

The natural hype of his youth coupled with the adrenaline of being a part of the most consistent squad in the CPL Tournament are bound to make Sherfane push beyond his boundaries.

His aim is to leave behind a legacy that tells of

the kind of life he lived.

The country boy was raised in the village of Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara and while growing up, cricket was a major part of his life. He explains that during his school years all he thought about were receiving a proper education and following his dream of becoming a star cricket player.

He started playing cricket from about the age of nine and his coaches immediately recognised his potential with both the bat and ball.

When he started high school at Annandale Secondary, his love for the game further developed and became a part of his daily routine. He said that not a day would go by without him enjoying a game of cricket.

“The love for cricket

was always there throughout my life.

My career started from school cricket and just went on. I was always a confident player and to this day I am, but I find that balance between confidence and overconfidence, because overconfidence never ends well for anyone.”

Like most persons who make cricket into a career, Sherfane’s childhood memories of either playing the game or watching the game are too many to recount. However, al-

though Sherfane was in love with the game, he did not watch many matches, rather he preferred to be watched.

Sherfane says that he was always determined to be the best version of himself and that, along with the drive to represent Guyana on the big stage, pushed him to work harder.

“I was determined to play for my country at the highest level and I crave for that success. Now, I am selected for the Guyana Amazon Warriors team and I am overjoyed. I can’t wait to

step out on the field and show them what I am made of. The squad that we have this year is A-1 and I feel that we can bring the trophy home this year. We have the talent and the drive to do that.”

“It is a dream come true to be able to play for the Warriors and as an all-rounder, I am looking to contribute with the bat and the ball, as well as on the field. My cricketing style is sim-

Canada Tournament where he went on to become the leading run scorer, having made 230 runs in eight matches.

On the Warriors team, he has the least experience, but, according to him, that is not a deciding factor, since he believes that he can match up with his teammates. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Omar Khan (2nd R) stands with the newly contracted players, Akshaya Persaud (L), Romario Shepherd (2nd L) and Sherfane Rutherford

ple: I take the basics and work with that to build myself up,” he enthusiastically adds.

The talented player calls the Demerara Cricket Club home and has been consistently performing for them, so when he was selected for the Warriors squad, his coaches were not surprised at all.

Sherfane bowls economically as well as performs with the bat, and that was proven when he made his FirstClass debut in 2017 and subsequent List A debut in 2018.

In June, Sherfane was named part of the West Indies B team for the inaugural edition of the Global T20

Feature 39

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

By Lakhram Bhagirat

M

any people would do whatever it takes to aid in the development of the communities they were born into and that is why 31-year-old Vanessa Richards decided to campaign to become the first female Toshao of Achiwib Village.

Achiwib Village is a small Wapichan (Wapishana) settlement some 130 miles from Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). The Village has about 561 residents who are all working towards the development of the community. The name Achiwib is from the Wapichan language and it means lily flower.

This year, the villagers collectively decided to elect Richards as their Toshao, breaking away from the tradition of having a male figure in the leadership position. I caught up with Richards at the opening of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference on Monday, and we had an intense discussion about her vision for the development of the community as well as what pushed her into the leadership chair.

First, I must say, at first glance, I underestimated Richards since she looked very shy and reserved, but as we got into conversation mode, I slowly realised why she was elected Toshao. Richards is the mother

of five and tells that while she was growing up, life was as tough as it could get. She remembers the struggles to get an education, but notes the love

me

and camaraderie among the villagers far superseded the issues they had.

She remembers playing in the fields as well as going into the farms with her parents. Richards says as she was growing she noted that only men were in the positions of power while the women remained homemakers. The decision for women to be homemakers was not because that was expected of them, but because they were not motivated to do more.

Therefore, the men continued to lead the Village. As Richards aged and started her own family, she felt the need for things to change and became actively involved in village governance at the age of 25. She joined the Village Council and actively helped to develop her small community.

However, she noticed that the level of leadership was still lacking within the community and the residents were not motivated.

“I have seen that there is a lot to do to develop the community. For the past we were left out on so much, because the people didn’t have the leadership.

I have seen that my village people, they want to work,

but they didn’t have the leader to put them forward and I am really happy to be the first female Toshao and I hope together we can change things,” Richards says.

She said now that she is in the leadership chair, it is her intention to ensure that all the residents work as a team to develop the community. She noted that the main source of income is farming and it is her hope that they can diversify the ways of earning money. It is her mission to ensure that the villagers are positioned to remove themselves from below the poverty line.

“I want the assistance of the villagers to help me to build up the capacity as leader in the village. It was hard work to get to this position and I want them to be proud of me. I was in the Council for six years and I have sacrificed a lot for the people and even my family time I sacrificed.”

When I asked Richards how it felt to be the first woman leader of her village, she looked at me and smiled. Then, she slowly said, “No different from how it would feel if you were sitting here.”She went on to explain that she would like to see women taking up more leadership positions so as to bring a balance.

In the end, I asked her what would she say to a young girl looking at her as a role model, and she responded: “Follow your heart and dreams and don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do it.” (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

40 FEATURE

By Lakhram Bhagirat

S

anta Rosa is considered to be the largest Amerindian village in Guyana with a population of 7000 plus people. The village is inhabited predominantly by the Arawak people and located in Region One (Barima-Waini) on the Moruca River some 29 kilometres from the mouth.

However, despite being the largest and most populated Indigenous settlement, Santa Rosa has its issues, which can be fixed with the right type of leadership and according to the newlyelected Toshao, Whanita Phillips, that is her main mission.

Phillips is a mother of six, and the desire to create a better life for them led her to run for leadership of the village. She explained that her entire life has been about leading and that she intended to work hard for the development of Santa Rosa.

“I am a woman, but I am not the first woman Toshao of Santa Rosa

and so far I would say that we women have better leadership skills.

It is my hope to transform Santa Rosa, because there are a lot of things we need. We are the largest Amerindian village in the whole of Guyana so our needs are greater than some villages, but we all desire the same things which are proper services like education and health care," Phillips said.

Santa Rosa is a collection of 11 smaller settlements called "satellite villages", and is one of the earliest Catholic Missions in Guyana.

Phillips explained that the name Santa Rosa translates to “Saint Rose”. Santa Rosa contains the second of the region's two secondary schools, Santa Rosa Secondary School, established in 1992.

When the elections were held earlier this year, the village decided to give Phillips a shot at leadership since she has been leading the Santa Rosa Secondary School’s PTA for over five years.

During her tenure there,

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

she had advocated for many things to better enhance the learning process for the students. Like every leader, Phillips has a vision for the development of her village and that vision, according to her, requires the community to band together for the common good.

“Our village is very beautiful and we are known for our white sand and lumber, so I want to make sure that we develop those and that our villagers are not exploited. My vision for Santa Rosa is to make sure that every home has running water and a hospital with proper amenities,” she said.

When Phillips says she wants a hospital with proper amenities, she means a hospital with a functioning x-ray department, qualified technicians and a laboratory that offers all the testing services. She notes that the hospital they have currently lacks these resulting in the residents having to spend large sums of money to access these services privately

or travel to another community.

In addition to a properly outfitted and functioning hospital, Phillips have been advocating for the Santa Rosa Secondary to have a science laboratory so that the students can conduct proper experiments. She also sees herself campaigning for the village to be outfitted with an airstrip since they need other transportation options.

“I want our children to have no boundaries. They must be able to learn in a school that could compete with the Coast and a science lab is just one step. When they have the knowledge of experimenting and so on, then it might inspire one and two of them to become doctors or scientists and that will be good for the community and Guyana too.”

Phillips encourages everyone to follow their dreams and says failure is just a stepping stone to success. For the young girls, she hopes that they can look at her as a role model and know

that no matter what they are worthy of having a proper education and can take up any po-

sition, in any field they wish. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

41

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Warrior Nation

42

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

43

44

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

This family is all decked out in their matching traditional wear

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo shares a photo moment with a family in the National Park, Georgetown on Wednesday during the Emancipation celebrations 2018. Also in photo is former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds

President David Granger and Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton examining some artefacts on display Former Education Minister Priya Manickchand greeting a fellow celebrant

These two tourists did not forego the opportunity to flaunt their colourful dashikis

A section of the crowd gathered at the National Park

A section of the gathering at the Berbice celebrations

Finance Minister Winston Jordan stirring the pot of cook-up rice in Linden

These two youngsters pose for a photo

A replica of the shackles used to bind slaves

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

45

46 news

Sexual Offences Act

Child rights activist pleased with Court ruling

A

recent Court of Appeal ruling which overturned the decision of former Chief Justice Ian Chang in relation to amendments to the Sexual Offences Act of 2010 has been welcomed

by Women and Child Rights Commissioner Nicole Cole, who says she is wholly heartened by the ruling which was handed down last week, and that the decision taken by the Court is synonymous of a progressive society.

“This ruling is absolutely brilliant for us as a society that would like to be seen as progressive, prosperous, and humane; that seeks to ensure the most vulnerWomen and Child Rights Commissioner Nicole Cole able are protected,” Cole stated. reads, who prey upon children, The case stemmed Constitution “Every person who is while reminding that from a High Court rulcharged with a criminal women and children ening which outlined that offence shall be permitdure the brunt of sexual a magistrate’s decision ted to defend him or herviolence. to send rape accused self before the court in The Child Rights Ray Bacchus to stand person or by a legal repCommissioner also trial in the High Court resentative of his or her pointed to recent statisbased on a paper comown choice.” tics from the Child Care mittal was unlawful.

She noted that in paand Protection Agency Attorney Mursaline per committals the ac(CCPA), which points to Bacchus had claimed cused is afforded a fair over 400 cases of abuse that the paper commithearing, in that in a against children reporttal, which is an amendmatter of months his ed in the first six months ment made to the case will be set for triof 2018.

Sexual Offences Act, al in the High Court, “Those 238 reportundermines the rights whereas in the case of ed child rape cases for of his client, based on Preliminary Inquiry, the the month of May, 2018 the provisions in the process takes much lonshould occasion nauConstitution. ger.

In that regard, the sea in us as a nation…

He claimed that the DPP contended that the Where are we headed as amendment does not alpaper committal benea society if we fail to prolow his client to test the fits both the victim and tect our children from credibility of witness the accused. sexual predators?” statements at the magCole said she agrees In the previous year, istrate’s courts through with the decision even the CCPA reported that cross examination. more so because sexuthere were 841 sexual Chang had ruled in al violence, especially abuse (rape) cases, with favour of Bacchus’s arguagainst children, is oc722 girls and 119 boys ments: that the amendments to the Sexual curring with impunity experiencing sexual vioOffences Act 2010 were every day in Guyana, lence. Toddlers were included, as 11 boys in the unlawful; but the rul- and it must be stopped.

She said, “There 0-3 category were reing was challenged by must be no mercy for the ported to the CCPA as the State, and a decision was handed down last merciless and men who being victims of sexual rape children, who de- abuse, and there were week.

In June, the Director stroy dreams of happy 32 boys in the 4-7 cateof Public Prosecutions childhood, leaving death gory.

“46 boys in the 8-13 (DPP), Shalimar Ali- and destruction in the Hack, presented her ar- lives of Guyanese chil- category and 30 boys in the 14-18 categoguments in Court and dren!

“It’s a vicious, predry. There were 28 girls gave reasons for her conatory cycle whereby in the 0-3 category retention that the amend(mostly) adult men prey ported to the CCPA as ment to the Sexual Offences Act were not upon both girls and boys being victims of sexusexually, and the law al VIOLENCE, with 61 unconstitutional.

The DPP contended must be seen as a deter- girls in the 4-7 category; that the provisions of rent for their abnormal 275 in the 8-13 category; and 358 in the 14-18 catthat part of the Sexual pedophilia appetite.”

Meanwhile, Cole egory for the year endOffences Act, Number 7 that the ing 2017,” she added. of 2010, which purports recalled Guyana Human Rights Cole said that for the to give jurisdiction and Association has done remonth of January, the power to the magistrate search dating back to CCPA recorded 9 boys to commit an accused person to a High Court 2004, which points to and 79 girls as victims trial based on a pa- low, and in some cases of sexual violence. “This per committal, does not no, convictions for sex- points to a pattern of contravene the rights ual offences in Guyana’s widespread paedophilia in Guyana!” she added, of that person based on judicial system.

She said this new making calls again for a Article 144(1) and 144(2) Sexual Offenses Law Sexual Offences Register of the Constitution.

The article 144(1) was therefore seen as to be operationalised in and 144(2) of the revolutionary in captur- Guyana, to help identify ing those paedophiles ‘sexual predators.’

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana continues to record high number of foreign TIP victims …77 victims rescued

T

rafficking in Persons (TIP) remains an issue for Guyana. Due to Guyana’s porous borders, high numbers of foreigners are trafficked into the country. According to Social Protection Minister Amna Ally, some 16 foreign nationals were rescued from being trafficked during the month of May alone.

Ally made the disclosure during the launch of Freedom Fest in commemoration of World Trafficking in Persons Day at D’Urban Park. She said 14 Venezuelans, one Cuban and one Dominican Republic national were rescued during a raid executed by the Guyana Police Force in May of this year.

Additionally, she explained that from January 5 to July 03, 2018, some 77 TIP victims were rescued from being trafficked, and were provided with the necessary psychosocial support.

According to Minister Ally, 60 of the 77 victims were placed in protective care, while some were assisted with job placements, educational and training opportunities, and judicial support when necessary.

“I can assure that your Government will, by all means necessary, do what it can to curb this illicit activity,” she noted.

Late June, acting Coordinator of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking In Persons (TIP), Oliver Profitt, said a majority of the humans trafficked, as recorded by the Guyana Police Force from January to May of 2018, were Latin American nationals, with Venezuelans heading the list. He noted that within that period some 68 cases were recorded, with 41 victims being rescued, 35 of whom were Venezuelan nationals.

Police statistics also recorded 41 alleged TIP cases in 2014; fifty-one in 2015, ninety-eight in 2016 and fifty in 2017.

Meanwhile, although there has been some level of success in tackling this issue, and Guyana recently moving to a Tier 1 country, the TIP coordinator explained that there are still some challenges.

According to Profitt, one of the major challenges is being able to secure successful prosecutions, and this is mainly because the alleged victims are most times deported.

In most cases, the victims would have families back at home, and would need their support in order to stay through the process. If they don’t have the support, then it is more than likely they would return to their home country and the cases are left unsolved.

In the United States’ State

Minister Amna Ally

Department Trafficking in Persons 2017 Report, Guyana has been described as a source and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labour in mining, agriculture, forestry, domestic service and shops.

The report stated that for the past five years, women and children from Guyana, Brazil, The Dominican Republic, Suriname, and Venezuela have been subjected to sex trafficking in mining communities in the interior, and in urban areas.

The US had recommended that Guyana provide additional protection for victims to enable them to testify against traffickers in a way that minimises re-traumatisation; record the number of cases reported to the trafficking hotline, to promote a rapid investigative and victim assistance response; and provide training for diplomatic personnel on human trafficking.

Recommendations were also made to have funding of specialised victim services; vigorously investigate and prosecute sex and labour trafficking cases; train law enforcement, judicial officials and frontline responders – especially those working outside the capital – on victim identification and referral procedures; and finalise the written identification procedures to better guide law enforcement officials.

In 2016, the Government reported 19 trafficking investigations, 19 prosecutions, and two convictions; compared to 15 trafficking investigations, seven prosecutions, and one conviction in 2015; and seven investigations, four prosecutions, and one conviction in 2014.

Minibus driver who asked passenger to “come out” of bus lands in Court

A

bus driver found himself before the courts after he reportedly asked a passenger to disembark his minibus.

Christopher Singh, 44, a minibus driver who resides on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD), admitted that on May 24, 2018 at the Route 42 Bus Park, he disturbed the public by not allowing Everton McCullen to travel in his vehicle.

In defending himself, Singh noted that the Virtual Complainant entered the bus with a large object that blocked the entrance.

He explained to Magistrate Judy Latchman that he requested that McCullen move, but he refused causing the other passengers to walk out of his minibus.

Singh further explained that a heated

argument ensued and the two eventually ended up at a Police Outpost where the matter was reported.

The defendant told the court that he was unaware as to why he was being charged when he was not in the wrong. A not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf following his explanation.

However, in McCullen’s version of the incident, he requested a seat in the bus, but the bus driver refused even though he offered to pay for the seat.

Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris had no objections to bail, but asked that it be substantial since the defendant was unwilling to attend court. Bail was granted in the sum of G$10,000.

Singh is expected to make his second court appearance on August 3, 2018 before Magistrate Annette Singh.

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Preserving our literary heritage

by

47

officials like his father, professionals, businessmen and administrative personnel on the sugar estates [this is] probably the most reliable fictional account that we have of the role of sugar in the history of European exploitation, in Guyana and the Caribbean (Frank Birbalsingh).

Petamber Persaud

S

ugar in Guyana is writing another chapter in its history, another sordid chapter but hopefully not the final chapter nor a chapter in finality in its bitter sweet history. For almost all of its two hundred years history, sugar was a dominant factor in the social, economic and political arenas of this country. Now sugar is a grave concern for all, as per Martin Carter all are involved! all are consumed!

Historians, academics and commentators have adumbrated the basic facts. The creative writers are filling in the gaps. Here are some novels, dated from 1877 to present, speaking to the issue.

Drums of my Flesh by Cyril Dabydeen, 2005

Boyo, a seven/eight boy, growing up in a sugar plantation setting in British Guiana, a country about to become an independent state, traumatised by racial friction and labour unrest... escapes into flights of imagination with frequent and swift changes in scene, tone and rhythm, in order to deal with trauma.

Lutchmee and Dilloo by John Edward Jenkins, 1877.

The Last English Plantation by Jan Lowe Shinebourne, 1988

‘Begun in India, Dilloo and Hunoomaun’s rivalry over Dilloo’s wife, Lutchmee, is continued on a sugar estate in Guyana, where it leads to the planning of an armed rebellion among the indentured labourers and a tragic denouement.’ This novel published in 1877 sets a number of landmarks, chief among those landmarks was the fact that for the first time in English literature ‘coolies’ were made a subject for fiction. Jenkins, in the preface, admitted ‘the field is a new one for fiction, but human nature still bears

June has to confront her mixed Indian-Chinese background in a situation of heightened racial tensions, the loss of her former friends when she wins a scholarship to the local high school, the upheaval of the industrial struggle on the sugar estate where she

as ‘bound coolies’ in a country barely emerging from the savage brutalities of slavery. Having abandoned their families and a country that seems increasingly like a paradise, they must come to terms with their problematic encounters with an Afro-Guyanese population hostile to immigrant labour, with rebels such as Kampta who has made an early abandonment of Indian village culture, and confront the truths of their uprooted condition. (PTP**)

Those that be in Bondage by ARF Webber, 1917

Set in Guyana, Tobago and Trinidad between 1890 and 1913, it traces two generations of the Walton family wherein the protagonist always seems to be on the run - he runs from Guyana to Tobago, from Tobago to Trinidad and back to Guyana. And the book ends with him contemplating running to London after it was suggested that he was responsible for the destruction by fire of the Brickdam Cathedral. The ‘run’ was designed to focus on the issue of various types of bondage.

The story opens on a sugar plantation in Guyana where the brother-in-law John James Walton, Edwin Hamilton, marries Bibi – ‘that smooth-skinned, baretoed East Indian young lady’. The union produces a daughter, Marjorie, ‘and the rest of the text is taken up with the romantic love that develops between Harold Walton and Marjorie on the idyllic island of Tobago’. Harold eventually becomes a priest but had to free himself of that yoke when he becomes romantically involved with Marjorie. out the wisdom of the poet who declared that it does not change with clime’.

The Counting House by David Dabydeen, 2005

Set in the early nineteenth century The Counting House follows the lives of Rohini and Vidia, a young married couple struggling for survival in a small, caste-ridden Indian village who are seduced by the recruiter’s talk of easy work and plentiful land if they sign up as indentured labourers to go to British Guiana… There, however, they discover a harsh fate

The Mudheads by Jack Bayley, 1990

‘The main events in The Mudheads occur between 1936 and 1938, largely in Georgetown, in colonial Guyana, although some events spread further out to sugar estates as far away as Springlands, in the county of Berbice. At the beginning of the novel, the twenty-two-year-old narrator, Allan Miller returns home to his native Guyana after studies in England.

As son of the Assistant Colonial Secretary, Miller belongs an elite corps of Guyanese - people of European (chiefly British) descent who serve as government

War of 1899 in Transvaal? Guyana was independent for fifty years, for goodness’ sake!!

“Well, even the Business Association has condemned that Yankee journalist!” exploded Satiricus to his friends at the Back Street Bar. “How come you fellas are staying quiet?”

“Bec’ase me t’ink wha’ de maan ‘rite a true?” said Bungi.

“True?!” Satiricus practically shrieked. “What you talking about?”

“Tek am easy, Sato,” advised Cappo. “Tell abee wha’ lie de maan tell pan abee po’ Guyana.”

“Well, let me just say what the Business Association pointed out,” said Satiricus. “The new colonialist wrote we atiricus had worked himself up into a lather of outrage had only three paved highways!!” as he walked to the Back Street Bar. How dare this “And how many paved highways do you think we have, foreign NYTimes journalist come into his country Sato?” asked Hari mildly. for a two-day visit and then pontificate so conclusively – “Well, MORE than three!!” said Satiricus indignantly. and negatively – on local conditions! Who the hell did he “Corentyne, East Coast, East Bank, West Coast, Linden and think he was? Winston Churchill covering the second Boer Essequibo!”

S

Clapboard and claptrap

lives, and the arrival of British troops as Guyana explodes into political turmoil. (PTP)

Guyana Boy by Peter Kempadoo, 1960

The 1940s British Guiana, sugar estate life is still 'too slavish'. Under the iron rule of the white manager and with work practices little changed since the days of slavery and indenture, the workers' children are expected to follow their parents into a life of unremitting toil. This, though, is not to be the fate of Lilboy. His access to education, limited though it is, takes him inexorably away from the world of his parent. (PTP) (to be continued….)

*Title borrowed from the novel of the same name

by Cynthia McLeod ** PTP – Peepal Tree Press Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

“Sato, ole fr’en, yuh know wha’ wan highway?” asked Cappo, who had backtracked to New York for a year.

“Well of course I do!” said Satiricus in outrage.

“Wan highway mus’ gat two 20-foot lane wha’ guh both way – AN’ wan 10-foot shoulda!” pointed out Cappo.

“Oh!” replied Satiricus, in surprise. “But why he wrote Georgetown and other towns are full with “clapboard” houses?”

“A wha’ a clapboard?” asked Bungi.

“A long, thin, flat piece of wood with edges horizontally overlapping in series, used to cover the outer walls of buildings,” said Hari, struggling to control a smile.

“Na da wha’ abee a call “lap-edge?” asked Bungi, in surprise. “An’ most a dem house in abee Tong mek wid da!”

“Wha’ else dem business people seh?” asked Cappo as Satiricus struggled to absorb the information.

“Let’s talk about young Hetemyer’s century!” Satiricus suggested, as he lifted his beer bottle for an all-round clink.

48 Bollywood

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan S to star in ‘Gulab Jamun’

A

ishwarya Rai B a c h c h a n and Abhishek Bachchan are finally going to share screen space after eight long years in a film titled Gulab Jamun.

Aishwarya confirmed the same to Mid-Day and said, “AB [Abhishek] and I have agreed to do Gulab Jamun. I told AB that he needs to decide what he wants to do after Manmarziyaan.”

Aishwarya also told the publication that

Aditi Rao Hydari on casting couch: No one should be forced to do something they don’t want to

they had been offered the film one and a half years ago and they had agreed on it back then.

“We had agreed on the idea then. However, it was around the same time that AB decided to take time out. After the hiatus, he returned with Manmarziyaan, which coincidentally is directed by Anurag Kashyap.

That’s when the chatter around Gulab Jamun began again, and we finally came on board. It is a

T

he ticket counters witnessed a hurricane in the month of July as Ranbir Kapoor starrer Sanju raked in moolah day after day. Released on June 29, the Sanjay Dutt biopic became one of the top five earners in Bollywood and also rewrote many records. After completing four weeks at the box office, the total collection of the Rajkumar Hirani directorial stands at Rs 339.75 crore, the fourth highest after Baahubali 2 – The Conclusion’s

beautiful script, and we fit the narrative perfectly,” she added.

The celebrity couple was last seen together in 2010’s Raavan. Since then, speculations have been rife that the duo will soon sign a project together but no confirmation was given by either of them.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is all geared up for her next release Fanney Khan on August 3. She stars alongside Anil Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao in the Atul Manjrekar directorial. For Abhishek Bachchan, his next release is Anurag Kashyap’s Manmarziyaan, also starring Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal.

The film releases on September 14.

Aishwarya and Abhishek have previously starred in Guru, Dhoom 2 and Umrao Jaan among others.

(Indian Express)

even months into 2018 and Aditi Rao Hydari has already delivered two hits, Padmaavat (Hindi) and Sammohanam (Telugu). She has also finished work on her next with Mani Ratnam titled Chekka Chivantha Vaanam and is now working on her next Telugu movie.

The 31-year-old is undoubtedly on a roll. But, this was not the scenario always. Several years ago, Aditi had to pay the price for talking about casting couch and had to sit idle for eight months.

In a recent interview with Sunday Guardian, Bhoomi actor Aditi talked about her experience with casting couch in the film industry. She also revealed what followed next after she talked about it publicly. “I didn’t regret it but I cried about it because I felt so upset that this was true and this is how girls are treated. I was like, how dare someone speak to me like that.

For about eight months after the incident, I didn’t get work, but I feel that decision made me stronger in my intention about the kind of work I wanted to do,” said the actor.

Taking her argument further, Aditi said that “no one should be forced to

Ishaan Khatter’s Dhadak, Diljit Dosanjh and Taapsee Pannu’s Soorma, Sanjay Dutt and Jimmy Shergill’s Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster 3 and Hollywood releases, Ant-Man and The Wasp and Mission: Impossible Fallout. While Soorma and Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster 3 could not make much of a difference with a collection of Rs 30.11 crore and Rs. 4.40 crore, respectively, Dhadak, a remake of Marathi blockbuster hit Sairat, left a

W

Rs 510.99 crore, Dangal’s Rs 387.38 crore and PK’s Rs 340.8 crore. Being a nonvacation and a non-festive release, it changed the perception about films crossing milestones only around festivals.

Fox Star Studios CEO Vijay Singh credited the massive success of Sanju to its content and the stellar performances by the cast. He said, “The credit for Sanju’s success has to go to Rajkumar Hirani. Everyone knows he’s a master director and I think he’s revalidated the power of the story and story-telling with Sanju. The second thing, of course, is performances. I think after a long time, there comes a film where it’s not just one performance. The quality of performances that Ranbir and all the others including Vicky Kaushal, Paresh Rawal and Manisha Koirala have delivered, it’s just outstanding.”

The run of Sanju at the theatres was challenged by Janhvi Kapoor and

do something they don’t want to” and should raise voice against “misuse of power”. She opined, “I will always speak about the misuse of power which is there in every industry. I made my decision and it was an empowered decision. Some people can’t make that same decision for whatever reason, and there’s no judgement. But I feel that no one should be forced to do something they don’t want to, and it’s not a rite of passage or barter. Nobody should misuse their power. Nobody can misuse you. I feel girls need to empower themselves—the moment you empower yourself, the decision lies with you. If anyone has been misused and they are living with that unhappiness, then they have every right to speak out and they should.”

“It’s about power play in the industry, and you should nip it in the bud.

What is the fear? That you won’t get work? If you are talented, the right people will call you. They need to understand why they are there in the film industry. If they are there for the love of the medium, they will get work. This is my naive belief but I’m a living example of that,” Aditi added. (Indian Express)

mark at the box office with Rs 63.39 crore in its kitty.

Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and the Wasp opened with Rs 7.05 crore in India and earned a total amount of Rs 34.22 crore. But the film which left trade pundits surprised is Tom Cruise’s action film Mission: Impossible – Fallout. Tweeting about the film’s performance in India, trade analyst Taran Adarsh wrote, “Mission accomplished… Hollywood scores yet again… #MissionImpossibleFallout opens BIGGER and BETTER than Hindi releases… Also makes a dent in the biz of holdover titles…” Within three days of its release, the movie has minted Rs 56.13 crore and is expected to surpass the collection of many other Bollywood offerings.

It stands to be seen what magic will Karwaan, Fanney Khan, Gold, Stree, Satyameva Jayate and others will create at the ticket counters in August. (Indian Express)

ith Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai and Rajkummar Rao starrer Fanney Khan releasing on August 3, one cannot help but be reminded of the movies which dealt with music or musicians as its central theme.

Fanney Khan is about a girl who aspires to be a singer and about a father who wants his daughter to live her dreams at any cost. So, how many times has the Hindi film industry done this in the past?

How many times have we seen a story about a singer/musician on the celluloid?

Turns out, quite a few times.

In Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s 1973 film Abhimaan, Subir (played by Amitabh Bachchan) is a professional singer who falls in love with the lovely and talented Uma. But things take a hit when he realises that Uma’s career has taken wings while his own has been burned to smithereens. Abhimaan weaves that balance of the ‘real’ and the dramatic very well. And that is a commendable feat by the filmmaker, considering the period the film was made in. Of course, to become a successful singer, Uma sacrifices her relationship (for a while), all the while training hard and mingling with the right people.

Three-and-a-half decades later in Abhishek Kapoor’s 2008 film Rock On!!, Farhan Akhtar’s Aditya Shroff and his band, comprising Joe (Arjun Rampal), KD (Purab Kohli) and Rob (Luke Kenny) attempt to scale the heights of the music industry with their fresh tunes. They

face quite a few struggles, which the movie (owing to its medium) doesn’t delve into much. From singing at festivals to competing with snobs at music festivals, they did what they had to do. Only to later give up the dream and return to lead ‘normal’, less dramatic lives. But hey, they get their happy ending.

Cut to 2011, Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar, starring an in-form Ranbir Kapoor in the lead, was quite entertaining, primarily thanks to Kapoor’s performance as Jordan the rockstar and AR Rahman’s superb music. In Ali’s film, Jordan aka Janardhan Jakhar gets his heart broken as early on in the movie, he learns that in order to create something worthwhile, you need to be ‘messed up.’ So what does Jordan do? He deliberately pursues a stunning student to make himself fall for her. Yes, you read that right. And when the two start a relationship, things take a turn when he realises that she can never be his. Drama ensues. Some of it bad, some solid.

And just last year, we had the simple and effective Aamir Khan’s Secret Superstar. Here, our heroine dreams of making it big in the world of music. And she succeeds, thanks to her courage, an immeasurable sacrifice by her mother (Meher Vij), a good friend’s support (Tirth Sharma) and a considerate music producer’s encouragement (Aamir Khan).

In the upcoming Fanney Khan, what valleys will Lata (Pihu Sand) jump across to realise her dream? (Indian Express)

Hollywood 49

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

P

riyanka Chopra, who recently made an exit from Bollywood film Bharat, has now grabbed her next Hollywood project, Cowboy Ninja Viking.

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Priyanka will be seen in a leading role opposite the Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt.

Priyanka will play Pratt’s love interest in the film that is still in its pre-production stage.

Cowboy Ninja Viking is being directed by Michelle MacLaren of Game of Thrones fame, and the screenplay is being written by Dan Mazeau, Ryan Engle, Craig Mazin, Paul Wernick and David Reese.

Cowboy Ninja Viking is based on the Image Comics graphic novel by A.J. Lieberman and illustrator Riley

M

ission: Impossible Fallout, has earned 61.5 million dollars in the US in the opening weekend, making it the biggest opener in the franchise. The figures are according to BoxOfficeMojo.com. Globally, it has earned 153.50 million dollars.

In India, too, Mission: Impossible – Fallout is eyeing an opening weekend of Rs 35 crore. The film holds an incredible 98% rating at Rotten Tomatoes.

The consensus reads, “Fast, sleek, and fun, Mission: Impossible – Fallout lives up to the “impossible” part of its name by setting yet another high mark for insane set pieces in a franchise full of them.”

In this Christopher McQuarrie film, Ethan Hunt is once again tasked to save the world and the Syndicate arc that began with Ghost Protocol (the fourth film in the franchise) ends with this film. Apart from the regulars Cruise, Ving Rhames, Simon

P

eter Dinklage, best known for playing the wily dwarf Tyrion Lannister in HBO’s fantasy drama Game of Thrones, is all set to star in and produce a film on the classic fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin for Sony. Game of Thrones’ eighth and final season has finished production and will air next year.

British-American author Patrick Ness has been recruited to pen the script.

Rumpelstiltskin was collected by Brothers Grimm

Rossmo. The film’s story is about a counter-intelligence unit formed by psychotherapist Dr. Sebastian Ghislain, who transforms agents known as Triplets. Details of Priyanka’s character are still unknown but as per the report, Pratt will play an agent with the skills and personalities of a cowboy, a ninja, and a viking.

The film’s release date is June 28, 2019.

In Hollywood, PC was last seen in A Kid Like Jake and her next project lined up for release is Isn’t That Romantic? Back in India, Chopra was all set to appear in Salman Khan starrer Bharat but she made an exit from the project and it was hinted that she did so because of her engagement with rumoured beau Nick Jonas. She will be seen alongside Farhan Akhtar and Zaira Wasim in The Sky is Pink.

(Indian Express)

Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Sean Harris, Michelle Monaghan and Alec Baldwin, Fallout sees the entry of Henry Cavill, Vanessa Kirby and Angela Bassett in the franchise.

The Indian Express film critic Shalini Langer gave Fallout a positive review. Giving it four stars, she wrote, “In a summer season now full of a guaranteed superhero film, at the very least, getting that right is not a mean achievement. Hunt does everything here — shootouts in tunnels, car chases, bike runs, building jumps, helicopter parachuting, copter clashes, cliff climbs, the ever-present mask tricks, and even his famous, famous running streaks across landscapes.

Nothing, nothing, seems stale. On the contrary, you may have to take care of your pounding heart a bit through a finale that McQuarrie ratchets up and up, and still concludes satisfyingly.”

(Indian Express)

in 19th century and is said to be a 4000-year-old story. It has seen countless adaptations in film, television and video-games, though it does not have a modern dedicated liveaction adaptation.

It is likely that the movie will not be a direct adaptation of the sto-

P

atty Jenkins has revealed the look of Pedro Pascal from the upcoming DC superhero film Wonder Woman 1984. A sequel to last year’s Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman 1984 will see a time jump from the first film’s setting of World War I to the 1980s.

Gal Gadot returns in the title role of Amazonian warrior goddess Princess Diana/Wonder Woman. Pedro Pascal, known for playing Prince Oberyn Martell in HBO’s Game of Thrones and DEA agent Javier Peña in Netflix’s Narcos, is one of the new cast members in the upcoming film.

Patty captioned the photo, “Can’t…

Stop… Watching… @PedroPascal1 !!! #WW84.” In the photo, Pedro can be seen on the backseat of a car. He is wearing a blue striped suit and

E

mma Thompson says she was always paid less than her male colleagues. The 59-year-old actor-writer said women are still treated as “second-class citizens”. She also advocated to publish salaries to reveal the gender pay gap.

“I was always paid less than my male counterparts. Publishing figures is the first step. “It’s a forensic way of looking at how women are secondclass citizens, and I appreciate that because it’s not emotional. This is the fact: this person does the same work for less money, and that’s just wrong,” Thompson told Good Housekeeping magazine.

The Oscar-winning star urged women to be financially independent. “Earn your own liv-

ry.

Otherwise, Sony wouldn’t have hired somebody like Patrick Ness.

The plot details are scarce for now, though. The classic tale had a miller lying to his king that his daughter c a n

has a dense mop of hair done in 80s’ American hairstyle. Of course, his character could be practically anybody.

He could be a villain. He could be an ally to Diana Prince. He could be a civilian. Or he could also be an original character written only for the film. We have no clue so far.

Previously, Gal and Patty teased the look of Diana in both civilian clothes and in full Wonder Woman costume. Chris Pine’s Steve Rogers has also been teased.

The look of Kristen Wiig, who will play the famous Wonder Woman villain Cheetah in Wonder Woman 1984, was also revealed by Patty. But that was just her civilian look, perhaps before she turned into the supervillain.

We are yet to see the feline villain in all her glory. (Indian Express)

ing and keep your own money. It’s your cash and you should always decide what to do with it,” she said.

Emma Thompson has been a part of several super hit films like Sense And Sensibility, Love, Actually, Howard’s End and the Harry Potter series. The actor has won two Oscars, two Baftas and two Golden Globes for her stellar performances in her more than three-decadelong career in Hollywood.

Emma is currently working on the Hollywood adaptation of McEwan’s bestseller The Children Act. She will be seen portraying the lead role in the film which also stars Dunkirk star Fionn Whitehead.

(Indian Express)

spin straw into gold. The king locks his daughter into a room and asks her to spin gold. It is then the impish creature Rumpelstiltskin arrives and does the job for her in return for her necklace.

Although this solves her temporary problem, the girl’s troubles are just beginning. Rumpelstiltskin has many variations and some plot points differ and even Brothers Grimm revised the ending to make it more dramatic and gory.

Peter Dinklage recent-

ly became the actor to hold the record for most Emmys while playing a single character. He has a total of 7 nominations, winning twice in 2011 and 2015. His performance in the TV series Game of Thrones has been loved by both critics and audiences.

He was last seen in Avengers: Infinity War as Eitri, the forger of divine weapons like Thor’s Mjolnir and Stormbreaker, a battle axe. (Indian Express)

50 sport

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

CPL 2018: Warner can’t wait to entertain Caribbean fans

everyone talks about how good it is.”

Warner says he is excited about the squad that the Stars have put together for the 2018 tournament, with all bases covered as they look to bounce back after a dis-

O

n 8 August the St Lucia Stars will kick off the 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League when they take on Trinbago Knight Riders in the opening fixture of the tournament.

When they get started they will have explosive Australian batsman David Warner in their

ranks and he can’t wait to get going.

“It’s the world’s biggest party! They always talk about how exciting CPL is for West Indies cricket and getting fans engaged, they absolutely love it. It is literally for the fans there, it’s a big massive party and it is just exciting that they

appointing season last year.

“I think that when you look at the batting unit, it looks very strong and obviously the all rounding unit, and bowling unit complements itself. I think the bat-

cricket and love sport.

The Caribbean wickets are always consistently good, and the fans embrace cricket and it’s always just great fun to play there.”

Warner will be playing with two of the great

ting unit in the way I look at it is like hammer and tongs, so we can go out there and be almost 80/90 off the first six, but even if we lose a couple wickets we will still be flying at a rapid rate, that’s what I see with our batting order. We surely pack a punch there.”

“We just have to win one game to be better than last year which is a positive, but I personally think that we have got a chance to actually progress and move a lot further forward than they did last year.

Improvement is about attitude and if you go back to last year, win that first game and gain some momentum. You don’t want to look too far ahead, take each game as it comes.

“I’m a massive believer that it is just attitude and it’s how each player wants to help. When it gets to a point where you go through the motions, if you start losing, but it’s all about attitude and having the right people around to have fun away from the game as well.

You spend short periods of time with each other, it doesn’t matter what tournament it is, but you just have to try to gel as well as you can from day one that you assemble and then from there the cricket takes care of itself.”

When asked about what he is most looking forward to in the Hero CPL he said it is about putting on a show for the fans in the ground.

“It’s all about entertaining the crowd and bringing people to the game and for me that’s what I enjoy most about cricket. It’s about putting smiles on people’s faces and getting people to come and watch

T20 all-rounders when he joins Kieron Pollard and Daren Sammy at the Stars. He has played against them in T20 tournaments around the world and in international cricket, but he doesn’t think being on the same side as these players will be that much different from playing against them.

“I don’t think it will be too much different, the thing that they all bring is each individual is different in their character, but what they do bring to the table is their competitiveness along with their knowledge of the game. They have played a lot of the short form of the game as well so experience is a big thing but just pure competitiveness.

“They both play the game hard once they are on the field and that’s one thing that I love doing as well so I think they go suited to each other very well and they have also played a lot of cricket with each other so I’m expecting the same thing when I play with them, to go out there, play the cricket hard and to be ultra-competitive.”

This year the Stars will be coached by fellow Australian, Brad Hodge.

Warner says he is looking forward to working with him in 2018 “I’ve done a little bit with Hodge, I haven’t been under him, but he is an exceptional person and a quality human being and an exceptional player. Opportunities came through at the wrong time of his career unfortunately but as a coach I have only heard good reports and I’m certainly looking forward to working under him that’s for sure.”

can bring world class players. Growing up as a kid, watching their West Indies fast bowling and all these rivalries with different batsmen and players around the world, that’s what you grow up and picture the West Indies as, so to play in the CPL is going to be a massive buzz for me as

Sport 51

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana Amazon Warriors sign Green as cover for Delport

T

he Guyana A m a z o n Warriors have signed Australian all-rounder Chris Green for the first four matches of the 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Green will be covering for the hardhitting South African Cameron Delport, who will be unavailable until August 17.

Green will be available for the matches against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, St Lucia Stars, Barbados Tridents and Jamaica Tallawahs.

The 24-year-old Green has played 27 Twenty20 matches with 149 runs and 22 wickets under his belt. He has played for Sydney Thunder

at the Big Bash in Australia and the Lahore Qalanders in the Pakistan Super League.

Guyana Amazon Warriors Head Coach Johan Botha said: “Chris Green is an exciting T20 talent and we are very pleased to welcome him as cover for Cameron Delport.

As an effective toporder batsman and a canny off-spinner, he will add a great deal to our squad in the first half of the season.”

The Warriors will commence their hunt for the title come August 9 when they lock horns with the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Mixed fortunes for Guyana’s badminton team at CAC

Young Guyanese footballer secures scholarship at US-based University Jeremy Garrett flanked by GFF President Wayne Forde and Fruta Conquerors Secretary Daniel Thomas

W

T

The badminton team with GOA General Secretary Hector Edwards

he three badminton players who have travelled to Barranquilla, Colombia to participate in the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games 2018 have had their fair share of mixed fortunes over the past few days.

Narayan Ramdhani, Jonathan Mangra and Priyanna Ramdhani have played several rounds of marvellous games, walking away with wins and a few shocking losses.

The badminton run opened with the men’s singles where Narayan was matched up with Jamaica’s number one player, Gareth Henry. Narayan played a commendable hand, but eventually lost 21-8, 22-20. In the other men’s singles, Mangra lost to Esteban Hurtado Rojas of Costa Rica in a threesetter: 21-12, 12-21, 25-23.

The women’s singles event proved to be more promising for 16-year-old Priyanna, who was required to match racquets with players who were at least four years her senior. Nevertheless, the teenager played her heart out to reach the quarter-final stage.

In the opening round, she gained a bye to move into the second round, where she defeated Nathalie Angelique Fedney Vidal of Panama 21-13, 21-11 to move into the quarters. Unfortunately,

the Guyanese was overpowered by Mexico’s Sabrina Solis Martinez: 2113, 21-8.

In the mixed doubles category, the Ramdhani siblings teamed up to take on their Caribbean and Central American counterparts. In the opening round, they defeated Damien Ricardo Howell and Tamisha Janelle Williams of Barbados in a thrilling three-setter.

After losing the first game 20-22, the pair made an impressive comeback in the second game to win 21-17 and took the last game and match 21-19.

However, in round two, Narayan and Priyanna lost to the Dominican pair of William Cabrera Jose and B Polanco Munoz in another thrilling three-setter, with the Guyanese pair losing the first game 22-20, winning the second game 21-17 and losing the third and match 21-19.

The executive of the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) has expressed gratitude to the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) for the efforts it has made to ensure that badminton was represented at the CAC Games. The GBA has noted that participation in the Games was a great benefit to the athletes since it has pushed their standards to a higher level.

ell-known footballer Jeremy Garrett is one step closer to his dream of playing on the international stage, as he is now heading to the Unites States of America to take up a football scholarship at the Louisiana State University.

The 18-year-old has been actively pursuing his dream over the years and even travelled to Portugal in 2016 for a tryout with the Sporting Clube de Portugal, which proved to be successful. However, Garrett could not sign with the Club at the time owing to Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) rules and regulations Article 19 which relates to “Protection of Minors”, stating: “International transfers of players are only permitted if the player is over the age of 18.”

As such, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) saw the need for liaising with international coaches, who would see to the development of their star players.

“Almost five months ago, the GFF started a level of engagement with Coaches within the university structure of the United States. And we determined that some of the players will be challenged to access opportunities in some of the higher-ranked universities while others might be suited for community colleges and academic institutions,” GFF President Wayne Forde stated.

The football head went on to explain the chain of procedure that the

GFF had to go through in order to set up Garrett’s opportunity. He indicated that the Federation was looking forward to doing so for more players in the future.

“The Federation was required to offer certain assurances on behalf of Jeremy, but in the final analysis, it is pleasing to us that J will be able to access this opportunity. I think Jeremy will be leading the charge for many young players that will follow him subsequently. The goal of the Fed is clearly to open up these opportunities to as many young players as possible,” he said.

Secretary of Jeremy’s home club, Fruta Conquerors, Daniel Thomas stated that the Club was happy to see one of its top-tier players receive such a big break.

“At Fruta Conquerors, we’re overwhelmed at the possibility of Jeremy attending the Louisiana State, his journey has been long, but J is dedicated to the cause,” Thomas said.

With an outpouring of gratitude to the Almighty, his parents, Coaches and supporters, Garrett noted that he was focused on making the most of his opportunity, stating, “For me it all started in terms of balancing the academics and sport at my home club; we ran a summer programme every year and that’s where it started for me. I’m thankful for the opportunity presented to me and I’ll look to make full use of it and make Guyana proud.”

52 sport

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Selvon Whatley celebrates with the Golden Arrowhead after winning gold at the CAC Games Body Building Championships

G

uyana’s four-member team that competed at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships copped two gold medals and a bronze as the competition wrapped up on Sunday night in Mexico.

Selvon Bruce Whatley claimed gold in the Masters and middleweight categories while Emmerson Campbell accounted for the bronze in the Men’s Physique.

The other members of the team, Caerus Cipriani (Men’s Physique) and Alisha Fortune (Body Fitness) were not able to secure podium finishes at the 45th edition of the championships.

Cipriani fell just short of the podium, finishing fourth in his class (under 182cm) of six while Fortune was unable to make it to the final six after pre-judging.

After the weekend’s outing, Whatley’s medal count doubled, as he added to the gold and silver he won in the 2016 CAC Games in the Dominican Republic.

The annual fixture was cancelled last year following the hurricanes that ravaged parts of the Caribbean and the earthquakes in Mexico.

Meanwhile, it was the second CAC medal for Campbell, a three-time and reigning national physique champion.

At his last outing, he finished with the silver medal in his class.

Campbell thanked Fitness Express, the National Sports Commission/ Ministry of Social Cohesion, Bounty Farm Ltd, the local bodybuilding federation, and others for making his participation a success.

The 46th edition of the event is scheduled for Puerto Rico in 2019.

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

53

54

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 5, 2018| guyanatimeSinternational.com

55